Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Panthers sign defensemen Jordan Leopold and Clay Wilson

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July 3

Miami Herald

"The Panthers added two defensemen to their depleted blue line Thursday by signing veteran Jordan Leopold to a one-year deal worth $1.75 million and Clay Wilson, who has played a total of 14 NHL games over the past two seasons with Columbus and Atlanta, to a two-year deal. Florida acquired the negotiating rights to Leopold on Saturday in the Jay Bouwmeester trade with Calgary, but couldn't get Leopold to sign before he became a free agent Wednesday. On Thursday, after noticing Leopold hadn't signed with another team, acting general manager Randy Sexton sent Leopold's agent an e-mail and got negotiations cranked up again. ''Sometimes these things take longer than you would hope. There was ..."

Take a Bouw, Darryl

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July 1

Calgary Herald

"Obviously, Darryl Sutter must have the damnedest aptitude for time management. A two-day window, 48 hours, to sign the most enticing free-agent defenceman in this, the summer of 2009, before the rest of the National Hockey League could break down Jay Bouwmeester's door waving all manner of enticements? C'mon. Stop it. Be serious. Didn't seem remotely possible. After all, today the bidding would've begun in earnest. Started a frenzy. Jay Bouwmeester at auction? The magnitude of that particular transaction should've been handled by Sotheby's or Christie's. To bid on an item that sought after, be prepared to bring your wallet and hold your nerve. But before the man holding the gavel could ..."

Heatley nixes deal to Oilers; Flames land Bouwmeester

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July 1

Toronto Sun

"Dany Heatley told the Ottawa Senators he didn't want to play for them anymore. And then, last night, he put the screws to them once more -- vetoing a deal to the Edmonton Oilers. With a deal to the Oilers worked out, the disgruntled winger left the Senators twisting right up to their midnight deadline. Then he said no. And that might mean he's back here in September, likely as an unhappy camper. League sources confirmed last night an agreement had been reach to deal Heatley for centre Andrew Cogliano, underachieving winger Dustin Penner and defenceman Ladislav Smid. With a $4-million US bonus payable to Heatley by Ottawa owner Eugene Melnyk earlier today, at 12:01 a.m., Senators ..."

Flames sign Bouwmeester

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July 1

Calgary Herald

"Jay Bouwmeester is coming home. Sort of. The Edmonton native signed a multi-year deal Tuesday with the Calgary Flames. "Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success," general manager Darryl Sutter said in a news release. "We identified Jay as the priority player where we were going to focus our money. We wanted an opportunity a few days in advance of the deadline, and that's why we made the move we did this past weekend." On Saturday, the Flames acquired the negotiating rights to Bouwmeester for the negotiating rights to Jordan Leopold and a third-round ..."

Boumeester Agrees to five-year deal with Flames

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July 1

TSN.ca

"Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter made the most of his opportunity to negotiate with Jay Bouwmeester. The defenceman avoided unrestricted free agency by agreeing to a five-year deal worth $6.6 million per year against the salary cap on Tuesday night. The Flames acquired the rights of the 25-year from the Florida Panthers on Saturday at the NHL Draft for the rights to blueliner Jordan Leopold and a third round pick (67th overall), which the Panthers used to select right winger Josh Birkholz. "Jay is one of the most complete defenseman in the game, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that will make him an important component of the Calgary Flames success," said ..."

Calgary perfect for strong, silent Bouwmeester, says former coach

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June 30

Calgary Herald

"This scenario, according to Rick Carriere, is worth a chuckle or two. Sitting down for contract "talks" Monday afternoon in Edmonton were two famously tight-lipped parties--Calgary Flames boss Darryl Sutter (notorious for being a gruff dude of few words) and Jay Bouwmeester (a polite young fellow with a well-known shy streak). "Imagine the conversation," Carriere--a family friend of the Bouwmeesters, a current coworker of Jay's father Dan, a former coach of Jay with the Medicine Hat Tigers--was saying. He then laughs. "It wouldn't be much. 'Yup' . . . 'Yup' . . . 'Yup' . . . 'OK' . . . 'What do you think?' . . . 'Yup' . . . 'Don't know' . . . 'Yup.' " Of course, the Flames and their fans ..."

No progress on trade front

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June 30

Ottawa Citizen

"With one day to go before a $4-million bonus is electronically transferred into his bank account, Dany Heatley remains an Ottawa Senator. General manager Bryan Murray tried again Monday to find a deal for Heatley, who earlier this month requested a trade, but got no closer to finding another National Hockey League trading partner. He talked several times to Heatley's agents, J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine, and they're trying to help arrange a match. Whether they can before the Senators must pay the bonus on Wednesday is another question, but it doesn't appear so unless there's a drastic reduction in Murray's asking price, which would be an unwelcome signal of defeat. While there continue ..."

NHL salary cap traps teams in free agency market

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June 30

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Over the last three summers, the salary cap in the NHL has jumped $17.7 million. The individual increases from year to year were $5 million, $6.3 million and $6.4 million. Teams looking to add help through free agency had a little extra allowance, and many clubs bettered themselves over cash-strapped franchises by spending that allowance. In 2007, Daniel Briere signed an eight-year, $52 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. In 2008, the Chicago Blackhawks inked Brian Campbell to an eight-year, $56.8 million deal. But with the NHL's announcement last week that the salary cap in 2009-10 will increase only $100,000, to $56.8 million, some upper-echelon clubs are expecting a ..."

Jay the missing Oiler link?

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June 29

Edmonton Sun

"Today, Darryl Sutter will likely be in Edmonton to talk to Jay Bouwmeester and his Edmonton-based agent Bryon Baltimore. It's bad enough that the Calgary Flames already have two of the greatest NHL players ever to be produced out of the Edmonton area in future Hall of Famers Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf, but to add Bouwmeester would be really rubbing the cowpies in the face of the franchise. Maybe that's all this is, a chance to do just that. NO. 1 UFA PRIZE When the Flames sent disposable impeding free agent Jordan Leopold and a third-round pick to Florida in Saturday's second day of the NHL Entry Draft, they bought themselves three days to try to convince the Panther who becomes the ..."

Draft has become tough to take

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June 29

Calgary Herald

"It's the single most absurd exercise in sports: Thousands of addled sports fans fill an arena somewhere while millions more tune in on television to watch a bunch of men in suits sitting around tables. Every now and then, all the men at one table (and it seems that every year there are more at each table) stand up and file to the stage, where the name of a young man is announced. The young man stands up. He kisses his mother, who is usually crying. He hugs his father. He marches to the stage, pulls on a baseball cap and jersey, shakes hands with the diminutive commissioner of the league in question. Then you never hear of him again. To listen to the hype on TSN, you would think that in ..."

Conroy watches as friends come and go

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June 29

Calgary Herald

"There's a Craig Conroy at every office. You know, the guy or gal with the reputation of unofficial organizer of goodbye bashes and welcome parties alike? As the elder statesmen, Conroy, 37, fills that role with the Calgary Flames. So, to the surprise of no one, the chatty centreman spent much of an eventful weekend on his cellphone. Welcome back, Brandon Prust. Happy trails, Jim Vandermeer. Thinking of you in this time of uncertainty, Michael Cammalleri. "You feel bad for Vandy," Conroy said before flying to his off-season home in upstate New York. "I talked to him about moving on. "And then there's Prust. You just know he's going to play hard. He fights. He's a good player. That's the ..."

Heatley bidders remain in hiding

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June 29

Calgary Herald

"As the NHL entry draft wrapped up Saturday, an executive with one of the league's 30 teams leaned on the metal fence separating the trading floor from reporters and asked about Dany Heatley. Told that Senators general manager Bryan Murray had not yet received a satisfactory offer for the disgruntled winger, who earlier this month demanded the Senators trade him, the league executive nodded and said: "That's because nobody wants him. Nobody." It's difficult to believe that a two-time 50-goal scorer would be unwanted-- maybe even untradeable --but that's the reality Murray must confront as the days count down to July 1, the day the Senators must pay Heatley a $4-million US signing bonus. ..."

Flames to start talks with Bouwmeester

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June 29

Calgary Herald

"Today, for the very first time, the Calgary Flames brass will sit down with Jay Bouwmeester to talk turkey. Face to face. The negotiations, which are slated to take place in Edmonton, figure to be intriguing. "It'll be good to hear what they have to say," Bouwmeester said Sunday evening from Edmonton, his home town. "I've never (been in this situation before), so it's kind of an interesting process. I'm hoping to listen . . . and discuss some things." By Wednesday at 10 a.m., the star defenceman, a pending unrestricted free agent, is eligible to entertain offers from every team in the National Hockey League. Till that time, though, only the Flames can chat to him. Bouwmeester, however, ..."

Panthers trade defenseman Jay Bouwmeester

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June 29

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Jay Bouwmeester never did come right out and say he didn't want a future with the Panthers. He mostly stayed silent, and when forced to address the issue, the shy defenseman mumbled vague, non-committal responses. But everyone, including Panthers' management, knew for some time he wanted to leave. So while they filed it away in a bottom drawer, assistant general manager Randy Sexton said, the Panthers kept the list of teams Bouwmeester's agent gave them about 18 months ago. It had Calgary, just a three-hour drive south of Bouwmeester's hometown, "right at the very top." With just days left to make a deal, that's where the Panthers traded Bouwmeester on Saturday morning, sending him to the ..."

Flames deal for Bouwmeester's rights

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June 27

NHL.com

"The Jay Bouwmeester trade rumors can finally be put to rest. The Florida Panthers traded their All-Star defenseman's negotiating rights to the Calgary Flames on Saturday for unrestricted free agent defenseman Jordan Leopold and a 2009 third-round draft pick. Florida used the pick to take right wing Josh Birkholz). Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter told NHL.com that he will contact Bouwmeester's agent, Byron Baltimore, to begin talks upon his return to Calgary. "I'm as confident (in getting him signed) as any other time I go into any other negotiation," Sutter said. "He's 26 years old, so I feel his best years are in front of him. But until we talk to him, I really couldn't tell you ..."

Bouwmeester, Prust traded to Calgary

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June 27

Calgary Herald

"The Florida Panthers have traded soon-to-be unrestricted free agent defenceman Jay Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenceman Jordan Leopold and a third-round (67th) draft choice. The deal was announced immediately before the New York Islanders made their first selection in the second round of the NHL entry draft at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Saturday. With Bouwmeester and Chris Pronger both traded, the market for Toronto's Tomas Kaberle should intensify. Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke said he did not expect to move the puck-moving defenceman this weekend. But that could now change."

Sutter surprised New Jersey Devils gave Calgary Flames permission to talk to him about coaching job

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June 27

Trenton Times

"Brent Sutter insists that the Calgary Flames were not on his mind when he resigned from the Devils earlier this month with another year remaining on his contract. In fact, Sutter told The Star-Ledger Friday that he was surprised general manager Lou Lamoriello granted another NHL club permission to speak with him after stepping down as Devils head coach. "When I resigned from the Devils I wasn't going to another team. Another team got permission to talk to me," Sutter told me via telephone. "And that team was an hour and 15 minutes down the road, not a 5 1/2 hour flight. "When I resigned from the Devils I had no intention of coaching in the NHL next year. I resigned for family and personal ..."

Panthers trade Bouwmeester's rights to Flames

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June 27

TSN.ca

"Jay Bouwmeester's days in Florida are over. The Panthers have traded the 25-year-old star defenceman's rights to the Calgary Flames for blueliner Jordan Leopold and a third round pick. Despite trade rumours that swirled around him on deadline day, Bouwmeester, 25, remained in Florida, playing out the final year of his contract, which allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end. The native of Edmonton, Alberta played his entire six-year career with the Panthers after being selected third overall by the club in 2002. He had 15 goals and 27 assists in 82 games this season."

Flames' draft card at a glance

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June 27

Calgary Herald

"The Flames entered this weekend's National Hockey League draft in Montreal with seven picks. The second day begins this morning at the Bell Centre: -Calgary dealt its first-round pick, 20th overall, to New Jersey in exchange for Nos. 23 and 84. -Calgary dealt its second-round pick, 51st overall, to Los Angeles in the Michael Cammalleri trade. -Calgary acquired a thirdround pick, 67th overall, from Phoenix in the Olli Jokinen trade. -Calgary dealt its thirdround pick, 81st overall, to Philadelphia in the Jim Vandermeer trade. -Calgary acquired a fourth-round pick, 111th overall, from Columbus in the Kevin Lalande trade."

Flames select Swedish bloodlines in Erixon

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June 27

Calgary Herald

"There had been pre-draft buzz that the Calgary Flames would pick according to bloodlines. Maybe Landon Ferraro, son of Ray. Maybe Carter Ashton, son of Brent. Maybe Dylan Olsen, son of Darryl. Well, none of the above. But the Flames didn't deviate far from the family tree. With their first-round selection at the National Hockey League draft Friday at the Bell Centre, the Flames bagged Tim Erixon, a Swedish defenceman who's the son of Jan, a splendid defensive forward for the New York Rangers (1983-93). But this day belonged to the boy. "It's a great feeling, for sure, an awesome feeling," Erixon, via telephone, said from Montreal. "It's a dream come true. A great organization. I'm very ..."

Report: No Winter Classic game in Calgary

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June 27

Detroit News

"There will not be an NHL Winter Classic outdoor game in Calgary on Jan. 1, 2010, TSN of Canada is reporting. ESPN The Magazine reported last week that Calgary would host a second Winter Classic game on New Year's Day, creating an NHL "doubleheader." TSN, however, says there will not be a second outdoor game in 2010. Boston is generally regarded as the leader to host the 2010 game in Fenway Park, with the Bruins playing Washington or Philadelphia. There has been no official announcement from the league."

Flames 'disappointed' all-star game on ice

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June 26

Calgary Herald

"Ken King, like other hockey fans in Calgary, felt a little glum. The Calgary Flames president discovered Thursday afternoon the proposed New Year's Day game at McMahon Stadium had been shot down by the National Hockey League's competition committee-- Jason Spezza, Ryan Miller, Jeff Halpern, Brian Campbell, Mathieu Schneider, Lou Lamoriello, Bob Gainey, David Poile, Ed Snider, Don Waddell, NHL vice-president Colin Campbell and NHLPA director Glenn Healy. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly delivered the bad news to King. "We're very disappointed that it's not going forward," King said from Montreal, host city of this weekend's NHL Entry Draft. "I'd heard from fans . . . and they were looking ..."

Flames outdoor game in doubt

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June 26

Calgary Sun

"It looks like the NHL is going to rain on Calgary's plans for an outdoor game at McMahon Stadium. The topic of the popular outdoor games was raised yesterday in a competition committee meeting being held in conjunction with the NHL Entry Draft and while no final decisions on outdoor games for this upcoming season have been made, it looks like there will be only one on the schedule this year. That's expected to be played at Boston's Fenway Park between the Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers. "The idea of a game in Calgary was tossed out there, but there wasn't a vote on anything. We should know in the next two weeks," said one NHL source. "I don't think it's going to happen (in ..."

Flames disappointed outdoor classic on ice

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June 26

Calgary Herald

"Ken King, like other hockey fans in Calgary, felt a little glum. The Calgary Flames president discovered Thursday afternoon that the proposed New Year's Day game at McMahon Stadium had been shot down by the National Hockey League's competition committee — Jason Spezza, Ryan Miller, Jeff Halpern, Brian Campbell, Mathieu Schneider, Lou Lamoriello, Bob Gainey, David Poile, Ed Snider, Don Waddell, NHL vice-president Colin Campbell and NHLPA director Glenn Healy. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly delivered the bad news to King. "We're very disappointed that it's not going forward," King said from Montreal, host city of this weekend's NHL draft. "I'd heard from fans . . . and they were looking ..."

All in The Family

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"The population of Calgary's Sutter colony officially hit five Tuesday with the hiring of Brent Sutter as head coach of the Flames. For those keeping track at home, Darryl Sutter is the big boss and general manager. Duane Sitter works as the director of player personnel. Ron Sutter toils as a scout. And Brett Sutter, Darryl's son, saw spot duty last season as a checking forward on the fourth line. Still, there's no truth to the rumour the Flames will change their logo to a flaming "S" for the 2009/10 NHL season. The Pengrowth Saddledome will not be renamed the Sutterdome. And as for the word nepotism, which did come up Tuesday at the news conference to unveil the replacement for Mike Keenan ..."

New assistants complete clean sweep

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"If you're already dying to know who to blame for the power play, well, you're going to have to wait. With the clean sweep of coaches at Calgary Flames headquarters, with the new gents not even into their black and red track suits yet, the all-important division of duties is still up in the air. At least, publicly. "Oh, we've kicked around some different things," said head coach Brent Sutter, who, at his disposal, has an assistant-coach trio of Ryan McGill and Dave Lowry and Jamie McLennan. "As a staff, we're great communicators --we all know each other fairly well. But I have an idea of how I want to see it play out. We'll have something very firm very shortly. "There is a direction I ..."

Vancouver on Iggy's horizon

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"The summer golf season will come to an early end for Jarome Iginla who's next on-ice assignment will be to make the Olympic team in August. On Tuesday, the Flames announced the team's new coach Brent Sutter, but it was also International Olympic Day, and conjured visions of gold for the Flames captain hoping to compete at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. "The day today brings back a lot of memories from past Olympics," said Iginla. "Salt Lake (2002), which I was very blessed to be a part of, and Torino (2006).The players who get an opportunity here in Canada to play for Canada, with the passion that Canadians have, it's going to be a truly unforgettable experience." Iginla is considered ..."

Brothers in arms

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"They grimaced. They winced. They sighed. Predictable, yet entirely legitimate, queries about brothers working together in the pressure-packed world of professional sports elicited a little eye-rolling from the two men at the podium Tuesday afternoon at the Pengrowth Saddledome. But, deep down, they knew it was coming. Just as everyone in town knew this announcement was coming -- that Brent Sutter, late of the New Jersey Devils, would be hired by Calgary Flames boss Darryl Sutter (and would join an organization that includes brother Duane, the director of player personnel; brother Ron, a pro scout; Brett, a prospect and the son of Darryl). The pecking order, they say, leaves little room for ..."

Brent Sutter to balance family, job as new Flames head coach

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"This is all about family . . . "I think I can strike a balance,'' Brent Sutter replied, when asked to reconcile the desire to see more of his wife, Connie, and daughter, Brooke, and be closer to his thriving business interests an hour and a half's drive north in Red Deer with his frank admission that coaching at the NHL level requires a singular commitment. "No one can know or understand what I've gone through but me. It's been a unique situation. "I was 3,000 miles from home. "The other day I was counting how much I've seen my daughter. She's going into the last year of high school this fall. Remember, I was gone eight full months every year I coached in New Jersey. So in the last 16 ..."

Players on board with Flames changes behind bench

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"Craig Conroy fully expects an unpleasant conversation or two over the coming months with his new boss, Calgary Flames head coach Brent Sutter. Just like the collection of unpleasant conversations he's had over the years with his other boss, Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter. "There's probably going to be some times where Brent is unhappy with us," Conroy predicted Tuesday at a news conference to unveil the coaching staff for the 2009/10 season. "Myself included, and he'll let me know." The Sutter brothers are hardly known for their political correctness in the name of saving someone's feelings. The Sutter scowl is legendary among players and reporters alike. "Darryl is tough, ..."

New Flames coach Brent Sutter leaves Devils owner feeling burned

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June 24

New York Daily News

"Brent Sutter burned the Devils, at least that is how the team's owner feels. According to a report, Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek felt disappointed by Sutter's decision to become the Flames' coach less than two weeks after stepping down from the same position with the Devils. "Yes, it puts a different light on things," Vanderbeek told the Star-Ledger. "It leaves a bad taste in your mouth." Sutter had cited homesickness, the need to be closer to his family and the major-junior hockey team he owns in Red Deer, Alberta for leaving the Devils with a year left on his contract. Rumors had been circulating since his brother Darryl, the Flames GM, fired Mike Keenan in May that Sutter would be the ..."

Brent Sutter named head coach of the Calgary Flames

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June 24

Calgary Herald

"The Calgary Flames, as expected, named Brent Sutter as their new head coach. The Flames brass, as expected, was thrilled to make the announcement. "We've had some important days in the history of the Calgary Flames, obviously . . . but I don't think there are very many of them that are more important than what you'll hear today," team president Ken King began Tuesday afternoon during a press conference at the Pengrowth Saddledome. "In December 2002, there was a process and a new era began for the Calgary Flames — that's when Darryl Sutter joined us. And that process continues. "Of all of his contributions, today's is one of the most significant." Said Darryl Sutter: "To me, it's a big day. ..."

Flames hire Brent Sutter

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June 24

Buffalo News

"The Calgary Flames are adding another Sutter to their lineup. General Manager Darryl Sutter hired his brother Brent Sutter to be the coach of the Flames on Tuesday. The addition of Brent pushes the total number of Sutters in the Flames organization to five. Brother Duane is director of player personnel, brother Ron is a scout and Darryl's son Brett played for the Flames farm team last season. "When you're in it long enough, it's probably going to happen when you have that many brothers who have been in the game as long as we have," Darryl Sutter said at a news conference."

Flames add Brent

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June 24

Toronto Sun

"Another Sutter is joining the Calgary Flames. General manger Darryl Sutter named his brother Brent the new head coach of the club yesterday. The addition of Brent pushes the total number of Sutters in the Flames fold to five. Brother Duane is director of player personnel, brother Ron is a scout and Darryl's son Brett played for the Flames farm team last season. "When you're in it long enough, it's probably going to happen when you have that many brothers who have been in the game as long as we have," Darryl said as a news conference. The Flames also named Ryan McGill, Dave Lowry and Jamie McLennan assistant coaches. Darryl said the Sutter name played no part in hiring Brent. "I'm ..."

Brent Sutter named head coach of the Calgary Flames

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June 23

Calgary Herald

"The Calgary Flames officially announced that Brent Sutter will be the team's new head coach during a news conference Tuesday afternoon. Assistant coaches include Ryan McGill, Dave Lowry and Jamie McLennan."

Sutter to Flames, Devils still looking

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June 23

Bergen Record

"Brent Sutter didn't take long to find a new job, but the Devils still are searching for his successor. Just two weeks after stepping down as head coach of the Devils because he wanted to be closer to his family and business interests in Red Deer, Alberta, Sutter is expected to be introduced in Calgary today as the new head coach of the Flames. Calgary is nearly 90 miles south of Red Deer. Darryl Sutter, Brent's older brother and the general manager of the Flames, moved quickly to hire Brent after he decided to leave the Devils. The Flames had to be granted permission by the Devils, however, before opening talks with Brent Sutter, who had one year remaining on his contract. Devils general ..."

Hull gets call to Hall in first year eligible

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June 23

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"As a happy-go-lucky kid who messed around with hockey, Brett Hull never imagined this. The Stars executive vice president and alternate governor confirmed he will be announced today as one of four selections in the Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2009. The names have not been released, but as the third-leading goal scorer of all-time, Hull is a slam dunk on his first eligible ballot. "It's a great honor, it's really unfathomable," Hull said. "I mean, when you're a kid, you dream about someday playing in the NHL or someday winning the Stanley Cup. But you just don't think about this, so it's hard to prepare yourself." Hull and Steve Yzerman are expected to be announced, and Brian Leetch ..."

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello won't comment on Brent Sutter until Flames make their move

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June 22

Trenton Times

"Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello is a busy man these days. Perhaps even an angry man. With the NHL entry draft beginning on Friday evening in Montreal and his search for a new head coach still apparently ongoing, Lamoriello is avoiding any comments about Brent Sutter's expected defection to the Calgary Flames. "I'm not going to have any comment on that situation until something happens or doesn't happen," Lamoriello told me Monday afternoon. "Until there is an official announcement one way or the other -- and don't misinterpret that -- I'm going to withhold any comments." Is he angry with Sutter? "I'm going to stick with what I just said," Lamoriello said. "Then I will comment." The ..."

Brent Sutter rumours heat up

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June 22

Calgary Herald

"Former New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter is expected to be introduced as the Calgary Flames' head coach as early as Monday. Speculation has hit overdrive in the past day that negotiations to hire Sutter, who relinquished his post with the Devils a year early in order to be closer to his home and business interests in Red Deer, are in the final stages, if not already complete. With the Flames' brass scheduled to depart for Montreal and the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft in 48 hours, a media conference for Monday seems a logical assumption. Sutter did not return calls to his cellphone Saturday. Or, more accurately, could not, as his mailbox was overflowing. A sure sign in NHL ..."

Sutter close to signing as Flames head coach

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June 21

Calgary Sun

"His cellphone going unanswered and his voicemail inbox full, one could only wonder Saturday what Brent Sutter was up to. But there's been plenty of talk despite the undisputed (at least in media circles) future head coach of the Calgary Flames not picking up his mobile. Sources suggest an official announcement as early as Sunday — before Flames GM Darryl Sutter heads off to Montreal for the weekend's draft — declaring his brother Brent Sutter as the man to take over behind the bench for the fired Mike Keenan. The team is remaining silent, as it has during weeks of searching for a new staff to lead the Flames this fall. Nothing new to report. Nothing planned. History suggests that can ..."

Sutter Close To Flame Job

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June 21

New York Post

"Sources say former Devils coach Brent Sutter is close to becoming Flames coach under brother and Calgary GM Darryl Sutter. Those sources say Sutter is under serious consideration by Flames ownership for the job that became vacant when Mike Keenan was fired May 22. Sutter resigned June 9 as Devils coach, citing a desire to be closer to his family and Red Deer Rebels junior team."

Reports: Brent Sutter to Flames

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June 21

ESPN.com

"Brent Sutter is expected to be named Calgary Flames head coach as early as Sunday, several media outlets are reporting. Sutter, whose brother Darryl is the Flames general manager, stepped down as coach of the Devils for family reasons in early June with a year left on his contract. Darryl had to get permission from Devils GM Lou Lamoriello to speak to Brent, TSN reported. When Darryl fired Mike Keenan in late May, he said he wanted a coach in place by the entry draft. It begins Friday."

Leafs want to take it outdoors with Flames

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June 20

Toronto Sun

"Count the Maple Leafs in if the Calgary Flames get permission to stage an outdoor game at McMahon Stadium on New Year's Day. "We're very interested," Richard Peddie, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. told Sun Media in an e-mail last night. "If the National Hockey League invited us, we would jump at it. Any chance we have to bring the Leafs across Canada, we support." The Leafs are one of the Flames' preferred opponents after reports this week that league officials visited McMahon, which is being enlarged from 35,600 seats to 45,000 for the Nov. 29 Grey Cup. The Flames' game would be the second half of an outdoor doubleheader leading off with the Boston Bruins ..."

All eyes on Brent Sutter?

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June 20

Calgary Herald

"Ah, if only they'd been this airtight in front of Miikka Kiprusoff. Then Mike Keenan, the Iron Giant, would still be helming the rudder and there'd be no need for the continuing torrent of speculation. Ask anyone remotely connected to the Calgary Flames, even on the sly, about the prolonged search for a head coach and they go chalk-white, uncomfortably avoid eye contact and get all "I know notttttthing" Sergeant Schultzy on you. Such is the Cone of Silence being thrown up, the evil eye cast, by don't-cross-him general manager Darryl Sutter. The Dome is in lockdown. With the annual National Hockey League Entry Draft set for late next week at the Bell Centre, Monday would seem the likely ..."

Calgary Classic in works

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June 20

Calgary Sun

"Sun sources have confirmed the NHL and Calgary Flames have put the wheels in motion to host a New Year's Day Winter Classic game at McMahon Stadium this coming season. National Hockey League officials have visited the home of the Stampeders in anticipation of holding a game there, but have not yet put a contract in place with the McMahon Stadium Society to hold an outdoor game Jan. 1, 2010. McMahon holds more than 35,600 fans for football games, but with the Grey Cup game scheduled for Nov. 29, extra bleachers will have seating for more than 45,000. Flames president Ken King last night wouldn't confirm a report from ESPN The Magazine the league is planning for a Winter Classic game in ..."

Bert waiting for Flames to call

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June 19

Calgary Herald

"Todd Bertuzzi is beginning to wonder if no news is bad news when it comes to the Calgary Flames. "I haven't heard anything from them," Bertuzzi said Thursday from his off-season home near Kitchener, Ont. "I haven't spoken to them. They haven't contacted me. They haven't called. And I didn't talk to them at the end of the year, either. "So I'm kind of in the dark about anything that's going on." The bruising winger is eligible for free agency on July 1 after one season in Calgary. Through 66 games last season, Bertuzzi potted 15 goals and 44 points, along with 74 penalty minutes. In six playoff appearances, he notched one goal and two points on a wonky knee. In a perfect world, Bertuzzi ..."

Calgary Classic in works

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June 19

Calgary Sun

"Sun sources have confirmed the NHL and Calgary Flames have put the wheels in motion to host a New Year's Day Winter Classic game at McMahon Stadium this coming season. National Hockey League officials have visited the home of the Stampeders in anticipation of holding a game there, but have not yet put a contract in place with the McMahon Stadium Society to hold an outdoor game Jan. 1, 2010. McMahon holds more than 35,600 fans for football games, but with the Grey Cup game scheduled for Nov. 29, extra bleachers will have seating for more than 45,000. Flames president Ken King last night wouldn't confirm a report from ESPN The Magazine the league is planning for a Winter Classic game in ..."

Hotchkiss backs Phoenix

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June 15

Calgary Sun

"Harley Hotchkiss would love to see another hockey team in Southern Ontario. After all, the former chair of the NHL board of governors is from tiny Tillsonburg, Ont., an hour away Hamilton. However, while he's sure a team there would be viable thanks to the CBA he helped draw up, he doesn't want a team moved there at the expense of the Phoenix Coyotes. "I think the league has a real obligation to keep the team there, and it's critically important that you just can't move teams," a candid Hotchkiss said yesterday at Eau Claire Market, where the tireless Flames owner and philanthropist was Honorary Chair of the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion event. "There is a process, and if there wasn't, ..."

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