UFA Shane Doan "may" visit his cousin's pad in Montreal Canadien next week, according to RDS.
Doan's agent, Terry Bross, told CTV on Tuesday that it was "possible" that the right winger pulls his chuck wagon into Montreal for a look-see and a visit with new Habs' GM, Marc Bergevin.
Doan has already visited NYC and Philly. He's reportedly going to make a stop in Pittsburgh at some point. Will he visit Buffalo? At this point, does anyone care?
Think about it. Do the Sabres really need another right winger?
Their position of greatest need right now is the same as it was on draft weekend in Pittsburgh: centre.
The whole "We Want Shane Doan" sentiment is warm and fuzzy, but face it Pegulaville. Shane Doan doesn't want you. His agent is merely using Buffalo, and their reported UFA offer, as a negotiating chip to get Doan a long term deal in another locale. Doan isn't interested in playing for the Sabres. If he were, his agent would have already set an intinerary to get the veteran winger into the First Niagara Center's executive suite for a meeting with the Pegulas and Darcy Regier. The crickets continue to chirp in the Doan camp. Its time to move on to bigger and better things.
On Monday night, Doan's camp gave the Jamison group a hard and fast deadline of Friday to get their financial house in order, or else, the team captain is going to pull up his tent stakes and head for greener pastures. Will Doan be making his final decision this week? No. He and his agent are just kicking tires right now. Just looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way.
On Monday, I loved Buffalo's chances of nudging out other NHL squads in the Bobby Ryan extravaganza. Right now, I'm not feeling as confident. When Killbuzz-adelphia lost Shea Weber to Nashville on Tuesday, I let out a heavy sigh, then accepted the realization that Ryan likely will be playing for his backyard buddies, the Flyers.
The Flyers get a C- minus for their portfolio moves in the month of July. Trading JVR for Luke Schenn, and, losing free agent Jagr to Dallas puts two huge dents in Philly's top six group. Losing UFA Matt Carle to Tampa hurts their already compromised blue line.
Paul Holmgren struck out mightily while trying to land Weber, Suter, and Parise.
The Flyers GM has to do something dramatic in order to save face with his anxious and depressed fan base. Hell hath no fury like Flyer fan scorned.
Philly needs Ryan. Ryan needs Philly.
I'll be shocked if Ryan isn't traded to the Flyers.
Holmgren will have to give up one of his young centres in Brayden Schenn (not likely since his bro Luke is now on the Flyers) or Sean Couturier in a deal to acquire Ryan. Matt Read is a nice player, however, he's not enough bait to catch a marlin like Ryan.
Have you noticed that Colorado Avalanche RFA centreman/all-purpose man, Ryan O'Reilly, is still unsigned?
If I'm the Sabres, I go hard after O'Reilly. I told why O'Reilly is my target of choice to recruit to Hockey Heaven. The kid is a machine, and he'd thrive in Lindy Ruff's system.
Matt Duchene took a hometown haircut (2 years, $7 million) to stay in Denver. Duchene was also and RFA, and he he left money on the table, and in so doing, took away some of O'Reilly's bargaining clout.
The Avs have centres Duchene and Stastny locked up, and have Joey Hishon on the come to the NHL. I'd be all over O'Reilly right now. Perhaps they view him as expendable.
When PA Parentau and David Jones get four year, $4 million per year deals from the Avs before O'Reilly gets his deal extended, your priorities are askew.
Parentau and Jones are nice players. However, they are not Ryan O'Reilly.
Cue: "Baba O'Reilly"
O'Reilly is worth the hassle. Why not offer sheet him? Put some back pressure on the Avs to accept it, or, let O'reilly skate away.
On a somber note, I need you to consider helping a Western New York Family in need.
Please do what you can to support the Johnson family of Wilson, NY. Their world was literally blown apart in the early morning hours on Tuesday when their home inexplicably exploded. The family lost one its five children in the explosion.
A fund has been set up for the Johnson Family at the First Niagara Bank in Wilson. The Ransomville Free Methodist Church and First Baptist Church in Wilson are also accepting donations to help the Johnson family. Click here for more details on donations.
From WRGZ, Buffalo:
One child has died and four members of a Wilson family were seriously hurt following a house explosion early Tuesday morning.
Rescue workers were called to 4972 Chestnut Road near Beebe Road just after 6 a.m. Five members of the Johnson family were inside the home at the time of the blast: the parents, Jody and Judith Johnson; their daughters Katie, 18, and Sarah, 14; and son Nathan, 16.
The four injured family members were located and treated by emergency personnel upon arrival at the scene. A further search of the wreckage revealed the body of Sarah, found dead near the back of the house.
The remaining two children -- Hannah, 16, and Sam, 10 -- had spent the night with a family friend and so they were not at home when the explosion occurred.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and Katie were taken to Erie County Medical Center for treatment. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, the parents were listed in stable condition, while Katie's condition was described as critical due to severe burns. Nathan was first taken to Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston and later transferred to ECMC. His status was also described as stable.
The home was nearly obliterated by the force of the explosion.
Niagara County Undersheriff Michael J. Filicetti said at a Tuesday morning press conference that it was, "a horrific scene for arriving officers."
A next-door neighbor told 2 On Your Side's Pete Gallivan that the force of the explosion was so great that it blew his basement windows out and knocked belongings off the wall. He said when he went outside he saw smoke and his neighbor's house was gone. A caller from Pendleton, more than nine miles from the scene, reportedly felt the concussion. Other witnesses say the four survivors were blown out of the house.
Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the explosion. Several agencies, including the A.T.F., are assisting the Niagara Sheriff's Department in their investigation.
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