Archive for July, 2011
Khabibulin doesn’t have to wear pink underwear … Hints on Modano … Canucks could make moves … Savard doubtful for this year
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 31st, 2011
- Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin arrived at jail yesterday for his 15 day stay. Officials have said he won’t have to wear the “black and white stripped uniform and pink underwear” during his stay at the tent city jail.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are still waiting to hear if Teemu Selanne will retire or come back for another season. If he does decide to play, it will be with the Ducks. Some players still remain unsigned: Mike Modano, John Madden, Chris Drury, JP Dumont, Cory Stillman, Nikolai Zherdev, Bryan McCabe, Scott Hannan, Nick Boynton, Chris Campoli, Paul Mara.
- Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano was on a Dallas radio show on Friday, and when asked if he’ll play again, Modano responded: “I don’t know. I think that was the swan song.” He later answered “Not yet” when asked if he wanted to make a retirement announcement on the show.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman said “We’re still looking at areas to improve the hockey team,” … “There is money to be spent.” A Brad Winchester signing is not imminent, the interest may be more from Winchester’s side and not from the Canucks. The Canucks could look at a trade as they have “a glut of borderline second liners and a backup goalie who is ready to be a starter for another team.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli won’t comment on Brad Marchand contract negotiations, but he’ll most likely be signed to a 2 year deal, possibly in the $2.25 million per season range. Center David Krejci is entering the final year of his 3 year, $11.25 million contract. They may begin talks with Krejci, who could be looking for a deal in the $5 million per year range. It is doubtful that Marc Savard plays this year. “As a layperson,’’ Chiarelli said, “I’d be very surprised if Marc will be playing this coming year.’’
Kings file grievance of Fraser … Devils re-sign Parise … Doughty update … NHL gets offer for Stars … Zherdev likes Jets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 30th, 2011
- Dan Tencer via twitter: The LA Kings have filed a grievance over the health issues of Colin Fraser, who was acquired from the Oilers for Ryan Smyth.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NJ Devils and Zach Parise avoided arbitration and signed a 1 year deal worth $6 million.
“Knowing that nothing was going to get done long-term right now, this gives us a springboard for further negotiations,” general manager Lou Lamoriello said.
“There was no question that [Parise] was going to get a one-year contract, and settling it where both parties feel good about it is a platform to get something longer done,” Lamoriello said.
If Parise isn’t signed to a long-term deal, he’ll become a UFA after this season.
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: LA King GM Dean Lombardi on Drew Doughty contract talks,
“I’m fairly confident that we’ll be able to get this done.”
“We’ve been talking,” Lombardi said. “We’re trying to hammer it out, but I don’t think I really have a handle on it yet.”
One of the problems involved is the lack of comparables for Doughty. Dion Phaneuf’s 6 year, $39 million deal could be the best comparable. Shea Weber is still working on a new deal with the Predators. Phaneuf had 54 goals, 105 assists and was a +27 after 243 games. Doughty has 33 goals, 93 assists and a +16 after 239 games. Doughty has better puck skills and skating ability than Phaneuf. It was reported a couple weeks ago that the Kings offered up to 9 years at more than $6.5 million a season. Doughty could become a UFA in 4 years under the current CBA.
- Mike Hieka of the Dallas Morning News: 2 sources have said that Tom Gaglardi and Monarch Investments have sent an offer to the NHL to buy the Dallas Stars. There are over 40 lenders involved and everyone may not get paid as the sale price could be lower than the debt.
“In a traditional sale, you have a seller who is trying to negotiate with a buyer, and you have traditional sale practices. But this isn’t a traditional sale,” said one source. “You have a group of sellers who have different opinions, and that really means you don’t have a seller, per se. Into that vacuum has stepped a lot of lawyers, and that has made the process very complicated.”
Other offers can still be put forth, Gaglardi would have the option to increase his offer or walk away. The NHL allowed at least 4 groups to look at the Stars’ books.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Nikolai Zherdev would like to play for the Winnipeg Jets. There hasn’t been any indication if the Jets are interested.
“The weather is not a priority to me,” Zherdev told broadstreethockey.com. “The most important thing is to get a good role on the team, a good coach and a good contract. Everything related to climate and geography doesn’t basically mean anything.
“I don’t know all the details of the situation. The agent does,” said Zherdev. “But I can say that I’m seriously considering all offers from both NHL and KHL.”
- Toronto Sun: Alexei Kovalev has signed a 2 year deal with Atlant Mytischi of the KHL. Brent Sopel signed a 2 year with Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the KHL.
Savard still has headaches … Parise update … Isles fallout after Rolston trade involving Yashin, Comeau and Komisarek
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 29th, 2011
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins center Marc Savard is still complaining of headaches according to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. Unless things turnaround soon, it doesn’t look like he’ll be at training camp.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise said he doesn’t know “one way or the other” if they can reach a deal before their arbitration hearing on Wednesday.
“I think it’s the same,” Parise said. “We’re working on it. We’re trying to get it figured out so we can avoid that.”
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: After yesterday’s trade, the Devils have about $8.5 million in cap space. Parise comments on his contract:
“I’ve said all along that’s where I want to be, that’s where I want to play so I haven’t planned on anything different,” Parise told NHL.com Thursday night.
“You know what it is, it’s a pretty unique situation and I don’t know,” Parise said. “The whole time I’ve kept the negotiating pretty private, but it does start to get a little nerve-wracking at this time just because so many different things can happen and you just don’t know what direction it’s going to go right now.”
- Chris Botta via twitter: Sources are saying that the Brian Rolston trade was a prelude to another trade that the Islanders are working on. BD Gallof via twitter: About the Islanders rumored interest in Mike Komisarek, the Isles wanted him badly as a free agent. Gallof heard that he didn’t want to play for his hometown due to the added pressure. (and there are less pressures playing in Toronto?)
- Brian Compton via twitter: Compton thinks the Rolston trade should end the Yashin rumors. Andy Strickland via twitter: There is nothing imminent between Alexei Yashin and the Islanders. If they do a deal, it likely wouldn’t be until next week. Brian Compton via twitter: GM Garth Snow on Yashin: “I think I said what I had to say last week. I’m not gonna go down that avenue again.” Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Yashin’s agent thinks there is there is room for him on the Islanders. “As far as I’m concerned, it does not affect what we’re doing with the Islanders,” Gandler told Sporting News on Thursday. Agent Mark Gandler hasn’t spoken to any other NHL teams.
- Brian Compton via twitter: Garth Snow said that Mark Streit “feels great” and is “right on schedule.”
- Katie Strang of Newsday: It looks like Islanders forward Blake Comeau won’t get a deal done before their arbitration hearing next Thursday. Comeau is coming off a 24 goal, 22 assist season where he made $800,000.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof sees the Isles 3rd line as Rolston, Bailey and Nino. Comeau could be used a trade bait for a defenseman.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Rolston said that he basically waived his no-trade clause in December.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks could be interested in signing 6′ 5″ forward Brad Winchester.
Devils trade Brian Rolston to the Islanders for Trent Hunter
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on July 28th, 2011
The New Jersey Devils have sent forward Brian Rolston to the New York Islanders for forward Trent Hunter.
Brian Rolston had to waive his no-trade clause for the deal to go through. He has a cap hit of $5,062,500 in the last year of his deal. His salary is $5 million.
Trent Hunter carries a $2 million cap hit (salary is the same) for the next 2 years.
This deal looks to be all about the cap numbers. The Islanders needed to take on salary to get to the salary floor which is just over $48 million. The Devils needed some cap relief to make is easier to re-sign Zach Parise.
Shea Weber update … Emery gets tryout from ‘Hawks … Khabibulin heading to ‘Tent City’ … Some remaining UFAs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Predators have their arbitration hearing on August 2nd if a deal can’t get done before.
“It would be way better for the player and the team to negotiate a contract,” Predators General Manager David Poile said. “But the arbitration gives you that ability if you can’t do that. And right now that’s where we fall if we can’t get a contract done.”
Yesterday morning Poile said he tried contacting Weber’s agents but hadn’t heard back from them.
“We are preparing to go to Toronto (for arbitration),” Poile said. “Would I like to sign Shea to a longer-term contract vs. going to arbitration? Absolutely.”
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Goalie Ray Emery will be attending the Chicago Blackhawks training camp on a tryout. He’ll battle Alexander Salak for the backup position. The Blackhawks will have until Oct. 1st to decide whether to sign him or not. “He’s an NHL goalie,” Barry said. “He’s there to play in the NHL. That’s what the plan is. He would not want to start in the ‘A.’ He certainly intends to be worthy of a one-way deal.”
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro would welcome Alexei Yashin back.
- Conal Pierse of the Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin will spend 15 days in Arizona’s Tent City Jail. “There will be no coffee, no salt, no cigarettes, no porno, no movies,” Arpaio said. “The only television we give them is the weather channel, so they can see how hot it is.”
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: There are some big names left on the free agent market, but their better years may be behind them. Some may be forced to leave the league, take big pay cuts or retire. Teemu Selanne still hasn’t informed the Ducks what he plans on doing. Some other players available are: Bryan McCabe, Chris Drury, Scott Hannan, Cory Stillman, Nikolai Zherdev, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Samsonov, John Madden, Marty Turco, Mike Modano.
- Winnipeg Sun: A Russian news organization is saying that Nikolai Zherdev wants to play for the Jets. No word if they want him or not.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Callahan salary breakdown: $4 million, $4 million, and $4.85 million.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Rangers have no plans to buyout forward Wojtek Wolski in the next buyout window.
Lamoriello will everything he can to re-sign Parise … Callahan-Rangers hope to get deal done … Gauthier cautious with Gorges … Isles-Yashin still talking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 27th, 2011
Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: “We’ll do everything we can,” Lou Lamoriello said in regards to re-signing Zach Parise before his August 3rd arbitration hearing. “That’s the total focus right now,” Lamoriello said. Lamoriello is also still talking with RFA defenseman Maxim Noreau, who’s also considering playing in Switzerland.
Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The Rangers will now turn their attention to RFA Ryan Callahan. They have an arbitration hearing set for Thursday but both sides would like to a deal done before then. There is a 48 hour buyout window later that the Rangers may take advantage of if they are unable to a make a trade to clear some money off the books.
Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier “took the cautious route” in his negotiations with Josh Gorges who is coming of knee surgery. The 1 year, $2.5 million will leave Gorges a UFA after this season. Will the Canadiens be able to re-sign him or would have it been better to offer him a 4 year, $12 million deal? Gorges could have a good season and another team could give him an offer he can’t refuse. There are rumblings that Gauthier could be looking to add another forward. So far their lines could look like: “Tomas Plekanec between Michael Cammalleri and Erik Cole, while Scott Gomez centres newlywed Max Pacioretty and Brian Gionta. Lars Eller will start with Andrei Kostitsyn and Travis Moen, with David Desharnais centring Ryan White and Mathieu Darche.
Katie Strang of Newsday: Alexei Yashin and the Islanders are still talking.
“The thing is, I’m an unrestricted free agent,” Yashin said by phone Monday. “I’ll look at all situations. We’ll see what is the right decision for me.”
Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks and Jannik Hansen’s agent will exchange briefs before Friday’s arbitration hearing.
“You see the opposing side’s case, you then have two days to prepare your presentation and rebuttal,” Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman said Tuesday. “You know what the other side’s position is at that point.”
Camping time
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 25th, 2011
There won’t be any posts Monday or Tuesday mornings as I am camping.
‘Collusion’ surrounding Stamkos and Doughty? Malone ready for training camp … Prospal signs with Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 24th, 2011
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: 3 ex-Bruins are still on the market: Sergei Samsonov, Nick Boynton, and Paul Mara. Dupont brings up the word ‘collusion’, as he wonders about no one putting forth an offer sheet for Steven Stamkos as “they simply opt not to violate the wink-wink, nudge-nudge gentlemen’s agreement that mysteriously has GMs unwilling to raid their competitors’ rosters.” A realistic comparison for RFA Brad Marchand could be Lightning’s Teddy Purcell who signed a 2 year deal with a cap hit of $2.36 million. Could also do a 3 year, $9 million deal. The Winnipeg Jets told Manitoba native Shane Hnidy that there may not be room for him on their blueline after he asked them if they needed help. The Lightning have a lot of money tied up in there top 3, and not a lot left to for $2-3 million 3rd liners. Ryan Malone and his $4.5 million cap hit could be moved. Rumors have Craig MacTavish possibly coaching Vancouver’s AHL affiliate in Chicago.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons also throws out the ‘collusion’ word with regards to Stamkos and Drew Doughty. “it’s not the job of hockey general managers to act as the conscience of the game. It’s their job to make their teams better.” There were no offers made to Stamkos and there haven’t been any exploratory calls to Doughty.
Stamkos, we’re told, would have seriously considered signing a one-year, $12-million deal. But the problem with an offer like that is that Tampa would have matched it. The longer-term, larger-money deal, might have been too rich for the Lightning to match. That’s probably where the Leafs had to go if they wanted to play that game.
- Tampa Bay Lightning via twitter: Lightning PR on Ryan Malone: “The 4-6 months is inaccurate. He did have shoulder surgery, but he should be fine for the start of training camp.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The long-term injury to Kristian Huselius led to the Blue Jackets signing Vinny Prospal to a 1 year deal worth $1.75 million.
What do you think of new Winnipeg Jets logo?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 23rd, 2011
What do you think of the new Jets logo?
Nabokov would need to clear waivers before a trade … Red Wings done for now … Coyotes interested in Campoli … Stamkos press conference video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on July 23rd, 2011
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Evgeni Nabokov’s agent said he’ll stick it out in the NHL this season. He has a 1 year deal worth $570,000 and is property of the NY Islanders. The Islanders already have 5 goalies in their organization, so where Nabokov fits in a good good question. He will likely be traded by the Islanders. Capgeek via twitter: If Nabokov was traded, he would have to clear waivers first.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Yashin is being offered no more that $2 million, presumably from the Islanders.
- Josh Gorges signed a 1 year, $2.5 million deal with the Canadiens before their arbitration hearing. Brian Wilde via twitter adds “Of course there’s no guarantee he’ll leave as UFA now. But I can guarantee one thing – he wouldn’t with a long term deal. Why roll dice?”
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland doesn’t expect to make any more signings or trades before the season starts. The Wings have about $5.8 million in cap space, which would allow them to make a move or two during the season.
“I think we can compete and I like our cap space,” Holland said. “If, after 60 games, we get to the (trade) deadline and are in a playoff position, we can make a deal. We haven’t had that (cap space) the last couple of years.”
The Red Wings tried to sign a top 6 forward. They made an offer to Jaromir Jagr, and had interest in Tomas Fleischmann and Scott Upshall.
“I’d like to add a top-six forward, but so would every other team in the league,” Holland said. “We wanted to add a guy like (Danny) Cleary, a good, two-way forward. We explored but came up short on a few (players), either in dollars or term.”
Holland will meet with Kris Draper soon and it should be known by next week if he’ll be back or not.
“If he plays another year, his role is diminishing,” Holland said. “We need young players to push and eventually take away older players’ jobs. If that’s not happening, we’re not doing our job.
“We’re talking about (whether) he’s comfortable with the (diminished) role.”
- Tom Reed via twitter: Is hearing the NY Rangers aren’t certain to buy out Wojtek Wolski.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes are one team that has shown interest in Chris Campoli.
- Steven Stamkos, Steve Yzerman Press Conference
Islanders and Yashin talking comeback … Blue Jackets likely don’t have interest in Campoli
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 22nd, 2011
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: From Alexei Yashin’s agent Mark Gandler, “At this time we are negotiating with the Islanders…and are seriously considering their offer.” Katie Strang via twitter: Both Islanders GM Garth Snow and Yashin’s agent have confirmed they have had discussions on Yashin’s return to the Isles. Though talks have been exploratory to this point, Gandler say that they are “growing in seriousness.” Both Snow and Gandler believe they are not breaking any CBA rules despite the fact they the Islanders bought Yashin out.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Reed doesn’t think the Blue Jackets would have any interest in defenseman Chris Campoli as they already have 6 defenseman on 1-way contracts.
Caps look for cap relief from Poti, Poti hopes to be ready … Boogaard’s brother faces charges … Goalie tandems set … Flyers interested in Drury
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 22nd, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Washington Capitals aren’t expecting Tom Poti to be ready for training camp, and his $2.875 million cap hit could be placed on LTIR. Poti may be thinking differently, in an email from his agent, “He is working with his trainers throughout the summer with the intention that he will be ready to fully participate once training camp begins.”
- Matt McKinney, Paul Walsh and Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The brother of deceased Derek Boogaard faces charges of “suspicion of prescription fraud/possession of prescription pills.” The date of the alleged crime is the day they found Derek’s dead body. Aaron is expected to be arrested today.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: With the Sabres signing backup Jhonas Enroth yesterday, it basically gives have team their goalie tandem for next year. Still without a team are Ray Emery, Marty Turco, Evgeni Nabokov and Pascal Leclaire.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The hiring of Pete DeBoer won’t affect Zach Parise’s whether to sign a long-term deal or not.
“I made up my mind before the coach was hired that it wasn’t going to impact that decision,” Parise said. “I was anxious to see who was going to be the coach, but not for contract purposes.”
If the Devils and Parise go to arbitration, we’ll get a 1 year deal and become a UFA after next season.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: St. Louis Blues Chairman Dave Checketts thinks a deal to sell the Blues will be completed by the start of the season. 100% of the team is for sale. Game Plan LLC is expected to set a deadline date for groups interested in making a bid. Once all offers are submitted, Game Plan, Checketts and the NHL will go through them picking the best option. The purchase price could be around $200 million and would include the Scottrade Center.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Erlendsson doesn’t buy that Ryan Malone is on the trading block, but wouldn’t rule it out.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed believes the Flyers are still interested in Chris Drury.
Brandon Dubinsky re-signs with the NY Rangers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 21st, 2011
The NY Rangers have re-signed Brandon Dubinsky before their arbitration heading today.
Nick Kypreos broke the signing of the 4 year deal worth $16.8 million, a cap hit of $4.2 million.
Tim Wharnsby (CBC) via twitter: Dubinsky salary breakdown: $3.75 million, $3.75 million, $4.65 million, $4.6 million.
Dubinsky’s hearing today … Campoli awarded $2.5 million, Blackhawks walk away … Malone to Leafs rumors … Zherdev hopes for NHL … Orpik has surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 21st, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers have elected for a 1 year contract in Brandon Dubinsky’s arbitration hearing today. They have requested a $2.8 million contract, while Dubinsky has requested $4.6 million. It’s expected he’ll be awarded somewhere in the $3.8 to $4.4 million range. GM Glen Sather won’t be attending. After today’s hearing, the Rangers will turn their attention to Ryan Callahan in hopes of getting a multi-year done before next weeks hearing.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Chris Campoli and the Blackhawks have parted ways after he was awarded $2.5 million in a sped up process. Both sides had agreed that they would be parting ways regardless of what the arbitration away was, so they were able to have the hearing 2 weeks before the original date.
“The decision was made to move the date up to today because Chicago likes Chris and didn’t want him to be in a position where he was suddenly an unrestricted free agent in August,” Campoli’s agent Rich Evans said.
“As long as the NHL and the Players’ Association were in agreement, and the player and his agent and the team were in agreement, there was nothing holding us up from doing this and moving the date.”
Several teams have already contacted Campoli’s agent about his availability.
- Terry Koshan of hte Toronto Sun: The Ryan Malone trade rumors to Toronto have apparently started again, which may not make much sense as the Lightning don’t need to clear salary cap space and they don’t have big body that drives the net that could replace him. If this deal where to happen the Leafs would need to clear some cap space, with suggestions that Mike Komisarek could be sent to the minors. It is rumored that the Leafs could get Malone and Carter Ashton for Jussi Rynnas and a pick.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikolai Zherdev’s agent said he’s looking for only NHL offers, but will consider the KHL if he can’t get an NHL contract. Zherdev’s agent: “Nikolai is in Russia now but not to sign a contract in the KHL, but to start training [for the next season].” Slava Malamud via twitter: Zherdev is flying to Moscow today, and seems likely that he’ll sign somewhere soon.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Isles GM Garth Snow has said they need a top defenseman to play with Mark Streit and they need to added salary to get to the cap floor. Teams may now have bonus overages from last year and may be looking to clear some cap space.
- Staff of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik has undergone sports hernia surgery and will be recovering for 6 to 8 weeks.
Webers talks coming to a stalemate … Caps don’t see any more changes, including Semin … Stars losing $1 mill a week? Dubinsky looking for $5 mill+
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 20th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators have an arbitration hearing set for August 2nd.
“We’ve had long talks; we seem to be coming to a bit of a stalemate. We still have time to work before the system kicks in,” Weber’s agent, Jarrett Bousquet said. “Shea would like to be a Predator. He enjoys playing there with a team that’s on the cusp of doing something great.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Predators GM David Poile said on Monday they they will continue to work on re-signing Shea Weber before their arbitration hearing. If they go to the hearing, Weber has the option of choosing a 1 or 2 year deal. The Preds could walk away but the is very unlikely. Weber is eligible to be a UFA after next season.
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: Alex Semin’s name has come up in trade rumors numerous times over the past few years, and have surface again recently. Capitals GM George McPhee had this to say regarding the Semin rumors,
“We like Semin because he can score goals,” McPhee said Monday, squashing the latest round of Semin trade tales. “Those guys aren’t easy to find.”
“We’ve made our moves,” he continued. “I don’t anticipate us making any other changes. If I go into the season with this group, I’m fine with that.”
The Capitals are currently over the salary cap, but they don’t think that Tom Poti is going to be able to start the season with them, and his $2.875 million cap hit could go on the LTIR.
McPhee on the Semyon Varlamov trade,
“I really didn’t want to do it, but he’d indicated that was going to go to play in the KHL and I started to think of different scenarios where we could end up with nothing for him,” said McPhee, citing the ongoing Evgeni Nabokov saga. “Colorado and four other teams were interested and it just came together pretty quick.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A Forbes report from Mike Ozanian is saying the Dallas Stars are losing a $1 million a week due to high debt and interest payments according to a source. A Stars source said it’s “unequivocally untrue.” From what Heika sees, the Stars are paying their bills and are not bouncing any checks. The Stars are controlled by the lenders who took over when Hicks Sports Group defaulted on 3 loans. Heika adds,
I have no doubt that a smart accountant can show you a sheet of paper that says the Stars are losing $1 million a week, but who are they losing it to? To the lenders, who are paying the bills and charging the interest? That just seems like a paper loss to me.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: When asked why the Lightning didn’t sign Steven Stamkos to a 7-10 year deal, he responds that both sides were comfortable with 5 years from the start and there’s uncertainty of the next CBA.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers and Brandon Dubinsky have an arbitration hearing set for tomorrow. They’ve been trying to get a 5 or 6 year deal done. Dubinsky is reportedly looking for a long term deal in the $5 – $5.25 million range. It’s believed that Dubinsky could get an arbitration ruling in the $3.8 – $4.4 million range.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Contract negotiations between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn will start “Certainly no later than by the end of next week,” according to Don Meehan, Schenn’s agent. The Leafs are about $4.4 million under the cap ceiling with 25 players signed. It’s likely that Meehan will negotiate with Claude Loiselle and Brian Burke.
- Greg Brady via twitter: The Red Wings are close to signing Ty Conklin, expect an announcement by Friday. George Malik via twitter: Malik is about 95% certain that the Red Wings will sign Conklin to be their backup by Friday at the latest. Craig Custance via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland says they will sign a backup goalie by the end of the week.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Negotiations between Zach Bogosian and the Winnipeg Jets continue.
“The conversations are continuing with his agent,” Cheveldayoff said. “There’s no time frame set in place to have that one done by. It’s a summer-negotiation type thing. Everyone’s respectful of the fact this is a down time for players and agents and management… those talks will continue and they’ve been good.
“It’s playing out exactly how we thought it would. It’s going to take some time. Each one of the negotiations — the (Andrew) Ladd, the Wheeler, the regular RFAs (restricted free agents) and Zach all have different nuances to them.”
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t ruled out adding some scoring for his top 2 line.
“You’re always looking for that,” Cheveldayoff said Tuesday. “It’s got to be the right fit for the group of guys that you have. You want it to mesh together. If you look at the roster right now there is probably some room if you could add some forwards. We think our defence is pretty deep with respect to the (NHL) depth side of things.
“Certainly if the right opportunity presents itself at forward or defence we’re going to look at it. You’re always looking, you’re always talking. But to say what you see today is what you’ll see tomorrow… it’s hard to say at this time.”
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: It’s unlikely that the Lightning are interested in Vinny Prospal, they are likely done with UFAs.
- Tom Panaccio via twitter: The Flyers will carry a $1.4 million bonus overage against the cap this year.
Steven Stamkos re-signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 19th, 2011
Joe Smith of the St. Petersburgh Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Steven Stamkos to a 5 year deal worth $37.5 million. The deal carries a $7.5 million cap hit.
Stamkos will make $8 million in the first 4 years, and $5.5 million in the last.
“When you’re dealing with a player that’s this important to the franchise and has had as much success that he’s had at such a young age, these things take time to work through,” Guy said. “There are a lot of variables to work out, it was a good process for both sides. Steven is extremely excited and happy and grateful for Tampa, for Mr. Yzerman and Mr. Vinik, for the whole group. And he’s excited to have it done…
“Steven’s direction the entire time was to get a deal done with Tampa, and that’s what Steve and that’s what we were just working toward.”
Stamkos has scored 96 goals over the past 2 seasons, leading the NHL over that time.
“I am excited we were able to reach an agreement today,” Stamkos said in a statement. “This was obviously very important to me and I appreciate Mr. Vinik and Steve Yzerman for all their work in the transformation of the franchise as we move forward. There is no place I’d rather be than as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.”
Chris Osgood retires …. Is he worthy of the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 19th, 2011
Chris Osgood retired from the NHL today after 18 7easons with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues.
He was draft by the Detroit Red Wings in the 3rd round, #54 overall 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
Osgood has won 3 Stanley Cups with the Red Wings. He sits 18th all-time in GP with 744, 10th all-time with 401 wins, 24th with 50 SOs, 24th in GGA, and 33rd in SV%
Despite posting some impressive career and playoff numbers, if he deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame or not is debatable. Do you think he should get into the Hall of Fame?
| Regular Season Stats | ||||||||
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | T/O | GAA | SV% | SO |
| 1992-93 | Adirondack Red Wings (AHL) | 45 | 19 | 19 | 4 | 3.91 | 0.880 | 0 |
| 1993-94 | Detroit Red Wings | 41 | 23 | 8 | 5 | 2.86 | 0.895 | 2 |
| 1993-94 | Adirondack Red Wings (AHL) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3.26 | 0.893 | 0 |
| 1994-95 | Detroit Red Wings | 19 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 2.26 | 0.917 | 1 |
| 1994-95 | Adirondack Red Wings (AHL) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3.00 | 0.908 | 0 |
| 1995-96 | Detroit Red Wings | 50 | 39 | 6 | 5 | 2.17 | 0.911 | 5 |
| 1996-97 | Detroit Red Wings | 47 | 23 | 13 | 9 | 2.30 | 0.910 | 6 |
| 1997-98 | Detroit Red Wings | 64 | 33 | 20 | 11 | 2.21 | 0.913 | 6 |
| 1998-99 | Detroit Red Wings | 63 | 34 | 25 | 4 | 2.42 | 0.910 | 3 |
| 1999-00 | Detroit Red Wings | 53 | 30 | 14 | 8 | 2.40 | 0.907 | 6 |
| 2000-01 | Detroit Red Wings | 52 | 25 | 19 | 4 | 2.69 | 0.903 | 1 |
| 2001-02 | New York Islanders | 66 | 32 | 25 | 6 | 2.50 | 0.910 | 4 |
| 2002-03 | New York Islanders | 37 | 17 | 14 | 4 | 2.92 | 0.894 | 2 |
| 2002-03 | St. Louis Blues | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3.05 | 0.888 | 2 |
| 2003-04 | St. Louis Blues | 67 | 31 | 25 | 8 | 2.24 | 0.910 | 3 |
| 2005-06 | Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3.34 | 0.882 | 0 |
| 2005-06 | Detroit Red Wings | 32 | 20 | 6 | 5 | 2.76 | 0.897 | 2 |
| 2006-07 | Detroit Red Wings | 21 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 2.38 | 0.907 | 0 |
| 2007-08 | Detroit Red Wings | 43 | 27 | 9 | 4 | 2.09 | 0.914 | 4 |
| 2008-09 | Detroit Red Wings | 46 | 26 | 9 | 8 | 3.09 | 0.887 | 2 |
| 2009-10 | Detroit Red Wings | 23 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 3.02 | 0.888 | 1 |
| 2010-11 | Detroit Red Wings | 11 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2.77 | 0.903 | 0 |
| Totals | 744 | 401 | 216 | 95 | 2.49 | 0.905 | 50 | |
| Playoff Stats | |||||||
| Season | Team | GP | W | L | GAA | SV% | SO |
| 1993-94 | Detroit Red Wings | 6 | 3 | 2 | 2.35 | 0.891 | 1 |
| 1994-95 | Detroit Red Wings | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1.76 | 0.92 | 0 |
| 1995-96 | Detroit Red Wings | 15 | 8 | 7 | 2.12 | 0.898 | 2 |
| 1996-97 | Detroit Red Wings | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2.55 | 0.905 | 0 |
| 1997-98 | Detroit Red Wings | 22 | 16 | 6 | 2.12 | 0.918 | 2 |
| 1998-99 | Detroit Red Wings | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2.35 | 0.919 | 1 |
| 1999-00 | Detroit Red Wings | 9 | 5 | 4 | 1.97 | 0.924 | 2 |
| 2000-01 | Detroit Red Wings | 6 | 2 | 4 | 2.47 | 0.905 | 1 |
| 2001-02 | New York Islanders | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2.6 | 0.912 | 0 |
| 2002-03 | St. Louis Blues | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2.45 | 0.907 | 1 |
| 2003-04 | St. Louis Blues | 5 | 1 | 4 | 2.51 | 0.89 | 0 |
| 2007-08 | Detroit Red Wings | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1.55 | 0.93 | 3 |
| 2008-09 | Detroit Red Wings | 23 | 15 | 8 | 2.01 | 0.926 | 2 |
| Totals | 129 | 74 | 49 | 2.09 | 0.916 | 15 | |
Osgood to retire … Burke to meet with Schenn’s agent after vacation … Some remaining FAs … Yashin to the NHL?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 19th, 2011
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Chris Osgood will have a press conference today to announce his retirement from the NHL, and he’ll take a job within the organization. It was earlier thought that he would play next year, but that is not the case. Ty Conklin, Ray Emery and Marty Turco could be options as backups to Jimmy Howard.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is on holidays until next week, and no talks with Luke Schenn’s agent, Don Meehan, will begin until he returns. The Islanders, Predators, Avalanche and Coyotes are currently below the salary cap floor. The Predators still need to re-sign Shea Weber. Some remaining free agents are: Teemu Selanne, Vinny Prospal, Bryan McCabe, Nikolay Zherdev, Cory Stillman, Scott Hannan, Ray Emery, Sergei Samsonov, Alex Kovalev, Kyle Wellwood, JP Dumont, John Madden, Brent Sopel, Jack Hillen, Karlis Skrastins, Nick Boynton, Paul Mara, Ty Conklin, Marty Turco, and Pascal Leclaire.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano has an arbitration hearing set for Thursday, but they could be getting close to signing a multi-year deal. Cogliano made a $1 million least year and recorded 35 points. Cogliano could fill the hole as their 3rd line center, but could also move up to the 2nd line center roll or possibly move to the wing.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Michel Therrien may be the backup plan for the NJ Devils coaching position if Lou Lamoriello can’t convince Jacques Lemaire to return next season.
- Dan Duggan of the Boston Herald: Re-signing Brad Marchand is a top priority for Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. There has been some progress made, and Marchand isn’t concerned.
“It’s a very busy time for everyone with the Cup and everything,” Marchand said. “We’re confident something is going to get done real soon. I don’t think either of us are worried. We know something is going to get done.
“They know I want to be here. I know they want me here.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports: SKA St. Petersburg decided not to extend Alexei Yashin’s contract, making him a free agent. Yashin’s agent Mark Gandler told Sergei Begishev of the Sovestsky Sport,
Is there an interest in Alexei from the NHL?
“We have already received one offer.”
From the Islanders?
“I will not discuss what the club is. We are considering the expediency of the offer.”
Gandler added:
“We will meet with Alexei this week for the first time. We will discuss everything. We are not in a hurry. At this moment we have not had any serious negotiations with any club. It would have been unreasonable to do that until we are sure that everything is good health wise. As far as the leagues are concerned, we will look at both sides [the NHL and the KHL].”
Chesnokov thinks it could be a negoiating ploy to get a better KHL deal, but if it’s true, “it could be the talk of the season.”
Grier looking for work … Bruins will monitor arbitration cases … Campoli on the block … Sharp interview
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 18th, 2011
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Sabres UFA Mike Grier was once thought to only want to re-sign with the Sabres, is willing to look elsewhere according to his agent.
“I know he can still help a lot of clubs,’’ said Fee. “It’s that stage now when clubs don’t know if they’ve got a kid who can step in and help at right wing, or if they want to go with someone like Mike who can just step in and give them that veteran, reliable leadership.’’
The Bruins will be paying attention to the arbitration process, as some teams will buyout/walk away from a player if they don’t like the price.
“I’d anticipate some buyouts and maybe some walkaways,’’ noted Chiarelli. “We try to stay close to that, and if there is someone there who interests us, we’ve got some [cap] flexibility.’’
EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek answers a followers question by saying that Brad Boyes might be on the trade block in Buffalo, but that he’s overpriced ($4 million) and the Predators should stay away.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are replacing Chris Campoli with Sami Lepisto on the point. Campoli was looking for a similar deal to what Steve Montador received, 4 years, at $2.75 million per season.
“He’s a guy who has some growth to his game,” Bowman said. “He fits in with what we try to do because he’s able to play a few different ways. He can move the puck, kill penalties and has a bit of an edge to him.
“In a lot of ways, Sami is a similar player to Chris.”
GM Stan Bowman will trade try to Campoli before his arbitration hearing next month.
Patrick Sharp interviewed by Dan Roan:
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