Posts Tagged Bill Guerin

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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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Mitchell’s agent talked with Detroit … Savard trade chatter … Blues talk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010

  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Ken Holland has spoken with Willie Mitchell’s agent about the possibility of bringing him to Detroit. According to CapGeek.com, the Wings have about $1.6 million in cap space available. Mitchell wants to play for a contender, and there are rumors that the Capitals, Sharks, and Canucks are also interested.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: A couple of days ago it looked like Bill Guerin would have been signed by now, today Guerin told Strickland he’s still in ‘limbo’.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Q&A with Rutherford from yesterday. Nothing concrete on the Ryan Potulny rumor, they have lots of forwards already, not sure where the fit would be. 2010 1st round draft pick, Vladimir Tarasenko, will be playing in Russia this year, maybe in N.A. the following season. The Blues may be interested in trading a defenseman. Though Tomas Kaberle would be a good fit, and he’s sure the Blues have investigated, there doesn’t appear to be anything there. The Blues still need a scorer, a puck moving D, and more time for younger kids to develop. The Blues have tried to trade Eric Brewer, but had no luck.

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League to look at other long-term deals? More ‘Hawks Options … Turco to decide in 7-10 days

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2010

  • William DePoali via twitter: Gary Bettman said yesterday that if the league wins its case against Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look in to other long-term deals.
  • Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: According to his agent, Marty Turco is going to play for a contending team next season. He has 3 potential landing spots, and will make a decision in the next 7 to 10 days.
  • Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks and Antti Niemi have submitted their written briefs before their Thursday arbitration hearing. The ‘Hawks would like to keep Niemi but it all comes down to the price. One option to save cap space would be to go with a 21 man roster (2 below the max, which most carry), with the 21st player being able to play both forward and defense. If Niemi’s salary is below $2.5 million (and Victor Stalberg is sent to minors, saving $300K) they could do that (they’d also have a $1 million cushion for injuries). If the number is between $2.5 and $3 million, they’d have to make another move. If it’s over $3 million, he may not be their starting goalie next season. Marty Turco could be an option if they lose Niemi, they might be able to get him between $2 and $2.5 million.
  • Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Niemi is likely seeking between $3 and $4 million a season, the ‘Hawks probably closer to $2 million. The ‘Hawks could accept any ruling either way, and look to trade him, or someone else.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Boston Bruins are talking to Bill Guerin, but would need to make a roster move first. Penguins are still interested in him.
  • Michael Arace of the Colubus Dispatch: (written before the Blue Jackets and Anton Stralman settled before their arbitration, 1 year, $1.95 million.) The Blue Jackets will look to improve their defense, and will look via trades and not free agency. 3 options could be Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray. Arace believes the Blue Jackets have made a pitch for Kaberle, inquired about Bieksa, and made a ‘token’ call about Souray. Nikita Filatov’s name probably would come up.
  • Tim Benz of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero hasn’t completely ruled out bringing Bill Guerin back next season, and is still in touch with him. But at the moment they are looking at young kids to fill the holes.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a 1 year deal with the Kings (for $3.2 million cap hit). He wanted a 4 year from the Leafs on a ‘big ticket’ when he was with them.
  • Michael Russo via twitter: Willie Mitchell could be a possibility for the Wild, but he’s not looking to take physicals just yet.

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That free agent guy … Bieksa getting some interest … No rush for Modano

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on July 18th, 2010

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: A source close to Ilya Kovalchuk is saying he’s still deciding between a couple teams, but the saga is close to ending. One source is saying the Kings have a 50-50 chance of signing Kovalchuk. The New Jersey Devils still hope he’ll sign with them, and reportedly have offered more money.

Kingscast.net: 15 day documentry/short film on the Ilya Kovalchuk-LA Kings saga.

  • Randy Youngman of the OC Register: Is Bobby Ryan not signing the 5 year, $25 million deal with the Ducks because he’s looking for a 3 year deal, as he thinks “he’ll be worth more than $5 million in the final years of the contract”? Or is he trying to get a bigger offer sheet from someone? Ducks GM is looking to add a top 4 defenseman, and Canucks Kevin Bieksa is drawing their interest. San Jose and Columbus have also shown some interest.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Mike Modano is no closer to making a decision if he’ll be joining the Detroit Red Wings, but they appear to fine with letting him take his time. Apparently there is an offer on the table for 1 year at $1.25 million.

Should the Bruins trade Marc Savard:

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Kovalchuk and the Devils … Modano, Wings or retirement … Family concerns for Nabokov

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2010

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Nothing much has changed with Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils the past couple days. They are still considered the leading NHL candidate (maybe the only NHL candidate) to sign the Russian super-star. One thing that might be holding this up is that the Devils need to shed some salary before they can sign him, possibly as much as $6 million. The Devils have 8 players that have no-trade/no-movement clauses. Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) are the most likely candidates. The Devils could sign now, and would have all summer to shed the excess salary (teams are allowed to 10% over the salary cap during the summer, but have to be under by day 1 of the regular season).
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bill Guerin is still hoping to play next season. He’s had ‘minimal discussions’ with the Penguins and a few other teams. The Penguins are considering moving Malkin or Staal to the wing, and using a young winger or bringing back Guerin for the 3rd line. Everything still status quo on Kovalchuk according to Lou Lamoriello. The Anaheim Ducks are going to sit back on the Bobby Ryan front after he turned down a 5 year $25 million deal, and a 4 year $18.4 million deal. The Ducks are ready to wait and see if a team sends him an offer sheet, then decide to match it or take the compensation. See – Compensation for signing a RFA. Maxim Afinogenov is the 2nd highest UFA scorer, but still remains unsigned. John Madden is still available and not going to rush things, wants to make sure it’s a good fit.
  • Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: If New Jersey is looking to make some trades to sign Kovalchuk, he’s sure the Blues are looking into it. However, neither team is looking to take on salary.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Next set of negotiations for Evgeni Nabokov and SKA St. Petersburg is set for today. His concerns aren’t about money but over his family.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Former Wild Kim Johnsson is contemplating retirement due to concussions. Johnsson received a concussion with the Blackhawk that ended his season in March,  is still suffering symptoms, and has no “immediate plans to play” according to his agent. Pierre-Marc Bouchard is exercising at a slow, easy pace in hope of being ready for training camp. Russo thinks the Wild will add another defenseman, and he wouldn’t be surprised if the Wild make a big trade.
  • Chip Alexander via Twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has said they are considering 2 options: 1. Signing a Top 4 defenseman and allowing Jamie McBain to “ease into things” or option #2 having McBain as a Top 4 defenseman and re-signing Brett Carson or Alexander Picard. Re-signing Brian Pothier is an “outside possibility” but isn’t being ruled out.

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Win the Cup, get a kick to the gut …Kulemin wants to be a Maple Leaf, a $1 million apart … Broken record in Philly …

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 11th, 2010

  • James Duthie via Twitter: So the ‘Hawks win the cup, everyone is happy, in the back of the minds of management, they start shaking their heads …. Their salary cap issue already a problem, and now it just got worse. Jonathan Toews received a $1.3 million bonus for winning the Conn Smythe, and since they are already at this years salary cap, it gets applied to next seasons cap number.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are reportedly looking in to Tomas Kaberle, and possibly Dan Hamhuis. Paul Martin is a UFA for them, but could be on his way out after making $4.5 million. Burke may be looking for a solid young player and a draft pick. New Jersey doesn’t have a 1st round pick this year (sent to Atlanta, along with one of their top prospects),  their first pick is at #38.
  • Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: UFA Dan Hamhuis said there are pros and cons in playing a market like Vancouver. Hamhuis makes his off-season home in his hometown of Smithers, BC. He’s the type of player they would covet this off-season, but may have priced himself out their range. The Canucks made a pitch for him at the deadline, but wouldn’t meet the demands of the Predators. The Preds were after Cody Hodgson and a 1st round pick.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Nikolai Kulemin wants to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf, and Maple Leafs are ‘musing’ the idea of signing Tomas Kaberle to a contract extension. The 24-year old Kulemin had 36 points (mostly from playing on the “Top Line” of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak [quiet laugh]), and led the Leaf forwards hits (136) and blocked shots (41). It’s thought that Kulemin is looking for $3.5 million, the Leafs are more in the $2.5 million range. “Nikolai would like to stay in Toronto. But right now it’s between me and the general manager,” said Greenstin [Kulemin's agent]. “He’s the best two-way player right now in Maple Leafs organization. He definitely is a top-6 forward. He has a great attitude and he is leading team in blocking shots and hits.” Though an offer sheet is possible, I don’t see anyone offering $3.5 million. Offer Sheet Compensation for 2010 Restricted Free Agents.
  • Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News: Broken record in Philly, though they made the finals, they need to improve their goaltending this off-season. Leighton was pulled twice in six final games, and let in the winning on a weak wrister from the dot. Hofmann thinks that only Richards, Giroux and Pronger would be untouchable, and use their other assets to get a goalie.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks Molinari if the Penguins will bring back Bill Guerin. Molinari doesn’t really answer the question, but points out the lack of scoring depth in this year’s free agent market (lame Top-25 list), and that a deal for Guerin would be short term, it might be a possibility. Another reader asks about Eric Tangradi, who Molinari says will be given every opportunity to make the club in training camp.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been given the go ahead to start light workouts. Bouchard still feels some symptoms from a concussion, and puts himself at about 85%, but hopes to be ready for training camp.

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Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2010

  • Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn’t think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Jordan Leopold, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke (depending on how much money he wants) and Mark Eaton are the best possibilities to be brought back by the Pens.
  • Ken Weibe of QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Windsor Spitfires coach thinks Taylor Hall should be the #1 pick (not a surprise since he coaches him). Part of the belief that the Oilers could select Tyler Seguin with the #1 pick is that they need a ‘center of the future’. Coach Bob Boughner says Hall is naturally a center … “Taylor is a centre naturally, he’s playing left wing on our team but he’ll take some draws once in a while and he’s good on draws,” said Boughner. “I don’t doubt that if he goes to the next level and they need a centre, he could play centre as well. He’s pretty strong on the puck. “The reason I put him on the wing is to conserve his energy and expose other teams wide because he has that speed.”
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers have talked with 2 of their UFAs, Pavel Kubina and Maxim Afinogenov, and come away thinking they have a good chance at re-signing them. Allen thinks Kubina will want a deal in the 4 year, $16 million range, which might be problem for the Thrashers. It doesn’t look like Colby Armstrong will be back with the Thrashers next season.
  • Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks RFA Mason Raymond could be on the trade block this summer. The going rate for a 25 goal scorer is around $2.5-3 million, but how do you offer him over $2 million when Alex Burrows makes that much and scored 38 goals. Raymond’s game is also similar to another RFA, Michael Grabner. The Canucks could trade him for a top-4 defenseman, or for some more size up front (if they are giving him up for more size, that player has to have some skill as well).
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: There are currently 4 teams without a head coach: Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, and Tampa. Custance goes through top coaching candidates out there. “The AHL Contingent” – Guy Boucher (Hamilton), Scott Arniel (Manitoba), and Kevin Dineen (Portland). “Top NHL Assistants” – Craig Ramsey (Boston), Paul MacLean (Detroit), Brent Peterson (Nashville). “Stanley Cup Winners” – Bob Hartley and Ken Hitchcock. “Recent NHL Experience” – Craig MacTavish, John Stevens, and Rick Tocchet.

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The Penguins and Devils have some tough choices ahead

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on May 14th, 2010

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Pittsburgh Penguins have a solid nucleus locked up for at least next season: Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik and Letang. Due to their salary contraints, several players won’t be re-signed, or if they do it will be a discounted price. Their UFA list contains: Gonchar, Ponikarovsky, Guerin, Cooke, Fedotenko, Leopold, Eaton and McKee. The 36-year Gonchar is looking for a 2 year deal worth more than $5 million. If they don’t bring Gonchar back, it would create a big hole that they’d need to fill.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Everson thinks the New Jersey Devils will have to choose which left winger, Zach Parise or Ilya Kovalchuk, they’ll want to throw millions at, as they won’t be able to afford both after next season. Do they look to lock up Parise past next season, do they try to bring Kovalchuk back and let Parise go, or do they think they think they can make it with 2 high paid left wingers. I can see them locking up Parise long term, he’s turning out to be a top player in the league. Kovalchuk is probably looking for at least $8 million, Parise will be looking for something around $7 million, Elias is a $6 million cap hit, Rolston is at $5 million, and Zubrus is at $3.4 million. Paul Martin is also a UFA, and will be looking for more than his $3.833 cap hit, unless he’ll take something along the same lines to remain with the Devils.

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Krejci Out … Flames not firing anyone? Spezza on the block? Jokinen not going Minsk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 6th, 2010

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After being smoked by Mike Richards on a big open ice hit, David Krejci didn’t return to the game. He was taken to local hospital for further evaluation.
  • George Johnson of the Calgary Herald: It’s looking more and more likely that the Calgary Flames are holding pat with regards to GM Darryl Sutter, their coaches, and management. This is based on the fact that there has been no news out of Calgary regarding it, and that the Draft and Free Agency are getting closer. There had been rumors that Sutter could be fired.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks the Senators should quietly see what they could get for Jason Spezza before his July 1st no-movement clause kicks in. It would be hard to replace another top, point-a-game player, but it could bring back a nice package. Fans blamed Spezza for their 1st round loss, something that obviously didn’t sit well with Spezza.
  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: There is a rumor out there that Olli Jokinen is signing a deal with Minsk, Jokinen’s agent refutes it and says he’s hoping to play in the NHL next season.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks if Bill Guerin will be back next season. Molinari thinks Guerin will want to play next year, the lack of depth on the wings, and that he’s fit well with the team, most likely will mean he’ll be back. But a lot will depend on how much he wants and if the Pens really want to have the 39-year old back.
  • Aaron Portzline and Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Scott Arniel met with the Blue Jackets last Saturday, and on Tuesday Kevin Dineen was the second candidate to interviewed by Columbus for their head coaching position. Other candidates that are expected to get interviews are Claude Noel (CBJ interim coach), Paul MacLean (Det. assist.) and Guy Boucher (AHL Hamilton).
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres are faced with the decision if they want to resign Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder or not. Both will be unrestricted free agents, but will have to be at the right price if they’ll both want to be back. The 32-year old Lydman had a cap number of $2.875 million, the  31-year old Tallinder had an average of $2.56, and both could be looking for something similar, maybe more.
  • The Ottawa Citizen: Daniel Alfredsson had successful hernia surgery on Tuesday, with recovery time expected to 4 to 6 weeks. Other Ottawa Senators having off-season surgery are Alex Kovalev and Milan Michalek (both ACL) and Chris Phillips (bunions).

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Sale of Coyotes getting closer … Penguins UFAs … Shirokov Staying

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 4th, 2010

  • Randy Sportak of the Toronto Sun: Gary Bettman thinks the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes could be getting closer to being finalized. “The process continues. There is much that has to be done with the city of Glendale, both by the league and with the prospective owner, and it’s something we continue to work on.” Jerry Reinsdorf continues to work with both the league and Glendale. Bettman won’t put a timetable on when the process will be completed.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins have 8 UFAs, 4 forwards, 4 defense. Forwards: Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Matt Cooke. Defenseman: Sergei Gonchar, Mark Eaton, Jordan Leopold, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke will most likely be back next season. Maybe one of either Leopold or Eaton would be resigned, unless Gonchar takes a hometown discount, which he hasn’t shown much public interest in doing. Some of the others would depend on what they are wanting to sign for, and for how long.
  • Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: There was a rumor out of Russia that Vancouver Canucks prospect Sergei Shirokov was planning on heading back the KHL next season. This appears to be nothing more than a rumor as Shirokov reiterated that he wants to play in the NHL, and plans on showing up at the Canucks training camp next fall. It was reported earlier this year that Shirokov was suspended by the KHL for 2 years for leaving his Russian club.
  • Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers may be interested in Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, Manitoba Moose head coach Scott Arniel. Columbus has already received permission to speak to him, and will do so in the next couple days. Tampa Bay and New Jersey may also be interested in Arniel. The Thrashers will also look at their AHL affiliate coach, Don Lever.

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