Posts Tagged Alexei Ponikarovsky
The Hurricanes trade Ponikarovsky to the Devils
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on January 20th, 2012
The Carolina Hurricanes trade Alexei Ponikarovsky to the New Jersy Devils for a 2012 4th round pick and defenseman Joe Sova.
Andy Sutton suspended for 8 games for his hit on Ponikarovsky
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on December 11th, 2011
Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton was suspended for 8 games for ‘charging’ Hurricanes forward Alexei Ponikarovsky.
Sutton has already been suspended this year for 5 games.
No one incident hurt Crosby … Sutton suspended indefinitely … St. Louis out, streak broken … Colborne sent to Marlies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 8th, 2011
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma on when Crosby was hurt on Monday: “Not a one-time incident in the game.” Crosby took today off and Bylsma figures he’ll be working out tomorrow. There are no plans beyond that. Crosby on sitting out a couple games: “I just want to be smart with this. It’s been a long road backand we want to err on the side of caution.”
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Defenseman Andy Sutton has been suspended indefinitely for his hit on Alexei Ponikarovsky.
- Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Martin St. Louis took a puck near his left eye at their morning skate and likely will not play in his 500th consecutive game.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild Devin Setoguchi will miss at least 3 games as he’s been placed on the IR. Russo thinks it could be a long-term injury.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: The Kings have activated Alec Martinez from the IR and placed Willie Mitchell on the IR.
- Toronto Maple Leafs via twitter: Joe Colborne has been assigned tothe Marlies.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: The Coyotes have activated Michal Rozsival from the IR.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Looks like Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight.
Crosby out 2 games … Brassard will eventually be traded … Kings injury update … Booth out 4-6 weeks … Will Sutton get suspended?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins sent a news release out yesterday that Sidney Crosby will miss the next 2 games. He didn’t feel good after taking a hit on Monday against the Bruins.
“He saw Dr. Micky Collins of UPMC today and took an ImPACT test, which showed no problems. However, we all think it’s best that he sits out the next two games as a precaution,” Pens GM Ray Shero said in a release.
“We’re being cautious and keeping in mind he was off for a long time,’’ Shero later told ESPN.com via text message before a flight Wednesday evening. “Take a step back here and see how he feels in a few days.’’
Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will probably trade Derick Brassard at some point. His career has stalled in Columbus and his agent sounded off on the coaching staff. Brassard has been a healthy scratch for 8 of the last 12 games. His trade value is not high at the moment. His $3.2 million cap hit may look better as the season goes on.
- Pierre LeBrun chat on ESPN: LeBrun thinks if/when the NHL does decide to expand, another Toronto team, Quebec City and Seattle could work. Devils winger Zach Parise is not available for trade at the moment, but that could change later. Bobby Ryan could go back on the trade market if the Ducks continue to struggle. If Parise does become available, the Kings would be interested. Flames GM Jay Feaster wants to blow up the team but he has a dozen no-trade clauses to deal with.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Alec Martinez is fully cleared and is able to return to the lineup when ever the coaches decide to insert him. Winger Justin Williams status for today is not known, he took a shot off his hand. Willie Mitchell’s status for tonight could be decided this morning. Murray did say that both Martinez and Mitchell won’t return tonight. Center Mike Richards hasn’t skated since last Thursday: Murray said: “Richards is progressing. That’s all I can say. That’s all I know, really. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self.’’
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger David Booth sprained his MCL on a knee-on-knee hit from the Avs Kevin Porter, and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Vigneault confirmed that Roberto Luongo will start in net tonight in Montreal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Porter has a hearing with Brendan Shanahan today for the hit.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is about a week away from returning from his high ankle sprain. “I had no clue what it would take,” said Armstrong. “It’s a battle. It’s a lingering bitch of an injury. But as soon as they let me go, I can’t wait to get out.”
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius will be out weeks with a groin injury. He’s been out 68 of the last 92 Blue Jackets games.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks against the Islanders.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Senators.
- Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton could be looking at another suspension after his hit on Hurricanes Alexei Ponikarovsky. Do you think he’ll get suspended? How many games?
Sabres looking to make trades, could have trouble in new CBA … Possible lines for Rangers … Who plays with E. Staal? Markov has knee drained
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2011
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are still about $3.6 million over the salary cap ceiling, and will be actively looking to make trades before their Oct. 7th season opener.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: After signing Tyler Myers to the 7 year, $38.5 million contract extension, Harrington thinks that Sabres must be thinking the salary cap is going up to the $68-70 million range next year. They will now start working on Tyler Ennis.
- Bob McKenznie via twitter: Wouldn’t be surprised if during the next CBA that the NHL tries to get each year of a contract the same. The player would receive their cap hit each year. Greg Wyshynski via twitter: “I applaud creative accounting like Buffalo’s this summer. Until next CBA adjusts the calculation of the cap, go bananas, GMs not named Lou.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: Alexei Yashin said he won’t be attending the Islanders training camp.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers winger Wojtek Wolski will likely be given a shot to be on a line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. If that doesn’t work out, Tortorella could move Brandon Dubinsky to the left wing on the top line. Brooks wonders is Sean Avery can earn a significant role with the Rangers, but if not, then what? Lines could look like: Wolski-Richards-Gaborik; Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan; Ruslan Fedotenko-Derek Stepan-Zuccarello (his spot to lose); Michael Rupp-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust. Defense pairings could look like: “Marc Staal-Dan Girardi; McDonagh-Sauer (if healthy); a third pair with Erixon, Steve Eminger, Del Zotto and Pavel Valentenko in the mix.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Who plays with Hurricanes all-star Eric Staal is up in the air after the departures of Eric Cole and Cory Stillman. Jeff Skinner’s name has come up in talks for the left side, but Alexei Ponikarovsky may get the first look. Jussi Jokinen, Anthony Stewart and Zac Dalpe are names being mentioned for the right side.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks winger Martin Havlat is listed as day-to-day as he’s still recovering from shoulder surgery that he had last May. Antti Niemi had a cyst removed and may miss the first day of camp. Antero Niittymaki is heading to see a specialist for a groin-related problem, he missed 17 games last year.
“We’ve exhausted all the conservative therapy that we’ve had with him,” Wilson said. “There’s a procedure that can get him pain-free so we’re supportive of that. If that procedure takes place, he’ll be out for probably 12 weeks or so.”
Sharks prospects Tony Lucia and James Marcou are still dealing with post-concussion symptoms and won’t be at camp. Nick Petrecki and Frazer McLaren are day-to-day as they recover from off-season hip procedures. James Sheppard will be out for another 2 months as he recovers from knee surgery.
- Kevin Mio of Hockey Insider/Out: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov suffered a setback a couple weeks ago. He had his knee drained of water, and it will take some time to rehab it again. Tony Marinaro said on Team 990 that the problem developed from training too hard. Former NHLer Enrico Ciccone doubted Markov would be ready for the season opener.
More on Belak … Byfuglien arrested … Kugryshev back to Russia … H. Sedin has sore hip … 10 “under-the-radar” players
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2011
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Two people who knew Wade Belak said that he did suffer from depression and that he took medication to treat it. Belak’s widow released a statement asking “that everyone remember Wade’s infectious sense of humour, his caring spirit and the joy he brought to his friends, family and fans.”
- Mark Seidel via twitter: Seidel says that Belak did not kill himself and that “any suggestion to the contrary is simply wrong.” In time the truth will come out. He can’t say much about the death, but believes it will be “ruled a horrible accident” when all said and done. He apologizes for the vagueness.
- Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Special assistant with the NHLPA Mathieu Schneider said on the radio that people should stop jumping to conclusions regarding Wade Belak’s death. Schneider said it’s “dangerous and hurtful,” especially to his family, to speculate why he ended his life. Buffery lists a bunch of athletes (not just hockey players) who have taken their lives in the last year.
- Ed Tait and Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was arrested late Wednesday night on “probable cause for third degree boating while intoxicated and the refusal of a blood or urine test.” He was released from jail 2:23 Thursday morning. He was booked weighing 286 pounds, up from his approximate 245 pounds playing weight last year.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall is in the final year of his contact, has only played with the Wings, and would like to keep it that way. “Everyone knows I like it here a lot,” Kronwall said. “I want to stay. Hopefully, they want me to stay as well. So whenever they feel it’s the right time to start negotiating we’ll be ready for it.” The Wings will likely start contact talks with Kronwall soon.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Capitals prospect Dmitri Kugryshev is heading back to Russia after playing last year in the AHL. His deal is not the ‘rent’ type, he’ll be signing a valid contract with CSKA. The Capitals will retain his rights.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Andrei Zyuzin wanted to play in the NHL this year, but declined an offer from the Sharks. Zyuzin’s agent said that contact was for well less than a $1 million and he wanted more.
- Gord McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Cancucks forward Henrik Sedin’s status may be up in the air, more will be known when he skates next week. “I don’t think it [Henrik's sore hip] was too bad, but he felt he needed some time off.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Burnside mentions 10 “Under-the-radar” players who could make an impact this season: Alexei Ponikarovsky (CAR), JS Giguere (COL), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Anthony Stewart (CAR), Andrew Cogliano (ANA), Ian White (DET), James Neal (PIT), Niclas Bergfors (NASH), Mathieu Garon (TB) and Roman Hamrlik (WAS).
- James Mirtle via twitter: David Koci has been invited to the Jets training camp on a tryout.
- Martin Lunden of Swedish Oil by dohfOs: Oilers 2011 1st round pick Oscar Klefbom had his leg cut that required 10 stitches. When the stitches were removed, it was discovered that it was infected. He is on penicillin which prohibits him from playing.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said defenseman Francis Bouillon “will probably not be ready for camp.” Mike Fisher is still recovering from shoulder surgery. “I would say we’d probably go a little bit slower with (Fisher) going into training camp to make sure he’s ready and 100 percent going into the season,” Poile said.
Pens optimistic with Crosby … Kane may miss start of camp … Whitney still bothered by foot … Isles going young … 5 teams interested in Campoli
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 24th, 2011
- Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins owner Mario Lemieux and coach Dan Bylsma spoke recently with Sidney Crosby and “expressed cautious optimism” that their captain will be ready for training camp.
“I can’t wave a wand and tell you exactly how it’s going to play out,” Bylsma said. “He’s worked hard. He’s worked harder in some areas than he has in the past. I know he’s active.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Patrick Kane said the recovery process is going well. He could miss the beginning of training but will be 100% for the season opener. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kane still has a cast on from his offseason wrist surgery, and hasn’t skated in full gear yet. Targets Oct. 7th opener.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney is still feeling the effects from his surgically repaired foot and ankle.
“My reports suggest that,” Renney said. “My converstations with Ryan himself maybe suggest otherwise, but only to a small degree. There is some trepidation there that it’s still a little tender. He’s got a little bit of pain there. But from what I can gather, and even in talking to Ryan, it’s more of a function of scar tissue breaking down, which is actually healthy, and makes the joint healthier, so that’s the kind of thing you get in July and August when you don’t see the whites of their eyes.”
- The Fourth Period: So with the Sabres needing to shed some money, and the Coyotes needing a center, the 2 teams could come together. Brad Boyes at $4 million has the ability to play center. Jochen Hecht and his $3.5 million contract could also be available, but is not as attractive as others.
- Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: Islanders GM Garth Snow yesterday:
“Right now, I don’t have any plans to add another forward to our group,” Snow told The Post. “As much as we’d like to add quality veterans, we’re not going to box out our young guys.”
This statement will likely have the most affect on Alexei Yashin, as the 2 sides have linked together this summer.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: 5 teams are showing interest in Chris Campoli.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Former Devil Sergei Brylin was interested in returning to the club, but they weren’t interested in him. He signed with Novokuznetsk of the KHL.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins forward Craig Adams had appendectomy surgery last week and is expected to ready for the start of training camp.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Slava Fetisov recently said that agents are able to buy spots on the Russian national team for their clients.
Morning news and rumors involving Ehrhoff, Montador, Oshie, Maple Leafs, Wisniewski, Penguins, Canadiens, Jets and Sens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2011
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: After the Sabres acquired the rights to Christian Ehrhoff, they sent the rights to Steve Montador to the Blackhawks for a conditional 2012 or 2013 7th round draft pick.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Islanders reportedly offered Christian Ehrhoff a 6 year deal worth close to $33 million before his rights were moved on.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: An official announce should come later this morning, but the Blues and TJ Oshie have reached an agreement on a deal, possibly for 1 year.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs have shown interest in UFAs, Brad Richards, Christian Ehrhoff, Scottie Upshall, and Max Talbot.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: On James Wisniewski’s rights being sent to Columbus.
“I called James and his response was ‘Let’s go. We’re going,’” Zito said. “His level of enthusiasm for (Columbus) was pretty high.
“I grabbed a shirt and shoes and flew to Detroit (from Chicago) to meet him last night. Then we flew together to Columbus and got here around midnight. So here we are. I look forward to meeting with the guys and seeing what they’re thinking.”
Both sides are expected to meet around 8:30 this morning. Zito wouldn’t say the term and money they are seeking.
- Rob Rossi and Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sources are saying the Penguins have offered Jaromir Jagr a 1 year deal worth $2 million. As of last night they still hadn’t heard back from him. The Red Wings and Canadiens have made offers to Jagr as well. Jagr was to land in the US late yesterday afternoon, but after 6 pm, Jagr’s agent Petr Svoboda was not returning messages. The Penguins are about $6 million below the cap, but would like to keep $1.5 million free for in-season moves. Aaron Asham signed last night for 1 year, $775,000. GM Ray Shero still hopes to re-sign Tyler Kennedy and Michael Rupp by Friday.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens will have some extra cash to spend tomorrow as Roman Hamrlik rejected their 1 year offer, and James Wisniewski rights were sent to Columbus. After Yannick Weber signed a 2 year deal worth $1.7 million, the Canadiens have 17 players under contract with a cap hit of just over $50 million. They still need to sign Josh Gorges, Ryan White, another forward and a backup goalie. Players that could interest the Canadiens are: Michael Rupp, Tyler Kennedy, Aaron Asham, Ville Leino, Ben Eager, Michael Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Winnipeg Jets probably won’t be able to land a big name, but here is a list of players that could fit the mould of someone they might be interested in: Max Talbot, Joel Ward, Sean Bergenheim, Chris Higgins, Jonathan Ericsson, Cody McCormick, Vernon Fiddler, Rick Rypien, Shane Hnidy, Jason Jaffray.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators would like to sign a player who could play on their top 2 lines and a backup goalie.
“There will be a couple of guys we will discuss, and there might be the same type of situation that, after Day 1 or Day 2 or Day 3, the guy that we like hasn’t signed yet and is wondering what’s going to happen with himself, and may be very willing to come to a younger team, that he may feel he has a real good chance to get a good spot and produce.
“We need probably three goalies in the organization. we need a backup here, we need a backup in Binghamton, and we need a fifth guy. So right now, that’s been the talk here between our staff. But we’ve also looked at guys that are young and we think have Top 6 forward potential, but we have to see where it all plays out on Day 1 and Day 2.”
Updates on Jagr, Kennedy, Stamkos, Ponikarovsky, and the Hurricanes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun spoke with Red Wings GM Ken Holland who confirmed he has spoken with Jaromir Jagr’s camp, only preliminary at this point. LeBrun spoke with Jagr who confirmed interest in coming back to NHL. Petr Svoboda, Jagr’s agent, confirms that they’ve spoken with the Red Wings and Canadiens.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Jagr’s camp has reportedly been in contact with the Capitals and Rangers. The Penguins are not interested at this time.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Ray Shero doesn’t have any deadline for re-signing winger Tyler Kennedy. He has no plans of trading his rights if nothing is finalized by July 1st. Re-signing Kennedy is still a priority for Shero despite not making much progress on a deal.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: No players were put on waivers today, may happen tomorrow.
- Eric Francis via twitter: Niklas Hagman and Ales Kotalik are buyout possibilities for the Flames, but most likely buried in the minors. No team would likely touch Matt Stajan if he was put on waivers.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The LA Kings remain ‘intrigued’ by Alexei Ponikarovsky, despite not having a good season.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is confident that they can re-sign Steven Stamkos.
“It is our intention to resign him, but he is restricted and we have the ability to match any potential offer sheet that might be put forward and we are in position to do that,” Yzerman said. “So, we are quite confident that Steven will be playing for the Lightning, and that’s our goal and we haven’t explored anything else and we don’t intend to look at it any other way.”
Discussions are being held with representatives from 3 of their free agents; Eric Brewer, Sean Bergenheim and Dwayne Roloson.
“I’ve been in contact with all their agents, in some cases we have exchanged numbers and, in a couple of other cases with our UFAs, we’ve said we are going to see where we are with a couple of players and then we’ll get back and let them know where we stand,” Yzerman said. “And that obviously has to take place in the next couple of weeks here.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Hurricanes re-signed defenseman Jay Harrison to a 2 year, $1.4 million deal. They are not close to re-signing UFAs Jussi Jokinen, Chad LaRose, and Joni Pitkanen.
“With Pitkanen, Jokinen and LaRose, we know what their position is,” Rutherford said, referring to their financial demands. “I’ve given our position. It does not appear we will be able to sign them.”
GM Jim Rutherford hasn’t had any substantive talks with Eric Cole, “We expected to hear something by now, but we have not,” Rutherford said.“Things are not moving as we had hoped, and it’s getting closer to July 1,” Rutherford said Thursday. “We may have to look at other options. It may be easier to trade for players with existing contracts. Then we would know what we would be spending next year.
“I still prefer to sign some of our players. If not, we will look at a trade.
They will not look at trading their 12th overall pick at next weeks draft, nor any of their top prospects like Zac Dalpe, Zach Boychuk or Drayson Bowman. Rutherford will look to upgrade their top 4 defenseman. Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff could be possibilities if they hit the open market.
Kariya to play a part in Selanne’s decision … Off-season notes on the Blackhawks, Kings and Canadiens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 28th, 2011
- JP Hoornstra of the InsideSocal: Paul Kariya could play a part in Teemu Selanne’s plan to play another season or not. Selanne has said he wants to know if Kariya would come back to Anaheim if he decides to play next year. “Obviously all the years that I had with Paul, it was just unbelievable,” Selanne said. “I talked to him yesterday and we’re going to meet next week. We didn’t even talk about injuries yet but I want to talk to him about how he’s doing, what he’s thinking and maybe go surf with him.”
If he retires, Selanne said he would be at peace his career ending now. “I think so,” he said. “I tried to play like I left everything there. That’s how you should play anyway, every season. You can’t just win the Stanley Cup every year. That would be awesome, but it doesn’t work like that. I really believe we had enough tools to go further, but we lost.”
If he comes back, it will be in Anaheim. “I haven’t thought about having a chance to go somewhere else,” he said. “This is my place for sure.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Despite being knocked out by the Canucks in the first round, there isn’t a lot of holes to fill in the Blackhawks lineup. One area they need to add is size and sandpaper. They have to make decisions on RFAs Troy Brouwer, Viktor Stalberg, Chris Campoli and Jake Dowell, either to re-sign or use as trade bait. Re-signing RFA’s Cory Crawford and Michal Frolik is a priority. Ryan Johnson may be only UFA to return (if the price is right) out of a group of Tomas Kopecky, Marty Turco, Fernando Pisani and Jordan Hendry. Kopecky may have priced himself out of Chicago’s plans, he made $1.2 million this past season. The Blackhawks could look at dealing one of their “big-ticket players”, possibly Niklas Hjalmarsson and his $3.5 million cap hit.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings think that Dustin Penner needs to improve his conditioning for next season. Winger Justin Williams needs to decide if he wants to have surgery on his shoulder or not. GM Lombardi has to decide if he wants Michal Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky back, coach Murray does. They must also re-sign RFA’s Drew Doughty, Wayne Simmonds, Trevor Lewis, Brad Richardson, Alec Martinez and Oscar Moller. Moller’s future with the Kings may not be bright as he scratched for Scott Parse who had been out for 5 months. Lombardi on Doughty, “Part of this is do we go short term with Doughty for now and keep it down or try and go long-term.”
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens blueline could have a different look next year as they have 6 UFA’s. Who of Andrei Markov, Roman Hamrlik, James Wisniewski, Brent Sopel and Hal Gill will be back?
Coyotes staying, Thrashers moving to Winnipeg? Carter close to returning … Gillis fined … Kings Murray wants Handzus and Ponikarovsky back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 27th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Ongoing negotiations to keep the NHL in Glendale. Atlanta is quickly becoming a real option for Wpg next season.” Will DePaoli via twitter: If the ‘Thrashers’ go to the Western Conference, there is chatter that the NHL wants to move the Red Wings to the Eastern Conference.
- Paul Turenne of the Winnipeg Sun: Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said today that he doesn’t believe that the Phoenix Coyotes are heading to Winnipeg, and that they should start looking at another franchises. “Katz said his belief is based on his knowledge of contractual obligations the team holds in Arizona, which if broken, could result in legal action.”
- TSN.ca: Sources are saying that Atlanta is waiting for the fate of Coyotes to be determined. If the Coyotes are going to stay in Phoenix, there is a chance that the Thrashers will start talking with True North (group interested in purchasing Coyotes) and move them to Winnipeg. The source added that when it comes to relocation, there isn’t anywhere to go. If the deal with the NHL/Glendale/Hulsizer falls through, they’ll look at moving the Coyotes to Winnipeg and work at keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta. They hope to have the Phoenix situation resolved by the end of next week.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers forward Jeff Carter is getting closer to returning and GM Paul Holgren is optimistic that Carter could play in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings Terry Murray says that he wants UFA’s Michal Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky to return next year. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Dennis isn’t buying this. Handzus and Ponikarovsky would only return at fractional money. Likely at center next year are Kopitar, Schenn, Stoll, Lewis.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis was fined an undisclosed, significant amount of money for his comments regarding officiating before Game 7.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres forward Jason Pominville suffered a leg gash in Game 5 that sliced a tendon, he’ll be sidelined 4-6 months. Tim Connolly’s undisclosed injury would have kept him out at least 6 weeks.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Lou Lamoriello says that he wants to keep defenseman Andy Greene. If Greene were to receive the right offer he’d forgo free agency and re-sign with the club. “This is the choice. This is where I want to be,” Greene told The Star-Ledger today. “If there is an offer there that is good and I felt was right, I’d definitely take it. I’m not dragging my feet waiting for July 1st. We’ll let it play out.” Greene has spoken to Lamorielle but no offer has been made yet.
- Jack Todd of Faceoff.com: Todd thinks that Hal Gill is such a calming factor for PK Subban, they have to bring him back on another 1 year contract.
Kane out 3 weeks … Poni to return Thursday, Mitchell Close … Phanuef could return Saturday … Horcoff out 8 weeks?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2010
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Patrick Kane will be out the Chicago Blackhawks lineup for about 3 weeks with a sprained ankle. “We’re going to leave it as a lower body (injury), but I think you can speculate what it is. Certainly that’s the extent of it and he’s progressing right now.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: If the Stars decide to move Brad Richards at the trade deadline “it’s only because (1) they weren’t able to sign him to an extension and (2) they’re offered the kind of deal that sets them up “for the next five years.” The Sharks continue to look for a top 4 defenseman. If Devils coach John MacLean can’t find a way to get Ilya Kovalchuk scoring (5 goals in 26 games), they should find someone who can (my fantasy team would appreciate this as well).
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers center Shawn Horcoff felt his knee ‘pop’ after colliding with Corey Perry. Coach Tom Renney guesses he could be out 8 weeks. Horcoff will have an MRI done today, he does have a damaged MCL. They could call up one of Linus Omark, Liam Reddox or Ryan O’Marra.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky (fractured finger) said he’ll be ready to go on Thursday vs. the Flames.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: LA Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell is getting closer to returning, as he practiced yesterday without his wrist brace. Mitchell will be examined on Thursday and will look to get clearance. Ponikarovsky was pronounced ready to return by Terry Murray and will be on the left side of Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmons.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Dion Phaneuf practiced with the Maple Leafs yesterday and could return on Saturday for their game against the Canadiens.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart has an upper body injury, more will be known today.
- EJ McGuire of the CSB talking 2011 NHL Draft on NYI Point Blank:
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