Posts Tagged Alexander Semin
Green injured again, Semin benched … Stars and Blues sale progressing … Reimer returning to ice soon … Carter questionable for tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 12th, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green only played 7 minutes and 44 seconds in his return from his ankle injury before leaving the game. Green didn’t re-injure his ankle, it was a knee-on-knee hit by Ryan Carter.
“It’s a different soreness. So at least it’s not the ankle. So that’s good news,” Boudreau said. “Yeah I’m pretty confident [it’s not serious]. I talked to him already about it. It’s a day-to-day thing, not a three-week day-to-day thing. It’s an actual day-to-day thing.”
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau benched Alexander Semin for the final 24 minutes last night.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed can confirm that the Flyers have received calls about goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is not budging. No need for the Flyers to move him now.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars are hoping for a Nov. 21st press conference to introduce Tom Gaglardi as the teams new owner. They are trying to fast track the deal, moving the bankruptcy hearing up to Nov. 18th from Nov. 23rd.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Matthew Hulsizer is still going throught the process of purchasing the St. Louis Blues. Sources are saying Hulsizer would have 70% control of the team, Blue chairman Dave Checketts holds 30%.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer’s agent said that Reimer hasn’t experienced headaches in several days and will be returning to the ice soon. “We are 100% confident the Leafs are handling this situation well and that includes James, his family and all involved,” Petkau told TSN. Agent Ray Petkau said that reports of multiple concussions are “exaggerated.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Andrei Kostitsyn won’t be in the lineup tonight against the Predators. Mike Cammalleri is a game-time decision.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter took part in full practice yesterday and is questionable for tonight.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild forward Guillaume Latendresse is out indefinitely with a concussion.
- Winnipeg Jets.com: Jets goalie Chris Mason has been activated from the IR.
Morning notes involving Stastny, Semin, Blake, Oilers arena, Hurricanes, Redden, DiPietro, Crawford and Auld
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 15th, 2011
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (from his ‘mailbag’) Custance doesn’t think the Avalanche are interested in moving Paul Stastny. Burke is looking to use his defensive depth as part of a deal to get an impact player. If Colorado were to do any sort of big deal, salary would play a part as they are close to the salary floor. Custance thinks there are 7 elite goalies, Ryan Miller, Ilya Bryzgalov, Carey Price, Henrik Lundqvist, Tim Thomas, Pekka Rinne and Roberto Luongo. Any contract extension for Alexander Semin from the Capitlas won’t come until after the season. Custance doesn’t think the Capitals will trade him during the season as you need high-end players to win the Cup.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jason Blake suffered a severe forearm laceration last night. He was wheeled out on a stretcher to a hospital.
- Dan Tencer via twitter on Oilers arena issues: “Katz Group has withdrawn the request for a non-compete from Northlands, who will continue to operate the current building as they see fit.” … “The City of Edmonton will assume all land options for the arena site and make the purchases pending paperwork and their current prices.” … “The City of Edmonton is still actively pursuing a written commitment from the Province of Alberta for funding to cover the $100M money gap.” … “The City of Edmonton will spend $20M over 10 years with the Oilers to promote Edmonton. Think logos, rink boards, commercials etc.” … “There will be another meeting at the end of the month, hopefully with a $ commitment from the Province by then. Will discuss Plan B if not.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos has added Michael Kahn as an investor and should be adding more shortly. So far he’s sold $22 million in equity to 9 people from North Carolina. In the next 6 months he’s looking to sell another $20 million to North Carolina people.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Players escrow refund cheques are going to be delayed. The NHL and NHLPA are disagreeing about what qualifies as hockey revenue. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The NHLPAs dispute could amount to millions more for the players.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: He isn’t saying that the Islanders would buyout Rick DiPietro next summer, but if they did under the current CBA rules it would cost them $1.5 million per year for the next 18 years.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN talk Rick DiPietro: Burnside thinks DiPietro’s deal could go down as one of the worst hockey decisions ever made. He also wonders how the Islanders would have made out if they had kept Roberto Luongo and not drafted DiPietro 1st overall. LeBruns wonders if there will be a “one-time buyout provision for teams to get rid of one bad contract” in the new CBA. Al Montoya has started all 3 games for the Islanders, and if they want to showcase Evgeni Nabokov for a trade, they’ll have to get him in some games. LeBrun thinks they will move Nabokov before the trade deadline regardless of DiPietro’s health. If the Islanders are in a playoff hunt, Burnside thinks they may not use Nabokov as straight trade bait.
- K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight against the Bruins. Viktor Stalberg could also make his season debut.
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Alex Auld will be in net for the Senators tonight against Capitals. Bobby Butler re-aggravated a groin injury and won’t travel to Washington.
Sharp out 3-4 weeks … Bogosian without contract but with teammates … Byfuglien getting charged … Wings could make splash next summer
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 13th, 2011
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp underwent an emergency appendectomy last night and will be recovering for 3 to 4 weeks. If recovery takes the full 4 weeks, he could miss the season opener.
- Ted Wyman of the Winnipeg Sun: Zach Bogosian may still be unsigned, but he is in Winnipeg skating with teammates.
“I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t want to be here,” he told Global. “I’m not obligated to be here until actual training camp. The fact is I want to come in here before camp and get into a routine, get to know some of the new people that I (didn’t) meet last year. It’s good to get into a little bit of a routine.”
Most of the trade rumors involving Bogosian have been preposterous, especially the Bogosian for Scott Gomez. The Jets are just over the salary cap floor, so there is no good reason for them not to get him signed long-term. Bogosian and his agent may be waiting for Luke Schenn and Drew Doughty to sign first.
- Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will be getting charged with drunk boating. On August 31st he was “booked for “probable cause” on intoxicated boating, and for allegedly refusing a blood or urine test.”
- Katie Strang of ESPN: The Islanders and free agent Sergei Samsonov had talked earlier in the summer, but according to his agent, “It seems to be dead.” The Islanders were considering Samsonov on a tryout, but his agent said they are in discussions with another team.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bryan McCabe has had discussions with several teams and is still considering his options. Mike Modano may be leaning towards retirement. Teemu Selanne and Ducks GM Bob Murray talk almost every day as Selanne is testing his knee this week to see if he thinks it can hold up for another season. The Red Wings are just about $5.8 million below the cap this year, and $21 million next year. They have Niklas Kronwall and Brad Stuart to re-sign at some point this year, but there are currently some big names that could be UFA’s next year: Zach Parise, Shane Doan, Ryan Suter, Ales Hemsky and Alexander Semin. The Rangers named Ryan Callahan their new captain.
- Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Hurricanes 2011 draft pick Victor Rask is debating if he’ll remain in North America for the season or head back to Sweden. His CHL rights are held by the Calgary Hitman of the WHL, or he could play in the AHL with Charlotte. “I haven’t decided yet,” Rask told NHL.com. “I like to play in North America, but have to wait and see what happens. Maybe I will, because it’s good hockey here.” Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford would like to see him stay in North America.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Devan Dubnyk may be splitting time, 50-50 with veteran Nikolai Khabibulin this year. Khabibulin will be 39 in January and carries a $3.75 million price tag this year and next. “Would I like to have a 50-50 split? Ideally, yes,” he said. “But I have to earn every start. I want to keep that mindset.” Dubnyk was 12-13-8 with a 2.71 GAA and .916 SV% last year.
2011-12 Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Left Wing
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 26th, 2011
List below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers for Left Wingers heading into the 2011-12 NHL season. Due to front-loading contracts (back-loaded in some cases), and teams having to deal with the salary cap, a players cap number takes precedence over their actual salary.
| Rk. | Player | Team | 2011-12 Cap Number | 2011-12 Salary |
| 1 | Alexander Ovechkin | WAS | $9,538,000 | $9,000,000 |
| 2 | Rick Nash | CLB | $7,800,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 3 | Marian Gaborik | NYR | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| Dany Heatley | MIN | $7,500,000 | $8,000,000 | |
| 5 | Thomas Vanek | BUF | $7,143,000 | $6,400,000 |
| 6 | Alexander Semin | WAS | $6,700,000 | $6,700,000 |
| 7 | Ilya Kovalchuk | NJD | $6,667,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 8 | Ryan Smyth | EDM | $6,250,000 | $4,500,000 |
| 9 | Daniel Sedin | VAN | $6,100,000 | $6,100,000 |
| 10 | Henrik Zetterberg | DET | $6,083,000 | $7,750,000 |
| 11 | Patrik Elias | NJD | $6,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Zach Parise | NJD | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| Mike Cammalleri | MTL | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| 14 | Bobby Ryan | ANA | $5,100,000 | $5,562,000 |
| 15 | Martin Havlat | SJS | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 16 | Kristian Huselius | CLB | $4,750,000 | $4,750,000 |
| 17 | Ryan Malone | TBL | $4,500,000 | $5,500,000 |
| Martin Erat | NAS | $4,500,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| Erik Cole | MTL | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Ville Leino | BUF | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| 21 | Andrew Ladd | WPG | $4,400,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 22 | Milan Michalek | OTT | $4,333,000 | $4,500,000 |
| 23 | Loui Eriksson | DAL | $4,250,000 | $4,100,000 |
| David Booth | FLA | $4,250,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Dustin Penner | LAK | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 | |
| 26 | Scott Hartnell | PHI | $4,200,000 | $3,700,000 |
| 27 | Brenden Morrow | DAL | $4,100,000 | $4,100,000 |
| 28 | Milan Lucic | BOS | $4,083,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 29 | Jason Blake | ANA | $4,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| 30 | Wojtek Wolski | NYR | $3,800,000 | $4,000,000 |
Bradley has some words about Semin … Doughty – Kings haven’t talked in weeks … Nylander gets Flyers PTO … Yashin has KHL offer … Redden “unaffordable”
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 18th, 2011
- ESPN: Former Capital, and current Florida Panthers forward Matt Bradley had some words to say about Alexander Semin and lack of playoff success in Washington on an Ottawa radio station.
“I don’t mind saying Alexander Semin’s name, because he’s one guy who has so much talent, he could easily be the best player in the league, and just for whatever reason, just doesn’t care,” Bradley said on Ottawa’s TEAM 1200 radio show.
“When you’ve got a guy like that, you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn’t show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia.”
“We had some guys who didn’t show up in the playoffs,” Bradley said on the show.
“I think our locker room was maybe a little bit too nonchalant, and guys weren’t disciplined the way they should have been. Those two things are big things. It wasn’t that guys were going out the night before a game, but not being ready to practice or missing practice with questionable injuries and not being focused.”
“I mean, there were a lot of guys who played well that didn’t probably play as much as they needed to, but I love Bruce [Boudreau] and Bruce is a great coach and he was in a very tough position there, because in Washington our top guys are definitely the stars and the guys that people want to see on the ice, so I totally understand,” Bradley said. “That just doesn’t happen on our team, it happens on a lot of teams.
“When you’re paying your top guys a lot of money and those guys carry you through the whole season, and if one of them isn’t going, it’s very hard not to play them, and I understand that that’s tough. But I think in the end, if you want to win, sometimes you have to sit some of those guys down and maybe send a message and try to get them going.”
Bradley had only good things to say about Alex Ovechkin: “I never worry about Ovi,” he said. “He’s an all-in guy. He’s young, he makes his mistakes, the same as anyone would. I often try to put myself in his position. And you’ve got to remember, he’s 25 years old, he’s got a guaranteed $120 million, he’s on top of the world, and he still for the most part makes the right decisions.”
- Greg Wyshynski via twitter: Wyshynski talked spoke to Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau about Bradley’s comments about how he overplays his stars: “Oh yeah? Oh well … it’s his opinion.” and he wouldn’t give further comment after that.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: According to one source, the LA Kings and Drew Doughty haven’t talked in weeks.
- Philadelphia Daily News: Michael Nylander will be at the Flyers training camp on a tryout. Nylander last played in 2008-09 with the Capitals.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: KHL’s Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg have made an offer to Alexei Yashin and are awaiting an answer.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Dustin Jeffrey has been cleared for light skating following his knee surgery.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Zipay says that Wade Redden is “unaffordable” for the Rangers this year. (I wonder how many teams would be interested in him if he didn’t carry a $6.5 million cap hit for 3 more years? I’m sure he’d get some interest.)
- Marc Antoine Godin of Cyberpresse.ca: Canadiens forward Lars Eller, who had surgery on his dislocated right shoulder, will be at training camp, but
“There is no set date for my return, but it is possible that I am ready for the first game of the season.
I could also miss the first week of the calendar. The doctors will evaluate it during training camp.”
“Certainly I will be there from the start of camp. I will participate in some exercises, but I must take things as they come.”
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Brophy lists some coaches who could be on the hotseat this year: Ron Wilson (TOR), Todd McLellan (SJ), Alain Vigneault (VAN), and Terry Murray (LA).
Nothing new on Marchand, Schenn contract talks … Some want out of Winnipeg … top 2012 free agents … Sens have 9 Dman for 7 spots
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 14th, 2011
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: There hasn’t been much movement on RFA Brad Marchand’s contract talks with the Bruins. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and Marchand’s agent wouldn’t comment on the situation.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Fan 590 radio host Bob McCown said that at least 3 members of the Winnipeg Jets are actively trying to get out of Winnipeg.
“Guys are not going to want to play there,” said McCown.
“I have first-hand knowledge of no less than three members of the Atlanta Thrashers, no fewer than three, who are now Winnipeg Jets, who are actively pursuing alternatives. Not the least of the problems, there’s no place to live, in the style that an NHL player has become accustomed to. Are there upscale homes? I’m sure there are. But they’re not available and they’re not for rent.”
Captain Andrew Ladd, who signed a 5 year deal with the team, had this to say in response:
“I haven’t heard that, but if there are guys that don’t want to be in Winnipeg then we don’t want them anyway,” said Ladd. “We want people that want to be part of a good hockey organization that’s going to create a winning culture. From everyone I’ve talked to — I haven’t heard any of that.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen lists his top 10 2012 free agents. 1. Ryan Suter 2. Zach Parise 3. Niklas Kronwall 4. Alexander Semin 5. R.J. Umberger 6. Ales Hemsky 7. Brad Stuart 8. Chris Kunitz 9. Shane Doan 10. Mikhail Grabovski
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have 9 defenseman under contract and expect at least 1 to be dealt. 6 are on 1-way contracts and Jared Cowen and David Rundblad have a good shot at making the club. They reportedly were shopping Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba at the draft but found no takers. Gonchar has 2 years at $5.5 million, Kuba has 1 year at $3.7 million. “They can’t afford to just give Kuba away if they are going to trade him,” said a league executive. “They’re going to have to be willing to take some salary back.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There are still some veteran UFAs out there who could be looking for a tryout. “We haven’t ruled out an invitation,” Burke told Sun Media. “But most likely we will give the kids a look.” Some of their young players include Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo and defencemen Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker. Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross and Greg McKegg are at least a year away. Agent Don Meehan said there is “Nothing new” on contract talks between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Michel Nylander says he wants to return to the NHL after his playing his first game since he broke his neck.
Webers talks coming to a stalemate … Caps don’t see any more changes, including Semin … Stars losing $1 mill a week? Dubinsky looking for $5 mill+
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 20th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators have an arbitration hearing set for August 2nd.
“We’ve had long talks; we seem to be coming to a bit of a stalemate. We still have time to work before the system kicks in,” Weber’s agent, Jarrett Bousquet said. “Shea would like to be a Predator. He enjoys playing there with a team that’s on the cusp of doing something great.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Predators GM David Poile said on Monday they they will continue to work on re-signing Shea Weber before their arbitration hearing. If they go to the hearing, Weber has the option of choosing a 1 or 2 year deal. The Preds could walk away but the is very unlikely. Weber is eligible to be a UFA after next season.
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: Alex Semin’s name has come up in trade rumors numerous times over the past few years, and have surface again recently. Capitals GM George McPhee had this to say regarding the Semin rumors,
“We like Semin because he can score goals,” McPhee said Monday, squashing the latest round of Semin trade tales. “Those guys aren’t easy to find.”
“We’ve made our moves,” he continued. “I don’t anticipate us making any other changes. If I go into the season with this group, I’m fine with that.”
The Capitals are currently over the salary cap, but they don’t think that Tom Poti is going to be able to start the season with them, and his $2.875 million cap hit could go on the LTIR.
McPhee on the Semyon Varlamov trade,
“I really didn’t want to do it, but he’d indicated that was going to go to play in the KHL and I started to think of different scenarios where we could end up with nothing for him,” said McPhee, citing the ongoing Evgeni Nabokov saga. “Colorado and four other teams were interested and it just came together pretty quick.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A Forbes report from Mike Ozanian is saying the Dallas Stars are losing a $1 million a week due to high debt and interest payments according to a source. A Stars source said it’s “unequivocally untrue.” From what Heika sees, the Stars are paying their bills and are not bouncing any checks. The Stars are controlled by the lenders who took over when Hicks Sports Group defaulted on 3 loans. Heika adds,
I have no doubt that a smart accountant can show you a sheet of paper that says the Stars are losing $1 million a week, but who are they losing it to? To the lenders, who are paying the bills and charging the interest? That just seems like a paper loss to me.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: When asked why the Lightning didn’t sign Steven Stamkos to a 7-10 year deal, he responds that both sides were comfortable with 5 years from the start and there’s uncertainty of the next CBA.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers and Brandon Dubinsky have an arbitration hearing set for tomorrow. They’ve been trying to get a 5 or 6 year deal done. Dubinsky is reportedly looking for a long term deal in the $5 – $5.25 million range. It’s believed that Dubinsky could get an arbitration ruling in the $3.8 – $4.4 million range.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Contract negotiations between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn will start “Certainly no later than by the end of next week,” according to Don Meehan, Schenn’s agent. The Leafs are about $4.4 million under the cap ceiling with 25 players signed. It’s likely that Meehan will negotiate with Claude Loiselle and Brian Burke.
- Greg Brady via twitter: The Red Wings are close to signing Ty Conklin, expect an announcement by Friday. George Malik via twitter: Malik is about 95% certain that the Red Wings will sign Conklin to be their backup by Friday at the latest. Craig Custance via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland says they will sign a backup goalie by the end of the week.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Negotiations between Zach Bogosian and the Winnipeg Jets continue.
“The conversations are continuing with his agent,” Cheveldayoff said. “There’s no time frame set in place to have that one done by. It’s a summer-negotiation type thing. Everyone’s respectful of the fact this is a down time for players and agents and management… those talks will continue and they’ve been good.
“It’s playing out exactly how we thought it would. It’s going to take some time. Each one of the negotiations — the (Andrew) Ladd, the Wheeler, the regular RFAs (restricted free agents) and Zach all have different nuances to them.”
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t ruled out adding some scoring for his top 2 line.
“You’re always looking for that,” Cheveldayoff said Tuesday. “It’s got to be the right fit for the group of guys that you have. You want it to mesh together. If you look at the roster right now there is probably some room if you could add some forwards. We think our defence is pretty deep with respect to the (NHL) depth side of things.
“Certainly if the right opportunity presents itself at forward or defence we’re going to look at it. You’re always looking, you’re always talking. But to say what you see today is what you’ll see tomorrow… it’s hard to say at this time.”
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: It’s unlikely that the Lightning are interested in Vinny Prospal, they are likely done with UFAs.
- Tom Panaccio via twitter: The Flyers will carry a $1.4 million bonus overage against the cap this year.
Rangers re-sign Sauer … Flyers shopping Bobrovsky … Flames looking to make more moves … Coyotes in trouble … Blues done for now
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 8th, 2011
- Larry Brooks via twitter: The NY Rangers have re-signed defenseman Michael Sauer this morning to a 2 year deal worth $2.5 million.
- Frank Seravalli of hte Philadelphia Daily News: Sources are saying that the Flyers have begun shopping goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. GM Paul Holmgren denied that he was involved in trade talks. The Flyers may not be getting the asking price they had hoped for. Bobrovsky carries a $1.75 million next season. They are okay with Bobrovsky as their backup to start the season, but if they could get a good return for him, they’d be foolish not to move him.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster continues to look for ways to improve his team, and he’ll be include looking at teams who are trying to move salary. MacFarlane suggests an offer sheet to Weber, Stamkos or Doughty, but adds that they would be likely matched.The Capitals sit over $64.3 million, and have Karl Alzner unsigned. The Flames could also look at Mike Green, but would have to send some salary back to take on Green’s $5.25 million. They could also look at Alexander Semin, who’ll be a UFA after next season. The Sabres may be looking to move one of their forwards.
- Neil Greenberg of the Washington Capitals: Some believe the Capitals need to move Alex Semin to create the cap room to re-sign Karl Alzner, but Greenberg thinks that would create “more harm than good.” Since the lockout, Semin has scored 166 goals, include 5 straight season with 25 goals or more. Semin also opens it up Ovechkin and Backstrom, as the team is thin offensively after the 3.
- Faceoff.com: Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs has said she’s losing faith in finding a new owner for the Coyotes and keeping the team in Phoenix. Since the NHL took over the team in 2009, 3 separate deals to buy the team have fallen through.
“In many ways the City of Glendale has no control over our future,” Scruggs told the station. “We have some, but we don’t have final control. The decision is with the National Hockey League, the 29 other owners, who they want to be an owner of the team.”
“I have never supported having the team leave, however now I believe that the only realistic thing to do is to take a look — for all of as elected officials — what would life be like with no team in the arena,” Scruggs said.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Barring an unforeseen trade, Blues GM Armstrong says he’s done with his offseason additions and the Blues roster will remain the same.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Islanders draft pick Blake Kessel have offers from 4 teams including the Flyers.
Predators hearing tomorrow … Doughty wants to be highest paid King … Gorges’ hopes to avoid arbitration … Burke audio … Stamkos/MacArthur agent audio
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The grievance hearing over the Predators qualifying offers starts tomorrow.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Answering a question on Drew Doughty: The Kings want to do over a 7 year deal, Doughty wants to do less. Bernstein says that Doughty wants to the highest paid LA King. (Anze Kopitar has a cap hit of $6.8 million)
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Josh Gorges’ agent hopes to get a deal done with the Canadiens before they go to salary arbitration. Arbitration hearings run from July 20th to August 4th. Last year only 4 of 19 players that filed for arbitration went to the hearing. Gorges earlier rejected a qualifying offer of $1.3 million. Money shouldn’t be issue, it’s the term that could be a problem.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Alexander Semin is being shopped around the league, he won’t end up in San Jose.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said that Joe Corvo suggested at trade, but didn’t demand one. Dan Rosen via twitter: Rutherford told Rosen that “the idea to sign Kaberle actually came about through a phone conversation with Joe Corvo’s agent.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle and Michael Sauer all filed for salary arbitration, but the Rangers hope to get all signed before their hearing dates.
It’s fair to project that bookend foundation pieces Callahan and Dubinsky will come in at somewhere between $3.7 million and $4.4 million per season. It’s safe to say Sauer, prime for an offer sheet that inexplicably did not materialize over the last four days, will be in at between $1.5 million and $2 million. Boyle is a tougher case, coming off his first productive year in the NHL, but he likely will come in between $1.25 million and $1.75 million.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: 5 free agents who might interest the Jets: Cory Stillman, Ryan Shannon, Jason Jaffray, Mike Grier, and John Madden.
- Scott Howson via twitter: After signing Radek Martinek, the Blue Jackets will “sit tight for now.” Will assess the market and talk to teams about trades.
- Fan 590 Audio: Don Meehan, the agent for Steven Stamkos and Clarke MacArthur.
- TSN Audio: Brian Burke press conference.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Brian Burke: “We haven’t written off Jeff Finger … If he can come in and take a job that’s great.”
Stamkos talks continue, unfounded twitter trade rumor … Semin being shopped … Doughty talks moving slowly … Leafs re-sign Bozak
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 6th, 2011
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: The Lightning and Steven Stamkos continued negotiating yesterday. It’s “A work in progress” according to GM Steve Yzerman. Stamkos’ agent Mark Guy in a text, “Still working on it.” There was an unfounded twitter rumor that Stamkos’ rights would be sent to the Maple Leafs, and Evgeni Malkin would end up in Tampa Bay.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Capitals are rumored to be shopping Alex Semin around the league with the Canadiens, Predators, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Penguins and Sharks possibly interested. Jets Dman Zach Bogosian’s name has been linked to Semin.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that if Alexander Semin is traded, McPhee would ship him West.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Negotiations between Drew Doughty and the LA Kings aren’t moving along quickly. Kings GM Dean Lombardi,
“I am getting the feeling on Drew that unfortunately this could take a while. As we just saw this past week free agency produces a frenzy for players at all levels. We must be judicious about not getting into this market for our own players. Therefore it is critical with Drew that the dollars reflect a fair rate of return regarding the term of the contract. We must be prepared to do what it takes to get it right.”
Lombardi added that they’d match any offer sheet. The Kings may be waiting to see what kind of deal the Predators and Shea Weber come too. Doughty’s agent Don Meehan in an email, “There is nothing new to report concerning any further discussions concerning Drew Doughty.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Tyler Bozak re-signs with the Maple Leafs for 2 years, $3 million. (Last night there were reports that he signed for 2 years, $1.9 million)
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Capitals are about $545,000 under the salary cap with RFAs Troy Brouwer and Karl Alzner still unsigned. They are able to go over the cap by 10% during the summer, and in the fall they might put Tom Poti and Eric Fehr on LTIR if they are not fully healed. The Capitals could also look at some trades to create some flexibility. Ted Leonsis wrote, “We will look to make some trades in the off season maybe even sign another free agent. We will continue to look at all of our options. We may not be able to get anything done. We may be able to do something. Time will tell.”
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: After locking up Andrew Ladd yesterday, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is hopeful to get a deal done with Blake Wheeler soon,
“We had great conversations with his representative (Tuesday) and those will be ongoing,” said Cheveldayoff. “The fact he filed for salary arbitration doesn’t mean much at this time. We have a lot of time to get a deal done.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dipatch: The Blue Jackets are still looking to add a defenseman to play with newly re-signed Marc Methot on the 2nd pairing. They are talking with Bryan McCabe, Brent Sopel, Scott Hannan and some others.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Ales Hemsky will be in the last year of his deal and will make $4.1 million. It’s sounding like he’d like to re-sign with Oilers.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent has said that Varlamov has signed a deal with the Avalanche, and that talk about door being open to the KHL are lies.
Blackhawks sign Crawford … Werek and Etem sign entry level deals … Button has trade ideas for Capitals … Panthers want to bring Vokoun back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 20th, 2011
- Elliott Pap of hte Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger Mikael Samuelsson will be out for the remainder of the season after adductor tendon and sports hernia surgery.
- Chicago Breaking Sports: The Blackhawks have signed Corey Crawford to a 3 year deal worth $8 million, a $2.6 million cap hit. “It means a lot,” Crawford said. “I want to be a part of the Blackhawks and I think the management and everyone there wanted me back too. It’s great to get it done early. Now I can just focus on workouts and getting prepared for next season.”
- Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have signed recently acquired prospect Ethan Werek to an entry level deal. Werek scored 24 goals and added 28 assists in 47 games with Kington of the OHL. He was acquired earlier this month from the Rangers for Oscar Linberg.
- Eric Stephens of hte OC Register: The Ducks have signed 2010 1st round (29th overall) draft pick Emerson Etem to an entry level deal. His NHL deal is for $900,000 with $90,000 in bonuses, $67,500 AHL salary. Etem scored 45 goals with 35 assists in 65 games with Medicine Hat of the WHL.
- Craig Button of ESPN: Button offers some trade options for the Capitals this off-season. They have 3 capable goalies in Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby. The Flyers could be one option, and have rugged winger Scott Hartnell. Could expand the deal to include Jeff Schultz and Braydon Coburn. Button thinks the Caps should target Valtteri Filppula and could offer up Mike Green. Jonathan Ericsson could also be a target of Washington. Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr would also look good in a Caps uniform. If the Caps offered up prospect Cody Eakin, it might open up discussions for Rene Bourque or David Moss. Button offers up a blockbuster proposal: one of Washington’s three goalies, Mike Green, and Alexander Semin to Anaheim for Francois Beauchemin and Bobby Ryan.
- The Fourth Period: The Panthers are very interested in bringing goalie Tomas Vokoun back next season. The 35 year old had a cap hit of $5.7 million last year.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: With Corey Crawford locked up, the Blackhawks will now focus on Michael Frolik and Chris Campoli. They will also have decide what they are going to do with RFAs Viktor Stalberg, Troy Brouwer and Jake Dowell.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have received permission for the Blue Jakets to speak with Ken Hitchcock. GM Chuck Fletcher has apparently interviewed Michel Therrien and Craig MacTavish already. Sources say Fletcher has talked to Kirk Muller, but he has not been ‘interviewed.’
- Katie Strang of the Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov plans on reporting to the Islanders training this fall. (If he’s not traded before)
Predators off-season notes … 5 Flyers require surgery … Fehr and Leblanc had shoulder surgery … Fasth getting interest
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Nashville Tennessean: The Predators made it to the 2nd round for the 1st time in franchise history, and will have a busy off-season with 4 UFAs and 5 RFAs. Their biggest challenge will be RFA Shea Weber who’d requires a raise from his current $4.5 million salary. Both sides had agreed during the season to wait until the off-season. One comparable could be Dion Phaneuf’s 6 year, $39 million deal. A starting point could be Brent Seabrook’s 5 year, $29 million contract, but he doesn’t put up the same offensive numbers and doesn’t provide the same leadership. Would they look at trade Weber before July 1st if they feel they can’t get a deal done? Joel Ward is a UFA and proved during the playoffs that he is more valuable than his $1.5 million he made this year. The Predators need to find a ‘game-changing forward,’ Shea Weber pointed this out on Monday. “That’s obviously up to the front office now, but we have to find a way to generate more goals,” Weber said. “We’re a good defensive team, but that can only get you so far.” Steve Sullivan will likely have to take a pay cut from his $3.75 million if he wants to come back next year. JP Dumont, who has a healthy scratch at times during the 2nd half of the season, is due to make $4 million next year and they could consider buying him out.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals forward Eric Fehr had surgery to repair a torn labrum on his right shoulder. He could be out 4 to 6 months. 2 years ago he had surgery on both his shoulders.
“When he comes out of the sling, he’ll go through a very specific rehab program intending to get back his motion and strength and the rhythm of the shoulder back,” Shaffer said. “We’ll allow him to start skating two months from the date of the procedure, but return to play will be gradual. He’ll probably be on the ice in training camp but he won’t be in contact, collision situations.”
- Montreal Gazette: Canadiens prospect Louis Leblanc had arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder on Tuesday and will have 4 to 6 months of rehab. Leblanc was picked 18th overall in the 2009 draft. If the rehab lasts only 4 months, he could be ready for training camp.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Friedman thinks that if the Capitals are to shakeup their core, they should only move one of Mike Green or Alexander Semin, but not both.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that 5 players will need off-season surgery. Mike Richards and Andrej Meszaros will have wrist surgery. Kris Versteeg will have a stomach muscle procedure, Blair Betts on his finger and Michael Leighton will have hip surgery.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning, Rangers and Oilers are reportedly interested in free agent Swedish goalie, Viktor Fasth.
Off-season questions for Flyers and Capitals … Pronger may have a herniated disc … Glendale wants a year extension
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 7th, 2011
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Though there is not confirmation yet, it’s believed that Chris Pronger has a herniated disc that lead to the back and leg problems. Surgery could be a possibility.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPilly: “Unless the Flyers get a proven No. 1 goalie this summer to bide Bobrovsky and their other young goalies’ time, their window of opportunity will slam shut while the acquisitions of Pronger, Kimmo Timonen, Danny Briere, etc., will have been for naught.”
- Sam Donnellon of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers need a “name-brand goaltender.” How to get one? “Buy one, trade for one, kidnap one if they have to.” Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers playoff goaltending,, “Eleven games. Three different starters. Six games when the starter left, either because he was terrible (three times), the team in front of him was terrible (twice), or because of injury (once).”
- Mike Wise of the Washington Post: Bruce Boudreau isn’t the Capitals problem, it their nucleus of Alex Ovechkin and his 3 co-stars, who may not be ready. “This team doesn’t need a coach transplant; it needs a heart transplant for many of its young players.” Wise goes on to question Alexander Semin (“How do you say “prima donna” in Russian?) and Nicklas Backstrom for their lackluster play.
- Slava Malamud of the Washington Post: ““The season is over, so I can start thinking about the future right now,” said Varlamov, “I will see what happens. My wish is to stay in the NHL and to play for Washington. Hopefully, I can sign a deal soon.” There are rumors that he may head to the KHL, and when asked about what he’d do if the KHL made a better offer, “I am not ready to answer this question right now. But my childhood dream was to play in the NHL. I am only 23 and I would like to play against the best.”
- Rebekah L. Saunders of the Arizona Republic: The City of Glendale pledges another $25 million to the NHL to keep the Coyotes in Glendale for another season while they work on a new owner. The city paid $25 million to cover part of the $37 million in losses this past year.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A source is saying that the Blues have received interest from a non-local buyer.
Crosby’s father refutes retirement pressure report … Green back late this month and other Capitals notes … Paul Stastny clears air about is dad’s comments
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on March 14th, 2011
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: GM meetings today are all about head shots and concussions.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun talked to Sidney Crosby’s father on Friday and there was no truth to Bob McCown’s reports that Crosby’s family was trying to get him to retire. Still no timetable on a possible return. “Not at all,” Troy Crosby, from his Halifax, Nova Scotia, home, told ESPN. “We’re just trying to get him healthy again. However long that takes, that’s how long it’s going to take.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: As the Red Wings get closer to another playoff run, coach Mike Babcock is fine-tuning his line combinations. At home when Babcock has better control of the line combinations, he have Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg together. On the road, he’ll have them on 2 lines. Friday at home they were together with Johan Franzen. Saturday in St. Louis Datsyuk was with Franzen and Holmstrom, Zetterberg centered Bertuzzi and Cleary.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Flyer forward Ian Laperriere’s playing days are likely over. He hasn’t played since last season after blocking a shot with his face. “I still have some nerve damage in my right eye and the light bothers it.” New Sabres owner Terry Pegula is worth $3 billion according to Forbes. Sergei Bobrovsky is playing more than Brian Boucher now, but that might change in the playoffs. Mike Green may return to the Capitals lineup late this month as he’s still suffering concussion symptoms. Tom Poti could return next week, he’s been battling groin issues for hte last 2 months. Since Mike Knuble will be coming off the books for the Capitals, and if he’d take a pay cut to around $2.5 million, Jason Arnott could be back with the Capitals next year. As the playoffs get closer, Tyler Seguin has become a healthy scratch more often. The Capitals are 17-0-0 when Alexander Semin scores. It’s likely that Capitals’ 1st round pick Evgeny Kuznetsov will be playing in North America next season.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Herald: The Flames have already begun to look at upcoming free agents, identifying players and their team needs. They have UFA’s Alex Tanguay, Curtis Glencross and Brendan Morrison, Anton Babchuk and Feaster noted “We’re not any further along,” about those negotiations.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Antti Niemi is expected to get the start tonight against the Blackhawks. Antero Niittymaki could get the start on start on Tuesday, ending Niemi’s 25 consecutive game run.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Avalanche Paul Stastny talked to Eric Johnson about the negative comments his dad made about the trade that brought Johnson to Colorado. Paul said, “I talked to (Johnson). I told him it had nothing to do with him or Jay. I think it was more about losing Stewie, a rare power forward. When I talked with my dad, he said he meant no disrespect at all and he loves both players.”
- Ian Walker of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger Tanner Glass suffered an upper body injury in practice last week and tried to play through it. “I tried to play; I was treating it like a playoff game so if there was any chance I could go I would have but there was no way,” said Glass, 6-1 and 210-pounds. “It’s gotten progressively worse since the San Jose game and it’s one of those things … It’s muscular and if I keep pushing it, it’s going to get worse so I have to give it a few days.”
Smid-Blum deal in the works? Should the Caps move Semin? Canucks considering moving Hodgson? Scout out in full force
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2011
- Joshau Cooper via twitter: The Predators are looking for a defenseman as their group isn’t healing as fast as the team had hoped. Dan Tencer via twitter: The Oilers and Predators could be working on a Ladislav Smid for Jonathan Blum trade.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy is hearing that Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli may make one more minor move.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Chiarelli,
“The one thing you want is some depth, and that’s the one place we might have hurt ourselves a little bit last year. [David] Krejci was hurt and Savvy was just coming back [from concussion]. We got thin pretty quick and I think that really took away our chances and hurt us a lot in that area. So I think we are trying to cover that right now and if he brought people in it would just mean more depth.’’
Depth on the blueline in case of an injury or to replace one of their young defenseman, Adam McQuaid or Steven Kampfer.
- Washington Post: Capitals GM George McPhee hasn’t ruled out make a deal before the trade deadline, but he hasn’t tipped his hand in what he might want to add. A 2nd line center and a defenseman may be two areas they may look at. Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Custance wonders if it’s time to turn Alex Semin into an impact center or defenseman. Bob McKenzie said that McPhee hasn’t had one offer for Semin since he signed the 1 year extension in late January.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Cody Hodgson is on a 4th line audition with the Canucks, but only had 4 shits at 4:39 and nothing in the 3rd period. Rumors that the Canucks may be after a 4th line center have been around for awhile, but rumors that they may be thinking of trading Hodgson are
new.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Tambellini thought it was worth a shot in putting Sheldon Souray on re-entry waivers, but now that he went unclaimed, he’ll likely spend the rest of the year in the AHL unless someone calls to work out a trade. Nobody has called yet to work out a trade that would send a contract back to Edmonton. Tambellini continues to talk to other teams about potential trades.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings will be getting Marco Sturm back to their lineup, and he’ll be joining Kopitar and Simmonds on the top line. The 2nd line would be Smyth, Stoll and Brown; the 3rd line of Williams, Richardson and Handzus; 4th line is still undecided.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Blue Jackets-Predators game were from the: Thrashers, Rangers, Minnesota, Kings, Oilers, and Stars.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Maple Leafs-Islanders game were from the: Thrashers, Bruins, Blackhawks, Avalanche, Kings, Wild, Canadiens, Penguins, Lightning and 2 from the Coyotes.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: 2 NY Rangers scouts at Oilers games in Minnesota and Washington. 2 Blackhawks scouts were at the Oilers-Wild game, they’re need a defenseman and a penalty killer.
Bogosian rumored to Edmonton … Possible Penguins targets … Bruins looking for D … Brodeur day-to-day … Emery Clears
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 8th, 2011
- Gene Principe via twitter: Rumored talk of Zach Bogosian possibly heading to Edmonton, 2 Thrashers scouts drove to Nashville in a snowstorm to see the Oilers play. Ben Wright via twitter: Wright says to stop this Ales Hemsky to Atlanta talk, not going to happen, he’s extremely confident it’s not happening.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: The Penguins could be looking for a top 6 forward, preferably a center with Malkin don’t for the year, and questions surrounding Crosby. Cap number is not an issue, and they could look at players like Stephen Weiss or Devin Setoguchi as examples. It might take Alex Goligoski in a deal to get Setoguchi. Jason Arnott could draw some interest. The Bruins are still interested in Tomas Kaberle but it’s hard to see them paying a premium to the Leafs. Chiarelli could look at Eric Brewer, Chris Phillips, Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkanen. With the uncertainty of Dallas ownership it doesn’t look like they’ll get a deal done before the trade deadline, but it’s unlikely Brad Richards will get moved. But there is the small possibility that Dallas could look to move him, and he might consider, especially if an extension was in place.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur is day-to-day with a ‘non-operable injury’ to his right knee.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ray Emery clears waivers and will start is comeback with Syracuse of the AHL. Ducks put Aaron Voros on waivers.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Alexander Semin will be in the lineup for the Capitals tonight, Michal Neurvirth will be in net. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Mike Green won’t play tonight be should be able to go on Saturday.
- Thomas Reed via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets.
Savard done for year … Forsberg signs … Forwards Penguins could add … Byfuglien and Thrashers talking … Kessel comments
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 7th, 2011
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have officially said that Marc Savard will be shut down for the remainder of the season. He is expected to talk to reporters today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg signed a pro-rated, $1 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche. He likely won’t make his debut until Friday or Saturday, and will start on the wing.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: The Penguins could be looking to add some offensive help at the deadline, and available players that might interest them are; PA Parenteau (NYI), Alex Kovalev (OTT), Cory Stillman (FLA), Radek Dvorak (FLA), and Chris Higgins (FLA). If their teams fall out of the playoff race or decided they need to get assets for their UFAs, Brad Richards (DAL), Milan Hejduk (COL) and Radim Vrbata (PHO) could become available.
- Tim Panaccio of the CSNPhilly: Sources are saying the Flyers are offering a contract extension to Ville Leino for 3 and 4 years and between $9-12 million. Leino’s agent, Bill Zito is confident they’ll get a deal done before free agency. “If there’s been an offer, it hasn’t come to me,” Leino said. “We haven’t really gone that far. I don’t think we have really talked numbers. We don’t have anything on paper.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Atlanta Thrashers have started preliminary talks with Dustin Byfuglien. He will likely be getting a raise from his current $3 million salary. His numbers have dipped lately, but he’ll surely put up at least 20 goals. If they can’t get a long-term deal done, Byfuglien may not have a problem going to arbitration and getting a 1-year deal and becoming a UFA the following season.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators likely won’t look to bring in another goalie until after the season (rumored that they might like to add one before then). Only Robin Lehner is under contract beyond this season. GM Bryan Murray said they are getting “a fair amount of interest” from contending teams on some players, and added “I wouldn’t even like to predict when it will come down,” he said. “We continue to talk, but I just wait and see.”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Phil Kessel on whether coach Ron Wilson has given advice on his recent struggles,
“No, me and Ron don’t really talk,” Kessel told a group of reporters after practice. “So that’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
Kessel is now on a line with Darryl Boyce and Joey Crabb. Kessel added,
“I don’t know,” Kessel said. “We’ve got to change something, so I’m not sure if that’s it, but maybe. I don’t know.
“I don’t really know what to say about [the scoring slump] any more. I’m trying. Obviously it’s not going right. Like I said, might not be working out here. What are you going to do?”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: JS Giguere will be in net for the Maple Leafs tonight versus the Thrashers. James Reimer will get the start tomorrow against the Islanders.
- Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: Alexander Semin hopes to play on Tuesday versus the Sharks.
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.
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