NHL cuts start today and the Detroit Red Wings annouced that D Chad Greenan was released and assigned to the Ice. He'll be in the lineup come Thursday. Still waiting on word from Montreal as the Habs will annouced a series of cuts from their camp. 'Net fodder has Maxwell having a so-so camp but he could stick around for a longer look. Russell on the other hand is having a much better camp than he apparently did at the prospects summer camp. During a inter-squad game yesterday the diminutive Russell hit tough-guy, D-man Ryan O'Bryne into the bench with a thunderous check. Several minutes later he scored a goal and his play has prompted many pundits to suggest he might get a longer look in Habland.
Just an update that both Maxwell and Russell survived the first round of cuts today in Montreal, though they are not listed in the lineup for tommorrow's game against Pittsburgh. For Russell, it's likely a sign of things to come - he's not going to be back - but Maxwell and Ryan White from the Hitmen are the only Junior-aged (under 20) left in the Habs camp. Time to worry? Not yet but I doubt Maxwell will be back for the double-header to open the season against the Oil Kings.
One thing that you can bank on however is that Russell's play will almost assuredly give him a spot in Hamilton. The ECHL's Cincinati Cyclones are also a possibility but if that's the case why wouldn't Montreal save a year on his contract and have him rip it up in the WHL? At any rate don't expect him back.
No word yet on Negrin at Calgary's camp or if he'll be back for the season-opener on Thursday. Coach Hollick expected word by Monday. He survived the first round of cuts by Darryl Sutter but a former Ice captain wasn't so lucky. Adam Cracknell was sent to the Quad City Mallards of the AHL. That isn't too much of a surprise as the Mallards will be Cracknell's goal this year - think Jason Jaffray who also worked his way up through ECHL-AHL and hopefully this season - NHL.
Graduated players D Mike Busto and D Lukas Bohunicky were with the New York Rangers - Busto is signed and Bohunicky was an invite - Busto played with the rookie team at the Traverse City Tournament - which they won - as did Bohunicky. Both did not make the main camp roster and Busto, being signed, will likely start in Hartford or the club's ECHL affliate in Charlotte. Bohunicky's immediate future is unclear as he is an unrestricted free agent.
Another former captain Dean Arsene is still with the Washington Capitals - leading 2-1 halfway through an exhibition contest against the Carolina Hurricanes today in Raleigh - isn't it great when there's stat info for the fans???
D Brennan Evans made the main camp of the San Jose Sharks. G Taylor Dakers is in camp but there's a ton of rumour floating that the Sharks are interested in Montreal goaltender Jaroslav Halak if rookie Carey Price makes the club. That should motivate Dakers but realistically his first year of pro is with the AHL club in Cleveland.
Posted by Jeff Bromley at 12:48 PM 0 comments
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