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Posts Tagged Antoine Vermette
Wings get big fine … Leafs have assets to get Luongo deal done … Coyotes player update … Some overseas notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 22nd, 2012
- TSN: The Red Wings organization has been fined in the neighborhood of $250,000 for comments made by senior VP Jim Devellano in an interview with Island Sports News.
“It’s very complicated and way too much for the average Joe to understand, but having said that, I will tell you this,” said Devellano. “The owners can basically be viewed as the Ranch, and the players, and me included, are the cattle. The owners own the Ranch and allow the players to eat there. That’s the way its always been and that the way it will be forever. And the owners simply aren’t going to let a union push them around. It’s not going to happen.”
“Yes, they are billionaires,” Devellano said. “Good on them, they deserve it, but they also make their employees millionaires. Not a bad tradeoff for a guy like (Milan) Lucic getting what, $6 million a year? I mean good on him too, but he should be grateful. Understand, though, that these players want for nothing … it’s first class this, first class that, meal allowances, travel money on the road, the whole shebang.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Roberto Luongo may have come to the realization that getting to traded back to Florida is “hanging on by a thread, if at all.” The Maple Leafs have already made a solid offer for Luongo, and when Canucks GM Mike Gillis was asked about the deal, he said “there were several assets the Buds have which can get it done.” Before the CBA expired, there were reports that a mystery team or 2 may have entered the Luongo sweepstakes. The Oilers were mentioned as one team that could be interested. Nikolai Khabibulin may retire if the season is wiped out. Devan Dubnyk has improved, but is not a sure thing as a #1.
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes Oliver Ekman-Larsson is expected to head to their AHL training camp this Friday. Keith Yandle is skating in Boston, and plans to stay there for the time being. Yandle on playing overseas, “I’m not sure,” he said. “I haven’t really even thought about that too much, to be honest. Right now I’m preparing as if the season will start.” What other Coyotes are thinking. David Moss will be staying Phoenix for the time being. Antoine Vermette will stay for a bit, but may join the traveling league in Quebec that some NHLers are trying to put together. David Schlemko isn’t sure about Europe and will wait until mid-late October to decide on anything. Raffi Torres is undecided. Derek Morris is unsure. Zbynek Michalek is considering Europe. Martin Hanzal has a couple options with Czech and other European teams. Mike Smith and his pregnant wife don’t have a problem with going to Europe. Boyd Gordon would consider playing in Europe. Paul Bissonnette will stay. Steve Sullivan doesn’t want to leave his family. Shane Doan isn’t sold on leaving.
- The Fourth Period: Steven Stamkos’ agent, Mark Guy, confirmed that Stamkos “has been contacted by many teams,” but is not close to making a decision. HC Lugano of the Swiss National League A League is one of the teams that is reportedly interested in Stamkos.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers Dmitry Kulikov may be close to signing with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There have been no goalies to head overseas, and it may be hard for them to find work. Henrik Lundqvist should be joining Frolunda. Senators Craig Anderson will have to be patient.
“It’s not just a matter of finding a job … it’s a matter of finding a job and making sure that the player is protected now and in the future,” Anderson’s agent, Justin Duberman, said from his Chicago office Saturday.
“There is a lot of risk in going over. There’s a lot of great things about going over as well from a hockey standpoint, but you have to make sure you protect yourself from an insurance standpoint to make sure it’s a great opportunity.”
- Adrian Dater via Sulia: Players may not be in a rush to make a deal as their escrow checks are coming, 8% of their base salary from last year. Average checks will be about $163,000.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: “There is no way, kids, that Crosby is coming to the KHL. Not with teams like Vityaz roaming around, specializing on injuring opposing stars.”… “The KHL can and will protect Russian NHLers against goons, but Crosby? If anything, Sid-hunting will be encouraged. No reason for him to go.” … “Guys like Shea Weber (big, scary D-man) and Patrick Kane (you know, vodka) would be welcome and do well in KHL. But finesse stars, stay away.”
Rick Nash Trade Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
I’ll continue to add Rick Nash trade rumors to this post, bumping old ones to a jump page when it gets to long. Here are links to 2 previous entries HC Rick Nash Trade Tracker Videos and Rumors, and Blue Jackets put Rick Nash on the trade market.
Feb. 26th 8:15 PM
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Obviously possible Rick Nash could move by tomorrow but it were close in any way do you think CBJ would’ve played him today?”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams that have the most interest in Nash don’t think he’ll be moved and are looking at other players.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Rangers weren’t willing to pay the price for Nash prior to today, and today the Blue Jackets asked for more than they initially asked for. Can’t really blame the Rangers for not wanting to blow up their team to make a Nash deal.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Sportsnet Marty McSorley said that latest word is the Rangers are out on Nash.
11:15 AM
- David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: The Predators have made an offer Nash. It’s unlikely the Blue Jackets would want to trade within their division. The Preds offer could include: Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis or Jonathan Blum and multiple picks and/or prospects
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Blue Jackets haven’t spoken with the Maple Leafs in days. Leafs will keep trying, but Gardiner remains untouchable.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Belief before the Maple Leafs loss to the Capitals that the Leafs interest in Nash was minimal, and they they were driving up the price for the Rangers.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: The Flyers are still talking with Blue Jackets about Nash, but nothing serious has developed. The Jackets want several of the Flyers young players.
9:00 AM
- The Fourth Period: The Rangers may include Carl Hagelin (Rangers want Stepan) to go along with Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and a 1st round pick. The Blue Jackets are asking the Maple Leafs for Jake Gardiner, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin and a 1st round pick.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Leafs, Rangers, and Sharks have offers in on Rick Nash, and have all said the offer could be better in the summer. The Rangers and Leafs are being aggressive as they have more parts to offer than the Sharks.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Sharks are still interested in Nash, but could probably make a better offer in the offseason. The Maple Leafs and Rangers are still in.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson should go after Derek Stepan over Brandon Dubinsky. Howson wants Chris Kreider, the Rangers best prospect. He also wants either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, but McDonagh isn’t going anywhere. Dylan McIlray or Tim Erixon are also options. After the Carter deal, defense is not a top priority for Howson. He could use some 1st round picks to take a run at Canucks Cory Schneider this offseason. They already have their own and the Kings.
Feb. 25th 9:50 PM:
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Elliotte Friedman suggested on the Hotstove that the Blue Jackets might not move Nash by Monday. They’ve shifted their focus to forwards for Nash.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Botta can see the Rangers best offer for Nash as Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, a 2012 1st round pick and a conditional pick based on Rangers success the next 2 years.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Bob McKenzie reported that the Canucks are jumping into the trade market, with Nash a possibility.
4:40 PM
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Nash’s agent spoke with TSN and said the following: “We’re hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets…” .. “However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date.”
2:05 PM
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Rangers remain firm that they aren’t going to trade Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh in a deal with Columbus for Nash.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Hearing that the Blue Jackets want Derek Stepan badly, but might settle for Carl Hagelin. Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider, Stepan or Hagelin, and a pick (may not be a 1st). There could be more coming from the Blue Jackets. May boil today to Stepan or Hagelin.
9:00 AM
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: “No guarantees #CBJ captain Rick Nash is traded by Monday’s deadline, but might be best for all parties to have a quick ending to this.” …”#CBJ have set the bar very high and are waiting for other teams to meet their requirements. So far, none of them have done so.” … “#CBJ approach is that they don’t have to trade Nash, but several possible suitors and the Nash camp are getting impatient w the process.” … “Might be best if #CBJ fans come to terms with the fact that Nash is likely going to be traded. Might not happen at deadline, but …” … “… chances of Nash being with the Blue Jackets at the start of next season are slim.”
Morning rumors involving: Maple Leafs, Wild, Sabres, Islanders, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Stars, Red Wings and Predators
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Maple Leafs, Penguins and Senators are checking out the goalie market.The Pens and Sens are looking for depth, and have shown interest in Josh Harding. The Wild are looking for a top pick and prospect. The Leafs have talked to the Islanders about Evgeni Nabokov, but GM Garth Snow is saying he won’t be moved. There is plenty of interest in Sabres Derek Roy. The Leafs, Canadiens, Blackhawks and Kings were interested in Antoine Vermette before he was dealt to Phoenix. The Canadiens could be open to trading center Tomas Plekanec. The Islanders want to wait until after today’s game to decide whether they are buyers or sellers. P.A. Parenteau is interested in re-signing with the Islanders, but the Senators, Blackhawks, Bruins and Maple Leafs have shown interest in him. If the Hurricanes are able to re-sign Bryan Allen, they may move Jaroslav Spacek. It’s sounding like Steve Ott won’t be moved, Canucks and Leafs interested. Looking like Mike Ribeiro could be moved.
- The Fourth Period: One league executive is saying the Maple Leafs are looking to add 2 top 6 forwards, which may result in the Leafs dealing Mikhail Grabovski. It’s looking unlikely that he’ll be re-signing with the Leafs before the deadline. The Leafs have been offered a 2nd and a prospect. The Leafs are also eyeing Steve Ott, James van Riemsdyk and Paul Stastny.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews upper body injury is progressing. There is a chance he plays on Wednesday. Same goes for Niklas Hjalmarsson.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have a couple inquiries on Brian Rolston, so it won’t be a surprise if he gets claimed off waivers.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Don’t expect to see Red Wings Patrick Eaves back this season. He’s been out with a broken jaw and is still having headaches.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock likes his roster, but realizes you can’t have enough depth up front.
“We’re all focused on if we can improve our team,” Babcock said. “At the same time, we like our team. If there’s something there that can help us and makes sense, then that’s a great thing.
“Change just to change isn’t going to be the approach. We’ve already done a good job in giving ourselves depth on the back end (by acquiring defenseman Kyle Quincey on Tuesday). We want to get healthy up front, but if there’s something available to make us better, we’d like to acquire that.”
A list of players could include: Travis Moen, Paul Gaustad, Sammy Pahlsson, Steve Ott, Mike Knuble and Mikael Samuelsson.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile:
“This trading deadline is not setting up anywhere near the same, in my memory, as past trading deadline,” Poile said. “Now we have more situations where more teams are in the playoffs or ‘I’m two points out of the playoffs … I’m not sure If I’m a buyer or a seller.’ What we know for sure is how close the standings are and it’s really hard to identify very many sellers at this point.”
The Predators continue to look for a forward.
“We certainly could use more depth on our forwards,” Poile said. “You talk two things, a higher-end deal for a top-six or top-nine forward or you talk about your depth.”
Interest in Ott … Leafs put Rosehill and Boyce on waivers … Carter made more sense than Nash … Blue Jackets notes … Kuznetsov injured
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 24th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: There is lots of interest in Stars forward Steve Ott. The Canucks really like him, the Leafs and Flyers may be interested too. The Stars like Flyers winger James van Riemsdyk, but it would take more than Ott. The Flyers and Kings had talked a van Riemsdyk for Jack Johnson deal a few weeks ago.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: On waivers today are Van Der Gulik and Miettinen, as well as Maple Leafs Jay Rosehill and Darryl Boyce. With Boyce and Rosehill on waivers it clears room for the Maple Leafs to make a deal. Also allows them to call someone up.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Not buying that the Kings are interested in Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn. They dealt Jack Johnson due to their depth on the blueline, and not to bring in a $3.6 million cap hit for 4 more years who’s been a healthy scratch.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Jeff Carter made more sense to LA than Nash because they want to make sure they have the cap room for Jonathan Quick.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Sharks are contacting teams to see if there is any interest in Antero Niittymaki. If someone says they’d claim him, he’d go on re-entry today or tomorrow.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Since the Blue Jackets have traded centers Jeff Carter and Antoine Vermette, the chances of them trading Derick Brassard are much less. The Canadiens and Lightning have been sniffing around Brassard.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: There could be a strong market for Blue Jackets center Sammy Pahlsson. They’d be lucky if they got a 2nd round pick, probably a 3rd or 4th rounder.
- Terry Jones via twitter: Today could be the D-day for Oilers Ales Hemsky. At some point the he needs to make a call. (I’m sure he’s referring to Hemsky signing a contract extension or not)
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: There will be no supplementary disciplinary for Flyers Scott Hartnell for last night’s kneeing incident on Magnus Paajarvi.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Capitals prospect in KHL, Evgeni Kuznetsov may have torn knee ligaments. Traktor’s head coach said that he may be lost for the season. Only speculation at this point, will need an MRI. Happened in the last minute of meaningless game.
Antoine Vermette traded to the Coyotes by the Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 22nd, 2012
The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded Antoine Vermette to the Phoenix Coyotes for goalie Curtis McElhinney, a 2012 2nd round pick and a 2013 5th round pick. LeBrun noted (through McKenzie) that the 2012 2nd pick is the one they acquired from the Senators.
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The 2013 5th round pick will become a 4th round pick if the Coyotes win a playoff round this year.
Vermette carries a $3.75 million cap hit (and salary) for the next 3 years according to capgeek. McElhinney has a $625,000 cap hit and will be a UFA at the end of the year.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: McElhinney had abdominal surgery in January and is not expected to play again this year. The Coyotes need the roster flexibility as they were at the 50 man limit.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Coyotes have a pre-approved budget for player payroll that GM Don Maloney must work within.
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Coyotes feel that Vermette is “a Tippett-type player” and that he has more offense in him that he’s shown in Columbus this year.
Jesse Spector via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Maloney on Vermette: “A smart, skilled, two-way center who will be a great addition to our lineup.”
Gus Katsaros of McKeen’s Hockey: an excerpt as presented in the 2011-12 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook for Vermette:
fast, fluid and talented skater .. requires just a few strides to hit top gear, all powered by terrific balance, footwork and lower-body strength .. can dangle with the puck as he has quick hands and good one-touch skills .. incredible face off ability, consistently among the league leaders .. uses his feet well to control pucks .. most effective in open ice, albeit does look more comfortable and courageous in traffic .. can lose 1-on-1 battles due to a lack of stick power and preparation .. enigmatic puckcarrier – rushes plays and overlooks shooting opportunities, while at other times can appear indecisive .. still potential upside here, although as a role player
The Goalie Guild: Scouting report from last season for Curtis McElinney: (Also, Scouting Journal report from The Goalie Guild)
The main area of improvement for McElhinney will continue to be improving his skating skills and foot speed. Both of those areas I would consider “slightly below average” for an NHL goaltender. It is good that he relies on solid positioning to absorb a lot of shots, but he struggles to stay square when he is forced to move or shuffle laterally. Even in today’s game, he had to dive in a desperate manner on a couple of chances due to a lack of balance and footwork after making the original save.
Click the link below to see player stats included.
State of the Columbus Blue Jackets: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 21st, 2012
Written by Austin Lutz
With only 23 games remaining in their season, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, a place that’s been their home for the majority of the season. That being said, the Jackets are the biggest sellers this trade deadline, and the only thing Scott Howson has to look forward to this June is the possibility of adding top prospect Nail Yakupov.
Columbus seems set for another few years of rebuild and that’s not something that 27-year-old captain Rick Nash wants to wait for. He has not openly admitted to wanting a trade, but when asked about being traded, he said “Right now I’m a Blue Jacket.” The words “right now” tell it all and whether Nash is traded before the deadline or at the draft, he seems to be on his way out of Columbus
Many different teams have been linked to Nash, who brings a yearly cap hit of $7.8 million until 2018, but most often it has been the first place Rangers, the Maple Leafs, the Kings, and as always the Philadelphia Flyers.
Sunday morning rumors and notes involving deadline buyers and sellers, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Flyers, Kings, Blackhawks and Oilers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 19th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
“The prices, in some cases, are embarrassing,” said a league executive. “They’re going to get more realistic closer to the deadline, but right now teams are asking for too much for their players.”
Garrioch lists the Sellers and who is available: Carolina – Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. Columbus – Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Rick Nash and Steve Mason. NY Islanders – Mark Eaton, Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina, P.A. Parenteau. Tampa Bay – Ryan Malone. Edmonton – Ales Hemsky, Nikolai Khabibulin and Theo Peckham. Montreal – Travis Moen, Andrei Kostitsyn and Mathieu Darche.
The Buyers and who they like: San Jose – Rick Nash, Teemu Selanne and Ales Hemsky. Boston – Teemu Selanne, Ales Hemsky and Mike Knuble. Los Angeles – Rick Nash, Teemu Selanne and Ales Hemsky. Chicago – Nikolai Khabibulin, Bryan Allen and Derek Roy. Washington – Ales Hemsky and Antoine Vermette. Nashville – Ales Hemsky and Jarret Stoll.
Top 10 players to watch: 1. Rick Nash 2. Teemu Selanne 3. Jeff Carter 4. Ales Hemsky 5. Ryan Malone 6. Jarrett Stoll 7. Jaroslav Specek 8. Derek Roy 9. Antoine Vermette 10. Nikolai Khabibulin.
Keep an eye on: Mike Knuble, Bobby Ryan, Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier, and Ryan Miller.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the NHL is helping out the Devils financially, “it is shortsighted for the league to withhold approval of deals that presumably would strengthen these wards of the state.” If they are able to trade for Marek Zidlicky, “it would be penny-wise but pound-foolish for the league to prevent it.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Leafs could look for a #1 goalie in the summer.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Hockey Central suggested that the Blackhawks and Sharks might have interest in Oilers Nikolai Khabibulin.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Scouting the Flyers – Penguins game: 2 Blue Jackets (GM Scott Howson and senior advisor Craig Patrick were on the list to attend), 2 Blackhawks, Kings, Predators, Canadiens, Avalanche, Flames, Panthers and Blues. Randy Miller via twitter: Miller notes that 2 Blue Jackets executives have been at a Flyers 3 times this week. He thinks talks must be serious.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Scouting the Blue Jackets – Blackhawks game: Blues, Hurricanes, Senators, Washington, Red Wings, Rangers, Stars, Flyers and Canadiens.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove notes by Spector’s Hockey (video not posted): Eric Francis said that some NHL GMs doubt Nash will get traded at the deadline. The Blue Jackets are looking for an impact player, 2 top prospects and a 1st round pick. Elliotte Friedman noted that the Blue Jackets are trying to push Nash on the Flyers, and that they’d prefer to move Jeff Carter to the Kings. Francis said that Patrick Kane is happy in Chicago and they are happy with him. Friedman suggested that the Blackhawks could face some questions if they have a short playoff run. Francis said the Flames haven’t had contract talks with Olli Jokinen, but he’s not going anywhere. Sam Gagner also isn’t going anywhere.
Morning NHL rumors involving: Kings, Blue Jackets, Capitals, Senators, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Schneider and Stars
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 17th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Rumblings continue with the Kings possibly moving Jack Johnson if they can up their offense with a first-line forward. Jonathan Bernier’s name is out there as well. Any deal for Nash would likely included both Johnson and Bernier. LeBrun thinks the Kings and Blue Jackets talked about Jeff Carter before the Nash thing broke. The Capitals have looked at Blue Jackets Antoine Vermette, among others. The Capitals are waiting to see how Nicklas Backstrom is closer to the deadline before they make a move. Senators GM Bryan Murray is not looking for a short-term fix and won’t part with any of their top prospects to bring in some offensive help. They’d like a top 6 but only if the price is right.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings will look to add 1 or 2 veterans for their Cup run. Teemu Selanne would be ideal but he’s focused on getting the Ducks in. Rick Nash would be expensive. Tuomo Ruutu is out 3 weeks and the Hurricanes want to re-sign him. Ryan Smyth has said he wants to stay in Edmonton and Ales Hemsky isn’t gritty and is injury prone.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: To bring in Rick Nash, it may take Jake Gardiner, a 1st round pick, one of Joe Colborne or Nazem Kadri and maybe one of Clarke MacArthur or Nikolai Kulemin. If it isn’t Nash, the Leafs could use a forward. Koshan lists some players who the Maple Leafs might be interested in: James van Riemsdyk. Jeff Carter, Evgeni Nabokov, Nikolai Khabibulin, Ales Hemsky, Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, Ryan Malone, Dustin Penner, Brenden Morrow, Mike Knuble, and Alex Ovechkin.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Cory Schneider tries to take all trade rumors in stride:
“It’s hard to avoid it, it’s always on somewhere,” said Schneider. “We tend to ignore most of the speculation but it’s interesting to see who is going to strengthen themselves — a contender or a team we’re directly competing against with a guy like Rick Nash. That obviously has implications on us. We don’t follow it obsessively or believe every rumour we hear, but guys keep an eye out and see if we’re going to be active.
“For me, I just don’t think about it. I’ve got a job to do here and if I don’t do it, that probably eliminates possibilities of anything ever happening anyways. I enjoy it here. I’m not looking to get moved and I’m not asking for a trade by any means. If it’s a hockey decision, then it’s out of my control.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) Heika thinks the Stars have to shop Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott to see what interest there is. They can’t just give them away, but if you can get a good return for them, it might be something to do. If they could get a good offer for goalie prospect Jack Campbell, they could move him.
Could the Leafs be looking at Clowe? Rutherford wants a ton … No serious talks with Karlson … Peckham, Sutton getting interest … A Miller for Hiller swap?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Only a few GM’s are in Ottawa, Brian Burke is one of them, and everyone is waiting for him to make a move.
“He’s trying. He’s trying hard. He definitely wants to get bigger,” a league executive said Thursday.
The Leafs would love to bring in a hard-nosed forward. A guy they could look at is Sharks winger Ryane Clowe. Clowe has 1 year left at a $3.625 million cap hit. There is word that he might be someone the Sharks could look at moving. It might take more than the Leafs want to offer San Jose to get him though. The Leafs would likely have interest in Tuomo Ruutu. The Hurricanes have talked to Ruutu about a contract extension but it’s believed he’s asking for too much on a long-term deal, so he’ll likely be traded.
- League sources are saying that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is asking a ton for his UFA defenseman. A league source said that Hurricanes are asking for 2 1st round picks or a 1st round pick and an ‘A’ prospect for one of Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. The asking price will come down.
- The Blue Jackets would move center Antoine Vermette. He’s been available all season.
- The Senators and defenseman Erik Karlsson’s camp haven’t had any serious contract talks. It will likely wait until after the season.
- The Oilers are getting interest in defenseman Theo Peckham and Andy Sutton. Sutton will be a UFA at the end of the year. Peckham will be an RFA, and there are plenty of teams looking for help on the blueline.
- The Ducks, Blackhawks and Lightning could be looking for goaltending help, so keep an eye on Ryan Miller. The Sabres aren’t shopping him, but they’ll have to decide soon if they are in the playoff hunt or not. A Miller for Jonas Hiller trade could be possible.
Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
- Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
- Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames winger Curtis Glencross has an MCL injury and will be out at least 6 weeks.
Parise could test UFA market … Semin practices with 4th line … CBJ-CAR talking … Isles shopping Okposo? What is Gagner worth?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 21st, 2011
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: The Devils would like to lock up Zach Parise long-term, but it’s likely he’ll test the free agent market. Parise wants to win a Cup, but are the Devils close enough?
“When you’re here for seven years and have never been past the second round, you realize it’s going by quick,” he said. “You see how hard it is. There are 29 teams every year that are disappointed, so it’s not easy. You’ve got to get lucky, you have to have a great team and you have to have a healthy team and avoid injuries at key times. A lot of things have to fall into place.”
“Some players want to go and get the most money they can, which is fine,” Parise said. “Do whatever you want. Then you have a lot of players who want to be somewhere where you’re going to have the best chance to win.
“I think any player in the situation I’m in has to look at everything. For me, most importantly you look at the team. You look at the area you live in. You look at everything from top to bottom because it’s hopefully where you’re going to spend the rest of your career. So you have to be sure you do your research on everything and make sure it’s somewhere you want to be and where you are comfortable.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Stars are expected to lose $30 million this season. There is talk of the Blue Jackets sending Antoine Vermette to the Hurricanes for defenseman Bryan Allen. Derick Brassard has been a healthy scratch for the Blue Jackets, but carries a $3.3 million salary year, and $3.7 million next year. The Islanders are said to be looking for a 2nd line center, and may be shopping winger Kyle Okposo, who has been a healthy scratch the past couple games. If the Blackhawks are interested in Sam Gagner, what would the Oilers want in return? They could use a big bodied top 9 forward or high-end prospect. Matheson names Mark McNeill, Brandon Saad, Bryan Bickell and Viktor Stalberg. The Hurricanes are showcasing Tomas Kaberle but with 2 more years at $4 million, not many are interested.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals Alexander Semin found himself practicing in rotation on the 4th line. Usually one of the four players practicing on the 4th line is a healthy scratch. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau:
“Infer what you want,” Boudreau said. “I don’t know who, if everybody’s healthy two guys have got to sit, so we have to figure out who it’s going to be.”
Mike Green won’t be in the lineup on Monday. He hasn’t skated in 10 days.
“It hasn’t worsened; just hasn’t improved at the rate we would have liked it to improve,” Boudreau said when asked about Green’s status. “We’re hoping that he skates at some point this week.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators aren’t looking to make any trades while they remain in the thick of things. Matt Carkner is getting close to returning, but he’ll require a conditioning stint first. They’ll have 8 defenseman when he returns. David Rundblad is on a 2-way contract, so he could be sent to down to the AHL when Carkner returns.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blue forward T.J. Oshie is listed as day-to-day with a wrist injury. Oshie jammed his right wrist in the 1st period of Saturday’s game. The Blue have called up Brett Sterling in case Oshie can’t go on Tuesday against the Kings.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Blackhawks are eating $8.5 million in salary (Huet and Olesz), which gives them $5.5 million to make some moves. Bernstein thinks the Kings should consider this with their “nonproductive big $ dudes.”
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