Western News and Notes - 11.16.08
Ashley Gallant | National Hockey League
Nov 16, 08:04 PM | Hype this story!
Brian Burke is no longer the GM of the Anaheim Ducks.
It’s not like he was fired due to the team’s poor start, like Tampa coach Barry Melrose. The Ducks offered Burke an extension on his current contract, and he declined. Rather than waiting until the off-season to find a replacement, the organization has handed the reigns over to senior VP of hockey operations Bob Murray, with Burke becoming an advisor to the team.
Oh, and now he’s free to discuss job opportunities with other teams.
This leaves the Maple Leafs in a great spot; they can officially start negotiations with Burke. He is not their first choice for GM – that was Carolina’s Jim Rutherford – but he is definitely at the top of their list now.
It would be a surprise if Burke does not land in Toronto. He would be closer to his children, who live in Boston. His wife Jennifer could find a new job in broadcasting, and he will have about 50 less days on the road every season.
Blues sent Pietrangelo back to juniors
The St Louis Blues have sent Alex Pietrangelo back to his OHL team, the Niagara Ice Dogs.
The rookie defenceman, who was drafted fourth overall this June, played in eight NHL games this season, recording an assist.
Steve Mason makes his mark on the Blue Jackets
Mason is making a name for himself in Columbus, coming in and winning his first three games of the season, one against the Edmonton Oilers, and two against the Montreal Canadiens.
He was drafted 69th overall in 2006, and was called up earlier this month to back up Frederik Norrena, since Pascal Leclaire is currently out with an ankle injury.
Mason now has five games under his belt, and a 3-1-1 record.
He has come a long way since the spring. He started the calendar year well, with a World Junior gold medal around his neck. He was then traded to the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, but injured his knee in the playoffs. Six months of rehab followed, and then surgery in September.
His teammates have noticed how much poise he has for such a young goalie.
‘‘It’s his first couple games in the NHL and he’s playing like a 10-year veteran,’‘ said Jackets captain Rick Nash. ‘‘He reminds me a lot of (Roberto) Luongo. He’s positional, he doesn’t get himself out of the play.
‘‘He’s playing solid.’‘
Norrena should watch out – he just may lose his job as Leclaire’s backup.
Ducks lose Beauchemin for the season.
The Anaheim Ducks have lost Francois Beauchemin for at least six months after the defenceman tore his left ACL on Friday.
“This is an unfortunate injury for Francois and we feel badly for him,” said Ducks executive vice president and GM Bob Murray.
“However, knowing his character as a player and person, we know he will rebound from this and return to the ice at full strength. Our team has faced adversity before and we expect everyone to step up in his absence.”
I wonder if they will miss Mathieu Schneider…
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