Posts Tagged Alex Steen

Injury notes on Howard, Steen, McDonald, Green, Morrow, Nugent-Hopkins, Barker, Sturm, Brunette

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Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes

  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:

    “Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”

  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
  • Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
  • Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
  • Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
  • Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
  • John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.

    “We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:

    “The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”

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Schneider safe at deadline … Preds claim Yip … Carson, Repik to waivers … Hall hopes to play Saturday … Steen out … Starting goalies

  • Jason Botchford via twitter: From what Cory Schneider has been told regarding the trade deadline, he doesn’t have much to worry about.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils goalie Johan Hedberg hasn’t made a definite decision, but is thinking he’ll likely play next year.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Zalewski-Josefson-Clarkson; Carter-Mills-Janssen.

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Byers to have hearing, nothing for Lecavalier … Afternoon injury updates, lines and tonight’s starting goaltenders

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Blue Jackets Dane Byers will have a phone hearing with Brendan Shanahan today for his hit on Sharks Andrew Desjardins. No hearing for Lightning’s Vinny Lecavalier for his punch on Penguins Evgeny Malkin.
  • Dirk Hoag via twitter: Predators defenseman Ryan Suter will be a game-time decision with an upper body injury.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils center Adam Henrique is unable to practice due to a groin issue. The Devils have sent Nick Palmieri to the AHL.
  • David Alter via twitter: The Maple Leafs have recalled Jake Gardiner. The Marlies don’t play again until next Saturday. James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle points out that Gardiner’s recall doesn’t mean a Maple Leafs trade is happening. They wanted to get Gardiner into a game in the AHL yesterday.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zubrus-Kovalchuk; Boulton-Elias-Clarkson; Tedenby-Carter-(empty); Taormina-Zalewski-Janssen.
  • Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Morrow-Wandell-Eriksson Burish-Ott-Dvorak Nystrom-Fiddler-Ryder Wathier-Dowell-Petersen Fiddler, Dvorak PP time.

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Rumors involving the Devils, Wild, Canadiens, Leafs, Ducks, Flames, Preds, Sabres, Flyers … Injury notes on Koivu, Benn, Wheeler and Steen

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources have been saying that Devils Lou Lamoriello has been gauging what Zach Parise could fetch on the trade market. Moving Parise if they are in the playoff race will be difficult decision to make. The Wild will definitely be an interested team. Lou will want a top young player, a prospect and a 1st rounder in return for Parise. The Wild may have to wait until the offseason and try to sign him as a UFA. If the Canadiens fire GM Pierre Gauthier in the offseason, Lightning GM Julien Brisbois and Pierre McGuire could be options. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke appears to be targeting Ducks forward Bobby Ryan. It would likely cost the Leafs Joe Colborne or Nazem Kadri, a prospect and a 1st round pick. Jarome Iginla won’t be traded this season, but if they decide to move him in the offseason, the Capitals, Kings and Sharks could be interested. The Predators are doing all they can to re-sign defenseman Ryan Suter. If they don’t think they can re-sign him, he’d be a nice fit in Philly. The Hurricanes could start moving their UFAs at any moment. Should expect the Blue Jackets to make one big move before the end of the season, and Jeff Carter could be on his way out. The Leafs could be interested, but he’s under contract till 2021-22 with a $5.2 million cap hit. The Sabres might be offering up Derek Roy in hopes of getting bigger. The 5′ 9″ Roy carries a $4 million cap hit and has struggled this year. The Blackhawks may show some interest. Islanders winger P.A. Parenteau would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh.
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Despite GM Bob Murray saying that Saku Koivu and Teeme Selanne are untouchable, Selanne refused to confirm he’ll retire as a Duck:

    “We still have time to go,” said Selanne, whose team will likely be all-but-eliminated from the playoff race before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. “We’ll see.”

    Brian Burke on whether Flyers James van Riemsdyk concussion will affect trade talk: “No, never was serious.” The Panthers were trying to trade for Sean Avery before they signed John Madden, they are no longer interested. Several GMs think that Shane Doan will become available if the team will be leaving Phoenix. GM Don Maloney denies that he’ll trade Doan.

  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: If the Kings end up trading one of their defenseman, it would likely be Jack Johnson. He’s in the rumors as he’s a 24 year old Dman on a long term deal with a decent salary cap hit.
  • Josh Rimer via twitter: The Leafs assigned Jake Gardiner to the minors, but from what Rimer has been told it might be a short stay as the Leafs could be making a deal in the next day or two.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are saying that Mikko Koivu’s left shoulder injury could keep him out of the lineup for a month. The Wild are already without 2nd liners Guillaume Latendresse and PM Bouchard.
  • Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Blake Wheeler did not travel with the team to Ottawa yesterday after taking a shot to the throat on Saturday night. He stayed overnight at a hospital, and tests revealed no damage. He could be released to join the team sometime today or Tuesday.

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Burke audio – Hopes to make a deal … A team wants Rangers to put Avery on re-entry … Crosby to skate … Mueller, Steen to return … Gionta tears bicep

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said he’s looking to make a trade in hopes of boosting the clubs playoff run.

    “We’re a little small up front and we don’t have much playoff experience,” he noted. “If the playoffs started tomorrow, I would still like our chances. (But) we are looking to add and get better now.”

    “I’m a January guy,” he reminded “I set my price and try and let my team play through the deadine (without worrying about trades). The math doesn’t work at the deadline when 24 teams are buying. There can only be one (Stanley Cup) parade.”

    The cost to acquire a big center or winger could be 1 or more young assets or a 1st or 2nd rounder this year.

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Sean Avery is sitting in the AHL despite a team asking the Rangers to put him on re-entry waivers. GM Glen Sather rejected the request, and are trying to make a minor-league trade in which they take on additional money. The team acquiring Avery would then be responsible for putting him on re-entry waives and risk another team claiming him, therefore taking on the ‘dead cap space’ if claimed. If claimed on re-entry waivers, Avery would carry a $445,000 cap hit for each team.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will skate this week. Crosby last practiced on Dec. 7th.

    “He will be skating during this trip,” Bylsma said. “He also will, at some point in time, address the media. That will happen in the next few days. It isn’t a set plan, but it will happen.”

  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche have activated forward Peter Mueller off the IR, and he could be in the lineup tonight against the Predators. Mueller has been battling concussions and head issues for 3 seasons with the Avs. The Avs have put defenseman Shane O’Brien on the IR.
  • Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen could return to the lineup tonight after missing the last 6 games with a concussion. Steen passed his baseline test yesterday and plans to see how he feels at their morning skate.
  • Tony Marinaro via twitter: Canadiens defenseman continues his rehab and barring any setback is set to return in early February.

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Flyers – Leafs rumors … Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter … Backstrom to IR … Zajac shut down … Starting goalies

  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers Don Luce (Director of Player Development) was seen scouting the Maple Leafs for the 3rd time in as many weeks. Cue the trade speculation. The Flyers are in the market for a defenseman, a position the Leafs have some depth. Luke Schenn has seen his minutes decrease this year to 16:36 from 22:22 last year. Luke carries a $3.6 million cap hit and has 4 years remaining after this season. Cody Franson would also be an option, and would be cheaper. Chirs Botta via twitter: Botta mentions Brayden to Toronto. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed doesn’t see a Schenn for Schenn deal happening.
  • Pierre LeBruna and Scott Burnside of ESPN: Senators GM Bryan Murray said this morning that he’d look to add at the trade deadline if they continue to play well. “Yes, if we continue to get wins over the next month or so, you want to give your players the best chance you can,” Murray said. They will still focus on the long-term stability and building through youth. “We’d probably be looking for a forward,” Murray said. LeBrun spoke with Predators defenseman Ryan Suter’s agent yesterday who said things are status quo. The Flyers have Suter as their #1 target if he becomes available.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: The Capitals have put Nicklas Backstrom on the IR to make room for call-up Tomas Kundratek. Backstrom can be taken off the IR at any point. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: Capitals coach Dale Hunter said there is no timetable on Backstrom and Mike Green.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan will be out for 4 to 6 weeks with a left shoulder injury.
  • Allen Panzeri via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators against the Rangers. Erik Karlsson didn’t practice today but is expected to play.

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Quick notes on Nash, Yzerman, Backstrom, Senators, Skinner, Weber, Mueller, Nugent-Hopkins, Steen and a couple starting goalies

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson regarding Rick Nash: “Our position on Rick has not changed.” … meaning he doesn’t want to trade him.
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman was in Calgary watching the World Junior semifinals, then made the trip to Vancouver.
  • Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom said he’ll make the trip to California. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Johansson-Backstrom-Knuble, Chimera-Halpern-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Beagle-Semin.
  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller practiced with the team yesterday. Mueller is still not cleared to play and remains out indefinitely.
  • Chicago Tribune: Ray Emery and Ilya Bryzgalov are the probably starters tonight.

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29 GM are not reasonable … Avery waived … Myers injury taking longer to heal … Wisniewski out 6 weeks … Starting goalies

  • Brian Burke via twitter: “Always looking to upgrade our team in terms of trades! Always! 24/7! Not easy! The other 29 GM’s are simply not reasonable!”
  • David Staples via twitter: “All those folks burning to trade Hemsky, what will you reasonably expect for him? Makes no sense to trade him at such low value.”
  • Mike Harrington via twitter: The Sabres 4-6 week timeline for Tyler Myers injury was always very optimistic. Scaphoid injuries can be 8-12 weeks. John Vogl via twitter: Myers said there is no timeline on his return from wrist surgery:

    “It’s not quite where it needs to be for me … to jump back in. It’s just taking a little longer than we hoped for. I’ll come back as soon as I’m ready. It’s just a matter of making sure I don’t come back too early to put it at risk for reinjury.”

    Mike Heika via twitter: Stars forward Brenden Morrow didn’t practice but is still hoping to play tomorrow.

  • Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen has concussion-like symptoms and won’t pay tonight. Oshie, Sobotka and Langenbrunner are in.
  • George Richards via twitter: Scott Clemmensen will start in net for the Panthers against the Rangers. Jose Theodore will start on New Years Eve against the Canadiens.

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Injury notes on Gagner, Steen, Jackman, Brassard, Sullivan … Kubina gets 3 games for elbow with video

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Sam Gagner is done for the year after a tendon was severed in his hand after being inadvertently by teammate Ryan Jones. “You hop over the boards 50 times a game and this one time a teammate is reaching for a water bottle,” said Jones. “I heard him yell but then I went onto the ice and by the time I came back he was in the dressing room. This is the first for me something like this happening. I talked to Sam (after the game in Washington). He thought he’d be fine.”
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Alex Steen and defenseman Barret Jackman are likely done for the season. Steen suffered a high ankle sprain, and Jackman has a fractured finger that requires surgery. Both are out 4-6 weeks.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets center Derick Brassard, who just returned from a hand injury, blocked a shot with his ankle, missed practice yesterday and is questionable for tonight.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: 2 groups and 1 individual are in discussions to possibly purchase the Atlanta Thrashers, and keeping them in Atlanta. 2 entities are local. 2 other groups showed interest in buying the Thrashers, Hawks and the Philips Arena. Documents presented in court say the Thrashers have lost $130 million in the last 5 years. (only lost $130 million … no wonder there are 5 groups interested … sarcasm)
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators forward Steve Sullivan underwent a procedure last week to help his cronic groin injury, and would keep him out for 4-6 weeks.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Craig Anderson’s agent and Senators GM Bryan Murray will talk again after the GM meeting. An offer could be in the 3 years and $9.3 million range.

    “I’m not giving ultimatums here,” Justin Duberman, the representative for goalie Craig Anderson, stressed in a phone call Thursday. “But I am saying that, when you deal with free agents, players talk. And they want to go to organizations that treat their players right. Ottawa is of those places, because the people that run this place are honest.

    “I hope that the people who are there remain. I think they know what they’re doing. They’re honest, and they’ve treated the players I’ve had there with professionalism and respect. I’ve got all the time in the world for honest people in this business because they’re hard to find.

    “If you were to ask Craig how he’s been treated since he got there, it’s been first-class all the way. I think that comes from the top.

    “I’m not giving ultimatums, but we’re very, very comfortable with the structure that is in place currently. Very comfortable with it.”

  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: The Islanders and center Zenon Konopka haven’t had any contract extension talks yet. The Isles were asking for a 2nd round pick for him at the trade deadline. There has been “some disappointment” according to his agent, but Zenon wants to stay.
  • Tim Sasssone of the Daily Herald: Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina was suspended 3 games for his elbow on Blackhawks center David Bolland.

    Do you think the NHL got it right with a 3 games suspension?

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Bruins need to clear about $3.2 million more … Line changes for the Blues … Chris Stewart out 4-6 weeks … Slewfoot by Crosby (video)?

  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: After trading Matt Hunwick yesterday, the Bruins now have $300,000 in extra cap space (after Marc Savard returns for LTIR), and will need to clear about $3.2 million more when Marco Sturm is ready to return. According to Murphy’s sources the Bruins have been unable to trade Michael Ryder and his $4 million cap hit the last couple weeks. Daniel Paille and his $1 million cap hit have also been offered around with no takers.

    “The trade market in general is slow, but we’ve seen a few deals,” Chiarelli said. “It’s relatively early from that perspective. But what happens too is that there seems to be even more parity this year, so some teams are proactive and they get on it early rather than waiting to the very end. So there’s some teams that are proactive — and I’m not saying whether it’s right or wrong — but it’s my job to identify those teams and try and get the best fit and best return.”

    • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche leading goal scorer Chris Stewart will be out 4-6 weeks after having surgery to repair his broken left hand. Stewart broke his hand in a fight on Saturday with Wild’s Kyle Brodziak. Stewart had 11 goals and 25 points in 25 games.
    • Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson should be ready to return between the pipes on Friday versus the Hurricanes.
    • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues have moved Alex Steen to the top line with Andy MacDonald and Brad Boyes. David Backes was dropped to the 2nd line with Patrik Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka.
    • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Marc-Andre Bergeron is considering offers from as many as 4 teams, with a deal expected to be done by the end of the week. The Washington Capitals aren’t going to trade Alexander Semin. The Dallas Stars won’t move Brad Richards while they are in the playoff hunt. The Ottawa Senators would trade Chris Campoli in the right deal.
    • Ben Kuzma via twitter: Despite battling pneumonia and losing 8 pounds, Kevin Bieksa is planning on playing Wednesday against the Flames.
    • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is happy with his team so far. He doesn’t plan on sending struggling forward Nikita Filatov to the minors, has no trades imminent for an offensive defenseman, and will not go after a trade specialist.
    • Dan Tencer via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers won’t be sending Magnus Paajarvi to the World Junior tournament in Buffalo. Tencer thinks it might not be a bad idea to send him, he has no points in his last 13 games and could use a confidence boost.
    • Was it a Slewfoot by Sidney Crosby?

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Twitter rumors and Free Agent signings quick hits

6:01 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: “Just hung up phone with Dean Lombardi. Asked him if he was closing in on Kovalchuk, “No.” Asked if he’s still in the mix, “Not sure.””

5:59 PM: Adrian Dater via Twitter: Kovalchuk to the Kings is getting closer.

5:57 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Saku Koivu to the Ducks for 2 years, $5 million.

3:45 PM: Bruce Garrioch via Twitter: The Flames are working on a 2 year deal with Olli Jokinen ….. (I wonder if Sutter is trying to get fired to collect his full pay)

3:44 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Canucks are favorites to land Dan Hamhuis, LA, Tor, and SJ still in it.

3:38 PM: James Mirtle via Twitter: Leafs not pursuing Raffi Torres as of yet. Armstrong may fill that role.

3:15 PM: NHLSourcesSay via Twitter: Islanders and Sabres have sent offers to Pavel Kubina.

3:01 PM: Darren Dreger via Twitter: Tony Lydman signs with Anaheim for 3 years, $9 million.

3:00 PM: Andy Strickland via Twitter: Alex Steen’s deal is for 4 years, $13.45 million. $2.75 million next year, $3.56 million the next 3 years.

2:50 PM: Frank Seravalli via Twitter: “Holy god. I thought Shelley was bad. Boogard to Rangers; 4 years at $1.65M per season… He hasn’t scored a goal in 4 years.”

2:33 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Leafs in on Dan Hamhuis

2:30 PM: Tweet of the Day so far – Adrian Dater: “Darcy Tucker is still available folks.”

2:24 PM: NHLSourcesSay: 3 teams interested in Ray Whitney: Panthers, Sabres, and Flames

2:15 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Martin could end up in LA or Pitt. Hamhuis still possible in Pitt.

1:05 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Dan Ellis is close to signing with someone, but it’s not Montreal.

12:53 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Paul Martin is eager to sign with Pittsburgh, and vise versa.

12:50 PM: Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: Alex Steen re-signs with the Blues, 4 years.

12:34 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Savard to Calgary for Regher is being talked about. Savard hasn’t been asked to waive his no trade clause yet.

Alex Tanguay signs a one year deal with the Calgary Flames according to RDS.

Braydon Coburn re-signs with the Flyers for 2 years, cap hit of $3.2 million.

Eric Christensen signs a 2 year deal with the NY Rangers, $925,000 a season.

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