Posts Tagged Andrei Markov
Crosby feels he’s close … Habs and Lightning looking for Dman … Jets could show interest in Bourque … Reimer and Backes injured … Duchene on 4th line
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 23rd, 2011
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby considers himself close to returning, but that doesn’t mean he’ll play in the next couple games.
“I need to get in some contact, more than just one bump in a morning skate,” Crosby said. “It’s got to be a few days of that. Whenever we can get some of those days together — and, hopefully, I’ll respond well to that — then I’ll be much closer than I am right now.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Evgeni Malkin missed his 5th straight game last night. He’s skated the past 2 days without any pain, and the Penguins believe he’ll be back soon. He’s been having issues with lingering scar tissue in his right knee. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek left in the 3rd period of last night’s game and they are unsure of the severity.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Canadiens have no idea when Andrei Markov will return. Unhappy with the with the way they’ve been playing, GM Pierre Gauthier may be willing to trade Andrei Kostitsyn to bring in some help. Kostitsyn will be a free agent after the season and is making $3.25 million. Kostitsyn is inconsistent but it might bring the team a veteran defenseman. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is also looking to add a defenseman. The Blue Jackets were rumored to have offered Steve Mason and Jakub Voracek to the Flyers for Mike Richards before the Jeff Carter deal was made. Flyers winger Scott Hartnell will have a cap hit of $4.2 million for the next 2 years and finds himself on the 3rd line. Coyotes aren’t shopping RFA holdout Kyle Turris but they are getting calls. Don’t be surprised if the Jets show interest in Flames Rene Bourque as they need help up front. The Canucks aren’t trying to trade defenseman Keith Ballard.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Lots of talk around the league. The Canucks may not be done.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer left last night’s game after the 1st period. He was hit in the head by Brian Gionta and suffered “whiplash-type symptoms” according to coach Ron Wilson. “This early in the season, we didn’t want to risk it,” Wilson said of keeping Reimer in the room the rest of the night. “It was clearly an elbow to the head. I don’t know if you’d call it a head shot, but when you knock the goalie’s mask off …”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward David Backes collided with Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger in the 2nd period. They hit shoulder to shoulder, with Backes appearing to bang his head off the ice.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers coach Tom Renny talked to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins about the comments on made on Friday about sitting RNH down. Renny didn’t tell him if he’ll remain with the team for the season. Matheson via twitter: Nugent-Hopkins swears he hasn’t been told if he’ll play past 9 games this year. Taylor Hall was told after 4 games last year that he’d be staying.
- Bill Beacon of CP in the Globe and Mail: Canadiens forward Scott Gomez will be out out at least a week with an upper-body injury.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators Matt Carkner and Bobby Butler practiced with the team but both are a “still a distance away” from getting back in the lineup. Peter Regin re-injured his shoulder on Thursday and they are awaiting a prognosis from the doctors.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: After only registering 1 goal and 3 assists in 7 games, Avalanche center Matt Duchene found himself centering the 4th line of Jay McClement and Cody McLeod last night. He only played 11:35 minutes.
Weber has hearing today … Flames working phones … Sens have Dmen available … Dater’s trade proposals … Gomez injured … Flyers, Devils, Habs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 21st, 2011
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Predators defenseman Shea Weber has a hearing today at 2:00 pm for a boarding call last night.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Flames GM Jay Feaster:
“I’m not going to sit around and wait”, Feaster told ESPN.com Thursday. “There is urgency here. There’s very much a sense of urgency. We kept this group together for a reason this summer. We articulated what that was and articulated to the players. They talked about the need to get off to a good start. We saw what happened last season when you dig yourself a hole. We played like our pants were on fire in the second half last year and it [still] wasn’t enough. We’re all paying lip service to what we needed to do. Now we need to do it.”
“Obviously I’m making phone calls and people are making phone calls to me,’’ said Feaster. “It’s not something I’m looking to do, I want to win with this group. That’s what I want to do.
“We like the team we have. But we talked repeatedly about it all summer and in camp, the need to get off to a good start.’’
Senators GM Bryan Murray:
“Yes, and I hate to say this, but if there’s a need on another team for a veteran defenseman, we’ll probably one have available that we’d be willing to talk about.’’
Sergei Gonchar still has another year left at $5.5 million and a no-movement clause.
- Adrian Dater of SI.com: Dater runs through some players who could be traded, and who might be interested. 1. Rene Bourque (CAL) – The Avalanche could offer one of their top 3 defensive prospects and/or throw in winger TJ Galiardi. 2. Jay Bouwmeester (CAL) – Dater wonders about a Bouwmeester for Tuomo Ruutu deal. 3. Lots of Blue Jackets – Rich Nash is due between $7.5 and $8.2 million until 2017-18. The last 6 years of Fedor Tyutin’s deal are for $4.5 million. Marc Mathot has a 4 year deal at $3 million. James Wisniewski has a 6 year deal. Dater notes that other than Nash, the others may not get much interest. 4. Derek Morris (PHO) on a 3 year, $2.75 million per deal – Dater proposes a Morris for Alex Tanguay deal. Tanguay signed a 5 year deal at $3.5 million. Dater says that Olli Jokinen makes sense too. Adrian Dater via twitter: Some of the trade scenario talk was meant to have some humor too.
- Eric Engels via twitter: As for Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier giving Andrei Markov a 3 year deal, Gauthier said mid-season last year that they weren’t concerned about Markov’s rehab. That his injuries didn’t factor into their desire to want him to return and his want to re-sign with the Canadiens.
- Josh Yole via twitter: Evgeni Malkin is looking better as practice goes on today. Will be interesting to see if he’ll play tomorrow.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Scott Gomez left last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He was initially hurt after taking a hit from Engelland, tried for one more shift after, but then left.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen injured his hand blocking a shot and it’s not known if he’ll play tomorrow.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Daniel Briere is centering Jakob Voracek and Scott Hartnell. Giroux is centering Jagr and Schenn. Read is centering Simmonds and JVR. Couturier is centering Talbot and Shelley/Nodl.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Cammalleri-Plekanec-Gionta, Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole, Moen-Eller-Kostitsyn, Darche-Engqvist-Palushaj.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Zubrus; Kovalchuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Sykora-Ckarkson; Boulton-Mills-Pelley-Janssen. Defensive pairings: Greene-Larsson; Tallinder-Fayne; Salvador-Volchenkov
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Looks like Nikitin, Reaves and Chorney are scratches from the Blues. Brian Elliott will be starting in net for the Blues tonight.
Flyers in no rush to call up Schenn … Doughty to IR … Hemsky resting for 2-3 weeks … Kesler skating hard … Some starting goalies tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 17th, 2011
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers are in no hurry to bring Brayden Schenn up from the AHL as he’s refining his game and there is a logjam on their roster. “When it’s the right time, he’ll be here,” general manager Paul Holmgren said on Sunday. “He’ll continue to play for the Phantoms for a little bit, anyway. I’m not sure, lineup-wise, where he’d fit in with the Flyers right now.” Blair Betts was placed on LTIR. Zac Rinaldo could be sent down when Jody Shelley finishes his 5 games suspension. They would have just enough cap space to recall Schenn at that point. If/when they do recall him, he could place him on the 3rd line with Sean Couturier and move Matt Read to the 4th line. It appears that Courturier will stick with the Flyers for the year.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings have put Drew Doughty on the IR. He’s expected to be out 7 to 10 days with a shoulder injury. The Kings have recalled Slava Voynov from the AHL.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Ales Hemsky will be resting his sore right shoulder for 2 to 3 weeks. It does not involve the labrum that was repaired last March. Ben Eager is expected to play his first game this week. Ryan Whitney should be returning soon too.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler skated hard yesterday for an hour without teammates. It’s not known exactly when he’ll return, but he is entering the 10 to 12 week window.
“It’s smart for me to take my time now and let everything heal. I’m not a guy who plays on the perimeter, I want to get in there and battle. I’m getting closer but obviously I still feel it [hip] at times out there — just certain movements I don’t feel comfortable doing yet. I’m not going to come back until I feel comfortable or I’m 100 per cent.”
Oct. 26th or Oct. 28th could be possible dates.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Unconfirmed reports are that Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov will resume practicing next week.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Brooks Orpik and Dustin Jeffrey didn’t travel with the Penguins to Winnipeg.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks goalie Antti Niemi will get his first start of the season against the Ducks tonight.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: JS Giguere will start for the Avalanche tonight against the Maple Leafs.
Crosby cleared for contact … Connolly injury update … No surgery for Markov … Erat to IR … Salak and Atkinson to AHL … Strome to OHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on October 13th, 2011
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby confirms he’s been cleared for full contact. How he responds to the contact will determine when he’ll be cleared to play. Bob McKenzie via twitter: “Given rate at which Crosby recovery has moved, no guarantee at all that game action is imminent, but that won’t stop the speculation.”
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Tim Connolly says he may not be day-to-day anymore, “I have to give it time.” Mirtle guesses at least another week. Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke admits that Connolly’s injury is worse than initially thought, but does expect him back soon. Terry Koshan via twitter: Connolly on his upper-body injury: “Whether it is a week or two weeks before I am playing, I could not tell you.”
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov won’t need another surgery.
- Predators Insider via twitter: The Predators have placed Martin Erat on the IR.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Alexander Salak has been assigned to the AHL.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets have sent Cam Atkinson to the AHL.
- Chris Johnston via twitter: The Islanders have sent Ryan Strome back to Niagara of the OHL.
Krejci injured … Players who may be traded … Turris may want trade … Habs injuries … Kronwall-Wings talking … No date for Crosby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 12th, 2011
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins center David Krejci left practice yesterday with an apparent leg injury. Krejci was in the middle of a drill when he pulled up and hunched over in pain. He’ll miss tonight’s game and according to the team: “Krejci will continue to be evaluated by the team’s medical staff in Boston and his status for Saturday’s game in Chicago will be determined later in the week.” Tyler Seguin is likely to take his place between Lucic and Horton.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance creates a list of 10 players who he thinks may be traded sometime during the season, 1. Zach Parise, 2. Kyle Turris, 3. Cory Schneider, 4. Sergei Gonchar, 5. Filip Kuba, 6. Evgeni Nabokov, 7. Tyler Bozak, 8. Sam Gagner, 9. Ales Hemsky, 10. Ryan Suter.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Coyotes Don Maloney re-iterated that he won’t trade Kyle Turris, and that if he wants to play this year, he be playing in Phoenix. After Friedman talked to a few people, it sounds like “Turris wants to be traded.” Another GM says he’d sign a reasonable contract with another team. The Coyotes would match any reasonable contracts. If Turris isn’t signed by Dec. 1st, he is ineligible to play this year. Maloney would like to follow the “Keith Yandle model. After his entry-level deal he signed for 2 year, $2.4 million contract before he got a big 5 year, $26 million deal. Calgary would be interested if Turris became available but they may not have the prospects to get it done. One GM on Nashville situation with needing to sign Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter: “David Poile plays his cards very tightly. I don’t know what he’s going to do. But I’m preparing as if one of those players is going to become available [by trade].”
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild will know by noon if someone has claimed Eric Nystrom off re-entry waivers for half his $1.4 million salary. If he clears, they’ll have to make a roster move by before 4 today. They could make a trade, put someone on IR, or reassign someone who doesn’t require waivers. Players that don’t have to pass through waivers are Marco Scandella (not likely), Brett Bulmer, and Jared Spurgeon.
- CP in the Globe and Mail: Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri will miss 10 to 14 days with a deep cut on his leg, no muscle or tendon was cut. Jaroslav Spacek will be out up to 3 weeks. They are also without forward Ryan White and defenseman Chris Campoli and Andrei Markov.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: JP Dumont will wait a couple more weeks to see if there is any interest from an NHL team. European teams are interested.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler skated for over an hour yesterday. There was no update but they are still looking at a 18th or 20th return date.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Red Wings and Niklas Kronwall continued negotiations yesterday, progress was made but it’s a slow moving process.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Ryan Whitney doesn’t know when he’ll play. He’s not pain free but it’s been manageable for about a week.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Sidney Crosby: “Closer than I was yesterday, I can’t give you a date, I’d love them to tell me a date I could come back and play, but right now it’s the same. … It’s never fun watching, it’s nice to be getting closer, it’s nice going out there and going hard and not have anything that’s really worried me (for the last couple of weeks).”
Predators talking to Rinne and Suter … Maple Leafs working phones … Wings-Kronwall talking … Kadri out 3-4 weeks … Another headshot
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on September 29th, 2011
- PIerre LeBrun of ESPN: A Western Conference team was interested in defenseman Bryan McCabe but he wasn’t interested. The Rangers are looking for a defenseman, but not McCabe. Predators GM David Poile met with the agents for both Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter last week about a contract extension. They are aggressively trying to sign both. Weber can’t do an extension until January 1st. There haven’t been any talks between Drew Doughty and the Kings. LeBrun thinks the Kings will reach out to Newport Sports soon. The Leafs have been working the phones, Carl Gunnarsson and Tyler Bozak have been discussed but nothing is close as of last night. Talks between Niklas Kronwall the Red Wings are underway regarding a contract extension. Dreger is reporting that Kronwall is looking for a long-term, front loaded deal similar to Christian Ehrhoff’s. On front-loaded deals the Sabres have been handing out: “I’m sorry, but that’s killing this industry,” one NHL GM, requesting anonymity, told ESPN.com. “We have to stop those front-loaded contracts in the next system.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Herald: Flames captain Jarome Iginla missed practice again but GM Jay Feaster “anticipate he’ll be on the ice by the end of the week.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri will be out 3-4 weeks with a knee injury.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: Jason Arnott is expected to miss 7 days following eye surgery.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have been working on their power play, trying to find someone to replace Andrei Markov. “In the absence of Markov, we’re trying to find someone to quarterback our power play on the first unit (and) we’re experimenting with a forward in that position.” Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban were on the first unit yesterday. Andrei Kostitsyn and Yannick Weber (switching with Raphael Diaz) were on the second unit.
- Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo! Sports: Christopher Moorhouse was taken into custody by the London Police as the suspect in throwing a banana at Wayne Simmonds during an exhibition game. London’s Police Chief said that Moorhouse “has been charged with engaging in a prohibited activity on a premises under the trespass to property act.” It’s a provincial statute that could result in a fine of “not more than $2,000.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Ben Smith took a shoulder to the head from Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith. Ben Smith will undergo more concussion tests today. Viktor Stalberg left the game with a leg injury and Quenneville added it’s “probably not good, either.”
Kane, Hamhuis, and Malhotra will get into first pre-season game … Police may have name of banana thrower … Cap could effect Couturier … Laich’s versatility
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 28th, 2011
- Tim Sassone of the Dailly Herald: Patrick Kane will get into his first pre-season game tonight. He’ll be centering Marian Hossa and Andrew Brunette. Patrick Sharp skated on his own for the 3rd straight day yesterday. “He’s progressing well,” Joel Quenneville said. “We’re very happy with where he’s at. Each and every day he’s able to do a little bit more. We’re very encouraged.” The Blackhawks camp roster is now at 31.
- Debora Van Brenk of the Toronto Sun: London Police think they have a name of a person who they think may have tossed the banana at Wayne Simmonds last week. They haven’t arrested anyone, which was being reported by some. Police should release more details today. A banana was tossed towards the ice earlier in the game but it didn’t make it to the ice.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Wayne Simmonds won’t be disciplined for his alleged homophobic slur towards Sean Avery as the NHL couldn’t substantiate what was said on the ice.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau is still tinkering with lines, especially when it comes to Brooks Laich, whether he’ll be on the wing or at center. “As it stands right now we’re still up in the air, whether would it be center or wing with him,” Boudreau said. “We just want to get him in a couple more games at both positions for him to feel comfortable at either one, to start taking more faceoffs in case it was center that he’s playing.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Recently signed Chris Campoli found himself partnered with Josh Gorges. Hal Gill and P.K. Subban round out the other top 4 while Andrei Markov is out. Markov is still rehabbing and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to go for the opener.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis will get into his 1st game since Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final tonight. Canucks forward Manny Malhotra will get into the game as well, his first since his offseason eye procedure. Defenseman Aaron Rome will miss 4 to 6 weeks with a broken finger. Nolan Baumgartner will be out 4 weeks with a broken foot. Steve Pinizzotto is out indefinitely with a dislocated shoulder.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks that salary cap constraints may hurt Sean Couturier’s chances of making the Flyers.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen had a minor knee procedure and will miss at least the first couple game of the season. Jose Theodore is the teams starter, and they may keep Tyler Plante over Jacob Markstrom. They want Markstrom to get a lot of playing time in the NHL.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Steve Staios is on a tryout with the Islanders and hopes to get a contract. He’s 64 games shy of 1,000.
Contract notes on Doughty and Turris … Free agent notes Selanne and McCabe … Injury notes on Markov, Kane, Brodeur, Salvador, Carter and Prust
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on September 19th, 2011
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Kings GM Dean Lombardi must realize know that the “take less for the team” pitch isn’t working with Drew Doughty. The Kings must change their approach if they can’t sign him soon. Word is they won’t trade him. The Kings are trying to buy some of Doughty’s UFA years, but they may have to shorten the term. There are rumors that Kyle Turris wants to be traded from the Coyotes. The Coyotes may be reluctant to deal as he’s only 22 and hasn’t reached his potential. Teams would have to pay a heavy price for him. Turris doesn’t have much leverage. The Jets and ‘some serious contenders’ were trying to get Teemu Selanne to leave Anaheim before he re-signed. Sabres GM Darcy Regier says he’s confident he can make a move (or two) to get under the cap, which they are currently about $3.6 million over. That might mean he already has a couple deals he do depending on what happens during the preseason. Bryan McCabe may not want to go too far from Florida where his family is, but he may not have much choice. Vancouver, St. Louis and the NY Islanders are said to be interested. Wade Redden wasn’t invited to the Rangers main camp.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov skated alone again today, he did pick the intensity up.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: A good sign for the Blackhawks, Patrick Kane scrimmaged again today.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur and Bryce Salvador have “lower-body” issues but are not serious according to Lou.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter only has a bruised right foot. It’s not broken after blocking a shot Sunday.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers forward Brandon Prust still hasn’t been cleared for contact. Prust had shoulder surgery 10 weeks ago. Coach Tortorella said “The doctors told us that Prustie needs a couple of more weeks before contact,” and that “He’ll get some exhibition games overseas.”
Sunday notes involving Crosby, Doughty, Whitney, Iginla, Parise, Markov, and Poti
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 18th, 2011
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced for an hour yesterday and “worked as hard as I possibly could out there.” He didn’t have any symptoms immediately after practice, and plans on practicing again today.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott notes that Drew Doughty would have gained more by taking part in camp and “sometime soon they must recognize that it’s more important for Doughty to score points on the ice than make points at the bargaining table.” The $6.8 million cap hit on the Kings offer would make Doughty the 4th highest paid defenseman, and ahead of Nicklas Lidstrom.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Some defensive pairing for the Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom with Ian White and Niklas Kronwall with Brad Stuart. Jonathan Ericsson is starting out with Jakub Kindl, and Brendan Smith with Mike Commodore.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney has been cleared to practice, but is still dealing with some pain from the surgery he had on his right ankle. He skated for half of his session yesterday, and his shortened work days will continue. “I could have stayed out there today, but for the first seven days I’m sure it’ll just be 30-40 minutes, then hopefully after that, I’ll be ready to go.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Flames: Flames winger Jarome Iginla only lasted 20 minutes at yesterday’s morning camp session before he had to leave with back spasms. “I thought it was better to be safe,” said Iginla. “Take care of it, and hopefully, it’ll settle down and be good tomorrow.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is the logical choice for the Devils next captain, but the one issue is that he’s only on a 1 year deal.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Wojtek Wolski is on a line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards at today’s scrimmage.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Andrei Markov to SovSport: “The doctor told me that probably will take more time to recover. It’s a re-injury of the same knee”
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Tom Poti failed his physical on Friday and will be placed on LTIR. John Erskine had shoulder surgery in May won’t be taking contact yet.
Crosby’s doctors differ … Doughty has Kings best offer … Schenn, Baily salary breakdown … Injury notes on Kane, Sharp, Markov, Fisher and Niemi
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 17th, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby has been cleared to practice but his medical team can’t agree on when he should be ready for contact. A Florida-based chiropractor who has been examining Crosby told a Pittsburgh radio station that he’s ready for contact. Crosby’s doctors at a concussion clinic may not think so and stand behind their comments at the news conference earlier this month, ”We’re going to make sure we introduce contact in a very careful way,” Collins said at the time. “And we’re not even close to that right now.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi told LeBrun that he feels they made their best possible offer to Drew Doughty, 7 years at a $6.8 million average.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Luke Schenn salary breakdown: $3.6 million with a $1 signing bonus this year, and $3.35 million in the remaining 4 years. Also has a modified no trade clause.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Islanders re-signed Josh Bailey to a 2 year deal. He’ll get $800,000 this year and $1.3 million next year.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is still wearing a splint on his left wrist and is taking a cautious approach with it.
“I’m going be cautionary about putting myself in contact right away,” Kane said Friday. “I’ll be doing practice with whatever team is out there, working real hard to get my range of motion back.”
“They said if it was the middle of the season right now, and if I wanted to play, I could play,” Kane said. “It’s just making sure we don’t make it any worse and I’m fully 100 percent ready to go.”
Marian Hossa is still in Slovakia as he attended a Pavol Demitra’s memorial on Thursday, and will join the team soon. The Blackhawks aren’t too worried that Patrick Sharp could miss the entire preseason.
“Sharp was in excellent shape,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Through that process of taking the necessary time to heal himself up to get ready, he’s a finely tuned athlete. He can play through a lot of different injuries. We saw that last year how quickly he got back, particularly at a critical time of the year.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov won’t be taking the ice with teammates today:
“I wish I could skate with the team tomorrow or today, but I want to be 100-per-cent sure I’m healthy,” Markov said Friday as he discussed his rehabilitation from major knee surgery. “I don’t want to come back for a few games. I’d like to stay here for the long term, and that’s what we’re looking for.”Markov, who signed a 3 year, $17.5 million deal in the off-season, has had 2 surgeries to repair is his ACL in his right knee.
“He said the healing is good,” Markov said of his meeting with Andrews. “Everything in the knee, like the bones and muscles, is good. I had a little swelling at that time, but he said it’s normal for a second surgery.”
If Markov is out for an extended period of time, GM Pierre Gauthier may have to go looking for a defenseman.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson plans on cutting his training camp roster from 70 to 40 by Wednesday and down to 26 or 27 by next weekend.
“I’m cutting through all the B.S. here and getting right down to the NHL players,” Wilson said. “I’m not worried about where we’re going to be in two or three years. My primary responsibility is making the playoffs this year and getting off to a good start.”
Wilson would have 2 exhibition game with 40 players and 3 games with close to regular season lineup.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Mike Fisher’s recovery from shoulder surgery is going slower than he had hoped.“I’m just going to kind of work my way in here, just trying to get stronger. Still not ready for contact or anything. But I am skating and starting to shoot a bit, and it’s coming. I’m just really not sure as far as timetable. I just have to be patient.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien weighed in well under the 269 pounds he weighed in last year in Atlanta. Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer is hearing that the Jets are considering moving Dustin Byfuglien back to forward this year.
- David Pollak via twitter: Antti Niemi said he should be back playing in a few days.
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.
Myers and Schenn close … Brodeur may not be with Devils next year … Turris may not get done by camp … A team in Quebec City in 2 years?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 15th, 2011
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are close to locking up Tyler Myers to a long-term deal, with the final hurdle being length of the deal. TSN is reporting a 6 year, $33 million deal.
“We had two sides that wanted to stay together,” Myers’ agent, J.P. Barry, said by phone. “Tyler wanted to remain a Sabre, and having this done at an early stage was something that he wanted. He’s happy that the club approached him about wanting to do this early.”
“We’re not far away at all,” Barry said. “We’ve been working for the better part of the last week here, and we’re definitely proceeding here every day. We’re working hard on trying to get something finalized.”
Mark Everson of the NY Post: Martin Brodeur will be a UFA at the end of the season, and though he hopes this isn’t his last season with the Devils, he may leave if the team is rebuilding. If there is a lockout, he may retire.
“I don’t want to put any barriers on my decision,” he said. “I would love to stay forever in New Jersey. That’s my goal.
“Then again, if they’re going a different route, and I feel I want to play, I can’t close these doors. I don’t want to go anywhere, that’s the bottom line.
“And I don’t know if I want to play [at all]. I’m not saying I’m going to play this out and go somewhere. That’s not my intention at all. It might come to that because of circumstances, but I don’t think it will happen.”
Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Sekeres wonders if Kyle Turris’ wanting between $3 – $4 million from the Coyotes is “a trade request in disguise.” It appears that the 2 sides are still far apart and that it may not get done by the start of camp. The Coyotes have gone with defensive minded veterans in the last couple years, limiting playing time for younger players.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn isn’t stressing over the fact that his contract hasn’t been finalized yet. Reports are saying that he could get a deal around $4 million per season, but that was before Zach Bogosian signed a 2 year deal averaging $2.5 million. Koshan thinks that Schenn’s deal may be closer to Bogosian’s number than the $4 million.
Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk admits that he lost money last year but isn’t considering selling the team. The Fan 590 was saying that he lost $14 million and might be looking to sell. Melnyk has filed a grievance awhile ago with the NHL regarding a $4 million bonus paid to Dany Heatley on July 1st 2009 after Heatley nixed a trade to Edmonton.
“That’s going to continue on. It’s taking so long, it’s ridiculous,” Melnyk said. “The hearing . . . hopefully one day you get it and the guy doesn’t blow all his money, that he’s got money to pay back. So, I just want to make sure he has got the money around when he has got to pay us back.”
Toronto Sun: The former owner of the Quebec Nordiques, Marcel Aubut, thinks that the NHL will return to Quebec City in the next 2 years. The new arena won’t be finished until 2015, and they may have had a team sooner had the arena been finished already according to Aubut. If a team were to relocate in 2 years, it would have to play 2 years in the 61 year old Pepsi Colisee.
“If we had (built) earlier, we would have had a team today, not Winnipeg,” he said of the Atlanta Thrashers’ move to Manitoba in May.
“I know that (NHL commissioner Gary) Bettman would have chosen Quebec City way before Winnipeg. I remember when the Nordiques left, he said ‘we just lost a big asset, with the cultural aspect that Quebec represents.’ This was an American talking!”
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: UFA Sergei Samsonov has been skating with the Red Wings and would like a tryout, but the Wings may be comfortable with their depth at forward.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers have signed Blake Kessel to a 2 year entry-level deal and invited Adam Mair to camp.
Marchand re-signs for 2 years … Myers close on long-term deal … Markov not ready … Irwin and Leafs talking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 14th, 2011
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Brad Marchand and Bruins agree to a 2 year deal worth $5 million. $2 million this year and $3 million next, carrying a $2.5 million cap hit.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Tyler Myers and the Sabres are on the verge of signing a multi-year deal. It could be in the 6 year range at an average around $5.5 million. The deal wouldn’t kick in until next year. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun is hearing the deal could be 7 years at around $5.5 million.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov is not ready for the start of camp, but hopes he will be ready for the start of the season.
- Kyle Cicerella via twitter: Brayden Irwin remains unsigned by the Leafs, but he’s is skating today and a deal is being worked on.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Fernando Pisani could decide within the next couple of days to accept one of many tryout offers.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Dallas Stars are expected to file for bankruptcy today, which would “cleanse assets and ensure all outstanding liabilities are taken care of.” The NHL has been “financially managing” the Stars with the lenders for more than a year.
2011-12 Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Defensemen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 28th, 2011
List below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers for defensemen heading into the 2011-12 NHL season. Due to front-loading contracts (back-loaded in some cases), and teams having to deal with the salary cap, a players cap number takes precedence over their actual salary. Drew Doughty for sure, and possibly Luke Schenn could be added to this list once they sign.
| Rk. | Player | Team | 2011-12 Cap Number | 2011-12 Salary |
| 1 | Shea Weber | NAS | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 2 | Brian Campbell | FLA | $7,140,000 | $7,140,000 |
| 3 | Zdeno Chara | BOS | $6,917,000 | $8,500,000 |
| 4 | Jay Bouwmeester | CGY | $6,680,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 5 | Dan Boyle | SJS | $6,667,000 | $6,667,000 |
| 6 | Dion Phaneuf | TOR | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Wade Redden | NYR | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
| 8 | Kimmo Timonen | PHI | $6,333,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 9 | Nicklas Lidstrom | DET | $6,200,000 | $6,200,000 |
| 10 | Brent Seabrook | CHI | $5,800,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 11 | Andrei Markov | MTL | $5,750,000 | $5,750,000 |
| 12 | Lubomir Visnovsky | ANA | $5,600,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 13 | Duncan Keith | CHI | $5,551,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 14 | Sergei Gonchar | OTT | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 |
| James Wisniewski | CLB | $5,500,000 | $7,000,000 | |
| 16 | Mike Green | WAS | $5,250,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Keith Yandle | PHX | $5,250,000 | $5,250,000 | |
| 18 | Dustin Byfuglien | WPG | $5,200,000 | $4,250,000 |
| 19 | Paul Martin | PIT | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 |
| Michal Rozsival | PHX | $5,000,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| 21 | Chris Pronger | PHI | $4,921,000 | $7,600,000 |
| 22 | Kevin Bieksa | VAN | $4,600,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 23 | Joni Pitkanen | CAR | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
| Mike Komisarek | TOR | $4,500,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| Ron Hainsey | WPG | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| Dan Hamhuis | VAN | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| 27 | Jack Johnson | LAK | $4,357,000 | $3,500,000 |
| 28 | Anton Volchenkov | NJD | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 |
| Tomas Kaberle | CAR | $4,250,000 | $4,000,000 | |
| 30 | John-Michael Liles | TOR | $4,200,000 | $4,550,000 |
| Keith Ballard | VAN | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 |
Lemieux speaks with Jagr … Kings maybe looking for a LWer … Smyth to CAL or EDM … Kings may go after the other Richards … Leafs looking to deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 24th, 2011
We will continue to post rumors and trades all day long, so check back often for more Draft and Trade rumblings.
- Josh Yole of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Mario Lemieux came away encourage from his talk with Jaromir Jagr. The Pens haven’t made an offer to Jagr, and are unsure if he’d take less money then he may get elsewhere. Detroit could offer more money. Jagr can’t sign anywhere until July 1st as it’s a “blackout period” now as stipulated in the CBA. Sources are saying Pens GM Ray Shero may not want to pay more than $1 million for Jagr.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The LA Kings left wing wish list could line up like: Eric Cole, Simon Gagne, Ryan Malone, Alex Tanguay, and Cory Stillman.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames are interested in trading for Ryan Smyth, though their level of interest isn’t known. If they don’t think they can get Alex Tanguay signed, they would have a hole on the left wing and would have a “net presence on the powerplay.” Maybe the Kings would take Ales Kotalik and his $3 million, could bury him in the minors.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Ryan Smyth asked to be moved close to home. Kings GM Lombardi is down to 2 teams, started with 3. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Kings had more trade talks with the Flames and Oilers yesterday about Smyth, he’s going to end up in Alberta.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: If the Kings are able to move out Ryan Smyth, don’t rule a them making a move for Brad Richards.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A high draft pick will likely be packaged with Ryan Smyth in any trade to accommodate taking on his contract.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t look like the Ottawa Senators will be able to move up from the #6 spot in tonight’s draft.
“We’ve been asked if we’d be willing to move a player with a pick rather than two picks,” Murray told The Team 1200. “It depends on the player. I think one team did ask about a little Swedish defenceman (Erik Karlsson) and the sixth overall and it was politely declined. There are lots of ideas out there that we don’t agree with and there will be lots of offers. You just have to pick the right one.
“I can see us moving two picks for sure, if not three, but I believe the price for moving up for one pick is usually two picks, not three picks. That’s what it has been in the past. I could see us moving a couple of picks. We could be talking about (keeping) eight or nine picks, but we could be talking 11. I would guess that we would probably trade two picks.”
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Brian Burke,
“I’ve got lots of lines in the water,” the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager said. “But I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
The Maple Leafs are trying to land a #1 center or move up in the draft. They have the #25, #30, and #39 picks but they are not enough to get close to the top 5 picks. He may not be that interested in moving the #25 pick to get “to the teens” as picks from #10 to around #26 are not much different in quality. Burke couldn’t answer questions regarding whether he was in on Mike Richards and/or Jeff Carter as it would violate NHL tampering rules. Darren Dreger reported that the Flyers called about Nazem Kadri and Nikolai Kulemin but never got to Burke (see one of yesterday’s posts for a little more info on it).
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke wants to see if winger Clarke MacArthur is a one year wonder before giving him a long-term deal, “The problem is I’m not prepared to commit to a long-term contract for a player who really had one productive year.”It would seem that negotiations for the RFA have come to a halt.
“Putting a value on that is not easy either. That’s why we haven’t been able to sign him. It’s not that he’s being unreasonable, it’s just ‘What is he?’
“Is he a 70-point player or is he a 35-point player where he has been most of his career, so I’m not surprised we’re having a difficult time arriving at a value.”
Burke on RFA Luke Schenn,
“There doesn’t appear to be any urgency on that one from their side,” Burke said of negotiations with Schenn’s camp. “They’ll probably wait and see if other teams sign contracts that they think might help them.”
- CP in the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed Andrei Markov to a 3 year, $17.25 million deal, a $5.75 million cap hit.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov’s contract breakdown: “$10M, $6.5M, $8M, $6M, $6M,, $5.5M, $5.5M $2.25M, $1.25M.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Robyn Regehr was going to sleep on the proposed trade that would send him to Buffalo. He’s already spoken with Darcy Regier and Terry Pegula.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Sources are saying Chris Pronger will be offered the Flyers captaincy.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Max Talbot rejected a 3 year offer from the Penguins last week. It’s believed to be a “slight” decrease in pay from his previous $1.05 million salary, possibly in the $800,000 range. If Talbot is going to take a reduction in pay, he may be wanting a 4 year deal.
Afternoon twitter rumors involving: Regehr to Sabres, the Kings-Flames and Smyth, Richards, Doughty, Stamkos, Markov, Maple Leafs, Jagr and Kaberle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Sources say Robyn Regehr has been asked to waive his no-move clause and accept a trade to the Buffalo Sabres.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun has been told that the Los Angeles Kings and Calgary Flames have talked about Ryan Smyth. Talks are very preliminary, but intriguing.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk was told by Pat Morris (Richards agent) that they are going to July 1st and won’t waive the no-movement clause.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Elliottt doesn’t see the LA Kings and Drew Doughty getting a deal done anytime soon. She does expect a Ryan Smyth trade this weekend. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein isn’t hearing any difficulties regarding Kings and Doughty discussions.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Agent Don Meehen is expected to meet with the Kings about Doughty and Lightning about Steven Stamkos tomorrow.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Andrei Markov’s Russian agent didn’t deny that Markov re-signed with the Canadiens. He told SovSport, “I’m very happy for Andrei.” Agent added “Markov had a few very attractive offers from the KHL. He didn’t even consider them; wanted to stay in MTL.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: According to Don Meehan on the reports that Andrei Markov re-signed with the Canadiens “We’re not done, we’re still working on it.” Meehan is expected to meet with Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier later today or tomorrow.
- Paul Hunter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Burke said he’d trade his 3 top picks (25th, 30th and 39th) for an established player that could help now.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie is hearing that the Canadiens are the ‘mystery’ team on Jagr’s list.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues and Matt D’Agostini talks are to pick up at the draft, could be looking for 1 year deal in the $1.5-$1.9 million range.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: You can squash any David Perron rumors considering he missed most of last season with a concussion.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland has been told that Tomas Kaberle’s heart remains in Toronto.
- Kate Carrera via twitter: The Capitals have made a qualifying offer to defenseman Karl Alzner, and JP Barry expects to discuss a new deal later this week.
Free Agent updates involving Ilya Bryzgalov, Andrei Markov, Clark MacArthur, Andrew Ladd, Jaromir Jagr and Steven Stamkos
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2011
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Kypreos is hearing that the Flyers and Ilya Bryzgalov have the basis of an agreement done for a long term deal, but it may not be announced till after July 1st. Tagging rule would mean the Flyers would have to clear cap space if he were to sign before July 1st. Kypreos is hearing that Bryzgalov was looking for 7 year and $50 million ($7.14 million cap hit). Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Friedman has also heard the AAV will be around $7 million.
- Montreal Gazette: Tony Marinaro of Team 990 reported that Andrei Markov and the Montreal Canadiens will soon sign a 2 year deal worth $11.5 million. After the report spread on twitter, Markov’s agent Don Meehan denied that a deal was imminent this week but that it could be done next week.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: It appears the Clarke MacArthur and the Maple Leafs will head to salary arbitration later this summer. GM Brian Burke in the past that he won’t break the bank for players who have 1st line roles because the team lacks depth.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will sit down with Andrew Ladd’s reps this week to see if they can reach a long-term deal. Ladd is believed to be looking for a 4-5 year deal worth between $14 and $20 million.
“I’ve had some discussions with his agent, with respect to lots of different things, they represent a lot of different players in the draft,” said Cheveldayoff. “One thing we talked about is that between them trying to get their draft picks to different interviews and such, we’re going to carve out some time to have some good discussions. We’re going to find a way to spend some meaningful time together.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Jagr playing with Datsyuk is interesting. Would the Red Wings pay $2-3 million for one year? There is lots of talk inside the Red Wings organization.
- Damian Cristero of the St. Petersburgh Times: StevenStamkos on contract talks,
“I think it’s close,” he said of a new deal. “I don’t think it’s far off. As close as we are, it’s not something I’m really worried about.”
The deal could be worth about $7 million a season.
“Tampa is a great organization. With the success we had this year, there are only going to be bigger and better things. You want to be part of that. Whatever happens happens, but I have confidence things are going to get done well before (July 1).”
An offer sheet would cost a team 4 1st round draft picks. There have been rumors that negotiations have hit a “dead patch” and that the Leafs could put in an offer sheet as high as $9 million.
“You obviously want to get it done as quickly as possible,” Stamkos said, “and with all the questions being asked, it does creep into your head. But for the most part, I have the mentality that it’s going to get done and it will be great for both sides and I’ll be playing for Tampa Bay next year, where I want to be.”
Free agent updates involving Jagr, Doughty, Tanguay, Selanne, Bryzgalov, the Canadiens and Red Wings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 21st, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Multiple sources confirmed that Jaromir Jagr approached the Pittsburgh Penguins about a possible return. The Red Wings, Rangers, Capitals and Canadiens are also of interest to Jagr. The Penguins may be open to the idea, the Pens were waiting for Jagr to contact them. The Penguins have 17 players under contract at $55.5 million.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have 15 players under contract for next year after the signings of Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. Andrei Markov’s side and GM Pierre Gauthier are still working on a deal and will meet at the draft. The Canadiens will have about $20.3 million available with the cap going up to about $64 million. Yannick Weber’s signing should be announced soon. They should have plenty of space available after Markov and Josh Gorges are signed to add a top 6 forward.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they continue to negotiate with Jonathan Ericsson. They will decide in the next 10 days whether to offer a contract to Ruslan Salei. Rookie Brendan Smith will be given every opportunity to make the team. On trade talks, “We’ve received a few calls over the last week or so,” Holland said of potential trade opportunities. “Teams out there know we have a need on defense and we have cap space.” Jiri Hudler and Valtteri Filppula could be dangled. If they go the free agent route, Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Sami Salo, James Wisniewski, Joni Pitkanen and Ed Jovanovski could be options.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames would like to bring winger Alex Tanguay back, but there are large difference between the two sides, “it’s money” according to GM Jay Feaster. He’s likely looking for a big raise from the $1.7 million he made last year.
“Well, I’d like to think we can (sign him). But we’re not where we need to be, and there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Feaster said. “We’ll have to see where it goes.
“I think the fact we’re talking is a good thing.”
Feaster has talked with other teams about moving up or down in the draft.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne is still silent on whether he’ll return next season or retire. He’s said for months that he’ll decide by July 1st.
- Tim Rohan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren on Ilya Bryzgalov talks,
“Well, we would like that to get resolved at some point,” Holmgren said Monday on a conference call. “There is still enough time after the draft to get a deal done. The important thing is that there was progress made when Ilya [Bryzgalov] and his agent, Ritch Winter, were in town. I don’t see any reason why that’s not going to continue.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, so I can’t really give you a definitive answer. There is enough progress, which kind of gives me hope, anyway, that we can make a deal at some point.”
Holmgren added that at some point there needs to be a compromise on years and amount. TSN is reporting that the salary cap will be set at $64 million with the floor being $48 million. After July 1st, teams are able to go over the salary cap by 10%. Holmgren would also like to re-sign Ville Leino.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Drew Doughty’s contract negotiations,
I went up there (to Toronto) four weeks ago and opened up the dialogue (with agent Don Meehan). It was very clear, at that time, where it looked like it was headed. We came back and did our planning, looked at our options and what we could offer him, looked at the market, went to the GM meetings and then I flew up to Toronto from those meetings for another meeting (with Meehan). When you have the first meeting, you’re kind of laying the ground rules or whatever. This one was a little more focused. Things become clearer and we say, `OK, if this is going to get done, this is probably where it needs to be.’ Then I think we made a very serious offer to him this past week. I’m hoping to really push this forward at the draft.”
Blue Jackets want to trade and spend money this offseason … Avs could pass on Larsson … Ramsay interviews for his position
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2011
Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are looking to move their 8th overall pick, and have money to spend on free agents. They could have traded Steve Mason to Philadelphia and others, but have decided to keep him for now. GM Scott Howson will look for a backup, but not one that may not initially challenge for the #1 spot. The Jackets need to add a player that could be on the top defensive pairing.
“We’re talking to a lot of teams about defensemen,” Howson said. “Certainly we’re going to get to free agency and see what’s there, too, but there are a number of avenues we might take. We’ve made it clear that we want to change our back end, but you can only do so much. If you don’t have a willing trade partner, and if the free agents aren’t what you thought they’d be, there’s not much you can do.”
Christian Ehrhoff, Andrei Markov, Ed Jovanovski, Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and James Wisniewski. Mike Commodore is expected to be bought out. The Blue Jackets could also use a top 6 center. Howson tried to get Jeff Carter but that didn’t work out. Signing Brad Richards would be nice, but a really though sell. Tim Connolly could be an option for the Jackets. If they bring in a top center, Antoine Vermette could move to the wing. Scottie Upshall wants to stay but he’ll likely move on. They’ll look to add a 3rd line player. Portzline thinks that if someone offers a 4th round pick, a middling prospect or a veteran for Nikita Filatov, they’d send him packing.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Adam Larsson will likely be a top 4 pick in this year’s draft, and could be the pick for the Colorado Avalanche. Larsson may not come over to North America for next season. From his agent, “Our belief is we’ll stay another year or two in Sweden.” Dater thinks that if he wants to stay in Sweden next year, the Avs may not want to draft him.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: If the Lightning aren’t able to re-sign Eric Brewer, they could bring in Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Roman Hamrlik or Tomas Kaberle.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators would like to move up in the draft, they hold the 6th overall pick, and the Devils at #4 are said to be dangling the pick. The Sens are would rather trade one of their 3 2nd round pick instead of their 21st overall pick they acquired from Nashville. The Senators have tried to trade defenseman Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba with no luck so far. They look to sign a backup for Craig Anderson.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Winnipeg interviewed their coach Craig Ramsay yesterday, who has 1 year left on his contract. “It was a good talk,” Ramsay told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I enjoyed the conversation. There was no commitment and no timeline [for a hire]. Nothing has been decided.” GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has also interviewed Mike Haviland (CHI assistant), Claude Noel (AHL Manitoba), and Craig MacTavish.
- Matt Kalman of the Boston Herald: After Game 7 Mark Recchi said he’d be retiring, and several days of celebrating hasn’t changed his mind, “No, that’s it.” He’ll take some time off now and hopes to find a management position at some point.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Tanner Glass is one of Vancouver UFAs that hopes to be able to return. 3 other UFA forwards for the Canucks are Chris Higgins, Raffi Torres and Jeff Tambellini. Chris Higgins has also said he’d like to be back.
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