NHL
– The Devils have re-signed G Martin Brodeur to a 2-year/$9M contract. The 40-year-old netminder had limited conversation with the Devils on a new deal through the weekend, and Pat Brisson said he would entertain offers from other teams if an agreement was not reached at the beginning of the free agent period. The three-time Stanley Cup champion was 31-21-4 with a 2.41 GAA last season and helped lead the Devils into the Stanley Cup Final. Brodeur told ESPN,
“I’m really happy. Deep down what I always wanted was to re-sign with New Jersey. I’m glad the Devils stepped up when they did. As the process went on I was certainly intrigued by what was out there. But this is really what I wanted.”
“It was great the Devils stepped up. You have to understand what’s happening obviously with the ownership situation and with what’s happening with Zach (Parise). I understood that. I’m just happy this got done.”
– Predators’ F Alexander Radulov has signed a 4-year contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. Radulov was criticized during the playoffs for lack of his defence, and was suspended for breaking curfew. Nashville attempted to trade his rights, but no one else bit.
– The Sabres and the Flyers are both reportedly interested in Ducks’ F Bobby Ryan, according to the Buffalo News. Ryan recently complained about the trade rumours surrounding his name int he media and expressed a desire to be trade. He’s surpassed the 30-goal mark for four straight seasons.
NBA
– The Warriors remain willing to trade for Magic’ F Dwight Howard without a long-term commitment from him, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard. G-State will reportedly prepare an offer for him, even though Howard will not sign a extension with the team at any point. Stay tuned.
– Marc Stein of ESPN elaborated on the Nets’ attempts to trade for Hawks’ G Joe Johnson on Sunday, whose acquisition is part of the pitch to re-sign free agent G Deron Williams. According to Stein, the Nets would send the expiring contracts of G Jordan Farmar, F Johan Petro, F Anthony Morrow and F Jordan Williams, along with the signed-and-traded G DeShawn Stevenson and a future 1st-round pick to Atlanta in exchange for Johnson. Rumours indicate that Atlanta also wants G Gerald Green and G MarShon Brooks in the deal as well, with Brooks being an untouchable on Brooklyn’s end. The Nets will reportedly need to sign-and-trade either Green or Stevenson so that they can sign Bosnian free agent F Mirza Teletovic with their mid-level exception. Stay tuned.
– RFA G Jeremy Lin’s return to the Knicks “is not as certain as it once seemed,” according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard. The Knicks have said they will match any offer he receives, and that the two sides are “hoping for a reunion.” Broussard, however, reports that the Raptors could offer Lin a backloaded contract and force the Knicks into a difficult decision. Either way, the Knicks just have to match the offer to retain him.
– David Aldridge of NBA.com reported Sunday that Pacers’ RFA F Roy Hibbert was “leaning toward wanting to play” for the Blazers. Hibbert was reportedly blown away by the max offer from Portland. Still, all Indiana has to do is match it to retain him, but if this report is true, Indiana may left him go. Stay tuned.
– The Nuggets have agreed in principle on a 3-year deal with G Andre Miller. Nothing can be made official until the league’s moratorium on signing free agents is lifted on July 11. Miller will continue to back up both guard slots. He posted 9.7 points, 6.7 assists, 3.4 boards, 1.0 steals last season.
– UFA F Grant Hill reportedly underwent the same blood-spinning treatment that Lakers’ G Kobe Bryant had over a year ago, according to Ric Bucher. Bucher also reported Sunday that the Lakers, Suns, Raptors, and Knicks are interested in the 39-year-old.
– UFA F Chris Kaman will visit with the Pacers on Monday, according to Ric Bucher. This could be an indication that F Roy Hibbert’s qualifying offer will not be matched. Stay tuned.
MLB
– Rangers’ RHP Colby Lewis (right forearm tendinitis) played catch on Saturday without incident, and is aiming to return to the starting rotation shortly after the All-Star break. He was placed on the DL Tuesday, and has a strong 3.51 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 90/12 K/BB ratio over his first 100 innings this season.
X-GAMES
– In case you missed it, X-Games rider Tanner Foust and stuntman Greg Tracy set a world record by driving two Hot Wheels rally cars through a life-size model of the the Hot Wheels Double Dare Snare Loop on Saturday night. The two went 52 mph, experiencing up to 7 G’s while completing the 66-foot tall loop. Enjoy:
WWE
– Rhyno has been added to the Alumni section of WWE.com this week.
– Episode 22 of WWE’s “Are You Serious?” video series is now online. “Road Dogg and Josh Mathews are back with more cringe-worthy clips from the WWE vaults. This week, Scott Steiner is the newest inductee into the “Hall of Fail.” The episode also includes footage of DX visiting Little People’s Court with Hornswoggle from several years ago and the WCW Bad Gimmicks Roulette Wheel.
TNA
– Angelina Love, a record-setting five-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion, announced Sunday via Twitter that she has been granted her release from TNA Wrestling.
“To all my wonderful fans, just want to let you know I have been granted my release from TNA. It was completely amicable parting of ways and I want to thank TNA and all of its employees for the wonderful journey I’ve had there over the years. Now I’m on to the next amazing chapter of my life! If you are looking to book me please contact John at john@spectacularsignings.com Thank you so much!”
Velvet Sky, who initially drew fame alongside Love as “The Beautiful People,” addressed the departure of her friend and former tag team partner.
“Such a damn shame!! So much left to do there! I know you’re gonna move on to big things bud, good luck and as always I love u!!”
Love responded to Sky,
“I love u with all my heart, we did something so amazing with TBP and the memories from that will last forever! I cherish our friendship so much, thank you for EVERYTHING Ebud!!”
Their characters were portrayed as arrogant blonde Barbie dolls, whose main goal as a team was to “cleanse” the TNA roster “one ugly person at a time,” based on their belief that their physical appearance was superior to all others. The duo was such a success that even WWE took notice and made their own group of narcissistic and vain bullies. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer has said that LayCool was devised due to WWE’s creative department being embarrassed by the Love/Sky tandem making their female roster look second-rate by comparison.
–Hulk Hogan says the “main topic” of conversation when he talks to Dixie Carter and Spike TV is upgrading TNA’s minor league feel of the Impact Zone in Orlando. A fan wrote Hogan, “You guys have really stepped up your game. Great job. Only problem is the small ‘arena’ comes off as minor league. Major turnoff.” Hogan replied:
yo brother you hit the nail on the head ,that is always the main topic when we talk to Dixie or Spike TV,still trying. HH