Posts Tagged Alexei Kovalev
Pronger hopes to be ready for start of season … Murray talks Selanne rehab … Zherdev says he’ll return … Comrie has setback
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 9th, 2011
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger held a conference call with reporters yesterday as he continues to rehab his back and right hand.
“the goal is to be ready for Game 1 of the regular season. I’m starting to progress. . . . Once I get cleared, I can start getting into a full-lifting program.”
He feels his hand is 80-85% healed, which has put him 2 months behind in his strength program. He hopes to get clearance in a week to begin lifting weights.
“I don’t know that you could say I was breaking down with broken bones and being hit by pucks and all the rest,” he said. “Those are things that sometimes can be avoided. Perhaps now I may not block as many shots. I might just get out of the way and let our million-dollar goalie stop those things.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said yesterday that Teemu Selanne “has been struggling a bit” with his knee and thought “he was getting depressed” about the rehab. Murray noted that Selanne “intends to go pretty hard this week” and they’ll be in touch after. Murray added that there were a few days “where it wasn’t bugging him,” there is no timetable on when Selanne will make a decision to play or not.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikolai Zherdev said he didn’t receive any firm offers from the NHL. Zherdev added: “I will be back there. I am sure of that!”
- National Post: Mike Comrie recently suffered a setback in his rehab from hip surgery.
“In wanting to return to play after surgery, I pushed myself too early and that has not helped my recovery,” Comrie said in a statement. “I will return to the NHL when I am healthy and able to play at the level I have come to expect of myself.”
- Glen Andresen of NHL.com: With the Wild trading James Sheppard to the Sharks, it “further solidifies Fletcher’s intent to let younger Wild players like Colton Gillies, Cody Almond and Casey Wellman battle for roster spots among forwards.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexei Kovalev to SovSport: “In two season w/the #Sens I still couldn’t get Clouston’s game plan. It appeared he scoffed at some players.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Brett Lebda has cleared waivers and Predators will likely buy him out.
Avery arrested … Notes on RFAs Schenn and Doughty … Nolan, Fedoruk get PTO from Canucks … Alfredsson to skate next week
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 5th, 2011
- TMZ: Sean Avery was arrested this early morning for pushing a cop who was attempting to break up a loud party at his Hollywood Hills home. A neighbor called the police at 1:00 am, and when they arrived, Avery answered, shoved the cop and slammed the door. He was cooperative with the police after they knocked again. He’s being held on $20,000.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The city of Toronto has grown on Luke Schenn and he’s keen on staying, “Something will get figured out for sure.” Schenn added:
“I started here and had a good opportunity. As far as the team goes, we haven’t made the playoffs yet and we’ve had a bit of a rough time as an organization in terms of the standings. (But) I’ve played three years here and got to know a lot of people in this city. I have a better idea of how things work. No question I want to be part of things going forward and help achieve some success.
“Being drafted here (the Leafs traded up to get him fifth overall) was a dream come true for a kid and I got to experience a lot at a young age. I want to be part of the organization, hopefully, into the future.”
Hornby thinks Schenn will get a deal in the $3-4 million range.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: A better comparison for Drew Doughty would be Dion Phaneuf (6 years, $39 million) or perhaps Mike Green (4 years, $5.25 million). Doughty and Shea Weber have similar stats but Weber is 26, Doughty is 21. If Doughty signs before Luke Schenn and Zach Bogosian, he could help set the market for the other 2 as he’s been more productive so far. LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi said they continue to have contract discussions and is confident a deal will be get done. The Kings may be looking to lock Doughty up long-term, but he may only be looking for a short-term deal.
- Ian Walker of the Vancouver Sun: Owen Nolan and Todd Fedoruk have signed professional tryout contracts with the Vancouver Canucks. Nolan had other PTO offers but he thought the Canucks were the best fit.
“I don’t want to say I’m happy that opportunity is there, you want those guys to be healthy, especially if I’m going to be part of that team,” said Nolan, reached at his off-season home in San Jose. “But there is an opportunity there and I’m going to give it everything I have to take a job.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Daniel Alfredsson, who’s recovering from a back procedure, will begin skating next week. Alfredsson is confident he’ll be ready for the start of training camp.
“I can’t say I’m 100% right now, but it’s definitely a lot better,” said Alfredsson, who has been stretching and doing yoga three times a week. “I haven’t really skated that much since February, so if I can get a little bit more ice, that’s good.”
- Teemu H (BroadStreetHockey.com) via twitter: According to Nikolai Zherdev’s agent, he did receive a contract offer from the Winnipeg Jets. Zherdev’s KHL deal with Atlant is worth more than the $2 million he got from the Flyers.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexei Kovalev said he had 2 NHL offers but chose the KHL because of contract length.
Kings file grievance of Fraser … Devils re-sign Parise … Doughty update … NHL gets offer for Stars … Zherdev likes Jets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 30th, 2011
- Dan Tencer via twitter: The LA Kings have filed a grievance over the health issues of Colin Fraser, who was acquired from the Oilers for Ryan Smyth.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NJ Devils and Zach Parise avoided arbitration and signed a 1 year deal worth $6 million.
“Knowing that nothing was going to get done long-term right now, this gives us a springboard for further negotiations,” general manager Lou Lamoriello said.
“There was no question that [Parise] was going to get a one-year contract, and settling it where both parties feel good about it is a platform to get something longer done,” Lamoriello said.
If Parise isn’t signed to a long-term deal, he’ll become a UFA after this season.
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: LA King GM Dean Lombardi on Drew Doughty contract talks,
“I’m fairly confident that we’ll be able to get this done.”
“We’ve been talking,” Lombardi said. “We’re trying to hammer it out, but I don’t think I really have a handle on it yet.”
One of the problems involved is the lack of comparables for Doughty. Dion Phaneuf’s 6 year, $39 million deal could be the best comparable. Shea Weber is still working on a new deal with the Predators. Phaneuf had 54 goals, 105 assists and was a +27 after 243 games. Doughty has 33 goals, 93 assists and a +16 after 239 games. Doughty has better puck skills and skating ability than Phaneuf. It was reported a couple weeks ago that the Kings offered up to 9 years at more than $6.5 million a season. Doughty could become a UFA in 4 years under the current CBA.
- Mike Hieka of the Dallas Morning News: 2 sources have said that Tom Gaglardi and Monarch Investments have sent an offer to the NHL to buy the Dallas Stars. There are over 40 lenders involved and everyone may not get paid as the sale price could be lower than the debt.
“In a traditional sale, you have a seller who is trying to negotiate with a buyer, and you have traditional sale practices. But this isn’t a traditional sale,” said one source. “You have a group of sellers who have different opinions, and that really means you don’t have a seller, per se. Into that vacuum has stepped a lot of lawyers, and that has made the process very complicated.”
Other offers can still be put forth, Gaglardi would have the option to increase his offer or walk away. The NHL allowed at least 4 groups to look at the Stars’ books.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Nikolai Zherdev would like to play for the Winnipeg Jets. There hasn’t been any indication if the Jets are interested.
“The weather is not a priority to me,” Zherdev told broadstreethockey.com. “The most important thing is to get a good role on the team, a good coach and a good contract. Everything related to climate and geography doesn’t basically mean anything.
“I don’t know all the details of the situation. The agent does,” said Zherdev. “But I can say that I’m seriously considering all offers from both NHL and KHL.”
- Toronto Sun: Alexei Kovalev has signed a 2 year deal with Atlant Mytischi of the KHL. Brent Sopel signed a 2 year with Metallurg Novokuznetsk of the KHL.
Shea Weber update … Emery gets tryout from ‘Hawks … Khabibulin heading to ‘Tent City’ … Some remaining UFAs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Predators have their arbitration hearing on August 2nd if a deal can’t get done before.
“It would be way better for the player and the team to negotiate a contract,” Predators General Manager David Poile said. “But the arbitration gives you that ability if you can’t do that. And right now that’s where we fall if we can’t get a contract done.”
Yesterday morning Poile said he tried contacting Weber’s agents but hadn’t heard back from them.
“We are preparing to go to Toronto (for arbitration),” Poile said. “Would I like to sign Shea to a longer-term contract vs. going to arbitration? Absolutely.”
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Goalie Ray Emery will be attending the Chicago Blackhawks training camp on a tryout. He’ll battle Alexander Salak for the backup position. The Blackhawks will have until Oct. 1st to decide whether to sign him or not. “He’s an NHL goalie,” Barry said. “He’s there to play in the NHL. That’s what the plan is. He would not want to start in the ‘A.’ He certainly intends to be worthy of a one-way deal.”
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro would welcome Alexei Yashin back.
- Conal Pierse of the Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin will spend 15 days in Arizona’s Tent City Jail. “There will be no coffee, no salt, no cigarettes, no porno, no movies,” Arpaio said. “The only television we give them is the weather channel, so they can see how hot it is.”
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: There are some big names left on the free agent market, but their better years may be behind them. Some may be forced to leave the league, take big pay cuts or retire. Teemu Selanne still hasn’t informed the Ducks what he plans on doing. Some other players available are: Bryan McCabe, Chris Drury, Scott Hannan, Cory Stillman, Nikolai Zherdev, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Samsonov, John Madden, Marty Turco, Mike Modano.
- Winnipeg Sun: A Russian news organization is saying that Nikolai Zherdev wants to play for the Jets. No word if they want him or not.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Callahan salary breakdown: $4 million, $4 million, and $4.85 million.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Rangers have no plans to buyout forward Wojtek Wolski in the next buyout window.
10 players who could be moved … Sturm targets 23rd … Good news for Blues Dman Johnson … Stastny day-to-day … Neon Dion
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 17th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun looks at 10 players who could be moved by the February 28th trade deadline; Brad Richards, Tomas Vokoun, Tomas Kaberle, Joffrey Lupul, Alexei Kovalev, Tim Connolly, Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner, Devin Setoguchi, and Joni Pitkanen.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Recently acquired Marco Sturm is looking at a December 23rd debut for the LA Kings, with an outside shot at their December 21st game. The Kings apparently haven’t been concerned about Sturm knee, he had some arthritic buildup that pushed back his return date. Blues defenseman Roman Polak will see a doctor today and is looking to return to the Blues lineup in January.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues got the results back from Erik Johnson’s MRI on his right knee, and it was finally something on the good side of things. The MRI revealed a slight strain and he’s listed as day-to-day, and hasn’t been ruled out of Saturday’s game. The Blues have lost 108 man games so far this season, with 12 missing at least 1 game, 4 players have missed more than 10.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche center Paul Stastny says he’s day-to-day with a back injury. He awkwardly hit the boards after being hit in Wednesday’s game against the Blackhawks.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Former Calgary Flames coach admits there was tension in the locker room between Dion Phaneuf and some teammates during his days in Calgary. Some teammates called him “Neon Dion” as they found him overconfident/cocky at times. Some players wanted Phaneuf to be disciplined for his sometimes “combative nature and verbal approach”, but Keenan didn’t.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Vinny Prospal should return to the NY Rangers no earlier than mid-January.
- Jim Gintonio via twitter: Once the Phoenix Coyotes sale becomes finalized, the teams first priority will be to re-sign Ilya Bryzgalov for 5 more years.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has said he’d like to improve along the blueline and at center, but their tight against the cap and a move may have to wait until deadline day.
Blues dangling D for Scoring, also inquiring about Bergeron … No contract talks yet for Parise … Blues look into Kovalev … Laperriere clears room for Leighton
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 14th, 2010
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues continue to look for scoring help and could be moving out a defenseman. The Blues have also inquired about Marc-Andre Bergeron, and could bring in the power play specialist if they move a Dman out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergeron Record: Zach Parise has shed is immobilizing leg cast that he’s had on for 6 weeks. It will still be some time before he’s able to begin skating. Early February is when he might be able to return. The Devils have yet to approach Parise about a new contract.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: The LA Kings have activated Willie Mitchell and placed Brad Richardson on the IR.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues have looked into Senators forward Alexei Kovalev, and are not the only team. Ottawa isn’t looking for a contract that goes beyond this year. Kovalev has a no-movement clause. Still no word on when David Perron could return from his concussion. Tim Kennedy has been given permission to seek a trade by Glen Sather. The Penguins will be looking to sign Mark Letestu to an extension soon. Mike Modano is still hoping to return in March, but there is no guarantee, and the Red Wings may have concerns on the shape he’ll be in as he didn’t arrive at training camp in great shape.
- Adam JahnNo via twitter: Marian Hossa and Fernando Pisani skated yesterday, Patrick Kane could skate today.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont wonders if teams will call Panthers GM Dale Tallon about Erik Gudbranson. Florida was unable to come to terms with him before this season. Teams, such as the Bruins, may offer a roster player and swapping first round picks. Gudbranson isn’t going anywhere in my opinion.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn appears to be fine after taking a puck on the “unpadded part of the inside of his knee.” Mike Komisarek took part in the full practice and could play tonight if Ron Wilson chooses to insert him back in. Mike Brown will be out at least another 2 weeks.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Philadelphia Flyers placed Ian Laperriere on LTIR yesterday. Laperriere hasn’t played a game this season due to post-concussion symptoms. Matt Walker could be added to the IR as he was injured over the weekend. The Flyers had about $550,000 in cap space as of yesterday, and by placing Laperriere’s $1.166 million on LTIR, they’ll be able to add Michael Leighton’s $1.55 cap hit.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks coach Todd McLellan said that Douglas Murray will skate today and will accompany the team to Nashville. Pollak also notes, as speculated in many places, that Evgeni Nabokov could end up in Washington or Tampa.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Ben Eager and Niclas Bergfors were both healthy scratches again last night, it was their second consecutive game. Freddy Modin and Tim Stapleton replaced them.
- Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford practiced yesterday and could go on Wednesday night versus the Bruins.
Starting goalies for tonight … Kovalev back into top 6 … Hurricanes revenue plummets last year … Leighton awaits medical clearance
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 13th, 2010
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start tonight for the Thrashers against the Senators.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Brian Elliott will start for the Senators tonight. Ryan Shannon is in on the 4th line. Wayne Scanlan via twitter: Alexei Kovalev is on a line with Mike Fisher and Milan Michalek. Jason Spezza is centering Daniel Alfredsson and Nick Foligno.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: Marty Turco will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight. David Bolland is out day-to-day with an upper body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: From a Don Meehan email, Nabokov’s agent, “He is prepared to play. Will now speak with teams….”
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Donald Fehr should be named Executive Director of the NHLPA at some point this week.
- Sports Business Journal via twitter: The Carolina Hurricanes revenue dropped by 25% last season to $69 million.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Luke Schenn blocked a shot and left Leafs practice.
- James Mirtle via twitter: JS Giguere will start tomorrow for the Maple Leafs against the Oilers.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Michael Leighton is ready to go, just needs medical clearance.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Canadiens put Dustin Boyd on waivers. The Canucks put Guillame Desbiens on waivers.
Veteran for Tavares … Vokoun on the Block … Blues interested in Kovalev? Sturm to LA again … 3 Coaches on the hotseat
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 12th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The New York Islanders are looking to add a veteran winger for John Tavares before the Christmas roster freeze next Sunday, Tampa’s Simon Gagne could be one option. Kevin Bieksa will likely be dealt before the trade deadline, and the San Jose Sharks are looking for a defenseman (I don’t see how the Canucks could send Bieksa to the Sharks when it’s very possible they could face each other in the Conference finals). Still whispers that Bruce Boudreau’s job may not be safe despite being 2nd in the conference. Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun could be traded for draft picks, Dale Tallon will be looking for a 1st round pick, the Lightning could be interested. The NY Rangers are looking to move Alexander Frolov to anyone. The Atlanta Thrashers were also interested in Marco Sturm. The Canadiens and Leafs could be interested in Jamie Langenbrunner.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The St. Louis Blues may have an interest in Ottawa Senators forward Alexei Kovalev. The Blues are without David Perron, Andy McDonald and TJ Oshie, but can’t make a move until their ownership situation is settled, may not be until the new year.
- Boston Herald: Marco Sturm has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations, contingent on him passing a physical.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy could see the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins making a trade, as the Blues have some defenseman to offer.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: There could be more validity to the report that Jordan Staal re-broke his hand. Bob McKenzie via twitter: More should be known on Monday if there was a setback on Staal’s hand, there were denials of the re-break and talk of “calcification” issues.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Gazette: Evgeni Malkin missed his 4th consecutive game on Saturday but may be ready to return on Tuesday against the Flyers, or Wedensday against the Rangers.
- Renaud Lavoie of the RDS: With Andrei Markov being out for the season, the Canadiens will now have some extra cash, and could look to Brad Richards. Richard’s first choice is to remain in Dallas but he may have to look elsewhere. He is from nearby Prince Edward Island.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Calgary Flames coach Brett Sutter is on the hot seat. “But, make no mistake, it’s coming. It has to, doesn’t it? And perhaps the Flames will end up making the right move.” The Herald did a poll last week in a live chat asking who was to blame, Brett didn’t receive one vote, GM Darryl Sutter had 84% of the votes. Team president Ken King and their scouts each had 8%.
- Dave Hutchinson of the Star-Ledger: John MacLean’s tenure as the New Jersey Devils coach could be coming to end soon. They are 8-19-2 and have lost 9 of 12. “At this rate, it’ll be tough for MacLean to hold onto his job, although general manager Lou Lamoriello seems to be giving him every opportunity to lead his team out of this debilitating slump, one that could crush the Devils’ playoff hopes before Christmas.”
Poor Kovalev getting picked on … Hulsizer and Glendale reach agreement, await vote … Staal doesn’t have another broken bone
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on December 11th, 2010
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Alexei Kovalev feels that coach he’s being picked on by coach Cory Clouston with his demotion to the 4th line,
“That’s the way it looks right now,” he said. I’m not the only one not playing well, so nothing I can do about it. He decides to pick me. It has been happening all my career.”
He’s not sure why he’s being criticized for his play,
“I just don’t understand, because sometimes when you start playing well and everything goes well and then starts the brain-picking again. I don’t know why it keeps happening. Why don’t they just let me play the way I can? I don’t know if it’s some kind of jealousy or something else, I have no idea. I’ve been asking that question all my career and it just keeps happening.”
- Rebekah Sanders of the Arizona Republic: The city of Glendale and Matthew Hulsizer have reached an agreement, and it will go to City Council vote on Tuesday. Glendale would give $197 million of 5 years (the arena cost less than $197 million to build), $100 would be upfront and Hulsizer would use it to off-set the $170 million cost to buy the team. Glendale will take over the 5,500 parking spots around the arena and charge a fee to help (along with other things) cover the remaining $97 million over 5 years. There are several ‘agrees to’ for both sides that are worth checking out, such as to attempt to rename to Arizona Coyotes and to keep the team there for 23 years.
- Spector’s Hockey: He’s hearing that Marco Sturm could be dealt to the LA Kings today.
- Sam Kasan of NHL.com: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma had this to say about the report that Jordan Staal had another broken bone in his hand,
“If you’re referencing an internet report that said there was another break, then that is not true,” Bylsma said. “He’s continuing on the same course. He has the pin out. There is calcification and we have another scheduled x-ray. We hope to continue seeing the healing that is taken place. He’s on that rehab program.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent struggling forward Nikita Filatov to the minors. In 23 games Filatov has no goals, 7 assists and only 31 shot.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Milan Hejduk scored that game winning goal last night, but left shortly after with a groin pull. They’ll no more on the extent of the injury today as groin injuries usually worse after the first 24 hours.
- Terry Koshan and Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek will be out 7 – 10 days, “He got tangled up in one of the scuffles and hurt his fingers,” coach Ron Wilson said.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins have called up AHL scoring leader (13 goals and 17 assists in 25 games) Dustin Jeffery.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: NJ Devils Gionta and Magnan cleared waivers yesterday. The Blues put Chris Porter on waivers.
- Linus Omark shootout goal is his first NHL game. Reactions from Damian Cristodero’s article: “A … joke,” left wing Ryan Malone said. Asked if it was disrespectful, defenseman Mattias Ohlund said, “Absolutely.” “It’s embarrassing for him,” Ellis said. “You come into a league, a respectful league like this, and you try a little move like that. It’s not a very classy thing. That’s just the kind of person he is.”
Gomez trade was ‘pure fiction’ … Stuart out 4-6 weeks … Sturm back in 10-14 days … Kovalev demoted to 4th line
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 9th, 2010
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: “French source” yesterday said the Scott Gomez was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. This Gomez trade was “pure fiction.”
- Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: Boston Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart will miss 4 to 6 weeks with a fractured metacarpal on his right ring finger. Steven Kampfer was recalled and will be paired with Adam McQuaid. Marco Sturm was cleared for contact and is targeting a mid-December return, he still remains on the trade block. “I’ve talked to (Chiarelli) once since last week and that’s it,” Sturm said. “I’m happy I’m still here but I’m not happy with the situation, it’s been hard on me and my family. It’s not fun but I’m trying to make the best of it.”
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Sturm says he’s 10-14 days away from being able to return to the lineup (or return to someone’s lineup).
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Alexei Kovalev and his lackluster play have been demoted to the 4th line during yesterday’s practice, and coach Cory Clouston hasn’t ruled out a ‘healthy scratch’ if his play doesn’t improve. “We’re not going to look at that (making Kovalev a healthy scratch) right now,” said Clouston. “We’re going to take it game-by-game. Ask me that in another night or two.”
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Willie Mitchell will see doctors this afternoon, and could receive clearance to get back in the lineup. He took part in a full practice, wearing a protect padding on his wrist. Terry Murray said he won’t play on the weekend, but should return not long after that.
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Post-Dispatch lists 10 players the St. Louis Blues could be potential trade targets: Brad Richards, Jarome Iginla, Alexander Semin, Dustin Penner, Michael Ryder, Mike Fisher, Stephen Weiss, Travis Zajac, Matt Moulson, Rich Peverley.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: The St. Louis Blues could have a new investor by early next year (2011).
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks were going to loan Jeremy Morin to team USA for the World Junior Championship, but with the injuries the ‘Hawks have sustained as of late, he may remain in the NHL. Marian Hossa was put on the IR yesterday, retroactive to November 29th.
Leafs shopping Beauchemin and Komisarek … Habs want to get bigger up front … Sens interested in Bieksa? Plus more injuries and rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 5th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ray Emery is working hard on his rehab from hip surgery and is hope to be back this season. In the next couple weeks he’ll likely begin skating with a OHL, then work his way up to the AHL on a 25 game pro tryout before a team is likely to take a chance on him. The Dallas Stars lenders are unlikely to grant the team the money to re-sign Brad Richards. With the Rangers being the top team to have interest in Richards since the Leafs are falling out of playoff contention. The Atlanta Thrashers will start working on a long term contract for their captain, Andrew Ladd. The Phoenix Coyotes still haven’t talked to Ilya Bryzgalov about a contact extension. Matthew Hulsizer will meet with the Board of Governors tomorrow regarding his potential purchase of the Coyotes. Francois Beauchemin ($3.8-million cap hit) and Mike Komisarek ($4.5-million cap hit) have been mentioned around the league, but their contracts makes them extremely difficult to move. The Montreal Canadiens would like to get bigger up front, and move Scott Gomez but his $7.34 cap hit makes it almost impossible (I still can’t believe Glen Sather was able to move him). Could the Habs be interested in Alex Kovalev? The Buffalo Sabres are trying to move captain Craig Rivet ($3.5 million) who’s been a healthy scratch 6 times this year.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks that Kevin Bieksa would be a good fit with the Ottawa Senators, who have liked him for awhile. Garrioch thinks the St. Louis Blues should be interested in Brian Lee, he could be a reclamation project like Carlo Colaiacovo.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Evgeni Malkin missed another game because of his sore knee. He’s been wearing a brace for a month, and he isn’t letting on how much it bothers him.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne had his knee scoped and he’ll be out 2-4 weeks. “Obviously it’s a big loss. Peks is not only our No. 1 goaltender, but he’s been playing terrific. Unfortunately, when they did the MRI and found out what they found out, they went in and scoped him. It’s unfortunate because he’s playing so well and we were sort of getting healthy. It would be nice to have some health, and then he goes down.” The Preds will roll with Anders Lindback.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky is out indefinitely with a right groin issue.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Chris Drury is likely a week to 10 days away from returning to the NY Rangers lineup. Drury can make passes but isn’t shooting yet. Vinny Prospal has begun skating without equipment, no ETA on his return yet.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Joffery Lupul returns to Anaheim but as of yesterday afternoon he hadn’t been given clearance to return just yet. He’s expected to meet with them this weekend, and could be in the lineup this afternoon.
Problems in Ottawa? Senators looking to make a move
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 21st, 2010
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Things aren’t going well in Ottawa so far this season. Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray thinks that Alexei Kovalev may be skating slower this year, possibly due to his off-season knee surgery, though Kovalev disagrees. Kovalev practiced yesterday on the 4th line with Ryan Shannon and Jesse Winchester. Jason Spezza missed yesterday’s practice, but was a ‘maintenance day’ according to Cory Clouston. Filip Kuba skated without equipment yesterday, he’s recovering from a broken leg he sustained on the first day of training camp. Pascal Leclaire could return to the ice today, but won’t see game action before next week.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Murray hasn’t been happy with the way the team has played defensively, and called out his young guys (Erik Karlsson and Brian Lee). Chris Phillips has to be their top defender, has played well with Sergei Gonchar, but they haven’t been able to use that pairing as much as they’d like. Murray defended the play of Phillips, Spezza, Alfredsson and Fisher.
- Lisa Wallace (CP) in the Globe and Mail: Murray is looking to shake things up, and is considering making a move.
“I’ve talked to a number of people,” Murray added. “I talked to (Minnesota Wild general manager) Chuck Fletcher for a long time yesterday and said, ‘Can I help you, you help me’ type of thing, so we’re talking to management of other teams, trying to find if there is a need and a possibility of making a move.”
“We’re not moving the puck up from the back end, we’re not defending very well and we’re giving up far too many chances,” said Murray. “I just think we turn the puck over in our own end and we haven’t battled defensively the way we should and the way we’re capable of doing in my own opinion. The result is we’re scrambling for the puck too often.”
Now I don’t have a problem with Murray coming out and saying the club is struggling and he’s looking to shake things up. The thing that surprised me is that he mentions that he’s talked with Wild GM Chuck Fletcher.
If you were Fletcher, would you pissed that another GM mentioned your name in potential trade talks? I would. I’m interested to hear what you think about this, leave a comment with your thoughts on this situation.
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