Posts Tagged Atlanta Thrashers
Perry was almost traded to Oilers … Injury notes on Spacek, Lecavalier, Clowe, Green, Hamhuis, Miller, Havlat and 3 Senators
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 5th, 2011
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: In 2003-04, the Anaheim Ducks almost traded Corey Perry to the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks were prepared to send Perry and a 2004 1st round pick to the Oilers for center Mike Comrie. Comrie was holding out, and the Oilers were wanting Comrie to repay $2.5 million of his original signing bonus. When he didn’t repay the signing bonus, the deal fell through, and he was later traded to Philly. The Ducks used the 2004 1st round pick to select Ladislav Smid.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Roman Hamrlik, a UFA at season’s end, hinted that it could be his last year in a Canadiens uniform. After the media named him the “Jacques Beauchamp Trophy” winner (goes to the unsung hero), “I’ve been doing this a long and especially (since) this is my last year, it’s an honour.” … “I know I’ve been playing with lots of good players this season. You guys had a choice and it’s a big honour for me.” P.K. Subban and Jaroslav Spacek are the only defenseman under contract for next year. Hamrlik, Andrei Markov, James Wisniewski, Hal Gill, Brent Sopel and Paul Mara are all UFA’s.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Quote of the Year: Jaroslav Spacek on how he knew his March 4th knee surgery was a success, “I woke up with two knees and no big boobs.”A decision if he’ll play tonight won’t be made until a couple hours before the game.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe left last night’s game after 3 shifts with what coach Todd McLellan called a lower body tweak after the game. He was being evaluated after the game and more could be known today.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green and Tom Poti didn’t travel with the team to Toronto for tonight’s game. Green took part in full practice yesterday but didn’t take any contact. He hasn’t ruled out getting into a game before the playoffs start. Alex Semin had a maintenance day yesterday to help heal some nagging injuries. Boudreau said there is a “chance” he could miss 1 of the team’s 3 remaining games.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Taylor Hall was asked to join Team Canada for the World Championships, but won’t be good enough shape to go. Sense around New Jersey is that they will do all they can to re-sign Zach Parise, but will he want to stay?
- AP on NHL.com: Sabres goalie Ryan Miller took some shots yesterday at practice. He still thinks he’s day-to-day and hopes to play on Saturday against the Blue Jackets. Jhonas Enroth will start tonight against the Lightning.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Rangers forward Chris Drury is hoping to get back in the lineup for the playoffs.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Vincent Lecavalier said he will have no choice and will wear a visor when he returns. He may continue to wear it next year if he can adjust to it. TB Lightning via twitter: There was no structural damage to Lecavalier’s eye, and he’ll be a game time decision today.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said that Martin Havlat is doubtful to play in the final 3 games, as he has an upper body injury.
- Chris Vivalmore via twitter: Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom won’t travel with the team to Nashville and New York.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators winger Daniel Alfredsson and defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson are all done for the season.
- Ben Kuzman via twitter: Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (out with a concussion) skated on his own yesterday.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: It’s sounding like Oilers center Shawn Horcoff is done for the year after having a setback last week.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs will have about $15 million in salary cap space next season after they re-sign RFA’s Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, James Reimer, and Luke Schenn. The Leafs are more than one player away, so spending a lot money on Brad Richards may not be the right move. It’s unlikely the Leafs will trade some of their young talent for expensive veterans. If Richards (31) is looking for a 3 year deal, he might be a fit for the Leafs, but he’ll be looking for longer term. Paul Stastny, if made available, could be a player the Leafs would be interested in. Cox wonders if Burke could try to package his 2 1st round picks and a Kulemin or Gunnarson to move up in the draft and grab a top prospect (top 4), but that would tough.
Saturday morning free agent notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on April 2nd, 2011
Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun: Stevenson thinks with the Devils payroll situation, Zach Parise could get an offer sheet.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Andrew Ladd and the Atlanta Thrashers continue to talk contract. Both sides are “on the same page”, but he’s been more focused on trying to help the Thrashers get into the playoffs than on the contract.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Koshan thinks the Leafs should re-sign both Tim Brent and Darryl Boyce, both will be UFA at seasons end. Brent made $575,000 and Boyce $527,000. Koshan also thinks the Leafs should give Reimer a shot at the starting job next year, and not go after Ilya Bryzgalov. They might have look at bringing in an experience backup.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks forward Bobby Ryan will see how he feels at their morning skate today before determining if be in the lineup today or not against the Sharks. He injuryed his knee towards the end of Wednesday’s game against the Flames.
Wideman has hematoma … Pronger out till playoffs … Sid practices … Flames off-season options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 1st, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman is out indefinitely with a leg hematoma. Wideman was hit in the leg by Tuomo Ruutu on Tuesday, muscle damage appears limited.
Blood was drained from his leg to alleviate pressure, he’s been sending pictures to teammates. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks from a broken blood vessel, artery or capillary into tissue where it doesn’t belong, such as a muscle. It can result in compartment syndrome, which involves increased pressure in a muscle compartment that can lead to permanent muscle or nerve damage.
Mike Knuble said Wideman could be out 2 weeks or more. John Erskine left last night’s game and is day-to-day.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger’s broken right hand is not healing as fast as they thought, and he probably won’t get into another regular season game. They had hoped to get him into a game next week. Jody Shelley is healing quickly and could return next week. Brian Boucher is expected to start today against the Devils.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames quest for the playoffs this year are likely over. Ales Kotalik and Niklas Hagman are not likely to be back next year. Alex Tanguay and Curtis Glencross will be UFA’s at seasons end. If Glencross is looking for a 5 year deal, he may have to look elsewhere. Jarome Iginla has 2 more year left on his contract, and hasn’t given any indication he “wants to seek greener pastures.” Miikka Kiprusoff has 3 years left at a $5.833 cap hit, so he’s not that attractive to other teams, especially if they’d want a good return.Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Ales Kotalik was sent back to the minors yesterday afternoon. He has 1 more year left at $3 million. Daymond Langkow could play tonight, a year since he suffered broken vertebrae.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced with teammates yesterday. There is no timetable for his return, and GM Ray Shero doesn’t see that he’ll be given clearance to return before the end of the regular season.
“Whether you’re coming back from injury going into the playoffs or it’s the regular season, you’ve got to make sure that you’re healthy,” Crosby said. “It’s a matter for me of making sure that I’m healthy. If that takes two months, then it takes two months. If it doesn’t, great. I can’t really control that.
“I’ve just got to do the right things to try to feel good and get back to where I need to be. I’m not looking too far ahead at all. I’m just trying to look at these little opportunities as a good chance to get back with the guys. At the same time, it’s a small step with a lot to go.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers are planning on alternating goalies down the stretch. Chris Mason started last night, Ondrej Pavelec could start Saturday and back with Mason next week versus Nashville.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche should know next week if Adam Foote is able to get back in the lineup before he retires from the NHL. Peter Budaj will start in net for the Avs tonight.
Crosby skates 3 of last 4 days … Datsyuk and Rafalski injured … Thrashers and Blues on the Block
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 18th, 2011
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: After a day off, Sidney Crosby was back on the ice yesterday. It was the 3rd time in the last 4 days that he’s skated. “I don’t want symptoms, and I don’t want to rush anything,” he said. “It’s not something you can rush. I know it’s going to take time.” Mike Comrie skated for the first time yesterday since he had hip surgery in December. Mark Letestu is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk left with a lower-body injury after getting hit by Rick Nash in the 3rd period. Brian Rafalski injured his knee after Blue Jackets Antoine Vermette fell on it. Rafalski didn’t seemed concerned about it.
- Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Manny Malhotra had surgery Wednesday night to reduced swelling and take some blood from his eye. If the eye is permanently impaired likely won’t be known for a couple days. Victor Oreskovich was recalled by the Canucks. Maxim Lapierre will likely take Malhotra’s 3rd line center role.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Altanta Journal Constitution: 3 groups have shown interest in buying the Thrashers and keeping them in Atlanta, with the majority of discussions between 2 groups. 2 groupls have shown interest in buying the Thrashers, Hawks and the Arena, with one group having talked to both the NBA and NHL.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues are for sale as well, but fans should be worried about relocation. Bettman and the league are involved with the Blues situation, though the level of their involvement is unclear. “In fact sources confirm the $110 million offer made by Tom Stillman was delivered directly to the NHL and Bettman, not to Dave Checketts or TowerBrook Capital.” TowerBrook Capital ownes around 70% of the Blues.
Pacioretty ‘contact skating’ in 3-5 weeks … Marchand gets 2 games … Eriksson, Burish out tonight … DeBoer’s could be out in Florida … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 17th, 2011
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens medical staff is saying that Max Pacioretty is expected back ‘contact skating’ in 3 to 5 weeks. He’s on complete rest until March, then rehab begins. On March 8th, he suffered a “non-displaced fracture of his C4 vertebra and a severe concussion”
- Boston Bruins via twitter: Brad Marchand gets 2 games for his head hit on RJ Umberger.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Loui Eriksson (possible concussion) and Adam Burish (broken foot) won’t be in the lineup for the Stars tonight against the Blackhawks.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Andy Greene will be a free agent at seasons end, will he want to re-sign? “I don’t know. A lot of things will go into it,” he said. “I want to hear what their plans are, their views. Hopefully they’re the same as my views. That would make it a better match.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: With Adam Foote likely to retire at the end of the season, Dater weighs in on the candidates for the next Avalanche captain. John-Michael Liles 45%. Paul Stastny 30%. Milan Hejduk 10%. Matt Duchene 10%. Erik Johnson 5%.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Roman Hamrlik will play in 1,300th game tonight, and he hopes to get a contract extension from the Canadiens.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers coach Peter DeBoer has 1 more year on his contract and wants to comeback, but there are people in the organization who think it’s time for a change. Others want to see what he can do with a real lineup.
- Ted Kulfan of hte Detroit News: Joey MacDonald will get the start for the Red Wings tonight against the Blue Jackets.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Brian Boucher will get the start for the Flyers.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Curtis McElhinney will get the start for the Senators tonight. Craig Anderson and his undisclosed injury will back-up.
- Ben Wright via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will be in net for the Thrashers tonight.
More Trade Fallout … Biron and Spacek injured … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on March 1st, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Seems that due to the high asking price for Zenon Konopka (a 2nd round pick), the Islanders may want to re-sign him. Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: The Islanders were also shopping Radek Martinek for a 2nd round pick. GM Garth Snow hasn’t talked about a contact extension for Konopka, and will reevaluate at the end of the season.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Dallas Stars never backed off their demands of “one or two core roster players, a premium prospect and a first-round draft pick” for Brad Richards.
- Tim Bontemps of the NY Post: Rangers backup goalie Martin Biron broke his collarbone at practice yesterday and is out indefinitely.
- George Richards of the Sun Sentinel: Stephen Weiss denied reports that he’d only waive his no trade clause to head to Toronto.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello never considered trading Andy Greene or Johan Hedberg.
- Barry Davis via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Jaro Spacek had arthroscopic surgery and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Ian Walker via twitter: Canucks coach Alain Vigneault on yesterday’s trades, “We’re a more complete team, a more balanced team and have more depth, which should help.”
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Magnus Paajarvi will replace Dustin Penner with Horcoff and Hemsky. Hall, Cogliano and Eberle will stay together. Martin Gerber will start in net.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Tuukka Rask likely to get the start versus the Senators.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Chris Mason will be in net for the Thrashers versus Carey Price and the Canadiens. There is no timetable to Ondrej Pavelec’s return.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak took shots today but is still not ready to return.
- Howard Berger via twitter: James Reimer will start tomorrow versus Pittsburgh, Giguere will be the backup.
NHL trades keep rolling in
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 28th, 2011
- Canadiens acquire goalie Drew McIntyre from the Thrashers for defenseman Brett Festerling.
- Capitals acquire Jason Arnott from the NJ Devils for David Steckel and a 2nd round pick.
- Canucks acquire Maxim Lapierre and MacGregor Sharp from the Anaheim Ducks for Joel Perrault and a 2011 3rd round pick.
- Canucks acquire Chris Higgins from the Panthers for a 2011 3rd round pick and defenseman Evan Oberg.
- Philadelphia Flyers acquire Tom Sestito from the the Blue Jackets for Greg Moore and Michael Chapot.
- Flames acquire Freddy Modin from the Thrashers for a 7th round pick.
- NY Rangers acquire John Mitchell from the Maple Leafs for a 2012 7th round pick.
- Ducks acquire Brad Winchester from the Blues for a 2012 3rd round pick.
- Hurricanes acquire Bryan Allen from the Panthers for Sergei Samsonov.
- Oilers acquire Kevin Montgomery from the Avalanche for Shawn Belle.
Thrashers and Panthers make day’s first trade
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 28th, 2011
The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired Radek Dvorak and a 5th round pick from the Florida Panthers for Niclas Bergfors and Patrick Rissmiller.
The Rumors keep coming
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 28th, 2011
- Nick Kypreos: Kypreos thinks it’s unlikely that Richards gets moved to Rangers. Roster players need to back to the Stars in deal.
- Kevin Allen: Thrashers are close on a 3 year deal with Mark Stuart.
- Bruce Garrioch: If Jason Spezza stays, the Senators may show some interest in Ales Hemsky.
- Pierre LeBrun: Toronto hasn’t phoned Atlanta today about Bogosian, could change.
- Howard Berger: Source, “Kadri possibly in play, but only as part of package for true No. 1 centre. Same with first-rounders.”
- Howard Berger: Source tells Berger that the Panthers are telling teams they aren’t moving Stephen Weiss today.
- Nick Kypreos: Canadiens were interested in Chris Higgins before he broke is thumb. Would they still consider trading for him?
- Gord Miller: Islanders center Zenon Konopka is getting a lot of interest, #5 in faceoff percentage. Darren Dreger: Isles taking calls on Martinek and Konopka, with Ducks and Canucks most interested in Konopka.
- Pierre LeBrun: Thrashers are getting calls on Johnny Oduya and some tire kicking on Ron Hainsey.
Twitter Morning Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2011
- Howard Berger via twitter: Kypreos said the only city Stephen Weiss would waive his no trade clause for would be for Toronto. Berger thinks they would have to give up a 1st round and Nazem Kadri. Andy Strickland via twitter: Stickland wonders if the Leafs would include Grabovski for Weiss. Grabovski and Tyler Bozak have been discussed. Darren Dreger via twitter: At the moment the Leafs are planning on making an offer, though that can change.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Several teams are interested in Clarke MacArthur, but they’re likely to keep him.
- Howard Berger via twitter: Leafs could get John-Michael Liles cheap if Avalanche decide to salary dump.
- Matthew Barnaby via twitter: Teams calling Sabres about Tim Connolly, but not really available and they are not shopping him.
- Seth Rorabaugh via twitter: Penguins have about $4 million in salary cap space. Rob Rossi via twitter: Penguins looking for depth, but price this morning is high. Panthers looking for high pick for Marty Reasoner, price has to come down if Penguins make a move for him.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Joni Pitkanen was in the rumors at last year’s deadline too, but wasn’t a UFA. GM Jim Rutherford did say that anything can change with a phone call.
- James Mirtle via twitter: If the Thrashers decide to trade Zach Bogosian, will require a very good young forward in return. Mirtle will be surprised if he’s moved. Mike Brophy via twitter: Atlanta source said Bogosian is not in play today.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Senators would love to move Filip Kuba and his $3.7 million salary.
- Mike Brophy via twitter: Islanders looking to move defenseman Martinek.
Game Plans for the Thrashers, Red Wings and Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2011
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley expects to be involved with trade talks. He could be after another forward. “We think we put a couple of pieces in place so we are not looking for quite as much as we were,” Dudley said. “If we could make a deal to get another Blake Wheeler-type player, we would do that.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: “I’ve talked to a few managers, but nothing really is going on,” Holland said. “We made a conscious decision last summer to go to the cap to put ourselves in the situation we’re in, where we’ve had more depth over 82 games, versus keeping cap space and using it at the deadline.” Holland added that they’ll see if there is anything to upgrade the backend of their roster, but he’s comfortable with doing nothing.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: “To be very vague, I think I have an idea of what most teams are looking for as to whether they are any kind of a fit for what I’m looking to add or what I can offer anybody else in exchange,” Yzerman said. “I have an understanding of the teams that may be a fit for something, but I don’t have any expectations that I’m planning to do this or that.” Yzerman has already addressed 2 needs by bringing in a goalie and 2 defenseman since the beginning of the season, and Ryan Malone is expected back before the end of the season. Yzerman has no intention of giving up a top draft pick or prospect for an impact player and feels they have some good forward depth in the minors if they need a callup.
Seabrook and Blackhawks close on extension … Wild look at Penner … Waiver notes … Trade deadline video from Van. Sun
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 26th, 2011
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: “Look for #Panthers Bryan McCabe to be traded to the #Rangers as early as today. McCabe willing to waive no-movement clause.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Brent Seabrook and the Chicago Blackhawks are close to signing a 5 year contract extension believed to be worth just under $30 million.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun Times: The Chicago Blackhawks waived Nick Boynton, which may mean they are closer to adding a defenseman. Mike Commodore (CBJ) and Craig Rivet (BUF) are on re-entry waivers, and they’ve been linked to Jim Vandermeer (EDM), Ladislav Smid (EDM) and Brett Clark (TB).
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Minnesota Wild have definitely contact the Oilers about Dustin Penner. The Wild are looking to move Chuck Kobesew (Oilers have similar players) and draft picks, but they won’t give up a 2011 1st rounder, and they don’t have a 2nd rounder. Kobesew could be dealt to the Hurricanes who have always liked him. A Wild source said the asking price for Ales Hemsky was “astronomical.” An LA source said that Lombardi is unlikely to make a blockbuster move.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Marco Sturm was placed on waivers yesterday by the LA Kings, but is expected to go unclaimed and could rejoin them today. He was put on waivers to create roster flexibility for Monday’s trade deadline. They are at the max 23 roster players and didn’t want to risk losing one of their younger players. “We have to waive a player now because you cannot do it at the deadline. You need 24 hours,”
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Clarke MacArthur may be looking for a 3 year, $9 million. Burke may be looking for something closer to $2 million, Mikhail Grabovski ($2.9 million) and Nikolai Kulemin ($2.35 million). Burke may be able to get more than a 1st and 3rd he got for Versteeg. They are still focused on the defensive help with John-Michael Liles the leading option, it might take a 2nd round pick. Darren Dreger via twitter: Burke said a defenseman is a higher priority than a forward.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec left last night’s game in the 1st with an undisclosed injury. He stayed on the bench for most of the game, and “was said to be available if something happened to Mason”.
- Nick Cotsoinka via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford, “If a defenseman came along that made some sense for us, we’d consider that. If not, we’re fine.”
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin was placed on the IR with an eye injury.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Waiver notes: “Rivet on re-entry; Bernier cleared; Mike Smith cleared; Marco Sturm on waivers; Nick Boynton on waivers; Kris Newbury (NYR) on waivers, Mike Commodore (CBJ) on re-entry, Todd Ford (Wash) on waivers, Wade Belak (Nash) on waivers”
- Vancouver Sun: Cam Cole and Iain MacIntyre discuss the Canucks and the NHL trade deadline.
Twitter rumors involving: Blue Jackets, Thrashers, Penguins, Flyers, Panthers, Blackhawks, Leafs and Avs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 24th, 2011
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said they will be buyers this year.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers gave serious consideration to claiming Nikolai Zherdev.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland was informed that Pittsburgh wouldn’t make the Kovalev trade unless they believed Sidney Crosby was returning this year.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: The Flyers have kicked tires on Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote.
- George Richards via twitter: The Panthers could have something on the go today.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: Blackhawks GM Bowman said he’s looking to only trade ‘assets’ and not roster players.
- Howard Berger via twitter: Things heating up today between Maple Leafs and Avalanche regarding John-Michael Liles.
Canadiens acquire Brent Sopel and Nigel Dawes from the Thrashers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 24th, 2011
The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenseman Brent Sopel and forward Nigel Dawes to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Ben Maxwell and a 4th round draft pick.
Brent Sopel carries a $2,333,333 cap hit this year and will be a UFA at seasons end.
Dawes carries a $650,000 cap hit and will be a RFA after the season.
Maxwell is in the last year of his entry level deal and will be a RFA at the end of this year.
Nieuwendyk comments on Brad Richards … Peter Stastny Audio … Emery recalled, Hiller may practice tomorrow … Zherdev, Rivet, Svatos hit the waiver wire … plus plenty more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2011
- Peter Stastny Audio posted from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Paul Stastny’s dad is not happy about the Avs-Blues trade from last week.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “Nieuwendyk was asked on NHL Live ! about possibly trading Richards”:
“I’ve discussed it with some teams. All options are in play here. It’s certainly not my first choice, I’ve maintained all along that we’d like to keep Brad as a Dallas Star for a long period of time. There’s a lot of uncertainty with our side as far as ownership that are a concern for them. But, all options are open. It’s certainly going to have to be a good type of deal in order to pry him away from us because we are sitting tied for eighth right now and have a lot of home games coming up in March.”
Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Nieuwendyk added that all is quiet on the trade front right now.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Nieuwendyk also said that Richards is feeling better but there is no timetable on his return.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN: LeBrun notes that if Richards does become available, the Kings will definitely be talking with the Stars. The Rangers and Leafs would be interested in him if/when he becomes a free agent, and may need him to sign an extension before they made a trade for him. The Dallas wanted Jack Johnson from the Kings in a deal for James Neal. Ales Hemsky and David Booth are on the Kings wish list. Everyone seems to ask for Brayden Schenn. LeBrun thinks only a sign and trade that nets Richards would include Schenn. Burnside wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Stastny is being shopped around the league. LeBrun adds there has been no talks between the Kings and Avalanche regarding Stastny (as of Tuesday night). Toronto has kicked the tires on John-Michael Lieles. The Rangers are interested in Bryan McCabe but not at a high price. Atlanta may be interested in moving Ron Hainsey, but he has a limited no-trade and 2 years left with a cap hit $4.5 million. Johnny Oduya may also become available if the Thrashers continue to fall out of it. The Hurricanes aren’t shopping Joni Pitkanen, but teams are calling about him.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said they hope to have Jonas Hiller cleared for practice tomorrow. Helene Elliott via twitter: Ray Emery was called up by the Ducks today, and is expected to be the backup. Anaheim Ducks via twitter: GM Murray, “We hope to have Jonas by the weekend, but [now] is a good time [for Emery] to come up and work with our coaches and shooters.”
- Kevin Allen via twitter: On waivers today are Nikolai Zherdev, Craig Rivet, Marek Svatos, Ales Kotalik (re-entry) and Jeremy Colliton. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun doesn’t think the Blackhawks would be interested in Rivet.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is looking to add a defenseman who can kill penalties, and it would be a bonus if he was physical. “I think some teams are going to try to hold their guys close to the deadline,” Bowman said. “We don’t necessarily want to wait that long. If we find a guy we’re comfortable with, we’ll make it work.”
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Other teams have initiated trade talks with the Blue Jackets about Steve Mason, and those inquiries may be been made when the team was struggling last month.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning against the Coyotes.
Smid-Blum deal in the works? Should the Caps move Semin? Canucks considering moving Hodgson? Scout out in full force
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2011
- Joshau Cooper via twitter: The Predators are looking for a defenseman as their group isn’t healing as fast as the team had hoped. Dan Tencer via twitter: The Oilers and Predators could be working on a Ladislav Smid for Jonathan Blum trade.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy is hearing that Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli may make one more minor move.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Chiarelli,
“The one thing you want is some depth, and that’s the one place we might have hurt ourselves a little bit last year. [David] Krejci was hurt and Savvy was just coming back [from concussion]. We got thin pretty quick and I think that really took away our chances and hurt us a lot in that area. So I think we are trying to cover that right now and if he brought people in it would just mean more depth.’’
Depth on the blueline in case of an injury or to replace one of their young defenseman, Adam McQuaid or Steven Kampfer.
- Washington Post: Capitals GM George McPhee hasn’t ruled out make a deal before the trade deadline, but he hasn’t tipped his hand in what he might want to add. A 2nd line center and a defenseman may be two areas they may look at. Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Custance wonders if it’s time to turn Alex Semin into an impact center or defenseman. Bob McKenzie said that McPhee hasn’t had one offer for Semin since he signed the 1 year extension in late January.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Cody Hodgson is on a 4th line audition with the Canucks, but only had 4 shits at 4:39 and nothing in the 3rd period. Rumors that the Canucks may be after a 4th line center have been around for awhile, but rumors that they may be thinking of trading Hodgson are
new.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Tambellini thought it was worth a shot in putting Sheldon Souray on re-entry waivers, but now that he went unclaimed, he’ll likely spend the rest of the year in the AHL unless someone calls to work out a trade. Nobody has called yet to work out a trade that would send a contract back to Edmonton. Tambellini continues to talk to other teams about potential trades.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings will be getting Marco Sturm back to their lineup, and he’ll be joining Kopitar and Simmonds on the top line. The 2nd line would be Smyth, Stoll and Brown; the 3rd line of Williams, Richardson and Handzus; 4th line is still undecided.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Blue Jackets-Predators game were from the: Thrashers, Rangers, Minnesota, Kings, Oilers, and Stars.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Maple Leafs-Islanders game were from the: Thrashers, Bruins, Blackhawks, Avalanche, Kings, Wild, Canadiens, Penguins, Lightning and 2 from the Coyotes.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: 2 NY Rangers scouts at Oilers games in Minnesota and Washington. 2 Blackhawks scouts were at the Oilers-Wild game, they’re need a defenseman and a penalty killer.
Injury notes on Hiller, Gaborik, Halak, and Perron … The return of Ballard and Hamhuis … Weiss would take deal Panthers can’t refuse
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2011
- Corey Masisak of NHL.com: If Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller doesn’t return soon and they continue to have trouble keeping the puck out of the net (21 goals in 3 games), GM Bob Murray may have to make a deal.
“Making deals is really hard,” Murray said. “If it comes to that point where I think Jonas is really going to be a while, we may have to say, ‘OK’. Not at this point.”
Panthers assistant GM Mike Santos,
“We’re going to make trades to improve the team in the future regardless of where we are in the playoff race,” Santos told the Sun-Sentinel. “This is a long-term project. There’s 10 years of mismanagement that we’re trying to turn around, hopefully in three or four years.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Jonas Hiller worked out off ice today and only would say, “not going the way I’d like them to.”
- Andrew Gross of The Record: Marian Gaborik will be out an indefinite period with a concussion. Gaborik did not make the trip with the team. He must pass the baseline test before he’s able to return.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blue goalie Jaroslav Halak is expected to remain on the IR through Friday, further update may be given today by the team. David Perron will be traveling with the team to Vancouver where he’ll see a specialist.
- Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin wouldn’t confirm reports that defenseman Jaroslav Spacek is done for the season. He continues to get treatment in Montreal.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Panthers are working the phones but nothing so far… They won’t deal Stephen Weiss unless they get an offer they can’t refuse.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Maple Leafs thought they were closer to acquiring defenseman over the weekend, but nothing imminent.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Thrashers and Andrew Ladd are not close to a contract extension, but they are in the beginning stages.
- Ben Kuzma vai twitter: Keith Ballard and Dan Hamhuis look like they will both be back in the Canucks lineup.
Sunday Morning Rumor Round up – Feb. 20th 2011
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 20th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The League is trying to find a local owner for the Atlanta Thrashers, and if they can’t find one in the next 6-8 weeks they could be relocated. Alex Kovalev is getting interest from the Penguins. The Pens were interested in Curtis Glencross before the Flames got hot. The Senators are trying to move Filip Kuba to free up money for re-signing Chris Phillips. The Canadiens are interested in Phillips. The Maple Leafs are looking for a Dman, they kicked tires with Bogosian but there doesn’t seem to be a fit, and they are not interested in Souray. Avalanche GM Greg Sherman said he’s not moving Milan Hejduk. Teams are calling the Thrashers about Zach Bogosian, and they were offered two first-round picks plus a prospect for him, but it wasn’t a ‘true hockey’ deal and they’d like to make the playoffs.
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: The Capitals and Oilers have had talks regarding Ales Hemsky, but nothing is close. The Oilers have interest in Karl Alzner or John Carlson. The LA Kings have interest in Hemsky or Dustin Penner, preliminary talks only. Oilers would look at Brayden Schenn, Kyle Clifford, etc. The Canadiens have also shown interest in Penner but they are not offering much. There is also a Predators deal for a defenseman, but unlikely.
- Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini on Sheldon Souray being on re-entry waivers, “In speaking to so many mangers over the last few weeks, recognizing how many people are looking for defencemen, this is an opportunity, I think, for some team, and for Sheldon,” said Tambellini, who has no gut feeling either way.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: No teams contacted Tambellini saying they were interested in Souray. Two Maple Leafs scouted the Oilers-Canadiens game on Thursday, with Matheson wondering if Burke wants Penner. Lots of teams are looking at Smid.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Kings GM Dean Lombardi did not indicate if he’ll be making an impact move soon. The Kings have looked at Ales Hemsky and Panthers David Booth. If Brad Richards does become available, he’d carry a heavy price. Lombardi isn’t willing to discuss Brayden Schenn in a deal.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: The Predators have been scouting the Oilers, and may have an interest in Ladislav Smid.
- Darren Millard via twitter: Burke tells Millard that he has no interest in Sheldon Souray.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk was asked if he’d consider waiving his no trade, “That’s an interesting question,” Hejduk said. “I haven’t thought about it yet. We’ll see what’s going to come in the next whatever it is. . . . I’ve played all my career here, and I would like it to stay that way. We’ll see.”
- Andrew Gross of North Jersey.com: Teams are asking the Rangers about their young players (like Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh) and Sather may not be interested in dealing draft picks.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild won’t be sellers but GM Chuck Fletcher said , “We’re not mortgaging the future.” The Wild probably don’t have the assets (or want to part with them) to add a big scorer. They could use a center with Mikko Koivu’s injury.
JovoCop out weeks … Kaberle open to negotiating with Bruins … Setoguchi won’t be moved for rental … All but 1 Panther available
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Rumors on February 19th, 2011
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Ed Jovanovski will be out several weeks after having surgery yesterday on his orbital bone fracture. He suffered the fracture after crashing into Thrashers forward Patrice Cormier.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley on the possibility of trading Zach Bogosian, “People ask me that all the time. I say the same thing. Wayne Gretzky was traded. There are no untouchables that I know of. Certainly not in Atlanta. I’m not actively looking to trade Zach and I don’t expect to trade him.”
- Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun: (The reporter that Burke went after in the Kaberle press conference yesterday. Burke misunderstood the question, audio in the Kaberle trade post). “Of course. We want to do both,” [Burke] said. “We are not throwing in the towel. No way.” He’ll be looking for a defenseman that could fill some of Kaberle’s minutes.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Because of immigration issues, the Bruins knew it would be easier for them to make the deal in Canada. Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Kaberle said he’d be open to negotiating with the Bruins already.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will travel with the team to Carolina, but doesn’t know if he’ll start or be the backkup.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: After moving out Ian White for a pick and bringing in Derek Joslin, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford added, “We do have flexibility if something comes along in the next week that makes sense for us.”
- George Richards via twitter: Scouts at the Panthers-Red Wings game: Devils, Hurricanes, Senators, Penguins, Canucks, Red Wings, Rangers, Kings, Wild, and 2 from Blackhawks.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Alex Goligoski’s solid play has put his name in the rumor mill in connection with bringing in some offense, but “The way Goligoski has played this season, it might be a no-brainer for GM Ray Shero to keep him for the foreseeable future.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Aaron Asham joins Sidney Crosby and Eric Tangradi as Penguins who are out with a concussion, and it doesn’t appear he’ll return anytime soon. No update on Crosby’s concussion. Chris Kunitz and Mark Letestu are progressing but still not ready. Nick Johnson left practice yesterday after suffering an upper-body injury.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Devin Setoguchi could be available for a defenseman, but he won’t be moved for a rental. If the Hurricanes fall out of contention, Joni Pitkanen could become available. Oilers Ales Hemsky, Ladislav Smid, and Tom Gilbert could all be had for the right price. Word is that Panthers GM Dale Tallon has made all his players available except Stephen Weiss (the guy who would get the most interest). Cory Stillman will get interest, Chris Higgins is getting minor interest. Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen’s name is coming up in some conversations. The Flyers are trying to move Nikolai Zherdev. The Sabres could make Craig Rivet and Jordan Leopold available.
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