Seidenberg Extension

Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (28 years old) has signed a 4 year extension with the Boston Bruins worth $13 million. I think that's a pretty good signing for the B's as long as it doesn't impede with the signing of either Stuart or Boychuk as they are becoming fan favourite and are looking like they are developing nicely in Boston.

Seidenberg set career highs in games played (79), assists (28) and points (32) and led the NHL in blocked shots with 215 this season in Boston. His two greatest assets are his hits and shot blocking abilities, which are essential in any team's defense core imo.

The Never-Ending Spezza Drama

UPDATE: Just found out this Facebook group/page from Ottawa fans who want to rally to keep Spezza. An amazing step forward to drown the voices of all those Spezza haters, I just hope this catches on and actually happens. Thanks to @CassiieD for this link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=133266120016899

After the Sens got eliminated in 6 games to the Stanley Cup champs, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray had his usual "exit" interviews. Jason Spezza was reportedly not happy with being blamed for all the team's woes and constantly being booed by his own fans. Not surprisingly, the Ottawa Sun decided to twist the whole story up into a Jason Spezza trade request dilemma.

To be honest, I don't understand why Murray made the content of that meeting public out of all the players' meetings, what was he trying to accomplish? If Murray trades Spezza two things will happen a) He'll get half the return that he should get b) Mike Fisher will be Ottawa's new whipping boy just because that's how things turn out with some Ottawa fans. The truth of the matter is that other than Spezza we have no real "stars", yes we have Alfie but he's more than just that, he's an Ottawa legend but also on the verge of retirement. Whether you like it or not, Jason Spezza is the future of this team. He's also turning 27 in 10 days meaning he's just getting into his prime.

Fans can rant all they want but the truth is nobody is more responsible for the excessive Spezza hate around town more than the media. It seems that it would kill one of our beloved Ottawa journalists to write something positive about the team and when there's nothing negative to say about the team, they make sure they come up with something. The problem is, they also represent a very small fraction of fans who just want to see big moves and don't appreciate what we have here while true fans remain unspoken for the most part.

July 1st, 2010 is when Spezza's NTC kicks in (assuming he's still in Ottawa), I'd like to say that we won't hear many rumours afterwards but I'm sure something will come up with him. Spezza currently in Toronto has denied the rumours that he wants out, there is no reason why he shouldn't be upset with the fans but a) Murray should've kept it a secret and b) the media needs to stop twisting things for their own amusement. All I know is trading Jason Spezza was, is and never will be a good deal from a Senators perspective.

Oilers sign Svensson-Paajarvi

According to Jeff Marek of CBC the Edmonton Oilers have signed one of there top prospects. Swedish forward Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi has signed an entry level deal with the Oilers. He's spent the last 3 years in the Swedish elite league and put up totals of 134 games, 20 goals and 29 assists. Those numbers are considerable good for a player in his early 20's. He was selected 10th overall by Edmonton at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Lidstrom sticking in Detroit

According to TSN, the Detroit Red Wings have re-signed defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to a 1 year deal worth just over 6 million dollars.

Entertainment At Its Peak!

This Stanley Cup Finals series has been quite fun to watch. No I'm not talking about the goals, hits or saves but something even better: post and pre game players comments.

Let me start with my personal favourite: Chris Pronger. He had heard enough of Byfuglien (honestly I think he's jealous :p) and was blasting all media asking about him prior to game 2. And then after game 2 he was seen yet again taking the game puck and when asked he told them it's in the garbage where it belongs! Ya right Pronger, how about that towel you threw at Eager after the game, where does that belong. Apparently, Pronger got pissed when Eager told him he could keep the puck (The Hawks want the Cup instead ;) ).

Then comes Briere, it's one thing to lose but it's another when you lose and then criticize the amazing play of the opposing goaltender. Briere said Niemi wasn't all that great and wasn't tested enough, did Briere watch the last half of the game? Obviously not!

And then of course there was Carcillo saying he was going to come in and run around without taking penalties. He was running around alright, in circles around himself and that penalty box didn't have to miss him for too long.

The Flyers are claiming they are getting to the Hawks (by taking away game pucks and having Carcillo hit boards) but if their comments indicate anything, it is the complete opposite. The Flyers are mad, and have no idea what they're doing. Stay classy Philly and try to focus on the hockey.