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McLean Re-Signs
Posted July 2, 2008
The Blades had their signing announcement today that coach Malcolm Cameron told me about yesterday.
They're bringing back '07-08 forward Mike McLean.
I have to say I was a little bit surprised, because McLean hasn't really been one of those guys mentioned a lot, but I guess McLean was one of the other guys besides Lukin who was invited to come back at the end of last season.
By phone today from his home in Ontario, McLean said it was an easy decision after then-coach Gerry Fleming invited him to return for next year. Brush was on board, too, so this wasn't technically a Cameron signing. But as he said, McLean played with Lukin for three-straight months last season, and the two should help form a gritty, hard-working line.
It's almost like the Blades are building with their signings releases this year -- from the bottom, the foundation, to the guys who will be more marquee, big-name players. Because they still need a big scorer -- even though the Blades sort of had that in Damon and Callander last season -- they still need someone who is going to score a lot of goals.
Of course, with John McNabb and Kevin Baker expected to join the lineup, there's quite a few points right there.
Oh and I did ask McLean about getting scratched for game one of last year's playoffs. He said Fleming talked to him beforehand about that.
"That was a tough situation for (Fleming) with having all those guys from Rochester coming back," McLean said. "He talked to me about it, and obviously I was a little frustrated ... but not coming back (to Florida) didn't even cross my mind at that point."
So a big part of McLean's sitting out was the fact that Fleming was required to play all those guys from Rochester -- sort of an unwritten agreement.
Anyway, McLean is a hard worker and a solid guy who will do what's best for the team and sacrifice his personal goals -- signing guys like him and Lukin (and Herauf) appears to be the way the Blades have chosen to build a foundation for next season.
We'll see who comes next ...
Comments
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Herauf, Callander and Damon will hopefully be back...
I had a feeling we might see ERN back. I was hoping I would be wrong but hes like a cockroach you can step on him but unless you twist your foot on him he will squirm.
Czech and Peterson coming back would be horrific. Expecially if they were on the same line, right CHIP??? LOL
If Ernie comes back along with MCscab who will wear the "C"??? I am hoping neither of them....
AAAAA the silly season... At least now we can start to really speculate and have a good debate hear...
I did not want to see Mclean back...
#1 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 2, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AB your on top of things, keep up the good work...:)
The whole AHL/Euro leagues debate has peaked my interest.
I would go to the European league if I only had those two choices. Going to forign cities and hopefully living in a nice area would do it for me. Throw in the European women and I am so there.
Centerice we met one time last year. I like to know who I am talking to in cyberspace.
#2 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 2, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hossa signed with those pesky Wings....
#3 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 2, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am quite pleased to see McLean; he's a solid performer. I think he has much more to show us too. Can't wait to see him play!
Concerning Hartlieb - (geez, I'm probably gonna take some pooh for this) people have been bashing his personal life w/ abundance, which I don't really care about the players personal lives, I care about their performance ... he was one of the Blades' top scorers last year. (If i am mistaken on that point, I am sure to be corrected and welcome it.) I would not be thrilled to lose a player like that. If he for some reason falters this season, then by all means pick up the torches :o)
bussyfan- I usually don't correct people, but dearheart, I can't let this one go:
hear: you do w/ your ears (think- hEAR)
here: is a location
Peterson- seemed totally out of it towards the end season. His heart was definitely not into it. I think he needs to move on to rejuvenate or retire.
BL23- funny what AB brought up about McLean... just like an e-mail conversation, huh!? too funny! He's just an under the radar kind of player ... for now.
#4 Posted by AloraPurefoy on July 2, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussy/Pepsiman/THOM,
FELDA would be a step up from your double wide in North Ft. Myers, why go to Europe. Besides we all know how you LOVE those "farm" girls....
CSA hoping for the u-tube to fit this post..
APfoy,
FINALLY a solid point from you, HARTLIEB won the MFH TARZAN Award for his performance last season.
#5 Posted by MFH on July 2, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Concerning Hartlieb - (geez, I'm probably gonna take some pooh for this) people have been bashing his personal life w/ abundance, which I don't really care about the players personal lives, I care about their performance ... he was one of the Blades' top scorers last year. (If i am mistaken on that point, I am sure to be corrected and welcome it.) I would not be thrilled to lose a player like that. If he for some reason falters this season, then by all means pick up the torches :o)
#4 Posted by AloraPurefoy on July 2, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
---------------------------------------------------
Can EH score points? Sure
Can be a divisive force within the locker room? Yep
If were looking for scorers, theres Baker, McNabb and the "big signing"
Over the course of a season just with the big 3, thats well over 200 points..
Throw in Callendar, we simply dont need Hartlieb
Id rather one of the top 4 biggest paychecks to be going to someone other than lil' Ern
Unless Ernie returns with an attitude adjustment and a reduced salary, he wont be back.
He sure makes for some interesting trade bait.
That is, if he reports if he is traded.
That certainly isnt a given considering his business venture
#6 Posted by CSA on July 2, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussy/Pepsiman/THOM,
FELDA would be a step up from your double wide in North Ft. Myers, why go to Europe. Besides we all know how you LOVE those "farm" girls....
CSA hoping for the u-tube to fit this post..
#5 Posted by MFH on July 2, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Im working on it MFH
The few I found I wanted to post wouldnt last 5 minutes here.
Im looking for a PG-13 version
#7 Posted by CSA on July 2, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So what's going on in Everblades Land?
Is Cameron only recruiting John McNabb and Kevin Baker, while Brush recruits everyone else?
Is that suppose to be the formula for success?
PS, the Stingrays re-signed Nate "Killer" Kiser and Hershey re-signed Grant "The Real Deal" McNeill.
I hope your toepicks down in Everblades Land are ready to rumble...LOL
#8 Posted by StingrayFan on July 2, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tell McNeill to hold his hands behind his head when he falls backwards...
#9 Posted by CJ on July 2, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ask MCNEILL about the shot to his chin by Bergin that knocked that Big PUS$Y out...
#10 Posted by MFH on July 2, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also remind McNeill to stay ON the bench during a fight.
#11 Posted by hambling on July 2, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
daaaang 1,2,3! - good job boyz!!! :o) I'm actually quite proud! This season will be awesome!!
#12 Posted by AloraPurefoy on July 2, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Stinkray- you've been served. Do you have to go to the library to use the internet, or does the trailer park have a wifi package? "...LOL"
#13 Posted by AloraPurefoy on July 2, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't blame you for posting as much as you can, StingrayFan...since only 4 of the 6 teams in the Division will make the playoffs next season...keep the smack up. Look at the bright side...your FLATFISH will not even SNIFF next seasons playoffs, which will give you more GAS $$$
#14 Posted by CUBBUC on July 2, 2008 at 11:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
By the way, Flatfishfan....how much longer will you decide to "exist" on an ECHL opponents Blog??? I am willing to send you my USED EVERBLADES TICKET STUBS if it will help cure your Everblades jealousy, if even only a small bit...in closing..have a Happy 4th FLATFISH FAN....almost forgot, I can send you a couple of Blades T-Shirts (Various Themes) for free as well if you provide me with a mailing address...your pal, CUBBUC...
#15 Posted by CUBBUC on July 2, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Churchie signed for 1 year---------
#16 Posted by WYMAN on July 3, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussy Who would you like to see return? so far you have been unhappy with all hat are even mentioned.......just curious
As for EH if you want to judge him it should be by his on ice ability and not
because he finaly got enough of someones crap off the ice and stood up for himself.....there were 2 sides to that story and you all only had one of them.
#17 Posted by SDW on July 3, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So what's the story then? I don't even know one side of it! All I know is that EH had a heckuva year. Not all of us are plugged in to the Blades Coconut Telegraph....
#18 Posted by puck on July 3, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, Stinky took a beating. How did all of us bloggers actually come together as a cohesive unit? Even APF & CUBBUC?
I think we are ready for the season!
#19 Posted by hambling on July 3, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Puck he had a great season. I was refering to all the folks saying he is done and washed up because he had off ice nonteam related issues last season. I tink if you are gonna decide he isnt worth signing you should decide that on his on ice preformance. JMO, the rest dosent matter. Not plugged in just tired of hearing it...they cant back up the dislike for him with stats so they use personal things.
#20 Posted by SDW on July 3, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ham- I can't speak for the others, but I have only been sharpening my skills (claws) on you guys to prepare for the season! I'm totally stoked; bring it on!
#21 Posted by AloraPurefoy on July 3, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Panthers add some goaltender depth. Also a D man that we could see here.
http://panthers.nhl.com/team/app/?ser...
#22 Posted by centerice on July 3, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Canes prospect camp roster.
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?s...
#23 Posted by centerice on July 3, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people are tooooooo easy.
Cameron chokes in the playoffs every year. It's bound to get even worse seeing how even he said he was burned out when it comes to coaching in the ECHL.
Next April you all will be wanting GF back...LOL
#24 Posted by StingrayFan on July 3, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussy Who would you like to see return? so far you have been unhappy with all hat are even mentioned.......just curious
#17 Posted by SDW on July 3, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
---------------------------------------------------
Dont waste your time on this one SDW
And concerning Bussy's opinion on "McScab"
[sarcasm] Heck, I mean why would the Blades want a guy that had 32 goals 50 assists for a total of 82 points in 71 games last season while playing for the same head coach? [/sarcasm]
In all seriousness, a handful here are just chomping at the bit for MC and the Blades to fail so they can beat their chests and say "I told you so!!!!"...
All this before MC has coached a single PRACTICE much less a game.
This opinion is somewhere between ridiculous and retarded
#25 Posted by CSA on July 3, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ham..Your post #19 was brilliant as far as us coming together. I agree on the fact that we are "ready" for the season. I also think that most of us on this Blog take PRIDE in The Blades as well. That's where the JEALOUSY factor from opposing fans comes in to play. They visit our Blog because they don't have a 12 month active Blog of their own,and they want to talk ECHL. They are jealous of our good fortune..so I say cut them a little slack in the FUTURE...In Closing...READY FOR A HERAUF SIGNING, PLEASE.....
#26 Posted by CUBBUC on July 3, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people are tooooooo easy.
Cameron chokes in the playoffs every year. It's bound to get even worse seeing how even he said he was burned out when it comes to coaching in the ECHL.
Next April you all will be wanting GF back...LOL
#24 Posted by StingrayFan on July 3, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
---------------------------------------------
We'll beg for GF as soon as you beg for Jason Fitzsimmons
#27 Posted by CSA on July 3, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CSA...WELL SAID! The Bloggers you are referring to are the equivalent of The "Moderates" as far as political thought. CSA... both of us know that MC was THE RIGHT MAN for the job....besides, no sense letting it bother you. If we ever ran into these malcontents on the ice, we would skate over to them...which would result in them heading for the corners and "Turtling Up"...
#28 Posted by CUBBUC on July 3, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's about damn time that there is something worthwhile to read on here.
Who do I want to see next year??? I will get back to that in a little bit. I need to put some thought into that.
MFH I can't afford a doublewide. Do you feel like giving me a loan???
#29 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 3, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
RETURNEES:
Lukin
Herauf
Callendar
Damon
K. Mcdonald
Both goalies (not going to happen)
It's time for a fresh start ladies and gentleman...
Time for ALL new vets as well.
APF has a lot of spare time on his hands to be looking for spelling errors.
#30 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 3, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.c...
HMMMMMM
#31 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 3, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Panthers sign G Chris Beckford-Tseu, Does that mean David Shantz will return to the Blades?
#32 Posted by hook_em on July 3, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure we will see Shantz before we'd get Beckford-Tseu
#33 Posted by hambling on July 3, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It wasn't a spelling error ... try homonym and very obvious to anyone who can read ...
I don't think Damon is interested in coming back. I think it's the AHL, Europe, or disappointment for him. Too bad for the Blades because he's got determination and grit. I would love to see him return if that is what he desired.
#34 Posted by AloraPurefoy on July 3, 2008 at 10:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
APF Damon is NOT coming back. It's called wishfull thinking.
Actually is was a spelling error.
HAM I would love to see Tseu in a Blades jersey but it will not happen. The guy is just to good.
#35 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 4, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bussy I think that K. Mac is wishful thinking on your part also, he will stick in the A. and I agree with APF on the Damon thing.
strange I havent seen any mention of Frankie did everyone forget about him or was the lack of play when he returned enough. what is his contract(NHL) status anyway?
#36 Posted by SDW on July 4, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris Lee signs with NY Islanders.
http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?se...
#37 Posted by centerice on July 4, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wyman,
What time is the party at the Red Coconut today....
RED/WHITE and BOOBS at the Coconut, it doesn't get much better.....
#38 Posted by MFH on July 4, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just dropped by briefly to check out the latest posts, but MORE IMPORTANTLY....Happy July 4th to all....and to my Canadian Friends...enjoy the day...BOXER DAY will be here before you know it...
#39 Posted by CUBBUC on July 4, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To be completely correct...BOXING DAY...
#40 Posted by CUBBUC on July 4, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cubbuc,
December 26 is a long time away...
Maybe you should turn in your spandex THONG for some BOXERS....
#41 Posted by MFH on July 4, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A Reasonable Post, MFH...except there is NO REGULATION SPANDEX THONG that would hold my MANHOOD...Facts are Facts...we now return you to your regularly scheduled blog...
#42 Posted by CUBBUC on July 4, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who do I want to see next year??? I will get back to that in a little bit. I need to put some thought into that.
#29 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 3, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
-----------------------------------------------
Well, see you next offseason, BUSSY........
#43 Posted by CSA on July 4, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CUBBUC, word is that a thimble with yarn would do the job for you.
#44 Posted by hambling on July 5, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Poor Hammy...he must have me confused with his Bathroom Mirror....sign Herauf already so we can stop this infantile banter, and replace it with some Hockey talk...Lets Go Blades!!
#45 Posted by CUBBUC on July 5, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
not a whole new lot going on in Bladesville it would seem...angie...care to get the insider for us...?
ever find out how many years MC has signed on for? ...any thought as to how the goaltending situation is shaping up post Beckford-Tseu signing...?
what's grinding through the ole rumor mill these days?
#46 Posted by CJ on July 5, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CUBBUC and THONGS seem to be the hot topic today. Thanks for ruining my dinner guys....
#47 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 5, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Angie,
You still in MN........
chip,
Very nice win by the YANKEES this evening.....
#48 Posted by MFH on July 5, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been back in FL since Sunday, but honestly there's not much going on.
I did find out the contract with Cameron -- I think it's three years, but I need to double-check. At the moment it has slipped my mind.
As far as goalkeeping ... well it should be interesting. I don't think the Blades will see Beckford-Tseu unless something unexpected happens. Expect to see Shantz or Plante. The only wildcard would be if for some reason Shantz decided not to play at all. But I haven't heard any indication of that happening.
Carolina still has yet to sign another goalie, so we'll see what happens on that front.
AB
#49 Posted by ABusch on July 5, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
we are not gonna see Plante... him and Tseu will hold down the A. No fault of his own but Shantz struggled too much last year. The Panther orig. is at fault there, first they left him in the A behind a team that couldnt get out of its own way for too long (a team even the coaching staff had given up on) and then when they sent him here they offered no coaching help to fix the bad habbits he had picked up while trying to save an unsaveable team, because their goalie coach was busy taking care of game videos. guess they cant afford some 18 year old high school A/V kid to handle those important things.
#50 Posted by SDW on July 6, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MFH I heard a rumor that you were at the North Charlston Colisiam. Is there any truth to that????
CHIP the Yankees are lucky they won yesterday. They almost screwed themselves in the ninth inning. They decided to start beening the sox at the plate. Mario is lucky he did not get the boot.
#51 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 6, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AB is there any indication on when are schedule will be revised or has it allready been done???
I am suprised that most of you did not have anything to say about P-COLA pussing out.
#52 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 6, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I did, BUSSYFAN....GOOD RIDDANCE TO PENSACOLA, all they were doing was JUNKING UP the ECHL. Satisfied???
#53 Posted by CUBBUC on July 6, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The schedule should be done in the next couple weeks, at least that's what the ECHL commissioner told me when the Ice Pilots dropped out.
AB
#54 Posted by ABusch on July 6, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CUBBUC I said most did not. You always speak your mind... :)
If the schedule is released in a couple of weeks or so that mean we will know about 2 months before the season starts. We will have to travel further but hopefully we will get more teams here. If they add in some West Coast teams coming here that would be the icing on the cake.
#55 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 6, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CHIP I see the Brew Crew picked up Sabathia. I thought usually around this time of the year the Brew Crew usually lightened up there payroll.
MFH was spotted outside KISER'S house earlier this evening....
#56 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 6, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amerks will sure be bigger this year-------
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/a...
Read right side also--
#57 Posted by WYMAN on July 7, 2008 at 6:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amerks are picking up some serious big boys.
CSA might be moving to Rochester.
Jan. 1st. 2009 at Wrigley Field will be the home to the outdoor game. The Wings will be playing in it. I did not catch the other team but I assume it will be the Blackhawks.
#58 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 7, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CSA might be moving to Rochester.
Jan. 1st. 2009 at Wrigley Field will be the home to the outdoor game. The Wings will be playing in it. I did not catch the other team but I assume it will be the Blackhawks.
#58 Posted by BUSSYFAN on July 7, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
--------------------------------------------
Why move to Rochester when we're doing the same thing here?
Thats why I was so surprised when the Blades extended a qualifying offer to Zancanaro
#59 Posted by CSA on July 7, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OT:
Fun with Broadway Joe
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HQqIQyT-RuM
#60 Posted by CSA on July 7, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No problem Bussy...explanation accepted! The quality of the league will always be more important to me than getting 2 points against deeply flawed teams...The 4 out of 6 teams format is a real gift for the upcoming season...as I have stated before...glad the ECHL is getting rid of the "JUNK"...
#61 Posted by CUBBUC on July 7, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Thimblelina (akd CUBBUC) the ECHL did not get rid of the JUNK. The junk left on it's own accord.
#62 Posted by hambling on July 7, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mags owner of burger joint
http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/?service=p...
#63 Posted by centerice on July 7, 2008 at 9:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey HAMBLING...The JUNK Backed Out...and the fact you are defending them is sad...
#64 Posted by CUBBUC on July 7, 2008 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the league gets rid of much more "junk", we're gonna have to play each other 20 times a season.
#65 Posted by RaysRsharp on July 8, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thimblelina - I wasn't defending them. I just want a reason to post something to YOU, so I could get the Thumblelina name ou there. :>)
#66 Posted by hambling on July 8, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blades sign forward David Nemmo.. 6'2" 220 lbs.
#67 Posted by BHF on July 8, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The new guy--------------
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pd...
#68 Posted by WYMAN on July 8, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They found Nemo!!!!!!
#69 Posted by Chip on July 8, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I spelled his name wrong. It is Nimmo
#70 Posted by BHF on July 8, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
New blog posted ...
#71 Posted by ABusch on July 8, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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