Minneapolis Herald (2)

Simmoneau dreams of North... STARS

Following an article of the Winnipeg Suns, the entire organisation of the Minnesota North Stars was is astonishment, as James Simoneau, by the voice of the non-partisan Ricky James, general manager of the Winnipeg Jets, announced the arrival of Dustin Boyd, instead of Brad Boyes, in the team of the Canadian up ahead...

Interrogated on this mistake by Simoneau, General Director McMahon announced this: "Well, if James dreams of Dustin, he'll see him on the ice no farther than next week. We are eager to match the Jets, as it'll be an exciting game..."

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Melichar doesn't understands the headcoach?
February 22 2007

Josef Melichar performances clouds the two wins of our Stars. Melichar 3-0-3 is leading the charge from his position of sixth defensman, making Coach Murray think a lot about his defensive pair. The young man, who made his mark as a solid defensive defensman, now takes the lead to make the team wins.

By the way, with a convincing victory of 3-1 on the St.Louis Blues, Henrik Lundqvist showed he was still the solid goalie of the first year. Now it'll be the time for Alex Auld, which would have the net for the two upcoming game.

Asked if he was proud of the first results of his team, General Director McMahon was elogious: " The work is incredible, the guys are happy, they play great hockey. We'll see how it'll goes against Simoneau's Jets or Mailhot's Canuck, but we expect to be up to the taks"

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Phaneuf's is now a targetted man!

Blues player get Hemsky's out of play...

The entire community of Minneapolis fans where subjugated today, about the not-so-legal hit that Dion Phaneuf served to promising Ales Hemsky in last game.

This whole event clouded the 4-0 win from our Stars, and also the excellent perform of Alex Auld. In press conference after the game, Coach Murray was furious that the referees didn't punished Phaneuf, who's getting an history of player injuries in his three year career.

General Director McMahon called for retenue, as he said this was part of the game. But if our beloved General Director stays polite, we, editors of the Minneapolis Herald, will state clear that Dion Phaneuf will be a marked man next game for sure.

Joined in Iowa, Sean Avery stated that he was ready to move up to the big team to deal with Phaneuf, if Coach Murray needs it's help. A promising story that will continue next game.

William Stanton
Minneapolis Herald

Third liners ties the Stanley Cup winners, Lecavalier makes the deal...

By Peter Stanson

What a tremendous startoff for this wonderful hockey season, than to see the fourth line and the third pair of North Stars ties up the Stanley Cup champions. After goals from Ponikarovsky, and young Jay Bouwmeester, Assistant Lecavalier quickly settled this victory, assisted by Captain Tanguay.

This game showed that our stars can rivalize with the powerful teams of Western conference, such as Vancouver, which realised that signing big player is one thing, make them win is another.

Of course, it's the first game of the year, but that is a precious two points that will serve later...

Oh, and we saw General Director Mailhot yesterday, and he refused to comment when we asked him how the Stanley Cup Champions could loose to the 8th team last year. He refused to speak about the rumour that Ilya Kovalchuk threw out a big party, explaining why he was outclassed yesterday. Visibly, there's trouble at Vancouver...

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La Nuit du Magicien
Par Robert Redford, Collaboration spéciale TSN / RDS

Le 26 février 2007, alors que tout le monde revenaient du bureau après un âpre lundi d’hiver, le Directeur Général des North Stars du Minnesota s’apprêtait à remanier son club dans une série d’échanges que déjà le monde du hockey nomme « La Nuit du Magicien ». En moins de douze heures, pas moins de 19 joueurs ont changés d’adresses, dans une série d’échanges clés impliquant les Flyers de Philadelphie, les Sénateurs d’Ottawa, les Canadiens de Montréal, les Oilers d’Edmonton et les North Stars du Minnesota.

Tout à commencer de façon très anodines, il y a quelques jours, par l’embauche du gardien José Théodore suite au marché des joueurs autonomes. Tous savaient que le club possédait déjà deux bons gardiens en Alex Auld et Henrik Lundqvist, et qu’avec la signature de Fukufuji le futur était assuré. Voilà donc qui donnait une sérieuse marge de manœuvre au DG McMahon.

Le premier morceaux de cet engrenage magique est survenu quand les North Stars se sont départis du prometteur Jay Bouwmeester et de leur troisième choix au repêchage de cette année en retour du vérétan défenseur Brad Lukowich. La manœuvre visait à rehausser les qualités défensives de la brigade étoilée, ainsi que d’amener l’expérience de vétéran à la ligne bleue. Éventuellement, cela mènerait au départ de Melichar.

Sur cet échange, le DG McMahon est resté très avare de parole, se contentant de dire ceci : « Jay Bouwmeester a donné de nombreux efforts à cette concession, et nous voulions le remercier en l’envoyant dans une équipe où son talent pourrait s’exprimer à sa juste mesure . » Nous avons cependant réussis à tirer plus d’informations d’un collège de Bouwmeester, le défenseur Dan Hammuis, qui a révélé à sa sortie du vestiaire que le comportement désinvolte de Bouwmeester lui avait souvent valu des accrochements avec le coach Murray au sujet de mauvaises punitions.

Par la suite, les North Stars préparaient un autre échange, cette fois-ci avec les Sénateurs d’Ottawa. Les rumeurs voulaient que le club s’intéressait à Jean Pierre Dumont, mais finalement, ce fut un autre dénouement. Pris au piège avec des renégociations salariales qui pointaient à l’horizon, les Sénateurs voulaient se départir de Dan Boyle. Le Minnesota ne tarda pas à flairer la valeur marchande de Boyle, et en arriva à un échange fort prometteur, qui envoya à Ottawa Antii Laaksonen, José Théodore, Igor Grigorenko et des premiers et seconds choix au repêchage des North Stars, en retour de l’excellent Pierre-Marc Bouchard et de Dan Boyle. Joint très tard, Dave McMahon avait affirmé : « Cet échange nous apporte une profondeur de qualité, et surtout, une marge de manœuvre qui nous manquait pour ficeler un mouvement beaucoup plus important. »

La nuit allait s’avérer courte pour l’équipe de direction des Norths Stars, car dès les petites heures du matin, une autre transaction venait placer la table pour le plat de résistance. En envoyant Dan Boyle à Montréal, en compagnie de Taylor Pyatt, Chris Bourque et Niko Dimitrakos, les Norths Stars recevaient ce qui leur manquait pour l’ultime échange. Martin Havlat venant remplacer avec brio Dimitrakos dans l’alignement, Henrik Tallinder venant ajouter à la défensive et Patrick Berglund, venant assurer la relève, tout se mettait en place pour la pièce maîtresse.

Depuis des jours, les Oilers d’Edmonton étaient courtisés pour les services de David Vyborny et surtout, de l’étoile montante, Jordan Staal. Bien peu de gens auraient pu prédire que ces deux joueurs quitteraient Edmonton ensemble. Mais c’était sans compter sur l’offre alléchante des North Stars, qui a séduit les commissaires.

C’est donc avec les départs de Vincent Lecavalier, joueur étoile mais trop indiscipliné, du vétéran Mikael Samuelsonn, du jeune Bobby Hugues, indiscipliné lui aussi, du vétéran défenseur Joseph Melichar du jeune gardien Kevin Nastiuk et du vétéran policier Sean avery que les North Stars ont pu faire l’acquisition de David Vyborny et Jordan Staal. Sans doute, le prix a payer fut élevé, mais si on analyse la situation, l’on se rend compte que le club en ressort grandement améliorer, et que les pertes sont limités. De plus, la masse salariale de l’équipe demeure inchangée, à 31M. Cet échange à suscité de nombreuses réactions, dont nous vous faisons part ci-bas.

« Je crois que c’est un échange honnête, dont les deux équipes sortent gagnantes. Par les différents échanges, les North Stars ont sû combler de nombreuses lacunes, sans toucher au cœur de leur équipe. La tenue à cinq contre cinq en sera meilleures, et sûrement moins d’avantages numériques seront accordés à l’adversaire. » Gordon Bombay , Minneapolis Herald

« Depuis mon arrivée, je sentais que je ne cadrais pas dans le système de jeu du coach Murray. Avec les Oilers, j’aurai la chance de jouer avec Malkin, et je crois pouvoir y relancer ma carrière. Je quitte les North Stars le cœur léger, sans rancunes » Vincent Lecavalier, Oilers d’Edmonton

« It’s a fucking bad exchange because there is some weirdo-EU-RO-PEAN players in it. Although, Minnesota wins the trade, because they flushed this FRENCHIE-FROG Lecavalier, oh my god what the hell but they got the other FRENCHIE-FROGGY LEADER Bouch.. Bouch... BOUCHAWRD! » Don Cherry, Ontarian clown

Pour le moment, on peut assumer que les échanges sont terminés pour la saison au Minnesota, quoi qu’avec un tel mouvement, tous se demande quelle est la suite du plan du DG McMahon. Ce dernier a répondu à notre question par la réponse suivante : « Les honneurs, messieurs, les honneurs ».

Plus dans l’édition journalière du Minneapolis Herald

Lundqvist shuts the door, Detroit loose
By Brandon Walsh

After a tremedous game, North Stars wins 3-0, with Henrik Lundqvist getting the first star.


Detroit is a rebuilding team, and the North Stars just showed them that the rebuilding could take longer. The Stars, rivalizing for the first rank in the Western Conference, bombarded the young Toskala with 42 shots.

Jordan Staal finaly scored a point in his new uniform, and showed signs of great skill manoeuvring the second line, flanked by Petr Prucha and Pierre-Marc Bouchard.

Coach Murray was smiling after the game, when we asked for his comments: " You know, the plan against detroit is less complicated than versus other teams. Make sure to keep their first line matched, and you'll be ok. Moreover, just pressure their defensive and it should do the trick. The players played a great game, and sticked to the game plan, so we won."

The Stars are playing against Detroit tomorrow, and we can expect an emotional match, as we just heard new players from Winniped will strengten the team. Stay tuned!

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Grahame shuts the door, North Stars loose.
By Brenda Walsh

In an apathic match, the North Stars takes a loss

Today's match wasn't very exciting, the only goal scored by Detroit late in the game. There isn't much to say, except that Martin Havlat was injured, Doctor Walsh of the medical team spoke of maybe one week of activity.

We asked coach Murray about the game, in his habitual press conference...

Murray: Well, we've been beaten by Grahame, which I remind you, is the product of our development program, as he was once a North Star. Other than that, I know that DG McMahon gave some tips to his partner from Detroit in how to organize his lineup and it seems it worked out well for them tonight.

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North stars rise to 2nd rank while beating St-Louis 3-1
by Jim Walsh

Following a tremendous game, our local teamn, the North Stars, took the second position of the western conference, trailing one point behind the leader.

The game saw the first nhl game of Jeremy Colliton, who did well, not comitting himself into errors. Jordan Staal showed some spirit by fighting in second period.

Coach Murray announced that the team had won 2 games tonight and tied one, as we overscored St-Louis in two periods and tied them in one. Alexander Auld has been solid as ever, and we can expect him to be in the goal for next game

More information was avalaible on the status of Martin Havlat, which started doing so workout in the gym. He should start skating in two days, and we can expect him to return in the alignment in 3-4 games.

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North Stars and Wild clashes, for Minnesota's fans heart.
By Brandon Walsh

A tremendous game took place in Minneapolis yesterday, as the North Stars battled the Wild in what is now called, the Battle of Minnesota. After a quick start, the Stars nearly lost the match to the Wild efforts, but Pierre-Marc Bouchard settled the game with a tremendous shutout, that totaly mystified Homlqvist.

Coach Murray: A great team victory today, with sustended efforts from all four lines, and again, Alex Auld showed he has the profile to be number one goalie of this league. Incredible game, and we congratulate the Wild for this match, as we always respect the opponent, except for Vancouver, which are still bragging at the bottom of the rankings, probably sunk by the weight of their ego and of their stanley cup ring.

We received news that Martin Havlat was evaluated day-to-day and we can expect him to be in uniform pretty soon. His return will surely sends the young Jeremy Colliton back to Iowa, were the Stars could use more support

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Auld cashes his sixth win, and Minnesota takes down St-Louis 4-2
By Brenda Walsh

Tremedous saves by Alexander Auld gave the chance to the team to dispose of St-Louis Blues by the mark of 4 to 2. Cashing his sixth win in a row, Alexander Auld is clearly begginning to overshadow Henrik Lundqvist, even if Coach Murray stated he had no number 1 goalie.

Asked in the room about this situation, Alexander Auld replied: "Well, you know, Henrik and I are working hard with Goalie Coach Jablonski, and it shows results, and i'm sure Henrik will get back to top notch real soon"

We asked the "question of the goalies" to General Director McMahon, in his press conference, and here is what he answered: "We are a blessed team as we can count on two number one goalies."

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Auld unbreakable, Victory shadowed by Simoneau's words
By Brandon Walsh

Another exciting match by our team today, who defeated the Minnesota Wild by the mark of 2-1, goals from Hemsky and young Vernon Fiddler, as Alex Auld showed once again his great talent. Although we can rejoice about this incredible game, the feeling was lowered by the words of the General Director of Winnipeg, James Simoneau.

When asked about this, General Director McMahon was agreably motivated by such talks: " You know, the calendar isn't very good to promote competition. We will play against Winnipeg in 10 days, and we'll have a better portrait of the situation. I'm sure all the team will be ready and eager to play this important game, but we aren't focusing on that match for now. We'll face the Wild, the Oilers, the Predators, and the Red Wings before, and they are all worthy opponent. But for sure, it is often the case of General directors from team that do not meet the expectations to speak such words. But as usual, me and James will settle this on the ice, day 26. We aren't as un-civilized as some other director, which will recognize themselves."

We also received confirmation that Martin Havlat will be in uniform for the next game, at St-Paul, and that Jeremy Colliton will return to the farm club in Iowa, to continue his development.

Moreover, Henrik Lundqvist will keep the ennemy at bay in the next match, an important one for the young goalie who battles against an undefeated goaltender for the 1st job.

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The return of the Captain...
By Suzie Walsh

The season started greatly, then Alex Tanguay was injured. A long injury that left the team without a leader. Some player rose, but nothing was able to bring our Stars back to Victory. Yesterday, the Captain came back, with an amazing performance of two goals, which gave the tone to the game, leading to a swift victory of 4-3 against the oilers, and former assistant-captain Vincent Lecavalier, which was vastly booed during the game.

When asked about the game, general direction McMahon said he was proud of his boys, that they showed some great spirit, and announced the return of the team toward the heights of the rankings. "We had some problem for a while, but we worked out a new strategy which shows results."

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North Stars burns the Flame for Bombay's first win
A 5-1 victory marks the new reign of Coach Bombay.

By Adam Banks

A convincing victory by Minneapolis North Stars gave the third rank to the team today, as well as marking the arrival of Gordon Bombay, unusual choice to replace Bryan Murray. Indeed, Bombay, a Minneapolis Pee-Wee coach was choosen sooner this week by General Director McMahon, to take the mantle of head coach. Motivations of Mr. McMahon are still unknown, but it seems to show early results.

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North Stars fought off a tremendous victory 5-3 in Minneapolis
By Adam Banks

Yesterday, the great City of Minneapolis saw LHSVP playoff hockey, under the renewed face of the North Stars. Following the Wild desmise, many of the fans, tired of General Director Todd "Tard" Rail, decided to put North Stars Jackets, and to come see real hockey.

Led by the inspiring performance of Petr Prucha and Jordan Staal, the North Stars, playing without their Star Player Dan Hammuis, won a very important match, that put them in a 2-1 position, with one more game at home to go.

But the Blue Jackets are no match for the fans, has we could here a lot about the Jets, the most probable opponents of our Stars if they pass first round.

Asked about the Winnipeg Jets, General Director McMahon had this to say : "Winnipeg is a great team, led by one of the most talented ans skillful General director of the league. However, let's focus on Colombus, as they are also a great organisation, and they give great hockey to our fans."

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Serie tied 2-2, as ex-star Dupuis brings the team back to departure

After 4 periods of overtime, Pascal Dupuis, former North Star Player until last year, broke the equality and score the decisive goal, giving Colombus a precious win in this hard battle serie.

The fans largely applaud Dupuis, nicknamed the French-kid of Minneapolis, as the Minnesota fans are largely generous toward the other teams players, has being great and noble fans.

After the loss, interviewers got the comments of Alex Auld: "Well, Pascal got me with a tricky shot in the left side corner. He played with me a lot, he would have been dumb not to know my weak spot. But we know Colombus weakness, and i'm sure those 7 periods will get them burned for next match"

Alex Auld says "No more"

A decisive performance of North Stars goalie, Alex Auld, sealed the fate of this game. Big saves after big saves, the star goalie gave his teammates the momentum needed to fetch a win 2-0, and go back home with a chance to eliminate the Jackets.

Surprisingly, the new defensmen, Staffan Kronwall, shows a +4 and 2 pts in 5 matches. We heard he was mentally prepared by Injured player Dan Hammuis, who travels with the team.

Next game will be decisive, has North Stars have the chance to pass first round for the first time in 2 years. Moreover, General director McMahon announced today that the players who's contract ends up this year will receive offers, depending on their playoff production.

Alex Auld, the Air Trafic Controller
By Charlie Conway

What an amazing performance by the leading goaltender Alex Auld! He stopped 31 shots and ensured that the aerial attack of the Jets stays jammed.

M. McMahon announced today that the first objective of this serie was accomplished : "We wanted to get a win in Winnipeg, to show the Jets we are serious and they need to care about us. And this 3-0 wins, with Dan and Martin on the lines, shows us the strenght of our organization. No Need to say that Staffan Kronwall is impressing too.."

Coach Gainey had littles words after this win: "We sticked to the game plan, and it worked. Now, we'll need to design a new surprise to the Jets, because it's a team you can't fool two times..."

Debriefing
Par Matt Scantz

En 6 matchs, les aspirations des partisans de Minneapolis furent anéantis. Alex Auld, seul contre tous, ne parvint pas à arrêter le flux intarissable de lancer ces Jets, qui ont finalement ravis la coupe Stanley, mince consolation pour nous. Toutefois, notre équipe démontra de belle choses en séries éliminatoire. Voici donc, que nous vous proposons un petit debriefing, qui aidera sans doute notre directeur général à faire des choix avisés dans le futur.

Conseil #1 : Trouvez nous un 7e défenseur
Sérieusement monsieur McMahon. Vous avez vu? Avec Hammuis blessé, notre défensive c’est effondrée d’elle-même. On aime bien Staffan Kronwall, mais franchement…

Conseil #2 : Les Jets gagnent par leur attaque
Nous en avons assez d’une attaque anémique. Sérieusement, mis à part Jordan Staal, Petr Prucha et Ales Hemsky, je crois que le premier trio des Jets a battu notre club entier. Allez donc signer des joueurs avec ce gros 20M de marge de manœuvre que vous avez. On vous donne un petit conseil. Montréal et les Sedins. Entourez Jordan Staal où son talent mourra.

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Mister McMahon, Give us the three S (Sedin Staal Sedin)
By Adam Banks

To be succesful in today’s hockey business, your team has to posses some obvious offensive skills. Vancouver, Winnipeg and Tampa Bay won their cup by shooting and scoring. We know you decided to go for the good Goaltender and the powerful defense. But now, please, go for the offense, otherwise, in juries will cripple your plans, agains.

Why the Sedins? Because our first line is Anemic! Seriously, roughly 50 pts per players, none above 60… we can do better. Jordan Staal is now ready to lead this team to it’s future glory. Flank his natural scoring abilities by two good passers, who are still young and have things to prove

Have you looked at Montreal’s finance, and ranking? Why would someone like them want to play there at low cost, when we can offert them more, and put them in first line? Come on Mister McMahon, RISK SOMETHING!

Sedin-Staal-Sedin
Tanguay-Prucha-Hemsky

That would make two powerful lines, that would eventualy give you some goals.
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Conférence de Presse du Directeur Général des North Stars du Minnesota
Dave McMahon arrive avec son État Major, Bob Gainey (Entraîneur), Mike Gartner (Entraîneur Farm), Charlie Conway (Recruteur) et Andy Moog (Entraîneur aux Gardiens). Ils s’installent à l’estrade, et prennent une grande gorgée d’eau.

D. McMahon : Mesdames et messieurs, journalistes et reporters, fans des North Stars. Comme vous le savez, hier, les Jets de Winnipeg ont concrétisés une saison victorieuse par l’obtention du sacré trophée, la Coupe Stanley. Je sais que vos aspirations étaient de tenir aujourd’hui, une fête de la victoire, mais hélas, notre route s’arrêta en 6 parties contre ces même Jets. Toutefois, nous ne devons pas laisser cette défaite nous écarter de notre objectif.

Charlie Conway : Comme vous le savez, nous avons toujours misé sur la jeunesse, et c’est donc pourquoi des offres qualificatives ont été remises à de jeunes joueurs de notre programme de développement, comme Lauri Tukonen, Dan Hammuis et Alex Auld. L’image que nous offrirons l’an prochain sera la même, mais avec cette précieuse expérience des séries.

Andy Moog : Encore cette année, nous offrirons aux fans un duo de gardien de buts très qualifiés, en les personnes d’Alex Auld et de Henrik Lundvisqt. En Iowa, Yutaka Fukufuji sera secondé de Jocelyn Thibault, pour poursuivre son développement.

D. McMahon : Avant d’entreprendre une explication détaillée, nous dirons simplement que nous avons écoutés les fans, et entrepris des discussions avec nos joueurs, à propos du marché des joueurs autonomes. Comme messieurs Banks et Scantz, je dirais que notre attaque manque de punch, et nous espérons signer certains joueurs, bien que nous ne puissions faire d’offre avant l’ouverture officielle. Toutefois, si vous lisez un tant soit peu les journaux, vous comprendrez très vite de qui nous parlons.

La situation financière de notre équipe est très bonne, et c’est pourquoi nous ouvrirons notre bourse pour acquérir les joueurs qui nous apporteront la coupe. Nous sommes présentement à la recherche de deux ailiers pour flanquer Jordan Staal, afin de former un trio très explosif.

Nous prendrons donc quelques questions immédiatement…

Chuck Strahl (CBC) : Monsieur McMahon, pouvez vous commenter les récentes allégations selon lesquelles vous auriez accusé le directeur des Jackets de Colombus d’avoir volontairement blessé Martin Havlat ?

D.McMahon : Comme toujours, nos propos ont étés déformés. Ce fut simplement étrange de voir Martin se blessé suite à un contact peu orthodoxe quand le dernier match de la série fut scellé.

Gilbert Lauzon (RDS) : Andy, qui sera le gardien de but partant?

Andy Moog : C’est certain qu’Alex Auld est notre numéro 1, mais comme toujours, il sait que rien n’est acquis, puisque Henrik pousse très fort. Nos gardiens gardent un haut niveau pour compétitionner entre eux.

Adam Banks (MH) : So Mister McMahon, any trade in sight, and big signings.

D.McMahon : We are always open on trade, and for signings, I bet you know what we have in mind…

More to come, on Minneapolis Sports Channel.

UFA's: McMahon dénonce les folies
Par Adam Banks

Voilà maintenant que la poussière est retombée sur le marché des UFA, les commentaires du Directeur Général des North Stars, monsieur Dave McMahon. Comme on le sait, sa chasse au UFA n'a pas été fructueuse, hormis la resignature d'Henrik Tallinder, qui est venu sécuriser la brigade défensive.

D.McMahon: Oui Adam, je crois que le problème dans la ligue c'est que certains directeurs généraux créent de la surenchère sur certains joueurs et que celà nuira dans le futur. Je prend par exemple Eric Cole, à 8,2M... qu'allons nous dire à nos joueurs comme Prucha, Hemsky, Tanguay et même Jagr, qu'il ne valent pas au moins ce salaire?

Je crois que la ligue devrait se pencher sur une telle situation, afin de s'assurer que d'autres aberrations n'arrivent pas. Que l'on pense à Sedin à 7M alors que son frère vient de resigner à 2.5M, à performance presques égales. Il faut éviter une surenchère, surtout avec le plafond salarial.