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Posts Tagged Brad Stuart
NHL Rumors I: Kiprusoff, Sharks, Blues and Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 27th, 2013
- Nick Kypreos: Sources are saying that Flames Miikka Kiprusoff has told team management that if his rights are traded, he won’t report due to family reason.
- Greg Brady: Mike Keenan says there was a mutual understanding between the Flames and Kiprusoff that he wasn’t going to play out the 2013-14 season at $1.5 million.
- Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson after trading Douglas Murray,
“Can this lead to other deals?” Wilson asked, repeating a question. “Sure it can.”
He said it’s “very doubtful,” that they are looking for a short-term, rental fix. They also plan on keeping all their draft picks. So that leaves three possibilities. 1. Gain immediate help by trading one of their roster assets. 2. Continue to obtain more draft picks. 3. Trade an expiring contract (ie. Ryane Clowe) for a young player.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that are willing to sell now have an advantage. The numbers of teams may double next week. The addition of Brad Stuart in the offseason, made Douglas Murray expendable for the Sharks. If you’re going to trade for draft picks, this is the year to do it. The Sharks performance in the next week will dictate how the Sharks refresh/reset will go. Ryane Clowe could be the next to go. If things don’t go well over the next week, Dan Boyle could also be on his way out. After next season, the contracts of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Joe Pavelskiand Boyle will come off the books. They currently have just $27 million on the books for 2014-15. Thornton and Marleau have no-movement clauses.
“This is coming to crunch time,” Wilson said, saying the bigger refresh comes now or in the summer. “The phone has been busy, and we’ll take all calls.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Some wonder if the recent play of Kris Russell and Wade Redden will reduce the urgency of GM Doug Armstrong’s search for a partner for Alex Pietrangelo.
- Craig Morgen of Fox Sports Arizona: Coyotes GM Don Maloney if they be buyers or sellers,
“We’re right at the cliff as far as I’m concerned,” Maloney said. “If we slide much further, all bets are off. We’re going to go out and find assets. This is reality.”
He has been in “constant” talks with other teams about trades. If they lose to either or both of the Wild and Predators this week, names that may not be on the roster after the deadline could be Boyd Gordon, Raffi Torres, Derek Morris and others.
Sharks could offer a defenseman for a scoring forward … Should ‘Hawks worry about Hossa? Hansen suspended one game
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 21st, 2013
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: TSN’s Darren Dreger said on “Insider Trading” earlier this week,
“Depending on who you talk to, there are teams that say some big names are potentially in play,” Dreger said of the Sharks. “Certainly the Sharks are willing to consider just about anything. San Jose is willing to part with a defenseman – Dan Boyle’s name, believe it or not, has been thrown out there – but they would need to get a forward in return and preferably someone who could fit in their top nine.”
Dreger also mentioned that Joe Thornton’s name has come up, though admitted that it didn’t make much sense. Sharks with no-movement/no-trade clauses: Thornton, Boyle, Patrick Marleau, Marty Havlat, Michal Handzus, Brent Burns and Brad Stuart. Kurz notes that trading Boyle, despite being 36 years old, could be playing with fire since he’s their best defenseman. They definitely could use a scoring forward. TJ Galiardi may have fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. If the Sharks were to acquire a scoring forward, they would likely part with a defenseman. The Ottawa Sun reported Jason Demers may be used as trade bait.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline doesn’t sense that Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards is in immediate jeopardy.
- Kelly Chase via twitter: “If Hansens hit (as weak as it was was) really hurt Hossa then the Hawks should have some real concern of how long this great player can play”
- Canucks Jannik Hansen received a one game suspension for his forearm to the back of Marian Hossa’s head.
Shanahan breaks down some hits that didn’t lead to suspensions
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on February 7th, 2013
Sharks Brad Stuart’s hit on Avalanche Gabriel Landeskog. Landeskog returned to the game, but hasn’t played since.
Maple Leafs Mike Brown on Sabres Patrick Kaleta. Keleta has a neck injury and hasn’t returned.
Kings Jarrett Stoll’s hit on Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler.
Blues looking at Dmen … Suter and Preds communicating, but will test market … Nash trade could wait for Parise … Panthers and Luongo
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 20th, 2012
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues still need to address their defense, and will do so through trade or free agency. They are looking for someone to play with Alex Pietrangelo. They may not be able to afford Matt Carle who will be looking for $4+ million. Bryce Salvador could be an option, though he may return to New Jersey. The Blue have told defenseman Ian Cole that he has a top 7 position, but it’s up to him to crack the top 6. Jamie Langenbrunner and Scott Nichol could both re-sign this week or next. Sources are saying that Ryan Suter has been in close communication with Predators GM David Poile. Suter has been told by the team that they plan to be aggressive in free agency. Suter wants to see what the Predators are able to do. If they strike out, he may move on. Zach Parise will give the Devils every opportunity to re-sign him.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: He lists the chances of the Canadiens drafting Filip Forsberg with the 3rd overall pick at 40%. The Canadiens may be more interested in getting help up the middle.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Predators GM David Poile to ESPN:
“It appears that Suter is going to go to July 1,” Poile told ESPN.com Tuesday afternoon from Las Vegas. “I’m going to meet with Neil on Friday, and we’re going to talk again next week to see where we are. But it appears that’s where he’s heading. I’m keeping the faith. I don’t think I’m going to trade his rights. It’s all based on the fact that there’s no indication to me that Ryan doesn’t think Nashville is the right fit for him.”
“I don’t know how it’s going to pan out, but we’re going to do the best we can to keep talking and keep believing that we’re the right choice,” Poile said. “Hopefully, when he compares it to other teams July 1 and compares it to Nashville, what’s important to him in his life and for his family, I think we’re a real good fit on and off the ice. I don’t see where the grass is any greener.”
If the Blue Jackets don’t get what they want for Rick Nash this weekend, they may wait until the Zach Parise free agent period ends. The Flyers are part of the “in” crowd when it comes to Nash. The Sharks are interested, but not if Logan Couture is involved. The Hurricanes are interested in Jordan Staal and Nash, but can’t do both. LeBrun believes the Panthers and Canucks have talked about Roberto Luongo, but the Panthers would require salary to head back the other way. The Kings are not in a hurry to move Jonathan Bernier and are fine with keeping him next year if they have to. The Kings and Jarret Stoll could have a deal within a week. They have also had talks with Colin Fraser, and are still deciding on Dustin Penner. The Sharks could dangle a defenseman, maybe Jason Demers, in a deal for a winger. The Red Wings offered Brad Stuart 3 and 4 year deals worth more than the $3.6 million per year he got from the Sharks after the trade.
5 possible Leafs picks … Rangers shopping Dubinsky … Pens haven’t made Staal available yet … Sabres notes … Demers out in SJ?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2012
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: 5 players that the Maple Leafs could be interested in drafting at #5. Mikhail Grigorenko, Filip Forsberg, Matthew Dumba, Jacob Trouba and Radek Faksa.
- Team 1200 Ottawa: Rumors out of New York are that the Rangers are aggressively shopping center Brandon Dubinsky.
- Rob Rossi via twitter: As of late last night, the Penguins haven’t informed interested teams if Jordan Staal is available or not. Several teams have already inquired. The Hurricanes will be big on Staal if he becomes available, offering multiple players. A deal won’t have to be wrapped up at the draft.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Regier:
“We are very active as it relates to finding ways to improve our hockey team,” Regier said during the team’s draft preview gathering with reporters. “Some of the names you hear that are out there, we’ve had conversations with those teams. I think it’s way too early to know whether or not anything will happen. There are a lot of teams like us in similar positions.”
“More calls have gone out than I’ve been receiving but that doesn’t mean it won’t change,” Regier said. “The tendency is for this thing to ramp up as you approach the draft and when you get on the floor, it gets a little crazier.”
“There’s some obvious guys we don’t have any interest in talking about right now and you can figure out who they are. But I make it a practice to call teams and ask them for players that I assume they’re not willing to trade, nor do they want to trade. And other GMs do the same with me.
“You let them know if they change their mind to please give me a call and I certainly do a lot more of that now than I used to.”
The Sabres are believed to be shopping Derek Roy. Regier thinks it may not be worth the cost to move up in the draft. They have not started negotiations with RFA Tyler Ennis and Patrick Kaleta. Jochen Hecht has been cleared from his concussion, but it’s unlikely he’ll be back.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: With the Sharks bringing in Brad Stuart, the odd man out on their blueline may be Jason Demers.
- David Pollak via twitter: It’s been confirmed that Todd McLellan will be back next season with the Sharks.
Free Agent Rumors: Schultz, Flyers, Red Wings, Quick, Coyotes, Huet and Stuart
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2012
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers will take a look at free agent defenseman on July 1st to see what’s there. GM Paul Holmgren wouldn’t comment on whether they are interested in Justin Schultz as he didn’t want to be accused of tampering.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: A source said the Flyers will make inquiries about Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. He remains optimistic that he’ll get Matt Carle re-signed and now maybe lukewarm on Jaromir Jagr. Once the salary cap goes up to around $70.3 million on July 1st, Carle may be re-signed. Holmgren on James van Reimsdyk name being in trade rumors:
“He should maybe take that as a compliment _ that he keeps hearing his name like that,” Holmgren said. “I like James. I think he has a tremendous future in the league, and he’s one of our most gifted goal scorers _ and he’s 6-foot-3 or 6-4. He’s our player right now.”
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings also can’t talk about Schultz, but they are 1 of about a dozen teams that are extremely interested. There is a belief that Schultz wants to play closer to home (British Columbia) or with former Wisconsin teammates. The Canucks, Oilers, Rangers and Maple Leafs are said to be leading candidates. Schultz did play with Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith for 1 season.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi said that ideally he would like to get Jonathan Quick’s contract extension done before the start of training camp but the new CBA could complicate things.
- Sarah McLellan via twitter: Coyotes GM Maloney has talked to all 6 of their UFAs. Talks with Shane Doan are “positive” and “encouraging.” Sticking point with Ray Whitney is length and money. The 40 year old Whitney wants more than 1 year. Maloney has had conversations with Michal Rozsival, he’s not pursuing a KHL deal and wants to remain in the NHL. The free agent pool isn’t deep, so teams could be looking the trade route. Maloney has already started making calls.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Former Chicago Blackhawk, Cristobal Huet is looking to return to the NHL after playing a couple seasons in the Swiss league.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Brad Stuart took less to sign with the Sharks than he could have got elsewhere. 3 year deal at $3.6 million per season.
Nash likely dealt this week … Sharks to sign Stuart … Jagr to test waters … Flyers update … Bruins to look at trades … Blackhawks sign 3
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 18th, 2012
- TSN Radio via twitter: Aaron Portzline tells TSN radio that the odds are “pretty good” that Rick Nash gets traded by the NHL Draft.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Sharks are expected to announce the signing of Brad Stuart to a 3 year deal either today or tomorrow.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Jaromir Jagr plans on testing free agency. Also plans to adjust his training program to shed some weight and to get faster.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said they won’t make a trade before the draft to get the rights of a free agent. Sarah Baicker via twitter: Flyers GM Holmgren said their is no change on Chris Pronger, he has “good days and bad days.” Holmgren is “fairly certain” that he’ll be able to re-sign Matt Carle, but they can’t do anything right now. Holmgren said their forward depth is greater than along the blueline, thought it doesn’t mean they’ll draft a Dman in the 1st round. Randy Miller via twitter: The Flyers have made qualifying offers to Jakub Voracek and Marc-Andre Bourdon to retain their rights. The Flyers don’t plan on trading up in the draft.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thinks he’ll be more active in the trade market after free agency starts than this week at the draft, though it could change.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: The Blackhawks have signed Brandon Bollig and Ben Smith to 2 year contracts. Goalie Carter Hutton gets a 1 year deal, and goalie Alexander Salak is released.
Morning notes: Crosby, Red Wings, van Riemsdyk, Nash, Avalanche, Bruins, Asham, Niskanen, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 11th, 2012
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Anderson confirms there have only been preliminary talks between the Penguins and Sidney Crosby’s side. Blogs and 1 media outlet are reporting that they have agreed or settled on a 9 year, $90 million deal. Alex Ovechkin carries the highest cap hit at $9.538 million.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: After trading Brad Stuart to the Sharks, and the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings need some defensemen, either by trade or free agency. Ryan Suter, Matt Carle, Barret Jackman and Dennis Wideman are UFAs that will gain interest around the league. The Red Wings will be interested in Justin Schultz. ”We’ll be active,” Holland said. “We’ve lost two quality defensemen.”
- Craig Custance via twitter: If the Red Wings can’t get Ryan Suter, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made a push for Matt Carle and Bryce Salvadore.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Brad Stuart on Red Wings GM Ken Holland: ”To make this move speaks volumes for the Wings. If it doesn’t work out, Ken indicated they’d still like to have me.”
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings GM Holland is prepared to make an offer to Jiri Hudler. He spoke with Hudler’s agent last week, but Hudler is still deciding if he wants to test free agency.
- Howard Eskin via twitter: Flyers James van Riemsdyk is delaying having surgery on his torn labrum, which could holdup a trade. The Flyers like Rick Nash with a “possible” trade can’t really happen until van Riemsdyk is 100%. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed’s sources have always said the Flyers have liked Nash, but a trade is unlikely. Same sources have said adding a defenseman is their top priority and that they would go after an “impact D” first and maybe moving up in the draft.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche’s payroll is just over $30 million, but they have an RFA list that includes: Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, Erik Johnson, Peter Mueller, Steve Downie, Ryan Wilson and Jamie McGinn. UFAs they may want to re-sign are Jay McClement and Shane O’Brien. It’s unlikely they will try to sign Ryan Suter or Zach Parise. They could make an offer on Shane Doan, Olli Jokinen, or Matt Carle.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins are getting close on multi-year deals for Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins UFA Aaron Asham and Matt Niskanen want to come back. It’s not known what Steve Sullivan is wanting to do.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: When the Maple Leafs made the deal which sent Francois Beauchemin to the Ducks for Jake Gardiner and Joffrey Lupul, they originally wanted Justin Schultz but the Ducks said no on Schultz.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs would like to move up in the draft, and Luke Schenn could be involved. The Oilers may want to move their pick, and the Canadiens may be thinking of trading down as well.
- Cody Nickolet (WHLFromAbove) via twitter: The Blue Jackets will be meeting with Ryan Murray today. He could jump directly into their lineup next year.
Red Wings Trade Brad Stuart to the Sharks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 10th, 2012
The Detroit Red Wings have traded defenseman Brad Stuart to the San Jose Sharks for Andrew Murray and a conditional 2014 draft pick.
Helene St. James via twitter: Murray was a throw in, and won’t be signed by the Red Wings.
Ansar Khan via twitter: Stuart had his heart set on heading to San Jose to be with his family which wasn’t able to relocate. Red Wings GM Ken Holland said he made a contract offer to Stuart, but he didn’t want to get into negotiations.
Afternoon notes: Devils, Tambellini, Luongo, Panthers, Flames, Parise, Knuble and Red Wings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2012
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Petr Sykora and Henrik Tallinder will be back in the Devils lineup tonight. Josefson and Harrold are out.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: The Oilers have agreed to terms with GM Steve Tambellini on a new contract.
- TSN Radio via twitter: Pierre LeBrun said that the Panthers are very interested in Roberto Luongo.
- Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: With Tomas Vokoun signing with the Penguins, and Tim Thomas taking a year off, the value from trading Roberto Luongo may have increased. The Maple Leafs had some interest in Vokoun and may now look more seriously at Luongo. The Canucks may have to take some salary back. There has been talk of Columbus being interested, but it’s not likely that he’d waive his no-trade clause to go there.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Some with SportsNet believe that Eric Veilleux is still in the mix for a Flames coaching position. He and Hartley are still close.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils Zach Parise on Adam Oates getting a head coaching position: “I think he’d do great, but, hopefully, that’s not the case. Hopefully, he sticks around here.” … Sure doesn’t sound like someone planning to play for another organization next season.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Forward Mike Knuble won’t return to the Capitals next year.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings have been evaluating their roster, free agents and possible trade targets:
“A lot can happen before June 30 (the day before free agency begins on July 1),” Holland said. “We’ve had discussions on a lot of players who could be available.”
The Wings may be looking for a backup goalie as there have been some health concerns for Joey MacDonald (partially herniated disc). Patrick Eaves should be recovered from his concussion by training camp. GM Ken Holland will meet with Brad Stuart’s agent at the draft.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings could be aggressive this offseason, but beyond Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, there is a dropoff. Teams like the Sharks, Canucks, Penguins, Bruins, Blackhawks and Predators could also be looking to make changes, making it a crowded market. Rick Nash wants out but he would cost 4 or 5 assets. The Wings brain trust will meet again shortly.
“It was a good start,” Holland said. “We talked about a lot of players, including our own in Grand Rapids, and where some of those guys fit in. We talked about some players that we’ve heard might be available, through the rumor mill, and we looked at teams that might have cap issues.”
Rangers interested in Radulov … Oilers, Blue Jackets looking at Murray … No Nash talks … Wings holes … Bruins-Kelly talking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2012
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather has talked to the Predators about RFA Alexander Radulov. Radulov has a big offer on the table from CKSA of the KHL. A source has told the Post that Radulov would rather play in the NHL next season. The Rangers are more than just kicking tires on Radulov.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson wants to draft defenseman Ryan Murray with the 2nd overall pick. The Oilers need a defenseman more than they need another other forward, and may pick on position rather than best player available.
“I think you have to draft a defenceman because nobody’s going to give you one,” said Hockey Canada chief scout Kevin Prendergast.
Prendergast also thinks that only Nail Yakupov and Murray are the only 2 players that could play in the NHL next season.
- The Fourth Period: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he hasn’t had any formal discussions with any team about Rick Nash and added:
“We might not even trade him,” Howson half-jokingly admitted.
The Sharks, Bruins, Maple Leafs, Rangers and Kings have shown some interest in the past. The Blue Jackets desperately need a #1 goalie and could ask for one in part of a package. Only the Kings have a goalie that could be included in the deal, Jonathan Berner.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings will have a different look next season. Lidstrom is retired, Holmstrom could be next, Brad Stuart is likely heading west to be closer to his family and Jiri Hudler may want too much money. They are one of many teams interested in Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The Rangers could have between $20-$25 million in cap space as well, and may be interested Parise and Suter as well. Zach’s dad has already said that he’d be a good fit in New York.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: After Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom retired last week, eyes have turned towards teammate Tomas Holmstrom. On Thursday Holmstrom said:
“I go back and forth,” he said. “I haven’t really decided yet, but for sure it’s going to happen soon. My wife wants me to play and the kids want me to play. I have to see if I can do it, and if my body is fresh enough to battle through a new season.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said on Friday that he is working on re-signing Chris Kelly.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: One option for Bruins with Tim Thomas is if he decides he doesn’t want to play next season for the Bruins, they could maybe give another team permission to try and convince him to play, and then work out a trade after. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets are just a few teams looking for a goalie.
Suter-Weber notes … Wings waiting for Lidstrom and Stuart … Blues priorities … Flyers notes … Sens and Karlsson … Michalek surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2012
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said about Ryan Suter: “Based on yesterday, I really feel he wants to play in Nashville.” Darren Dreger via twitter: “Why wouldn’t Suter go to July 1? He’s earned right to consider his options. If deal with Preds isn’t best, Nashville will trade his rights.”
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: Shea Weber options: Sign a multi-year deal, sign an offer sheet after July 1st with the Preds having the right to match or take the draft picks, or go to salary arbitration for a 1 or 2 year deal.
“Right now, I really don’t think we’re thinking about that side of things,” Weber said. “It was tough (to lose to the Coyotes). … It’s not easy to be going home right now.”
When asked if the Preds multiple trade acquisitions at the deadline will play any role in his decision:
“Yeah, who knows? When the time (comes) to think about that, I’ll think about it. But obviously the team was committed and that’s what you want. Every year you want to fill in holes you have and I think we did a great effort in trying to make things better. It just didn’t work out.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said he doesn’t really need to know Nicklas Lidstrom’s decision until mid-June. Despite the talk that defenseman Brad Stuart could be looking to sign with a West Coast team to be closer to his family, the Wings are leaving the door open. Holland said he’d speak with Stuart’s agent before the draft.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: On what will be done to try and get the Blues to the next level. Jeremy Rutherfored – The Blues will get a budget soon and will likely be higher than in the past. They should look for a #2 defenseman to play beside Alex Pietrangelo. A scorer is one area that they could improve on, but Armstrong has said he believes in a scoring by committee approach. There is going to be some turnover with 7 UFAs (Arnott, Langenbrunner, Nichol, Porter, Colaiacovo, Jackman and Huskins). T.J. Oshie, David Perron and Chris Stewart will be RFAs. Jeff Gordon thinks bringing in Vladimir Tarasenko is the top priority of the Blues. Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz will bring in some needed skill. Tom Timmermann thinks they need to bring in an “experience high-quality goalscorer.” Dan O’Neill and Andy Strickland think stabilizing the teams financials is the top priority. Strickland then adds signing their own free agents, and it’s possible that one of the young core players is traded this summer to improve their roster.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed was told that numerous Flyers will be getting MRI’s and decisions on whether surgery will be needed or not will be determined after.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren isn’t sure if he needs address defense for next season as he expects Chris Pronger to return from his concussion, but he’s aware Pronger still has issues.
“He’s doing probably the same and any chance of returning, I would say your guess is as good as mine,” Holmgren said of Pronger. “ … at some point, I’ll sit down with Chris and see where he’s at. Probably prior to July 1st, we’ll make an assessment on where he’s at.”
The Flyers will be 1 of several teams that will be interested in Ryan Suter. If the Predators feel they can’t re-sign Suter, they’ll look to deal his rights before or at the draft. Holmgren on free agent Matt Carle:
“I’ve said that before, if Matt wants to be here, we’d like to have him back,” Holmgren said. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal. We’re in a position now where we can’t sign him because of tagging space, but this is something that could be done quickly, I think.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: As of early this week, there have been no formal talks between the Senators and Erik Karlsson. It may be in the best interest of the Sens to get something done as soon as possible so they can focus on other possible summer moves. Some league executives think don’t think anything will get done quickly unless they get to $7 million per season immediately.“People in Ottawa should be prepared for this to take until training camp,” said one league executive requesting anonymity. “It could happen if both sides decide to dig in their heels on this one.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek had hip surgery and it’s believed he’ll be ready for the start of next year.
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