Little Bit Of News

It was all but a foregone conclusion that Miikka Kiprusoff's days in Calgary were done as of last season. When the Flames expressed an interest in trading the netminder at the trade deadline, the writing was on the wall. Kiprusoff, to his credit, threatened to retire if he was moved out of Calgary, and the veteran closed out the season with the Flames before returning to Finland with his career in limbo. That uncertainty was removed today when Miikka Kiprusoff announced through the Calgary Flames that he was retiring from the NHL.

There's no doubt that Kiprusoff will go down as one of the best goaltenders in Calgary Flames history. While he doesn't have the hardware of a Mike Vernon, Kiprusoff did lead the team to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2003-04. He will retire as the Flames' all-time leader in games played by a goaltender (576), wins (305), and shutouts (41). Perhaps what made this decision bittersweet for fans is that Kiprusoff has decided to live in Calgary this year for family reasons as his kids begin school again.

"It's an important decision for me personally, my family, the Flames organization and fans," Kiprusoff said today. "Jay and I had conversations over the summer, and nothing had changed for me and upon returning to Calgary last week, I once again spoke with Jay and confirmed with him that I would be retiring. I’ve been very lucky to have spent 10 years of my career in Calgary. There is no better place to live and play. I look forward to taking the next year with my family to enjoy everything wonderful about Southern Alberta."

In his nine seasons, "Kipper" posted 319 wins, a 2.49 GAA, 44 shutouts and a .912 save percentage. And while he won't suit up for Finland at this year's Olympics and won't be on the ice in the NHL making his routine acrobatic, spectacular saves in the Calgary nets, the city of Calgary should feel pretty good about having the goaltender remain in the city as one of its citizens. Enjoy your retirement, Miikka, and stay near your phone as the Flames may call on you for a front-office or coaching position in the near future!

Pressure On Kadri?

It was suggested today that the addition of Mason Raymond to Toronto's training camp may send a message to Nazim Kadri's camp that the Leafs were prepared to move on with or without the youngster in the lineup. For those that believe this to be true, you may want to give your head a shake in that not only do Raymond and Kadri play different positions, but their roles on the team will be staggeringly different for this upcoming season.

There has been a chasm between Kadri and the Leafs regarding a new contract, but reports seem to be a difference of dollars rather than a difference of term. Both sides are reportedly locked in on a two-year deal, but Kadri is asking for $7 million while the Leafs have offered $5.7 million. Kadri was second in team scoring with 44 points in 48 games last season, and the team has some wiggle room under the salary cap with about $5 million with which to work. There's pressure on both sides to get a deal done, so you'd think that they'd find some middle point of the $1.3 million separating the two sides, right?

But for those suggesting that Mason Raymond will come in and fill Kadri's role is entirely erroneous. Raymond could slot into an offensive role, but it would be as a winger, not a centerman. He has great speed, good hands, and is responsible at both ends of the ice, but Raymond would be a better checking forward with the Leafs than he would be a playmaking, scoring forward. Don't get me wrong: I like Raymond's game, and I think he's an asset to any team. But we're talking about a team with some solid scoring threats on the wing in Kessel, Van Riemsdyk, and David Clarkson already. While Raymond could slot in opposite any of those three, he'd be more effective with his speed as a checking winger on the Leafs.

Kadri? He's not a checking centerman with his skill set. So let's stop this insane rumor that Raymond's professional tryout contract is anything but an invite to camp to see if he fits into the Leafs' plans. Alright? Alright.

The Gift Of Radio

It's a big week for The Hockey Show as we celebrate our one-year anniversary this week! We are totally stoked for this week's show as we'll run down all the latest hockey news for everyone, but you'll want to tune in if you want some free gear! The Hockey Show is celebrating its birthday by giving YOU birthday gifts!

The Hockey Show has been lucky enough to secure some gear from Sauce Hockey as well as having some Winnipeg Jets gear to give away this week. We'll be giving away prizing every ten minutes, so if you want to win something awesome, you have to tune in!

Honestly, I can't believe we've already done one year's worth of shows. It feels like we're still neophytes when it comes to this radio stuff. We do, however, realize that the listeners are the reason why we're still on the air as radio GM Jared and program director Michael have received some good feedback on the show. We want to thank you for tuning in weekly to hear our chatter, and this birthday celebration is how we're going to give back to you.

If you're near the University of Manitoba this week on Thursday, drop by the studio in the Students' Center for some birthday cake as well! Beans and I will be having some fun, but we want to invite you down for a piece of cake and a studio tour as well. Heck, we might even have you in the booth as the "third man in" if you show up! No game misconducts here - it's all legal on The Hockey Show! C'mon down, grab a slice of cake while supplies last, see if you can win some gear, and help us celebrate one year of being on the radio!

But most of all? Thanks for listening!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!