Zamboni Ramblings: If I had $60 million
By Eric Rosenhek
Amongst the summer heat and free agent frenzy is the desire for some tidbits. For your consideration:
New York state-of-mind
Who wouldn’t want to have a nine-year, $60-million contract? Admit it, you couldn’t say no. Brad Richards certainly didn’t say no. And now, thanks to the New York Rangers, he’s hit pay-dirt.
While we all wish to have that kind of money, nobody wishes to be Brad Richards right now.
The most coveted free agent has put enormous stress on himself. With such a large contract, Richards will be under a lot of pressure to prove he’s worth every penny.
It won’t be easy. The Rangers have high expectations for their new acquisition; hence the money. If Richards can’t deliver, his big apple experience will be a big bust.
For all of this to work, two things need to happen:
First, coach John Tortorella must keep his new star player inline. Shouldn’t be a problem given Tortorella’s style and his previous experience with Richards in Tampa Bay.
Second, Richards must avoid the entertaining temptations of New York City. There’s a reason why it’s known as the city that never sleeps. Richards has to stay focused and ignore any kind of procrastination. In addition, he’ll need to ignore anything written or said about him. A big contract puts a big bulls-eye on one’s back.
Needless to say, this upcoming season will be a major test for the 31-year-old centre.
Change of frequency for the Habs
Montreal’s Team 990 scored a major victory last month.
The all-sports radio station acquired the rights for the Canadiens’ English-language broadcasts. This might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a major coup for anyone who listens to the Habs on the radio.
CJAD 800 was the Canadiens’ English broadcaster for a number of years. It had managed to hang on to the rights in the past, despite the growing presence of Team 990. However, with the broadcasting contract up for tender, it appears CJAD wasn’t even given any consideration.
As Pat Hickey pointed out in a recent Montreal Gazette article, the deal between Team 990 and the Habs was “all about synergy.”
Team 990’s parent company is BellMedia – an organization that has had a long standing relationship with the Habs. RDS and TSN, who are the primary television broadcasters for Canadiens games in Quebec, are also owned by BellMedia. Of course, one can’t forget about the arena either – the Bell Centre. Therefore, this new relationship between Team 990 and the Habs was meant to happen.
For the Team 990, there is a sense of relief. No longer will the station have the embarrassment of providing in depth coverage of Montreal’s favourite team, yet not being able to broadcast the games.
Not only will the Canadiens have a new English radio home, they will also have a new play-by-play voice. Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe and Mail reported recently that Rick Moffat, the current “voice” of the Habs, will stay with CJAD.
Wolves and Canucks hook up
I’m usually modest, but I’m going to toot my horn.
In my previous article, I wrote how the new Winnipeg Jets effected the Vancouver Canucks and the AHL’s Chicago Wolves.
The Wolves were affiliated with Atlanta before the move to Winnipeg. After the move, the Jets announced a partnership with the Manitoba Moose (now located in St. John’s), who were Vancouver’s affiliate. So the Canucks had no farm team and the Wolves had no parent club.
Naturally, I suggested the Canucks and Wolves unite.
Guess what happened?
Last week, the two teams announced their new partnership, which will last through the 2012-13 season.
Vancouver now has a presence in a city that has recently given them trouble during the playoffs.
That’s delicious irony.
Finally, it’s time for Hockey Haiku
Flyers
Who needs hockey sticks
When you can use your giant fists
And those sharp elbows
