Archive for January, 2012
Sidney Crosby Press Conference Video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on January 31st, 2012
Press Conference with Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and GM Ray Shero.
Afternoon notes involving: Parise, Moore, Visnovsky, Blake, Suter, Ruutu, Morrow, O’Reilly, Theodore, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Zach Parise said there have been no contract negotiations, but he still wants to stay in New Jersey.
- Craig Custance and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lightning Dominic Moore would be a nice addition to many playoff bound teams. If the Ducks can’t get back in the playoff race, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky could become available. Winger Jason Blake could also becomes available.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Suter knows the Predators will pay market value, though the sides haven’t talked serious numbers. Suter hasn’t signed as he’s waiting for them to show him that they’ll compete for the Stanley Cup this year, and in the future. It seems unlikely that David Poile would trade Suter. Tuomo Ruutu would be a good fit with the Predators. Poile may be looking for a long-term addition as well.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Responding to James Murphy’s question on where will the Blues trade goalie Ben Bishop: The Lightning, Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Devils, Hurricanes and Anaheim … teams that need goaltending or who have piece the Blues would want.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu has had no negotiations with the team. Ruutu on trade rumors: “I’ve heard rumors I’m going to every team in the NHL. … I hear that stuff but there’s nothing I can do.”
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars forward Brenden Morrow has been activated from the IR.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Coyotes have put Cal O’Reilly on re-entry waivers.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers coach Dineen says that Jose Theodore is still his starter but is not happy with his last 2 games.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Anisimov-Mitchell.
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla; Comeau-Jokinen-Cammalleri; Bouma-Jones-Stempniak; Kostopoulos-Stajan-Jackman.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Jaromir Jagr will be in the lineup tonight. Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers tonight against the Jets.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Martin Biron and the New York Rangers.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins.
Bruins not talking Thomas trade … Focus now turns to Ruutu, Allen and Pitkanen … Liles doesn’t think it’s a concussion … Kane back to Winnipeg
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said via email on Tim Thomas trade rumors: “Not trading him. I have not talked to anyone and I don’t plan to.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has a policy not to re-sign players during the season, but Tim Gleason was an exception yesterday. It was the first time he’s done that. Rutherford said he’s getting lost of calls for Tuomo Ruutu. Darren Dreger via twitter: Hurricanes trade focus now switches to Ruutu, Bryan Allen and Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen’s injury may not interfere with a trade.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster on the radio yesterday: “our mandate is to win now.”
- Jonas Siegel of TSN: Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles believes he doesn’t have a concussion, but his issues stem from a neck problem.
“Everybody wants to call it a concussion,” he exclaimed to TSN.ca. “Everybody says ‘Oh, if you have whiplash you have a concussion’ … I wasn’t sitting there going ‘Oh man I feel so foggy’ or anything like that, it just felt like I was just completely locked up and it was cutting off my focus and things like that.
“It all seemed like it was always neck-related and it almost felt like it was cutting off the flow to my brain sometimes just because it was so stiff.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane and Tim Stapleton are heading back to Winnipeg for further evaluation. Kane is out with a concussion and is not expected to play on their 4 game road trip. Dustin Byfuglien and Alex Burmistrov staked yesterday and are close to returning. They won’t play tonight, but could be in the lineup on Thursday.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Sidney Crosby will skate today and will be off tomorrow.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: The earliest Flyers forward Daniel Briere returns is this weekend. James van Riemsdyk is not expected to play tonight.
- Tony Marinario via twitter: The Canadiens said that Andrei Markov would be out 4 t0 6 weeks after his Dec. 5th operation. It’s been 8 weeks now.
- Ottawa Senators via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that forward Peter Regin will be out 4-6 months after left shoulder surgery.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Travis Zajac hasn’t resumed skating yet. He’ll need to get clearance from his doctor in Winnipeg before he can start.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zubrus-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Josefson-Bernier; Boulton-Mills/Carter-Janssen.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avalanche tonight against the Oilers.
Oils want a Dman … Bruins want depth … MacArthur “Rumors suck” … CSKA wants Radulov … Koivu close … Filatov demoted … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 31st, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Don’t be surprised if Predators GM David Poile announces that he won’t trade Ryan Suter. The Preds were one team who sent a private jet to pick up there All-Stars: Suter, Shea Weber and Craig Smith. The Oilers are letting teams know they want a defenseman if/when they trade some of their assets. Bruins coach Claude Julien would like to see them add an experienced depth defenseman and a depth forward.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs and Mikhail Grabovski are not involved in serious contract talks. Grabovski shrugs off trade rumors that involve him as part of a package. Clarke MacArthur’s name is also coming up in rumors.
“There is always something every day,” MacArthur said. “Usually if I don’t hear it, I get a text message from someone saying they heard a rumour. It’s tiring, it’s hard on you, but it is a part of the job.
“(Rumours) suck, but what are you going to do? If you look close, I have a few grey hairs.”
The Leafs have been linked to Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, Ales Hemsky, Tuomo Ruutu and Ryane Clowe recently.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks need to add a top 4 defenseman as insurance and some grit up front. Mason Raymond will hear is name is rumors often. The Canucks could use someone like Travis Moen.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: CSKA is making a pitch for Alexander Radulov with intent of signing him to a long-term contract. CSKA has lots of oil money. Radulov has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Salavat that he can leave for the NHL (Preds) this summer despite his contract. CSKA is trying to buy his rights.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof says not to assume that the Islanders will trade Evgeni Nabokov.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Brent Burns is expected to return tonight. Forward Ryane Clowe status is uncertain.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild Guillaume Latendresse and Mikko Koivu were practicing yesterday, but neither’s return is imminent. Josh Harding will start tonight.
“They’re going to need some time getting acclimated to the group again and getting involved in practices and doing things at game speed and executing at that level before they can jump into the lineup,” said Yeo, adding that he believes Koivu is “much closer” to playing than Latendresse.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Nikita Filatov has been assigned to the CSKA’s minor league team.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Leafs coach Ron Wilson doesn’t expect John-Michael Liles, Colby Armstrong and Darryl Boyce to play tonight. Wednesday is a possibility.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning’s Ryan Malone and Marc-Andre Bergeron won’t play tonight. Mathieu Garon will start in net.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks tonight against the Blackhawks.
- David Alter via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net tonight against the Penguins. Wednesday’s starter is not determined yet.
Flames – Jets trade minor leaguers, Negrin for Aliu
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on January 30th, 2012
Randy Sportak via twitter: The Calgary Flames have traded defenseman John Negrin to the Winnipeg Jets for winger Akim Aliu.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Negrin and Aliu had been playing on the same AHL team. Aliu was on loan, Negrin will now move on.
John Negrin
Akim Aliu
Hurricanes sign defenseman Tim Gleason to 4 year contract extension
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on January 30th, 2012
Carolina Hurricanes: The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Tim Gleason to a 4 year contract extension worth $16 million.
He’ll receive $3.5 million next year, $4.5 million the following 2 years, and $3.5 million in the last year of the deal.
“We thank Tim for choosing to stay with the Hurricanes long term,” said Rutherford. “He is one of our core players, someone who brings character and leadership to our locker room, along with being a key piece on the ice. This is a very important signing for our team going forward.”
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Gleason has a full no-clause in the 1st 2 years.
Watters drops a big Maple Leafs – Blue Jackets rumor
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
1:06 PM:
Darren Dreger via twitter: “A couple of sketchy trade rumours out there. Can tell you the Leafs, according to Burke have never discussed Nash trade…”Ever.”"
10:10 AM:
Bill Watters via twitter: Watters drops this NHL rumor today …. The Maple Leafs would get Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius from the Blue Jackets for Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Mike Komisarek.
I think a similar rumor was dropped a week ago by @Incarceratedbob
Nash carries a $7.8 million cap hit until 2017-18. Huselius carries a $4.75 million cap and will be a UFA at the end of the season. Combined total for this year is $12.55 million.
Grabovski carries a $2.9 million cap hit this year and will be a UFA at the end of the year. Schenn signed a 5 year contract with a $3.6 million cap hit before this season. Kadri will have one more season after this year with a $1.72 million cap hit. Komisarek has a $4.5 million hit for the next 2 years. Combined total for his year is $12.72 million.
Morning rumors involving: Ruutu, Clowe, Moen, Carter, Thomas, Canadiens, Hurricanes, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Crosby, Duchene, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Hurricanes have taken lots of calls on Tuomo Ruutu and he could be moved this week. Sharks GM Doug Wilson said there was no chance Ryane Clowe is going anywhere. The Canucks and Red Wings are just a couple of the teams that would be interested in Moen. One source is saying Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is telling teams he’s not ready to start trading yet. The Blue Jackets will be looking to move their pending UFAs and possibly Jeff Carter. Carter doesn’t really want to be in Columbus, but can Howson find someone interested in his contract? He has 10 years left at a $5.27 million salary cap hit.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch doesn’t think the Bruins will move Tim Thomas when his no-movement clause expires on July 1st. The Canadiens haven’t decided if they will be buyers or sellers. GM Gauthier is looking for a big center. There was talk that they could be interested in Sabres center Derek Roy, but he’s 5’8″. Since it doesn’t look like Ryan Suter and Shea Weber will be available at the trade deadline, the Flyers will look at Hurricanes Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. A Jeff Carter trade would more likely happen in the summer. The Maple Leafs would like to add a center, and he’d like to get something done in the next 48 hours (starting yesterday). Tuomo Ruutu is a possibility, but the Hurricanes are asking a lot for him.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The results from Sidney Crosby’s MRI and CAT scans could be released today. He returned to Pittsburgh over the weekend, and continued skating.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Yesterday marked the 4 week anniversary of Avalanche forward Matt Duchene’s knee injury that was to sideline him for at least a month. Though there is no official word on when he’ll return, Dater guesses it will be at least another couple weeks.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The trade deadline is a month away, and Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is not done. Sassone thinks they’ll a defenseman, maybe 2, or possibly another forward.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Don’t look for the Jets to be looking for a rental player by the trade deadline. They could be sellers if they remain out the playoffs.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Expect a roster move today by the Blue Jackets as they have 12 healthy forwards and 6 defenseman. Jeff Carter could be close.
Late morning rumors involving: Karlsson, Parise, Moore, Grabovski, MacArthur, Gleason, Mason, Subban, Thomas and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators will start serious talks with defenseman Erik Karlsson’s agent next week.
“We do have to talk,” Murray said Saturday. “In the next week or so, we either have to make a phone call or they have to make a phone call to at least initiate some discussion.” Murray said
Don’t expect the Devils to trade Zach Parise. He’s a UFA on July 1st and there haven’t been any talks. The Kings and Wild will be interested in Parise on July 1st. Lightning Dominic Moore is getting interest, and the Sens may make a pitch. The Maple Leafs have been tossing Mikhael Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur’s names in trade talks.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks could have interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason, as would half a dozen other teams. The Blue Jackets are trying to move Steve Mason but are not finding takers with his $3.2 million salary. They may have to put him on re-entry to see if someone would take him at half price. Don’t expect the Canadiens to move P.K. Subban. Tim Thomas’s no trade clause expires July 1st. Thomas would be in the last year of his deal, and will have a $3 million salary with a $5 million cap hit. Matheson thinks that Brenden Morrow could be a good fit with the Sharks, Canucks or Red Wings.
Suter clears the air … Crosby has fractures to C1 and C2 vertebrae … Possible Flyers targets … A couple Bettman notes … NHL Sources Say video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on January 29th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ryan Suter wanted to clear the air a bit on comments he made Friday (see yesterday’s post). Suter contacted ESPN and his GM David Poile.
“I was watching TV this morning and one guy said I was definitely going to test the open market,” Suter told ESPN.com. “I never said that. So I just want people to know that I’m focused on helping our team win and I think that’s the most important thing right now.”
“It made it seem like I was giving up on my teammates and I don’t like the sound of that, because it’s not true at all,” Suter said.
“I hope I don’t get traded; I hope I can stay in Nashville,” Suter said. “Because we have a chance to win, we have a pretty good team.”
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins medical staff may have mis-diagnosed part of Sidney Crosby’s injury. Crosby appears to have fractured vertebrae that was missed by team doctors for weeks. Possible fractures to the C1 and C2 vertebrae may have been discovered, to go along with his concussion according to his agent Pat Brisson. Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: It is not a career-threatening injury, and there is a chance that he could be back this season if his concussion symptoms are resolved.
“The diagnosis of Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist based in Los Angeles, is that Sidney Crosby had suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Dr. Bray reports that the neck injury is fully healed. Those findings will be evaluated by independent specialists over the next few days. The most important goal all along has been Sidney’s return to full health, and we are encouraged that progress continues to be made.”
- Sam Carchdi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: There rumblings that Shea Weber or Ryan Suter could become available. Suter would be more likely to be traded before Weber. If the Flyers were to make a deal, they’d want assurance that he would sign a long term deal with them. Other potential blueline targets for the Flyers could be Tim Gleason and Bryan Allen (Car), Luke Schenn (Tor), Hal Gill (Mon), and Mark Eaton (NYI).
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Shinzawa goes through some players the Bruins could be interested in. Hurricanes Tim Gleason could be a good fit. The Bruins could use some bottom 6 depth. Coyotes Ray Whitney and Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu are possibilities.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Gary Bettman says the NHL isn’t subsidizing the New Jersey Devils. Spector adds: “That doesn’t mean the league isn’t providing cash advances or whatnot.”
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Bettman says the League is ready and waiting for the NHLPA to start CBA talks, he’s unsure on when they will begin.
- David Shoalts via twitter: Bettman added there have been no talks regarding the City of Glendale getting another $25 million extension for next season.
- Chris Botta via twitter: As far as Botta has heard, there is nothing major or even moderate going on with Islanders trade talks.
- HockeyCentral: NHL Sources Say: “news that next year’s all-star festivities will take place in Columbus, and talk the latest financials for St. Louis and New Jersey.”
State of the New York Rangers: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
Here is the 3rd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Patrick Kearns of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @PatrickKearns
In an era of armchair video game General Managers, it’s hard not to pick through every trade rumor with a fine-toothed comb to improve your team’s “overall” rating by lobbying for any player you believe would be an upgrade. This of course does not take chemistry into consideration, and with the New York Rangers building towards contention, it may be best to leave the roster alone. At the all-star break the team sits atop the Eastern Conference in points, and has the highest winning percentage in the NHL.
When the New York Rangers’ CEO James Dolan appeared at the podium before reporters after a win against the Nashville Predators a short time ago, he explained that he and General Manager Glen Sather’s plan was finally coming to fruition.
“In 2004, things weren’t going so well,” Dolan explained hitting the nail on the obvious head. “We decided to re-do the strategy… It’s all about the system that [Glen Sather] built. It’s about the farm system, and the scouting system and development. It’s about going with the kids, and sticking with that philosophy.”
Needless to say, when the man signing the paychecks starts buying into the team philosophy, it seems like an awful idea to betray what has gotten the team this far.
If Canes go with a total rebuild, could Ward be moved? Canucks-Wings may have interest Moen … Sidney skates … Peckham rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch touches on Suter saying he won’t sign a deal before the deadline. The Preds could move his rights at the draft, and the Flyers would definitely be interested. If the Sabres decide to trade Derek Roy, there should be plenty of interest. The Panthers could be looking for a defenseman, and Jaroslav Spacek could be a target. If the Hurricanes decide on a total rebuild, Eric Staal isn’t going anywhere, but some are wondering if Cam Ward will be part of the solution. He has a $6.3 million cap hit through 2014-15 and there would be interest. All of the Islanders pending UFAs are being shopped, including” P.A. Parenteau, Frans Nielsen, Mark Eaton and Steve Staois. The Canadiens would move Andrei Kostitsyn in a heartbeat.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) LeBrun noted that the Canucks would like a guy like Travis Moen. Dreger adds that the Red Wings will/have shown some interest in Moen. The Wings could show interest in Brendan Morrow if he’s available. Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is willing to move pending UFAs in Hal Gill, Chris Campoli, Travis Moen and Andrei Kostitsyn. They could have interest in Derek Roy.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Sidney Crosby has started skating in Los Angeles. Crosby is in LA meeting with a neurological spine surgeon. Crosby also skated last week while he was in Atlanta visiting a chiropractor who specializes in neurological treatment. There is still no timetable on his return and GM Rya Shero said he won’t return until he’s symptom free.
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Willis touches on Garrioch’s mention that Oilers defenseman Theo Peckham is getting some interest. He has a physical edge and he can kill penalties, but he is also on the bottom pairing of a weak team. If the Oilers do have interest in trading him, it may be because Colten Teubert is on his way. The Oilers likely won’t get much in return for him if they do move him.
Suter won’t sign deal before deadline … Crazy Perry to Canucks rumor … Clowe not moving … Johnson – van Riemsdyk rumor … Pending UFA Dman list
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Predators defenseman Ryan Suter said he won’t sign a contract extension before the trade deadline.
“I feel it would be more of a distraction than anything,” Suter said of signing now. “We’ve never had a timeline or deadline. We’re just focusing on winning. Everything else will take care of itself.”
“I don’t see it being a benefit by hurrying up and trying to get something done,” Suter confirmed. “I’m a Nashville Predator until July. I will focus on making my team better.”
The Preds do have on of the lowest payrolls, but GM David Poile says that have the go ahead from ownership to change that.
“I think that’s the hardest part, you look at the past and seeing guys go through your team like Forsberg, Timonen, Hartnell — you go down the list, all you see is guys leaving,” Weber said. “You want to believe him [Poile], they’ve got the right things in mind. If they say they’re going to do it [increase payroll], then they should do it and we’ve got to trust them.”
- David Pollak via twitter: A Sharks source says there is “zero chance” that Ryane Clowe is available for trade before the trade deadline.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Botta hasn’t heard of the Corey Perry to Vancouver rumors, and doubts it would be Ducks GM Bob Murray’s to team to trade him to.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Enrico Ciccone on a TV said that Patrice Brisebois claims a trade is being considered between the Ducks and Canucks. The Ducks would trade Corey Perry for Cory Schneider, Mason Raymond and Keith Ballard.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Jeff Carter’s name has been connected to the Kings, but Bernstein wouldn’t bring him in.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t believe there is anything to the Jack Johnson for James van Riemsdyk rumor, but the Flyers are definitely shopping him.
- Mike Boone of the Montreal Gazette: Boone thinks the Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier shouldn’t think about trading defenseman P.K. Subban.
- Jason Brough of Pro Hockey Talk: Brough lists some pending UFAs that could be available: Hal Gill, Pavel Kubina, Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen, Adrian Aucoin, Andy Sutton, Chris Campoli, Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina and Brett Clark.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: There have been rumors of the Maple Leafs have an interest in Sam Gagner. The Oilers are looking for a defenseman, and should look at Carl Gunnarsson or Luke Schenn. Schenn’s name as been in the rumors more often than Gunnarsson of late.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Marty Turco signed with EC Redbull Salzburg, but he has an out clause until the trade deadline.
The Blackhawks have traded for Brendan Morrison
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on January 27th, 2012
The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames for defenseman Brian Connelly.
Morrison has a $1.25 million salary cap hit and will be a UFA at the end of the season. He’ll likely center the ‘Hawks 2nd line, possibly the 3rd line if the feel Bolland is the #2.
Connelly carries a $525,000 NHL cap hit, and will be a RFA at the end of the season.
James Mirtle via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster: “Given his pending UFA status and the fact that we were not going to re-sign him, we felt it important to try to move him.”
Brendan Morrison
Brian Connelly
Could the Leafs be looking at Clowe? Rutherford wants a ton … No serious talks with Karlson … Peckham, Sutton getting interest … A Miller for Hiller swap?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Only a few GM’s are in Ottawa, Brian Burke is one of them, and everyone is waiting for him to make a move.
“He’s trying. He’s trying hard. He definitely wants to get bigger,” a league executive said Thursday.
The Leafs would love to bring in a hard-nosed forward. A guy they could look at is Sharks winger Ryane Clowe. Clowe has 1 year left at a $3.625 million cap hit. There is word that he might be someone the Sharks could look at moving. It might take more than the Leafs want to offer San Jose to get him though. The Leafs would likely have interest in Tuomo Ruutu. The Hurricanes have talked to Ruutu about a contract extension but it’s believed he’s asking for too much on a long-term deal, so he’ll likely be traded.
- League sources are saying that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is asking a ton for his UFA defenseman. A league source said that Hurricanes are asking for 2 1st round picks or a 1st round pick and an ‘A’ prospect for one of Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. The asking price will come down.
- The Blue Jackets would move center Antoine Vermette. He’s been available all season.
- The Senators and defenseman Erik Karlsson’s camp haven’t had any serious contract talks. It will likely wait until after the season.
- The Oilers are getting interest in defenseman Theo Peckham and Andy Sutton. Sutton will be a UFA at the end of the year. Peckham will be an RFA, and there are plenty of teams looking for help on the blueline.
- The Ducks, Blackhawks and Lightning could be looking for goaltending help, so keep an eye on Ryan Miller. The Sabres aren’t shopping him, but they’ll have to decide soon if they are in the playoff hunt or not. A Miller for Jonas Hiller trade could be possible.
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:
“Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
- Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
- John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.
“We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:
“The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
Strategies from the NHL’s Top General Managers – Brian Burke
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on January 26th, 2012
Posted by Rotman School: How Winners are Built: Plays and Strategies From the NHL’s Top General Managers
State of the Los Angeles Kings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2012
Here is the 2nd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Dennis Bernstein of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @DennisTFP
Needs: Nothing but a scorer will do. Although ranked last in offense, Los Angeles is in the top eight in the West due to the stellar work by goaltender Jonathan Quick, the team’s clear cut MVP. With 20 of the Kings final 32 games on the road, their margin for error is miniscule and they must deal for a top six finishing forward in order to qualify for the post season. With the heat on GM Dean Lombardi from ownership to win now, he will likely have to broker a blockbuster along the line of the Mike Richards trade to overcome the lack of production from Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll, a natural center shuttled to the wing on the second line but unproductive.
In order to bring back a player of that caliber, the Kings will have to deal from their strength, defense and goaltending with Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier the assets being offered to the market. While they’d take a producer on either wing, the gaping hole that exists on the left side has not been filled since the departure of Ryan Smyth over the summer. They have over $ 3 million of cap space availability, so to bring in a high priced player for half a season is doable even without a roster player departing. Injured Simon Gagne is not close to being ready and there is increasing talk that he will be landing on Long Term Injured Reserve prior to the deadline for further cap relief. There is some chatter of interest in New Jersey’s Zach Parise given the Devils reported precarious financial standing but the cost of Dustin Brown and Bernier may only occur if Kings drop out of the top eight in the next month.
Devils will need to make a decision on Parise … Carter 100% available … Ruutu could be moved next week … Schenn may be a trade candidate … Niittymaki to waivers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2012
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: If the Devils can’t afford to sign Zach Parise (Everson guesses 10 years at $80 million) to a contract extension before the trade deadline, they may have to decide if they want to trade him or possibly lose him for nothing after the season.
- Darren Dreger TSN video link: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter is 100% available, but his contract could be an issue for most teams. The Maple Leafs are not interested in Carter, nor have they talked to Columbus about him. Carter has a cap hit $5.27 million for the next 10 years. The Blue Jackets would need at least 1st round pick and a good young roster player in return. Dreger notes that a Tuomo Ruutu could be traded as early as next week. The Hurricanes think if may cost $4 – $4.5 million on a new deal. The Oilers have said they aren’t shopping Sam Gagner but he keeps coming up in discussions.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “More productive trade discussions this week among teams which means next week might see some action. Not surprising..many teams after D-men.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: It is not clear if Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is thinking about trading defenseman P.K. Subban. There appears to be some disappointment within management with the development of Suban. Subban has had some verbal battles with assistant coach Randy Ladouceur. Staples wonders if the Oilers would be interested if he would become available.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jahns has been told “nothing is close” regarding Chicago Blackhawks trades.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: After the Maple Leafs signed John-Michael Liles to a 4 year contract extension yesterday, Luke Schenn may now be a prime candidate to be traded.
“We want to get ourselves into the playoffs,” Schenn added. “(Trades) are the business side of hockey and we really can’t focus on that. There’s a lot of talk and speculation outside, but that’s out of our control.
“I was talking to my roommate Cody Franson and he said he’s never dealt with anything like this (before arriving this season). He said in Nashville, there might be a bit of rumbling on the day of the deadline, but not a month or two in advance. “That’s part of being in Toronto.”
Brian Burke noted:
But if (trades) are not there, then they’re not there. Sometimes, you have to keep pitching. We’re doing a lot of listening and working the phones. Nothing I would characterize as imminent or close.”
- The Fouth Period: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier was scouting the West Coast. Before the trade deadline he could move any of: Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, Chris Campoli, Yannick Weber, Mathieu Darche and Travis Moen. Gauthier would like to make another big trade, but it’s believed that upper management would have to give the okay before a deal is made. The Canadiens have expressed interest in Ryan Suter, Bobby Ryan and Derick Brassard.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: There are many people unhappy with Tim Thomas snubbing the White House visit, and it could lead to something bigger. From Shinzawa:
Thomas’s decision, however, may be the first step in goalie and team parting ways. His no-movement clause expires at the conclusion of this season. Thomas has one more season remaining on his four-year, $20 million contract. Rask, a restricted free agent at year’s end, should be ready to assume the starting job in 2012-1.
The Bruins could get a big return for him from someone looking for a #1 goalie.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Teams scouting the Canadiens-Red Wings game: Blues, Canucks, Penguins, Blue Jackets, Kings, Red Wings, Flames, Coyotes, Senators, Wild and Maple Leafs.
- Pittsburgh Penguins via twitter: The Penguins have put Jordan Staal on the LTIR, but he can be removed at any time.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Sharks put Antero Niittymaki on waivers yesterday.
Maple Leafs sign John-Michael Liles to a 4 year extension … What does it mean for Grabovski … Leafs Audio
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 25th, 2012
2:35 PM:
- Chris Johnston via twitter: 1st 3 years are at $4.25 million. The last year Liles will get $2.75 million.
12:10 PM:
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Liles contract extension with the Maple Leafs if for 4 years, a $3.875 million salary cap hit.
11:40 AM:
- Pierre LeBrun of TSN is reporting that Leafs will announce a 4 year contract extension for John-Michael Liles.
- Michael Traikos via twitter: If the Leafs do sign Liles for 4 years, it seems lot considering they have Gardiner, Jesse Blacker and Stuart Percy in the system.
- Michael Triakos via twitter: “I have to believe that the
#Leafs would not be re-signing Liles unless they were planning to move another puck-moving D-man before deadline.”
- Steve Dangle via twitter: Dangle notes Lefas Dmen with expiring contracts: Franson (RFA), Aulie (RFA), Finger (UFA), Gysbers (RFA), Holzer (RFA), Lashoff (RFA). Mikus (RFA).
11:25 AM:
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: There is speculation that the Maple Leafs and John-Michael Liles are closing in on a multi year contract extension. He is set to be a UFA after the season.
- James Mirtle via twitter: One big worry for the Maple Leafs would be Liles concussion issue. Another issue with the Leafs signing Liles is the salary cap. It was widely believed the Leafs would only re-sign one of Liles or Mikhail Grabovski.
- Chris Johnston via twitter: Liles has a salary of $4.55 million this season, with a $4.2 million salary cap hit.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson’s contract situation is getting more interesting as the season moves on.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Grabovski’s name has surfaced in the rumor mill. He’ll be a UFA after the season, and would get some interest on the trade market. He has been a solid player and it may be hard to let him go, and it could have a negative affect on Nikolai Kulemin.
- TSN 1050 Radio: Darren Dreger and James Mirtle talk Leafs. Teams calling about Grabovski, MacArthur and defenseman.
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