Posts Tagged Ales Kotalik
Morning rumblings involving Richards, Arnott, Doughty, Blackhawks, Flames, Sabres, Red Wings and Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2011
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Brad Richards salary breakdown: “$12M, $12M, $9M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $7M + 3 Yrs at $1M. Yrly totals include signing bonuses.$10M in 11-12, $8M in 12-13”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs offered Brad Richards a higher annual average salary than the Rangers, but Richards wanted the term and to play for John Tortorella again.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs are still said to have some interest in Jason Arnott.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings and Drew Doughty have exchanged proposals, it could be in the $7 million range. GM Lombardi was at Newport Sports office Friday, but didn’t meet with Doughty’s agent, Don Meehan.
- Daily Herald: There were possible trade talks between the Blackhawks and Canadiens. There is speculation that the Blackhawks could be having trouble re-signing one of their free agents, Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli, or Viktor Stalberg. GM Stan Bowman hopes to sign all 3. They might be kicking tires on adding a center, possibly John Madden, Eric Belanger and Zenon Konopka.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster,
“Guys are getting traded. Teams are starting to make phone calls, teams trying to unload salary. Now, for the first time in a long time, we are poised to take advantage when we see an opportunity we like.
“We’re not done. We think there will be opportunities in the trade market. We think there will be opportunities when camps open.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres will have to move some salary out. They could send Ales Kotalik and Shaone Morrisonn to the AHL, those moves would have $5 million in cap space. They could look at moving Brad Boyes ($4 million) or Jochen Hecht ($3.5 million). Both Boyes and Hecht are in the last year of their deals.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings are debating about re-signing Chris Osgood or looking at the free agent market, possibly Ty Conklin.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater heard a rumor that the Red Wings could be interested in Chris Drury.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Lightning could be looking for 1 or 2 forwards, including a top 6.
Smyth to Oilers deal hits snag … Regehr agrees to waive NMC … Flyers eyeing Stamkos? Carter blindsided by trade
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The the trade involving Ryan Smyth to Edmonton for Gilbert Brule and a 5th round pick hit a ‘legal’ snag last night. A Source said Kings GM Dean Lombardi was working trading Brule to another club once the deal goes through. Matheson via twitter: Brule’s health status could be the cause of the trade delay. Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings likely to trade Brule if the trade goes through.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Robyn Regehr has had a change of heart, he’ll waive his no movement clause and accept a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. “Options changed and yes I did waive. I’m going to Buffalo,” Regehr said in a text to the Calgary Sun. “I have to talk to a bunch of family.” When/if the deal gets done, Paul Byron, Chris Butler and a 2nd round pick could be heading to Calgary for Regehr and Ales Kotalik. Sabres owner Terry Pegula was very influential in convincing Robyn Regehr to waive his no movement.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has been looking to get Stamkos signed to a deal in the $7 million range. The Flyers have about $10.2 million salary cap space for next season. Stamkos can’t get an offer sheet until July 1st, and would require sending 4 1st round picks if the Lightning didn’t match. Tampa may have trouble matching a outrageous offer due to the big contracts of Vinny Lecavalier (owed $50 million over next 5 years) and Ryan Malone. Reports are saying that the Leafs could throw an offer sheet in the neighborhood of $9 million.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Yzerman will spend part of next week negotiating with goalie Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith. Yzerman and Sean Bergenheim’s agent spoke yesterday and there’s still a difference on his worth.
“(I) understand their position and where they’re coming from. I don’t know if there’s anything I can say,” Yzerman said. “We’re in different — there’s not much I can say. We’re not real optimistic at this time.”
Yzerman continue to with Steven Stamkos’ side, and hopes to get him locked up long-term.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Leafs VP of hockey operations Dave Nonis,
“We don’t know what July 1 is going to look like yet.”
“We might make some deals between now and then that determine how aggressive we are on that front.
“Are we going to be active? I believe we will regardless of what happens over the next 48 hours here. We are hoping and wanting to sign some players if the price tag makes some sense for us long term.”
“July 1 is a great time to augment your lineup, it’s not a good time to build your team,” Nonis said. “There’s going to be a premium for most of those players.”
“The hunt is ongoing,” Nonis said. “There are a lot of teams looking for the same type of player, which makes it difficult. Not a lot of centres are being moved but we’re still in a good position with assets we can give up.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Jeff Carter was blindsided by the trade to Columbus. Carter’s agent Rick Curran said that he met with Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and was assured that there was no truth to the rumors that Carter could be traded. Carter signed an 11-year. $58 million deal with the Flyers in November.
“(Carter) is disappointed,” Curran said, “but that’s no reflection on Columbus. It’s more that he made a commitment to Philly.”
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero met with Tyler Kennedy’s side yesterday and there is more optimism that a deal could get done.
- HockeyProspect via twitter: Was told that the Flyers would have taken Duncan Siemens with the 8th overall pick until Sean Couturier dropped to them.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Campbell will save about $700,000 in income taxes by going to Florida.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline was told that the Blue Jackets had no discussions with the Blackhawks about defenseman Brian Campbell.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Panthers prospect Erik Gudbranson told Team 1200 Ottawa that he’s close to a deal with the team.
Updates on Jagr, Kennedy, Stamkos, Ponikarovsky, and the Hurricanes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun spoke with Red Wings GM Ken Holland who confirmed he has spoken with Jaromir Jagr’s camp, only preliminary at this point. LeBrun spoke with Jagr who confirmed interest in coming back to NHL. Petr Svoboda, Jagr’s agent, confirms that they’ve spoken with the Red Wings and Canadiens.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Jagr’s camp has reportedly been in contact with the Capitals and Rangers. The Penguins are not interested at this time.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Ray Shero doesn’t have any deadline for re-signing winger Tyler Kennedy. He has no plans of trading his rights if nothing is finalized by July 1st. Re-signing Kennedy is still a priority for Shero despite not making much progress on a deal.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: No players were put on waivers today, may happen tomorrow.
- Eric Francis via twitter: Niklas Hagman and Ales Kotalik are buyout possibilities for the Flames, but most likely buried in the minors. No team would likely touch Matt Stajan if he was put on waivers.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The LA Kings remain ‘intrigued’ by Alexei Ponikarovsky, despite not having a good season.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is confident that they can re-sign Steven Stamkos.
“It is our intention to resign him, but he is restricted and we have the ability to match any potential offer sheet that might be put forward and we are in position to do that,” Yzerman said. “So, we are quite confident that Steven will be playing for the Lightning, and that’s our goal and we haven’t explored anything else and we don’t intend to look at it any other way.”
Discussions are being held with representatives from 3 of their free agents; Eric Brewer, Sean Bergenheim and Dwayne Roloson.
“I’ve been in contact with all their agents, in some cases we have exchanged numbers and, in a couple of other cases with our UFAs, we’ve said we are going to see where we are with a couple of players and then we’ll get back and let them know where we stand,” Yzerman said. “And that obviously has to take place in the next couple of weeks here.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Hurricanes re-signed defenseman Jay Harrison to a 2 year, $1.4 million deal. They are not close to re-signing UFAs Jussi Jokinen, Chad LaRose, and Joni Pitkanen.
“With Pitkanen, Jokinen and LaRose, we know what their position is,” Rutherford said, referring to their financial demands. “I’ve given our position. It does not appear we will be able to sign them.”
GM Jim Rutherford hasn’t had any substantive talks with Eric Cole, “We expected to hear something by now, but we have not,” Rutherford said.“Things are not moving as we had hoped, and it’s getting closer to July 1,” Rutherford said Thursday. “We may have to look at other options. It may be easier to trade for players with existing contracts. Then we would know what we would be spending next year.
“I still prefer to sign some of our players. If not, we will look at a trade.
They will not look at trading their 12th overall pick at next weeks draft, nor any of their top prospects like Zac Dalpe, Zach Boychuk or Drayson Bowman. Rutherford will look to upgrade their top 4 defenseman. Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff could be possibilities if they hit the open market.
Rangers should offer pick for Richards … Avs goalie options … Penguins start negotiations … Flames hope to re-sign Tanguay … Gunnarson could be trade bait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2011
- Greg Brady via twitter: Sources tell Brady the earliest the Stanley Cup Finals would start would be next Monday. There will be no games on this Saturday regardless.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the Rangers wait until July 1st to go after Brad Richards, they’ll have steep competition in Toronto and Los Angeles, and the price may go up. Brooks thinks the Rangers should make an offer to the Stars before July 1st, so Richards an get acquainted with the organization, and they could get full info on his concussion this past season. Brooks thinks the Rangers should offer the Stars a 2nd round pick (#57) for Richards.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Dater doesn’t think the Avalanche will offer any a goalie a contract in the $5-6 million per season range. Free agent goalies in that range are Ilya Bryzgalov and Tomas Vokoun. Other possible goalies could be: Josh Harding – risky, JS Giguere – too many miles, Marty Turco – no thanks, Chris Osgood – pass. The trade route could be an option but comes with a price: Jonathan Quick, Jonathan Bernier, or Cory Schneider – all expensive. If they go after Vokoun, Dater would only offer a 3 year deal worth $10 million. Peter Budaj won’t be back, and they can’t go into the season hoping Brian Elliott is the answer.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Penguins have started negotiations with free agents Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp. Dupuis, 32, had a cap hit of $1.4 million last year. Rupp, 31, had a $825,000.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have begun talks with Craig Adams. Nothing is imminent but it’s possible that they could get a deal done this week.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames GM Jay Feaster said on the radio yesterday that he has confidence the Flames will re-sign winger Alex Tanguay. “We believe we can,” the general manager said on NHL Live. “We do want to get him signed.” Tanguay signed a 1 year deal worth $1.7 million last year, and recorded 22 goals and 69 points. The Flames have 17 players under contract for next year with a cap hit of $55.8 million with an expected cap around $62.2 million. Ales Kotalik and his $3 million salary could be off to the minors next season. The future of Niklas Hagman and his $3 million is also in doubt. The Flames hope to re-sign backup goalie Henrik Karlsson. They have 4 UFA defenseman, Anton Babchuk ($1.4 million), Adam Pardy ($700,000), Steve Staios ($2.7 million) and Brett Carson ($500,000). Brendan Mikkelson ($687,500) is a RFA.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: With the strong play of Maple Leafs prospects Jesse Blacker (Owen Sound) and Jake Gardiner, Carl Gunnarson could be vulnerable as Brian Burke continue to look for a number 1 center.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: St. Louis Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko has decided to spend another year in the KHL. Update: “Sibir GM tells SovSport the Blues made an “exclusive offer” to Tarasenko “like no other…guaranteeing he’d play.” “Sibir GM to Sovsport about the Blues’ offer to Tarasenko: “We had no idea the Blues wanted [Tarasenko] to come so bad. But it’d be better for him to play 1 more year in Russia before moving to the NHL.”
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Doug Weight is expected to announce his retirement today.
Nieuwendyk comments on Brad Richards … Peter Stastny Audio … Emery recalled, Hiller may practice tomorrow … Zherdev, Rivet, Svatos hit the waiver wire … plus plenty more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2011
- Peter Stastny Audio posted from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Paul Stastny’s dad is not happy about the Avs-Blues trade from last week.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “Nieuwendyk was asked on NHL Live ! about possibly trading Richards”:
“I’ve discussed it with some teams. All options are in play here. It’s certainly not my first choice, I’ve maintained all along that we’d like to keep Brad as a Dallas Star for a long period of time. There’s a lot of uncertainty with our side as far as ownership that are a concern for them. But, all options are open. It’s certainly going to have to be a good type of deal in order to pry him away from us because we are sitting tied for eighth right now and have a lot of home games coming up in March.”
Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Nieuwendyk added that all is quiet on the trade front right now.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Nieuwendyk also said that Richards is feeling better but there is no timetable on his return.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN: LeBrun notes that if Richards does become available, the Kings will definitely be talking with the Stars. The Rangers and Leafs would be interested in him if/when he becomes a free agent, and may need him to sign an extension before they made a trade for him. The Dallas wanted Jack Johnson from the Kings in a deal for James Neal. Ales Hemsky and David Booth are on the Kings wish list. Everyone seems to ask for Brayden Schenn. LeBrun thinks only a sign and trade that nets Richards would include Schenn. Burnside wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Stastny is being shopped around the league. LeBrun adds there has been no talks between the Kings and Avalanche regarding Stastny (as of Tuesday night). Toronto has kicked the tires on John-Michael Lieles. The Rangers are interested in Bryan McCabe but not at a high price. Atlanta may be interested in moving Ron Hainsey, but he has a limited no-trade and 2 years left with a cap hit $4.5 million. Johnny Oduya may also become available if the Thrashers continue to fall out of it. The Hurricanes aren’t shopping Joni Pitkanen, but teams are calling about him.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said they hope to have Jonas Hiller cleared for practice tomorrow. Helene Elliott via twitter: Ray Emery was called up by the Ducks today, and is expected to be the backup. Anaheim Ducks via twitter: GM Murray, “We hope to have Jonas by the weekend, but [now] is a good time [for Emery] to come up and work with our coaches and shooters.”
- Kevin Allen via twitter: On waivers today are Nikolai Zherdev, Craig Rivet, Marek Svatos, Ales Kotalik (re-entry) and Jeremy Colliton. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun doesn’t think the Blackhawks would be interested in Rivet.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is looking to add a defenseman who can kill penalties, and it would be a bonus if he was physical. “I think some teams are going to try to hold their guys close to the deadline,” Bowman said. “We don’t necessarily want to wait that long. If we find a guy we’re comfortable with, we’ll make it work.”
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Other teams have initiated trade talks with the Blue Jackets about Steve Mason, and those inquiries may be been made when the team was struggling last month.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning against the Coyotes.
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
Blues need to make some changes … Liberal’s may support new arena in Quebec City … Thrashers willing to trade … Semin wanted short deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2011
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon thinks the Blues need to change something, and to do it quickly. Injuries have taken their toll, and have even hit their draft picks. The team needs to trade some of their defensive surplus for offensive help, and this should include everyone including Erik Johnson. A Johnson deal would have to be for a “young, cornerstone-caliber forward.” The Blues also need to spend some money this off-season and bring in some offensive help via free agency.
- Montreal Gazette: Canadian Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff would support idea of using federal funds to help build the proposed 18,000 seat arena in Quebec City. Quebec City’s mayor has been trying to get the federal government to match the provincial government’s $175 million. Quebec City would put in $50 million. Estimated cost of the arena is $400 million.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: So Alexander Semin signed a 1 year, $6.7 million deal yesterday. The Capitals were willing to do a longer deal, but Semin wanted to do a shorter one. “He was basically comfortable with another one-year deal,” McPhee said. “That was fine with us.” One reason he may have been interested in a shorter deal is the uncertainty surrounding the CBA that expires after the 2011-12 season. Semin agent, Mark Gandler added, “Last time, they cut existing contracts 24 percent. … I’m worried about the sanctity of the contract.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Atlanta Thrasher might be willing to trade Nik Antropov, Freddy Modin and Ron Hainsey.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: It’s unlikely that anyone will claim Ales Kotalik off waivers as he’s in the 2nd year of a 3 year deal and is making $3 million. If he goes unclaimed, it doesn’t mean he’ll be sent to the AHL. He has 3 points, is a -8 in 20 games for the Flames.
Moulson re-signs … Flyers waive Walker, might have Cole in their sights … Edler to have back surgery … Getzlaf targeting Feb. 9th
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2011
- Katie Strang via twitter: The New York Islanders have re-signed Matt Moulson to a 3 year deal worth $9.4 million.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Philadelphia Flyers have put Matt Walker on waivers. The Calgary Flames have put Ales Kotalik on waivers.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Matt Walker will likely not get claimed on waivers as he carries a $1.7 million salary. The move clears more cap room for future acquisitions, and a little extra room to sign Ville Leino to an extension.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: With Walker being waived, it gives the Flyers $3.6 million in acquisition space. Eric Cole ($2.9 million cap hit) is familiar to coach Peter Laviolette and could be a player the Flyers target.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Panaccio speculated weeks ago, and sources are saying the Flyers may look at Erick Cole. Though Carolina would not trade Cole unless they were out the playoff running.
- Vancouver Canucks via twitter: Canucks defenseman Alex Edler is to have back surgery and is out indefinitely. Jason Botchford via twitter: Edler will have surgery on Monday and might be able to return at the beginning of the playoffs.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Aaron Rome and Andrew Alberts should be back with Canucks 7-10 days after the all-star break.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Ryan Getzlaf has been cleared to skate on Monday and is targeting February 9th versus the Canucks as his return date.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador, out with a concussion, may not play a game this season, but is hoping to return next season.
- Thomas Reed via twitter: Mike Commodore will make his AHL debut tonight, and is partnered with prospect John Moore.
Crosby still bothered by hip flexor … Theodore to Wild almost done … Flames dropping like flies … Kadri to Marlies almost official
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 2nd, 2010
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby is still being bothered by his hip flexor, he left practice early and did not play in last night’s game. It’s the 2nd time this camp that he’s been bothered by it, and was held out as a precaution. Crosby’s not concerned about it and hopes to play in their last pre-season game on Sunday.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: There is a report from CKAC that the Minnesota Wild are going to sign Jose Theodore to a 1-year, $1 million deal. As of last night, there have been discussion but there hasn’t been confirmation that the deal if done. Reports are that he’ll report to their AHL affiliate until the team returns from Finland. Harding will most likely be put on LTIR.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks will discuss their final cuts today. They still need to trim about $3 million in cap space off the roster. “I’d by lying if I said the cap wouldn’t come in here to play a little bit,” Vigneault said. “We’ll assess the players tomorrow and come up with the best decisions for the benefit of out team.” Sami Salo and Alex Burrows could be put on LTIR to save some money. The Calgary Flames could be interested in Brendan Morrison, who’s still on a tryout with the Canucks.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Toronto Maple Leafs coach on Nazem Kadri, “I can’t see him being in the (Maple Leafs) lineup opening night.” Kadri said he’d take being sent to the Marlies like a man, “This is the NHL,” he said. “There is no room for crybabies.”
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: The Boston Bruins are still searching for a puck moving defenseman. Matt Huntwick has the potential to fill that role but he’s struggled in camp.
- Darren Millard via twitter: Ales Kotalik and David Moss left Calgary’s game last night versus the Oilers with injuries. Vicki Hall via twitter: She can’t believe she’s saying this, but the Flames could be in trouble if Kotalik’s injury is serious. Centers Matt Stajan and Daymond Langkow are also out with injuries. Jason Botchford via twitter: Brendan Morrison to the Flames has made sense for awhile now.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: One line that has looked good for the St. Louis Blues and will start the season together; David Backes centering David Perron and Brad Boyes. The Blues have moved Backes back to center this year, but still talk that he may be moved back the right side. They like his size down the middle. Matt D’Agostini has taken advantage of Vladimir Sobotka’s injury and may start the season centering the 4th line.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: LA Kings winger Scott Parse still hasn’t skated since injuring his groin in the first pre-season game on Sept. 22nd. Brad Richardson has taken his spot on the 2nd line with Jarret Stoll and Justin Williams. Parse did some off-ice stuff yesterday and felt some tenderness. From Murray, “It’s inflammation only. That has been looked at, and checked out, by our team doctors. It’s a matter of that starting to calm down, with rest and medication and treatments.”
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Victor Stalberg is battling Jeremy Morin for one of the final spots on the Chicago Blackhawks roster. Their roster is at 26 players right now, and the team is deciding if they will go with a 21 or 22 man roster. Stalberg has more NHL experience, 40 games with the Leafs last year. He has 1 assist in 5 games so far this pre-season, compared to Morin’s goal and 2 assists.
Turco to ‘Hawks if they walk away or trade Niemi … Bieksa and Kaberle getting interest …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 31st, 2010
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Richard Bloch could be the arbitrator in Kovalchuk case. Wednesday could be the start date, possibly concluding on Thursday.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Sources are saying Antti Niemi could be getting between $3 and $4 million from arbitration, which won’t be a good number for the ‘Hawks. Before arbitration the ‘Hawks offered Niemi a 3 year, $8 million deal. 3 teams that could be interested in Niemi are the Sharks, Capitals and Flyers.
- NHLSourcesSay via twitter: If the Blackhawks walk away or trade Antti Niemi, they have a verbal agreement with Marty Turco for 1 year, $1.5 million.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: After the trading of James Wisniewski, the Ducks could be looking at Andy Sutton, possibly Tomas Kaberle.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are apparently very interested in Kevin Bieksa, also looking into Tomas Kaberle.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets are still looking at defenseman, including Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames are currently about $2.35 million over the cap ceiling after the Ian White signing. That doesn’t include Mikael Backlund (about $1.27 million) but does include Ales Kotalik ($3 million). Kotalik could be sent to the minors or head back to Europe, both options would take Kotalik’s number off the cap. They have 8 defenseman under contract, which could mean one of them could be dealt.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After Blake Wheeler’s arbitration ruling, the Bruins are currently over the salary cap ceiling. They aren’t expected to buyout a player. The Bruins will most likely send a player to the minors, with Michael Ryder and his $4 million contract the leading candidate, or make a trade.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jamal Mayers is talking to multiple teams, and hopes to have a deal done by end of next week.
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