Posts Tagged Antero Niittymaki
Hawks looking for trade partners … Options for Pacific teams … Carle could cash in … Koivu could be in … MacDonald close, Steen unknown
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 9th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman would love to find a trading partner.
“There’s a lot of guys looking for players and not a lot willing to part with players,” he said during a Tuesday phone conversation. “I don’t know if it’s going to change a ton the next couple weeks.”
The Lightning and Islanders aren’t ready to be sellers just yet.
“Teams that are out of it are looking more towards the future,” Bowman said. “If that’s the case, there’s nothing you can do. Those teams are looking at the summer and going, ‘You know what? Why are we going to trade him away?’”
If the right center was made available, they would be interested despite recently acquiring Brendan Morrison. They will target defensemen. Canadiens Hal Gill would be an option.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the Blackhawks could end up trading for Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov to become their starter.
- Corey Masisak of NHL.com: The Sharks might be looking for a 3rd line energy guy who can kill penalties. They could deal Antero Niittymaki, but they won’t get much return for him. The Kings will be looking to add scoring. They have Jonathan Bernier to trade, but they’ll want a big return for him. The Coyotes could use some scoring up front. If they become sellers, they have Ray Whitney and Daymond Langkow to move. If the Stars are buyers, they could use a top 6 forward. If they become sellers they may look to move Nicklas Grossman and/or Sheldon Souray. If the Ducks won’t make Teemu Selanne or Saku Koivu available, they could consider moving any of Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky.
- Dave Lozo of NHL.com: The Red Wings have room to take on $24 million in cap space. Travis Moen and Ales Hemsky could be options.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: It’s unclear if the Flyers and defenseman Matt Carle have held serious contract talks. Carle will be a UFA and there is belief that he could get a deal similar to James Wisniewski’s 6 years, $33 million on the open market.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and could return tonight. Coach Mike Yeo on a possible trade:
“The one thing our entire team needs right now is just to go out on the ice with the idea that we’re good enough because we are. Obviously, if we can do things to make our team better I know there’s not a GM in the league who’s working harder than Chuck [Fletcher] on this. But having said that, we’ve beaten all the good teams in the West. We’ve proven ourself. When we play our game, we’ve proven what we can do.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Andy MacDonald should be back either Sunday or Tuesday. Alex Steen hasn’t skated this week, so his return is unknown.
- Eric Francis via twitter: Francis thinks the Flames can’t afford NOT to re-sign center Olli Jokinen.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets signed Vinny Prospal to a 1 year contract extension worth $2.5 million. He also got a no-trade clause.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Scouting the Ducks-Hurricanes game last night: Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Coyotes, Flyers, Predators, Rangers and Blues.
- Rich Chere of Star-Ledger: Johan Hedberg said he will start in net for the Devils tonight.
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:
“Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
- Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
- John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.
“We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:
“The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
Morning NHL rumors and injury notes involving: the Blackhawks, Stars, Tallinder, Bogosian, Ramo, Kolanos, Tanguay, Jagr, Martinek, Niittymaki
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 20th, 2012
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are letting everyone know what they would like to trade for. A defenseman for their 2nd pairing, and a veteran forward, preferably a 2nd line center. The Hawks haven’t talked to the Ducks who floated their big 3 and Francois Beauchemin earlier this month. In the Western Conference, only the Ducks, Oilers and Blue Jackets could be sellers so far. It would take a significant piece for Oilers Sam Gagner. In the Eastern Conference, the Sabres, Canadiens, NY Islanders, Lightning, Hurricanes and maybe the Jets could be sellers. The Sabres have Derek Roy, Drew Stafford and Brad Boyes but their price could be high. They should at least call about Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu of the Hurricanes. Untouchable prospects could be Dylan Olsen, Kevin Hayes and Brandon Saad. Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin, Shawn Lalonde and Brian Connelly could interest some teams.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) If the Stars don’t sign Nicklas Grossman to a contract extension, they could trade him by the deadline. As for anyone else, that would depend on whether their buyers or sellers. If they are sellers, there should be some interest in Brenden Morrow, Sheldon Souray, Mark Fistric and Grossman. If they are in a playoff at the deadlines, would have to think they are buyers.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils defenseman Henrik Tallinder will be out 6 to 8 weeks with a blood clot in his lower left leg. He’s been bothered by a sore leg and an MRI yesterday revealed.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian could be ready to return tomorrow night. He’s missed 5 consecutive games with a lower-body injury.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster confirms that recently acquired goalie Karri Ramo has 1 year left on his KHL contract.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Jay Feaster confirms that they are considering signing Krys Kolanos to a 2 way deal.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Alex Tanguay will join the Flames in Edmonton and could play on Saturday. He’ll be cleared by doctors today and Sutter will decide Saturday morning if he’s playing or not.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross was put on the IR and out at least 7 days. MRI results are not in yet.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren on a Jaromir Jagr deal: “We’ve had some talks. I don’t really want to comment any further on that right now. We’ve talked about it.”
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Radek Martinek will miss the rest of the season with a concussion. They’ve signed Brett Lebda to a 1 year deal.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Sharks goalie Antero Niittymaki will play for Worchester of AHL on Friday and Saturday. Interested teams will get a chance to scout him.
Sunday morning rumors and injuries: the Lightning, Canadiens, Weber, van Riemsdyk, Koivu, Skinner, DiPietro and NHL Sources Say Video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 15th, 2012
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning goalies Dwayne Roloson and Mathieu Garon have a combined GAA of 3.37. Some want the Lightning to trade for Evgeni Nabokov or Antero Niittymaki, or any other goalie who’ll be a UFA at the end of the year. Minor league goalie Dustin Tokarski is playing well in the AHL, but he’s not the answer right now. Trading for guys like Cory Schneider or Jonathan Bernier usually don’t happen during the season, and would cost a significant player/prospect and a high draft pick. In the offseason they could also look at free agent goalies like Brian Elliott and Josh Harding.
- Toronto Sun: The Canadiens may not be done dealing. Defenseman Hal Gill has seen his ice time decrease as of late and may interest a cup contender who is looking for a big stay at home Dman. Forwards Travis Moen and Andrei Kostitsyn will be UFAs at the end of the season. Defenseman Yannick Weber may get some interest someone who is looking to boost their PP.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Miller thinks it may cost the Flyers James van Riemsdyk, Sean Couturier and a top pick for Predators defenseman Shea Weber. The Preds would be aiming for that.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk is out with a concussion. “James was hit in the head in each of our last two games,” Holmgren said in a statement. “He reported yesterday not feeling like himself. He will be out indefinitely with a concussion.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu left last night’s game in the 1st period after taking a hit from Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka. Koivu appears to have a left shoulder injury. He left the arena with a sling on.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is likely to return today against the Capitals.
- Brian Compton via twitter: Islanders Rick DiPietro is expected to miss 10 weeks after his sports hernia surgery. His knee also has swelling.
- HNIC Hotstove link: The panel talks about the Cammalleri trade and Sidney Crosby.
- NHL Sources Say: Talk on next year’s Winter Classic, All-Star game captains and fantasy draft, Blues ownership situation, the Oilers rink situation, and Zach Parise.
NHL Rumors involving the Bruins, Devils, Wild, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canucks, Panthers, Sharks, Penguins and Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
* Bruins are moving cautiously towards the trade deadline as GM Chiarelli doesn’t want to mess with their chemistry.“Obviously we have a lot of cap room, so there’s a lot of flexibility,” Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN.com Thursday. “I would like to add depth-wise on the forward front and depth-wise on the defenseman front. But I don’t want to subtract anything.”
LeBrun thinks that Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu and/or defenseman Tim Gleason could be options.
* There is a growing feeling around the league that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello won’t trade Zach Parise at the deadline if he’s not signed by then. His rights could be moved before the free agency starts if a deal can’t be reached.
“He can’t trade away his captain, the face of the franchise, with the team sitting in a playoff spot,” one source told ESPN.com Thursday.
* The Minnesota Wild have been looking to upgrade their offense for months but their aren’t going to deplete their prospects to do so. LeBrun thinks they may move a B-level prospect, a pick or a player off their roster to get a top 6. Possibly for a guy like Vinny Prospal in Columbus.
* LeBrun confirms that the Flyers and Maple Leafs have talked over the last week. The Leafs like James van Riemsdyk and the Flyers are looking for a Dman. Ryan Suter is at the top of the Flyers wish list and have shown interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason.
* The Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward and/or a power play defenseman. They are keeping an eye on the Ryan Suter-Shea Weber-Nashville Predators situation.
* The Red Wings will be working the phones over the next 6-7 weeks. They have some interest in Ales Hemsky, and may be looking for a backup goalie upgrade.
* The Canucks are looking for size upfront, likely for the bottom 6. Cory Schneider is more likely to be dealt in the offseason than at the deadline.
* The Panthers want to get healthy before they decide what they want to do heading towards the trade deadline.
“We don’t know yet, hopefully we’ll have everybody back in the lineup in the next couple of week and then we’ll see what we have,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com Thursday. “And then we’ll see where we’re at as well. There’s no rush here.”
* The Sharks could use a 3rd line forward and have been shopping Antero Niittymaki.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Despite the recent Penguins struggles, they don’t have anything cooking on the trade front. GM Ryan Shero has a tendency to let the market develop before moving on a deal. They are currently out of the playoffs, but they are not panicking. They don’t have a big deal in the works and any move is weeks away.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Shero shot down the notion about shelving Sidney Crosby and possibly Kris Letang for the season, and use the cap relief on a big trade or 2.
“I have to have it in my mind about what we might have coming back,” Shero said. “Those guys are worth waiting for.”
There is still no timetable on Crosby and Letang’s return.
“We never even once discussed that,” Shero said of putting Crosby on long-term injured reserve to let him continue to heal for several months and finding a replacement or two through trades.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Trade speculation out of Philadelphia has them interested in Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn.
“It doesn’t really mean much,” Schenn, 21, said. “They’re just rumours and I’m happy being here in Toronto. In the 3½ years that I’ve been here there has been a few rumours about trades that were going to happen. They come up every year somehow.”
It’s no secret the Leafs GM Brian Burke likes James van Riemsdyk. JVR signed a 6 year extension with a $4.25 million cap hit in the offseason. Schenn signed a 5 year deal with a $3.5 million cap hit just before the season started.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Sabres owner Terry Pegula points out the injuries that have hit the team:
“What everybody is missing is that I’ve been carrying around 167 man games,” he said by telephone Thursday evening. “Forget about the season. I’m talking about the last 25 games. We’ve had 18 players go down. It’s like a merry-go-round every night. You look on the ice and what are your defensive pairs tonight? Hell, who knows? Who’s healthy?
“I think what’s important is the number of guys. You can have 167 man games with four, five, six guys out for a long period. Eighteen? Cut me a break. I told Darcy Regier one time, ‘If I was you, I would be afraid to get on the plane.’ “
The Sabres sit 11th in the East with a 18-19-5 record heading into tonight. Many players have struggled. Robyn Regher is -12. Brad Boyes has been injured and hasn’t produced when healthy. Ryan Miller is having the worst season of his career. Derek Roy is 115th in scoring. The Sabres could keep everyone together, make some trade to upgrade the roster which may not be easy, or trade players who they don’t see there long term.
“My attitude now is, ‘Let’s put Humpty [Dumpty] back together again,’ ” Pegula said. “I want our players to know that I thought we had a pretty good hockey team until all this happened. Let’s paste it back together and start a new season.”
Trade groundwork has been laid … Time running short for Turris … Devils and Kings talking … Krejci odd man out … Filatov on his way out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 17th, 2011
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams are closing in on the point where they know what they have and what they may need. Blue GM Doug Armstrong:
“A lot of groundwork has been laid and (Tuesday) was more putting fertilizer on some of those seeds you planted to see what happens. You get more work done when you’re in the room with 30 people than trying to pick up the phone 30 different times.”
Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster:
“We have a lot of work to do,” Flames GM Jay Feaster said. “We’re not happy where we are. We need to improve in a lot of areas. This isn’t acceptable to be where we are right now.”
The Hurricanes are 1-5-0 in their last 6 and are in need of a shakeup. The Islanders have dropped to last in the Eastern Conference. The Jets may be thinking long-term and have 2 UFA’s in Chris Mason and Johnny Oduya. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff:
“I’m not a big believer on putting deadlines on anything,” he said. “You make decisions based on what the right timing is for you. The league puts a lot of deadlines on you for signing guys or trading deadlines, so you certainly have parameters. But I’m not going to put any deadlines on it.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The NHL board of governors will vote on realignment at the Dec. 5th-6th meetings. The Wings would like to move to the Eastern Conference, or at least play home-and-homes with the other Conference. Western Conference teams don’t want to see the Red Wings move to the East. Coyotes GM Don Maloney reiterated his stance with Kyle Turris.
“For the 15-hundredth time, we have no intention of trading him, regardless of the offer, at all whatsoever,” Maloney told ESPN.com.
Turris has 1 and 2 year offers from the Coyotes sitting on the table. The Blue Jackets have intensified their efforts to get a goalie. Antero Niittymaki won’t be back for another 3-4 weeks, but could be on the move at some point. Teams have inquired to see if he’s available.
- The Fourth Period: The LA Kings and NJ Devils maybe talking trade, they are both scouting each other. The Devils have been interested in Jonathan Bernier in the past, but sources close to the Kings have said they are not interested in trading Bernier at this moment, unless blown away by an offer. The Devils may also be looking for some scoring help, but that help likely isn’t coming from the Kings, unless they are interested in Dustin Penner. Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson could be trade candidates as well.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson notes the Predators have positioned themselves well to retain both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. They may be able to get Suter in the 7 years for $49 million range and Weber for 6 or 5 years at $7.5 million. Matheson doesn’t see them trading either defenseman and wouldn’t be surprised if Alexander Radulov returns to Nashville next season. Matheson also thinks that if Linus Omark isn’t called up in the next month, he’ll head back to Europe.
- James Murphy via twitter: Murphy calls the Rask for Nash rumors bogus and comical.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Haggerty thinks that David Krejci could be the odd guy out in Boston with Bergeron and Seguin down the middle. The Bruins aren’t sure he’s a $5 million a year guy.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: CSKA of the KHL is working on a loan with the Senators regarding Nikita Filatov.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has said again that he is not interested in Marty Turco. Names on Burke’s radar could be Scott Clemmensen (FLA), Evgeni Nabokov (NYI) and Antero Niittymaki (SJ). Saturday will mark 4 weeks since James Reimer has hit by Brian Gionta. Ben Scrivens will start tonight, marking his 6th start in the last 7 games.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein wonders if it’s time for the Trent Hunter experiment in LA to end, and to bring up a young speedy forward.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Blackhawks Rostislav Olesz is sent to the minors, they’ll have $6.95 million in cap space. Plenty of room for a center and/or a power play QB.
Afternoon notes involving Hemsky and the Oilers, Niittymaki, Blues, Komisarek, Rangers, Rolston and Iginla
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 23rd, 2011
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky was been cleared for full contact, and hopes to get into 2 pre-season games.
- JoAnne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers assigned 7 players to Oklahoma City: David LeNeveu (G), Cameron Abney (F), Mark Archbello (C), Johan Motin (D), and Hunter Tremblay (F). They are down to 48 players in camp.
- David Pollak via twitter: Antero Niittymaki is back from his hip surgery, walking around on crutches.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Pietrangelo-Huskins is a defensive combo you may see along the Blues blueline during the regular season.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle answers my question, he thinks that Mike Komisarek will be the Maple Leafs 7th defenseman. He reminded me that Komisarek has a no-movement clause and can’t be sent to the AHL Marlies.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: The Rangers will be cutting 20-25 players tomorrow.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Sidney Crosby still hasn’t been cleared for contact but he isn’t being shy in practice. He’s getting bumped a little and looking comfortable.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets are likely to make some cuts late today or early tomorrow.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Brian Rolston has been bothered by a groin injury the last couple days.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Flames coach Brent Sutter is telling fans not to worry about Jarome Iginla and his back spasms that has kept him from practicing.
“At this point in time, there’s nothing to worry about. He has some back spasms and a bit of muscle issues, and it got aggravated in practice the other day and just needs to settle down. That happens.”
“He’s getting close, but there’s no need for him to be out there aggravating anything. We need him to be obviously ready at the start of the season. We’ll see where he’s at the next couple days, and if he can get on the ice, he will. If not, we’ll give it another day.”
No movement on Doughty … Spezza’s family thinks he’ll be a Leaf … Raymond doesn’t know if he’ll play again … New proposal of Isles arena
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 23rd, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: There has been zero movement on the LA Kings – Drew Doughty front. Doughty’s agent may try to generate an offer sheet but that isn’t easy. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein responds to a question on whether it’s more of Doughty’s or Meehan’s wishes to still be unsigned … the agent and player are united.
- Dave Hodge via twitter: Some members of Jason Spezza’s family expect him to be a Maple Leaf. Hodge doesn’t believe it.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Three months after Mason Raymond suffered a broken vertebrae in the Stanley Cup final, he’s still not sure if he’ll play again.
“At the end of the day, it could have been worse,” Raymond said. “I’m lucky to be standing here today with arms and legs moving. I’m still having some discomfort with some soft tissue, but it’s coming along well and I’m happy with the process.
“Whenever you have something in that [spinal] area, you have a serous risk of having additional problems. So, yeah, I feel lucky.”
Raymond has worked on his conditioning but hasn’t done any heavy lifting, and he hasn’t skated yet.
- Randi Marshall of Newsday: A $346.5 million proposal was unveiled yesterday to renovate the Nassau Coliseum and make a sports-entertainment complex on the 77 acres surrounding the arena. The builder does still have some noncommittal responses from some key players in the deal. The private developer would spend $100 million to upgrade the Coliseum and raise the roof to increase seating. The plan also includes a ballpark, parking garage, an indoor rink, 70,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks goalie Antero Niittymaki is considering surgery to fix his lingering pain from his lower-body injury. If he does, he’ll be out for 12 weeks. Martin Havlat is still not taking contact after his shoulder surgery in May. He’s been skating with Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers coach John Tortorella likes the chemistry of the Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan line, and it’s very likely they will start the season together.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks that Devan Dubnyk has the edge over Nikolai Khabibulin for the Oilers opening night starter.
- Terry Koshan and Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs prospect Joe Colborne will likely start the season with the Marlies.
“He is still learning,” Leafs coach Ron Wilson said Thursday. “One thing to me is, obviously, he needs to get a little stronger, but he knows that.
“We’re going to be patient with him. He’s learning the game and has tremendous hockey sense. (The NHL) is a man’s game. Everybody is stronger and quicker.”
The Leafs don’t know when Mike Brown will be able to return to practice. He has a lower-body injury.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have a tough decision on 2011 1st round pick Mika Zibanejad.
“He’s big and strong. He’s a man now. He’s not a kid. So, the learning curve could be very short for him. The way he played (Wednesday), he is showing us he’s close, he is showing us that he may be ready to play.”
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: The Ducks have sent Rickard Rakell, goalies John Gibson, Igor Bobkov and center Joseph Cramarossa back to junior.
- Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins cut 13 players yesterday: Brandon DeFazio, Brian Gibbons, Tom Kuhnhackl, Ben Street, Paul Thompson, Dominik Uher, Geoff Walker, defensemen Simon Despres, Alex Grant, Joey Mormina, Philip Samuelsson, Carl Sneep and goaltender Patrick Killeen.
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.
Leighton clears re-entry, to start on Saturday … Torres hearing at noon tomorrow … Some starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 6th, 2011
- John Shannon via twitter: Raffi Torres has noon hearing tomorrow via phone for his hit on Jordan Eberle.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Antero Niittymaki will make his first start for the Sharks tonight since Jan. 13th. Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ray Emery will start for the Ducks against the Sharks.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer will start for the Maple Leafs tonight and on Saturday.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Sharks winger Ryane Clowe won’t be in the lineup tonight, out with a lower body injury. Forward Scott Nichol will play in 2 of their last 3 games.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start on Friday for Flyers. Sam Carchidi via twitter: Sounds like Michael Leighton will start on Saturday for the Flyers. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Michael Leighton clears re-entry waivers.
Green could play tonight … Big year for Tanguay … Commodore could be bought out … Clowe might play tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 6th, 2011
- Scott Fisher of the Calgary Sun: Alex Tanguay has recorded 65 points for the Flames after signing a 1 year, $1.7 million deal in the off-season. He may have priced himself out of Calgary, but he might be interested in staying in Calgary long-term.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals GM George McPhee said before last night’s game that Mike Green could be in the lineup tonight against the Panthers. Even if Green doesn’t get into tonight’s or Saturday’s game, he’ll be ready to for the playoffs. Green has missed 18 straight games with a concussion.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Mike Commodore has been told by his AHL team, Springfield, that he won’t be playing again this year mainly to give some younger guys the opportunity. In all likelihood he’ll be bought out after the season, he has 2 years left on his contract. It would cost them about $1.15 million in each of the next 4 years.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Hawks forward Troy Brouwer went shoulder first into the boards after missing a check and left the game. He’ll be re-evaluated today.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Koshan thinks that James Reimer has done enough to head into next season as the Maple Leafs number 1 goalie. He’s posted a 20-8-5 record this year, handing the pressure of many must win games.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Ryane Clowe didn’t practice yesterday but could be in the lineup for the Sharks tonight against the Ducks, “How about we go 50-50 — and you knew I was going to do that,” McLellan said. Scott Nicol could get into a game before the end of the season, he’s been out since Feb. 19th. Antero Niittymaki could get a start in one of the Sharks last 3 games, he hasn’t started since Jan. 13th.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline was informed that the Blue Jackets are not interested in claiming Michael Leighton on re-entry waivers.
- Craig Custance vai twitter: Custance was told the Red Wings are not interested in putting a claim on Michael Leighton.
Rumored Avalanche-Kings deal … Rangers turning to McCabe … Canadiens after Penner, others … Richards not interested in Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 21st, 2011
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Colorado Avalanche now have 5 centers (Duchene, Stastny, McClement, O’Reilly and Dupuis), with Matt Duchene getting close to returning, he’s expected to practice today. Dater expects one of them to be traded by the deadline, with Duchene likely being the only one that would be on the ‘untouchable’ list. Dater has heard a few rumors regarding Paul Stastny including, “Stastny, TJ Galiardi and maybe a pick/another player to Los Angeles for Jack Johnson, Jonathan Bernier and Jarret Stoll.” Dater adds, “This is a blog, so I am NOT reporting that as a fact, or, again, something I have great confidence in.” Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Berstein can’t see that rumored deal happening. David Pagnotta via twitter: He’s hearing that the Avalanche could be pulling off another big deal, lots of chatter coming from there.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Marian Gaborik was forced out of yesterday’s game with a concussion. Coach Tortorella said that Gaborik complained intermittently for a week for not feeling well, but didn’t miss any time. It might change the interest Gaborik was getting leading up to the trade deadline. The Kings were rumored to ask about him. As to the extent of his concussion, it’s not known yet.
- Mark Spector via twitter: The Rangers have turned their attention to Bryan McCabe after one last discussion about putting a claim in for Sheldon Souray.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Indications are that the Blue Jackets won’t be putting a waiver claim on Sheldon Souray. Darren Dreger via twitter: One team that was interested in Souray, no longer is.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: The Canadiens are pushing for Dustin Penner and others, Alex Kovalev could be a last resort.
- Marc Antonie Godin via twitter: The Canadiens were making a play for Chris Stewart before he was traded to the Blues.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brad Richards supposedly told a Tampa source that his first choice is to remain with the Stars. His other choices would be to return to the Lightning or to the Rangers, and hinted he may have some interest in Carolina. “When asked about Toronto, he apparently said nothing but shook his head.”
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has heard from an agent and Penguins source that the asking price for Ales Hemsky is “huge.” “At least first round pick and a player off the NHL roster, probably more.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Q & A) Heika doesn’t think the Stars were in on any Tomas Kaberle talks as the Lenders may not want to add more than a $1 million in salary to this year’s payroll. He’s being to think the Stars won’t do much at the trade deadline. Heika thinks that Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has to listen to all offers for Brad Richards. If Richards waived his no trade clause “it would be because Joe asked him to.” If he reaches free agency, Richards would likely chose the team he felt he had the best chance to win the cup.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Spector notes the Flyers are still not sold on their goaltending.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: If Sharks defenseman Marc-Eduoard Vlasic’s upper-body injury is serious, they could be looking to add another defenseman. They are not saying much on Antero Niittymaki, so they may need a backup goalie. With Stars forward Jamie Benn still out with a shoulder injury, it lessens the chances of James Neal being dealt for an offensive defenseman.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke has cleared more cap space, and is looking to add a defenseman before the deadline.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson’s top 10 list of players that could be traded: 1. Brad Richards 2. Ales Hemsky 3. Bryan McCabe 4. Chris Phillips 5. Dustin Penner 6. Nikolai Zherdev 7. Jan Hejda 8. Marty Reasoner 9. Jason Arnott 10. Tomas Vokoun. “Wild Cards” to be traded: 1. Zach Bogosian, 2. Ladislav Smid, Steve Montador, 3. Dan Carcillo, 4. Wayne Simmonds, 5. Michael Ryder, 6. Brent Sopel, 7. Tim Connolly, 8. Stephen Weiss, 9. Alex Kovalev, 10. Jim Vandemeer, 11. Mike Grier and 12. Rostislav Klesla. Players that make too much: 1. J.P. Dumont, 2. Nik Antropov, 3. Kristian Huselius, 4. Michael Ryder and 5. Mike Komisarek.
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