Bluelines: Making the Blueshirts Varsity
Petr Nedved sums up his comeback attempt in the simplest terms
Posted on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 4:51 PM- Petr Nedved sums up his comeback attempt with the Rangers — he'll get a look-see at camp — in the simplest terms: "You never say never!" At least the lean Czech is realistic enough to allow that he doesn't see "a big chance" to make the Blueshirts varsity; not with centers like Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and Brandon Dubinsky ahead on the charts. If anyone is to be bumped, it would be Dubie.
- How far have the Blackhawks climbed in Windy City esteem since Rocky Wirtz took control of the team? Mitch Rosen, program director for The Score, Chicago's all-sports radio station, puts it this way: "Respect for the [Blackhawks] organization is at an all-time high! They've done everything right […] and made themselves competitive enough to excite people."
- Since life without Al Radulov is a possibility, David Poile is casting his eyes on such available free agents as Glen Murray and Mark Parrish, although prospects Pat Hornqvist, Ryan Jones and Antti Pihlstrom might pre-empt the vets, and that includes Martin Gelinas, who might slip off the radar.
- One of the most touching aspects of Scotty Bowman's move to Chicago involves his son, Stanley (named, of course, after The Cup.) For some time, Stan has been afflicted with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has endured a cell transplant and radiation. It's clear that his dad's arrival will be a boost for the younger Bowman. The Windy City has extra meaning for the family. Scotty's wife is an Illinois native and another son, Bob, works in Chi-town.
- Lester Patrick Award-winners often are stunned when Gary Bettman phones them with the news. Brian Burke is no exception. "I would've assumed this was a practical joke when I heard the other recipients," says Burke. "Except that it was Gary Bettman!"
- Interesting Development Department: The Ontario Hockey League could become the first Junior league in Canada to close the door on drafting European prospects. The league's board of governors is expected to table a motion to strike its participation in the June import draft of European players. Don Cherry, when he ran the Mississauga IceDogs, refused to participate in the import draft. Cherry felt Canadian Junior hockey should develop Canadian talent as a priority.
- A standing O for the Blues who landed on an interesting ESPN: The Magazine list. It's called "Ultimate Standings: Fan Satisfaction Rankings." The Blues were only fourteen places down. The top five included: the Indianapolis Colts, San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans Hornets and the Green Bay Packers.
- A Good Man Leaves Quietly Department: Blueliner Jaroslav Modry — who skated for a sextet of squads including the Devils, Kings, and Flyers — has signed a two-year deal to play for HC Liberec in his native Czech Republic.
- Ranger Vic Hadfield does some wonderful charity work. The second-highest scoring left wing in Blueshirts history has been a keen supporter of an important medical research unit. It's called the Daniella Maria Arturi Foundation, raising funds and creating awareness for Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). It's a rare bone marrow disorder for which Hadfield golf tourneys have raised more than $1.7 million. On October 6, Vic will host his 11th annual Foundation golf tourney at Edgewood Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Hall of Famers Ed Giacomin, Rod Gilbert and other Rangers are expected to tee off. For more info, phone Hadfield at (905) 257-2334 or by e-mail, vhadfield@golden.net.
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