Archives for June 2011

‘Ehrhoff was the night’s biggest move. The pending unrestricted free agent was shipped earlier this week to the Isles, who were unable to sign him despite an offer reported to be for five years and more than $23 million. He made $3.4 million last season.’

‘”I didn’t go,” he said by phone Wednesday. “It always tough to see the team you’re competing against win the Cup. That’s something you always dream of and want. I guess there’s a little bit of jealousy there, but it makes you work harder.”‘

‘”We have our university where we can teach players not only about hockey, but a lot of these young guys that come in, they need to develop other skills,” said Pegula, who funded an arena and helped establish Division I hockey at Penn State last fall. “Our plan is to make this franchise a shining star that will develop our players.”‘

‘"I’m still a mom," she said with a laugh when the topic was broached. "I’ve worked for Terry for 20 years, besides being married for 18, so we’ve always done it this way. There hasn’t been a time we haven’t. It works for us so we’re going to continue."’

‘“People are talking Amerks hockey again,” Fitzpatrick said. “It went south, and it became a non-factor here in Rochester. When you’re out and about now, people are asking questions, saying they’re going to come to games again. So the excitement’s back, and I think that’s a great thing for Rochester.”’

‘Islanders general manager Garth Snow acquired the rights to Ehrhoff from Vancouver on Tuesday in exchange for a 2012 fourth-round pick. Snow failed to sign the defenseman before a self-imposed 5 p.m. deadline on Wednesday before shipping his rights to the Sabres.’

Islanders can’t reach a deal for Ehrhoff (Newsday)

Isles trade Ehrhoff’s rights to Sabres (New York Post)

Isles deal Christian Ehrhoff to Sabres (ESPN)

Islanders Trade Negotiating Rights for Ehrhoff to Buffalo (NewYorkIslanders.com)

Blackhawks acquire rights to defenseman Montador (Chicago Tribune)

Blackhawks hoping Steve Montador will fill defensive void (Chicago Sun Times)

Bowman makes trade for Montador (Arlington Heights Daily Herald)

Hawks acquire rights to defenseman Montador (CSN Chicago)

Blackhawks acquire defenseman Steve Montador (ChicagoBlackhawks.com)

‘While the Islanders were unable to entice Ehrhoff with a contract, the Sabres are gambling they can get a deal done with Pegula now in control. Since purchasing the Sabres in February, the Pennsylvania billionaire has made it no secret he is intent on opening his deep pocketbook–and ready to spend to the newly established $64.3 million salary cap–to build a winner.’

‘The 31-year-old Montador is set to become an unrestricted free agent Friday. Until then, Chicago has exclusive negotiating rights.’