Markkanen, Ulanov signed

[PDO]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20050805_131159_6220

The Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms on contracts with goaltender Jussi Markkanen and defenceman Igor Ulanov. Markkanen (6'0", 180 lbs.) has agreed to a two-year contract with the Oilers, while Ulanov (6'3", 220 lbs.) has come to terms on a one-year deal. | Free agent tracker

Markkanen returns to the Oilers for his fourth NHL season, having played with Lada Togliatti of the Russian Hockey League during the 2004-05 season. Playing in 54 of Lada Togliatti's 60 games, the 30-year-old Finn led all goaltenders with a 1.20 GAA as he allowed only 63 goals against in 3,157 minutes. His 11 shutouts were second in the league.

His outstanding play led Lada Togliatti to a second place finish in the Russian Hockey League with a 36-13-11 record. In 10 playoff games he compiled a 1.44 GAA with one shutout.

Markkanen split the 2003-04 season between the Oilers and the New York Rangers and was 10-14-3 with a 2.38 GAA, .918 save percentage and two shutouts in 33 games. After re-joining the Oilers, along with Petr Nedved, on March 3, 2004, Markkanen went 2-2-2 with a 1.83 GAA and .934 save percentage in seven games. In 69 career NHL games over three NHL seasons beginning in 2001-02, the Oilers fifth choice in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft is 23-26-8 with a .233 GAA and seven shutouts. With Edmonton, Markkanen has a 2.21 GAA with five shutouts and a record of 15-14-7 in 43 career games.

Ulanov returns for his 14th NHL season and fourth with Edmonton. The 35-year-old native of Krasnokamsk, Russia was the Oilers nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2003-04 when he scored 5-13-18 in 42 games. He led the Oilers in plus/minus with a career-high +19 and had 26 penalty minutes.

During his NHL career, which began with the Winnipeg Jets in 1991-92, Ulanov has scored 24-129-153 with 1,122 penalty minutes in 702 games. He has netted 1-4-5 with 84 penalty minutes in 39 Stanley Cup playoff games. In 123 games with Edmonton he has 8-36-44 with 128 minutes in penalties.

Looking for terms...

Hoping for 850K for Jussi and 500K for Igor.

[PDO]

850k for Jussi and 900k for Igor.

Obviously more than I wanted to see for Igor, as good of a player as he is.

To me the Ulanov signing means one of two things:

#1) Matt Greene will be back with the Sioux.
#2) Cross is being dealt.

Hopefully it's #2.

Pronger - Semenov
Staios - Smith
Bergeron/Greene - Ulanov

[slapshot™]

850k for Jussi and 900k for Igor.

Obviously more than I wanted to see for Igor, as good of a player as he is.

To me the Ulanov signing means one of two things:

#1) Matt Greene will be back with the Sioux.
#2) Cross is being dealt.

Hopefully it's #2.

Pronger - Semenov
Staios - Smith
Bergeron/Greene - Ulanov

Cory Cross is still with the Oil? Sheesh....send him back to Tee-Oh.

I'm glad Ulanov is staying. That guy can sure take the punishment. Hopefully he gets more opportunities to use that cannon of a shot from the point.

Markkanen is a good netminder. This may be his season to really shine. He and Conks will make a good tandem.

[TimmyTabasco]

Ratbags :laughing:

Good for Lowe to sign these two, thats for sure.

I really like Markannen, and would expect him to lead the Oil..over Alaska Boy.

Ulanov is as tough as nails, he seems to have been reborn as an Oiler

[PDO]

Yup, rumor is 5 + teams were after Ulanov, hence the bigger contract.

Word is that Cross may retire as well, that's been going around for quite some time, with his back and all.

Hey Johnny, 5th rounder for Cross? :D

Cross is a slightly better Malik. He's just a non-flashy, positionally sound big defenseman who'll never hit anyone.

[TimmyTabasco]

Yup, rumor is 5 + teams were after Ulanov, hence the bigger contract.

Word is that Cross may retire as well, that's been going around for quite some time, with his back and all.

Hey Johnny, 5th rounder for Cross? :D

Cross is a slightly better Malik. He's just a non-flashy, positionally sound big defenseman who'll never hit anyone.

Cross is better than Malik? Meh..I'd say he is about the same. Pylons are pylons, they only come in one shape and form.

Ulanov is a good player, but don't forget about Todd Simpson who is available..similar play in regards of toughness..but Ulanov for sure has the edge in talent

[PDO]

Cross is better than Malik? Meh..I'd say he is about the same. Pylons are pylons, they only come in one shape and form.

Ulanov is a good player, but don't forget about Todd Simpson who is available..similar play in regards of toughness..but Ulanov for sure has the edge in talent

Cross has been unconcscious in Edmonton, only reason I even bothered saying that. He's been a fine 6th.. but that's it, and I prefer the game Igor brings, bceause it brings intimidation. No room for soft defenseman unless their name is Scott Niedermayer or Nicklas Lidstrom.

[Canadian26]

Ulanov is very relabile, he makes smart plays... I seriosuly get scared every time Cross touches the puck. I think edmonton has a lot of younger talent that will be able to fill shoes this season.