Nolan signs in Phoenix

[IceStick77]

www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=174370&hubname=nhl

Owen Nolan and the Phoenix Coyotes have made his employment with the team official. Nolan signed a one-year contract with the Coyotes on Wednesday.

''A healthy Owen Nolan can help our hockey club,'' said Coyotes general manager Michael Barnett. ''After considerable due diligence, we've found his injuries to be well healed. He's fit, focused and anxious to get back battling on NHL ice.''

Tuesday, Coyotes doctors received the final medical verification Nolan is ready to return to the National Hockey League from a rigorous rehab on an injured knee.

Phoenix will open training camp on September 14th and its Nolan's intent to be more than ready to join the battle at that time.

He is already in the process of purchasing a home in Arizona and has told Coyotes management he will be on the ice as part of a local pro-camp beginning this Sunday.

The one year deal is believed to pay Nolan between 1 and 1.25 million dollars.

The five-time all-star who has collected 349 goals, 386 assists and 735 points in 915 career NHL games with Quebec, Colorado, San Jose and Toronto.

Good to see Nolan is healty and ready to play again.

[fourhundredtenpim]

With a little luck, the addition of a healthy Owen Nolan might just pay big dividends. The knee is fine and Nolan is hungry to get out there and play again. He's a warrior, much like J.R., so if he's in the lineup we'll get our money's worth. It's going to be a little weird seeing him in Brick Red. Beat's the hell out of teal, though. ;D

[HockeyGuru]

Hey... I dare to disagree on the teal...

Nolan will look good in whatever sweater he's wearing. It will be strange having him back in the Pacific, where the Sharks will play his team regularly.

[fourhundredtenpim]

hockeyguru said:

Hey... I dare to disagree on the teal...

I'm busted. ;D I figured if I was a wiseguy I'd attract some attention. It worked!

I think Nolan will have a productive year. What do you think, hockeyguru?

[HockeyGuru]

Good plan there... couldn't let that comment go by without mention.

Nolan has everything to prove. Leafs made him out to be selfish, unproductive guy... I can't imagine that sitting well with him. He's going to want to come back and rub it in their faces.

He's been injury prone, but with all of the rest he's had, I'd say he's due. Heart is not something he has ever lacked. The guy skates around like he's got a giant chip on his shoulder.

One thing I loved about Nolan was that he wouldn't let anyone dish out any doodoo to his teammates. He would punish anyone who touched Friesen back in SJ.

Just don't expect him to be "Mr. Personality" off of the camera.

That's my take....

[desertcoyote]

I'm glad we got a quality player like Nolan. I see this as a positive. Hopefully he stays healthy. To be honest, a Nolan at 80-85% is better than some of the players we have had here playing at a 100%. Just my take