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Shanahan out of Jersey; are skates next? Print
Atlantic
Written by Denis Gorman   
Thursday, October 01, 2009 21:46
Atlantic Division notebook:

One day before the Devils began defense of their Atlantic Division Championship, the organization announced that it had parted ways with future Hall of Fame right wing Brendan Shanahan.

“I have decided not to continue with the New Jersey Devils for my 22nd NHL season,” Shanahan said in a prepared statement. “When I signed this past summer, Lou Lamoriello, Jacques Lemaire, and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able to compete and contribute at the level I expect from myself, then I would simply step aside. I have great respect for Lou, Jacques, and the entire Devils’ organization. This decision is both mutual and amicable.

“I am planning to spend the next couple of weeks with my family to reflect on and evaluate my plans for the future. Most importantly, I would like to thank my former teammates and wish them the best of luck for this season.”

It was a shocking personnel decision in the wake of the free-agent defections of veterans John Madden (to Chicago) and Bobby Holik (retired). Even at 40 years old, Shanahan still had one of the hardest and most accurate shots in the game.

In 34 games last season, he recorded six goals, eight assists, 14 points and 29 penalty minutes. For his career, Shanahan boasts 656 goals, 698 assists, 1,354 points and 2,489 penalty minutes in 1,524 games. He also won three Stanley Cup championships with Detroit (1997, 1998, and 2002) .

NEW YORK RANGERS

Much like their cross-river rivals, the Rangers also made a late personnel decision. The Blueshirts added Alexei Semenov on a one year, $600,000 contract. The 28-year old defenseman adds size (6-foot-6, 236 pounds) and six years of NHL experience to the Rangers’ blueline. …Ten veteran Rangers appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman on Wednesday night to announce the comic’s Top Ten List. … One of the Rangers who appeared on Letterman is defenseman Dan Girardi. According to the New York Post, head coach John Tortorella was displeased with Girardi during training camp and the preseason. "To say the least, I've been disappointed with his camp. We've had a running conversation throughout camp about [his approach]. He's got some work to do; he's got a pretty good week of work ahead of him," Tortorella told the newspaper. … Due to a knee injury he suffered during training camp, expect Sean Avery to miss the Rangers’ regular-season debut in Pittsburgh tonight.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

As reported here and elsewhere, the Islanders claimed 23-year old left wing Rob Schremp off of waivers from Edmonton. A first-round draft pick in 2004 following a marvelous junior hockey career that saw him total 550 points (227 goals and 323 assists), Schremp had not been able to crack the Oilers’ NHL roster.

PHILADELPHIA

The organization announced Thursday afternoon that it had agreed to terms with former Rangers center Blair Betts on a one year deal. One of the better penalty-killing fourth line centers, Betts had been invited by the Flyers on a professional tryout basis. "Blair came to our camp on a tryout and has earned this opportunity. We are happy to have him on our team. He will bring experience and depth to our roster," GM Paul Holmgren said in a prepared statement.

PITTSBURGH

The Penguins signed 23-year old Chris Bourque off of waivers from Washington. The son of Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, Chris totaled 83 goals, 232 assists in 276 AHL games.

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Last Updated on Monday, October 05, 2009 23:28