Posts Tagged Anaheim Ducks
Zidlicky should be ready … Preds-Suter to talk in a couple weeks … Some Habs candidates … Jagr to wait … Koivu re-signs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2012
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Game 7 between the Capitals and Rangers will be at 7:30 pm on Saturday.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Marek Zidlicky is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury but should be ready for the next round.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Ryan Suter said he spoke with GM David Poile Wednesday morning.
“We talked about everything and the future, and how everything will go, and I think we’re going to meet again in a couple of weeks and kind of make a decision,” he said.
Suter wants to take some time unwind.
“Wherever I sign I want to be there for the rest of my career, and that affects my family, my wife, my kid (and) if we have more kids,” Suter said. “Everything plays into it.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Canadiens are expected to interview a wide range of candidates: Marc Crawford, Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy, Michel Therrien, Benoit Groulx (Gatineau), Sylvain Lefebvre (Colorado assistant). Bryan Marchment could join the Sharks coaching staff. The Predators must “sit down with Ryan Suter and ask for an honest appraisal of his future. If he won’t sign (or give you enough assurance), it’s time to let teams talk to him in advance of July 1. Get what you can. ” The Blue Jackets will likely pass on taking the LA Kings 1st rounder this year as it will be in the bottom 4.
- Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: The Flyers will likely have the cap room to re-sign Jaromir Jagr if they want, but Jagr isn’t ready to commit to next year just yet.
“Right now I don’t know,” he said about his future following Game 5. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford wouldn’t be surprised if Roberto Luongo’s list is more than 5 teams. Would he really want to come back to Vancouver and play 30-35 games? Some people claim that Ryan Suter has a list of teams he wants to play for, and the Predators aren’t on it. If Suter leaves, it puts more pressure on the Shea Weber situation. If they aren’t able to lock him up long-term, the Preds will have to either sign him to a 1 year deal or look to trade him. Botchford wonders if the Canucks would have enough to pull off a Weber trade. Ryan Kesler is damaged goods at the moment. Kevin Bieksa is locked up with a no-trade clause. Jannik Hansen might interest the Predators, but only as an add on piece. Defenseman Alex Edler would fit in nice at $3.25 million, but he has only 1 year left before he becomes a UFA.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks have re-signed Saku Koivu to a 1 year deal worth $3 million plus bonuses.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: A decision on Blue Jackets interim coach Todd Richards won’t be made this week, possibly next week.
Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012
- Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
- Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8 unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Coyotes Radim Vrbata is day-to-day with an injury.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”
“I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.
“You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”
- Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.
15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.
| RK | TEAM |
2011-12
AVG |
%
Capacity |
2010-11
AVG |
2009-10
AVG |
2008-09
AVG |
| 1 | Chicago |
21,533
|
105
|
21,423
|
21,356
|
22,247
|
| 2 | Montreal |
21,273
|
100
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
| 3 | Philadelphia |
20,433
|
107.4
|
21,273
|
19,535
|
19,545
|
| 4 | Detroit |
20,114
|
100.7
|
19,680
|
19,546
|
19,865
|
| 5 | Toronto |
19,506
|
103.7
|
19,354
|
19,289
|
19,312
|
| 6 | Ottawa |
19,356
|
101.1
|
19,289
|
19,260
|
18,949
|
| 7 | Calgary |
19,289
|
100
|
18,378
|
18,269
|
19,289
|
| 8 | Vancouver |
18,884
|
102.5
|
18,860
|
18,810
|
18,630
|
| 9 | St. Louis |
18,809
|
98.2
|
19,150
|
18,883
|
18,554
|
| 10 | Pittsburgh |
18,566
|
102.7
|
18,240
|
17,078
|
16,975
|
| 11 | Buffalo |
18,550
|
99.9
|
18,452
|
18,529
|
18,531
|
| 12 | Washington |
18,506
|
101.3
|
18,397
|
18,277
|
18,097
|
| 13 | Tampa Bay |
18,468
|
96.2
|
17,268
|
15,497
|
16,497
|
| 14 | NY Rangers |
18,191
|
100
|
18,108
|
18,076
|
18,949
|
| 15 | Los Angeles |
17,920
|
100
|
18,083
|
17,313
|
16,488
|
| 16 | Minnesota |
17,772
|
98.4
|
17,565
|
17,388
|
17,039
|
| 17 | Boston |
17,564
|
100
|
17,562
|
17,558
|
17,039
|
| 18 | San Jose |
17,562
|
100
|
18,012
|
18,415
|
17,488
|
| 19 | Edmonton |
16,839
|
100
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
| 20 | Nashville |
16,690
|
97.5
|
16,142
|
14,979
|
15,010
|
| 21 | Florida |
16,628
|
86.6
|
15,685
|
15,146
|
15,621
|
| 22 | Carolina |
16,042
|
85.9
|
14,820
|
13,947
|
16,572
|
| 23 | Colorado |
15,498
|
86.1
|
14,775
|
15,535
|
15,429
|
| 24 | New Jersey |
15,396
|
87.4
|
16,415
|
15,240
|
15,790
|
| 25 | Winnipeg |
15,004
|
100
|
13,469
|
13,607
|
14,626
|
| 26 | Anaheim |
14,760
|
86.4
|
14,738
|
15,168
|
16,990
|
| 27 | Columbus |
14,660
|
80.8
|
13,658
|
15,416
|
15,543
|
| 28 | Dallas |
14,226
|
76.8
|
11,059
|
12,735
|
17,680
|
| 29 | NY Islanders |
13,191
|
81.3
|
15,073
|
17,215
|
13,733
|
| 30 | Phoenix |
12,420
|
72.5
|
12,188
|
11,989
|
14,875
|
| Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers. | ||||||
Stars could make FA splash … Nash hurt … Henrik OK … Carter may be good for playoffs … Flames UFAs … Schneider says Luongo … What was Clowe thinking?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on April 6th, 2012
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars may make a push for Zach Parise and/or Ryan Suter. They will have to evaluate Sheldon Souray and Radek Dvorak.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Rick Nash may have played his last game in a Blue Jackets jersey as he left last night’s game with an undisclosed injury.
- Jeff Klein of the NY Times: Rangers Henrik Lundqvist’s forearm injury is fine enough that he could have played last night. “I would play probably, but it’s a good opportunity to get a good practice, get a little rest, and get back at it.”
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Jeff Carter skated yesterday for 20 minutes. It’s unlikely that he’ll play on Saturday. Carter seems confident that he’d be able to return to the lineup for the start of the playoffs if they make it. “Oh yeah. I really don’t think that’s an issue. I should be good to go, with the way it has progressed over the last few days.”
- Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will have to decide if they want to bring back UFAs Scott Hannan, Tom Kostopoulos, Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss and Cory Sarich.
“I know that I’m up,” Sarich was saying the other day. “No idea whether the team is interested in having me stick around. I’m not sure if there will be other teams interested. You always want and hope that there are.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Cory Schneider thinks that Roberto Luongo should be their starter in the playoffs.
“He’s the guy who got us to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last year, not me,” Schneider said of Luongo. “He’s clearly earned the right to [start the playoffs], both through his performance and his history and experience.
“I don’t see why they wouldn’t start him.
“I’ve seen [Luongo] up close for two seasons now, and I have no doubt that when the playoffs start, he’ll be ready to go and he’ll be ready to raise his game.”
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have reached a verbal agreement with Swedish goalie, Viktor Fasth. He will sign with the Ducks after the World Hockey Championships. The Ducks wouldn’t confirm the report. The 29 year old had a 23-21 record with a 2.12 GAA and .913 SV% with AIK this past season.
Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2012
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
- Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.
“It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”
Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Jacob Josefson broke his wrist last night and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed 2010 1st round pick Brock Nelson to an entry level deal.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.
“The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”
If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.
- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”
Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”
“It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun suffered another groin injury and may have played his last game for the Capitals.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.
Afternoon notes: Schultz, Selanne, Toews, Scrivens, D’Agostini, new Devils lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: If Ducks defensive prospect Justin Schultz decides not to sign the Ducks and become a UFA on July 1st, Bob McKenzie thinks the Oilers have the best chance at landing him. TSN’s Aaron Ward thinks the Red Wings are the best bet, with Marc Crawford picking the Maple Leafs.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ducks winger Teemu Selanne doesn’t know if he’ll return next year or not. He leads the team with 63 points in 76 games.
“I’m not going to think about it before the season is over and then give it a couple weeks and get a feel from there,” he said after the Ducks practiced in preparation for Wednesday’s game against Pacific division-leading San Jose.
“There are so many highs and lows during the season. I have to feel the situation.”
Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is expected to be cleared for contact today or tomorrow.
- James Mirtle via twitter: With Maple Leafs goalie Ben Scrivens just being called up for yesterday, he made an extra $2,800.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Josefson-Bernier.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues have activated Matt D’Agostini from the IR and he’ll play tonight.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals against the Bruins.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Leafs against the Flyers.
Radulov on plane for U.S. … Gomez expects to be bought out … Meszaros out 6-8 weeks … Thornton signs extension … Flames getting healthy
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 20th, 2012
- Alexander Radulov via twitter: Radulov tweeted (and included a photo) that he’s one a plane for New York, then to Nashville.
- TVA Sports (google translate): Canadiens forward Scott Gomez expects to be bought out by the team at the end of the season according to Patrice Brisebois, and that he might want to make a comeback with the Devils next year. Gomez has apparently told relatives this.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros will have surgery to remove a small disc fragment from his lower back and will be out 6 to 8 weeks.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have signed Shawn Thornton to a 2 year contract extension worth $1.1 million per year. GM Peter Chiarelli has talked about re-signing Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Chris Kelly, Joe Corvo, Greg Zanon, Brian Rolston and Mike Mottau.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If college defenseman Justin Schultz doesn’t take the Ducks offer, and becomes a UFA on July 1st, the Rangers will be interested. Rangers forward Brandon Prust has put contract extension talks on hold so he can just focus on playing.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Mathieu Darche has been out with an inner-ear infection, but has also been battling concussion-like symptoms. “I had an inner-ear infection and we treated that with antibiotics, but when that cleared up, I still had symptoms,” Darche said. “So we looked at the symptoms and treated it as a concussion. Right now, I feel great and every day on the ice we ramp up the intensity and length of the workout. My wife is sick of me being at home, so I want to get back and play.” Darche hopes to begin practicing with teammates by the end of this week or early next week.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: The Flames are likely to get Tim Jackman, Lance Bouma and Chris Butler back in the lineup some time this week during their 3 game road trip.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Flames had no choice but to send Sven Baertschi back to junior because of the NHL-CHL player agreement. If/when the Winterhawks are out of the playoff, Baertschi can rejoin the Flames.
Afternoon notes involving: Radulov, Perry, Sbisa, MacDonald, Markov, Kaberle, Sekera, and Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 16th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s agent tells @plysenkov that he’s “not expecting any news today or even tomorrow.” Salavat is wanting Radulov to buyout is his deal. Salavat will somehow keep his rights if Radulov buys himself out. Radulov would have to pay Salavat 2/3 of his deal if he wants to return to Nashville now. KHL contract numbers are not required to be disclosed to public.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ducks Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa both said they will be game-time decisions.
- Norm Sanders via twitter: Blues Andy MacDonald will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Andrei Markov is out with an upper-body injury.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Tomas Kaberle is out with an upper-body injury.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: Sabres Andrej Sekera might play tomorrow. Nathan Gerbe traveled with the team, but his status is unknown.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers tonight.
- Frozen Royalty via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Brian Boucher will start in net for the Hurricanes against the Wild.
Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Duchene, Perry, Sbisa, Datsyuk, Letang, Backstrom, Eager and Wings starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 14th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent said there is no meeting with the KHL today. A decision is expected tomorrow.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene will return to the lineup on Thursday. He will miss only 9 days instead of the expected 3 to 4 weeks for the ankle injury.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Both Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa are questionable for tonight. Perry injured his shoulder on Saturday and Sbisa developed back spasms on Monday.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Pavel Datsyuk skated again today and hopes to be back on Saturday.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang could return tomorrow.
- Dave Lozo via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 2 days in a row and said there’s “no problems at all.”
- Jason Gregor via twitter: Oilers Ben Eager is out with back spasms, Teemu Hartikainen has been recalled.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Joey MacDonald will start for the Red Wings tonight. Jimmy Howard will start on Saturday.
Ducks un-signed top prospect Justin Schultz’s season is over … Now it’s decision time
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on March 13th, 2012
McKenzie and Stephens on the Anaheim Ducks un-signed college defenseman Justin Schultz.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Ducks top prospect Justin Schultz’s season ended yesterday at the University of Wisconsin. He’s said to be considering all options including: “1. Returning to Wisco for his senior season (unlikely IMO). 2. Signing 2 yr entry level deal with ANA and burns 1st yr by playing now…” … “3. Leave school at end of semester, become UFA July 1, sign with NHL team of choice. Hearing no decision is imminent, will take his time.” … “Longer Schultz goes w/o making firm decision would appear to be bad news for ANA. Ducks want this kid in the lineup now. Talented 2nd rder.” … “If Schultz goes to UFA, it would be a major blow to ANA. If he doesn’t sign soon, logical implication is he’s going to UFA.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: “The fact that Schultz isn’t signed now with Ducks doesn’t mean he won’t or doesn’t mean he will.” … “With the loophole in possibly becoming a FA, he has another option and knows it. The Ducks knew this last year when they hoped to sign him.” … “It doesn’t mean Ducks have zero chance of signing him, nor does it mean it will be a slam dunk. Agree it’s not good the longer it takes.” … “Right now, Schultz isn’t talking. The Ducks are working on it but can’t talk since he’s still in college. He has to say he’s leaving school.” … “Of course, Schultz doesn’t have to declare and wait if he so chooses. Either something will shake loose this week or it could be a while.” … “Understand that he’s a hot topic. As much as we want things to happen right now, sometimes situations have to play out. Simple as that.”
Top 25 2012 NHL Free Agents – Unrestricted
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion on March 12th, 2012
Not everyone will agee with it, but here is our Top 25 NHL free agent list for 2012 unrestricted free agents. In creating this list week we took into account a players age, position, and likelihood of re-signing with current team.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Teemu Selanne and Martin Brodeur were not included as we assumed that they will re-sign with their current team or retire.
| Rk. | Player |
’11-’12 Team
|
Pos.
|
’11-’12 Cap Hit
|
Notes |
| 1 | Zach Parise |
NJ
|
LW
|
$6,000,000
|
|
| 2 | Ryan Suter |
NAS
|
D
|
$3,500,000
|
|
| 3 | Alexander Semin |
WAS
|
LW
|
$6,700,000
|
|
| 4 | Nicklas Grossman |
PHI
|
D
|
$1,625,000
|
|
| 5 | Jiri Hudler |
DET
|
C
|
$2,875,000
|
|
| 6 | Matt Carle |
PHI
|
D
|
$3,438,000
|
|
| 7 | Evgeni Nabokov |
NYI
|
G
|
$570,000
|
Re-signed with the Islanders. 1 year, $2.75 million. No NMC or NTC. |
| 8 | Josh Harding |
MIN
|
G
|
$750,000
|
|
| 9 | Shane Doan |
PHO
|
RW
|
$4,550,000
|
|
| 10 | Dennis Wideman |
WAS
|
D
|
$3,875,000
|
|
| 11 | Brad Stuart |
DET
|
D
|
$3,750,000
|
|
| 12 | P.A. Parenteau |
NYI
|
RW
|
$1,250,000
|
|
| 13 | Ray Whitney |
PHO
|
LW
|
$3,000,000
|
|
| 14 | David Jones |
COL
|
RW
|
$2,500,000
|
|
| 15 | Johnny Oduya |
CHI
|
D
|
$3,500,000
|
|
| 16 | Olli Jokinen |
CAL
|
C
|
$3,000,000
|
|
| 17 | Paul Gaustad |
NAS
|
C
|
$2,300,000
|
|
| 18 | Bryan Allen |
CAR
|
D
|
$2,900,000
|
|
| 19 | Andrei Kostitsyn |
NASH
|
LW
|
$3,250,000
|
|
| 20 | Jaromir Jagr |
PHI
|
RW
|
$3,300,000
|
|
| 21 | Tomas Vokoun |
WAS
|
G
|
$1,500,000
|
|
| 22 | Milan Hejduk |
COL
|
RW
|
$2,600,000
|
|
| 23 | Pavel Kubina |
PHI
|
D
|
$3,850,000
|
|
| 24 | Jarret Stoll |
LA
|
C
|
$3,600,000
|
|
| 25 | Hal Gill |
NASH
|
D
|
$2,250,000
|
Fantasy Hockey notes: Duchene, Tyutin, Toews, Dubinsky, Anderson, Morrow, Nyquist, Ponikarovsky and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 8th, 2012
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Matt Duchene will be out 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury, surgery not needed.
- Bill Rabinowitz via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin has a broken hand and is likely done for the year.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews skated on his own today.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky is out tonight.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson was on the ice before the Sens practice this morning. He was able to carry a goal stick.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is “hopeful” for tomorrow night.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Brenden Morrow is skating today, but not expected to play tonight.
- Helene St. James via twitter: The Red Wings called forward Gustav Nyquist.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky will be in the lineup tonight.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Ott-Benn-Burish. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour. vs. Sharks.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders against Martin Brodeur and the Devils.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Sens.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals tonight.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Jonas Hiller will start in net for the Ducks against Jaroslav Halak and the Blues.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for Blackhawks.
Wings couldn’t find fit … Caps unsure on Backstrom … Wild may re-sign Harding … No offers for Allen or Spacek … Toews may have concussion
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2012
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings were looking for a forward yesterday, but they couldn’t find a fit. Prices were high.
“Some teams are bigger,” Holland said. “They don’t have our skill. Let’s play. I don’t know that there was a move today that we could have made that would have gotten us bigger. The bottom line is, if you are going on a long playoff run, the top half of your roster for the most part has got to be healthy. You can have the odd injury. Part of it is matchup, part of it is luck.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee when asked if Niklas Backstrom will return this year: “I don’t know. Hope so, but we don’t know.”
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said he hasn’t ruled out re-signing goalie Josh Harding.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Panthers, Blues, and Coyotes, who are all in the hunt, weren’t able to make moves yesterday due to financial reasons.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said there wasn’t any offers for either Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. Teams called to see what it would take, but no offers.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: 5 winners from yesterday: Predators, Canucks, Sabres, Bruins and Lightning.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Hedger thinks that Blackhawks Jonathan Toews’ injury is a concussion.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at 5 moves that didn’t yesterday that will be getting interest in the offseason: Rick Nash, Cory Schneider, Ryan Suter, Alexander Semin and the Ducks (things may change in the summer for the Ducks. GM Murray is giving this group a chance to get back in it.)
Nash asked for a trade … Leafs offered 1sts for 4 players … Lupul not part of Nash talks … Wings were in on Gaustad
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2012
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said that Rick Nash approached him about a trade.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs have offers of 1st round picks for Luke Schenn, Nikolai Kulemin, Clarke MacArthur, and Mikhail Grabovski.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Burke expects to have Mikhail Grabovski signed to an extension by the end of the season.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Pagnotta was told that Lupul was never part of the Rick Nash discussions.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Red Wings inquired about Paul Gaustad but didn’t have a 1st round pick.
- Curtis Zupka via twitter: Ducks GM Murray on Selanne: “He was going to have to come to me and make me do something. It was never going to come to that.”
- Andy Strickland via twitter: “The Blues financial situation is bad..they’re not bleeding, they’re hemorrhaging. It’s been widely ignored and today is another example”
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster: “We still believe we’re a team that can make the playoffs.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Sharks Logan Couture is questionable for tomorrow.
Afternoon rumors involving: Grabovski, Senators, Hurricanes, Bruins, Oduya, Harding, Steen and Ducks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Mikhail Grabovski’s agent: “We understand their position and I believe that they understand our position, we are more than fair.” … “Mikhail wants to play for the Leafs for many years & win the Stanley Cup with them and I absolutely agree with him. “
- Howard Berger via twitter: Leafs source: “Tons of chatter, but nothing close to worthwhile.”
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators GM Bryan Murray when asked about adding a depth forward, “we don’t have an immediate target.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said it’s hard to predict how active they’ll be over the next 24 hours. Said there is the possibility of a “hockey trade.” Added, “It’s hard to find players now, at the deadline or in the offseason.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Bruins are looking for a forward and a defenseman. They have interest in Avalanche forwards Daniel Winnik, T.J. Galiardi and David Jones. Jets defenseman Johnny Oduya is getting interest, but they are back in the playoff race. With the Blues getting a 2nd round pick for Ben Bishop, the Wild may do better for Josh Harding.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues Alex Steen had been practicing, but shut it down last week. Skating led to vision problems. He’ll be heading to California for at least 2 weeks to receive treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, similar to what Andy McDonald and Paul Kariya did.
- Lisa Dillman of the LA Times: The Ducks may have a quiet trade deadline.
Morning rumors involving: Ott, Mason, Boyes, Avalanche, Blackhawks, Stars, Sabres, Selanne, and Bernier
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Maple Leafs, Flyers and Canucks have heavy interest in Steve Ott. The Flyers are reluctant to move James van Riemsdyk.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Avalanche Milan Hejduk and Paul Stastny aren’t going anywhere. David Jones, Cody McLeod and T.J. Galiardi are in play. The Blues were interested in Capitals Roman Hamrlik last summer, and could be interested now. Source saying that one team has an offer in for Steve Mason, who still has a year left on his contract at $3.2 million. The Bruins could look at Mike Knuble with the injuries to Nathan Horton and Rich Peverley. The Sabres would love to move Brad Boyes, but he’s owed $4 million next season.
Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks continue to look for defensive help.
John Shannon via twitter: Dallas “listening to everything about almost everybody over the age of 27.”
David Pagnotta via twitter: There is still talk going on surrounding Sabres Jason Pominville, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford.
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray: “For the last time, Teemu is not going anywhere,”
John Shannon via twitter: Told that the chances of Evgeni Nabokov re-signing is 50-50.
Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Jonathan Bernier has not asked for a trade. He desparately wants to start, and was unhappy that he wasn’t starting in back to backs.
HNIC Hotstove link: Panel discussing trade deadline (see last nights post for some points that were made if you don’t want to watch the video)
Bruins looking for impact player … Blues not shopping Stewart … Quincey speaks about Avs … Lecavalier out 3 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 24th, 2012
- James Murphy of ESPN: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli may have changed his tune and could be after adding an impact player before the deadline. Nathan Horton’s concussion, Rich Peverley’s knee injury, and their lackluster play since January have all lead to this switch. They have $13.2 million in cap space that Chiarelli can add, but he may be hesitant to trade for a short-term rental as prices are currently “through the roof.” Players the Bruins could look at are forwards Ales Hemsky, Milan Hejduk, Kyle Okposo and defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Johnny Oduya.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland doesn’t think the Blues are shopping Chris Stewart, but you can assume his name as come up. AHL goalie, Ben Bishop, will come up in rumors, with the Lightning potentially interested. One source thought the Blues would eventually got Steve Downie for Bishop and a draft pick. Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey may be a fit for someone looking to bolster their blueline. He has a $4.5 million cap hit, but is only owed $3 million in salary next year. One Bruins source wondered if the Bruins would look at getting Michael Ryder back from the Stars. The Bruins will focus on re-signing Tuukka Rask. Sources are saying that the Canadiens won’t move Travis Moen. Contract extension talks haven’t begun yet though. Ryan Smyth will likely sign an extension with the Oilers.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Kyle Quincey after being traded to the Red Wings:
“Everyone is ready to get shipped out any day. There’s a lot of guys, their bags are packed beside the door, and they wouldn’t be unhappy to go – trust me. I know I had a big smile on my face, and all the guys were jealous. I think there’s a bunch of guys that were pissed off they weren’t in a package deal”
“I truly believe, if you have confidence in a player, then give it to them, show it to them,” Quincey said. “When there’s so much uncertainty if those guys are going to be there next year, it would be nice for guys to get extensions. But that’s their policy, and that’s what they do. Confidence, it comes and goes, and when it goes, it’s pretty tough to get it back.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier could be out for 3 weeks after an MRI revealed a fractured bone in a his right hand.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Sean Couturier is day-to-day with a lower body injury.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Kings are bringing up Slava Voynov after trading Jack Johnson.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouting the Maple Leafs – Sharks game: 2 Winnipeg, Avalanche, Oilers, Blackhawks, Canucks, Penguins, Blues, Rangers, Coyotes, Lightning, Senators and Bruins.
State of the Washington Capitals: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 21st, 2012
Written by Jeff Kleiman of Capitals Outsider (@J_dizzle_caps) and Jake Ware of DC Pro Sports Report (@JacobWare95).
Through 59 games of the 2011/12 NHL season, the perennial playoff contending Washington Capitals sit in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a decidedly average 29-24-5 record. The Caps look like a shell of the team that they once were, and with the trade deadline now on the horizon, General Manager George McPhee is likely to be very active as he prepares his team for the long months ahead.
With some big free agent signings this past offseason, fans and journalists were lauding the Caps, naming them as runaway Stanley Cup favorites. But with the team not nearly playing up to expectations (despite sprinting out to a 7-0-0 start), the Capitals fired Bruce Boudreau and brought in team legend Dale Hunter to take over behind the bench. They are 17-15-4 since the change, and are still struggling to keep up in the playoff race.
With the Florida Panthers pacing the Southeast Division and the Winnipeg Airplanes hot on their tail, this year’s trade deadline is shaping up to become the most important one in recent memory for the Caps. If they want to bring back the crown they have owned for the past four seasons, the Caps must improve at the deadline.
Sunday morning rumors and notes involving deadline buyers and sellers, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Flyers, Kings, Blackhawks and Oilers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 19th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
“The prices, in some cases, are embarrassing,” said a league executive. “They’re going to get more realistic closer to the deadline, but right now teams are asking for too much for their players.”
Garrioch lists the Sellers and who is available: Carolina – Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. Columbus – Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Rick Nash and Steve Mason. NY Islanders – Mark Eaton, Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina, P.A. Parenteau. Tampa Bay – Ryan Malone. Edmonton – Ales Hemsky, Nikolai Khabibulin and Theo Peckham. Montreal – Travis Moen, Andrei Kostitsyn and Mathieu Darche.
The Buyers and who they like: San Jose – Rick Nash, Teemu Selanne and Ales Hemsky. Boston – Teemu Selanne, Ales Hemsky and Mike Knuble. Los Angeles – Rick Nash, Teemu Selanne and Ales Hemsky. Chicago – Nikolai Khabibulin, Bryan Allen and Derek Roy. Washington – Ales Hemsky and Antoine Vermette. Nashville – Ales Hemsky and Jarret Stoll.
Top 10 players to watch: 1. Rick Nash 2. Teemu Selanne 3. Jeff Carter 4. Ales Hemsky 5. Ryan Malone 6. Jarrett Stoll 7. Jaroslav Specek 8. Derek Roy 9. Antoine Vermette 10. Nikolai Khabibulin.
Keep an eye on: Mike Knuble, Bobby Ryan, Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier, and Ryan Miller.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the NHL is helping out the Devils financially, “it is shortsighted for the league to withhold approval of deals that presumably would strengthen these wards of the state.” If they are able to trade for Marek Zidlicky, “it would be penny-wise but pound-foolish for the league to prevent it.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Leafs could look for a #1 goalie in the summer.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Hockey Central suggested that the Blackhawks and Sharks might have interest in Oilers Nikolai Khabibulin.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Scouting the Flyers – Penguins game: 2 Blue Jackets (GM Scott Howson and senior advisor Craig Patrick were on the list to attend), 2 Blackhawks, Kings, Predators, Canadiens, Avalanche, Flames, Panthers and Blues. Randy Miller via twitter: Miller notes that 2 Blue Jackets executives have been at a Flyers 3 times this week. He thinks talks must be serious.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Scouting the Blue Jackets – Blackhawks game: Blues, Hurricanes, Senators, Washington, Red Wings, Rangers, Stars, Flyers and Canadiens.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove notes by Spector’s Hockey (video not posted): Eric Francis said that some NHL GMs doubt Nash will get traded at the deadline. The Blue Jackets are looking for an impact player, 2 top prospects and a 1st round pick. Elliotte Friedman noted that the Blue Jackets are trying to push Nash on the Flyers, and that they’d prefer to move Jeff Carter to the Kings. Francis said that Patrick Kane is happy in Chicago and they are happy with him. Friedman suggested that the Blackhawks could face some questions if they have a short playoff run. Francis said the Flames haven’t had contract talks with Olli Jokinen, but he’s not going anywhere. Sam Gagner also isn’t going anywhere.
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