Archive for August, 2010

Kovalchuk decision today … New player in Phoenix ownership … Niemi close to new home

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 31st, 2010

  • Tom Gulitti of the Record: The NHL spent Monday reviewing Ilya Kovalchuk’s 15 year, $100 million contract, with an announcement likely coming today. It is not known if the league has already let the Devils know their decision, before it would released to the public. The NHL must rule before 5:00 pm on Wednesday or the contract would deemed approved and registered. According to tweets by Nick Kypreos, Kovalchuk would be paid $90 million over the first 10 seasons, and $10 million over the last 5. In the last year of the deal he is scheduled to have a base salary of $4 million, with the average salary over the final 3 seasons being $2.6 million.
  • Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal: An undisclosed wealthy person is interested in purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes from the NHL, and keeping the team in Glendale. Details are limited, but could be made public soon, they have asked to keep the negotiations private. The Ice Edge Holdings group have taken a backseat and they have been focusing on bringing an ECHL team to Thunder Bay, Ontario. If a deal is not in place by December 31st to keep the team Phoenix, they will look to sell the team to someone, and move them Canada.
  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: According to a source of Murphy, the Bruins are still “actively shopping” Marc Savard. His contract investigations have hampered talks. The Bruins are still over the salary cap ceiling and need to get under before the start of the season.
  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli originally told Steve Begin that they wouldn’t be bringing him back, but according to Begin they are still  interested, but currently sit $3 million over the cap. Begin told RDS that the Bruins are trying to do some things, but the market is slow.
  • Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: Source telling Rogers that Antti Niemi is close to deciding where he’ll play next season, with a decision possibly coming in the next 48 hours. He has offers from multiple teams.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke says there is some progress being made with RFA, Christian Hanson, and he expects it to be done by training camp.
  • Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas: There is still no decision by Jere Lehtinen on if he’ll play next season, but according to a Finnish paper, Lehtinen is giving serious consideration into not playing next season. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said that he hasn’t been working out as much as he normally does when preparing for the season.

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Thornton-Sharks talking extension … On why Kovalchuk deal should be accepted … Devils moving Zajac?

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

  • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Joe Thornton is having preliminary talks with the San Jose Sharks about a contract extension. The 31-year old Thornton will be a UFA at seasons end. Thornton has a cap hit of $7.2 million this season according to capgeek.com.
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: On why the new Kovalchuk deal should get approved. Rejected deal had $2.75 million over the last 5 years. New deal, $10 million over the last 5 years.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Rumors are out there that Travis Zajac could be one of the players the New Jersey Devils move to make room for Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils could be looking to move Bryce Salvador and Dainius Zubrus. The 25-year old Zajac is the teams number 1 center, and has a cap hit of $3.89 million for the next 3 years. Zajac had 25 goals and totalled 67 last year.
  • Mike Hume of ESPN: Trading Zajac would be a serious hit to the Devils. Jason Arnott would then be the teams top center. Zajac could bring back a decent return in prospects and/or draft picks. The Washington Capitals have been looking for a 2nd line center and have a deep farm system. 2009 draft pick, Jacob Josefson, would be a possible internal replacement.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Sources are telling Murphy that nothing will most likely come from the Marc Savard contract investigations. The investigation is hampering trade talks.
  • Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby’s agent said they are negotiating with the Detroit Red Wings, and that a deal could be finalized this week. The deal will most likely be a 2-way deal.  Maltby did talk with other teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Oilers re-sign Sam Gagne … Lee Stempniak re-signs with Coyotes

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

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Sam Gagner re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers yesterday. The deal is for 2 years and $4.55 million, a cap hit of $2.275 million.

    Gagne was drafted 6th overall in 2007, and has recorded 131 points in 223 games. Gagne is coming off a 41 point season, were he scored 15 goals and added 26 assists in 68 games. In his rookie season he produced his highest point total with 49, while missing only 3 games.

  • Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Lee Stempniak has re-signed with Phoenix Coyotes. It’s a 2 year deal worth $3.5 million, a $1.75 million cap hit. Stempniak turned his game around after being acquired from the Maple Leafs, scoring 14 goals in 18 games. His game tailed off in the playoffs where he recorded only 2 assists in 7 games. In 62 games with the Leafs last year,  he scored 14 goals with 16 assists in 62 games.

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Kovalchuk decision by Wednesday … Staal not looking for offer sheet … 5 teams interested in Kennedy … Penner to Kings?

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

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL has until Wednesday to decide if they are going to reject or accept the latest Ilya Kovalchuk contract. The contract is said to be 15 years and $100 million, a $6.67 million cap hit. The Devils will then have to shed more than $3 million in salary, plus an extra couple million for injury call-ups. Some say Lou has some deals ready to go if the contract is accepted. Dallas could be interested in Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) could be moved.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Kovalchuk saga could be coming to an end soon (thank god). Kovalchuk may have received some interest throughout this process from the Kings, Islanders, Stars, Blues and KHL SKA St. Petersburg. During Monday’s meeting with the league, Kovalchuk reportedly gave a weekend deadline for the leagues approval and threatened that the KHL could be possible.
  • Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tim Kennedy is still one of the unsigned forwards looking for an NHL contract. 5 teams have shown interest in Kennedy, possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers. He thinks he can get a one-way contract but realizes he might have to take two-way deal.
  • Chris Custance of the Sporting News: Getting an offer sheet isn’t being focused on by Marc Staal’s agent, Paul Krepelka. Krepelka said there is no truth to the rumor that they were hoping to get one.

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Kariya out next season … Could Guerin end up in LA? Oilers nixed a Souray-Hartnell deal last year?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 28th, 2010

  • Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Paul Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley, issued a statement saying that Paul Kariya will sit out the 2010-11 season with post-concussion syndrome. Kariya has a history of concussion problems, and missed 6 games last season with a concussion. There was no mention of him retiring.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bill Guerin signed with the Los Angeles Kings. Kings GM Dean Lombardi and Guerin have a western Massachusetts connection.
  • JP Hoornstra of the LA Daily News: Joffery Lupul’s mysterious blood ailment will keep him off skates until he’s re-evaluated on September 20th. He’s still confident that he’ll be ready for the season opener.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton TV sportscaster, Kevin Karius said the Edmonton Oilers came close to to sending Sheldon Souray to the Philadelphia Flyers for Scott Hartnell last season. Journal reporter Jim Matheson also confirmed that it almost happened as well.

    “Steve Tambellini offered Sheldon Souray to the Flyers for Scott Hartnell. And Hartnell has a no-trade clause and Paul Holmgren went to Hartnell and said, ‘Listen, the Oilers are interested in you. Would you waive your no trade?’ And Hartnell said, ‘You know, I’d like to, I wouldn’t mind going to Edmonton and playing.’

    “He’s a Lloydminster guy. He’s an Alberta guy. He likes it here. I think it would have been a kind of a homecoming for him. A power forward, kind of what the Oilers need. So he said, ‘Go ahead.’ So Paul Holmgren phoned Tamby back and said, ‘Here is the deal. It’s done if you want it,’ and Tamby pulled out.

  • Greg Wyshynski of Puddy Daddy talked to a source close to Hartnell that said Hartnell has never waived his no-movement clause, or been asked to waive it.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Brendan Morrison, Jeff Halpren and Mike Comrie are just a couple UFA’s that don’t have any contract offers, and might have to take a training camp invite if they don’t get any offers between now and the start of training camp. The Penguins are looking at forwards who they could invite to camp. Patrick O’Sullivan is getting interest from several clubs who are interested in bringing him in on tryout basis. O’Sullivan is considered a bit of risk (and worth the risk in my opinion, there’s no doubting the kid is talented). Scouts say his fundamentals are flawed and there are concerns about his desire to play in the NHL. Indications are that the Penguins don’t have an interest, but O’Sullivan’s side has contacted the Penguins.
  • Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin may be suspended by the NHL for his drunk driving charges, to go along with his possible jail time.

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Kovalchuk saga coming to a close soon

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 27th, 2010

3:15 pm: EJ Hradek via twitter: “As of 3:02 pm ET, NHL Deputy Commish Bill Daly says the league has not yet signed off on concepts for new Kovy-Devils deal.”

2:33 pm: Tom Gulitti is tweeting that there might not be an announcement from the Devils until Saturday.

Will DePaoli is reporting that the deal could be in the $84-$91 million, 12-13 year range.

Gulitti gets another confirmation on the deal being approved. Dmitry Chesnokov is confirming as well.

2:11 pm: According to Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter, the latest and possibly the last Ilya Kovalchuk proposal was sent to the league several hours ago. Tom Gulitti says it’s looking like the Devils-Kovalchuk got the thumbs up from the league. Greg Wyshynski, a source told Dmitry that the NHL will approved the proposal.

It was reported earlier through Chesnokov by Pavel Lysenkov who spoke with Kovalchuk’s Russian agent, that if he were to sign a KHL contract, he would spend the entire season there. There were reports earlier that Kovalchuk could start the season in the KHL, and return to the NHL once a contract was finalized.

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Staal’s return delayed … Ducks looking for D depth … Bergfors-Thrashers not close … Pens not talking to Kariya or Svatos

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 27th, 2010

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal has “experienced a couple of setbacks” from the torn tendon is his foot. They will take it easy with him and there is no need for concern if he misses a couple days or weeks.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are looking to add some ‘low cost depth options’ on the point, but it’s possible they enter camp with what they have. The Ducks have considered trading for Kevin Bieksa, but the Canucks aren’t in a rush to move him any more.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Jiri Lehtinen isn’t ready to make a decision yet if he’ll return to the Stars or retire. Mike Ribeiro’s no-trade clause stipulates that he can name 10 that he doesn’t want to be traded to (that doesn’t sound like much of a ‘no-trade’ clause to me if you name teams you don’t want to be traded to).  The Stars want to sign RFA James Neal to a 2 year deal, Neal is fine with a 1 or 2 year deal.
  • Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens have yet to talk to Andre Markov about a contract extension. Markov is a UFA after the season, GM Pierre Gauthier told Markov’s agent “(Gauthier) wants to wait until the right time”.
  • Eric Engels via twitter: Engels thinks the Canadiens would be foolish if they weren’t interested in Bill Guerin.
  • Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley says that they remain ways apart with RFA Niclas Bergfors, not close on “value of player.”
  • The Hockey Writers: Marek Svatos’ agent Richard Evans, “Marek would certainly be able to provide offence for a team like Pittsburgh,” Evans told THW Tuesday.  “Pittsburgh is a team that Marek would be very interested in joining…on paper it looks like a good fit — but ultimately that is up to Ray [Shero].”

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Kovalchuk to the KHL? Pens and Bruins say no Guerin

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 26th, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: With the KHL season starting on Sept. 8th, there is the possibility that Kovalchuk starts there, then returns to the NHL when is contract is finalized.
  • Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Lysenkov called Kovalchuk’s Russian agent, who confirmed that he called Medvedev’s assistant, not the KHL president.
  • Will DePaoli via twitter: A source told DePaoli that the feeling was that GM Ray Shero was interested in bringing Bill Guerin back, but the rest of the organization/coaching staff wasn’t.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The St. Louis Blues have been contacted by the Anaheim Ducks equipment people about Paul Kariya. It appears that he’ll be playing with the Ducks, but he still won’t say that he’s playing next year.

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Kovalchuk’s agent calls KHL … Why Mitchell didn’t sign with the Sharks, Canucks … Fehr in as NHLPA leader?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 26th, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: According to @plysenkov and their mutual sources, the league is looking for a 13 year contract for Kovalchuk.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: KHL president Alexander Medvedev said that he received a call from Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk’s agent, and he remains hopeful that the KHL is still an option.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Medvedev is still hopeful that his club, SKA St. Petersberg can sign Kovalchuk. “Ilya knows that our proposal is still on the table,” Medvedev said. “Actually, I got a call from his agent. I will call (him back) after I finishing the discussion with you.” Gary Bettman said yesterday that the NHL did not reject a second contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk (reports were that the ‘framework’ had been rejected). Bill Daly said he thinks that Kovalchuk will stay but league will stand by their rejection of the contract even if Kovalchuk leaves for Russia.
  • David Pollack  of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks, and at least 2 other teams were unwilling to offer Willie Mitchell a multi-year deal, money wasn’t the issue. A front-office source says the Sharks won’t be bringing back Owen Nolan. Sources also tell Pollack that the team isn’t interested in Antti Niemi.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: With the Canucks over the salary cap by around $3 million, they couldn’t offer Mitchell a lot. They were offered him a one-year deal in the $1.8-$2 million range.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources are saying that Donald Fehr will be taking over as the executive director of the NHLPA.  Fehr stepped down from the MLBPA last year, and has been link to the NHLPA for months. The NHL 30 player reps will put it to a vote, which may not be completed until after the season starts.

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Kings reach agreement with Mitchell … Bieksa staying a Canuck for now? Lou-Grossman back at it

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 25th, 2010

Update: LAKingsInsider.com: Mitchell signs with the Kings for 2 years, $7 million.

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Clubs have been notified they are out of the Mitchell running. LA should be announcing multi-year deal soon.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Brian Burke said that neither Kaberle or his agent have expressed that Tomas was unhappy with the Leafs or Ron Wilson to him.
  • Katie Stange via twitter: The structure of Doug Weight’s contract with the Islanders is finalized, should be made official a couple days.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: There is a good chance that Kevin Bieksa will start the season as a Vancouver Canuck. “The trade market is barren” and the Canucks have some cap flexibility with Sami Salo and Alex Burrows expected to go on IR. Bieksa is the clubs only healthy right handed shot.
  • Tom Gulitti of the Record: Lou Lamoriello and Jay Grossman are back at it trying to get an acceptable contract for Ilya Kovalchuk. Lou says he’s not frustrated by this process.

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Kovalchuk framework rejected … Staal hoping for offer sheet … Lehtinen undecided

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 25th, 2010

Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL criticized the framework of a contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk that was presented to them on Monday. This could jeopardize Kovalchuk staying in the NHL, as the frameworks of his contract(s) have taken weeks to formulate, and the start of the KHL is just around the corner (Sept. 8th). Lou may not want to go back to the ‘drawing board’ on another contract. Training camp starts on the 17th, and he’ll need to move out players to get under the cap if Kovalchuk is signed.

Tom Gulitti of the Record: The Devils and Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, have been working on the framework of deal for the last 16 days, and only to have it not approved. Monday’s framework was not the first they submitted to the league.

Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette doesn’t have a sense when Chris Pronger will return from knee surgery, but isn’t that concerned.

Arthur Staple via twitter: It’s not definite that Marc Staal will be a training camp holdout. He has no leverage, and is still hoping for an offer sheet.

CapGeek via twitter: After the Vancouver Canucks signed Raffi Torres (1 year, $1 million), they now have 24 players on one-way contracts and are $3.6 million over the salary cap.

Adam Proteau of the Hockey News: Leafs coach Ron Wilson wants to sit down with Tomas Kaberle and have a face-to-face to talk about the rumors that they don’t get along. Kaberle’s father told a Czech publication that Tomas isn’t likely to re-sign with the team as long as Wilson is still the coach.

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars winger Jiri Lehtinen is still undecided about returning next season. Lehtinen and GM Joe Nieuwendyk are expected to meet today.

Ben Wright of Blueland Blog: The Atlanta Thrashers have invited Kyle McLaren to their training camp on a tryout.

Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: It makes some sense that the Thrashers are possibly interested in Lee Stempniak, as they are looking to replace goals lost by Maxim Afingenov who left for the KHL.

Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Neither Jose Theodore or Vesa Toskala was interested in signing with the KHL’s Traktor.

EJ Hradek and Richard Pollock of ESPN: Though the Florida Panthers have 6 NHL caliber defenseman, their 2010 3rd overall pick, Eric Gudbranson will be given a shot at making the roster.

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Afternoon rumor updates for Kovalchuk, Salvador, Souray, Ryan and Guerin

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 24th, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: “Contract, framework, blank contract = technicalities. If the NHL OKs what was submitted to them, Kovalchuk will sign on the dotted line.”
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Devils and Kovalchuk’s agent ran a new contract structure past the NHL. It could be passed today. A source tells Everson that Lou is trying to deal Bryce Salvador and his $2.9 million contract. Dallas could be a destination for Salvador.
  • Mike Mazzeo of the Star-Ledger: Bill Daly told ESPN that “There was no new contract submitted. We talked conceptually.” Lou Lamoriello wouldn’t comment on the situation.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have offered Bobby Ryan 5 years and $25 million, and 4 years and $18.6 million, both were turned down as he’s looking for 3 year deal.

    “I don’t want a trade,” Ryan told the Register on Monday following a workout. “I’m not asking for a trade. I want to be here in Anaheim. This is where I want to be.

    “If it comes to a situation where there’s heads butting, then I guess it would be best. But I am not looking for a trade. I have no intentions of being traded. I love it here and want to remain a Duck.”

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini is still trying hard to trade Sheldon Souray. Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano are both without a contract still. Souray cleared waivers weeks ago with no takers. There have been the Souray to Caps for Tomas Fleischmann rumors, but the Caps may be looking for more stay-at-home defenseman, Willie Mitchell. Cogliano and the Oilers are off on the dollar amount, and haven’t had extensive talks.

Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Owen Nolan has been skating with some players from the San Jose Sharks, and would like to play for another 2 years.

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Top 100 Salary Cap Hits

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 24th, 2010

A players annual salary has become second fiddle to what the salary cap number is. Front-loading or back-loading of contracts makes it harder to judge what the player is actual worth on a year-to-year basis.

Players salaries have become public knowledge over the last couple years, with fans paying close attention to what a player makes, and if he’s living up to the salary. When he’s not, he’s most likely to hear about it from the fans and media.

With this in mind, I put together a list of the top 100 NHL salary cap hits for the 2010-2011 season (Kovalchuk will added when he signs). Too see if a player is living up to this contract, I included the amount of points they tallied last season, goal against average for goalies, and their ranking compared to the rest of the league (forwards and defenseman are listed separately). I know points/stats aren’t the be-all-end-all on a players value, but it’s what we’re using here as a measure.

Do to the size of chart, it’s been given a separate page. Follow the link, Top 100 Salary Cap Hits for Next Season and their 2009-10 Stat Rank

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World Hockey Summit … Kovalchuk side/Devils meet with League … Mitchell deciding soon … Luongo out as Captain?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on August 24th, 2010

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  • EJ Hradek via twitter: Meeting at the League office in New York yesterday involving Kovalchuk’s agent, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello and Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis will be looking into the the team’s captaincy between now and the beginning of training camp. Roberto Luongo is still the team’s captain (I’ve never understood that move), but Henrik Sedin could be ready to take over.
  • Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Joffrey Lupul has a re-occurrence of a blood infection in his back and will miss the beginning of training camp, and may not be ready for the start of the season. Lupul is taking antibotics and is not able to do any excercise for the next 4 weeks. He’ll be re-evaluted on September 20th.
  • Jeff Marek of CBCSports: A summary of some happenings at the World Hockey Summit. Slava Fetisov says that Russia isn’t interested in transfer agreements with the NHL but will work together to go the game worldwide. Daniel Afredsson says the larger ice surfaces creates a slower game, perfers NHL ice size. Yzerman said the lack of arenas in Florida has hurt the development of the sport.

    And at the end of Day 1, many of us came away with the same question: What is this?

    I’d like to say it was a discussion but it really wasn’t. Hockey personalities from across the globe, representing a myriad of different interests, had their say on their “sweet-spot” topics and then answered a couple of questions. Each session lasted no longer than 30 minutes.

  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Now that Bryan Little has signed, the Atlanta Thrashers will now focus on re-signing Niclas Bergfors. GM Rick Dudley also said the team has touched base with Lee Stempniak. They may leave a roster spots open for young players like Patrice Cormier and Alexander Burmistrov.

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Cristobal Huet being loaned to Swiss team

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 23rd, 2010

  • Chris Kuc of Chicago Breaking News: According to Cristobal Huet’s agent, Stephen Barlett, they are in discussions with Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss League. The Blackhawks would loan the goalie to the team on a one-year agreement. Once it becomes official, Huet’s $5.625 million cap number would come off the books. Huet will have to clear waivers and then be assigned to the team.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: Both the Blackhawks and Huet have known for weeks that Huet would be playing in Europe. Discussions have been ongoing for several weeks with the Swiss team.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: A good point was made by ‘@felixpotvin‘ (Chemmy of Pension Plan Puppets) that “Loaning” a player to another team and taking their cap number off the books is apparently not circumventing the salary cap.

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Kovalchuk could re-sign with Devils today or tomorrow

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 23rd, 2010

12:57 pm: Will DePaoli via twitter: Framework of Kovalchuk deal could be done, believed to be 12-13 years in the $84 – $91 million range. Kovalchuk only had negotiations with the Devils since his contract was rejected.

9:41 am: Pavel Lysenkov (Sovetsky Sport’s) via twitter: Most likely today (possibly tomorrow), Ilya Kovalchuk will be re-signing with the New Jersey Devils. Dmitry Chesnokov is hearing the same thing.

It will be interesting to see the structure of the new contract, both in years and yearly salary. Once announced and after the league goes through it, (though contract investigations can go on for years) the Devils will have to start moving out contracts to get under the cap.

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Bryan Little Re-signs … Souray thinks he’ll be traded … Kronwall’s knees still bothering him

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 23rd, 2010

  • Sportsnet.ca: Sheldon Souray thinks he’ll be traded by the start of the season, and that the Oilers have done nothing to smooth things over.
  • George Malik of MLive: Niklas Kronwall’s left knee isn’t recovering as planned and may require surgery. The club opted not to go that route after the playoffs, but he’s heading to Detroit early to have the doctors look at it.

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Penguins to decide on Guerin next week … Lecavalier under the knife … One rule change

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 22nd, 2010

  • Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune: Lecavalier will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair the meniscus. Recovery time is 3-4 weeks, so he’ll be ready for training camp.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero told his coaches that he’ll make a decision on Bill Guerin next week. Guerin would need to take a pay cut from the $2 million he made last year.
  • EJ Hradek via twitter: The NHL has confirmed one rule change, “Regulation/OT wins (shootout Ws EXCLUDED) now will be first way to break ties in the standings.”

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Mitchell to wait until after the weekend … Little signing soon … Savard not being traded?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 21st, 2010

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Willie Mitchell won’t make a decision on where he’ll sign until after the weekend. Canucks, Sharks, Kings and Capitals are still in it.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Sources are telling Dreger that Marc Savard won’t be traded, though he’s seen a few rumors that say otherwise.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues Barrett Jackman and Eric Brewer may have been offered to the Capitals at some point, but the Capitals may not have wanted them, or they didn’t like the return. Rutherford couldn’t see the Blues trading David Backes for Tomas Kaberle, even though they could use a player like Kaberle.
  • Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: It’s most likely going to be awkward for Tomas Kaberle and the Maple Leafs this season. Burke probably won’t have to ask Kaberle to waive his no trade clause, Kaberle, his agent, and father know the situation. Kaberle loves Toronto but must know that it’s over. There are a few problems though facing Burke and the Leafs. The team continues to miss the playoffs,  the Kessel trade still gets at the fans and media, and the offense needs to improve. Burke needs/wants to get equal value of Kaberle whenever he’s able to trade him. Burke is having trouble getting what he wants while Kaberle is a year away from being a UFA. Money then becomes an issue if he’s looking for more than the $4.25 million he’s currently making.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The sale of the Dallas Stars won’t be finalized until early September at the earliest. The final price is not known, Forbes was reporting between $275 and $300 million.

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Nothing new on Kovalchuk talks … Semin okay after car accident … Caps talking to Vancouver and Edmonton

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 20th, 2010

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello says “everything is status quo” on Kovalchuk talks. Then asked if  still trying to sign him “Yes. I said I’m not going to comment until everything has come to a conclusion.”
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Kovalchuk’s agent told SovSport that he’s hasn’t received any indication that Kovalchuk is considering the KHL. (This is great news for my fantasy hockey keeper team. The Aki Bergala’s are hoping the Kings steal him away from the Devils)
  • Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: The Washington Capitals have been talking to the Edmonton Oilers about Sheldon Souray, and the Vancouver Canucks about Kevin Bieksa. Tomas Fleischmann has been rumored to be heading the other way in both potential deals.
  • Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke would like the “World Cup of Hockey” to be brought back and played every 2 years as an alternate to the IIHF World Championship. The NHL and the players are barely compensated for World Championship and the Olympics.

    “Each NHL team shuts down their business for close to three weeks while the Olympic Games are played. In return, fans, management and owners are often rewarded with tired or broken players on their return from Olympic competition.

    “And it’s not fair that the athletes themselves are not compensated for their participation. They run the risk of injury in international tournaments, which can threaten their NHL livelihood.”

  • Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames currently have 22 players under contract at $61 million. There’s still plenty of time for the team to get under the $59.4 million salary cap. The team chose not to buyout Ales Kotalik, which would have put them under the salary cap. They have 8 defenseman on 1-way contracts. The Flames could move one of their defenseman, or bury one in the minors.

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