R&R: A Rare Break

At the end of a week filled with more contracts than a lawyer's office came a calm before an almost certain storm that will swell up again next week. It's true that this was probably one of the busiest weeks in NHL history with regard to player movement and contractual transactions.

And it's quite possible next week may give this one a run for its money. Raise your hand if you think that's crazy.

Put your hand down.

It's the weekend, so the lawyers and agents and everyone basically took the day off. There were only a few real transactions to speak of.

Colorado got busy after losing Kariya. They re-signed Milan Hejduk to a five-year contract and snatched up Andrew Burnette with a new deal since he apparently has no interest in returning to the Minnesota Wild.

The Hurricanes also continued to build their offense. After signing ex-Bolt Cory Stillman last week, Carolina got Ray Whitney's John Hancock on the dotted line. That's a couple of significant additions to their lineup. I'm not saying this will give the Lightning a run for their money, but at the very least, it won't be easy.

There being no other news, today's post will be a short one. And I may not even post at all tomorrow depending on any potential transactions. We'll see what happens.

By the way, I just wanted to point out that, on the sidebar I have the Lightning's pre-season schedule posted. As far as I'm concerned, hockey returns Sept. 19.




Five More In Mile High   Here, Milan Hejduk tries to put one by San Jose goalie Evgeni Nabokov. Hejduk is one of the few members of the "I'm-sticking-with-my-team" club this summer. He re-upped with the Avs today, a contract good for next five years. You know, barring any trades or whatever.