Komets general manager David Franke said today he's basically looking to fill two more roster spots and that's it. He wants to find another goaltender and a big, tough forward. There's no limit on the amount of players a team can bring to camp, but Franke said he sees no reason to bring in more than 24 or 25 players.
``We just don't need to bring a bunch of extra guys in,'' he said. ``We have a lot of returning players, and rather than muddy the waters, we're going to give other guys a real hard look. There's going to be a great opportunity in training camp to see what guys can do without a bunch of extra guys taking icetime away.''
Franke said the Komets are continuing to talk with goaltender Rob Nolan but need a decision soon.
``There's nothing close right now,'' Franke said. ``I can't wait forever and maybe lose somebody else who is out there. If they are not interested, then I can move on. Right now we're still circling the field.''
As for the tough guy, Franke said he wants someone who is 6-3 to 6-5.
``I want a big guy,'' he said. ``One thing we learned last year is as tough as (Brad) MacMillan was, he can't fight the guys who are 6-3 who have four or five inches on him and maybe 20-30 pounds. We want to go back to having that big, physical, tough player who can take on the big dudes who are in the CHL.''
Franke said he's also trying to find another opponent for a home exhibition game on Oct. 10 but is having trouble. He talked with Toledo the ECHL, but the Walleye already have three exhibition games. Franke said he may talk with Cincinnati of the ECHL next week after the Cyclones name their new coach.
Comments
Maybe I previously missed it on the blog - why aren't the Komets trying to sign Haun?
It would be cool to see them play a team from the ECHL, even if it is a preseason game.
They just said they weren't interested this year.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=23108
Almost sounds like this guy :)
Couldn't agree more with you JM.
JM=A++++++++++++
Mr franke should insert foot in mouth. That's fine if they want a "big" guy, but sometimes things are better left unsaid. Definately poor judgement bringing mac's name into the conversation. First "tough guy" that truly stood up for his team mates the way it should happen. Remember stayzer staying on the bench when mac had to leave the penalty box to take care of biz?
Couldnt agree more with what everyone said (yes, even brian). Did Mac do something to rub Franke the wrong way or did his words just come out wrong? Mac was awesome on the ice and always a great guy off the ice when he'd sit by us during injuries. I'll miss having him in a Komets sweater...
Nice stats JM and great points!
I may be one of the few, but I wouldn't mind seeing Legualt for another round in FTW. He's got some more seasoning on him and if he eventually realizes that he's in the AA for good and put's his body out there more, I'd think he'd be a decent heavy in the C.
I agree with everyone on Mac.
This makes me as mad as I have been in a long while. Why must he trash Mac here? I don't understand it. He was the definition of tough guy for us. He did everything and more for us in that department.
If it wasn't for Mac when PC Buddy was out in the Playoffs 2 seasons ago, we probably don't win that Kup. Mac dominated the K-wings in that series and was huge in the finals too playing a regular shift, I think with at least a broken hand.....right?
Shame on Mr. Franke for this. This shows no class in my opinion.
I too will root for Brad when he comes back at the end of the season against us. I hope he doesn't knock a couple of our better players out of the upcoming playoffs during those games. Not that he will do something dirty, he isn't that type of player, but he will be ready to prove something against us.
Like I have said before, Mac is one of my all-time favorite Komets. He brought excitement, toughness, and his love for the game to the rink every night.
For that, I thank Brad for his efforts in FW.
Not right Mr. Franke.
I have no problem at all going after a bigger enforcer especially with the CHL having a lot more quality in terms of fighters go....just sign a quality enforcer...not any big dumb oaf that happens to be 6'5'' but is a mediocre fighter. I am of the opinion that just as you go after the best snipers, goaltenders, defensemen etc etc....you don't skimp and bring in some bargain basement goon. I want a dominant guy playing for the Komets so that when he does go against Goulet I will be excited to watch instead of cringing.
I think a lot of people tend to overlook Cescon, he is one tough dude and a good player also. Just looking around the net, a lot of people say good things about the rookie Pawlowski, hopefully he meets the hype and they keep him on too....it would be nice to have 2-3 solid options.
It shows us how far out of touch the frankes are with what happens on the ice. All they care about is $$$$$ and their self proclaimed power. One reason they expanded the coliseum was so the frankes egos could fit inside the building.
Great point on Cescon, K39.. He's a pretty tough customer but a good enough Dman that you don't want him risking injury fighting every night or spending a lot of time in the box. He can definately handle himself though.
Cescon will deal out punshment on a regular basis by checking and pounded guys around the net. I agree that he will get his chances to scrap too, but we need that guy that can step out on the ice and demand respect when need be.
Just like Mac did......
Not interested in Haun after the year that he had - there has to be something to that.
Nice posts JM and Hit. While I will miss MacMillan because he did everything you want an enforcer to do. The Komets need to get that dominant enforcer that makes the other teams look over their shoulders and think twice before they put a cheap shot on Curadeau.
A big mean nasty enforcer opens the ice up for your skill players bottom line.
What I will say next probably won't make me very popular...but here it goes. Canuck, the "something" is Rob Nolan being available. I appreciate the job Haun did, but I don't think there is any comparison between Nolan and Haun. In my opinion Nolan is an amazing goaltender, he and Boucher will be just an outstanding 1-2 punch. If the Komets are lucky enough to sign him it will be a huge upgrade.
And maybe Haun after having the season he did and his value being high after winning goalie of the year....he wants to test the waters and get a little more money and be the number one somewhere else.
Actually Komes39, and Canuck, it had more to do with Haun in the locker room. Was not well liked.......
Wow....Mr Franke, you have really shown very little class in that statement regarding Brad. He stood up and defended one of our most skilled players that we ever have had on Halloween 2009 when no one else could or would (ok, argue with me there, I could care less), and you're gonna say that sort of crap about him in the press?! I don't want Mac to pound our new enforcer....I would love him to show up at Mr Franke's seat and tell him what he think of this BS statement. But Mac has WAY more class than that, so it would not happen.
If I really wanted to, I'd send this to Brad on Facebook so he could deal with Mr Franke. But who really wants to upset a guy who can punch a hole in ice? :)
And Jungle Monkey....Cowan is a goon......that's the guy who skated straight at Jason when he carried the flag at the first game. I have it on video, too. Real tough guy, that one....I told Jason if it ever happens again, swing that flag at him (wind up for a slapshot, kiddo), knock him (or whoever it is) to the ice, and let the benches clear. The Komets would back a 9 year old up, that much I guarantee. Can you picture that?! That would make ESPN, I'm guessing...LOL...
The Komets need to get that dominant enforcer that makes the other teams look over their shoulders and think twice before they put a cheap shot on Curadeau.
Were you there last year, and the year before, komets39?! Plenty of players did not want to fight Mac, his "small" size notwithstanding....he only lost a couple of fights. I think I could count them on one broken hand. Ever heard the saying "good things some in small packages? (ok, no jokes about men....)
I am talking about now....as in this year Blueline Baby. I loved MacMillan when he was here and if he was here this year I would still say you need a bigger guy to go against the 6'4-6'5 players.
That isn't a slam against MacMillan in anyway, I remember Mac even saying when he fought Snowball a few years ago how much tougher it is when you give up that much size and the CHL has a lot more big boys then the IHL ever did.
not a Mac fan. he put the team in too many compromising situations last year...like a 7 minute power play, but that is just one example.
"KING-KONG HENLEY" 6'7" / that is why they have weight classes in UFC Geoge St.Pierre could not beat Shane Carwin. MacMillan is on my ALL-TIME Komets list.=Henley , Bawa,Woods,Cronin,Fletcher,Kaminski,Baldwin,Roy :)
How many true heavyweights in the 6'5" 230ish range are there at the AA level who are NOT vets??? These guys are in the AHL....period....
True, everyone is right. Some do move on. There could be more to this than we think. Giving amnesty to anyone would however be the wrong way to go. We must stay open minded and IMO I lean towards the huge positives Mac provided. It could be the intagibles or discipline on or off ice. It could be his vibe to one of the frankes, who knows. Could even be he was getting fresh around the franke family females lol. Never know but I see a huge ovation when Colorado comes to town which is interesting why they arent on the regular season schedule???? HMMMMM.
Colorado is here the last two games of the year.
Just so long as we don't sign Cedric Bernier. I hate that guy. Nothing but a thug who can barely skate. But then he's already signed with the Braehead Clan for next season... the same team that Patrosso had signed with...
Uh-oh. :O
http://www.hockeyfights.com/players/1563
Just for you Wendy :)
http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/90966
Just for you Wendy :)
Aw, thanks mightbite. :D That made my day.