Posts Tagged Alex Kovalev

Sunday morning Rumor roundup part one

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 6th, 2011

  • Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: There are rumors that the NHL is looking into buying the Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg. They would raise $160 million, putting $35 million towards running the team, and offer $125 million to buy the team. It’s not know how far this idea has gone, or if it’s just in the tire kicking stages.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat, and possibly the same for Darcy Regier if the new owner wants to start fresh.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins should announce this week if Marc Savard is shut down for the season or not. The Bruins could be looking for forward help and Jackets, Senators, Oilers and Panthers have forwards available for trade. With Evgeni Malkin done for the year it’s likely the Penguins will look at add some scoring. The Thrashers are looking to move Nik Antropov, Ron Hainsey and Freddy Modin.The only way Florida brings back Tomas Vokoun is if it’s on a 1 year deal. The Predators, Kings, and Lightning are looking at Mike Fisher, but the Senators are unlikely to move him. The Sens are looking for 2 top prospects and a high pick. The Canadiens, Sharks, Bruins and Capitals could be interested in Chris Phillips.
  • David Kalan of NHL.com: What might the Penguins do with Malkin now done. Jason Arnott might be of interest to the Penguins. The Pens will be able to bring in $8.1 million in salary cap at the deadline. The Pens now have the salary space to add an Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner, and if shooting for the moon, Jarome Iginla. Malkin’s number comes back on the books next year, so bringing in some help that is under contract next year could be difficult to do.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he won’t discuss contract extensions with any of his 5 UFA’s, so they may become trade bait. Jan Hejda, Mathieu Garon, Ethan Moreau and Chris Clark and Andrew Murray will all be UFAs. Mike Commodore could be bought out in the summer if they can’t find a team to take him.
  • Can’t find embed code for last night’s Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove yet, but here is a link to it.
  • NHL Sources Say: The Hockeycentral panel discuss what the Penguins might do to replace Evgeni Malkin (Alex Kovalev an option) as well as a potential trade between Edmonton and Ottawa (Penner and Phillips as key pieces of the deal). Yzerman may be looking to improve along the blueline, possibly Beachemin and  Phillips. Senators are looking for a goaltender.

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Senators about to enter re-building mode

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 24th, 2011

  • Roy MacGregor of the Globe and Mail: In many minds, the Ottawa Senators season is a write off, and it’s time to look towards next season. The fans will likely accept a complete rebuild. Bryan Murray is rumored to be moving to a Senior Adviser role with the club. Eugene Melnyk has said the Cory Clouston will finish the year out as the teams coach, Murray will finish the year before handing the team off to someone else. Pierre McGuire has already been interviewed for the GM job, and there will be more interviews to take place. Coaching replacements could be Kirk Muller, Craig MacTavish and Kevin Dineen. Whoever is hired as the next coach will be chosen by the next GM. Murray will continue to look to unload his ‘assets’. Under-achieving Alex Kovalev could be moved, as well as defenseman Sergei Gonchar. Daniel Alfredsson and Chris Phillips may be asked to waive their no-trade clauses.
  • Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Bryan Murray will continue to attempt to find new homes for Chris Phillips, Jarkko Ruutu, and Alex Kovalev, and bring in prospects and draft picks. Owner Melnyk said the team needs a ‘game changer’ but that will likely have to wait until the draft where they’ll likely pick in the top 5. They will look to build the team from within, and not go after any expensive free agents this off-season.

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Wisniewski would like to stay in Montreal … Stafford out 2 games, Fedotenko to miss 2-4 weeks … Spezza could be back in 2 weeks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on January 20th, 2011

  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: James Wisniewski is hoping the Canadiens will be interested in signing him after the season. The 26-year old will be a UFA at seasons end, and the Canadiens currently only have 3 defenseman under contract. He was told on the Island that he was expendable as they were going with a youth movement (from the sentence above, he’s only 26).
  • Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres winger Drew Stafford will miss at least the next 2 games with a groin injury. “It is a relief,” Ruff said after practice in HSBC Arena. “He’s walking fine, and his strength is pretty good. It all bodes well for coming back quickly.”
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Robin Lehner could be recalled by the Ottawa Senators from the AHL, and get the start against the Flyers or on Friday against the Canadiens. Warren also reports reports the Senators had over $27 million in salary has absent from practice with various injuries. Daniel Alfredsson, Sergei Gonchar and Brian Elliott are ailing but expected to play. Jason Spezza is ahead of schedule as he recovers from his Dec. 26th shoulder separation, and could be back in 2 weeks. Alex Kovalev could return early next week.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Ruslan Fedotenko will out of the Rangers lineup for 2-4 weeks with a left shoulder separation.
  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Jimmy Howard was back with the Red Wings after only missing 2 games. Howard took a hard shot near his knee cap, and was inches away from possibly being a lot more serious.

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Moves the Flames didn’t make … Cammalleri has separated shoulder … Hemsky has concussion, Eberle and Horcoff close to returning

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 19th, 2011

  • Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail: In November the Capitals called the Flames and proposed a Robyn Regehr for Tomas Fleischmann deal. The Flames obviously said no, Fleischmann went to the Avalanche for Scott Hannan, and has recorded 20 points in 21 games. The deal also would have saved the Flames $1.4 million in cap space.
  • Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Back in August Clarke MacArthur talked to 3 teams about a contract, the Leafs, Flames and Lightning. The Flames were close to the cap and dealing with uncertainty of Daymond Langkow’s health, but were willing to bury some contract to bring him in. As the Flames debated about their roster, the Maple Leafs moved ahead with a 1 year, $1.1 million offer. MacArthur has 14 goals and 23 assists in 44 games.
  • Allan Robinson of the Globe and Mail: Sidney Crosby has missed his 6th game with a concussion and doesn’t know when he’ll be able to begin practicing. He’s still experiencing an occasional headache.
  • Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: Mike Cammalleri was crosschecked awkwardly into the boards and initial reports are that he could be out 2 weeks with a separated shoulder. The Habs also lost Max Pacioretty, who took a shot from James Wisniewski in the mid-section. He was taken to hospital on a stretcher, hooked up to an IV, with reportedly a rib injury.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky left last night’s game after one shift in the 2nd period with a concussion. Hemsky didn’t sustain a hit last night, but seems to be an accumulation of a puck and elbow to the head, and a stick to the face in the last 6 games or so. Coach Tom Renney added, “He’s had some symptoms before this game and the doctor looked at him and I don’t know what conclusion they’ve drawn.” Renney on Horcoff being close to returning, “Horc wants to play, but I’ve got a protocol. I won’t play anybody who shouldn’t be in there. If he passes my stuff, he’ll play,” said Renney. (I guess his protocol on knee injuries is stricter than his concussion protocol. You’d think by now they’d wouldn’t allow a guy to play if he’s showing any symptoms of a concussion)
  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Jordan Eberle is hoping to return to the Oilers lineup by the end of the month. He’s recovering from a sprained ankle and having appendix removed. Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff is also close to returning , he’s been out since Dec. 7th with a knee injury.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Teams are calling the Penguins about Alex Goligoski, but he’s likely staying. The Penguins have a crowded blueline, but Goligoski has a nice cap hit of $1.833 million and is under contract until after next season. Kings GM Dean Lombardi is looking to make a big deal but hasn’t much luck so far. Jack Johnson did his 7 year, $30 million contract himself, with an agent he may have gotten $3-5 million more. Stephane Da Costa looks to be the top college free agent this year, with one scout saying “everyone” is interested.
  • Seth Rorabaugh of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins signed Mark Letestu to a 2 year, $1.25 million deal. This signing may ultimately effect Max Talbot’s status this off-season as he’ll be a RFA and could be let go by the team.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: There is a slight chance that Alex Kovalev returns to the Senators lineup on Thursday against the Flyers.

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Yzerman won’t trade top draft picks … Canucks Dman update … Salary dump in Ottawa … Semin out 2 games

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2011

  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: As the trade deadline approaches, don’t expect Lightning GM Steve Yzerman to include any 1st to 3rd round 2011 or 2012 draft picks to in bring some additional help. Yzerman added “I don’t want to hold myself up to say we’re not going to do anything. But I think it would be very difficult to add without giving something up of great value I wouldn’t want to give up.”
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Though he’s back practicing, there is no guarantee that Sami Salo will play again this year. Canucks GM Gillis told the Sun, “I think people are really jumping the gun,” “For some reason, people want to discount the type of injury he had. He suffered a 95% rupture of his Achilles tendon. There are people who never walk after something like that. We don’t know if he’s going to play. He’s three practices in and it’s going OK, but it’s still a long ways off.” Gillis also said he won’t talk about contract extensions for Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff until the season is over.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 sources have told the Sun that the Senators GM Bryan Murray is trying to dump salary. Trade candidates could be Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Alex Kovalev, Peter Regin, and Milan Michalek.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Senators winger Alex Kovalev will miss at least a week with his ongoing knee injury. Mike Fisher is expected to be able to go against the Bruins, he blocked a shot with his knee over the weekend.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks center Ryan Kesler has an injured thumb, but is expecting to play tomorrow.

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Senators notes … Pominville to have baseline test next week … Burrows to practice next week

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 23rd, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators were without Jason Spezza last night, he’s listed as day-to-day with a groin injury. He is questionable for tonight’s game against the Canadiens. He originally hurt his groin before training camp. Defenseman Brian Lee played forward last night for the Sens. Senators GM Bryan Murray has had “quite a few calls” from GMs since he mentioned on Wednesday that he’s looking for a tough defenseman, though most are offering expensive players. There were 12 scouts from 12 teams watching last nights game versus the Sabres. Daniel Alfredsson recorded his 1,000 point last night on an empty net goal. Jason Pominville is skating the Sabres but no timetable for his return as been set. He’s not taking contact, and has a baseline test scheduled for next week. Great quote for Garrioch “It looked like the enigmatic Alex Kovalev actually felt like playing Friday. He made a hit and took a shot on the same shift. Can he do it two nights in a row? Doubtful.”
  • TSN Ice Chips: Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows is expected to practice with the team next week. Dan Hamhuis hopes to be able to play on Tuesday, his foot is not broken. LA Kings defenseman Matt Greene has been cleared for hockey activities. Cam Janssen passed his baseline test and hopes to return next Thursday.

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To squash a rumor …. Alex Kovalev has a brain cramp, fights Francois Beauchemin

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on September 30th, 2010

Not exactly sure what Alex Kovalev was thinking, but he decides to drop the mitts with Francois Beauchemin, but you have to give him credit for not backing down, which might have been the smart move.

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Kovalev not retiring … Extra money could keep Gonchar and Cooke in Pitt … No talks for Martin-Devils until coach is found

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2010

  • Ottawa Citizen: Despite reports (and wishes from some Senators fans}, Alex Kovalev won’t be retiring and will be returning to the Sens lineup next season at $5 million. Kovalev had a disappointing first season with the Senators, scoring 18 goals and adding 31 assists in 77 games before injuring his ACL.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero will begin talks with Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke next week. Shero has talked about the “parameter [for contracts], but there’s nothing concrete at this point”. A potential $2 million increase in the salary cap could help bring the players back. Brooks Orpik is a couple weeks away from having surgery to repair an abdominal injury that will require 2-3 weeks recovery.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: There’s nothing really new to report on the Evgeni Nabokov-San Jose Sharks talks. “We don’t really have any information from Doug (Wilson) at this time,” Meehan said just before the holiday weekend. “Doug is the kind of individual, I know he’ll get back to us when they have a better idea what they have in mind.” GM Doug Wilson said last week that he still needed to talk with his coaching staff and other management personel before any he got into talks with the teams free agents.
  • Julie Heroux of CKAC Sports: Marc-Andre Bergeron is a UFA with the Montreal Canadiens, and he expects to get a contract offer from them. Bergeron has already told GM Pierre Gauthier that he’d like to stay in Montreal longterm.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are close to re-signing 32-year old defenseman Mike Mottau. Until a new coach is found, Paul Martin and GM Lou Lamoriello have agreed that they won’t talk about potentially re-signing him. Though they’ve had some talks, Ilya Kovalchuk will test out the free agent market to see how big of a contract offer he could get from all teams.

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Laperriere back soon, Carter unlikely … Offer Sheets out there? Boychuk now a UFA … Sens wanted Cammalleri, got Kovalev

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 18th, 2010

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers winger Ian Laperriere practiced with the team yesterday, and could return later on in the series. Laperriere has been out since April 22nd with a brain bruise and concussion. Jeff Carter skated for the first time since suffering a broken foot on April 20th, though it’s unlikely he’ll be able to return this series.
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Will there be any offer sheets or deals similar to last years Bruins-Leafs trade for Phil Kessel? Custance offers a few names that might get some interest: Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price, Joe Pavelski, and Bobby Ryan. I think Pavelski and Ryan will both be re-signed by the the Sharks and Ducks. Price or Halak could be dealt at the draft, with Price the more likely candidate in my opinion.
  • Helene St. James of hte Detroit Free Press: Nicklas Lidstrom will let the Detroit Red Wings know in the next few weeks if he will play next season, or retire. “Nick’s told me he’ll give me lots of time prior to July 1 when free agency starts,” Holland said. “I met with him last week, and we talked about the team, and he said he’d give me lots of time before July 1 with his decision.”
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Not much info coming out of Anaheim or the Bobby Ryan camp regarding the RFA. The Ducks will be looking to lock up Ryan long term, but at what cost? Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf both signed for around $5.3 million a season, 2 years ago. They would probably like to sign Ryan at a number below what Perry and Getzlaf got.
  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk would have been a restricted free agent this off-season, but due to the fact that he’s played under 80 games, and is 26-years old, he is now a group 6 unrestricted free agent.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Scott Arniel and Kevin Dineen have been called back for a 2nd interview by the Columbus Blue Jackets for their vacant head coaching position. Red Wings assistant coach, Paul MacLean, should find out today if he’s getting a call back for another interview. Last seasons interim coach, Claude Noel, is still considered a strong candidate even though he won’t have a second interview since they are familar with him.
  • Wayne  Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: At the beginning of last years free agent period, Senators GM Bryan Murray offered Mike Cammalleri a 4 year, $22 million ($5.5 mill. a year) deal. Cammalleri eventually took 5 years and $30 million ($6 mill. a year), and never asked Ottawa if they’d increase their offer. On the bright side Senators fans, that money was used on Alex Kovalev’s 2 year, $10 million deal.

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Would the Penguins trade Malkin? Can the Senators trade Kovalev?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Trades on May 16th, 2010

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if it’s time the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Evgeni Malkin for a couple wingers, and maybe a young gun or draft pick. 2 Top 6 wingers could combine for $8 million, to go along with Crosby and Staal. The knock on the Penguins all season long was the lack of scoring from the wings. The free agent market for wingers isn’t great, and maybe Eric Tangradi is ready. Matheson does the hometown plug offering a package of Ales Hemsky, Dustin Penner, and Andrew Cogliano.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There’s a good chance the Senators will try to move Alex Kovalev this summer, but they might have trouble finding a dance partner. Kovalev has $5 million left on his deal, and is coming off ACL surgery and a subpar season. “I don’t think anybody is going to want him,” a league executive said Saturday. “Sure, they could try to see if anybody wants to take him, but he’s a high-risk, low-reward player. There’s not a big market for those types of players.” TSN analyst Pierre McGuire is now the leading candidate to the vacant Lightning GM job. Steve Yzerman has only shown mild interest in the position. The Lightning have also talked to Ron Hextall (Kings asst. GM) and Paul Fenton (Predators asst. GM)
  • TSN: There is a good chance that the Vancouver Canucks will not be trading goalie prospect, Cory Schneider. GM Mike Gillis says that Roberto Luongo’s workload needs to be reduced and he expects Schneider to be the backup. Luongo’s captancy will be under review.

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Kings to go after Kovalchuk or Marleau? Canadiens defense for Game 6 …

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 9th, 2010

  • Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Maclean, LeBrun, Healy, and Mad Mike discuss the Phoenix situation, LA to go after Kovalchuk
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Los Angeles Kings plan A this off-season is to attempt to sign Ilya Kovalchuk, with plan B being Patrick Marleau if he isn’t re-signed by the Sharks. If the Kings miss out on both, they’ll look to bring in forward(s) through trade. The have plenty of assest and some extra cap room. Rumors are that Kovalchuk could get a $12 million offer from the KHL. Anton Volchenkov and Alexander Frolov are also expected to get offers from the KHL. Contract talks between Bobby Ryan’s camp and the Anaheim Ducks have started up this past week, and they are also considering moving Ryan to center. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer are still undecided if they are going to play next season or not. Niedermayer is expected to decide by the Draft.
  • The Globe and Mail: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill will be evaluated today after have the back of his leg accidently stepped on by Chris Kunitz in the 3rd period of last nights game. He did skate off by himself, but did not return.
  • Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The Canadiens are trying to find a knee brace for Andre Markov, who is out with a torn ACL, that would allow him to play in Game 6. Gauthier would not comment on the situation.
  • The Ottawa Sun: Results from a fan survey involving the Ottawa Senators. 92% want Jonathan Cheechoo gone, 71% would like to get rid of Alex Kovalev. 75% think the Sens should trade Brian Lee while they can. 44% think they should trade Jason Spezza. 74% of fans think they should keep Brian Elliot and 52% think Pascal Leclaire should be dealt.

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Krejci Out … Flames not firing anyone? Spezza on the block? Jokinen not going Minsk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 6th, 2010

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After being smoked by Mike Richards on a big open ice hit, David Krejci didn’t return to the game. He was taken to local hospital for further evaluation.
  • George Johnson of the Calgary Herald: It’s looking more and more likely that the Calgary Flames are holding pat with regards to GM Darryl Sutter, their coaches, and management. This is based on the fact that there has been no news out of Calgary regarding it, and that the Draft and Free Agency are getting closer. There had been rumors that Sutter could be fired.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks the Senators should quietly see what they could get for Jason Spezza before his July 1st no-movement clause kicks in. It would be hard to replace another top, point-a-game player, but it could bring back a nice package. Fans blamed Spezza for their 1st round loss, something that obviously didn’t sit well with Spezza.
  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: There is a rumor out there that Olli Jokinen is signing a deal with Minsk, Jokinen’s agent refutes it and says he’s hoping to play in the NHL next season.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks if Bill Guerin will be back next season. Molinari thinks Guerin will want to play next year, the lack of depth on the wings, and that he’s fit well with the team, most likely will mean he’ll be back. But a lot will depend on how much he wants and if the Pens really want to have the 39-year old back.
  • Aaron Portzline and Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Scott Arniel met with the Blue Jackets last Saturday, and on Tuesday Kevin Dineen was the second candidate to interviewed by Columbus for their head coaching position. Other candidates that are expected to get interviews are Claude Noel (CBJ interim coach), Paul MacLean (Det. assist.) and Guy Boucher (AHL Hamilton).
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres are faced with the decision if they want to resign Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder or not. Both will be unrestricted free agents, but will have to be at the right price if they’ll both want to be back. The 32-year old Lydman had a cap number of $2.875 million, the  31-year old Tallinder had an average of $2.56, and both could be looking for something similar, maybe more.
  • The Ottawa Citizen: Daniel Alfredsson had successful hernia surgery on Tuesday, with recovery time expected to 4 to 6 weeks. Other Ottawa Senators having off-season surgery are Alex Kovalev and Milan Michalek (both ACL) and Chris Phillips (bunions).

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Kovalev Out for Season … UFA Defenseman … Maple Leaf Questions this Off-Season

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 11th, 2010

  • Don Brennan of Canoe Sports: The Ottawa Senators have lost Alex Kovalev for the remained of the season with a completely torn ACL. He has surgery scheduled for 2 weeks, and rehab should be 3-4 months.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen lists his top 15 free agent defenseman. Paul Martin will likely be looking for $5 million a season. If the Preds are re-sign Dan Hamhuis, which they’d like too, he’d probably have to take a bit of a hometown discount. It seems like Sergei Gonchar will take less than market value to remain with the Penguins.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Some names/questions that should be in the news regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs this off-season. Will Tomas Kaberle be traded? Will RFA Nikolai Kulemin return to Russia for more money? What number will Jonas Gustavsson re-sign for? If Kaberle isn’t dealt, will Francois Beauchemin be moved? Is it time for Mikhail Grabovski to move on, even for a mid-round pick? Will Dave Nonis leave to become a GM elsewhere? Potential trade partners could be the Blackhawks and Flyers, both who will have some salary cap decisions. Kris Versteeg, Patrick Sharp and Scott Hartnell could be potential trade targets.

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Leafs Close Could be Close to Cap Next Year … Ice Edge Pulling Offer for Coyotes? Blue Jackets to Interview for Head Coaching Position … Kovalev Hurt

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2010

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t worried about the Leafs cap situation for next season. “I’m not worried about (the cap),” general manager Brian Burke said. “We’re not shackled here. I don’t think we’re handcuffed. If I thought we were handcuffed, I’d tell you that.” If the Leafs go into next season with the same roster, and add Nazem Kadri, their cap number is about $51.55 million. About $55.55 million after resigning RFA Jonas Gustavsson and Nikolai Kulemin. Options they have to free up some money are demoting Jeff Finger to the minors, and/or listening to offers for Mike Komisarek or Francois Beauchemin. Tomas Kaberle is also a trade option.
  • Toronto Sun: Ice Edge Holdings is considering pulling its offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, as talks with the city of Glendale aren’t going well.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks that Martin Biron would be a good back up candidate for either the Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price next year for the Canadiens.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A reader asks Mike of possible defensemen targets for the Dallas Stars this off-season through free agency or trade. Heika lists some possibilities as: Sergei Gonchar, Pavel Kubina, Kim Johnsson, Paul Martin, Derek Morris, Willie Mitchell, Anton Volchenkov and Dan Hamhuis.
  • Aaron Portzline of hte Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel has had some success since he took over for Ken Hitchcock, leading them to a 10-9-5 record down the stretch, but that doesn’t garantee him the coaching gig for next year. GM Scott Howson will interview at least 6 to 8 other candidates, including Noel. On the list could be Kevin Dineen (Portland AHL), Paul MacLean (Det. asst.), Brent Peterson (Nash. asst.), Kevin McCarthy (Phil. asst.), Scott Steven (NJ asst.), Jim Playfair, Craig MacTavish, Guy Boucher (Hamilton AHL) and Bob Boughner (Windsor OHL).
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators may have lost Alex Kovalev for an indefinite period of time. Kovalev was helped off the ice in the second period with an injured left leg. Kovalev was unable to put any weight on his leg, more should be known today.
  • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers needed to kick start the rebuiding process hard this summer, and if they don`t, it would be a disappointment. Barnes lists the following players that could be on their way out: Charles Linglet, Dean Arsene, Aaron Johnson, Marc Pouliot, Patrick O’Sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Robert Nilsson, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Potulny, Ryan Jones, Ethan Moreau and Sheldon Souray.

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New Number 2 in Ottawa, and Forsberg Again

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 24th, 2009

Add the name ‘Peter Regin’ to your list of potential sleeper picks for your fantasy hockey draft. There is a good chance that he’ll be the number 2 center for the Ottawa Senators between Alex Kovalev and Mike Fisher. Fisher, the teams long time #2 center that shouldn’t have been a #2 center, moves over to the right wing and has lit it up in the pre-season.

Deja Vu …. Peter Forsberg is attempting another comeback, after signing a 1 week tryout contract with his hometown club, Modo. Has been practicing with the team already, and played in a couple pre-season games. I think he really wants to play for team Sweden in the Olympics. If this comeback fails, it’s time to hang them up for good Peter.

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Kovalev Appeals to Heatley to Stay?

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Trades on July 21st, 2009

Ok, somebody pinch me. I just read an article outlining how the Ottawa Senators had a press conference to introduce Alex Kovalev to the fans and media. Brian Murray also stated ”We can fit both of those guys on our team very nicely, maybe one on left and one on right wing”- referring to Kovalev and Heatley.

Later, Kovalev also appealed to Heatley… ”Definitely, with the player that he is, it would be nice to have him back,” Kovalev said. “I know Dany a little bit from playing with him for Kazan in the lockout year. He’s a great, talented guy on the ice and off the ice and would definitely help the Senators organization and hopefully will continue to help the organization”.

If they bring the disgruntled Heatley back after calling out coach Cory Clouston in the media for lack of quality ice time etc, you might as well fire Clouston. Do you think any other player in the line-up will respect anything Clouston has to say when the team has hung him out to dry like that? Talk about having your knee’s taken out. Can you imagine the clique issues? Guys wanting to side with Heatley, and apparently Kovalev, being as the Senators obviously have, over the coach.

Clouston coached them to a very respectable 19-11-4 after going 17-24-7 under Craig Hartsburg to start the year. So if all Heatley wants to do is win, what’s the issue?

It’s my opinion the “issue” is that Heatley has become a primadonna and doesn’t like being “mis-treated” by a rookie coach. EGO. Who knows how crooked a pro athletes view of proper treatment is compared to us regular Joe’s but what I do know is having another primadonna like Kovalev go to bat for Heatley’s character means little and less to me.

Other news from around the NHL;

  • The Montreal Canadiens have signed Tomas Plekanec to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed Andre Deveaux to a 1 year deal. Terms not disclosed.
  • The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman John Moore to a three-year, entry-level contract on Tuesday.
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins signed goaltender Brent Johnson to a one-year contract on Tuesday. Financial details were not disclosed.
  • Radim Vrbata is making a return to the desert. The veteran forward has been traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning back to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Todd Fedoruk and David Hale.
  • The Atlanta Thrashers re-signed defenseman Boris Valabik to a multi-year contract on Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed, per team policy.
  • The Calgary Flames have signed forward Nigel Dawes to a two-year contract worth $850,000 per season.
  • The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of goaltender Curtis Sanford to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2009-10 season.The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
  • The Boston Bruins have signed defenceman Matt Hunwick to a multiyear contract extension.
  • The Phoenix Coyotes re-signed forwards David Spina and Jeff Hoggan and defenceman Sean Sullivan on Monday. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.(source-TSN)

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Daily Rumors – June 30th

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2009

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post is reporting that the New Jersey Devils are close to re-signing Johnny Oduya to a 4 year deal worth in the neighborhood of $3-4 million per year. This would be a good signing for the Devils, he’s a going to be a solid D-man for years. But they’ll need to look at bringing in some offensive help as they are going to let Brian Gionta leave as a UFA. Defensive specialist John Madden also appears to on his way out. Madden is 36, but still has a couple good years left in him.

  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Blackhawks and Havlat continue to talk contract. Havlat is looking for a multi-year deal at a lower amount than what he made last year ($6 million) but the Hawks are looking at a one year deal with a slight raise. Toews and Kane will be getting a raise next year, so the Hawks have to watch their future money. David Bolland just signed a 5 year deal at around $18 million. Cam Barker and Chris Versteeg are also RFA’s for the Hawks. The Bulin wall’s big contract comes off the books, but they are showing interest in re-signing him. You have to think the Hawks are rethinking their decision to give Brian Campbell that big deal last year.

  • According to the Montreal Gazette, the Montreal Canadiens may look at the Sedin twins if they decide not to re-sign with the Canucks. I didn’t really think of the Canadiens as potential destinations for the twins at first, but if they could easily replace Koivu, Tanguay, and Kovalev, and leave a bit more money to re-sign Mike Komisarek. Saku is as good as gone, and may follow his brother to Minnesota. Montreal may also look at Daniel Brier and his big contract if they can’t deal for Vincent Lecavallier. Philly would be so happy if they could find someone to take the $7 million cap hit off their books, as their cap number must be getting close to $70 million for next year.

  • The Raleigh News Observer is saying that Hurricanes GM wants to re-sign Eric Cole and Chad LaRose to multiyear deals. They are looking to get Cole for 2 years.

  • From TSN.ca, Vancouver Canucks GM has left Sweden and Sedin’s with a contract offer to mull over. I have a feeling they will remain with the Canucks, as I don’t see any other GM offering more money than the Canucks will. But if they are dead set on signing an 8-12 year deal, they won’t return to Canucks, as Gillis has stated he wants no part of those extremely long term deals.

    Edmonton has reportedly offered last years starting goalie, Dwayne Roloson, a 1 year deal worth $3 million. The 39 year old Roloson would like to sign a 2 year deal.

    Jay Bouwmeester should have a multi-year offer from the Calgary Flames today.

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Habs Offer Contract and Captaincy to Kovalev

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on May 27th, 2009

TSN reports that “The Montreal Canadiens have offered the team’s captaincy to pending unrestricted free agent Alex Kovalev and that Saku Koivu is no longer in plans for the team”…

   What? Kovalev a captain? The guy shows up to play pretty much whenever he feels like it and you want your team to follow that example? Crazy if you ask me.

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