Scotty Bowman To Join The Blackhawks

The legendary coach Scotty Bowman (just take a look at his resume folks) will be leaving the Detroit Red Wings to become a Senior Advisor in the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

He joins his son Stan Bowman, who is the assistant GM for the Blackhawks, in an organization that is quickly turning itself around. Already making a big splash in the player department this offseason (signing goaltender Cristobal Huet and ex-Shark Brian Campbell), the Blackhawks have made a statement to the NHL that they are ready to hang with the big boys.

As the bitterness of Campbell's departure slowly begins to wane (the acquisition of Boyle definitely had something to do with that), an appreciation for what is going on in the Windy City is starting to immerse itself into this egotistical humble author. A bright future with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews suddenly just got a little more star power. Combine that with the publicity the Winter Classic will provide (in the historic Wrigley Field nonetheless), the aforementioned acquisition of arguably the two best players at their position in this year's offseason crop, finally getting some television coverage in Chicago, and the fact that an Original Six team could be making a run at the Cup for years to come, the future for the Hawks is looking pretty good with Rocky Wirtz at the helm.

And what the heck, it just gives us one more reason to circle November 26th on our calendars.


Go Sharks.

It's Shark Week On The Discovery Channel

It's Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, and that means....well, nothing really. It's just a cool thing, a good way to pass the time during the dog days, and what the heck, sharks are pretty awesome.

Here's to hoping it's Shark Year on Comcast, Versus, and NBC.


Go Sharks.

Sharks Third Jerseys

Just a quick update- the good people over at Icethetics have word on the new third jersey that the Sharks will be wearing next year. They don't have a screenshot of the sweater, but it is described as being "predominantly black...with aqua and white stripes on each sleeve. The back number is white. The traditional Sharks' "biting-stick" logo is on the front."

I've never been a fan for the third jersey. Frankly I think it's more of a marketing ploy to sell merchandise over anything else, but have always had a soft spot in my heartless heart (which doesn't even make sense) for the black sweaters the Sharks wore two seasons ago. I won't be purchasing one, but it makes for some nice eye candy nonetheless.

The article in it's entirety can be found here.


Go Sharks.

(whisper) Cloweeeeeeeeee

New Assistant Coaches

Apologies for the lack of updates, I realize I'm behind the times.

On Wednesday, head coach Todd McLellan announced his assistant coaches. Joining him behind the Sharks bench will be Trent Yawney, Todd Richards and Jay Woodcroft. Yawney has been compared to McLellan in that they both followed similar paths in their coaching career. Trent spent (it just rolls off the tongue doesn't it?) five years as the head coach for the Blackhawks AHL affiliate, as well as being the head coach for the Hawks' (we're not going to touch upon his "illustrious" career in the Windy City). Woodcroft was the film guy for the Wings and Richards has had a fairly good track record in the minors, leading the Milwaukee Admirals to a Calder Cup in '04.

What's interesting about this is that three coaches will be assistants as opposed to two like last year (and for as long as I can remember). Most likely this is being done to relieve some pressure off of McLellan's shoulders, and let certain coaches focus on individual aspects of the team.

As for Hunter and Zettler not coming back, I'm a firm believer in the mentality that once the Captain goes (R. Wilson) you clean house and start anew. This point was raised in the comments section of a previous post- anyone else have an opinion?


Go Sharks.

Summer Is Blah

Hey guys just checking in to say I haven't grabbed the next flight to Zimbabwe. Basically there is a lack of Sharks news considering it's mid to late July, so I decided to just share a music video that has been blowing me away lately. If you're a long-time reader you probably recognize it from either the Stars or Flames series, I can't remember which (instinct tells me Stars, and I'm too unmotivated to check).

Anywhoooo, here goes nothing. Enjoy.

My Sentiments Exactly

The Dark Knight.

2008-2009 Season Schedule Released

Today the NHL released their schedule around the league. Some changes from last year:

* Sharks will only play each team in the Pacific six times (as opposed to eight last season)
* Four games (two home two away) will be played against every other team in the West
* One game against every team in the East except
* A home and away with three teams in the East- the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Here is the Sharks schedule.

All in all, I like this schedule a lot better than last year, and think it's probably the best format possible. We get to see our own division less (eight games was way too much), have a good balance against the West, and get to see every team in the league at least once. Anyone else have an opinion?


Go Sharks.

Sharks Re-Sign Cavanagh and Staubitz

Yes, I took the title and subsequent picture from this article on the Sharks home page. I don't know too much about the prospects in the Sharks system (something I'm going to try and work on next year). I remember Cavanagh's first NHL game late last season in LA, were he got an assist about 30 seconds into the game. That's pretty cool to do on your first NHL shift. Other than that I've got nothing.

Oh, Doug.
Hey, Doug.
Doug?

HEY DOUG!!!


Do It.


Go Sharks.

Marcel Goc Re-Signs For One Year

Marcel Goc inked a deal today before things had to go to arbitration. Financial terms were not disclosed, but thanks to the NHLPA website (h/t to Sharks Hockey Analysis) we see that he's going to be bringing in $$775,000 next year. Using my elementary math skills, that leaves us with $1,374,166 million dollars to sign Ryane Clowe and fill out our roster for next year.

Now the big question is, do the Sharks move anyone to free up some cap space, or are we going to ride the cap limit all year? Is it even possible to sign Clowe for that amount (and hopefully) obtain his services for more than two years? Does management still plan on imposing an "organizational cap"? Have you even read this far? Do you regret reading this far? How many questions can be asked before you decide to quit reading? Is this one too many? How about this one? Do I possess the ability to recognize when a fairly sub-par joke has lost it's appeal and now is just losing me readers? Will I ever learn?


Go Sharks.

[Clowe Update] Some Pittsburgh message boards have been floating the idea of extending Clowe an offer sheet. I'm not one to really get all worked up over some things speculated about on a message board, but they have a valid point. The Sharks are strapped for cap space, and don't have much room to work with. Get on your horse Dougie. Please.

Christian Ehrhoff Re-Signs

As stated earlier on We Bleed Teal (yeah we've got insider information) Ehrhoff has re-signed for three years at $3.1 million per year. Check out our earlier article to get a full breakdown on where the Sharks go from here.


Go Sharks.

Celebrate Good Times

Ladies and gentlemen, we have shocked the pundits to deliver what so many (read: any sane human being) thought was unfathomable. In complete disregard for the laws that govern the interwebs, We Bleed Teal has survived to unleash 99 posts of pure poppycock for your annoyance enjoyment. It's been one hell of a ride, and we've had a blast wasting your time- so much of a blast in fact, that we've decided to stick around for next season and continue to offer all the best money can't buy. Yes you heard right folks. Subject to approval from Al Gore, We Bleed Teal will be coming back around next season to give you more Sharks blogging fun at the expense of our interaction with fellow humans. Ain't no party like my nana's tea party. Hey! Ho!

Now in typical fashion, I have nothing worthwhile to say. But fear not, for fellow members of the blogosphere (who I hold in extremely high regards) have been kind enough to offer up their dignity to check out the site for the first time. Here's what they had to say:

Critical Acclaim For We Bleed Teal

"Of all the hockey bloggers I read, Mr. Plank writes posts that are the most "Sleek-like". That earns him a hearty endorsement from this particular egomaniac." - Earl Sleek from Battle of California

"Unlike his team, Jason has proven that he doesn't disappear after only one round." - The Pensblog

"If you're a Sharks fan, generally bored with life or a Jeremy Roenick stalker (as is the case with me) then We Bleed Teal is where you need to be. I guess it's also good if you want some really poignant and interesting hockey coverage. There you have it in a nutshell -- come because you're a creeper, stay because the site really kicks ass. Look, if you can turn Pensblog into a verb, that's impressive." - Kevin from Barry Melrose Rocks


Well thanks a bunch guys! It's been real, ya know what I'm sayin'. I just want to say thank you to everyone who visits this site- you guys are the only reason we exist. Without you We Bleed Teal is nothing.

Now let's bring a Cup home to the city of San Jose.


Go Sharks.

I Just Typed

Two words. This will make sense in roughly two minutes.

Uh Oh, We've Got Cap Trouble

According to nhlscap.com (powered by Hockey Buzz, your worldwide leader in fairy tales and tomfoolery) Christian Ehrhoff has signed with the Sharks for three years at $3.1 M per year. I can't find the information on TSN or the Sharks main page, but assume it will be up this morning. It is currently 1:57 AM as I am typing this sentence.

So what does this all mean? Well by jove, we've got quite a situation on our hands. With Marcel Goc at arbitration (now is the perfect time to get his blog rolling again) and Ryane Clowe still unsigned (LEMME TELL YOU......ah, you've guys have heard enough of that already) we have exactly $2,149,166 million steadily declining American dollars left under the cap. Doug Wilson has mentioned before that the Sharks will not spend to the limit. Not that we could even theoretically do so with our current roster (while re-signing Clowe and Goc).

So what does this all mean? Let's head out to Bozo The Clown Wolf Blitzer in the Situation Room.


A Is For Adios: Kyle McLaren is on his way out. There's no possible way we keep his $2.5 M contract around. His famous hip check has become a thing of the past, and with our blueline basically set, he's the odd man out. Expect a third to fifth rounder in 2017 in exchange.

B is For Blake: How short-sighted does that Rob Blake signing look right now? Granted he's a power play man and will bring a lot of experience (Stanley Cup anyone?) to the table, but good gravy he's worth 3 million dollars MAX (and I say that solely because the free agent market was insane this year, especially for defenceman- I honestly think one and a half would have been more than reasonable). Blake is overpaid, and will be We Bleed Teal's convenient whipping boy during the season. It won't be fair, but it will be right. If that makes any sort of sense.

C is For Conundrum: Taking into account the Sharks self-imposed cap (does anyone have Doug Wilson's quote on this matter? I think it was around $52 M which is looking damn near impossible right now) we may have to ship someone else out. This does not mean it will happen- it just means it might be what happens. Who could that be? Forget our defencemen (barring McLaren obviously). Half of them were acquired this offseason, Ehrhoff signed a new contract, and Murray/Vlasic have too much upside (as well as cheap contracts), so they aren't going anywhere. That leaves us with two options that I wish I didn't have to discuss.

Jonathan Cheechoo- Ah, the wonder boy of the Sharks organization. His production has been down, but three million dollars for his services is fairly reasonable. I expect him to have a better season a year removed from his surgery. But with money at a premium, he could generate some interest around the league. Stay tuned.

Milan Michalek- Yeah, you may think I'm crazy, but let's throw this out there for the sake of talking about it. His contract runs through 13-14 (that looks so weird) and will mature very nicely- his potential far exceeds the cap space he will be taking up two years from now. But once again, money is at a premium. (Editor's Note: I put the possibility of trading Milan at around 1%)

Now, let's set all this aside and talk about gut feeling. A sort of prediction if you will. McLaren is gone (anyone can see that) and I think management (read: pray management) says ya know what, let's roll with what we have, sign Clowe and Goc, and bid adieu to our pre-stated organizational "cap-limit". Blake will be off the books next year, and that five million dollars he frees up will supply us with some ample wiggle room to keep the Sharks contending for years to come. The cap will increase once again, and we will be fine.

Doug Wilson is a man who knows what he's doing, and you better believe he's talking with the suits who are paying the salaries, letting them know that next year is looking really promising once we have Clowe and Goc on the roster.

Damn the torpedoes!


Go Sharks.

[Humble Pie Update: Earl Sleek from BOC said that the Sharks cap situation was going to be a big factor this offseason, and I sort of scoffed at his assessment. I guess you can now color me concerned.]

Promote Your Personal Site Here For A Hefty Fee

Hey guys, let's be internet friends! Ya know, kind of like the people on Facebook/Myspace that you never talk to, but look at their photos when you're all alone in the darkness of your room (which coincidentally is filled with Morrissey posters and candles made out of your own earwax)*. All you have to do is leave your blog(s) link in the comments of this post (or email me at jasonplank@umail.ucsb.edu) and I'll put them all up in a nifty sidebar section entitled "We Bleed Teal Reader's Sites". Granted it will probably get you three more page hits per month, but hey, that's more than you're already getting (don't worry, it'll turn out to be five more than what We Bleed Teal gets in the same time span).

Your blog can be personal, educational, slanderous of an ex, dedicated to drivel, or even a page filled with photos of your fifteen cats. Basically, I'm just interested about whatever you guys find is worth taking fifteen minutes of your day to write about, and think it would be great to establish a little community in our teal corner of the web.

Oh and that hefty fee I mentioned consists of your eternal soul and a copy of "Music From Big Pink" on vinyl (I can't find a reasonably priced copy anywhere). Just so you guys are aware of that.

Look forward to reading your stuff soon.


*May or may not be an accurate representation of my tragic existence.

Just So We're Clear

Not to say that Blake isn't a good pickup. He's going to help out on our powerplay and will also add some quality leadership that has been sorely lacking in our last playoff runs. But 5 million is atrocious. I'm going to assume for the sake of my mental health that this deal was made after Doug Wilson was completely sure that Dan Boyle was coming over in the Matt Carle trade.

The Rivet trade just sucks. I understand that Doug had to pull the trigger to clear cap space ($3.5 M) and replenish our draft picks. At the same time, it keeps relations good between the GM of the Sabres and if they falter down the stretch could lead to another deadline deal next year. Solid business plan, but Rivet was my favorite D-Man from last year so it's a shame to see him go. Best of luck in Buffalo.

So what's next on the docket for Dougie? Ryane Clowe is still unsigned and that worries me. The more time another team has to give him an offer sheet (after seeing the ridiculous contracts GM's have been shelling out this year you should be worried too) the more time I have to consider chronic drug abuse. It's a vicious circle. We have nobody who can play in front of the net like Clowe. No one even close. He's essential for our powerplay, and for our team's success at large. I've beat it into the ground by now, but I think one more time won't hurt.

I'm convinced Detroit's success on the power play centers around Holmstrom's ability to mindf*** the goaltenders every time his rear is hanging in around the crease. Clowe can do that under the tutleage of McLellan. Add in Blake and Boyle on the point, and the Sharks could potentially be one of the top five power play units in the league. Fairly easily in fact.


Go Sharks.

Somethings a Boyle-ing Finally This Offseason

Sharks have finally made a splash this off season with the signing of Rob Blake to a one year deal. I don't know if I can get too excited about that, but he does bring veteran leadership and could be a revival year for him just like how JR had his this past season.

Something I am more excited about is news out of Tampa that the Bolts have asked Dan Boyle to waive his no trade clause. According to Yahoo! sports Canada, if Boyle waives his ntc and consents to the terms this deal COULD potentially go down today or tomorrow.

What does Boyle bring to the Sharks? Well he definitely brings offense as he racked up 20 goals in the 06-07 campaign. More importantly he is a right handed shot, something that comes as a luxury in San Jose. His offensive skill gives McLellan even more options to work his magic on the powerplay.

So we have signed Blake and now possibly Boyle, so I might as well through another player at you in Kevin Beiksa from Vancouver. He is under contract with the Canucks but I am hoping Sharks can make something happen. Beiksa is young, talented, offensive, and plays with an edge. This could being the needed spice to our blueline and make us that much better.

All this is just speculation but when the deal does go down, I'll let you know.
Edit: According to TSN, the trade is being processed by the NHL as we speak. Boyle has signed the ntc waiver and agreed to come to San Jose. Reportedly the deal is said to send Boyle and Brad Lukowich to the Sharks and in return Matt Carle, a prospect, a 1st round pick, and 4th round pick are going back to Tampa.


Go Sharks!

[Mr. Plank Update] The TSN article on Boyle coming to San Jose- look for it to become official in the next 24 hours.

The Dog Days Of Summer: Most Embarrassing Moments On Ice

With the sweet summer days upon us, the options are limitless. Hit the beach? Go swimming with some attractive members of the opposite sex? Change your Facebook status to "Summertime and the livin's easy" because you love quoting overplayed Sublime songs to express your current state of mind? Do something with your life? No my friends. We want nothing more than for October to roll around so we can see the Sharks begin their quest to bring home Lord Stanley. In anticipation of the upcoming year ahead of us, We Bleed Teal enters a seven game series of epic proportions. It's all on the line ladies and gentlemen. This week we take a look at some of the most embarrassing moments on ice. If you're running off your grandparents dial up internet may God have mercy on your soul.

Game One
A Youtube staple this one is.


Game Two
In March of this last season, Vesa Toskala makes highlight reels across the country.


Game Three
Wallin was later found to have consumed a 30 rack of Miller Light before the game. He doubled the dosage immediately following the final buzzer.


Game Four
Phaneuf goes to drop the gloves and drops his dignity instead.


Game Five
"The trophy presentation that no one will ever forget."


Game Six
In the midst of a last-ditch playoff race, Niklas Backstrom puts the puck into his own net on national television with 30 seconds remaining in regulation. Luckily, the Caps would recover and make the playoffs.


Game Seven
Dennis Wideman listened to R. Kelly in the 90's. I believe I can flyyyy....


Overtime Game Winner
Patrick Stefan is now selling silverware out of his parents garage.



Well that's going to do us for this week folks. Join us next Friday for another edition of The Dog Days of Summer.

Redden A Ranger

Here's the story on TSN.

Prediction (which is based off nothing but gut feeling): Campbell is gone to Chicago and the Sharks get Redden.

^^^ What an idiot. This day keeps better and better now eh?


dxcjvlkjhluydcvliugvlucyt Sharks.

Campbell Gone To Chicago

Eight years for $7.1 million a year. Looks like the love affair is done.

Here's the story on TSN.

In other news, the city of San Jose will be receiving child support checks for the next 18 years. Although they'll probably bounce come playoff time (hiyo!). Enjoy the Windy City Poopy Soupy.


Go Sharks.

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

Nothing from the Sharks camp. Nothing. It's looking like the same roster from the beginning of last year- which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's just a boring thing. Some updates on Campbell and Redden.

Campbell: Thrashers, Blackhawks, and the Sharks are the teams left. Looking like around $7 million a year for his services (which would make him the second highest paid player on the team behind Big Joe).

Redden: Hawks and Sharks seem to be the teams left. Looking like 6 million. Depending on who signs Campbell, expect Redden to land with the other team.

But with the Hawks signing Huet, that puts them around (if my math is right) 54 million. Offering Campbell seven million leaves them about three-four million above the cap. They've got the room, especially if they move goalie Nikolai Khabibulin who is a 6.75 cap hit (sic).

Prediction (which is based off nothing but gut feeling): Campbell is gone to Chicago and the Sharks get Redden. The Hawks are going to be good next year with Huet. Definitely a playoff team.


Go Sharks.