Archive for category NHL Rumors

Will it end today? Devils could be punished … Savard’s agent goes off

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 3rd, 2010

9:23 am: David Pagnotta via twitter: Rumor that Kovalchuk deal was rejected, but the both sides (NHL and NHLPA) are trying to make it fit. A decision is not expected today.

8:38 am:

  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy was informed that the New Jersey Devils could receive a $1-3 million fine, and loss of 2 1st round draft picks.
  • Scott Burnside of ESPN: The ‘ultimatum’ on the NHLPA from the NHL is “100% off the mark. Absolutely no truth to it” according to a source. The source also added, “It looks like we are close and I can honestly tell you everybody comes out lookin’ good on this one.”
  • James Mirtle via twitter: If the NHL and NHLPA can find common ground, Kovalchuk’s contract will likely be accepted, and would likely be the last of the ‘cap-bending’ contracts.
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: A source told the Sporting News that “It’s possible both sides are going to come out looking good.” (Unfortunately this situation has looked bad for at least the last month). The NHLPA declined to vote on installing Donald Fehr as their executive director on Wednesday night over concerns of his demands (from a Nick Kypreos tweet, Fehr is looking for $7.5 million through 2012).
  • TSN: Marc Savard’s agent, Larry Kelly on the Team 1200 in Ottawa,

    “I’d really like to see a true commissioner style, someone who has the best interest of the game in mind rather than the situation they have now,” Kelly told the TEAM. “Bettman is (like) the president of the league and he clearly is on the owners’ side on every issue. I really think it should be a commissioner. With a commissioner you have somebody who is totally independent and I think it would be a much less acrimonious situation.”

  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Larry Kelly also went on to say that if Marc Savard’s contract voided and he became a free agent, he wouldn’t receive a fair offer as many teams are up against the cap and training camp starts in 2 weeks. Kelly also added in the Team 1200 interview that if Savard’s contract was rejected, “You can imagine the lawsuit that would ensue”.

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Kozlov to KHL … 3 NHL caliber goalies in SJ … Fehr wants $7.5 mill through 2012 … More on Staal, Savard and Maltby

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 3rd, 2010

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Fehr’s price tag for being the NHLPA executive director is $7.5 million through 2012, players start to “hmm and haw”.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks now have 3 NHL caliber goalies after signing Antti Niemi. Antero Niittymaki (signed this off-season for $2 million a year, 2 years) and Thomas Greiss were expected to battle for the starting position before the Niemi signing. Niittymaki doesn’t feel that concerned, but Greiss was more disappointed, as he’s probably the #3 goalie now. Greiss has talked to GM Doug Wilson about the situation, which might involve a change of scenery.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Antti Niemi’s agent said that he had “four or five offers” before he decided to sign with the Sharks.
  • Steve Zipay of Newsday: Speculation, not a rumor. The Bruins could send Marc Savard to the Rangers for possibly Matt Gilroy, Sean Avery and a 2nd round pick.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland met with Kirk Maltby on Wednesday, and is waiting to hear back from him. Maltby would have to earn a spot on the roster, and it might take an injury or 2 to get a spot.
  • Terry Frei of the Denver Post: RFA Chris Stewart signed a 2 year contract worth $5.75 million, $2.5 million this year, $3.25 million next year. Peter Mueller still remains unsigned by the Avalanche. The Avs currently sit $950,000 below the cap floor.

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Some longterm contract notes … Savard staying … Ranger not attending Lightning camp

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The VP of the KHL doesn’t think that Kovalchuk will end up in the KHL, means to much to the NHL, but added “if Kovalchuk decides to come over, he can sign any contract; SKA will pay the luxury tax; it’s democratic and free here”
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Just to repeat, Chris Pronger’s deal with Ed Snider’s Philadelphia Flyers has been approved. He’ll be 42 in the final season, and will make a combined $1.05 million in the final 2 seasons of his 7 year, $34.45 million deal.
  • Jack Edwards of NESN: Edwards shoots down any rumors that the Bruins are looking to trade Marc Savard. He lists many different reasons as to why he’ll be staying.

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NHL offers ultimatum to NHLPA … Kovalchuk’s, Loungo’s and Hossa’s contract are front and center

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2010

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rather than attempting to summarize the main points, click on the link to read Brooks’ entire article, it’s a must read for all.
    The NHL has given the NHL Players Association an ultimatum regarding not only the contested, front-loaded, long-term contract between the Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk, but of similar contracts the league registered last summer between the Blackhawks and Marian Hossa, and between the Canucks and goaltender Roberto Luongo.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: The NHL and NHLPA have been talking since the August 9th Bloch ruling about long-term contract and amending the CBA.
  • SpectorsHockey via twitter: With the NHLPA currently lacking direction and fire, the League may be looking to “squeeze what it can from the PA”.
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: On the possible ‘de-registering’ of Roberto Luongo’s contract, the Canucks would have no say or appeal, the NHLPA would have to file the grievance.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The Blackhawks would be extremely upset if Marian Hossa’s contract is voided considering all the moves they had to make to get under the cap.
  • SpectorsHockey via twitter: The contracts of Chris Pronger and Marc Savard apparently won’t be voided. Richardson wonders if the weight the teams’ owners carry with the League has anything to do with it. Jeremy Jacobs is the president of the NHL Board of Governors. The Flyers Ed Snider is also considered very influential.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger wouldn’t be surprised if Kovalchuk’s Friday extension is extended beyond Friday. Though a longshot, the amended rule could be in place by the end of the weekend.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The League had told the Canucks to take 2 years off of Roberto Luongo’s contract when it was signed. The Canucks obviously didn’t, and the NHL only “conditionally accepted the contract”. A third party law firm was brought in to question some of the Canucks management. If there was any wrongdoing found, the League probably would have acted on it by now.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There is belief that Gary Bettman could be worried that Kovalchuk could jump ship. Also …
    League sources say the Kovalchuk decision isn’t “just about him” because “the structure of the contract is going to go a long way in deciding what is going to happen with the other deals being investigated.”
    “There is something bigger at work here,” said one league executive. “Perhaps they want to get all these deals resolved at once, so that the league and the players can put all this uncertainty behind them.”

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Kovalchuk to the KHL? Pens and Bruins say no Guerin

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

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

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