R&R: Andreychuk Takes Two

Jay Feaster might just be a miracle worker if I have anything to say about it. Not only did he sign Lecavalier and St. Louis to multi-year deals, but the team announced today that Dave Andreychuk is returning — for two years!

Figuring in his age and the fact that after 22 years he just won his first Stanley Cup, I would've guessed him to choose to end his career. But not our Dave. The captain is back for two years, likely the final two before he really does retire.

Other than that, news around the NHL was light today.

The Carolina Hurricanes decided to name Rod Brind'Amour captain, a title he held very shortly during his days in Philadelphia. He succeeds Ron Francis, who was traded to Toronto late last season, and has probably seen his last days in the NHL.

On a Lightning-related note, Cory Stillman was named an alternate captain, joining Kevyn Adams and Glen Wesley.

Also, the Capitals locked down Chris Clark, whose rights they acquired from Calgary a few weeks ago in exchange for a 2007 draft pick.

The new rules being implemented in the new NHL this fall are being met by a smidgen of controversy. Ed Belfour commented in the Toronto Sun the other day that the new rules allowing goalies to play the puck less is "a bit of a joke."

"Maybe some forwards should play with their opposite hand. Or, better yet, play with their sticks upside down. That's what I equate it to.

I'm sure the general managers who don't have a puck-handling goaltender were the ones who voted for this rule.

We have the world's fastest game, one of skill, and, like Marty [Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur] has said, they are taking one of our skills away. ... I will find a way around it, though."

Those were some of the Belfour quotes worth repeating. My brother, a recently graduated high school goaltender, strictly objects to the limitations being places on goalies in the NHL now.

That said, I found it funny that an article appeared on NHL.com today wherein Mats Sundin suggests patience as the new rules find their place. Seems to me that since Belfour mouthed off to a reporter, the league's looking to do a little damage control. Though I could easily be wrong.

Personally, I can't make an honest comment on the new goalie restrictions as I am not now nor have I ever been a goalie. However, any rule that opens up the possibility of more scoring is, in my opinion, worth trying out.




At Long Last   After 22 years in the NHL, Lightning captain Dave Andreychuk finally earned the chance to carry the Stanley Cup. Now he's opted to add another two years in Tampa onto his career.