Posts Tagged Ales Hemsky
Not so fast on Smyth to Rangers … Kubina, Malone and Moore linked to teams … Kings interested in Kulemin and MacArthur … ‘Hawks to wait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2012
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: A source is saying that Ryan Smyth would consider waiving his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Rangers. Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Ryan Smyth said he hasn’t heard from the Rangers and may not be that interested in a short stay there.
“I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest,” he continued. “They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.”
“I’ve moved four times in the last five years,” he said. “I wanted to come back here for a reason?”
Ales Hemsky hasn’t talked contract with the Oilers, and wouldn’t mind staying, depending on the money.
“Of course I would like to stay, but it depends on the terms. I like the guys here, I like the city, the fans are great and I have lots of friends here. I’ve always been happy here so I’d like to stay.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: The next 5 games will likely determine if the Lightning will be a buyer or seller. Yzerman said many teams are in a feeling out pattern. Pavel Kubina has been linked to the Rangers and Flames. Ryan Malone has been mentioned with the Kings. The Penguins and Senators may have interest in Dominic Moore. Adam Hall and Marc-Andre Bergeron may be ready to return during this homestand.
- John MacKinnon of Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Andy Sutton as UFAs at seasons end. Sam Gagner could get some interest, but the Oilers may realize that he’s better suited in a 2nd line role.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN1050 radio that the Kings are interested in Maple Leafs Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will wait and see how the Brendan Morrison trade works out before making a move for another center, maybe Sam Gagner. Islanders Steve Staios and Mark Eaton could get some trade interest. The Islanders would rather sign P.A. Parenteau than trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA after the season, and signs are pointing to him hitting the open market. It’s possible the Panthers could move him, rather than lose him for nothing. Sources are saying he could be looking for something in the $4.5 million range.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: With Jimmy Howard’s hand injury, Burnside notes a Evgeni Nabokov deal makes sense.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks have dropped 5 straight, and GM Stan Bowman said there is no help coming. “I like our personnel. We’re trying to upgrade. It’s not like we’ve got guys playing that can’t play in the NHL. We certainly have guys that can improve on their level of play. But at the same time, we’re just trying to enhance our group as opposed to completely remake it.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Kyle Brodziak hasn’t had contract talks with the Wild yet. “As long as things make sense, why wouldn’t we want to sign Kyle Brodziak?” Fletcher said. “He’s been a good player for us, he fits in well, I think he’s enjoyed playing in Minnesota, and he’s had success here. We enjoy having him here, so hopefully we can make it work.”
State of the Detroit Red Wings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 2nd, 2012
Written by George Malik of Kuklas Korner and can be found on twitter at @georgemalik
Wings fans seem to have regrettably forgotten both the lay of the land and the reality of doing business in a league whose general managers do each other no favors. As the calendar turned from January to February, the list of teams supposedly interested in top-six forwards and depth defensemen with grit is longer than the list of teams which continue to ride the uncomfortable fence line between buying and selling because they still have realistic aspirations of cracking the playoff pack before the month is out, especially in the Western Conference.
Moreover, while Wings fans tend to ignore the fact that asking prices for top flight talent involve roster players, top prospects and draft picks–the bizarre Hemsky and Andy Sutton to Detroit for Tomas Jurco and a 1st round pick rumor wasn’t far off in terms of what the Oilers might be asking for, and when Wings fans drool over Brendan Smith, Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and World Junior Championship performers like Petr Mrazek and Teemu Pulkkinen, opposing teams’ GM’s do the same darn thing.
No one has heard that Subban is availabe … Friendman’s 30 Thoughts rumors … Nothing imminent for Leafs … Coyotes update … Hedman hopes for next week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 25th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun clarifies his comments on RDS. LeBrun talked with several teams yesterday and NONE have heard Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban’s name being available. What LeBrun said on RDS was that a team suggested it could be a possibility, though they hadn’t talked to the Canadiens. Louis Jean via twitter: All the Subban trade talk is “completely ludicrous.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: If the Canadiens end up looking for a new GM at some point, don’t count out former Avalanche GM Francois Giguere. After the Blues signed Brian Elliott to a 2 year deal, AHL goalie Ben Bishop’s name hit the rumor mill. GMs have now said that Elliott’s trade value has now gone up with his affordable deal. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is “pulling back” in his quest for a goalie and defenseman.
“He’s made it clear that he’d rather wait than rush through a trade,” said another executive. Yzerman, via email, said, “We aren’t in a position to trade draft picks or young players for rentals.”
Blue Jackets forwards Derick Brassard is off the market. R.J. Umberger might get some interest. A couple teams have heard that Ryan Suter is off the market. The Predators are not interested in a Ryan Ellis or Jon Blum/1st round pick for Ales Hemsky. Sabres Paul Gaustad could be a nice fit in San Jose. One GM thought Wild defenseman Marek Zidlicky would fit well in San Jose. One of the reasons the Maple Leafs could be looking to move an NHL defenseman is to create room for Korbinian Holzer. Friedman has heard the Maple Leafs could consider moving Mikhail Grabovski, they are listening to offers. He’s a pending UFA and the Leafs could see the dollar amount an issue. They are also listening on Nikolai Kulemin.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said last night that nothing is imminent on the trade front, lots of listening. Burke added that he doesn’t have a problem keeping pending UFA Mikhail Grabovski past the trade deadline without a new contract.
- Lisa Halverstadt of the Arizona Republic: Glendale City Council met yesterday for an update on the Coyotes situation. The mayor wonders if the NHL is asking price will force the Glendale to pay more. The NHL is trying to get $170 million for the Coyotes, Forbes says they are worth about $36 million less.
“I think it has kept other potential buyers out of the process of trying to purchase the team and I think it is definitely impacting the financial burden that’s being asked of the city of Glendale,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly:
“We bought this franchise out of bankruptcy when no one else would, and we and our owners have jointly supported its operation for more than two years now,” Daly said. “We and the city of Glendale have a joint problem and we are jointly trying to fix it.”
- Erik Erendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, who has been out since Dec. 27th with a concussion, practiced yesterday in a no-contact jersey. He’s hoping to return next Tuesday against the Capitals.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres forward Jochen Hecht has a concussion. He skated yesterday but felt awful after and headed to the doctors.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that Oilers GM Steve Tambellini will likely get a 1 or 2 year contract extension. McKenzie said during last night’s Oilers telecast:
“I think he’ll probably get one (a new deal). I think the way the team finishes from now to the end of the season might not make it completely ironclad.”
Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2012
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: More will be known about Jonathan Toews injury after practice today. The Blackhawks have only 1 game before the All-Star break.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.
Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
- Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
- Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames winger Curtis Glencross has an MCL injury and will be out at least 6 weeks.
The Wild aren’t the only ones wanting to improve Top 6 … Jets could deal UFAs … Possible Habs GM candidates … Letang could return … Glencross week-to-week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 19th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild have dropped out of the top 8 in the West after losing 14 of 16.
“We’ll keep looking to upgrade the talent. We’ll move whatever we have to move if it makes sense. Not everybody’s untouchable. And certainly we have a lot of prospects we’re not going to move, but there’s assets we have that we can move to make our team better if we can find the right fit.”
They’ve been hit with injuries to their top 6. They would like to improve their top 6, but they aren’t the only ones. The Ducks have dangled Bobby Ryan. The Sabres have Drew Stafford, Derek Roy and Brad Boyes. The Rangers have Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets have Vaclav Prospal. The Oilers have Ales Hemsky. The Hurricanes have Tuomo Ruutu.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets could be looking to move some of their future UFAs, which includes: Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Johnny Oduya, Randy Jones, Mark Flood and Derek Meech. Though some of their UFAs could receive contract extensions or possibly brought back in the summer.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: A list of possible candidates for the Canadiens GM position if they decide to replace Pierre Gauthier: “J.Martin (owed $3mil), J.Brisebois, Risebrough, Ferguson, Loiselle, McGuire, Bergevin.”
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer is hearing that Taylor Hall could be out for the year. Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Rumors at this point are untrue, at this point that hasn’t been decided. Taylor Hall via twitter: “The reports that I’m out for the season aren’t true. I am going to be back as soon as possible. “
- Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang could return to the lineup for the 1st time in 2 months tonight. “It’s coach’s decision,” Letang said of his return. “I know I am ready to go. I have been resting. I have been doing some treatment. I am comfortable. Otherwise I wouldn’t be on the ice.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu still hopes he’ll be able to participate in the All-Star game, and the NHL has agreed to hold off on naming a replacement.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross is week-to-week with a knee injury.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe has facial fractures, but is not feeling any concussion-like symptoms.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: There isn’t much optimism from Capitals when it comes to defenseman Tom Poti being able to return to the NHL. “Tom’s been working at it and improving but I don’t know if he’ll ever get to the point where he can play again,” McPhee told reporters Tuesday. “As I said in the summer, we weren’t counting on it.”
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start in net tonight for the Flyers against the Islanders.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs against the Wild.
Wings-Leafs in 2013 Winter Classic … Red Wings looking for scorer, depth … Potential Leafs targets … Hall gets nasty cut
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 18th, 2012
- Ansar Khan of MLive: A source confirms that a deal has been finalized with the NHL, Red Wings, and Maple Leafs to hold the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. A rink will also be built at Comerica Park and will host events leading up to the Winter Classic on January 1st. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Earlier this week University of Michigan Athletic Director said there could be scheduling conflicts and other issues, such as liquor licenses.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings are having 3 days of pro and amateur scouting meeting this week. They’ll be evaluating potential trade targets and this summers free agent crop. The Red Wings are looking for a scoring winger and or a 3rd/4th line forward. The Wings have $5.7 million in cap space and will likely be offering up draft picks, middling prospects and/or fringe players. They will likely just be adding depth and not a star player.
“We like the way the team has performed. A lot of people have had good first halves,” Holland said. “But the trade deadline is coming. We have a lot of cap space. We’ve done a lot of drafting and developing since 2005, saving our picks. I don’t know if we have to do anything, but certainly in the next six weeks we’re going to explore.”
The Wings are believed to have interest in Tuomo Ruutu and Ales Hemsky. If Teemu Selanne decides to waive his no-trade clause, the Wings could be interested. Ryan Suter and Zach Parise could become available, but the Red Wings may opt to chase them in the summer.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk, Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Malone, Derick Brassard, Paul Stastny, and Jeff Carter.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall was held out of last night’s game after a pre-game mishap where his head took a nasty gash from the skate of defenseman Corey Potter.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been off skates for the past 11 days due to his concussion. GM George McPhee said, “Nick’s doing really well. I’m I guess happy to report he’s progressing.”
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Petr Sykora is unsure if he’ll return next year, he’s taking it one year at a time according to his agent Allan Walsh.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He left Monday’s practice after taking a blow to the head.
Afternoon rumors involving the Wild, Ducks, Canucks, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Rangers and Capitals
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 16th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are Wild center Mikko Koivu has a separated shoulder and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Mike Yeo called it an upper-body injury and that he’s listed as ‘week-to-week.’ GM Chuck Fletcher has been looking to make a trade before calling someone up. Goaltender Josh Harding maybe the only player who could bring back a top 6 forward. The Wild could look at Rangers Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets may have taken Derick Brassard off the market after Scott Arniel’s firing. Possible rentals for the Wild are: Ales Hemsky, Vinny Prospal, and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Kukla’s Korner via twitter: Doug MacLean said on Fan 590 that he’s heard talk on Ducks tough guy George Parros possibly being traded to Vancouver. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie says that the Canucks and Ducks have not had a single conversation regarding Parros.
- Bill Watters via twitter: If the Hurricanes are unable to sign Tim Gleason and Tuomu Ruutu to contract extensions, they could move them before the trade deadline. Watter’s thinks they could both bring back a minimum of a 1st round pick.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers could look at bringing back Vinny Prospal from the Blue Jackets if the asking price is reasonable. Brooks thinks the Rangers should also see what it would cost to get Dominic Moore from the Lightning.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Jeff Schultz has found himself a healthy scratch for 13 of their past 15 games.
“I just want to play, that’s what it comes down to,” Schultz said. “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I just want to play.”
More on Flyers-Leafs … Roy could come up in discussions … Hemsky’s trade value … Iggy staying … Carter to IR … Lines and Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 13th, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): It has been reported that the Flyers and Leafs have talked. That James van Riemsdyk is a big bodied forward that the Leafs are interested. JVR would be easier to get than a Ryan Getzlaf. There have been no offers made by either side, and Luke Schenn “most definitely hasn’t been offered.” If and when the likes of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber aren’t made available, the Flyers may go back to the Leafs. “Toronto, without question would include Schenn in a trade if JVR is the return.” Dreger thinks the Sabres could move Derek Roy, or at least will be in talks with other clubs about him. A Ryan Miller trade is not likely to happen ‘in-season’ if they are considering it at all. The Senators won’t alter their long-term plans, but if they are able to add a forward, probably a top 9, Murray might make a move. Oilers Ales Hemsky’s trade value will depend on how he plays from now until the trade deadline. The Oilers will want a young player for Hemsky and possibly a draft pick depending on the player.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Don’t be surprised if Burke meets with Schenn today. If deal doesn’t go down soon, I expect Burke will tell Luke its not happening.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster: “That’s correct. Iggy is going nowhere and we are going for it.”
- Capgeek via twitter: Once all Flames become healthy, it’s estimated they’ll need to clear $2.5 million in cap space.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby received clearance to begin skating earlier this week.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance names some top candidates who could be GMs soon: Julien BriseBois (TB), Paul Fenton (NASH), Ron Hextall (LA), Jeff Gordon (NYR) and Jim Nill (DET)
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Wild have put Colton Gillies on waivers. The Red Wings have put Chris Minard on waivers. Coyotes Cal O’Reilly clears waivers.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: The Blue Jackets have put Jeff Carter on the IR.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore will likely be back on Monday against the Bruins.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers confirm that Brandon Dubinsky will be a game-time decision.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Wolski-Stepan-Gaborik, Prust-Richards-Callahan, Hagelin-Boyle-Mitchell, Rupp-Anisimov-Fedotenko.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Johansson-Semin, Knuble-Laich-Brouwer, Hendricks-Halpern-Ward, Chimera-Eakin-Beagle.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Leafs defensive pairings: Aulie-Phaneuf, Gunnarsson-Schenn, Komisarek-Franson.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will face Ryan Miller tonight. Sabres center Derek Roy is back in the lineup. No lineup changes for the Leafs.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Capitals. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net tonight for the Capitals.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Carey Price will start in net for the Canadiens against the Senators.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net for the Blues against the Wild.
- Mark Spector via twitter: It will be Nikolai Khabibulin against Jonas Hiller tonight.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight.
NHL Rumors involving the Bruins, Devils, Wild, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canucks, Panthers, Sharks, Penguins and Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
* Bruins are moving cautiously towards the trade deadline as GM Chiarelli doesn’t want to mess with their chemistry.“Obviously we have a lot of cap room, so there’s a lot of flexibility,” Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN.com Thursday. “I would like to add depth-wise on the forward front and depth-wise on the defenseman front. But I don’t want to subtract anything.”
LeBrun thinks that Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu and/or defenseman Tim Gleason could be options.
* There is a growing feeling around the league that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello won’t trade Zach Parise at the deadline if he’s not signed by then. His rights could be moved before the free agency starts if a deal can’t be reached.
“He can’t trade away his captain, the face of the franchise, with the team sitting in a playoff spot,” one source told ESPN.com Thursday.
* The Minnesota Wild have been looking to upgrade their offense for months but their aren’t going to deplete their prospects to do so. LeBrun thinks they may move a B-level prospect, a pick or a player off their roster to get a top 6. Possibly for a guy like Vinny Prospal in Columbus.
* LeBrun confirms that the Flyers and Maple Leafs have talked over the last week. The Leafs like James van Riemsdyk and the Flyers are looking for a Dman. Ryan Suter is at the top of the Flyers wish list and have shown interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason.
* The Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward and/or a power play defenseman. They are keeping an eye on the Ryan Suter-Shea Weber-Nashville Predators situation.
* The Red Wings will be working the phones over the next 6-7 weeks. They have some interest in Ales Hemsky, and may be looking for a backup goalie upgrade.
* The Canucks are looking for size upfront, likely for the bottom 6. Cory Schneider is more likely to be dealt in the offseason than at the deadline.
* The Panthers want to get healthy before they decide what they want to do heading towards the trade deadline.
“We don’t know yet, hopefully we’ll have everybody back in the lineup in the next couple of week and then we’ll see what we have,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com Thursday. “And then we’ll see where we’re at as well. There’s no rush here.”
* The Sharks could use a 3rd line forward and have been shopping Antero Niittymaki.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Despite the recent Penguins struggles, they don’t have anything cooking on the trade front. GM Ryan Shero has a tendency to let the market develop before moving on a deal. They are currently out of the playoffs, but they are not panicking. They don’t have a big deal in the works and any move is weeks away.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Shero shot down the notion about shelving Sidney Crosby and possibly Kris Letang for the season, and use the cap relief on a big trade or 2.
“I have to have it in my mind about what we might have coming back,” Shero said. “Those guys are worth waiting for.”
There is still no timetable on Crosby and Letang’s return.
“We never even once discussed that,” Shero said of putting Crosby on long-term injured reserve to let him continue to heal for several months and finding a replacement or two through trades.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Trade speculation out of Philadelphia has them interested in Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn.
“It doesn’t really mean much,” Schenn, 21, said. “They’re just rumours and I’m happy being here in Toronto. In the 3½ years that I’ve been here there has been a few rumours about trades that were going to happen. They come up every year somehow.”
It’s no secret the Leafs GM Brian Burke likes James van Riemsdyk. JVR signed a 6 year extension with a $4.25 million cap hit in the offseason. Schenn signed a 5 year deal with a $3.5 million cap hit just before the season started.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Sabres owner Terry Pegula points out the injuries that have hit the team:
“What everybody is missing is that I’ve been carrying around 167 man games,” he said by telephone Thursday evening. “Forget about the season. I’m talking about the last 25 games. We’ve had 18 players go down. It’s like a merry-go-round every night. You look on the ice and what are your defensive pairs tonight? Hell, who knows? Who’s healthy?
“I think what’s important is the number of guys. You can have 167 man games with four, five, six guys out for a long period. Eighteen? Cut me a break. I told Darcy Regier one time, ‘If I was you, I would be afraid to get on the plane.’ “
The Sabres sit 11th in the East with a 18-19-5 record heading into tonight. Many players have struggled. Robyn Regher is -12. Brad Boyes has been injured and hasn’t produced when healthy. Ryan Miller is having the worst season of his career. Derek Roy is 115th in scoring. The Sabres could keep everyone together, make some trade to upgrade the roster which may not be easy, or trade players who they don’t see there long term.
“My attitude now is, ‘Let’s put Humpty [Dumpty] back together again,’ ” Pegula said. “I want our players to know that I thought we had a pretty good hockey team until all this happened. Let’s paste it back together and start a new season.”
No truth to Doan rumors … Possible Sens targets … Wild looking for scoring … Karlsson back … Dubinsky GTD … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Maloney said there is “no truth whatsoever” to the Shane Doan trade rumors.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 5 forwards who might be of interest to the Senators: Ales Hemsky, Tuomo Ruutu, Jordin Tootoo, Olli Jokinen, and Frans Nielsen.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher on acquiring some offensive help:
“We have a lot of cap space. That’s fortunate,” he said. “If we can add some skill … and it’s not a crazy short-term deal where you’re giving up a lot of assets for a rental, then I think we’ll look at anything at this point.”
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter won’t play in the their next 2 games. His separated shoulder will be re-examined tomorrow.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Coyotes have put Cal O’Reilly on waivers. Steve MacIntyre (PIT) clears waivers.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach MacLean confirms that Erik Karlsson will be back in the lineup. Matt Carkner will be a healthy scratch.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Muller wants forward Jeff Skinner to have a few more practices before he returns to the lineup, possibly on the weekend.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers coach Tortorella said yesterday that forward Brandon Dubinsky will be a game-time decision.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres lines: Vanek-Hecht-Pominville; Gerbe-Roy-Stafford; Adam-Boyes-Leino; Ellis-Gaustad-Kaleta/McCormick.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Leafs lines: Lupul-Connolly-Kessel, Crabb-Grabovski-Kulemin, MacArthur-Lombardi-Kadri, Boyce-Steckel-Crabb (Rosehill)
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins against the Canadiens.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start in net for the Flyers.
- Brian Compton via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Expect Henrik Lundqvist to start in net for the Rangers tonight.
NHL rumors involving Sabres, Predators, Penguins, Jets, Blackhawks, and Parise … Injury notes on Markstrom, Giordano and Morrison
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2012
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: If the struggling Sabres make a trade, center Derek Roy is leading the rumor mill.
“It’s fine. It’s whatever people say,” Roy said. “You can’t worry about it and do anything about it. You have to go out and play your game. Everyone here is trying to do their job, whether it’s stopping the puck, playing defense and scoring goals. We all have to do our part.
The Ducks were said to be looking at Roy and Drew Stafford back in November when GM Bob Murray was in town. Roy has one more year at $5.5 million but a $4 million cap hit. Roy is currently battling a shoulder injury, that originally happened in training camp. Sabres GM Darcy Regier said last Friday that no deal was imminent, but he is talking to teams. On the injury side, Andrej Sekera skated for the 1st time since his Dec. 28th upper-body injury. Tyler Ennis and his ankle injury remain off ice.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile on Ryan Suter:
“Our first and foremost goal is to sign Ryan. We’ve been trying to do that all season long. I’ve not accomplished that to this point, but we’re hoping to continue discussions and get that done at some point. We’ll be prepared, if we feel that we weren’t going to be able to sign Ryan, and if we thought we were in a position that we had to or should trade him. I’m certainly hoping that doesn’t happen, I don’t want that to happen, but I want to be prepared for that.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: With all the injuries the Penguins have, they could turn to the Ducks. It wouldn’t take much to get Niklas Hagman. Jason Blake is in the final year of his $4 million deal and could be dealt, though it may not be the best use of cap space for the Pens. The Oilers are looking for a young defenesman in return for Ales Hemsky. Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu may be the best option for the Penguins.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff:
“We’re in the same situation as many teams,” Cheveldayoff said after 41 games have yielded a record of 20-16-5 for his team. “We’re always looking to see what’s available out there.
“We’re always having conversations but to the extent that someone’s ready to pull the trigger, those things really aren’t planned. They evolve.
“Sometimes the opportunities present themselves and you feel you have to act. But there haven’t been any of those come up yet. To say when and where, that’s hard to speculate.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Sam Gagner’s name has come up involving the Blackhawks, but Matheson thinks they are looking for a bigger #2 center.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils winger Zach Parise said that money is definitely important but the most important thing for him is a chance to win.
- Harry Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom’s knee injury may be more serious that originally thought, and he’ll be getting a 2nd opinion today. “It’s not great news. We’ll have more information tomorrow,” he said. “It’s going to be a little while before he’s back in the swing of things. Unfortunately, my own prognosis yesterday was inaccurate.”
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano practiced yesterday for the 1st time since tearing his hamstring on Nov. 29th. Giordano said: “pretty close to normal, if not normal.” “I’d still like to see Gio get into some practices here over the week,” said coach Brent Sutter. “I think we’ll be closer with him come (Thursday) and see where he is at that point in time and, if not, you’d think by the weekend.” Brendan Morrison also practiced yesterday. D Derek Smith, D Scott Hannan, C Matt Stajan, LW Alex Tanguay, C/W David Moss and G Henrik Karlsson are on the IR.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: It will be Jaroslav Halak against Carey Price in Montreal.
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