Minneapolis, MN - Heading into the wee hours of the trade deadline, it appears the Quebec City Corinthians and the Minnesota Rink Rats have made a last minute deal which has recently acquired goaltender Carey Price heading to Quebec. In return the Corinthians have agreed to send defenseman Marc Staal and prospect goaltender Cory Schneider to Minnesota. The Corinthians will also receive a 4th round pick in next season's draft. Price has been traded less than a week after being acquired in a deal that sent franchise goaltender Ryan Miller to the Demons but Minnesota likes what they see in Schneider.
"We had a lot of really good offers that came in for Carey and we want to thank all of the franchises for sending in their offers. We analyzed a lot of deals and both the Bulls and Lunatics had offers that were very competitive, but at the end of the day, Schneider is our guy. To be able to get him along with one of the elite shutdown defenders in the league in Staal, we're really pleased with this deal. Howard is a very good goaltender himself and we're comfortable giving Schneider some time to develop while riding Howie as our number one."
Monday, April 16, 2012
Rats Say Goodbye to Miller
Minneapolis, MN - In a very surprising move this evening, the Minnesota Rink Rats moved goaltender Ryan Miller to the New York Demons in exchange for Carey Price and a 3rd round draft pick. Miller has been the star of the Rink Rats since GM, Tyler LaDouceur took over the club but it appears his days with the Rats are done as the team continues to look to the future.
Price will be introduced to the club tomorrow and will join the team in Minnesota to take on the Portland Timberjacks. No word yet on whether he will suit up for the club or not. The Rats have also traded Chris Higgins and Dustin Jeffrey in exchange for the Nashville Stampede's 2nd round pick this coming season. In addition to these moves, Devin Setoguchi was dealt last week to the Orcas for Tyler Ennis and the teams swapped draft picks.
The team will comment on the moves tomorrow at the press conference to introduce Price but it's definitely certain the club is looking to their future and still have some notable players on their trade block heading in to the league's day 70 trading deadline. The list is below and the team has also been in talks about moving TJ Oshie for another young forward but hasn't quite decided whether or not that will work out yet. Nevertheless, some big names appear on the block...
7 T.J. Oshie 2+ R RW 6 7 5 7 7 7 8 7 6 7 6 73
9 Derek Roy 1- L C 5 8 5 8 7 7 9 8 8 6 7 78
68 Roman Voloshenko 1+ R LW 6 7 7 7 7 9 6 5 6 5 7 72
12 Viktor Stalberg 2+ L LW 6 7 7 6 7 7 8 5 6 5 6 70
22 Troy Brouwer 2+ R LW 5 6 7 5 6 4 5 6 6 5 6 61
20 Jamal Mayers 1- R RW 8 6 8 6 5 5 6 5 6 8 5 68
4 John-Michael Liles 1+ L D 5 8 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 4 6 72
10 Kyle Cumiskey 2- L D 5 7 5 7 5 8 8 6 7 6 6 70
44 Scott Hannan 1- L D 8 5 9 8 9 7 5 4 4 8 3 70
74 Jay McKee 0 L D 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 8 4 68
8 Greg deVries 0 L D 6 5 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 7 4 64
24 Bryan Berard 0 L D 3 6 4 5 2 4 7 7 6 2 7 53
61 Luca Caputi 0 L LW 6 7 6 6 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 69
7 T.J. Hensick 0 R RW 6 7 6 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 5 69
60 Justin Peters 1+ L G 6 7 7 6 6 8 8 6 7 - - 61
Price will be introduced to the club tomorrow and will join the team in Minnesota to take on the Portland Timberjacks. No word yet on whether he will suit up for the club or not. The Rats have also traded Chris Higgins and Dustin Jeffrey in exchange for the Nashville Stampede's 2nd round pick this coming season. In addition to these moves, Devin Setoguchi was dealt last week to the Orcas for Tyler Ennis and the teams swapped draft picks.
The team will comment on the moves tomorrow at the press conference to introduce Price but it's definitely certain the club is looking to their future and still have some notable players on their trade block heading in to the league's day 70 trading deadline. The list is below and the team has also been in talks about moving TJ Oshie for another young forward but hasn't quite decided whether or not that will work out yet. Nevertheless, some big names appear on the block...
7 T.J. Oshie 2+ R RW 6 7 5 7 7 7 8 7 6 7 6 73
9 Derek Roy 1- L C 5 8 5 8 7 7 9 8 8 6 7 78
68 Roman Voloshenko 1+ R LW 6 7 7 7 7 9 6 5 6 5 7 72
12 Viktor Stalberg 2+ L LW 6 7 7 6 7 7 8 5 6 5 6 70
22 Troy Brouwer 2+ R LW 5 6 7 5 6 4 5 6 6 5 6 61
20 Jamal Mayers 1- R RW 8 6 8 6 5 5 6 5 6 8 5 68
4 John-Michael Liles 1+ L D 5 8 5 6 7 7 8 8 8 4 6 72
10 Kyle Cumiskey 2- L D 5 7 5 7 5 8 8 6 7 6 6 70
44 Scott Hannan 1- L D 8 5 9 8 9 7 5 4 4 8 3 70
74 Jay McKee 0 L D 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 8 4 68
8 Greg deVries 0 L D 6 5 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 7 4 64
24 Bryan Berard 0 L D 3 6 4 5 2 4 7 7 6 2 7 53
61 Luca Caputi 0 L LW 6 7 6 6 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 69
7 T.J. Hensick 0 R RW 6 7 6 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 5 69
60 Justin Peters 1+ L G 6 7 7 6 6 8 8 6 7 - - 61
Rats Selling at Deadline???
Minneapolis, MN – Trade talk is heating up in Minnesota as the Rats appear to be selling before this year’s trade deadline. The Rink Rats who are now winless in 4 games and are 1-8-1 in their last 10 appear to be out of the playoff hunt and stocking up to compete for coming seasons. Devin Setoguchi, Derek Roy, Jimmy Howard, Chris Higgins and Jay McKee are the big names on the Rats’ trade block this season. Rumors surrounding Setoguchi specifically is really heating up as Minnesota has received a few intriguing offers. Setoguchi, who was just recently acquired by the Rink Rats, has seen some good success in a Minnesota sweater this season and has been perhaps their most consistent goal scorer since being acquired from the Miami Hooligans. Rink Rats officials have also stated there’s been some interest in Derek Roy and goaltender Jimmy Howard.
“Things are definitely not quiet at the moment,” stated GM, Tyler LaDouceur. “We have talked to a few teams and there has been some interest in our players. We have a number of young players who will be on our professional squad next season, namely Shattenkirk, Fowler and even Jamie McBain, Nathan Gerbe and Mike Santorelli will compete for a job. These players will be able to fill some holes especially on offense. If we make moves, and deal some of our better players, it’s to continue to improve our club long-term.”
“Things are definitely not quiet at the moment,” stated GM, Tyler LaDouceur. “We have talked to a few teams and there has been some interest in our players. We have a number of young players who will be on our professional squad next season, namely Shattenkirk, Fowler and even Jamie McBain, Nathan Gerbe and Mike Santorelli will compete for a job. These players will be able to fill some holes especially on offense. If we make moves, and deal some of our better players, it’s to continue to improve our club long-term.”
Rats Continue Losing Ways - Look to Deal
Minneapolis, MN - The Rink Rats continued their losing ways following a 6-3 loss to the NY Demons. The Demons fired 47 shots on All-Star goaltender Ryan Miller in their losing effort. After an early goal by Tomas Fleischmann, the Demons responded by scoring 3 straight. Carey Price stopped 32 of Minnesota's shots in the Rats' losing effort. Minnesota who is now 1-8-1 in their past 10 games can't seem to catch many breaks these days and continues falling behind the Snowdogs and Corinthians for the last seed in the East.
To make matters worse, Minnesota's name has been in the rumor mill continuously the past few weeks. Even some of Minnesota's biggest names have been shopped recently to teams like the Gorillas and Corinthians. Although no deals appear to be imminent, Minnesota has announced that defenseman Shane Hnidy has been dealt to the Sparrows in exchange for prospect Nate Prosser. Hnidy won't likely be the last Rink Rat moved before the WHL's trade deadline. Minnesota is actively pursuing deals that could include players such as Jay McKee, Chris Higgins, Jimmy Howard, Devin Setoguchi, Jamal Mayers and others.
Farm Report
The future in Minnesota is clearly bright, especially on the defensive side. Minnesota has some very solid talent at defense especially in the likes of Cam Fowler, Kevin Shattenkirk and Jamie McBain. All three could end up making Minnesota's roster next season and Michael Sauer has also shown some solid talent defensively. Prospects Dustin Jeffrey, Nathan Gerbe and Michael Santorelli have potential to be on the roster as well and are playing well in the minors. Jeffrey is playing very well in the minors right now and could be recalled any day. If the Rats start moving a bunch of their defenseman, others may join Jeffrey on the pro roster including Luca Caputi.
To make matters worse, Minnesota's name has been in the rumor mill continuously the past few weeks. Even some of Minnesota's biggest names have been shopped recently to teams like the Gorillas and Corinthians. Although no deals appear to be imminent, Minnesota has announced that defenseman Shane Hnidy has been dealt to the Sparrows in exchange for prospect Nate Prosser. Hnidy won't likely be the last Rink Rat moved before the WHL's trade deadline. Minnesota is actively pursuing deals that could include players such as Jay McKee, Chris Higgins, Jimmy Howard, Devin Setoguchi, Jamal Mayers and others.
Farm Report
The future in Minnesota is clearly bright, especially on the defensive side. Minnesota has some very solid talent at defense especially in the likes of Cam Fowler, Kevin Shattenkirk and Jamie McBain. All three could end up making Minnesota's roster next season and Michael Sauer has also shown some solid talent defensively. Prospects Dustin Jeffrey, Nathan Gerbe and Michael Santorelli have potential to be on the roster as well and are playing well in the minors. Jeffrey is playing very well in the minors right now and could be recalled any day. If the Rats start moving a bunch of their defenseman, others may join Jeffrey on the pro roster including Luca Caputi.
Rats Move Penner & Quincey
The Minnesota Rink Rats announced this morning that they have traded away a couple of big names, Dustin Penner and Kyle Quincey to the Miami Hooligans in exchange for Devin Setoguchi and Emerson Etem. Setoguchi and Penner have both had disappointing seasons for their respective squads this year so both organizations are hoping a change of scenery will do them well. Kyle Quincey has been Minnesota's best defenseman this season with 3 goals and 21 assists through 43 games. Quincey also sports one of the better plus/minus's on the Rink Rats.
Minnesota Head Coach, Dan Bylsma stated that he was excited about the trade. "Setoguchi has a lot of speed and has a solid history of finding the back of the net. He's still only 23 years old so he can very easily turn this thing around. We're also very excited about bringing over Etem. We contacted him and his family last night and while he was sad to hear he had been traded, I think he's excited about his future in Minnesota. The kid has blazing speed and also knows how to find the back of the net; something that will surely help his future in the WHL. It's tough to lose Quincey, but we have a lot of hope for our defense the next few seasons. Guys like Kevin Shattenkirk, Cam Fowler and Jamie McBain will all be stepping up in the near future to go along with what we already have on dee in John-Michael Liles, Kyle Cumiskey, and Erik Johnson. I wouldn't be surprised if Jordan Leopold bounced back next season as well."
Dustin Penner, who was a big acquisition for the Rink Rats this offseason in a move that dealt Mike Cammalleri, didn't have the success with Minnesota that many had hoped for. After a solid preseason and showing some chemistry with David Krejci, Penner only has 8 goals and 7 assists in 35 games played this season. While this is a big trade for both clubs, Minnesota has stated they're still shopping other players namely, Chris Higgins, Peter Regin, Shane Hnidy, Greg deVries, Dustin Jeffrey, and have even discussed goaltender Jimmy Howard.
Minnesota Head Coach, Dan Bylsma stated that he was excited about the trade. "Setoguchi has a lot of speed and has a solid history of finding the back of the net. He's still only 23 years old so he can very easily turn this thing around. We're also very excited about bringing over Etem. We contacted him and his family last night and while he was sad to hear he had been traded, I think he's excited about his future in Minnesota. The kid has blazing speed and also knows how to find the back of the net; something that will surely help his future in the WHL. It's tough to lose Quincey, but we have a lot of hope for our defense the next few seasons. Guys like Kevin Shattenkirk, Cam Fowler and Jamie McBain will all be stepping up in the near future to go along with what we already have on dee in John-Michael Liles, Kyle Cumiskey, and Erik Johnson. I wouldn't be surprised if Jordan Leopold bounced back next season as well."
Dustin Penner, who was a big acquisition for the Rink Rats this offseason in a move that dealt Mike Cammalleri, didn't have the success with Minnesota that many had hoped for. After a solid preseason and showing some chemistry with David Krejci, Penner only has 8 goals and 7 assists in 35 games played this season. While this is a big trade for both clubs, Minnesota has stated they're still shopping other players namely, Chris Higgins, Peter Regin, Shane Hnidy, Greg deVries, Dustin Jeffrey, and have even discussed goaltender Jimmy Howard.
Rats Make Some Changes
Minneapolis, MN – Following last night’s 4-2 loss to the Stallions, Head Coach Dan Bylsma had a one-hour closed door meeting with his team and staff. Bylsma followed the meeting up with a brief post-game press conference informing the media that he would not allow them to speak with his players.
Bylsma appears to be clearly frustrated in what is now a 5-game losing streak and going 3-6-1 in the past 10 games. The Rink Rats are now 12-15-6 on the season and sit in 8th place in the Wales Conference. Not bad for a team that’s said to be “transitioning” but still below the expectations of fans and clearly the Minnesota personnel.
As a result, Minnesota Rink Rats President, Tyler LaDouceur, has announced some changes in team personnel starting with new General Manager Greg Sherman. Sherman will take over LaDouceur’s role since the start of this franchise. The team also announced that Joe Sacco would be joining the WHL club as an Assistant Coach. Sacco will take over Barry Melrose’s job as Assistant for the remainder of the season. Finally, the Rink Rats have hired Joe Sakic as Director of Player Development and named Don Lucia as an assistant coach on their farm team in Colorado.
A busy day to say the least but the Rink Rats are looking to spark a team that doesn’t seem to be playing inspired hockey. In addition to these changes Minnesota is fielding offers for Chris Higgins, Greg deVries, Shane Hnidy, Peter Regin and Bryan Berard.
Bylsma appears to be clearly frustrated in what is now a 5-game losing streak and going 3-6-1 in the past 10 games. The Rink Rats are now 12-15-6 on the season and sit in 8th place in the Wales Conference. Not bad for a team that’s said to be “transitioning” but still below the expectations of fans and clearly the Minnesota personnel.
As a result, Minnesota Rink Rats President, Tyler LaDouceur, has announced some changes in team personnel starting with new General Manager Greg Sherman. Sherman will take over LaDouceur’s role since the start of this franchise. The team also announced that Joe Sacco would be joining the WHL club as an Assistant Coach. Sacco will take over Barry Melrose’s job as Assistant for the remainder of the season. Finally, the Rink Rats have hired Joe Sakic as Director of Player Development and named Don Lucia as an assistant coach on their farm team in Colorado.
A busy day to say the least but the Rink Rats are looking to spark a team that doesn’t seem to be playing inspired hockey. In addition to these changes Minnesota is fielding offers for Chris Higgins, Greg deVries, Shane Hnidy, Peter Regin and Bryan Berard.
Quarter Season Report
Minneapolis, MN – Over a quarter of the season has passed and the Minnesota Rink Rats find themselves in a familiar position - in contention for a playoff spot. After a hot start the Rink Rats have hit a bit of a skid as of late winless in their last 5. Jimmy Howard continued what has been a somewhat disappointing start for him in their most recent loss to the Hooligans - a 5-1 defeat. The loss put Minnesota at 9-9-5 on the season. Howard is now 0-4-0 with a 5.05 gaa and .829 sv%. His play has some wondering if he could be moved for a scoring forward or two-way defenseman.
Nonetheless, the Rink Rats have had somewhat of a surprisingly hot start. David Krejci has continued his great play from last season and Ryan Miller has returned to his MVP ways. The addition of newcomers Drew Stafford and TJ Oshie has also helped this offense and seems to have filled the void left by Matthew Lombardi. The hope is that Stafford can return to the form that netted him 44 goals in his rookie season for the Orcas and that Oshie will continue to progress into the speedy, two-way forward he's able to be. The future is bright in Minnesota.The present is a little unclear.
The recent losing streak has many wondering what type of team the Rink Rats are. Certainly the loss of puck-moving defenseman Kyle Cumiskey hasn't helped the team, and a nagging injury to Ryan Miller has caused some issues but fans wonder if this team is the team that started the season off very hot and in 2nd place within their conference or the club that's gone winless in 5 straight. Minnesota has been looking at the trade block and with a potential move for Jimmy Howard they may be able to add one or two pieces to help complete their puzzle and finally get over the hump to being one of the league's elite ... stay tuned.
Nonetheless, the Rink Rats have had somewhat of a surprisingly hot start. David Krejci has continued his great play from last season and Ryan Miller has returned to his MVP ways. The addition of newcomers Drew Stafford and TJ Oshie has also helped this offense and seems to have filled the void left by Matthew Lombardi. The hope is that Stafford can return to the form that netted him 44 goals in his rookie season for the Orcas and that Oshie will continue to progress into the speedy, two-way forward he's able to be. The future is bright in Minnesota.The present is a little unclear.
The recent losing streak has many wondering what type of team the Rink Rats are. Certainly the loss of puck-moving defenseman Kyle Cumiskey hasn't helped the team, and a nagging injury to Ryan Miller has caused some issues but fans wonder if this team is the team that started the season off very hot and in 2nd place within their conference or the club that's gone winless in 5 straight. Minnesota has been looking at the trade block and with a potential move for Jimmy Howard they may be able to add one or two pieces to help complete their puzzle and finally get over the hump to being one of the league's elite ... stay tuned.
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