RICHARDS TRADE TALKS HALTED

Phildelphia, Pa (BNS) Talks between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Colorado Rockies regarding sad sack, over priced, free agent signing, Mike Richards have broken off.

"We definately mad an offer, " said Flyers GM Jazz Matthews, "but it was firmly rebuked by the Rockies." In a previous offer before Richards had played a game, the Flyers had apparently offered the world. It involved a player of choice, at least two first round picks, tc's and cash for the un proven free agent. That offer went unanswered. Matthews went out and go tthe winger he was looking for in Greg Niemsz. It may have been a great deal as Niemsz is out performing Richards in every, single stat.

"Colorado contacted us midway through the season, as Niemsz was rolling and Richards was....well....sucking. He wanted the same package but with Greg as the player," says Matthews. "The biggest poblem there, besides Mike's stats, was that what we originally offered was used to pick up Niemsz."

Matthews stated that he had indeed but feelers out to see if another deal could be worked out but that offer was rebuked by GM Livingston. When asked what the offer was, Matthews would only say he was willing to move a performing player, whose rating should rise some for the disgruntled Richards who is likely to drop some and may not have time to recover with only 30 or so ganes left in the season. The talks soured and nothing has been said since though Matthews states he is still willing to deal.

"Mike has nobaody to play with and Colorado should have thought about that before pursuing him. Look at the NHL Nordiques. Thay had an unproven Lindros, his junior stats mean nothing. and they had no one for him to play with. So, they trade him and the result was Lindros was sent to the NHL Flyers for Peter Forsberg, Mike Ricci, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne, two first-round picks (one used to select Jocelyn Thibault and the other traded twice, eventually used by the Capitals to draft Nolan Baumgartner) and $15 million. So, what did the NHL Flyers get? Losers in the 1997 Stanley Cup. The Nordiues/Avalanche? Two Stanley Cups, 1996 and 2001."

When asked if he thought Richards would get moved, Matthews said probably. "Someone will take a chance and probably overpay. But Justin needs to remember that with evey passing day his stock goes down...at least until rerates, when we can see what he will be worth next season, but then it ma be too late."

Are the Flyers still looking to acquire Richards? "Sure we'll take him, but the deal has to make sense top us and obviously to Justin."

FLYERS TO TAKE A FLYER ON RICHARDS?

Philadelphia GM Jazz Matthews confirmed that he is indeed in prelimenary talks with the Colorado Rockies for disgruntled captain, Mike Richards. Matthews has told this reporter that the Flyers made an offer for the highly touted RW some time ago, but neveer really had any serious return discussion from GM Livingston. Contacted recently by the Colorado GM, Matthews said that sure the Flyers will still interested but that their needs had changed with the acquisition of RW Greg Niemisz. The younger, and seemly more talented Niemisz is outperforming Richards at every turn.

"The need to acquire a guy like Mike is not as important as it was", said Matthews. "Obvioulsy ini the right situation we could make a deal, but Mike's season may reduce his overall rating to a point that he is another average, bust of a player. That being said, we know he has the talent, but can he turn it around? Who knows..."

Talks with the Rockies will continue, but Matthews holds little hope for a deal to get done.

Bubba Davis, Philadelphia Enquirer

Mike Richards Being Shopped?

Rumors out of Denver have Rockies' GM Justin Livingston contacting PHL GMs to let them know Rockies' Captain, Mike Richards is available for trade. Livingston did not respond when asked if these rumors are actual fact.

It appears Livingston is trying to turn the page on perhaps his worst move as GM, signing Richards to record-setting FA contract, only to have him struggle in a Rockies' uniform.

Richards was named Captain of the team to start PHL10, as the coaching staff hoped the additional responsibility would have him produce up to expectation. Apparently, Tim Hunter wanted to strip Richards of the 'C' when he was named the new coach but Livingston nixed the idea, as he was worried that the negative press might drop his trade value.

For the Colorado Complainer, this has been Nathan Livingston.

New Coaches Work Magic!

The New Era of Rockies Hockey has gotten off to a successful start!

They started off the Tim Hunter Regime with a trio of games at home in the Mile High Club Arena. The Rockies managed to go undefeated in the stretch... pummeling the Blackhawks 9-2, tying the North Stars 3-3, then doubling the Canucks 4-2.

"The team has reacted well to what we're trying to get across," explained Hunter, "it's certainly a huge relief to start out on the right foot."

Three of the Rockies' players manged a total of 5 points on the day... rookie C Nicholas Deschamp, LW Pat Bordeleau, and LW Brian Willsie. However, the leader of day was veteran D Sergie Gonchar, recording 7 points on the day (3G, 4A).

The Alaska Aces, also under a new coaching staff, managed to have a decent day as well, losing a 3-2 squeaker to the Oil Kings, then man-handling the Crushers 7-3. In the latter game, LW Colin Stuart had a massive game, accumulating 11 shots... scoring on 4 of them, while also adding as assist. Stuart scored 4 consecutive goals in a span of 15 minutes.

Things are looking up in Rockie-ville... even if only for 1 day.

For the Colorado Complainer, this has been Nathan Livingston.

Big SHAKE-up for Rockies and Aces

With the Colorado Rockies sitting 2nd to last in the PHL this season, and their PMHL affiliate not doing much better, Rockies GM Justin Livingston fired both team's coaching staffs a few days ago.

In a press conference this morning in Denver, Livingston announced the replacements for both teams. It had been rumored the Rockies would be bringing in Lanny McDonald to coach the Rockies, but apparently Livingston was unable to pry him loose from the Leafs organization.

The new Head Coach of the Colorado Rockies is Tim Hunter. He'll be supported by Brad McCrimmon and Jim Peplinksi.

The new Head Coach of the Alaska Aces is Joel Otto. He'll be supported by Rob Ramage and Jamie Macoun.

Livingston also announced that the Aces will be going the rest of PMHL10 without a Captain. Instead, they'll be rotating 3 A's at home, and 3 others on the road.

On home ice, the A's will be worn by D Alex Biega, LW Colin Stuart and C Brett Seguin. While on the road, they'll be worn by LW Daniel Carcillo, D Fedor Tyutin and RW Jody Gage.

Only time will tell if all this SHAKE-up will provide any life to the Rockies franchise. After all the expectations brought on by last season's playoff run, the team is experiencing its worst season since Livingston was brought in to turn this thing around.

For the Colorado Complainer, this has been Nathan Livingston.

Seals Name Captain

Oakland (AP) It's taken nearly half the season, but the Oakland Seals have finally decided to name a leader. Patrick O'Sullivan is the man chosen to wear the 'C' and lead the Seals through the rest of the season. A team press release following the announcement said, "Watching Patrick's level of play has made a difficult choice a bit easier in recent weeks. He competes hard and makes the players around him better."

Blue Jackets hire Joey Kocur

Columbus, OH cajn The Columbus Blue Jackets have just signed former enforcer Joey Kocur. Kocur will join the Wolverines as their Assistant Head Coach.

Cupp A Joe

Kocur TKO'd

Colorado Rockies GM Justin Livingston called a press conference this morning, presumably to announce the new coach of the Alaska Aces, after firing Stu Grimson yesterday. Instead, the GM announced they have also fired Joey Kocur as coach of the Rockies!

This move comes as a bit of a surprise, as Kocur has been with the team for a long time. He started out as the coach of the Aces many seasons ago and was promoted to coach the Rockies after several good seasons in Alaska, including a run to the PMHL finals in PMHL6, then the conference finals again in PMHL7.

In his 2.5 seasons with the Rockies, Kocur was never able to get the Rockies to crack the .500 mark. The Rockies surprised the entire PHL last season, making it to the conference finals where they eventually lost to the Leafs. That led to high expectations going into this season. Kocur and his team have experienced a huge setback, though, going just .384 though 43 games.

Joey Kocur was known to be a 'Players Coach', so it has yet to be seen how this will affect the team and their morale.

This Rockies franchise has never been able to get it together. There have been player changes and coaching changes... but never a change of GM... hmmm.

For the Colorado Complainer, this has been Nathan Livingston.

Blue Jackets Hire Stu Grimson

Columbus, OH cajn The Columbus Blue Jacket's have just announced the signing of Stu Grimson. According to GM Colston, Grimson will handling sticks again. Grimson is now the stick boy for the Wolverines.

The terms of his contract were not available, but sources close to the front offices have said that Grimson will be paid in part by free medical care.


Cupp A Joe

The Reaper's Time Has Come

With the Alaska Aces winless streak now at 14 games, the team has decided to make a move and fire head coach Stu Grimson. Grimson, nicknamed the Grim Reaper during his time in the NHL, was brought in at the start of the season to replace Bob Probert, who passed away during the off-season. Even though Grimson had no previous coaching experience, he was brought in as he knew Probert very well and it was thought he'd be able rally the team around the memory of Bobbie.

The team also announced the 'C' has been taken away from D Drew Doughty, as his defensive play has been very poor and there are rumors speculating he's been a moody distraction in the dressing room.

The Aces got off to a HOT start, but have completely tanked of late. C Zach Boychuk was leading the PMHL in scoring through the first several games, but he has gone stone cold. C David Krejci, projected to be the #1 Center, has only 8 points through 42 games, and he's a -14.

The team has yet to name replacements for Grimson and Doughty. Management is hoping that these drastic moves will provide the team with a 'SHAKE'-up.

For the Colorado Complainer, this has been Nathan Livingston.