Posts Tagged Aaron Asham
Richards injury update … Oilers have $27 million to spend in off-season … Tavares wants to be an Islander … Boyle still out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 8th, 2011
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brad Richards skated on his own yesterday in Dallas, and could practice with the team on Wednesday at the morning skate. Nicklas Grossman is still out with a hip injury, but is skating.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers currently have $32 million committed to 14 players next year, leaving around $27 million for 11 more players. They still need to re-sign Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid, but will still have lots of room for other free agents. They won’t go after high end free agents like Brad Richards but could look at the 2nd tier group, the Scottie Upshall type. They could be looking for a 2-way defenseman. They won’t spend to the cap ceiling, likely closer to the middle.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: John Tavares has heard rumors that he wants out of the Island, but that may not be the case. “I was aware of (the talk) and, a lot of times, I just ignore that stuff,” …“Obviously, when you are losing, it’s not easy,” Tavares said. “It’s a tough thing to go through. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love it here and don’t want to play here. “I love being a New York Islander.”
- Josh Yole of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins forward Aaron Asham has been symptom free from a concussion he sustained on Feb. 1st. He skated before practice yesterday, and may be able to return later this month. Brooks Orpik will be out another 2 weeks. Eric Godard is eligible to return after serving his 10 game suspension.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle won’t be in the lineup tonight. Jason Demers had been taking Boyle’s spot on the power play, but Ian White was practicing with the unit yesterday. Devin Setoguchi was on the 1st PP unit with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Dany Heatley skated with Logan Couture and Ryane Clowe on the 2nd PP unit.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Steven Kamfer sustained a minor concussion last week, they hoped that he’ll only miss a week, but it’s likely to be more than that. In 2008, Kamfer was attached by a Michigan Wolverine running back and suffered a suffered a cracked skull, concussion and broken vertebrae. 3 months later he was knocked out by a punch from behind, then cross checked twice in the neck. Andrew Ference might be able to starting skating today or tomorrow.
- Edmonton Journal: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers tonight, and Nikolai Khabibulin will likely get the start on Wedmesday.
JovoCop out weeks … Kaberle open to negotiating with Bruins … Setoguchi won’t be moved for rental … All but 1 Panther available
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Rumors on February 19th, 2011
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Ed Jovanovski will be out several weeks after having surgery yesterday on his orbital bone fracture. He suffered the fracture after crashing into Thrashers forward Patrice Cormier.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley on the possibility of trading Zach Bogosian, “People ask me that all the time. I say the same thing. Wayne Gretzky was traded. There are no untouchables that I know of. Certainly not in Atlanta. I’m not actively looking to trade Zach and I don’t expect to trade him.”
- Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun: (The reporter that Burke went after in the Kaberle press conference yesterday. Burke misunderstood the question, audio in the Kaberle trade post). “Of course. We want to do both,” [Burke] said. “We are not throwing in the towel. No way.” He’ll be looking for a defenseman that could fill some of Kaberle’s minutes.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Because of immigration issues, the Bruins knew it would be easier for them to make the deal in Canada. Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Kaberle said he’d be open to negotiating with the Bruins already.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will travel with the team to Carolina, but doesn’t know if he’ll start or be the backkup.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: After moving out Ian White for a pick and bringing in Derek Joslin, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford added, “We do have flexibility if something comes along in the next week that makes sense for us.”
- George Richards via twitter: Scouts at the Panthers-Red Wings game: Devils, Hurricanes, Senators, Penguins, Canucks, Red Wings, Rangers, Kings, Wild, and 2 from Blackhawks.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Alex Goligoski’s solid play has put his name in the rumor mill in connection with bringing in some offense, but “The way Goligoski has played this season, it might be a no-brainer for GM Ray Shero to keep him for the foreseeable future.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Aaron Asham joins Sidney Crosby and Eric Tangradi as Penguins who are out with a concussion, and it doesn’t appear he’ll return anytime soon. No update on Crosby’s concussion. Chris Kunitz and Mark Letestu are progressing but still not ready. Nick Johnson left practice yesterday after suffering an upper-body injury.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Devin Setoguchi could be available for a defenseman, but he won’t be moved for a rental. If the Hurricanes fall out of contention, Joni Pitkanen could become available. Oilers Ales Hemsky, Ladislav Smid, and Tom Gilbert could all be had for the right price. Word is that Panthers GM Dale Tallon has made all his players available except Stephen Weiss (the guy who would get the most interest). Cory Stillman will get interest, Chris Higgins is getting minor interest. Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen’s name is coming up in some conversations. The Flyers are trying to move Nikolai Zherdev. The Sabres could make Craig Rivet and Jordan Leopold available.
Blues financial constraints play part in past/future deals … Kotalik could be bought out in summer … AHL Skills Competition goal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 31st, 2011
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues have a payroll of about $46 million, and financial constraints is one of reasons they didn’t go after Jamie Langenbrunner according to sources. Langenbrunner would have been about $1.4 million for the remainder of the season. The Blues did try to bring in the cheap Marek Svatos ($300,000) and Kyle Wellwood ($400,000), only to have them claimed off waivers by other teams. If they are able to secure new investors by the time the NHL trade deadline roles around could impact whether they are buyers or sellers. Eric Brewer and Ty Conklin are UFA’s and could be either be re-signed or traded. TJ Oshie and Patrik Berglund will be RFAs at season’s end.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Max Talbot is a UFA at season’s end, and his recent offensive struggles (pointless in 15, goalless in 24) might sway the Penguins to decide to move in a different direction. Dustin Jeffrey, Eric Tangradi, Nick Johnson and Tim Wallace could be ready to take a more prominent role with the Pens next year. Other Penguins UFAs will be: Pascal Dupuis ($1.4 million), Mike Rupp ($825K), Eric Godard ($750K), Aaron Asham ($700K), Craig Adams ($550K), Chris Conner ($550K), Mike Comrie ($500K).
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: With the Flames sending Ales Kotalik to the AHL, they’ll begin rewarding players with callups. The move also clears up cap space for the remainder of the season. He could be bought out this summer, and would carry a $1 million cap hit in each of the next 2 seasons.
- From the AHL skills competition, Linus Klasen
Sens still trying to make a deal, tight against the cap … Boychuk out a month … Kovalchuk plays, scores only goal … plus more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 25th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray hasn’t been able to find a trade partner yet in his attempt to shake up his team. They are tight against the salary cap, which could be marking it harder to pull off a deal. Capgeek is showing that they are only $75,000 under the cap. The Sens are trying to move Brian Lee and his $875,000 salary since the summer, but he hasn’t played well. Teams are willing to take Nick Foligno or Erik Karlsson, but Murray isn’t interested in moving them. Filip Kuba should be practicing with the team early this week.
- Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk will be out for about a month after a ‘slight’ fracture in his left forearm. It won’t require surgery. Boychuk took a slash from Brandon Dubinsky.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils rank last in scoring and in points, and have benched their $100 million man. Everson thinks they need to stop juggling their lines and let them find a way to work together. Kovalchuk scored the teams only goal last night after his one game banishment to the press box. Kovalchuk added this about his healthy scratch,”The coach decided to give me a little rest and that’s about it. That’s his decision. It’s going to stay between me and him. I’m just a player so I’m going to show up so I can play.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Other reactions about Kovalchuk’s first game back.“I’m hungry night when I’m playing because that’s my job and we’re all professionals,” Kovalchuk said. “We all have to realize when we step on the ice, you have to do your best.”“I thought Kovy was fine,” Maclean said. “He played hard, skated hard. He got a goal there and some other chances.” “He was playing with some energy,” Langenbrunner said. “He’s as frustrated as anybody with the way things have gone and he wants to do his part to get us going back in the right direction. He did that scoring a goal again. He has a knack for putting himself in those positions and it was a great pass by (Dainius Zubrus). We’re going to need more of that, just battle and get pucks to the net. That was all created by cycling pucks off the net.”
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: RW Aaron Asham will likely be healthy enough to go on Wednesday. LW Eric Tangardi doesn’t have to clear waivers so he could be sent down. Zbynek Michalek had a full practice yesterday. Dman Andrew Hutchinson could also be sent down, as the Pens have 8 defenseman practicing.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks winger Dan Sexton has a broken nose after taking a shot in the face from Ruslan Salei on Saturday night. It’s not known yet how long Sexton will be out. He could return to Anaheim today for further tests.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars are still unsure if Jamie Benn is better served as a winger or a centerman. The last 2 games he’s played on the wing with Steve Ott and Ton Wandell. Last year was the first year he’s ever played center. Marc Crawford said it’s a game-by-game decision on where he plays.
Options for ‘Hawks if Niemi isn’t back … Stars would match most offer sheets for Neal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 23rd, 2010
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: There hasn’t been much progress between the Chicago Blackhawks and Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration date is set for July 29th (arbitration dates for all players). They could still trade him before the arbitration date, walk away from the ruling if they don’t like it, or possibly trade him after they accept the 1-year deal.
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: Blackhawk options if they lose Niemi: Corey Crawford could be the “best and most likely option.” Some organizational members liked him better than Niemi, and he makes $800,000. Marty Turco has already turned down $2 million a season from Philly, so he might be too expensive for Chicago. A lower salary for a chance to win the cup could sway him. Turco is talking with a couple teams, and has turned down more than Philly. Jose Theodore had a great record but a bad GAA last year, his career is on the tail end, and he’d have to take a big cut from his $4.5 salary (which he’d have to do anyways if he wants to stay in the NHL). Vesa Toskala (not if they want a shot at winning the cup next year) has a winning record every season except for last year. Would have to take a pay cut from $4 million. Has options in Europe if no one in the NHL wants him. Ray Emery could be cheap option, but he’s coming off hip surgery.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray and Teemu Selanne have talked this week, and plan to speak again next week, no decision yet on if he’ll return or retire.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars would match reasonable offer sheets for James Neal, if he were to sign one. If the deal was front loaded, it might be difficult, but they would probably find a way to do it. If the offer was for over $4.638 million, they might consider taking the 2011 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks (compensation for signing RFA’s). If RFA’s are not signed by Dec. 1st, they are ineligible for the remainder of the season.
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have shown mild interest in Aaron Asham. Asham could bring some toughness.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Colorado have been checking out Andrew Cogliano’s availability.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Dmitry thinks that Alexander Radulov could be back in the NHL next year (2011-12).
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Nikita Filatov and Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel will speak in the next couple days. Arniel says “I’m going to let him do most of the talking, but I’ll have something to say at the end of the conversation.“
Life after the Kovalchuk signing … Other pieces will begin to fall
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 20th, 2010
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Don’t expect a Tomas Kaberle trade this week as GM Brian Burke has gone fishing for the week. He did have this to say before he left, “The number of offers are up to six but we’re not in a position where we think any of them are good enough,” said Burke. “We’re still in a holding pattern.” The Lightning at one point were dangling Ryan Malone. Burke would not comment on Marc Savard. If he is interested, he’ll most likely wait until after Kaberle is traded as he may not need a center of Savard’s caliber.
Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The LA Kings may come calling the Maple Leafs for puck moving Dman Tomas Kaberle, to play along side Drew Doughty. Longley throws out the idea of Brayden Schenn coming back to Toronto.
Randy Youngman of the OC Register: The Ducks and Bobby Ryan are fine with $5 million a year, but Ryan wants less term than the 5 years the Ducks are proposing. Ryan would like 3 years, but that would mean his contract would expire at the same time as Perry’s and Getzlaf’s. 3 years would also leave Ryan as an RFA, 4 years he would be a UFA.
NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Leafs were interested in Bobby Ryan, but Ducks have told all teams they want to sign him.
Dave Gross of the Vancouver Province: Gross mentions players who the Devils could possibly trade to get under the cap: Brian Rolston, 2 years at $5 million. Travis Zajac is at $3.89 million season (I doubt they’d move him, would be a last resort). Dainius Zubrus makes $3.4 million the next 3 seasons. Colin White will make $3 million the next 2 years. Bryce Salvador will make $2.9 million the next 2 years.
EJ Hradek via Twitter: Jamie Langenbrunner could be trade bait for the Devils. He’s at $2.8 million and a no-trade clause, but he should get some interest.
Jeff Marek via twitter: There could be a new style of play in New Jersey next season, more ‘up-tempo’, less trap.
Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has told Patrick Sharp that “he’s not going anywhere.” They are still working on Antti Niemi, no solution, but have ideas.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano will start skating on August 5th, and won’t make a decision to return or not before that.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Frolov has begun contract talks with KHL’s Salavat Yulaef.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: After the seeing what the Flyers got for Simon Gagne (Matt Walker and a 4th), the Oilers may not expect to get much back for Sheldon Souray. There’s not a big market for Souray, with his $5.4 million cap hit for the next 2 years, and his health concerns. The Oilers may look to teams who are sitting around the salary cap floor: Atlanta, NY Islanders, Colorado, and St. Louis. They may ask the Oilers to throw in a young player or pick to take back the salary.
John Boruk via Twitter: Aaron Asham could be signed by the end of the week, Philly a possibility.
Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 25th, 2010
- George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can’t re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has told the them he’ll let them know in a couple weeks. It doesn’t look like Brett Lebda, Jason Williams, and Doug Janik will be back. Derek Meech should get a qualifying offer from them.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Panthers GM Dale Tallon isn’t a fan of players who aren’t willing to pay the price, which means that Nathan Horton could be on his way out, as he known to not have a good work ethic. A Bruin, who has friends on the Panthers has been told that Norton has “No heartbeat”. “We weeded out people who didn’t want to pay the price,” Tallon said. “If you don’t want to pay the price and you don’t want to be involved here, you’re not going to be here.” The Bruins have limited funds available to sign free agents, but could target Flyers winger, Aaron Asham.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The Montreal Canadiens currently have 14 players locked up for about $45.7 million. Tomas Plekanec is a UFA and it might take around $5 million to re-sign him. Their biggest off-season situation is obviously what to do with Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price. Halak has shown that he can the #1, but Price could be the future star. RFAs Maxim Lapierre, Tom Pyatt, and Benoit Pouliot should be back. Glen Metropolit, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Paul Mara probably won’t be back. Halak playoff performance may get himself a contract offer from the Canadiens, maybe in the $3 million range. To clear up some salary space, they may try to get rid of Andrei Kostitsyn (1 year, $3.25 million) and Roman Hamrlik (1 year, $5.5 million), but that could be difficult. One option would be for the Canadiens to package one of them with Carey Price. Buying George Laraque out will free up $1 million. Andrei Markov will be a free agent after next year, and could be shopped around if they think he’ll be out of their price range ($7 million?) or not in their long term plans.
- Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: It is possible that the Sharks could re-sign both Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov, but odds are they will only go after 1. Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi will be getting pay increases, and cap space will be disappearing. If they let Nabokov go, they could go with Thomas Greiss and minor leaguer Alex Stalock, or look to bring in a less expensive goalie to challenge for the #1 spot.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Peter Karmanos Jr. has hired a New York investment firm to help him find a local buyer for a 49% stake in the team. Karmanos former co-owner, Thomas Thewes, passed away a few years ago, he owned the 49% of the team.
Coyotes Staying in Phoenix? Sergei Kostitsyn done in Montreal … Flyers free agents
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 8th, 2010
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Sources have told ESPN Friday night that the Ice Edge Holdings group and city of Glendale are going to sign a letter of exclusivity on Monday, as they’ve agreed on all points on in a new lease agreement. The memorandum won’t be officially submitted to the city for voting until the city and NHL come to agreement on several points, which will be discussed on Tuesday. The NHL wants the city to cover the operating losses for the team if an owner is not found by next year, which could be in the $20-30 million range. If all goes well, it could still take 4-8 weeks before a deal could be finalized. Check out yesterday’s post on Coyotes situation for some more background on what’s been happening.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Sergei Kostitsyn has worn out his welcome in Montreal. The players, coaches and managment have about had it with him. He’s a skilled player and could help them out now, but he’s got a bad work ethic and a terrible attitude. Players may be wanting to send him away right away, but coaches and managment are trying to keep this distraction to a minimum.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: Gormley looks at the Flyers free agent situation this summer. Aaron Asham, Michael Leighton and Lukas Krajicek have all stated they’d like to return, but no word yet from management if there is an interest in bringing them back. Ray Emery isn’t expected to get a contract offer. The Flyers will most likely send qualifying offers to RFAs Daniel Carcillo, Darroll Powe, Braydon Coburn, and Ryan Parent.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres will be looking for a backup goalie this summer. Patrick Lalime is an option, but I doubt it, they didn’t seem to trust him that much down the stretch to give Miller the time off that he needed. Martin Biron is probably the leading candidate, though they can’t really admit it as he’s still under contract with the Islanders. The Sabres could also go ‘in-house’ with the 21-year old Jhonas Enroth who’s been in the AHL the past 2 seasons.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby’s final practice/game could be approaching. Currently he plans on training this summer like he’ll be returning, but he’s unsure if it will be with the Red Wings. The 37-year old is a UFA at seasons end, may not get a contract offer from the Wings, and may not see himself in another uniform.
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