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Blues should make pitch to Turgeon

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Posted: Monday May 17, 1999 07:56 PM

Several weeks ago we noted in this space that St. Louis Blues center Pierre Turgeon was feeling the heat and might not get a qualifying offer for next season if he didn't have a strong playoffs.

As of Sunday, those rumors have abated.

Turgeon has played with a level of intensity that contradicts his reputation as a soft player who doesn't quite get the job done in the playoffs. He was a big part of the equation when the Blues rose up to oust the Phoenix Coyotes, providing the winning points in a dramatic Game 6 and the game-winning goal in overtime in Game 7 in Phoenix.

He also scored an overtime goal to beat the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of their series.

The performance virtually guarantees that the Blues will make a qualifying offer on his $4.6 million salary. He's become too valuable a gate attraction in St. Louis not to try and keep him.

Thrashers still mum on new coach

The Atlanta Thrashers still haven't revealed their choice of a coach for their inaugural season next fall, leading to speculation that their first choice is still under contract and coaching a team still in the playoffs.

The hot rumor in a lot of coachless or soon-to-be-coachless cities is Detroit assistant coach Dave Lewis. Lewis would likely want to stay in Detroit if head coach Scott Bowman steps down after this season. But if Bowman stays, Lewis will look elsewhere.

There's a connection between Lewis and Atlanta GM Don Waddell, who once worked in Detroit, but that's no guarantee.

Lewis is also said to be on a short list being prepared in Los Angeles.

Capital payoff

Insiders maintain Washington Capitals owner Abe Polin opted to sell because he was worried about potential tax problems in the event of his death. Team president Dick Patrick is said to have had a hand in coming up with a buyer and will have the opportunity to become a part owner of the franchise (to the tune of about eight to 10 percent) for his efforts.

Reportedly Polin is selling because he has too much money tied up in the MCI Center, the Capitals and the NBA's Washington Wizards, and that could cause estate problems down the road.

Rangers ready to deal

The New York Rangers are said to be readying a free-agent bid for Fleury and perhaps San Jose forward Vincent Damphousse both of whom are unrestricted free agents come July 1.

 

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