Hell on Skates to close, but coverage continues at timesunion.com

Hello everyone,

It is with mixed emotions that I make the following announcement: Hell on Skates will be discontinued effective immediately so that I may blog exclusively for Hockey Spoken Here at timesunion.com.

Hell on Skates launched in June, and since that time I have worked tirelessly to bring you up-to-the-minute news on the Albany Devils and former Albany River Rats, enjoying every moment along the way.

A few weeks ago I was chatting with Pete Dougherty of the Times Union about our individual blogs, and he noted that they appeal to the same audience (pro-hockey fans in Albany). It was then that Pete suggested I consider becoming a guest blogger for Hockey Spoken Here, which would allow me to continue blogging about the Devils on the newspaper's website, and (let's face it) reach a significantly larger audience.

Needless to say, I have jumped at the opportunity.

For now, I will leave Hell on Skates intact in case I have to reference transactions from earlier this summer, but moving forward I hope you will join me at Hockey Spoken Here for continued coverage of the Albany Devils, as well as the players that have called Albany home during their professional careers.

Thank you, and I hope to see you at timesunion.com!

Sincerely,
Don Ferlazzo
Editor (retired), Hell on Skates


Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow Don Ferlazzo at http://blog.timesunion.com/hockey/ or on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Former Devils d-man Olivier Magnan-Grenier released by KHL team

According to Dmitry Chesnokov of the popular Puck Daddy blog, former Albany Devils defenseman Olivier Magnan-Grenier has been released by the Kontinental Hockey League's Dinamo Minsk. From Chesnokov's Twitter account:

dchesnokov Dmitry Chesnokov

After signing tryout contracts with Olivier Magnan-Grenier and Stephen Dixon, KHL's Dinamo Minsk decided not to make them permanent

Magnan-Grenier, who played 50 games for Albany last season, signed a tryout with Dinamo Minsk last month. He also appeared in 18 games for New Jersey in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils sign defenseman Peter Harrold

According to Capgeek.com and the New Jersey Devils' official website the team has signed free agent defenseman Peter Harrold to a one-year, two-way contract. Tom Gulitti has more:

The deal has an NHL salary of $550,000 and AHL salary of $105,000.

Harrold, 28, played 19 NHL games for the Kings last season, putting up one goal and three assists and has eight goals and 18 assists in 164 career regular season NHL games. The Kings signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2006 after his four-year career at Boston College, where he was team captain.

Although Harrold was on the Kings’ roster for all of the 2010-11 season, he played in only game after Jan. 6. He was listed as healthy the entire season.

The Devils have announced nothing about signing Harrold (6-0, 184), but he is listed on their team website (as some of you noticed).

Harrold's two-way contract suggests he may be Albany-bound for 2011-12, but his 164 games of NHL experience make him an asset to the organization, should New Jersey require defensive reinforcement this coming season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Sabres sign former Rats all-star Michael Ryan

The Buffalo Sabres have announced the signing of former Albany River Rats forward Michael Ryan to a one-year deal. From the Sabres' Twitter account:

SabresDotCom Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo #Sabres have signed free agent forwards Michael Ryan and Paul Szczechura to 1-yr deals. More details to follow at sabres.com.

This will be Ryan's second stint in the Sabres organization, having played for both the Rochester Americans (2003 to 2007) and the Buffalo Sabres (2007 to 2008) during his professional career.

Ryan, who played for the Adirondack Phantoms last season, appeared in 40 games for the Rats in 2008-09, registering 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 points as an AHL all-star. Ryan went on to play just three games for Albany the following season after sustaining a concussion during the preseason.

Ryan was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 1999 and has 83 games of NHL experience to date.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils sign goaltending prospect Maxime Clermont

According to Jérôme Bérubé from hockeydraftvideo.com, the New Jersey Devils have signed goaltending prospect Maxime Clermont to an entry-level contract. From Bérubé's Twitter account:

Jay_hdv Jérôme Bérubé

@CalDevil3219 well here some news for ya. Maxime Clermont sign his ECL deal with NJ.

Other than the resulting chatter on Twitter and Devils message boards, there have been no other reports of the signing (UPDATE: signing confirmed), but Clermont himself did express his readiness to turn pro in a July 7 interview with NHL.com (via foxnews.com):

"I want to play in the NHL; that's why I'm here and that's why I wake up every day," Clermont told NHL.com. "It's the job I want to have, but I have to go step by step. Now I feel I'm ready to turn pro. I've played four years of junior and I think it's enough for me. I have to show them what I can do."

If the Devils have indeed signed Clermont the question becomes where he ends up playing in 2011-12. Goaltender Jeff Frazee is expected to play in Albany next season, as is former Union College gatekeeper Keith Kinkaid. 

The Devils no longer have an East Coast Hockey League affiliate, but can loan players under contract to any ECHL team that will take them, which may be the best/only option for Clermont in 2011-12 if he really has turned pro with New Jersey. 

Clermont was selected by the Devils in the 6th round, 174th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft. He's played the last four seasons with the Gatineau Olympiques of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. 

UPDATE: Tom Gulitti has confirmed that Clermont has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Devils, noting that the goaltender would be eligible to return to the QMJHL for another season or play in the minors in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way. 

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Former Rats goalie Peter Sidorkiewicz invited to attend Ottawa Senators 20th anniversary home opener

Retired goaltender Peter Sidorkiewicz, who played for the Albany River Rats in the 1990s, is among those players invited to attend the Ottawa Senators' 2011-12 home opener in celebration of the team's 20th anniversary.

Sidorkiewicz was the Sens' goaltender for their inaugural game, a 5-3 victory over the visiting Montreal Canadiens on October 8, 1992, and played the majority of the team's games that season. From the Ottawa Sun:

The Senators are celebrating their 20th anniversary in style.

Fans will have to wait to see if roster changes are enough to get the club back into the playoffs. But they won’t have to wait long for a special blast from the past.

All the players from the roster of the franchise’s inaugural game are being invited back to be introduced before the home opener, Oct. 11 against the Minnesota Wild.

Sidorkiewicz played 152 regular season games for the Rats between 1993-94 and 1997-98, putting up a record of 77 wins, 52 losses, and 19 ties (yes, they had ties back then). He retired after the 1997-98 season, and has been coaching with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters since 1999 (save for 2001-02).

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Checkers re-sign former Rats forward Mike McKenzie

Forward Mike McKenzie, who made his professional debut with the Albany River Rats in 2009-10, has been re-signed by the Charlotte Checkers to a one-way, AHL contract. From the Checkers:

Charlotte Checkers head coach and general manager Jeff Daniels announced today the team has agreed to terms with forward Mike McKenzie on a one-way American Hockey League contract.

McKenzie, 25, netted one goal in 14 AHL games with the Checkers in 2010-11 before being sidelined in late March due to injury. He completed his first full professional season between the Checkers and Florida (ECHL), ranking second among Everblades rookies in scoring with 38 points (18g, 20a) in 55 games.

The Whitby, Ontario native was named ECHL Rookie of the Month for December, 2010, after scoring nine goals and eight assists (17 points) in 14 games, including five multi-point efforts and a plus-5 rating.

McKenzie only appeared in three games for the Rats in 2009-10, registering a lone assist after completing his collegiate career with St. Lawrence University earlier in the season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Former Rats, Devils d-man Colin White lands in San Jose

Just one day after being bought out by the New Jersey Devils, former Albany River Rats defenseman Colin White has landed on his feet, signing a one-year, $1 million contract with the NHL's San Jose Sharks.

Prior to today's signing, White had spent his entire 13-year pro career in the Devils organization, playing much of his first three seasons in a Rats uniform. Between 1997-98 and 1999-00, White appeared in 205 games for Albany, recording 10 goals and 46 assists during that time.

White would go on to play 743 regular season games and 111 playoff contests with New Jersey, winning Stanley Cups with the Devils in 2000 and 2003.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

A look at former Albany River Rats still in the Devils organization

With the off-season trades of Brian Rolston and Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, and the recent buyout of Colin White, the number of former Albany River Rats playing in the Devils organization is dwindling. Here's a look at who's left:

Patrik Elias (134 games from 1995-96 to 1997-98)
Cam Janssen (96 games between 2004-05 and 2005-06)
Zach Parise (73 games in 2004-05)
David Clarkson (56 games in 2005-06)
Mark Fraser (4 games in 2005-06)
Stephen Gionta (3 games in 2005-06)
Travis Zajac (2 games in 2005-06)

Chris Murray also played for the Albany River Rats (13 games in 2007-08), but as a prospect of the Carolina Hurricanes, plus he is not under contract for the 2011-12 season according to capgeek.com.

Did I miss anyone? Comment below or let me know on Twitter @HellOnSkates and I will update the post.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

After clearing waivers, White and Hunter bought out by Devils (updated)

Having gone unclaimed during the 24-hour waiver period, recently acquired forward Trent Hunter and former Albany River Rats defenseman Colin White have been bought out by the New Jersey Devils.

Hunter, who was acquired last week in a trade with the New York Islanders for former Rats forward Brian Rolston, carries a buyout price of $2,666,667, which will be spread over four seasons.

White, who played a total of 205 games for Albany between 1997-98 and 1999-2000, carries a buyout price of $2 million spread over two seasons.

With the buyouts now completed, both players become unrestricted free agents.
 
Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils place Trent Hunter, former Rats d-man Colin White on waivers

After re-signing former Albany River Rats star Zach Parise to a one-year, $6 million contract on Friday, the New Jersey Devils have reportedly placed newly acquired forward Trent Hunter and former Rats defenseman Colin White on waivers today.

The moves could be a precursors to buying both players out, should they go unclaimed in the waiver process.

Having settled their final pending arbitration case with the signing of Parise on Friday, the Devils have begun a 48-hour buy out period starting today, according to Tom Gulitti. In order to buy out a player, a team must first place that player on waivers. If that player isn't claimed by another NHL team his contract may be bought out by his current team, saving them money and salary cap space in the processes

Hunter was acquired just days ago in a trade that saw former Rats forward Brian Rolston heading to the New York Islanders.

White, who played parts of three seasons with Albany between the 1997-98 and 1999-00 seasons, has been a life-long Devil, winning two Stanley Cup championships with New Jersey (2000 and 2003) since being drafted by the team in 1996.

UPDATE: It has been confirmed that New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello plans to buy out both contracts if the players clear waivers. Tom Gulitti has more:

If either player clears waivers at noon Tuesday without being bought out, the Devils would be able to buy them out at two third the total remaining value on their contract over twice the remaining years.

For White, the buyout would be $2 million with the cap hit spread over two years—or $1 million per year. For Hunter, the buyout price would $2,666,667 with the cap hit spread over four seasons—or $666,667 per season.

In total, the Devils would save $3,333,333 in cap space in the 2011-12 season. They already have approximately $2.5 million in cap space (depending upon which players are on the roster).

Gulitti goes on to point out that with White gone, the Devils will have only two members of the 2003 Stanley Cup championship team on their roster next season, including franchise goaltender Martin Brodeur and former Albany River Rats forward Patrik Elias.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils defenseman Maxim Noreau signs in Switzerland

According to eliteprospects.com, which cites an Italian language article on ticinonews.ch, New Jersey Devils prospect Maxim Noreau has signed with Ambrì-Piotta of the Swiss National League A for the upcoming season. From ticinonews.ch (translated by yahoo):

According to made positive announcement from Lombardic it concerns the aliens: Maxime Noreau and the Erics Landry will be respective the fourth and fifth alien of the next season.

The Canadian defender, 24 years, has signed a valid contract for a year. Noreau arrives from the New Jersey Devils, but it has played last the four seasons with the mesh from the Houston Aeros, finalist the past year of the championship American AHL. To Houston he has played 279 left in AHL, 50 nets and 111 asisst. A good booty insomma for a defender.

Noreau was acquired by the Devils from the Minnesota Wild in a June 16th trade which saw former Albany Devils forward David McIntyre going the other way. The Devils had been working on a new contract with the restricted free agent, but it appears Noreau has decided to play in Switzerland rather than take his chances at Devils training camp later this summer.

UPDATE: According to Tom Gulitti, New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has stated that he believes Noreau has indeed signed to play in Switzerland next season, so the initial reports appear to be true.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils re-sign former Rats star Parise to one-year deal

Per TSN, the New Jersey Devils re-signed former Albany River Rats star Zach Parise to a one-year, $6 million contract on Friday, avoiding a pending arbitration hearing that was scheduled for later this week.

Although the two sides had been working on a multi-year contract since Parise became a restricted free agent on July 1st, Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello explained that a one-year agreement was reached in order to avoid the upcoming hearing, and a multi-year contract extension is still in the works. Tom Guilitti has more:

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said the sides will continue to work with Parise toward a long-term agreement. According to the collective bargaining agreement, Parise will not be allowed to sign a contract beginning in the 2012-13 season until Jan. 1, 2012. The sides can negotiate and agree upon a deal before then, but they cannot sign it or make it official.

Parise, who turned 27 on Thursday, remains eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2012.

“Once you go to arbitration, you can only get a one-year situation in this case,” Lamoriello said. “So, really what we have done is avoid arbitration by settling on one year with the understanding and intent to take whatever time is necessary to get a long-term deal.”

With the NHL season canceled due to the 2004-05 lockout, Parise spent his first pro season with the River Rats, registering 18 goals and 40 assists over 73 games for Albany. He joined the Devils the following season and has been one of their top players ever since, recording 163 goals and 178 assists for 341 points over 420 games for New Jersey between 2005 and 2011.

Parise's best offensive season came in 2008-09 when he put up 45 goals and 49 assists for 94 points in 82 games for the Devils. Last season he appeared in only 13 games for New Jersey, recording just 3 goals and 3 assists during a season plagued by a knee injury which required surgery.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Former Devils/Rats forward Mike Danton signs in Sweden

As announced on his Twitter account (and confirmed by TSN), former New Jersey Devils and Albany River Rats forward Mike Danton has signed a professional contract with the Swedish team IFK Ore.

Don't recognize the name Mike Danton? Maybe it's because he only played one season with the River Rats, and it was under a different name.

Going by his original birth name of Mike Jefferson, the young prospect appeared in 69 games for the Rats in 2000-01, registering 19 goals and 15 assists for Albany before changing his last name to Danton in an effort to distance himself from his estranged family.

After his time with the Rats, Danton appeared in 17 games for the Devils and was suspended twice by the team (once for refusing a demotion to Albany) before being shipped to St. Louis for a third round draft pick in 2002.

Almost two years later Danton made headlines again when he was arrested by the FBI in a murder-for-hire plot. He was eventually convicted and served time in prison, but made his return to hockey with St. Mary's University in Halifax in early 2010.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils add Barr as assistant, finalizing NHL coaching staff

As reported by Tom Gulitti, former New Jersey Devils forward Dave Barr has been named the team's newest assistant coach, finalizing their NHL coaching staff.

Barr, who last played in the NHL with the Dallas Stars in 1993-94, played parts of two seasons with the Devils between 1991 and 1993, registering 12 goals and 20 assists over 103 games for New Jersey.

He also appeared in nine games for the AHL's Adirondack Red Wings during the 1989-90 season, recording one goal and 14 assists during that time.

An assistant with the Minnesota Wild the last two seasons, Barr joins fellow assistants Adam Oats and Larry Robinson, as well as goaltending coach (and one-game River Rats goalie) Chris Terreri in New Jersey for the 2011-12 season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Devils sign left wing Stephane Veilleux

As reported by Tom Gulitti, the New Jersey Devils have signed free agent forward Stephane Veilleux to a one-year, two-way contract. 

The signing was initially reported by Renaud Lavoie of RDS in Canada, For what it’s worth, I have confirmed the signing through a source. The Devils still have announced nothing regarding Veilleux.

The deal carries an NHL salary of $525,000 and an $85,000 signing bonus.

Veillleux, 29,  last played in the NHL in 2009-10 with Tampa Bay and registered three goals, six assists and 48 penalty minutes in 77 games.

With the exception of last season when he played in Finland and Switzerland, Veilleux has been a consistent NHLer with the Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay since the 2005-06 season. His stats seemed to dip while playing overseas (Veilleux only registered 1 goal and 6 assists in a combined 32 games between two teams), but his NHL experience makes him an asset to the Devils organization, no matter if he ends up in New Jersey or Albany in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Under new ownership, Trenton Titans re-join the ECHL

As confirmed by the East Coast Hockey League's website, the Trenton Titans will be back in the league starting with the upcoming 2011-12 season:

The ECHL announced on Thursday that the Board of Governors has unanimously approved a new Membership application of the Trenton Titans for admission to the ECHL.   

The Trenton Membership is owned by Blue Line Sports, LLC with Rich Lisk serving as managing partner. The ownership ensures that hockey remains in Trenton and will return to its roots as Trenton joined the ECHL as the Titans in 1999-2000, and won the Kelly Cup in 2005.

The team replaces the Trenton Devils, who ceased operations in early July and turned in their Membership. The team will commence operations immediately and will play in the 2011-12 season under the existing schedule finalized in late April.

The announcement comes just one day after the newly formed Trenton Titans announced their re-birth via their Twitter account. The Titans will be affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers, so look for the Devils to place their ECHL-level prospects elsewhere in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.
 
Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

NJ Devils trade former Rats forward Brian Rolston to Islanders

As announced on the New Jersey Devils' official Twitter account just moments ago, the team has traded forward Brian Rolston to the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Trent Hunter.

A first round draft pick of New Jersey in 1991, Rolston spent parts of ten seasons in the Devils organization, playing for the Albany River Rats between 1993 and 1995. He recorded 5 goals and 5 assists in 17 games during their inaugural season in Albany, and played an additional 18 games for the Rats the following season, registering 9 goals and 11 assists before joining the Devils for their 1995 Stanley Cup championship run.

Rolston's time with the Devils seemed to come to an end during the 1999-2000 season when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for former Devil Claude Lemiuex, but he re-joined the team eight seasons later, signing a multi-year contract with New Jersey prior to the 2008-09 season.

Hunter has spent his entire professional career in the Islanders organization, playing the last seven seasons at the NHL level and with their AHL-affiliate in Bridgeport prior to that.

UPDATE: The Islanders have confirmed the trade on their website.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

Report: Trenton Titans to replace ECHL's T-Devils

Just three weeks after the New Jersey Devils announced the suspension of the ECHL's Trenton Devils beginning this coming season, reports are surfacing that the Trenton Titans will be re-established in time for the 2011-12 season. Inside the Trenton Devils has posted this press release, which apparently originated from the new team:

(PR) The Trenton Titans will make their return to the Sun National Bank Center on Opening Night, October 22, 2011 when they take on the Florida Everblades. Season tickets start as low as $396. You can purchase tickets by visiting the Titans on the web at www.trentontitanshockey.com or by calling the Titans offices at 609 341-1100. Help us bring back your team.

In support of the press release comes the new Twitter account @TTitans, who's profile reads:

Trenton's ECHL team from 1999-2006, re-established July 28, 2011. Proud affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. 2005 Kelly Cup Champion. http://trentontitanshockey.com

The first post on the new account reads as follows:

We are back. The Titans are reborn. Press Conference at Sun National Bank Center at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Interesting to note that as of this moment (3:45 PM) the website http://trentontitanshockey.com does not appear to be active, but the new team may be waiting for tomorrow's press conference before launching their site.

What's unclear is whether the Titans will be an entirely new franchise, or if the Devils have finally sold their franchise to somebody willing to operate the team. A July 11th post at Inside the Trenton Devils suggested the Philadelphia Flyers may have interest in an affiliation with a Trenton team, should an ownership group be found, and based on the Twitter account's profile description that seems to be the case.

I will post more information as it becomes available.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way. 

Follow this blog on Twitter @HellOnSkates.

More Devils, former Rats on the move

Here are some more recent moves involving players with ties to the Albany Devils and/or Albany River Rats:

Stefan Chaput (91 games with Rats from 2008 to 2010) - re-signed with the Boston Bruins organization (theahl.com)

Barry Tallackson (64 games with Rats from 2005 to 2006) - signed with German Elite team Eisbären Berlin (dl-online.com)

Brad Mills (53 games with Devils in 2010-11) - re-signed with the New Jersey Devils, one-year, two-way contract (capgeek.com)

Olivier Magnan (50 games with Devils in 2010-11) - signed a tryout contract with Dynamo Minsk of the KHL (Twitter via @AHLBarons)

Trevor Kell (21 games with Devils in 2010-11) - signed with HC Fassa in Italy (hockey-news.info)

Justin Pogge (4 games with Rats in 2009-10) - signed with Phoenix Coyotes organization (AP via Wall Street Journal)

Jeff Lerg (dressed as backup goalie for several games with Devils in 2010-11) - signed with HC Asiago in Italy (hockey-news.info)

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Devils re-sign restricted free agent Mark Fraser

As reported by Tom Gulitti, the New Jersey Devils have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Mark Fraser to a one-year, one-way contract. From Fire & Ice:

The Devils avoided an Aug. 4 salary arbitration hearing with restricted free agent defenseman Mark Fraser and signed him to a one-year, one-way contract for $550,000.

Fraser is coming off a one-year, one-way contract for $500,000, which he signed last summer to avoid an arbitration hearing. He was happy to get his contract settled now, so he can focus on getting ready for the season and not worry about a hearing next week. He was also pleased to get a one-way contract again.

Fraser appeared in 5 games for the Albany Devils last season, registering one assist with a plus/minus of -3 during his conditioning stint with the team. Fraser also played on Albany ice earlier in his career when he suited up for 4 games with the Albany River Rats at the end of the 2005-06 season. The young defenseman went scoreless with a plus/minus of +3 that year.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Adirondack Phantoms to host Albany Devils in pre-season game

As announced by the Albany Devils yesterday, the team will travel to Glens Falls to face the Adirondack Phantoms for a pre-season game on Saturday, October 1st. From the Devils:

The Albany Devils will take on the Adirondack Phantoms in a preseason game on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The contest will be a precursor to a 10-game, regular season series between the two clubs for the Time Warner Cable Cup.

Tickets will be available at a later date through the Phantoms ticket office.

The Devils home opener will be played on Saturday, Oct. 8 and the remainder of the AHL schedule is due out in August.

Also featured on the Albany Devils website is a historical breakdown of games played between both teams since the New Jersey Devils took over the Lowell franchise in 2006. Check it out here.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former T-Devils head coach, Rats defenseman Kevin Dean joins Providence

As reported by The Providence Journal yesterday, former Trenton Devils head coach Kevin Dean has landed on his feet as an assistant coach for AHL Providence:

Kevin Dean, who won the Stanley Cup with New Jersey and the Calder Cup with Albany in the same season in 1995, is the new assistant coach for the Providence Bruins, the Boston Bruins announced on Wednesday night.

A former defenseman, Dean, 42, coached the Trenton Devils of the East Coast Hockey League to a 27-37 record last year in his first season as a head coach. Last in the league in attendance and a perennial money-loser, the Trenton franchise suspended operations in April.

Shout-out to Tom Gulitti, who brought this to my attention on Twitter today.

Including his championship season with the River Rats in 1995, Dean played parts of five seasons in Albany between 1993-94 and 1997-98, with most of his games being played during his first two years in the Devils organization. He went on to have a fine NHL career, retiring as a player after the 2001-02 season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Lamoriello confirms coaches Kowalski and Albelin to remain with Albany

With the Trenton Devils suspending operations for the 2011-12 season and the New Jersey Devils having named a new head coach, one had to wonder if changes were in store for the Albany Devils coaching staff as well.

That question was put to rest on Thursday, when Fire & Ice's Tom Gulitti reported that Albany head coach Rick Kowalski and assistant coach Tommy Albelin will maintain their positions with the team for the coming season. As reported by Tom Gulitti:

Lamoriello said that Rick Kowalski will remain the head coach and Tommy Albelin will continue as an assistant in Albany next season.

Still unknown are the fates of the Trenton Devils coaching staff (head coach Kevin Dean and assistant coach Vince Williams) and the coaches that served as assistants in New Jersey last season (Adam Oats, Larry Robinson and Chris Terreri). Recently-named NJ Devils coach Pete Deboer is expected to sit down with the NHL assistant coaches shortly, while the Trenton staff continues to await re-assignment within the organization.

UPDATE #1: Tom Gulitti is reporting that former Trenton Devils head coach (and former Albany River Rats captain) Kevin Dean has joined the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.

UPDATE #2: The newly re-established Trenton Titans have hired former Trenton Devils assistant coach Vince Williams as their new head coach.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Report: Devils re-sign Steven Zalewski and Nathan Perkovich

As reported by Tom Gulitti on Twitter just moments ago, Steven Zalewski and Nathan Perkovich, who both played for the Albany Devils last season, have been re-signed by New Jersey:

TGfireandice Tom Gulitti

Lamoriello said Stephen Zalewski and Nathan Perkovich have re-signed. No deal done with Maxim Noreau yet.

Zalewski, who joined the Devils organization in a mid-season trade with the San Jose Sharks, registered 11 goals and 12 assists in just 31 games with Albany in 2010-11.

Perkovich, on the other hand, recorded 8 goals and 9 assists in 40 games with the Devils last season.

Meanwhile Maxim Noreau, who was acquired this off-season in a trade with the Minnesota Wild, remains a restricted free agent with no new contract at this time.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

NJ Devils name Pete DeBoer head coach

As reported by Tom Gulitti:

The Devils finally ended all of the waiting and suspense this afternoon and announced in a Prudential Center news conference that they have hired Pete DeBoer as their head coach.

DeBoer, 43, spent the last three seasons as head coach of the Florida Panthers before being let go at the end of 2010-11. The Panthers went 103-107-36 under DeBoer, including 30-40-12 in 2010-11, and never qualified for the playoffs under him. His only winning record with Florida was in 2008-09 when the Panthers went 41-30-11 for 93 points, but lost a tiebreaker with Montreal for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Prior to working for the Panthers, DeBoer coached the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League from 2001-02 to 2007-08. The Rangers lost to Spokane in the 2008 Memorial Cup final.

It was during his time with Kitchener that DeBoer coached former Albany River Rats and current New Jersey Devils David Clarkson and Mark Fraser.

The rest of the New Jersey coaching staff has not been announced yet, as DeBoer only accepted the job earlier today. It is also unknown how Albany's coaching staff will be impacted by the announcement.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

New Jersey Devils to name new head coach this afternoon

As reported by Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice:

The Devils have scheduled a 3:30 p.m. news conference at Prudential Center to announce their new head coach.

The team would not reveal the coach’s identity before the news conference.

The job has been vacant since Jacques Lemaire announced he was returning to retirement following the Devils’ 2010-11 regular season finale on April 10. 

It is unclear if the Devils will also announce new assistant coaches or changes to Albany's coaching staff during the news conference. Check back here for updates later in the day.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Update: Matt Corrente re-signs with Devils

After reporting on Thursday that defenseman was expected to accept the Devils' qualifying offer, Tom Gulitti is now reporting that the deal is done. From Fire & Ice:

RFA D Matt Corrente: Signed one-year, two-way qualifying offer with NHL salary of $660,000.

Corrente played 3 games for the Albany Devils last season, registering 1 assist and 10 penalty minutes during that time. He also recorded 6 assists while appearing in 22 games for New Jersey in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Albany Devils to open pre-season September 27 vs Connecticut

As reported by Pete Dougherty:

The Albany Devils will open their exhibition schedule Tuesday, Sept. 27, against the Connecticut Whale at Trinity College, according to a press release issued today by the Hartford-based club.

The Devils confirmed the game this morning and said the rest of their preseason schedule will be released at a later date.

The Connecticut game, which will start at 7 p.m., will benefit the Ryan Gordon/Connecticut Whale Community Scholars Fund. In lieu of an admission charge, donations will be accepted at the door.

The New Jersey Devils have already announced their pre-season schedule, which is slated to begin six days earlier with an exhibition game at the Times Union Center.

UPDATE: The Albany Devils also confirmed the reported game on their website later in the day.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former Rats forward Morrison re-signs with Calgary

Former New Jersey Devils and Albany River Rats forward Brendan Morrison has signed a one-year contract to remain with the NHL's Calgary Flames, according to a report from TSN:

The Calgary Flames retained the services of veteran forward Brendan Morrison, signing him to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million.

"His versatility, hockey sense and ability to fill so many roles throughout our line-up make him an important contributor, and we value his role as one of our on and off ice leaders," Flames general manager, Jay Feaster said in a statement. "He made it clear throughout last season and again this summer that he wanted to be back with the Flames because he believes in the direction we are headed, and he believes in his teammates.

"While he won't be ready for training camp or the start of the season in all likelihood as he continues to rehab from off-season knee surgery, we nonetheless feel it is important to have him under contract and with the team as he continues his recovery. When he is cleared for game action we are confident he will make a significant impact to our success. We are a better and deeper team with Brendan back in the fold."

A native of Pitt Meadows, BC, the former Hobey Baker Award winner has played in 895 NHL regular season games. His career totals include 196 goals and 394 assists for a total of 590 points and 440 penalty minutes. Last season, he played 66 games with the Flames, registering nine goals and 34 assists for 43 points and 16 penalty minutes.

The 35-year-old Morrison was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (39th overall) of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

Morrison recorded 35 goals and 49 assists over 72 games during the 1997-98 season, his only with the Rats. He also played parts of three seasons with the New Jersey Devils before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks for former NHL All-Star (and eventually former Albany River Rat) Alexander Mogilny in 1999-2000.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Goaltender Jeff Frazee signs two-year contract to remain with Devils

As reported by Tom Gulitti, goaltender Jeff Frazee, who played for the Albany Devils last season, has signed a two-year contract to stay with the New Jersey Devils organization.

Appearing in 33 games for Albany in 2010-11, Frazee posted a record of 11 wins, 15 losses, and 3 overtime/shootout losses, while putting up 2 shut outs and maintaining a goals-against average of 2.90 and a save percentage of 0.902. A restricted free agent as of July 1st, Frazee signs on to remain with the organization that drafted him in the second round, 38th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

In the same post, Gulitti also reported that defenseman Matt Taormina is close to signing another contract with the Devils, as the team has extended his deadline to accept their qualifying offer while they continue negotiations. Taormina did not appear in any games for Albany last season but could see time with the AHL Devils in 2011-12 with the recent signing of prized defenseman Adam Larsson.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Albany Devils announce 2011-12 opponents

From the Albany Devils:

The Albany Devils, in conjunction with the American Hockey League, announced its opponents for the 2011-12 season. The Devils will play 38 home and 38 away games and will participate in the newly created Northeast Division.

 

Notably, the Devils will take on the Hamilton Bulldogs and the Toronto Marlies for the first time in team history. Also, the Time Warner Cable Cup resumes with a 10-game series against the Adirondack Phantoms.

 

The Devils home opener will be played on Saturday, Oct. 8 and the remainder of the AHL schedule is due out in August. For ticket information please call (518) 4-DEVILS or visit thealbanydevils.com.

 

Eastern Conference

Northeast Division

Adirondack Phantoms (PHI)

Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)

Connecticut Whale (NYR)

Springfield Falcons (CLB)

 

Atlantic Division

Manchester Monarchs (LA)

Providence Bruins (BOS)

Worcester Sharks (SJ)

 

East Division

Binghamton Senators (OTT)

Hershey Bears (WAS)

Norfolk Admirals (TB)

Syracuse Crunch (ANA)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

 

Western Conference

North Division

Hamilton Bulldogs (MTL)

Rochester Americans (BUF)

Toronto Marlies (TOR)

Nice to see a couple new teams in the mix this coming season. Hopefully the games against Toronto and Hamilton will be at home, for variety's sake.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Devils' top pick Larsson signs; Former Devils defenseman Salmela signs in KHL

Defenseman Adam Larsson, who was the Devils' first choice, fourth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, has been signed by the Devils to a three-year, entry level contract. Tom Gulitti reports:

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello announced on a conference call this morning that the team has signed 2011 first-round pick Adam Larsson to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The deal includes no performance bonus package, but carries the entry-level maximum NHL salary, including the signing bonus and any games-played bonus, of $925,000 per season. That will be Larsson’s salary cap hit if he is on the NHL roster.

The AHL salary will be the maximun $70,000 per season.

Lamoriello said the plan is is for Larsson to play in North America—either in the NHL or the AHL—in 2011-12.

“If that’s the best thing for his development,” Lamoriello said. “If we thought that something else was, then we’d do that, but it is our inention and it’s his intention to be in North America.”

Larsson's decision to sign with the Devils certainly improves the organization's defensive depth chart for the coming season. Whether he plays in New Jersey or Albany (or both) during the 2011-12 season is now the question on everyone's mind.

Also reported by Tom Gulitti, former Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela has signed with Avangard of the Kontinental Hockey League for the next two seasons. Salmela appeared in two games for Albany last year, going scoreless during his conditioning stint with the team.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former Rats enforcer Janssen back with Devils

Forward Cam Janssen, who played parts of two seasons with the Albany River Rats from 2004-05 to 2005-06, has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils. Tom Gulitti has the story:

Cam Janssen’s agent Kevin Magnuson confirmed to me tonight that the former Devil is coming back to New Jersey on a one-year, two-way contract.

Magnuson would not discuss financial terms.

Janssen, a 27-year-old St. Louis native, was an unrestricted free agent who spent the last three-plus seasons with the St, Louis Blues after being traded there in the deadline deal that brought defenseman Bryce Salvador to New Jersey on Feb. 26, 2008. Janssen had one goal, three assist and 131 penalty minutes in 54 games with the Blues in 2010-11.

Magnuson said the deal with the Devils came together today after the Devils traded Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond to Calgary for a 2012 fifth-round draft choice.

“He’s very excited to be back with Lou (Lamoriello) and the Devils,” Magnuson said. “It’s a great opportunity for Cam with Pierre being traded earlier in the day.”

During his first season with the Rats, Janssen only recorded one goal and seven assists through 70 games, but also accumulated a team-high 337 penalty minutes. He also play parts of two seasons with the New Jersey Devils between 2005-06 and 2006-07 before being traded to the Blues.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Report: Matthew Corrente will accept qualifying offer from Devils

Fire & Ice's Tom Gulitti reports:

As I mentioned in the comments on the previous post, restricted free agent defenseman Matt Corrente will accept his one-way, two-way qualifying offer before Friday’s 5 p.m. deadline, his agent, Mark Guy said today. Corrente’s contract will carry an NHL salary of $660,000.

Corrente played 3 games for the Albany Devils last season, registering 1 assist and 10 penalty minutes during that time. He also recorded 6 assists while appearing in 22 games for New Jersey in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former Rats forward Micflikier signs with the Capitals

Former Albany River Rats forward Jacob Micflikier has signed with the Washington Capitals, according to washingtoncaps.com Senior Writer Mike Vogel. From his twitter feed earlier today:

VogsCaps Mike Vogel

#Caps have signed forward Jacob Micflikier to a one-year deal. He put up 29-32-61 in 78 games with AHL Charlotte in '10-11.

Micflikier played just one season for the Rats, recording 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points in 59 games with Albany back in 2009-10. He will likely begin next season playing for the Hershey Bears, AHL affiliate of the Capitals.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Devils trade enforcer Lelond to Calgary for fifth-round draft pick

As reported by Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice:

The Devils have traded left wing Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond to Calgary for a’ 2012 fifth-round draft pick.

Leblond’s contract for the 2011-12 season turns back into a one-way deal after it was a two-way for 2010-11. He will earn $550,000 (cap hit of $525,000) whether he’s in the NHL or the American Hockey League.

Leblond, 26, was banished to Albany of the AHL after picking up an automatic one-game suspension for instigating a fight with (attacking) Washington’s Marcus Johansson in final five minutes of a 7-2 loss to the Capitals on Oct. 9 of last season. He played only two NHL games last season and had 21 penalty minutes. He had eight goals, five assists and 334 penalty minutes in 64 AHL games with Albany in 2010-11.

In addition to his time with the Albany Devils, Leblond has also played in Glens Falls with the now-defunct Adirondack Frostbite in the former United Hockey League, and appeared in 27 games for the Albany River Rats during the 2005-06 season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Zharkov and Wiseman re-sign with Devils

Forwards Vladimir Zharkov and Chad Wiseman, who both spent significant time with the Albany Devils last season, have been re-signed by the New Jersey Devils. As reported by Tom Gulitti:

Zharkov, who was a restricted free agent, signed his one-year, two-way qualifying offer. That carries an NHL salary of $577,500 and AHL salary of $62,500.  The deadline for restricted free agents to accept their qualifying offers is 5 p.m. Friday.

Zharkov, 23, split last season between Albany (AHL) and New Jersey. He had two goals and two assists in 38 NHL games last season after putting up eight goals and 11 assists in 31 AHL games.

Wiseman was an unrestricted free agent. He signed a two-year, two-way contract that carries an NHL salary of $525,000 (league minimum) and AHL salary of $105,000. Wiseman. 30, had 16 goals and 28 assists in 48 AHL games with Albany in 2010-11.

The Devils likely still have high hopes for Zharkov, who has appeared in 78 NHL games for New Jersey over the last two seasons, so he'll get another long look in training camp this summer.

Wiseman, who has appeared in just nine NHL games throughout his career, will most likely suit up for Albany again this coming season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former Rats forward Brandon Sutter re-signs with 'Caines

As reported by TSN:

The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with centre Brandon Sutter on a three-year contract.

The deal will pay Sutter an average of $2.067 million per year. The deal is worth $1.5 million in 2011-12, $2 million in 2012-13 and $2.7 million in 2013-14.

“Brandon is one of the cornerstones of our franchise moving forward,” said the team's President and General Manager Jim Rutherford. “He is an extremely intelligent player who can perform in all situations, and has already grown into a leadership position for the Hurricanes at a very young age.”

The 22-year-old tallied 14 goals, 15 assists and added 29 penalty minutes while suiting up in all 82 games for the Hurricanes last season.

Sutter played parts of three seasons with the Albany River Rats, appearing in 36 games for Albany between 2008 and 2010 while spending most of his time with the Hurricanes. Sutter's most productive season as a Rat came in 2008-09 when he registered 4 goals and 8 assists in 22 games.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former Rats great Brylin itching to re-join Devils organization

By all accounts, Sergei Brylin is and always will be a part of the Devils family. After all, he was drafted by the organization, matured with their minor league affiliate (the Albany River Rats), and played his entire NHL career with the Devils (1994-95 to 2007-08). He is also one of only a hand full of players that played on all three of the organization's Stanley Cup championship teams (1995, 2000, 2003).

Even after Brylin left the Devils as a free agent to play in the Kontinental Hockey League in 2008, he continued to resurface from time to time, including two years ago when he volunteered to assist the team with their off-season prospect camp.

Now that his contract is up for renewal with St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL, Brylin is back in New Jersey again assisting with the Devils' prospect camp, and it comes as no surprise to learn that he is interested in returning to the Devils organization. As reported by Tom Gulitti on Twitter:

TGfireandice Tom Gulitti

"That would be a gift I can finish my career playing for the Devils," Brylin said. He'd also consider retiring to take position with Devs.

So Brylin appears anxious to, or at least interested in returning to the Devils organization, perhaps as a player, a coach, or in another position. The question is, is there room for him?

If he hopes to join the Devils as a player, he'll have plenty of competition. With second-year NHLers like Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson looking to grab more ice time next year, and veteran forwards Rod Pelley and Brian Rolston currently occupying roster spots, it appears Brylin's chances of making the New Jersey squad out of training camp would be slim.

On the coaching front, opportunity may be even harder to come by, with the ECHL's Trenton Devils ceasing operations for next season and their now former coaching staff awaiting reassignment within the organization.

Even so, Brylin holds a special place in the hearts of Devils fans, and likely that of Devils GM Lou Lamoriello, who drafted the young Russian 42nd overall in 1992, so don't be too surprised if the Devils find room for Brylin somewhere in the organization, whether it be in New Jersey or Albany.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former River Rats d-man Conboy signs with Ottawa

As reported by TSN, the Ottawa Senators have signed former Albany River Rats defenseman Tim Conboy to a one-year, two-way contract.

As a prospect of the Carolina Hurricanes, Conboy played parts of four seasons for the Rats beginning in 2006-07 and ending in 2009-10. Over that period of time he appeared in 203 regular season games, recording 6 goals and 17 assists for 23 points as a Rat, while serving as the team's captain at times.

By signing with Ottawa, Conboy will likely join former Albany Devils goaltender Mike McKenna on the Binghamton Senators roster next season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Devils prospect camp update; Larsson wouldn't mind playing in Albany

The New Jersey Devils are holding their prospect camp in Newark this week, allowing management to get a good look at the organization's younger players prior to the start of training camp. Per Tom Gulitti, participants include:

GOALTENDERS
70-Maxime Clermont
31-Jeff Frazee
50-Keith Kinkaid
60-Scott Wedgewood

DEFENSEMEN
20-Matt Taormina
45-Brandon Burlon
34-Mark Fayne
44-Curtis Gedig
42-Eric Gelinas
33-Seth Helgeson
47-Dan Kelly
38-Matt Killian*
36-Adam Larsson
40-Corbin McPherson
43-Daniel New*
46-Reece Scarlett
37-Joe Sova
22-Alex Urbom
41-Harry Young

FORWARDS
14-Adam Henrique C
15-Stephen Gionta C
16-Jacob Josefson C
21-Mattias Tedenby RW
32-Nick Palmieri RW
71-Scott Arnold LW*
51Justin Barnett LW*
66-J.S. Berube LW
52-Reid Boucher LW
58-Blake Coleman C
39-Bryan Haczyk RW*
57-Mike Hoeffel LW
59-Brett Leonard C*
53Peter McMullen Jr LW*.
64-Kory Nagy LW
67-Thomas Nesbitt RW*
49-Blake Pietila LW
65-Derek Rodwell LW
62-Mike Sislo RW
63-Rem Vanderbeek RW*
54-Joseph Whitney LW*
55-David Wohlberg C
61-Kelly Zajac C*
72-Darcy Zajac RW

*Undrafted, unsigned player

Nice to see the Devils are keeping things in the family with invites to Union College's Kelly Zajac (brother of current NJ Devils forward Travis and Albany Devils forward Darcy), Rem Vanderbeek (son of Devils managing partner Jeff Vanderbeek), and Peter McMullen, Jr. (son of former Devils' owner John McMullen).

Tom Gulitti has lots more news out of prospect camp, noting that forward Mattias Tedenby is not participating due to issues with his visa, while defenseman Jon Merrill is not attending because he is taking summer classes at the University of Michigan.

Gulitti also reported that prized defensive prospect Adam Larsson is working on a deal with the Devils for next season. While he's currently under contract to play in the Swedish Elite League for 2011-12, Larsson has expressed his desire to play in North America, and went as far as saying he would accept an assignment in Albany. From Tom Gulitti:

Larsson made it clear again today that playing here is his preference. In fact, he said he’d even be OK with playing in the American Hockey League with Albany if that was necessary.

“Of course, I would love to be in the NHL, but to play in the American Hockey League would be great too,” Larsson said. “So, that doesn’t bother me.”

According to the European transfer agreement, a first-round draft choice is permitted to be assigned to the AHL by his NHL team. (Picks in Rounds 2-7 must be returned to their European teams if they are not being kept on the NHL roster.) A first-round pick can, however, have a clause specifically negotiated into his NHL contract that allows him to return to his European club rather than be sent to the minors.

Larsson is not one of those who would prefer to return to Sweden rather than ride the buses for a while in the AHL, though.

“No,” Larsson said. “That’s not the plan. If the plan goes well (and he signs in time), then I can play everywhere.”

Larsson's readiness to accept an assignment in Albany rather than return to Sweden is a testament to the American Hockey League, which prides itself as being the top developmental league for the NHL. If we are lucky enough we may see him on Albany ice at some point in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Former Rats d-man Helmer receives AHL's President's Award

As reported by Pete Dougherty of the Times Union:

Former Albany River Rats defenseman Bryan Helmer and the San Antonio Rampage have been selected 2010-11 winners of the American Hockey League President’s Awards.

The President’s Awards are given to an AHL organization for excellence in all areas off the ice, and to an AHL player in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the past year.

Helmer began the season without a team until earning a tryout with Oklahoma City. Helmer scored his 520th career point Jan. 13 to become the AHL’s highest-scoring defenseman of all time, and he appeared in his 1,000th career AHL game Feb. 18, the seventh player in league history to reach that mark.

Helmer, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and a three-time Calder Cup champion, is signed on with the Barons to play his 19th professional season in 2011-12.

Helmer played five seasons with the Albany River Rats between 1993 and 1998, recording a career high of 63 points (14 goals, 49 assists) for the Rats during the 1997-98 season. He was also a member of Albany's 1995 Calder Cup championship team.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

McKenna signs with Ottawa, Sestito stays with the Devils

Goaltender Mike McKenna, who spent most of last season with the Albany Devils, has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators, according to Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice:

Goaltender Mike McKenna, who spent the last two seasons in the Devils’ organization, mostly in Lowell and Albany, announced via Twitter today that he has signed with the Ottawa Senators organization for the 2011-12 season (one-year, two-way contract). McKenna, 28, fell out of the Devils’ plans when they signed Union College goaltender Keith Kinkaid in April. He played in two NHL games and made one start for the [New Jersey] Devils in his two years in the organization. His one start was a 3-2 defeat in his hometown of St. Louis on Nov, 20, 2010.

As Gulitti points out, McKenna's move to the Senators organization opens the door for Keith Kinkaid to play in Albany next season.

Also reported on Fire & Ice, Tim Sestito has signed a one-year, two-way contract to remain with the Devils organization:

According to CapGeek.com, the Devils have re-signed center Tim Sestito to one-year, two-way contract.

The deal carries an NHL salary of the league minimum of $525,000 and an AHL salary of $100,000.

Sestito, 26, played 36 NHL games for the Devils in 2010-11, registering no goals, two assists, and nine penalty minutes. He had five goals, eight assists and 28 penalty minutes in 23 AHL games with Albany.

Also worth noting, former Albany River Rats forward Ben Guite has signed a one-year deal with the San Jose Sharks, according to TSN. Guite played 36 games for the Rats as a prospect of the Colorado Avalanche, recording 10 goals and 19 assists during the 2006-07 season.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Update: Trenton Devils to suspend operations beginning in 2011-12

As reported by Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice, the ECHL's Trenton Devils will suspend operations beginning in 2011-12, and will not participate in the league next season. From Fire & Ice:

The Trenton Devils will suspend operations, beginning with the 2011-12 season, The Record/Northjersey.com has learned.

A source said the New Jersey Devils, which purchased the Trenton team in 2006, had sought a buyer for the ECHL franchise, which plays its home games at Sun National Bank Center, but was unable to find one and is moving forward with restructuring the organization’s minor league system.

The 2011-12 ECHL scheduled has already been announced, but teams were told at the league’s board of governors’ meeting last month to prepare a list of alternate available dates at their respective arenas in case a new schedule had to be formulated to account for the Trenton Devils not participating. Tickets, which have been on sale since April, will also have to be refunded.

Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello would not comment last week when asked if the Trenton team is committed to playing the 2011-12 season. It is unclear where the Devils’ ECHL-level players would play without a team in Trenton.  The Devils did not have a full-time ECHL affliate prior to buying the Trenton team and were the only NHL team to own an ECHL franchise.

Read the full article here.

How exactly the Devils plan to restructure their minor league system is unclear at this point. A likely scenario would be a new affiliation agreement with one of the remaining ECHL teams. Other options would be the relocation of the Trenton franchise (unlikely for 2011-12) or even the sale of the team to a new owner prior to the start of next season (even less likely).

The report goes on to suggest that the move could eventually make way for the AHL Devils to relocate to New Jersey, playing home games at the Sun National Bank Center (the now-former home of the T-Devils) or a new arena in Sayreville. It is also noted that the Devils will begin the second year of their five year lease at Albany's Times Union Center starting in 2011-12.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Report: Future of ECHL's Trenton Devils uncertain

The future of the Trenton Devils, the East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, remains uncertain, according to a report from The Times of Trenton:

Founded more than a decade ago to draw fans to what was then Mercer County’s new sports and concert arena, the now-struggling Trenton Devils minor league hockey team faces an uncertain future.

At the team’s peak, more than 7,000 fans packed what’s now the Sun National Bank Center to watch pucks — and frequently fists — fly.

But despite its position as one of the arena’s main attractions, the team has suffered from slumping sales in recent years and finished last in its conference this year, with a season record of 27 wins to 37 losses.

Team officials huddled close yesterday as rumors swirled about the fate of the capital city’s hockey team.

“We’re still in discussions determining what will transpire. I’m not free to talk about it,” said Lou Lamoriello, the CEO and general manager of the NJ Devils, who own the minor league affiliate.

Hockey and local officials refused to comment further yesterday.

Lamoriello said more information on the status of the Devils, often called the T-Devils, will be released later this week.

Read the entire article here.

As the Devils' ECHL affiliate, Trenton is the organization's lower-level minor league team, developing players as they prepare to make the jump to the AHL with Albany, and eventually to the NHL with New Jersey. Several players appeared in games for both Trenton and Albany in 2011-12, including goaltender Dave Caruso, who played 18 games for Albany last season.

The Times report goes on to suggest that Trenton could either relocate or simply fold, should the Devils decide not to continue operations in New Jersey's capital city. In the event that the T-Devils do fold, New Jersey would need to find another minor league team to house their lower-level prospects.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

Rats Signings: Rodney, Babchuk, and Ladd sign new deals

Former Albany River Rats defenseman Bryan Rodney has signed a one-year contract with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks. From TSN:

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenceman Bryan Rodney to a one-year contract.

The Ducks announced the deal Tuesday for Rodney, who spent most of the past four seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes' AHL affiliates in Albany and Charlotte.

Rodney played three games for the Hurricanes last season while setting career-highs with nine goals and 38 assists in the minors. He has played 33 games for Carolina over the past three seasons, scoring 13 points.

Rodney, who appeared in 154 games with Albany from 2008 to 2010, recorded 14 goals and 72 assists for 86 points during his career as a River Rat.

Anton Babchuk, another former Rats defenseman, also signed a new deal, re-signing with the NHL's Calgary Flames. From The Associated Press (via The Detroit News):

The Calgary Flames have re-signed defenseman Anton Babchuk to a two-year contract extension worth $5 million.

The 27-year-old played in 65 games with Calgary last season after coming over in a trade from Carolina along with Tom Kostopoulos.

Babchuk had 11 goals and 24 assists and was a team-best plus-14 with the Flames. He added eight points in 17 games with Carolina.

Monday's deal will pay Babchuk $2.5 million a year.

A first-round pick by Chicago in 2002, Babchuk has played 250 career NHL regular-season games, with 34 goals and 62 assists.

Babchuk's time as a Rat came during the 2006-07 season, when he appeared in 9 games for Albany, registering 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points.

Finally, former Rats forward Andrew Ladd has also signed a new contract, staying with the NHL's Winnipeg Jets (formerly the Atlanta Thrashers). From TSN:

The Winnipeg Jets have avoided salary arbitration with forward Andrew Ladd, agreeing to a five-year, $22 million contract with their captain before the 5pm et deadline to file.

The deal will pay Ladd $4 million next season and $4.5 million in each of the following four seasons.

Ladd appeared in just 2 games for the Albany River Rats in 2007-08 when they were affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring 1 goal during the AHL conditioning assignment.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

AHL announces division alignment, playoff format for 2011-12

The American Hockey League has announced changes to its divisional structure for the 2011-12 season.

From the American Hockey League:

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced that the league’s Board of Governors, convening this week for its Annual Meeting in Hilton Head Island, S.C., has approved the following division alignment for the 2011-12 AHL season (NHL affiliates in parentheses):

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Manchester Monarchs (LA)
Portland Pirates (PHX)
Providence Bruins (BOS)
St. John’s (WPG)
Worcester Sharks (SJ)

Northeast Division

Adirondack Phantoms (PHI)
Albany Devils (NJ)
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)
Connecticut Whale (NYR)
Springfield Falcons (CBJ)

East Division

Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Hershey Bears (WSH)
Norfolk Admirals (TB)
Syracuse Crunch (ANA)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

Western Conference

North Division

Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
Hamilton Bulldogs (MTL)
Lake Erie Monsters (COL)
Rochester Americans (BUF)
Toronto Marlies (TOR)

Midwest Division

Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Chicago Wolves (VAN)
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
Peoria Rivermen (STL)
Rockford IceHogs (CHI)

West Division

Abbotsford Heat (CGY)
Houston Aeros (MIN)
Oklahoma City Barons (EDM)
San Antonio Rampage (FLA)
Texas Stars (DAL)

Last season the Devils played in the 8-team East Division, which also consisted of Adirondack, Binghamton, Charlotte, Hershey, Norfolk, Syracuse, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The AHL's press release goes on to say that the schedule format is yet to be determined.

Also announced in the press release are changes to the AHL's playoff format for next season. From the AHL (again):

The format for the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs was also approved by the Board of Governors. Eight teams in each conference will qualify for the postseason, with the three division winners earning the top three seeds and the next five best teams in order of regular-season points seeded fourth through eighth.

The conference quarterfinals will be best-of-five series; the conference semifinals, conference finals and Calder Cup Finals will be best-of-seven series. Teams will be re-ordered after the first round so that the highest-remaining seed plays the lowest-remaining seed.

So now the playoffs will resemble the current NHL format (except with a best-of-five first round) and no longer includes the crossover rule - an interesting change after a season which saw the league's crossover berth winner take home the Calder Cup championship.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.