Posts Tagged Anton Volchenkov
Senators looking ahead to Draft … Gonchar is key piece to Penguins off-season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 15th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are preparing for the NHL Draft and Bryan Murray has said, “Ideally, if we could get a skilled centre, that’d be great. If we can’t, then it’s the best player available.” The Sens are picking at #16, and feel there is a drop off after #20-21, according to their lists. They traded away the two 2nd round picks they had for Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton. The Sens contract talks with UFAs Volchenkov, Cullen, and Sutton haven’t progressed that much. Murray’s top priorities are to sign RFAs: Regin, Foligno and Campoli. They are close to signing their 2004 5th round selection, RWerRoman Wick of Switzerland.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: It’s more and more unlikely that Sergei Gonchar will not be back with the Penguins if he’s wanting $5 million or more. Despite Kris Letang’s solid play, and extension he signed during the season, the Pens may not see him as a replacement for the the #1 spot Gonchar occupied. The Penguins need to find a stay-at-home defenseman that can be used to shut down their oppositions number one line. They also need to improve on the wings. The 32-year old Matt Cook is looking for a 3 year deal, which he might not get from Pittsburgh.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The 36-year old Sergei Gonchar is probably looking at his last NHL contract, and even though he loves playing in Pittsburgh, he knows he could have played his last game in Penguins jersey. “It’s not [just] about the length of it,” Gonchar said. “It’s going to be a little bit about everything. I want to be happy. This is a place I was happy the last five years … but at the same time you do have to work and both sides have to be fair. When I’m going to look at my contract, it’s the last one, so I’m going to weigh in everything.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Last night could have been the last game in Bruins jersey for 5 free agents: Steve Begin, Mark Recchi, Miroslav Satan, Shawn Thornton, and Trent Whitfield. The 42-year old Mark Recchi could be back if he decides not to retire.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Trivia question: Who’s Martin Brodeur backup? He’s a UFA and has been no indicaton if he’ll be back next, though Lou Lamoriello say he was happy with everything he did this past season, and his attitude. He’d love to re-sign with the Devils.. Answer, Yann Danis.
Agent denies 10 year extension for Backstrom … Flames to lose both Nystrom and White? What the Canucks face this off-season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 13th, 2010
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: El-Bashir gets confirmation from Nicklas Backstrom’s agent that his client hasn’t signed a 10 year extension with the Washington Capitals. The rumor was started by someone posting it in a forum or blog.
- Eric Francis of Canoe Sports: There is a chance that the Calgary Flames will not be able to afford Eric Nystrom, who’ll be looking for a raise from his $775,000 salary. The New York Islanders are a possible destination, as his dad, Bob Nystrom, was a huge part of the organization in the 80′s. It also looks like the Flames will not be able to afford Ian White, who could receive an arbitration award of around $3.5 million. If he does go to arbitration, the Flames will have to accept it, and look to trade him. Would this be more mis-management by the Flames? I think so. I’m still scratching my head over the 4 year, $14 million extension 3rd line center, Flames #1 center Matt Stajan received. One other option I think the Flames may also look at, is dealing Robyn Regehr for some much needed scoring help, preferably someone young and cheap. If they could save a few million on a Regehr deal, they could at least keep White.
- Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have 15 regulars signed for season with a cap hit of about $46 million, which includes 9 forwards, 5 Dmen and Roberto Luongo. That leaves about $10 million to fill out the rest of their roster. Willie Mitchell may be too expensive to bring back, and at 33 and his injury history, he might not be worth it. Also headed for free agency potentially are Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, and Andrew Raycroft. RFA Mason Raymond will need to be re-signed. The Canucks need to add a top 6 defenseman and Gillis could make a pitch for Anton Volchenkov or a Dan Hamhuis, but both would be costly. Other defensive free agents that might interest the Canucks are Paul Martin, Dennis Seidenberg, Henrik Tallinder, Zbynek Michalek, Derek Morris, Carlo Colaiacovo, Joe Corvo, Shaone Morrisonn, Mark Eaton, Scott Niedermayer and Sergei Gonchar. Canucks RFAs this year are: Mason Raymond, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Rome, Tanner Glass, Jannik Hansen, and Cory Schneider. 2010 Unrestricted Free Agent list.
- Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: With the Canucks having $10-11 million to spend on roughly 6 players, they could promote some within. If Cory Schneider is re-signed and not traded, he should be the backup. Cody Hodgson should be ready to make the jump, and fill a vacant center position. Jordan Schroeder and Sergei Shirokov are 2 others who could work their way into the lineup. They have plenty of wingers, which could be used as trade bait for a defenseman.
- George Malik of MLive: Brad May might retire from hockey unless he can play in Toronto and be close to his family. It’s unlikely the Maple Leafs will want to sign him (as they didn’t re-sign him last off-season), but he could play or maybe even a player-coach (‘player-coach’ was my own 2-cents, not Malik’s) for the AHL Toronto Marlies.
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators may not be looking to bring in much from the free agent market, and could look to promote from within.
Salo out indefinitely … Will the Sens let Volchenkov walk? Detroit’s options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2010
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Guys, hold you breath … Sami Salo left night’s game, and is out indefinitely with a suspected ruptured testicle.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings could have a similar look next season. Some teammates and front office people think the Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season, and the hope is that he’ll do it closer to $6 million rather than his 2009-10 salary of $7.45 million. Tomas Holstrom should receive a contract, and Todd Bertuzzi could get one as well. RFA’s Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller should be getting offers as well.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Warren thinks the Ottawa Senators should not bring back Anton Volchenkov next season. Volchenkov already turned down a contract extension and could be looking at a deal in the 5 year, $22.5 million. If he was to take around $3.5 million, that would be okay, but it sounds like he’s looking for the big payday. The Sens may be willing to let him go.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: One area the Red Wings may look to improve this off-season is the supporting cast, and overall depth. They could use some toughness, and some extra scoring. They lost a lot of goals before this past year. They probably won’t have the cash to add a big scorer, though there really isn’t much on the free agent list. The Wings could also look at moving Chris Osgood, if another team feels he could be a #1 goalie still, even though he’s 37 years old.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The NY Rangers will look at bringing in a backup goalie, with Martin Biron and Johan Hedberg apparently at the top of Glen Sather’s wish list.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues don’t appear to be in a rush to make contract offers to RFAs David Perron and Erik Johnson, talks with both are just beginning . Johnson is not eligible to receive an offer sheet since he missed a year of service with a knee injury. Perron is eligible to receive an offer sheet, and the Blues as an organization are okay with having their RFAs pass the July 1st date if they are not ready to meet the contract demands. Doug Armstrong will be taking over as team GM Larry Pleau on July 1st, and will handling contract negotiations before that. Erik Johnson was the 1st overall pick back in 2008, and will probably be looking for a big deal.
Kings to go after Kovalchuk or Marleau? Canadiens defense for Game 6 …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on May 9th, 2010
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Maclean, LeBrun, Healy, and Mad Mike discuss the Phoenix situation, LA to go after Kovalchuk
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Los Angeles Kings plan A this off-season is to attempt to sign Ilya Kovalchuk, with plan B being Patrick Marleau if he isn’t re-signed by the Sharks. If the Kings miss out on both, they’ll look to bring in forward(s) through trade. The have plenty of assest and some extra cap room. Rumors are that Kovalchuk could get a $12 million offer from the KHL. Anton Volchenkov and Alexander Frolov are also expected to get offers from the KHL. Contract talks between Bobby Ryan’s camp and the Anaheim Ducks have started up this past week, and they are also considering moving Ryan to center. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer are still undecided if they are going to play next season or not. Niedermayer is expected to decide by the Draft.
- The Globe and Mail: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill will be evaluated today after have the back of his leg accidently stepped on by Chris Kunitz in the 3rd period of last nights game. He did skate off by himself, but did not return.
- Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The Canadiens are trying to find a knee brace for Andre Markov, who is out with a torn ACL, that would allow him to play in Game 6. Gauthier would not comment on the situation.
- The Ottawa Sun: Results from a fan survey involving the Ottawa Senators. 92% want Jonathan Cheechoo gone, 71% would like to get rid of Alex Kovalev. 75% think the Sens should trade Brian Lee while they can. 44% think they should trade Jason Spezza. 74% of fans think they should keep Brian Elliot and 52% think Pascal Leclaire should be dealt.
Colorado Defenseman Outlook … Lightning not good for Yzerman? Hamhuis a good fit in Minnesota
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 3rd, 2010
- John Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson doesn’t think Steve Yzerman will take the Tampa Bay Lightning GM job, as they are “set up to fail”. The Oilers should go after Dustin Byfuglien and his $3 million contract. They have 2 2nd round picks this year and prospect Riley Nash, that could be used in some sort of package. The Blackhawks will be looking to dump some salary this off-season.
- John Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Raffi Torres’ probably won’t be getting the nice contract he’d hoped for, as he was inconsistent with Buffalo down the stretch and was a healthy scratch in their final playoff game. The Predators will look to re-sign Patrick Hornqvist but probably won’t have the money for Dan Hamhuis. Hamhuis would be a great fit in Minnesota. Zbynek Michalek may look to join his brother Milan in Ottawa. Tom Poti, after taking a puck in the face in game 6 of the Cap-Canadiens series, required 4 plates to repair the damage. The Capitals probably won’t bring back Jose Theodore, Brendan Morrison and Shaone Morrisonn. They may also look at trading Tomas Fleischman, who despite a 51 point season, was a healthy scratch in the game the Caps were eliminated.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks Molinari of the possibility of the Pittsburgh Penguins going after Anton Volchenkov. Molinari thinks it would have to depend on what the Penguins want to do with Sergei Gonchar, Jordan Leopold, Mark Eaton, and Jay McKee. If they don’t want to pay Gonchar the big money, it could be a possibility.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: The Colorado Avalanche defensive corps outlook for next season. Ruslan Salei and Brett Clark’s combined $6.5 million salaries are most likley both gone. The 39-year old Adam Foote’s 2 year deal expires, but he could be back on a salary that is maybe less than the $3 million cap hit he had this year. They’d like to move John-Michael Liles but he has 2 years and $8.4 million left. Scott Hannan is at $4.5 million and would be hard to move at that number. Kyle Comiskey is at a friendly $600,000 so he will most likely be back. They will look to re-signing Kyle Quincey. They will mostly likely have a top 6 of Foot, Quincey, Liles, Cuminskey, and Ryan Wilson. Defensive prospects are Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen, Tyson Barrie, Stefan Elliott and Cameron Gaunce.
Marleau Should be Good for Game 2 … Predators, Devils, Senators, and Red Wings Off-Season Decisions
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 1st, 2010
- Gary Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News: Surprise game 1 scratch, Patrick Marleau, should be feeling better, and ready to return for game 2 on Sunday. Marleau was taken out of the line just before game one with ‘flu-like’ symptoms.
- Iaian MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks leading playoff scorer, Mikael Samuelsson, missed practiced yesterday with a sore back, but it’s not expected to keep him out of the line up for game 1.
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: Predators forward JP Dumont had his ice cut this season by 2:43, which isn’t sitting well with Dumont, and he wants to talk to coach Barry Trotz about it. If Dumont leaves the meeting unhappy, it may lead to him willing to waive his no-movement clause. GM David Poile thinks he has a reasonable chance to re-sign defenseman Dan Hamhuis. They spoke last week, and plan to do so again in the near future. Denis Grebeshkov future with the club may hinge on how the Hamhuis pans out. Dan Ellis most likely won’t be back with the Predators, as he’s going to see what the open market brings him.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: The Devils will have to decide soon if they are going to send offers to Paul Martin and Ilya Kovalchuk. Because the Devils lost in the 1st round, they won’t make any money this season, but that won’t play a part in their (owers and Lou’s) decision to bring back Martin and Kovalchuk or not. The coaching search will take more shape during the next couple weeks. I’m sure they’ll want to have someone in place before the draft in June.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: GM Bryan Murray and coach Cory Clouston received votes of confidence from Ottawa Senators owner, Eugene Melnyk. Melnyk will be sitting down with both for reviews, and thinks some tinkering might need to be done with the team. When asked about Jason Spezza and his no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1st, the decision on how to precede with that will be in the hands of Murray. The Sens will spend up to the salary cap next season which is rumored to be slightly above this seasons $56.7 million. They already have $49 million committed for 17 players. Anton Volchenkov turned down a 5 year, $20 million contract before the Olympics, and is looking for something between $4.5-5 million a season. The Senators didn’t make any money this season, they needed to reach the second round to do so.
- George Malik of MLive: Off-season decisions involving the Detroit Red Wings … Trying to re-sign Nicklas Lidstrom, hopefully at a discount. Re-signing UFAs Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, and Andreas Lilja. Deciding if they want to bring back any of (not likely); Kirk maltby, Jason Williams, Brett Lebda, Brad May andn Doug Janik. Attempting to re-sign; Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller, Patrick Eaves, Darren Helm, Daniel Larsson, Sergei Kolosov, and Mattias Ritola. Do they send qualifying offers to Derek Meech, Ville Leino, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Johan Ryno?
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steve Yzerman has been mentioned as one of the leading candidates to become the Lightning’s next GM, but Scotty Bowman would be surprised if he’d leave the Red Wings organization. Yzerman was been with the Wings for 27 years, and Bowman thinks he could be moving up the organization.
Changes Coming in LA and Buffalo … Devils Coaching Options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on April 28th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times: The LA Kings have 9 free agents to deal with this off-seaosn, 6 UFAs and 3 RFAs, and there is a chance at all 6 UFAs won’t be back. Alexander Frolov could be looking for $5 million a year, not likely getting that in LA, or maybe from anyone else in the NHL. Freddie Modin wasn’t very productive since being acquired at the deadline. Jeff Halpren didn’t have much success either. Poor defensive play since December injury, and coming off a $3 million contract may have paved the wayRandy Jones to move on. The game may be getting too quick for Sean O’Donnell. Raitis Ivanans may not be worth the roster spot anymore. Their 3 restricted free agents, Brad Richardson, Scott Parse, and Rich Clune, all made under $600,000 and wouldn’t be getting big raises, so they might be back.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza’s no movement clause starts on July 1st, and fans are starting to hope that he’s traded. But fans may not get their wish as both he, and the Sens would like to have him wearing a Senators uniform next season.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Anton Volchenkov’s starting point will be Mike Komisarek’s 5 year, $22.5 million, and someone will give that or more. Friedman thinks Halak won’t re-sign in Montreal unless it’s for a boat load of cash. Wherever Carey Price ends up next year, he needs a veteran goalie to mentor him. Doug Risebrough is in the running for the Lightning GM job, and could be a candidate for San Jose if the organization goes in a different direction. The Lightning’s new GM will decide the fate of Vinny Lecavalier, new owner Jeffrey Vinik might be open to keeping him.
- Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: Changes could be coming with the Buffalo Sabres, GM Darcy Regier and coach Lindy Ruff could be on the hotseat. Tim Connolly, Jason Pominville, Derek Roy underacheived. Trade deadline acquisition Raffi Torres was a scratch for their elimination game. The team in general is on the small side, without the physical side that you need in the playoffs.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils will be searching for a new coach at Lemaire retired after one year. Brooks thinks the Devils should look inhouse and promote their AHL coach and long time Devil, John MacLean. Other candidates could be Ken Hitchcock, Bob Hartley, and Mike Keenan.
Anton Volchenkov leaving Ottawa?
Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2010
Anton Volchenkov will be a UFA this summer and with Ottawa looking like they will be heading into a re-building phase, his days in the nations capital might be numbered.
According to TSN…. “Anton Volchenkov, Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
The Ottawa Senators would love to keep all three, but sources say that possibility only exists if all three are willing to leave money on the table to stay.
In Volchenkov’s case, NHL general managers are waiting for free agency with tongues wagging.
The 28-year old shutdown defenseman is regarded as one of the toughest men in the league. Volchenkov consistently plays a remarkably hard and very clean game – earning just 38 penalty minutes during the regular season.
A shot-blocking machine, Volchenkov has recorded 1023 blocked shots in the regular season since the NHL starting keeping track of the statistic in 2005-2006. That’s 124 more than his closest rival, Brett Clark of Colorado.” (Source:TSN)
The loss of Volchenkov would be huge for the Sens but this is the reality of the new NHL. All the pieces need to fit together at just the right moment in time, and that time has passed for the likes of Daniel Alfredsson and company.
Leafs Close Could be Close to Cap Next Year … Ice Edge Pulling Offer for Coyotes? Blue Jackets to Interview for Head Coaching Position … Kovalev Hurt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2010
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t worried about the Leafs cap situation for next season. “I’m not worried about (the cap),” general manager Brian Burke said. “We’re not shackled here. I don’t think we’re handcuffed. If I thought we were handcuffed, I’d tell you that.” If the Leafs go into next season with the same roster, and add Nazem Kadri, their cap number is about $51.55 million. About $55.55 million after resigning RFA Jonas Gustavsson and Nikolai Kulemin. Options they have to free up some money are demoting Jeff Finger to the minors, and/or listening to offers for Mike Komisarek or Francois Beauchemin. Tomas Kaberle is also a trade option.
- Toronto Sun: Ice Edge Holdings is considering pulling its offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, as talks with the city of Glendale aren’t going well.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks that Martin Biron would be a good back up candidate for either the Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price next year for the Canadiens.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A reader asks Mike of possible defensemen targets for the Dallas Stars this off-season through free agency or trade. Heika lists some possibilities as: Sergei Gonchar, Pavel Kubina, Kim Johnsson, Paul Martin, Derek Morris, Willie Mitchell, Anton Volchenkov and Dan Hamhuis.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Could be plenty of trades at the Draft this year according to a half dozen GM’s.
- Aaron Portzline of hte Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel has had some success since he took over for Ken Hitchcock, leading them to a 10-9-5 record down the stretch, but that doesn’t garantee him the coaching gig for next year. GM Scott Howson will interview at least 6 to 8 other candidates, including Noel. On the list could be Kevin Dineen (Portland AHL), Paul MacLean (Det. asst.), Brent Peterson (Nash. asst.), Kevin McCarthy (Phil. asst.), Scott Steven (NJ asst.), Jim Playfair, Craig MacTavish, Guy Boucher (Hamilton AHL) and Bob Boughner (Windsor OHL).
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators may have lost Alex Kovalev for an indefinite period of time. Kovalev was helped off the ice in the second period with an injured left leg. Kovalev was unable to put any weight on his leg, more should be known today.
- Hockey Roundtable Podcast from the Globe and Mail: End of the line for Sather in NY and MVP talk. (How Sather is still there boogles my mind).
- Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers needed to kick start the rebuiding process hard this summer, and if they don`t, it would be a disappointment. Barnes lists the following players that could be on their way out: Charles Linglet, Dean Arsene, Aaron Johnson, Marc Pouliot, Patrick O’Sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Robert Nilsson, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Potulny, Ryan Jones, Ethan Moreau and Sheldon Souray.
Garrioch Rumors Update .. The Cost of Shot-Blocking, Stay-at-Dman is in $4 Million Range … Summit Series Anniversary Matchup?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 14th, 2010
- With Antti Niemi taking over the starting job from Cristobal Huet, and with a raise he’ll be getting this off-season, the ‘Hawks may bury Huet and his $5.625 in minors or buy him out.
- The price for shot-blocking stay-at-home bluelines, Zbynek Michalek (Pho.), and Anton Volchenkov (Ott) could be in the $4-4.5 million range. Michalek will most likely have out priced himself in Phoenix. Volchenkov and the Senators are hoping to work something out.
- The Ducks asked Teemu Selanne if he wanted to go anywhere at the trade deadline, he wanted to say. The Kings called about him.
- After July 1st, the Bruins can talk to Zdeno Chara about a contract extension. He’ll be a UFA in 2011, and currently carries a $7.5 cap hit.
- Sheldon Souray’s no-movement clause expires on July 1st, and Oilers will work hard to move him. He’d prefer the west coast to be closer to his family. The New York Rangers will most likely make a pitch.
- The Canadiens didn’t want to move Jaroslav Halak at the deadline but may look deal him before the NHL Draft.
- Contract talks between the Penguins and Sergei Gonchar are not going well. He could hit the open market and get in the $6-7 million range, the Pens were hoping for a hometown discount.
- Jaromir Jagr is still a possibility for the Oilers next year, and the Rangers would like to get him back …. “But some believe it’s a risky move. “I just don’t know about Jagr. I understand why (the Oilers) want to make the move, I’m just not sure they should do it. I’m not sure if there is any gas left in that tank,” said one league executive”
Some Free Agent Rumors, as well as some Injury News
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 10th, 2010
Some Trades That Didn’t Happen at the Deadline
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 5th, 2010
- The Flyers, Canucks, Capitals and Ducks all talked to the Maple Leafs about Tomas Kaberle. Burke was looking for a 1st round pick, a mid-round pick, and a top prospect. The Flyers would have had to convince one of Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, or Simon Gagne to waive their no movement clause to fit Kaberle in. The Maple Leafs will most likely look to move Kaberle in the summer when his no trade clause doesn’t apply.
- The Islanders weren’t sure of the health of Rick DiPietro (shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone), so they decided to hold on to Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. The Blackhawks, Flyers and Capitals all inquired.
- Ray Whitney refused to waive his no trade clause without getting a contract extension of 3 years and $10.5 million. He could re-sign with the Hurricanes.
- The Bruins were interested in bringing in Wojtek Wolski, but didn’t have the have the young prospect to send the other way.
- The Capitals inquired about Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov, but the Sens want to make a strong playoff push.
- The Canucks called about Raffi Torres, but he went to the Sabres.
- The Panthers tried to trade Tomas Vokoun but couldn’t get the return they wanted. They will most likely try to deal him at the Draft, and the Capitals might be interested. They could offer Karl Alzner in a package.
- 10 teams called the Predators about Dan Hamhuis, but Preds GM David Poile wouldn’t lower his 2nd round pick and a top prospect demand.
Around the Boards: Lecavalier to Rangers? Flames interested in Armstrong, Tanguay?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 17th, 2010
- Vincent Lecavalier to the New York Rangers trade rumors are back. Rumored package; D Matt Gilroy, D Wade Redden and either C Brandon Dubinsky or RW Ryan Callahan. I bet Lightning fans would be excited about the unacheiving, over-paid Redden.
- The Calgary Flames could be interested in winger Colby Armstrong if he becomes available.
- Sergei Gonchar could become trade bait if he isn’t re-signed.
- Whispers that Chicago is still considering a move for a goalie. Available goalies are Halak, Biron, Giguere, and maybe Roloson. Trade names out of Chicago to get under next years cap are Versteeg, Sharp, Barker and Huet.
- The Capitals are the front runners for Kovalchuk.
- The Senators, Rangers, Lightning, and Stars are interested in Sykora.
- LeBrun believes the Rangers could have an interest in Sheldon Souray, but would need to get rid of the contracts of either Michal Rozsival or Wade Redden. I don’t see it as an easy feet to get rid of either one of those contracts, plus Souray has a no-trade clause and his family is out in LA, so he might not even want to go there.
- The Penguins are close to re-signing Kris Letang or Sergei Gonchar.
- The Predators will only be re-signing one of their goalies for next year. My bet would be on Rinne.
- Senators GM, Bryan Murray, is hoping to hold contract talks this week with Dman Anton Volcheckov.
- Marty Turco could be on the move at the trade deadline. The Dallas Stars have talked to Montreal about Jaroslav Halak as their goalie of the future
Around the Boards: Oilers to be had, Hagman trade bait? Bruins looking for scoring? Khabibulin to have surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2010
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Answers from Matheson’s Q&A. Fernando Pisani may be the easiest to move for picks. Ethan Moreau and Steve Staios could also go for draft picks. Maybe one of either Sheldon Souray ($5.4 million) or Lubomir Visnovsky ($5.6 million); and maybe one of either Tom Gilbert or Denis Grebeshkov. Patrick O’Sullivan and Andrew Cogliano might also draw some interest. He lists the untouchables as: Dustin Penner, Ales Hemsky, Ladislav Smid, Brule, Sam Gagner, Zack Stortini, Shawn Horcoff, J.F. Jacques and prospects Taylor Chorney, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Anton Lander or Jeff Petry.
- TheFouthPeriod.com: Teams are keeping an eye on Maple Leafs winger Niklas Hagman. Toronto may be inclined to keep him and his $3 million salary (2 more years), but his value on the trade market would be higher than a Stajan, or Stempniak.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM, Peter Chiarelli, has been working the phones of late, but nothing is close at the moment. The Bruins have had trouble scoring lately, and will be without Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron for at least a couple weeks.
- Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens have roughly $44.8 million tied up next year for 13 players. They should be able to re-sign 2 of the 3, Plekanec, Price and Halak, but will still have some work to do to fill out their roster under the cap. Glen Metropolit, Paul Mara, and Marc-Andre Bergeron most likely won’t be brought back.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators and UFA defenceman Anton Volchenkov haven’t had any talks yet, but Volchenkov’s agent is sure they will.
Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to have surgery to repair a hernated disc.
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