Mar. 31st:
- 12:27 PM: Mike McMahon via twitter: Sources saying that Da Costa could make his NHL debut with the Senators on Saturday against the Maple Leafs.
- 11:56 AM: Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Hearing that Ottawa has landed Da Costa
- 10:09 AM: Mike McMahon via twitter: McMahon has heard from 2 sources that “believe” the Stephane Da Costa is deciding between the Senators and Wild.
Mar. 30th: From a series of tweets from Mike McMahon of Warrior Rink Rat
- Stephane Da Costa was at the Leafs-Sabres game last night in Toronto.
- McMahon thinks he signs with Florida. Ottawa and Minnesota are all over him. Nashville, Toronto, Boston, St. Louis, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are very interested.
- All teams are offering maximum money/bonuses that are allowed under the CBA. It’s about selling the team.
- Ottawa, Florida and Minnesota are offering an immediate callup, same with most non-playoff teams. That aspect is very important as it burns a year off his rookie contract and makes him a free agent a year earlier.
- According to a source, Philadelphia is out, and Minnesota has emerged as the frontrunner.
Mar. 28th: This 5’11, 180 lb, native of Paris, France has been on the radar for quite some time, especially after his 45 point (in 34 games) season with Merrimack College last year (Div. 1, NCAA). After being named the Division 1 Rookie of the year, he was pursued by many NHL teams only to return for another year with Merrimack.
His hands are like butter, using them to deke the pants off any who oppose him. The 21 year old forward had another great season with 14 goals and 44 points in only 32 games.
Written by Brian Huddle on Leafs Nation Weekly