By Shelly Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sept. 04--Third-line center, if Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal play on the same line. Top-line winger to replace Bill Guerin. Fourth-line utilityman.

The list of where Mike Comrie could end up playing with the Penguins is nearly endless -- perhaps anywhere but center on the top two lines, where Sidney Crosby and Malkin and/or Staal figure to hold tight.

And it matches the list of forward spots Comrie is willing to fill.

"For me, to be able to come in and try to complement the players the Penguins have, to fit in and be a guy that can make plays and play on different lines and give them different looks on a team that can make a playoff run, that's something I'm excited about," Comrie said Friday after signing a one-year contract with the Penguins for $500,000.

"If you get your stick open, there's some world-class guys who can get the puck on my stick."

Comrie, a journeyman who turns 30 next Saturday, could add some scoring punch and maybe a finishing touch from wherever he plays. He has been mostly a right winger in recent seasons but was primarily a center earlier and can play on the left side.

"Versatility," general manager Ray Shero said, "is what really interested us.

"We have no preconceived notions about who he's going to play with or where he's going to play, but he's a competitive guy. He's got quick hands in tight. He's a good, talented offensive player. Maybe on our second power-play unit he could be a guy on the half-wall, a position we've had some trouble filling."

Comrie, 5 feet 10 and 185 pounds, has 167 goals, 359 points in 568 NHL games with Edmonton (twice), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Ottawa (twice) and the New York Islanders. He has scored at least 20 goals five times, at least 30 goals twice. He had 13 goals in 43 games with Edmonton last season, which was cut short by a bout of mononucleosis.

The Oilers reportedly were interested in re-signing him after he became an unrestricted free agent, but Comrie took a big cut from the $1.25 million he made last season to join the Penguins.

He and Shero toyed with the idea of Comrie coming to training camp on a tryout basis, but, when Comrie offered to sign for the NHL minimum salary, the Penguins jumped.

"For me, it was a hockey decision," Comrie said. "I wanted to go to a team that I thought had a good chance to compete every night. It wasn't about how much money I was going to make; it was about how I could help the team.

"You've got to earn your opportunity to help a good team on the ice, but I'm thrilled about this opportunity."

It's pretty easy to see why Comrie wanted to hook up with a team that could be expected to reach the postseason and be a contender on a regular basis,

The Penguins have made the playoffs each of the past four seasons, reaching the final twice and winning the Stanley Cup in 2009. Comrie played for Ottawa when the Senators ousted the Penguins in five games in the first round of 2007 playoffs and marched to the final before losing to Anaheim.

That was the last time Comrie has appeared in the playoffs, and he was part of an Edmonton club that last season finished last in the NHL.

He also brings two interesting side stories with him.

Last month, he married actress and recording artist Hilary Duff. In 1973, an uncle, Fred Comrie, was drafted by the Penguins in the eighth round, although he never reached the NHL.

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NOTE -- About 2,000 single-game tickets for each Penguins home date for the first season at Consol Energy Center will go on sale at 10 a.m. next Friday at www.ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster locations and the Consol Center box office.

For more on the Penguins, read the Pens Plus blog with Dave Molinari and Shelly Anderson at www.post-gazette.com/plus. Shelly Anderson: shanderson@post-gazette.com.

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Penguins add veteran center Comrie

Sep 04, 02:34 AM

By Rob Rossi, The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Sept. 04--General manager Ray Shero is doing something right in convincing players Pittsburgh is the spot for them.

Forward Mike Comrie, who signed a one-year contract with the Penguins on Friday, had talked to Shero about attending training camp on a tryout contract.

Instead, Shero snagged Comrie -- 29 and a scorer of 20 goals in five NHL seasons -- for the league minimum $500,000.

"He sold us on his willingness to play anywhere in the lineup," Shero said. "This is a guy who played half a season and scored 13 goals. His best hockey was a few years ago with Ottawa when (the Senators advanced to the 2007 Stanley Cup) Final, and he hasn't been to the playoffs since."

The Penguins have played in four straight postseasons, and they'll be on the short list of favorites for a third trip to the Final in four seasons after Shero's offseason shopping spree.

It began with re-signing left wing Matt Cooke (three years/$5.4 million) before free agency, picked up on Day 1 of the open period with the signings of defensemen Zbynek Michalek (five years/$20 million) and Paul Martin (five years/$25 million) and wrapped with the recent gatherings of forward Arron Asham (one year/$700,000) and Comrie.

Not including injured center Jordan Staal, the Penguins will open camp with 12 forwards on NHL contracts -- though perhaps it is time to redefine what that means for this club.

"Game-to-game," Shero said of lineup spots, adding that this camp will be "probably, most likely" the most competitive of his tenure that dates to 2006.

Oh, and prospects -- from heralded power forward Eric Tangradi to potential third-line center Mark Letestu to likely sixth defenseman Ben Lovejoy -- should consider themselves on alert.

Shero insisted there is "still opportunity" for prospects to win a roster spot, but...

"A young guy has to come in and earn that spot," he said.

With $1.2 million remaining under the NHL's $59.4 million salary cap, Shero did not rule out the team carrying 14 forwards into the regular season, which opens Oct. 7 against Philadelphia at Consol Energy Center.

Comrie might have a prominent role in that game. He is one of only three Penguins to score at least 30 goals in a season. He accomplished that task twice, the last time five years ago with Phoenix.

He could contend for a top-seven spot among forwards given his versatility. He can play either wing position or at center, and his lineup chances are enhanced by his ability to man the half-wall on a second power-play unit.

The Penguins have lacked that element to their No. 2 power play for several seasons.

"I've always tried to create chances and think on the ice, make plays," said Comrie, who recently married actress Hilary Duff.

"Depending on whom you're playing with and the time and score of the game you have to adapt. With the roster the Penguins have you might just have to get your stick open. If you get open there will be a lot of chances."

In a couple of weeks there will be a lot of players trying to win a select few spots, and Shero knows what to look for from Comrie's attempt to win one.

"When he's on his game, he's a guy you want to kill," Shero said. "Against us he used to fight Colby (Armstrong), and he fought (Max) Talbot and (Tyler Kennedy) -- I remember all those. He gets under your skin."

Note: Single game tickets for home games will go on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 10. About 2,000 tickets for each game will be available. The team has cut its season-ticket sales at 15,000 to ensure tickets are available for individual sale. They can be purchased at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000; also at all Ticketmaster outlets and the Consol Energy Center box office.

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Leading International Teams Bring Skills to United States

Sep 03, 11:53 PM

By MIKE JACOBS

For those who are looking for a soccer fix now that the World Cup has come and gone, there is plenty of top-level action here in the United States this summer.

The past couple of summers, some of the top international teams in the world have visited on preseason tour. Most professional leagues around the world run from August to May, and with the Major League Soccer season in play from March through November, teams can play MLS opposition in mid-season form.

What that all adds up to is a great opportunity for fans to see some of the best players and teams in the world right here in the United States.

Manchester United is playing matches against MLS teams, other international exhibitions and will be the opposition of the MLS All- Stars. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has left his World Cup stars home to recover from their long summer in South Africa, but the team still has plenty of star power with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov.

Tottenham Hotspur finished in fourth place in the English Premier League, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in 2010-11. This is a big season for the Spurs, so the exhibitions will help prep them for their task at hand. Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane leads the Spurs along with England internationals Jermaine Jenas and Tom Huddlestone, Wales international Gareth Bale and Czech Republic playmaker Luca Modric.

Manchester City had moved up the English Premier League last year to become a contender and was a major player in the transfer market. Rumors abound of City making a potential transfer bid for U.S. star Landon Donovan, which makes their stateside tour that much more intriguing.

Bolton Wanderers adds to the list of English Premier League teams here for preseason, led by U.S. national team standout Stuart Holden. Bolton defeated Toronto FC, 2-1, in its first match.

MLS teams have been competitive during these friendlies, showing that there is not a huge gap between our domestic league and the rest of the world. The San Jose Earthquakes had a 0-0 draw gainst Tottenham Hotspur, while the Spurs beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1. Manchester United squeaked by the Philadelphia Union 1-0.

It seems to be en vogue for American fans of international soccer to bash our domestic league, taking a OEuro snobO approach. For our league to continue to grow and thrive, American fans need to accept the MLS as our league and that the standard is not that far behind the rest of the world.

Where most of our top players compete abroad, MLS has been a home for some top players while also providing a springboard for top young players. Landon Donovan calls Los Angeles home, where the Edson Buddle team plays the Galaxy. Before Tim Howard and Michael Bradley were international stars, they played for the New York MetroStars (now Red Bulls).

French international Thierry Henry is now with the Red Bulls and could be followed by Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.

The MLS All-Stars take on Manchester United on July 28 in Houston (7:30 p.m. CDT, ESPN2).

As the summer of soccer continues, there are plenty of top players and teams on display right here at home.

(c) 2010 Evansville Courier & Press. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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BRIEF: Penguins sign veteran forward Mike Comrie

Sep 03, 11:04 PM

By Shelly Anderson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sept. 03--The Penguins today signed veteran forward Mike Comrie to a $500,000, one-year contract, potentially adding some scoring punch.

Comrie, 29, has played with Edmonton, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Ottawa and the New York Islanders over nine NHL seasons, with 167 goals and 359 points in 568 games. He is a five-time 20-goal scorer and a two-time 30-goal scorer, although he has not had more than 13 since he scored 21 in 2007-08.

He also is known for marrying actress Hilary Duff this summer.

Comrie, whose uncle Fred Comrie was drafted by the Penguins in 1973 in the eighth round but never played here, has represented Canada in three World Championships and helped his country earn a gold medal in 2003.

Shelly Anderson: shanderson@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1721

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Kovalchuk's new $100M Devils deal approved by NHL

Sep 03, 07:43 PM

By TOM CANAVAN

NEWARK, N.J. - The NHL has signed off on Ilya Kovalchuk's latest contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Five weeks after rejecting the Russian's landmark 17-year, $102 million contract with the Devils, the league approved a revised 15-year, $100 million deal on Friday after reaching an agreement with the NHL Players Association on an amendment covering long-term contracts.

Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk's agent, confirmed the agreement in an e-mail to The Associated Press. It was first reported by TSN.

The NHL had rejected the Devils' initial offer because it violated the league's salary cap. An arbiter upheld that decision after the union filed a grievance.

With 338 goals and 304 assists in 642 career games, Kovalchuk was the biggest prize on the NHL free agent market this season. The 27-year-old left wing had 41 goals and 44 assists in 2009-10, a season he split between Atlanta and the Devils, who acquired him in a multi-player deal in February.

The new deal will put a $6.67 million annual hit on the Devils' salary cap and put the team roughly $3 million over the league limit ($59.4 million) with only 21 players under contract, two under the league limit.

With a full roster, Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello probably is going to have to clear about $5 million in cap space before the season starts on Oct. 8.

While the annual salary breakdown for the deal was not immediately available, Kovalchuk will earn significantly more money in the final five years.

Arbitrator Richard Bloch had rejected the first contract because Kovalchuk was slated to earn only $550,000 in each of the last five seasons. It would have run through the 2026-27 season, when Kovalchuk will be 44.

The 15-year deal matches the length of one signed by New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro.

Kovalchuk went on the free agent market on July 1. He narrowed his final choices to the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, the Devils and SKA St. Petersburg of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League before agreeing to stay in New Jersey, at least until the league objected and extended his job search for about six weeks.

Kovalchuk was supposed to be the last link in New Jersey's push for a fourth Stanley Cup title since 1995. However, he could not prevent the team from being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Philadelphia.

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Spotlight on Hub hockey ; Three legends honored

Sep 03, 06:22 PM

By STEPHEN HARRIS

The NHL's Lester Patrick Trophy, which represents outstanding service to hockey in the United States, will be presented next month in Boston.

It will be, to say the least, an appropriate venue.

Four men will be honored, and three have the deepest of ties to the sport in Boston: Bruins Hall of Famer and president Cam Neely, and Jack Parker and Jerry York, the longtime and highly successful coaches of Boston University and Boston College, respectively. American Hockey League president David Andrews, a Wilbraham resident, is the fourth honoree. "Every honor I've received playing this great game I've certainly appreciated, and this is no different," Neely said. "You look at the list of people who've received the Patrick, and it's quite a list. I'm honored to be part of it."

York learned about the award a couple of weeks ago, when he got a phone call from commissioner Gary Bettman.

"I thought it was my brother, Billy, pulling my leg," York said with a laugh. "When I realized it was for real, I was excited - really excited. This is a tremendous honor."

Former BC All-America York, the Eagles coach since 1994, is the second most successful coach in NCAA hockey history, with 850 victories and four national championships.

Parker, the Terriers captain in 1967-68, has been head coach since 1973. He enters his 38th season with a 836-432-104 record.

Like Neely, York immediately took a look at the list of past Patrick recipients.

"There is precedent for this, a couple of college guys from Boston getting this award," York said. "In 1972, (BC coach John) Snooks Kelley and (Harvard coach Ralph) Cooney Weiland got it. I think it's great that the NHL recognizes college coaches in this way.

"Back in '72, Jack and I were both just starting out in our coaching careers as assistant coaches. I don't think either one of us could have imagined that we would have similar careers to those two gentlemen."

Neely said he knows Parker somewhat better than York, largely because Parker was offered the B's coaching job during the 1980s. But he is delighted to see a pair of Boston legends honored in this way.

"It's really a good day for Boston hockey," Neely said. "It speaks volumes about what's gone on around here at both the pro and collegiate level for a lot of years."

Originally published by By STEPHEN HARRIS.

(c) 2010 Boston Herald. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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BRIEF: Former Exeter High hockey captain signs with Cincinnati Cyclones

Sep 03, 05:48 PM

By Ken Stejbach, Portsmouth Herald, N.H.

Sept. 03--STRATHAM -- Jonathan Higgins, a 24-year-old from Stratham, has signed a one-year contract to play hockey for the Cincinnati Cyclones.

The Cyclones is a member team of the East Coast Hockey League and an affiliate of the Florida Panthers and Nashville Panthers of the National Hockey League and the Rochester Americans and Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League.

Higgins, a 6-foot-1, 205 center, who played four years of college hockey at the University of Vermont, was formerly a captain on the Exeter High School boys hockey team.

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