Archive for category NHL Free Agents
Niemi to sign with Sharks … Guerin skating with some Flyers, mutual interest?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on September 1st, 2010
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Source told Kypreos that Antti Niemi will be signing with the San Jose Sharks, possibly tomorrow. Could be 1 year at $2 million base.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Bill Guerin tells CSNPhilly that he hopes to get a tryout offer from the Flyers. GM says Guerin asked to skate/workout, agent hasn’t asked about contract or tryout.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Guerin skated with some Flyers who are in town for camp. Flyers have interested in signing him.
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.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Bill Guerin is trying to get a contract with the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
- 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.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: According to RDS, Andre Markov is back skating. Markov had off-season knee surgery.
- 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.
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.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy thinks that the Edmonton Oilers should throw an offer sheet to Carey Price.
- 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.
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: The Atlanta Thrashers could use Dustin Byfuglien on the point next season.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley says that they remain ways apart with RFA Niclas Bergfors, not close on “value of player.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: No truth to the Penguins talking/negotiating with Paul Kariya according to his agent.
- 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].”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins haven’t contacted Marek Svatos, but ….
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.
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
- Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Daniel Alfredsson talks at the World Hockey Summit about fighting and the NHL future in Europe.
Daniel Alfredsson and Uwe Krupp talk at World Hockey Summit from Greg Wyshynski on Vimeo.
- 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.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Hearing that Kings are still in on Willie Mitchell, but not front runners.
- 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.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Pittsburgh should decide in the next couple of days if they’ll bring back Bill Guerin.
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.
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
- Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Brian Burke talking about the Maple Leafs and the World Hockey Summit.
Brian Burke talks Kaberle, World Hockey Summit from Greg Wyshynski on Vimeo.
L
- 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.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: A contract for Kovalchuk was submitted to the league, just talked about the structure.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Willie Mitchell won’t discuss where he might sign, but he did say that a decision is coming soon.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Reporting the Kings are out on Willie Mitchell. Canucks a long shot. Capitals or Sharks front runners.
- 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.
- Jesse Spector (NY Daily News) via twitter: Still “nothing new” on to report on the Marc Staal - New York Rangers contract talks.
- 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.
- Neil Koepke of the Lansing State Journal: Tim Kennedy has talked to 5 or 6 teams, and would like to be signed in the next week or two.
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.
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)
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Semin was in a car accident. A police spokesman said that he wasn’t hurt when his mercedes collided with a Lada.
- 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.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Islanders 2008 3rd round pick, Kirill Petrov will be staying in the KHL next sesason according to his coach at Kazan. He has 2 years left on KHL contract.
- 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.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are still talking to the Canucks about defenseman Kevin Bieksa.
Tikhonov, did he or didn’t he request trade … Blues call Sweatt … Likely rule changes could be ….
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 19th, 2010
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Phoenix Coyotes forward Viktor Tikhonov has requested a trade according to his father, and 15 teams are interested.
Scott Burnside via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Malony says there is no truth to Tikhonov requesting a trade.
Andy Strickland via twitter: St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong spoke with Bill Sweatt in effort to bring the free agent forward to St. Louis.
The Hockey News via twitter: An NHL executive said the rule changes that are the likeliest to be approved are: 1. Modified icing 2. Shallower nets 3. 3-3 OT and 4. No line change on offsides.
Lyle ‘Spector’ Richardson of FoxSports: The length of contracts wanted by teams and remaining restricted free agents is making it harder for them to come to terms. Bobby Ryan is looking for 3 years, Ducks want 5. The Stars are offering 2 years to James Neal, he’d like a longer deal (and probably more money than the $2.5 a season they were offering). Carey Price is after 2 years, the Canadiens offered 5.
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the NHL Free Agents category.
Recent Comments