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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.