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Blue Jackets Update, Islanders New Complex, and Is Koivu Overpaid?

Mikko Koivu (Flickr/MPR529)

Mikko Koivu – When I think about the Minnesota Wild and look at their roster, I’m not sure how I can get excited about this team for the next few seasons.  They haven’t made any terrible signings, but I think it could be argued that they’ve overpaid for close to half the team. With no money, a lackluster offense, and coach Todd Richards’ up-tempo system replacing the defense-first Lemaire approach, what remedies do they have? Would be interested to hear a few ideas in the comments.

Hockey Wilderness points out that the reactions from fans outside of Minnesota to the Mikko Koivu extension were venomous, while the Wild faithful seemed to overwhelmingly approve.  The first half of their analysis is outstanding, but their justification for why he was worth $6.75m per season falls a bit flat:

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Malkin the ‘Russian Canadian’, Pronger’s Loose, and Lidstrom’s Future

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

~ Reports indicated Sidney Crosby is on the verge of signing a big endorsement deal with Reebok that would open the door for a new SC87 apparel line: “Crosby’s new deal with Reebok is said to be worth almost $10 million over the next seven years. Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, would not discuss the financial aspect of the deal and said it is not completed yet, “but things are going in the right direction.””

~ Evgeni Malkin gives his thoughts on Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and how he’s becoming a ‘Russian Canadian’: “”Alex has such a talent that he quickly adapts to rink sizes, the style of play, plus he has this insolence, in a good way, helps him a lot. I think that right now he is already a ‘Canadian,’ you can say. This is what he is called in the NHL – the ‘Russian Canadian,’ because he completes so many hits in a game. In this setting he’s like a knife in butter.”

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Jordan Staal skates with Penguins, Detroit heads home, and Jagr stays in KHL

‘Crashing the Crease’ is a new feature here on The Hockey Writers that will take a run through the major happenings in the NHL. Have an interesting article to share?  Want us to feature your blog?  Send us an email here.

Jaromir Jagr resigns with Omsk (marek blazek/Wikimedia)

EASTERN CONFERENCE:
~ Disgruntled AHL-lifer or an indication of bigger issues?  Jamie Johnson, a forward on the Rochester Americans (Florida Panthers AHL affiliate) speaks out on his frustration with the organization: “They haven’t made the playoffs in 10 years,” Jamie Johnson said.  “They had no interest in me all year, I don’t think I should give them the time of day for another season.”

~ Jordan Staal skated today as he works to recover from a damaged tendon suffered in Game 1 against Montreal.  Despite (incorrect?) reports that the tendon was severed, I found it hard to believe a skate could do that much damage to a tendon through the tough, reinforced tongue on today’s hockey skates.

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