Archive for June, 2010

Maple Leafs acquire Kris Versteeg in 5 player deal

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 30th, 2010

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Kris Versteeg and the rights to Bill Sweatt from the Chicago Blackhawks for Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico, and Philippe Paradis.

Versteeg has 101 points in 170 games, 44 goals and 57 assists.

Sweatt was a 2nd round pick in 2007, 38th overall. He just finished his 4th season at Colorado College where he recored 109 points in 143 games, 46 goals and 63 assists.

Stalberg had 9 goals and 5 assists in 40 games during his rookie season last year.

Paradis was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes last year for Jiri Tlusty and was the 27th overall pick in 2009.

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Flyers Re-Sign Michael Leighton

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 30th, 2010

The Philadelphia Flyers have come to terms with free agent goalie Michael Leighton to a 2-year,  $3.1 million deal.

Leighton will earn $1.5 million next season, and $1.6 million in 2011-12.

The Flyers also have Brian Boucher under contract for next year. They were talking to both Marty Turco and Evgeni Nabokov, but it now appears that they are not in their plans.

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Coyotes and Oilers make a deal … Souray for Brewer in the works?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010

  • The Edmonton Oilers have sent forward Patrick O’Sullivan to the Phoenix Coyotes for defenseman Jim Vandermeer. Both O’Sullivan ($2.925 million) and Vandermeer ($2.3 million) cleared waivers earlier today, and could still be bought out by their new clubs.
  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: There are rumors of a Sheldon Souray deal to the St. Louis Blues for Eric Brewer. Souray is a $5.4 million cap hit ($4.5 million salary this year and next), while Brewer has a cap hit of $4.25 million ($4.5 million salary this year). The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed Ethan Moreau off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. The Carolina Hurricanes will buy out Rod Brind’Amour and he will retire. His $3 million contract will count against the cap. Tom Preissing (Col), Jay Pandolfo (NJ), Andrew Peters (NJ), Petteri Nokelainen (Phx) and Nigel Dawes (Cgy) were placed on waivers.

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Maple Leafs looking at Free Agent market … Kaberle thinks he’ll be dealt … Coyotes focusing on Zbynek Michalek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010

  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will be active when the NHL free agency period opens up tomorrow. Burke may target Dan Hamhuis, if he can’t come to terms with the Penguins by tomorrow. He could then deal a Dman or 2 for a top forward. Matthew Lombardi could be a possibility down the middle. Colby Armstrong could bring some grit, but he could look at heading back to Pittsburgh (plus he will most likely want too much money). Burke has said again he isn’t interested in Kovalchuk.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: “It seems I will probably be dealt this time,” Kaberle told the Czech paper Dnes (Today). “You know, a trade may be good for me and may fill me with new energy and hunger. I do not oppose a trade. Although I love Toronto, a trade is not something I will go crazy about (if it happens.)” Kaberle went on to say he’d like to go to a team and win the Stanley Cup.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Boston Bruins won’t be that active in the free agent market, as they already have about $54 million in contracts for 2010-11. Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell, Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart, and Adam McQuaid are free agents. Paille wasn’t qualified, but continues to talk with Chiarelli. Wheeler and Stuart may be headed to arbitration, Wheeler made $2.5 million last year. The Bruins will look to trades to fill out their roster. They’re  looking for a #3 goalie (or #2 if they can move Tim Thomas) and some depth along the blueline. The Bruins inquired about a Marc Savard – Tomas Kaberle deal at the draft but were turned down.
  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: 3 potential players who may receive offer sheets: James Neal (Dal), Bobby Ryan (Ana), and Marc Staal (NYR). The Maple Leafs are said to have some interest in Marc Savard and Mike Ribeiro, but any trade may not happen for a couple weeks. The Leafs and Nikolai Kulemin are making some progress on a deal for the restricted free agent.
  • Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Phoenix Coyotes are focusing on re-signing defenseman Zbynek Michalek before the start of free agency. Michalek made $1.5 million last season, and will look to at least double it, possibly in the $4 million range. Matthew Lombardi and Lee Stempniak are other free agents for the Coyotes but it doesn’t look like they’ll be back.
  • Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: The Philadelphia Flyers could use a right winger to play on the top line with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne, or on the 3rd line with Claude Giroux and James vanRiemsdyk. The Flyers might bring back Arron Asham. Matthew Lombardi would be a good fit for the team, but he’d have to move from center to the wing. Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya could also fit, but money would play a part for them. The Flyers could have about $5-6 million to sign a goalie, dman and a forward.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: Big contracts that the Tampa Bay Lightning have may limit what they can do in the free agent market. Vinny Lecavalier, Ryan Malone, Mattias Ohlund, Andrej Meszaros and Matt Walker’s contract amount to $139.525 million  over 28 years. Each player underachieved last season. Yzerman doesn’t know his budget yet for next season (not a good thing when free agency starts tomorrow).

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Kings may look at Kovalchuk, Martin, and Hamhuis … Saku to Minny? Colaiacovo and Weaver may be done in St. Louis

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 30th, 2010

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are still the front runners to land Ilya Kovalchuk. The Kings may also look at signing Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis, if they are available. They will have to keep in mind that Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmons will be RFA next season, so they can’t let their salaries get out a whack.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are close re-signing tough guy Jody Shelley, possibly to a 2 year deal worth around $850,000 a season. Erik Christensen rejected a 2 year deal for about $1.5 million, and will become a UFA.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Despite acquiring Keith Ballard at the draft, the Vancouver Canucks are still on the lookout for defenseman. The Canucks had a terrible time last season with injuries to the blueline, so they’ll be looking for inexpensive, non-injury prone Dmen. Kevin Bieksa is a $3.75 million cap hit, is projected as their 5th defenseman, and could be moved for a ‘battle-tested forward’.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: If Saku Koivu wants to join his brother Mikko in Minnesota, it’s probably his choice. Last season the Wild offered Saku a 2-year deal worth $8 million and 3-year for $10 million, instead he took 1-year at $3.25 million. He turned down the offer because “I wanted him to have his own privacy … and make his own name and career”. The Wild could use another centerman and may talk Saku again this year.
  • Vicki hall of the Calgary Herald: Though Ales Kotalik was placed on waivers by the Calgary Flames, he may not be bought out, but the team still has the option to do so.

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10 teams after Volchenkov? Isles have a big wish list … Coburn could be a tough sign … No progress with Hamhuis

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Anton Volchenkov could have as many as 10 teams checking in with him when the free agent market opens up tomorrow. Likely suitors could be Washington, San Jose, Atlanta, Anaheim, St. Louis, and the NY Rangers. He could get a contract in the $4.5-5 million range.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks may look at some free agents for their 3rd-4th lines and a cheap, depth defenseman. They need to add some size and toughness, but the most important factor will that they are inexpensive. The ‘Hawks may end up dealing Andrew Ladd, who they’ve sent a qualifying offer too already. Possible defenseman targets could be: Sean O’Donnell, Jay McKee, Brett Lebda, Brett Clark, John Scott, and Garnet Exelby.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: The NY Islanders have about $6-8 million to spend to reach the salary cap floor. They’d like to add: a top-4 defenseman, a tough experienced 5th – 6th defenseman, a potential top-6 forward, a reliable-penalty killing bottom-6 forward, and a backup goalie.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers spent much of yesterday talking with their restricted free agents. Darroll Powe and Dan Carcillo have already been qualified. Braydon Coburn may be a trickier signing. The 25-year old made $1.3 million last season, and put up similar numbers to Kris Letang, who signed a 4 year deal with the Penguins for $3.5 million a season. One concern Dan Hamhuis had when talking to the Flyers wasn’t about money but about his role with the club, minutes he’d get.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: It doesn’t look like Paul Martin will re-sign with the Devils before tomorrow, and will test free agency. It’s still possible the Martin signs with the Devils.

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Top 25 NHL Free Agents for 2010

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on June 30th, 2010

Here is our Top 25 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents list for 2010. It has been labelled a weak crop for this years NHL unrestricted free agents, especially if you’re looking for scoring help. There are a several defenseman that should draw plenty of interest. In putting together this list, we took into consideration age, position, and likelihood of signing with a new team (ie. Nicklas Lidstrom would only sign with Detroit, so we left him off the list). Check out a complete list of 2010 NHL free agents.

Rk. Player

2009-10 Team
Pos.
Age
09-10

Cap #
 Notes
1 Ilya Kovalchuk
NJ
LW
26
$7,500,000
 Re-signed with New Jersey, 15 years, $100 million.
2 Patrick Marleau
SJ
C
29
$6,300,000
 Re-signed with the Sharks. 4 years, $27.6 million.
3 Anton Volchenkov
OTT
D
27
$3,200,000
 Signs with the Devils. 6 years, $25.5 million.
4 Paul Martin
NJ
D
28
$4,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $25 million.
5 Evgeni Nabokov
PHI
G
33
$6,000,000
 Signs with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 4 years, $6 million
6 Tomas Plekanec
MON
C
26
$2,750,000
 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 6 years, $30 million.
7 Dan Hamhuis
PIT
D
26
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Canucks. 6 years, $27 million.
8 Alexander Frolov
LA
LW
27
$4,000,000
 Signs with the Rangers. 1 year, $3 million.
9 Sergei Gonchar
PIT
D
35
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Ottawa Senators. 3 years, $16.5 million.
10 Marty Turco
DAL
G
33
$5,400,000
 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1.3 million.
11 Zbynek Michalek
PHO
D
26
$1,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $20 million.
12 Alexei Ponikarovsky
PIT
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Kings. 1 year, $3 million ($3.2 mill. cap hit)
13 Matthew Lombardi
PHO
C
27
$2,350,000
 Signed with the Predators. 3 years, $10.5 million.
14 Dan Ellis
MON
G
29
$2,000,000
 Signs with the Lightning. 2 years, $3 million.
15 Dennis Seidenberg
BOS
D
27
$2,250,000
 Re-signed with the Bruins. 4 years, $13 million.
16 Pavel Kubina
ATL
D
32
$5,000,000
 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $7.7 million.
17 Chris Mason
STL
G
33
$3,000,000
 Signs with the Thrashers. 2 years, $3.7 million
18 Henrik Tallinder
BUF
D
30
$3,250,000
 Signed with the Devils. 4 years, $13.5 million.
19 Maxim Afinogenov
ATL
RW
30
$800,000
 Signed in the KHL. 5 years.
20 Toni Lydman
BUF
D
31
$3,150,000
 Signed with the Ducks. 3 years, $9 million.
21 Lee Stempniak
PHO
RW
26
$3,500,000
 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $3.8 million.
22 Olli Jokinen
NYR
C
30
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Flames. 2 years, $6 million.
23 Alex Tanguay
TB
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.7 million.
24 Willie Mitchell
VAN
D
32
$3,500,000
 Signed with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million.
25 Michael Leighton
PHI
G
28
$600,000
 Re-signed with the Flyers. 2 years, $3.1 million.

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Canadiens send Sergei Kostitsyn to Nashville

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 29th, 2010

TSN: The Montreal Canadiens have sent Sergei Kostitsyn and future considerations to the Nashville Predators for UFA goalie Dan Ellis, RFA Dustin Boyd and future considerations.

Kostitsyn was qualified by the Canadiens the other day, surprising some because of the problems the team has had with him.

Dan Ellis posted on twitter that he’s excited to join a team with great tradition and passion.

It’s unknown at this point if he’ll be signing with the team. If he still believes he’s a #1 goalie, it won’t be with the Canadiens, who’ve pinned their hopes on Carey Price.

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No contract coming for Mike Modano from Dallas … More players placed on waivers today

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 29th, 2010

  • TSN: Ethan Moreau, Robert Nilsson and Patrick O’Sullivan were all placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers with the purpose of buying out them out. Other players that have been placed on waivers are Nathan Oystric (Ana.), Todd Fedoruk (TB), Donald Brashear (NYR), Aaron Voros (NYR) and Patrick Rissmiller (NYR). Players who cleared waivers today and are now eligible to be bought out: Jonathan Cheechoo, Petteri Nokelainen, Ales Kotalik, Jim Vandermeer, and Ville Koistenen.
  • TSN: The Dallas Star will not be offering Mike Modano a contract for next season. Modano is an unrestricted free agent, but is still unsure if he will retire or not. They’d love to bring in back in a front office capacity.

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Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Calgary Flames may also be interested in trading for Marc Savard. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be looking at free agents Dan Hamhuis and Zbynek Michalek, possibly exploring a trade for Jeff Carter before they move on to Marc Savard. Michalek may be more interested in heading to Ottawa to play with his brother. The Flames will buy out Alex Kotalik, and will cost them $1 million against the cap the for the next 4 years. If the Leafs were to deal for Savard, it probably wouldn’t happen until next week. The Leafs did not qualify John Mitchell.
  • TSN: Brian Burke was on the Fan 590 radio station yesterday. Fan 590 Audio. The Leafs have some trade options but none involve Marc Savard. They have 4 offers for Kaberle but one is “a joke”. They are not going to trade him for the best offer, but one that gives them what they need, a top 6 forward.
  • Damien Cox via Twitter: “So funny there are actual news stories saying the Leafs aren’t talking to Boston about Marc Savard. Seriously folks? Cmon.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have place Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out. Cheechoo would then be a salary cap hit of $1.165 million over the next 2 seasons. The Sens are still negotiating with Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen. They would also like to add a forward and a Dman. Shean Donovan may end up going to Europe.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dan Hamhuis spoke directly but numbers weren’t discussed. Shero discussed why he’d be a good fit, what they have, and why they’d like to have him. He told Hamhuis that “if over the next day or so he wants to move forward with that – well, let’s talk.” Shero has the option of signing him to a long term deal. Gonchar is looking for a 3 year deal at no leass than $5 million.
  • William DePaoli (InsidePittsburghSports.com) via Twitter: Colby Armstrong agent, Don Meehan, expects a stong market for his client, and is seeking a 4 year deal from a ‘hockey market’.
  • Gare Joyce of ESPN (Insider registration): Joyce runs through this years draft class and when they may be in the NHL.
    This year: Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Erik Gudbranson, Nino Niederreither, Mikael Granlund.
    Second rounders that could make it this year: John McFarland, Alexander Petrovic, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
    Maybe this year: Brett Connolly, Jeff Skinner
    Next year: Ryan Johansen, Alexander Burmistrov, Cam Fowler, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Dylan McIlrath
    2012-13: Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarsenk, Joey Hishon, Beau Bennett, Quinton Howden, Austin Watson,
    2013 and beyond: Jack Campbell, Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Jarred Tinordi, Mark Pysyk, Kevin Hayes, Mark Visentin, Charlie Coyle, Emerson Etem, and Brock Nelson.

Complete Draft Results

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Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010

Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.

  • Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd,  both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
  • Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
  • Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.


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NHL Free Agency Rumors to heat up

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 28th, 2010

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping to sign both Dan Hamhuis and Sergei Gonchar, loading up on their blueline and sacrificing bringing in a winger or two. Along with Gonchar and Hamhuis, they would have Brooks Orpik, Kris Letand and Alex Goligoski in their top 5. This would give an opportunity to some of their young forward, giving them a chance at claiming spot with the big club. I think the Pens would have to get both at a reasonable number (or reasonable combined number) to make this a reality.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It appears the Washington Capitals won’t be able to afford Anton Volchenkov, so they may turn their eyes to Willie Mitchell. Mitchell made about $3.5 million last season with the Canucks, and has had concussion problems. If the Penguins can’t sign Dan Hamhuis before July 1st, the Canucks are rumored to be interested in him. The St. Louis Blues and Jaroslav Halak could be talking about a deal in the $4 million range. Marty Turco could end up in San Jose for $3 million.
  • Myfoxphilly.com: While the Flyers hope to sign Evgeni Nabokov before he hits free agency, the San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested in former Flyers goalie, Michael Leighton.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets don’t expect to do much on July 1st when the free agency period opens. GM Scott Howson has a few things in mind, but won’t overpay and inturn, hurting the team in the long run. They will look to sign a 4th line center, and may look at a trade or 2 to rebuild their blueline. 5 players they could look at, at a $1 million or less are: Adam Burish, Dominic Moore, Ryan Johnson, Krys Barch and Ryan Hollweg. It might take a couple months for them to make a trade for a defenseman. The Jackets have $47.6 million tied up in 18 players, not including Nikita Filatov who is expected to be back.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: With the salary cap increasing by $2.6 million to $59.4, teams have a little more room to sign their own free agents, or keep a player or 2 they may have had to trade due to cap restraints. The Sabres would like to bring back Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman, but both may believe there is more money for them in the open market. “They’d like to come back, we’d love to have them back, but you’ve got so much money to spend — it doesn’t matter what team you are, you make decisions.” The Sabres will also be looking at the trade route, and will be buyers instead of sellers.

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