Posts Tagged Antti Niemi
Kozlov to KHL … 3 NHL caliber goalies in SJ … Fehr wants $7.5 mill through 2012 … More on Staal, Savard and Maltby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 3rd, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Slava Kozlov will be playing in the KHL this season, hasn’t decided on which team yet.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Fehr’s price tag for being the NHLPA executive director is $7.5 million through 2012, players start to “hmm and haw”.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks now have 3 NHL caliber goalies after signing Antti Niemi. Antero Niittymaki (signed this off-season for $2 million a year, 2 years) and Thomas Greiss were expected to battle for the starting position before the Niemi signing. Niittymaki doesn’t feel that concerned, but Greiss was more disappointed, as he’s probably the #3 goalie now. Greiss has talked to GM Doug Wilson about the situation, which might involve a change of scenery.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Antti Niemi’s agent said that he had “four or five offers” before he decided to sign with the Sharks.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jordan Staal’s infection in his right foot will keep him out for the beginning of training camp, the team is hopeful he’ll be ready for their Oct. 7th season opener.
- Steve Zipay of Newsday: Speculation, not a rumor. The Bruins could send Marc Savard to the Rangers for possibly Matt Gilroy, Sean Avery and a 2nd round pick.
- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland met with Kirk Maltby on Wednesday, and is waiting to hear back from him. Maltby would have to earn a spot on the roster, and it might take an injury or 2 to get a spot.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: RFA Chris Stewart signed a 2 year contract worth $5.75 million, $2.5 million this year, $3.25 million next year. Peter Mueller still remains unsigned by the Avalanche. The Avs currently sit $950,000 below the cap floor.
Niemi to sign with Sharks … Guerin skating with some Flyers, mutual interest?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on September 1st, 2010
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Source told Kypreos that Antti Niemi will be signing with the San Jose Sharks, possibly tomorrow. Could be 1 year at $2 million base.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Bill Guerin tells CSNPhilly that he hopes to get a tryout offer from the Flyers. GM says Guerin asked to skate/workout, agent hasn’t asked about contract or tryout.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Guerin skated with some Flyers who are in town for camp. Flyers have interested in signing him.
Kovalchuk decision today … New player in Phoenix ownership … Niemi close to new home
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 31st, 2010
- Tom Gulitti of the Record: The NHL spent Monday reviewing Ilya Kovalchuk’s 15 year, $100 million contract, with an announcement likely coming today. It is not known if the league has already let the Devils know their decision, before it would released to the public. The NHL must rule before 5:00 pm on Wednesday or the contract would deemed approved and registered. According to tweets by Nick Kypreos, Kovalchuk would be paid $90 million over the first 10 seasons, and $10 million over the last 5. In the last year of the deal he is scheduled to have a base salary of $4 million, with the average salary over the final 3 seasons being $2.6 million.
- Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal: An undisclosed wealthy person is interested in purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes from the NHL, and keeping the team in Glendale. Details are limited, but could be made public soon, they have asked to keep the negotiations private. The Ice Edge Holdings group have taken a backseat and they have been focusing on bringing an ECHL team to Thunder Bay, Ontario. If a deal is not in place by December 31st to keep the team Phoenix, they will look to sell the team to someone, and move them Canada.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Bill Guerin is trying to get a contract with the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: According to a source of Murphy, the Bruins are still “actively shopping” Marc Savard. His contract investigations have hampered talks. The Bruins are still over the salary cap ceiling and need to get under before the start of the season.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli originally told Steve Begin that they wouldn’t be bringing him back, but according to Begin they are still interested, but currently sit $3 million over the cap. Begin told RDS that the Bruins are trying to do some things, but the market is slow.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: Source telling Rogers that Antti Niemi is close to deciding where he’ll play next season, with a decision possibly coming in the next 48 hours. He has offers from multiple teams.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke says there is some progress being made with RFA, Christian Hanson, and he expects it to be done by training camp.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: According to RDS, Andre Markov is back skating. Markov had off-season knee surgery.
- Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas: There is still no decision by Jere Lehtinen on if he’ll play next season, but according to a Finnish paper, Lehtinen is giving serious consideration into not playing next season. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said that he hasn’t been working out as much as he normally does when preparing for the season.
Kovalchuk’s agent calls KHL … Why Mitchell didn’t sign with the Sharks, Canucks … Fehr in as NHLPA leader?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 26th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: According to @plysenkov and their mutual sources, the league is looking for a 13 year contract for Kovalchuk.
- Craig Custance via twitter: KHL president Alexander Medvedev said that he received a call from Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk’s agent, and he remains hopeful that the KHL is still an option.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Medvedev is still hopeful that his club, SKA St. Petersberg can sign Kovalchuk. “Ilya knows that our proposal is still on the table,” Medvedev said. “Actually, I got a call from his agent. I will call (him back) after I finishing the discussion with you.” Gary Bettman said yesterday that the NHL did not reject a second contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk (reports were that the ‘framework’ had been rejected). Bill Daly said he thinks that Kovalchuk will stay but league will stand by their rejection of the contract even if Kovalchuk leaves for Russia.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars and Nicklas Grossman are close on a 2 year deal around $2 million a season.
- David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks, and at least 2 other teams were unwilling to offer Willie Mitchell a multi-year deal, money wasn’t the issue. A front-office source says the Sharks won’t be bringing back Owen Nolan. Sources also tell Pollack that the team isn’t interested in Antti Niemi.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: With the Canucks over the salary cap by around $3 million, they couldn’t offer Mitchell a lot. They were offered him a one-year deal in the $1.8-$2 million range.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources are saying that Donald Fehr will be taking over as the executive director of the NHLPA. Fehr stepped down from the MLBPA last year, and has been link to the NHLPA for months. The NHL 30 player reps will put it to a vote, which may not be completed until after the season starts.
NHL STILL investigating contracts … Panthers intereted in Niemi? Wellwood and Morrison still looking for contracts … Kaberle’s dad has some things to say
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 19th, 2010
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Deputy Commission Bill Daly confirmed they are still investigating the contracts of Chris Pronger, Marcel Hossa, Roberto Luongo and Marc Savard.
“If there was a determination that there was circumvention there are a whole host of alternatives in terms of how we approach it and a whole host of remedies in terms of what can be ordered,” Daly told NHL.com. “De-registration of the contract is one potential remedy, but it’s not the only one. I don’t want to get into hypotheticals. The investigations aren’t complete, and we haven’t made any determinations as to how we proceed with respect to those.”
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon on Antti Niemi, “Do I have interest in him? We have any player with his history, that is a champion. We’re open for business 24-7.”
- Chris Johnston via twitter: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has said he’s confident that he’ll be able to sign RFA James Neal soon.
- George Malik of MLive: Andreas Lilja is considering playing next season in the Swedish League, but he’s in discussion with a couple NHL teams.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Kyle Wellwood is getting little interest. Wellwood’s fate with the Canucks was sealed when they signed Manny Malhotra. He remains confident that he’ll be in the NHL, but hasn’t ruled out Europe. Brendan Morrison is also looking for an NHL contract, but Europe is not an option.
- Pension Plan Puppets: Offers a translation of Tomas Kaberle’s dad from a Czech website. “I think that during the course of the year he will be traded to another club. There is just only one chance for Toronto, how to get something back in return for Tomas. In my opinion, I can’t see Tomas entering a new contract with the club. No, not if Ron Wilson will continue to be employed in the future,” says Kaberle senior.
Mitchell and Bieksa rumors … Could Chara get 10 years? Blues interested in Sweatt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 17th, 2010
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Willie Mitchell has worked out for the Kings, Sharks, and Canucks. Capitals next. No confirmation on LA offer.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: No hometown discount for Mitchell and the Canucks, especially if the Kings may be offering a 2 year deal.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis would like to keep Mitchell, and he’d like to stay, but he may not get the best deal from Vancouver.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika is asked about the possibility of the Stars going after Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa will make $3.75 million this season, and the Canucks are close to the cap and may not want to take much salary back. The Stars are on a tight internal budget and it might not fit well, plus he’d on the last year of his deal. They would have up a good young prospect for him.
- Sports-Express: Alexander Shapiro is reporting that the Devils have offered Ilya Kovalchuk a contract for over 10 years. It could clear up in the next few days.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Kovalchuk contract rejection (and other investigations) could impact the contract extension for Zdeno Chara. The 33-year old Chara will be a free agent after this season, and given his dedication to fitness, it wouldn’t be a shock if he were able to sign a 10-year contract and play until he’s 43. A 10-year deal could be cap friendly with not a huge drop off at the end. Would the NHL go for it? The 2 sides have talked, and would like to get something done before the season, but it isn’t a necessity. The Flyers, Sharks and Capitals could be interested in Antti Niemi.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues interested in Bill Sweatt but won’t be meeting this week.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: As of mid yesterday afternoon, Penguins hadn’t connected Bill Sweatt.
- Andreas Liden of St.ru: Freddy Modin is heading back to his Columbus home, is still looking for a new team to play for this year.
Audio on Kaberle … Free agent news from around the league
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 16th, 2010
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The idea the the St. Louis Blues were going to trade David Backes was laughable.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues had said for weeks that Kaberle never made sense since he could walk away at the end of the year.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: Kaberle was willing to sign a long term contract if he was traded to a city he liked, but no one asked.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Responding to Simmons …. Only if right city. Kaberle’s agent has said of his desire to stay in the Eastern Conference.
- Damien Cox on the Fan 590: Audio on the non-trade and what the future holds for the Leafs.
- Doug MacLean on the Fan 590: Audio, talking Leafs and the non-trade of Kaberle.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Some agents are saying that many of the established veterans may not be signing anywhere until mid-to-late September. Teams are looking for younger, cheaper 3rd-4th liners. They don’t have any cap space, but the Bruins are looking at veteran free agent wingers. They’re keeping in touch with Bill Guerin and Miro Satan. Raffi Torres has drawn minimal interest and may have to settle for a 1 year deal around $800,000 to low $1 million. Willie Mitchell in talks with 5 teams; Kings, Sharks, Lightning, Capitals and Canucks. The Anaheim Ducks are looking for a defenseman before turning their attention to Paul Kariya. Ruslan Fedotenko has received an invite to Islanders training camp, the Wild may also be interested. Slava Kozlov wants to go to a contender but not getting a lot of interest, KHL is option but not being pursued at the moment. A couple of teams have called about Jeff Halpren, but he’s yet to receive an offer.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: The Islanders are not interested in Antti Niemi, disputing some reports.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Thinks the only logical spot for Niemi is San Joseba possibly the Capitals if they are not sold on their two young goalies.
Kaberle D-Day … Canucks have offer for Bieksa … 4-5 teams interested in Mitchell
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 15th, 2010
Back from a weekend of camping, catching up on things, some quick rumor hits for this afternoon. Kaberle deadline at midnight.
- TSN: Burke As of Sunday Morning, “If these offers are all we get…he’s staying put,”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: “I’d say there are three or four legitimate offers we needed to discuss,” Burke told the Toronto Sun. “There’s nothing worth taking — yet. If we end up with Kaberle (whose no-trade clause expires at midnight) that’s fine with me.” Tonight is also the deadline for the Leafs to sign Bill Sweatt before he becomes a UFA. Burke pulled their offer off the table weeks ago, and according to his agent, Sweatt never said no to the deal.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Burke talking players/prospects, not top-6 for Kaberle.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Joe Nieuwendyk says the Stars are not trying to trade for Kaberle today.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets could still be in on Kaberle.
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: The Ducks aren’t in on Kaberle.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Sharks have offered Derek Joslin and a 1st to Canucks for Kevin Bieksa. Not in on Kaberle.
- Dan Murphy (Sportsnet) via twitter: Willie Mitchell seen in LA with ‘Kings brass’.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Canucks still in on Willie Mitchell. LA and 3 other clubs interested.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Rumor that Sharks might offer LW Jamie McGinn or C Logan Couture for Bieksa. Ribeiro has been offered to every team in the league. Would have to offer more than Ribeiro for Kaberle. Tampa doesn’t want to trade LWer Ryan Malone, a player Burke may covet. Marc Savard hurt by all the rumors this summer. The Panthers, Capitals, Flyers, and Sharks are believed to have some interest in Antti Niemi.
- Daniel Tolenskyvia twitter: Stars have 3 key RFAs still unsigned, ownership uncertainty, so they are probably not trade candidates unless it’s a salary dump. (They’ve been looking to shed Mike Ribeiro and his $5 million salary through 2012-13).
Afinogenov to KHL … Where could Niemi end up? Mitchell taking physicals … “Nothing to report” on Kariya to Anaheim
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maxim Afinogenov will be signing a 5 year deal with SKA of the KHL.
- Adam Proteau of the Hockey News via twitter: The rumors that the Montreal Canadiens are chasing Antti Niemi are “ludicrous”.
- Noah Love of the National Post: Love offers a few guesses as to where Niemi could end up: Colorado, Washington, NY Islanders, Dallas, and Edmonton. Teams with cap issues that could use Niemi: Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ottawa, Montreal, and Chicago.
- Dan Tencer (Edmonton Radio) via twitter: “Asking McGuire about Souray…he interrupts and says: “I’ve been trying to warn you for 3 years that there’s no market for that player!”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Willie Mitchell has taken physicals for a few teams. He could sign soon, and the deal could include performance bonuses because of the injuries he’s dealt with in the past. Russo thinks he could get a 1 year deal worth between $1-1.5 million plus bonuses. It won’t be to Minnesota. Washington and San Jose are possibilities. He’s met with Vancouver already.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Paul Kariya’s agent says there’s “nothing to report” when talking about the rumors of Kariya returning to Anaheim.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been progressing very good from his concussion issues.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg will be skating with MoDo, testing out injured foot once again. The Flyers, Rangers, Washington and Colorado could be interested teams if he attempts an NHL comeback.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: So it’s safe to say that Cristobal Huet won’t be back the Blackhawks next season. His agent is working hard to keep him in the NHL, and not in the minors or Europe/KHL, which will be extremely hard. He’s working with the ‘Hawks to find a “reasonable destination” for Huet. Europe seems the most likely landing spot, with Hawks paying his full salary (won’t count against the cap).
Sharks interested in Niemi? Preds may not be talking to Theodore … Price-Canadiens talks are slow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 5th, 2010
- Gary Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News: Could the San Jose Sharks be interested in Antti Niemi? The Sharks have about $4 million in cap space, with 2 goalies under contract. Are Antero Niittymaki (2 years and $4 million) and Thomas Greiss good enough to take the Sharks to the finals?
- Jim Diamond of National Predators Examiner: As of Tuesday night, Predators GM David Poile said he’s fine with heading in to the season with Pekka Rinne and any one of his 4 goalie prospects who have never played an NHL game. Poile didn’t rule out looking for a more experienced goalie. Though the odds of signing him aren’t good, Poile said of Niemi, “We could call and see what he would be interested in, if there would be a fit.” Poile said (as of Tuesday night) that he has not talked to Jose Theodore. (It was rumored on Tuesday that they were talking, 1 year, $1.5 million.) The Preds still have RFA’s Patric Hornqvist and Cody Franson that they want to sign. Those negotiations are still a work in progress, Poile will talk to their agents late this week or early next week.
- Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: Carey Price’s contact talks with the Canadiens are moving along at a slow pace, which is “relatively normal” according to his agent. The two sides are not close, but both sides are commited to getting a deal done. Price is looking for a short deal, a year or two.
- Randy Youngan of the OC Register: Ducks GM Bob Murray has been rebuilding their defense. The team was 29th in blocked shots and shots allowed. Four starters will be Visnovsky, Lydman, Sutton and Sheldon Brookbank. Murray hinted there could be another veteran Dman on the way. They have been rumored to be interested in Kevin Bieksa, and former Duck, Ruslan Salei wants to return. Murray did say they have 2 spots open for the young players.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Tim Thomas won’t get released by the Bruins, they’d like to trade him, might happen during the season.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Slava Kozlov is still hoping to play in the NHL, and is exploring options.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Former Oiler Ryan Potulny getting interest from the Blues and a few other teams.
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