Posts Tagged Brian Burke

Brian Burke files a defamation suit against Internet commentators

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 27th, 2013

Matt Kieltyka of Metro News Vancouver: Brian Burke files a defamation suit against 18 Internet commentators for saying that Burke had a sexual relationship with a female sports reporter from Sportsnet, Hazel Mae, and that he fathered her child.

“The Defamatory Statements were made with the knowledge that they were false or with a reckless disregard for their truth,” the notice of civil claim reads.

“The Defamatory Statements have been published, republished, downloaded, viewed and commented on by persons in British Columbia and Ontario and throughout Canada and the United States by various means, including through email, internet bulletin board postings, Facebook pages and Twitter messages, and have harmed the Plaintiff’s reputation in, amongst other jurisdictions, British Columbia, Ontario, and other parts of Canada and the United States.”

“In publishing the Defamatory Statements, the Defendants were motivated by actual and express malice, and had the intention of damaging the Plaintiff’s reputation.”

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Morning Hits: Garrioch roundup, top UFAs, Soderberg and Clarkson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 14th, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch lists some buyout candidates: 1. Ilya Bryzgalov (PHI) – $23 million spread out over 14 years. 2. Roberto Luongo (VAN) – $27 million and on the Canucks payroll until 2031. 3. Brad Richards (NYR) – $27 million and on the payroll until 2027.The NHL had meetings to discuss making the nets bigger in an attempt to increase scoring. No one really believes that it will happen.

    Terry Murray could replace Peter Laviolette if the Flyers decide to fire him.

    There could be house-cleaning this summer in Colorado. President Pierre Lacroix, GM Greg Sherman and coach Joe Sacco could all be fired. Joe Sakic could take over, which could lead to a Patrick Roy return.

    It doesn’t look like Jets UFA defenseman Ron Hainsey will be back. The Flyers will be among the teams interested.

    The Flyers will make another run at defenseman Keith Yandle.

    The Red Wings had calls on Valtteri Filppula at the deadline but decided to keep him. Teams that called were the Penguins, Bruins, Maple Leafs and Rangers.

    Two GM’s on the hotseat could be Sabres Darcy Regier and Stars Joe Nieuwendyk. Canadiens assist GM Rick Dudley could be fit in Buffalo. Brian Burke’s name has been mentioned as a possible Stars replacement. Burke has also been linked to the Rangers if Glen Sather steps aside.

  •  Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Zeisberger lists his top 10 UFAs, but not in order: 1. Jarome Iginla 2. Nathan Horton 3. Stephen Weiss 4. Ryane Clowe 5. Patrik Elias 6. Niklas Backstrom 7. Sergei Gonchar 8. Derek Roy 9. Mike Ribeiro 10. Tyler Bozak
  • Eliotte Friedman: The Swedish Ice Hockey Federation was arguing that Carl Soderberg was under contract until May 15th. The NHL ruled that, that wasn’t the case as his Swedish team gave him his release. Dominic Tiano: Soderberg is leaving Sweden on Monday. James Murphy of ESPN Boston: He’ll join the team on Wednesday.

    “We are fortunate to get a player like Carl at this stage of the season,” Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said in a release. “I would like to thank the President of the Linkoping hockey club, Mike Helber and their GM, Johan Hemlin, in playing a significant part in allowing Carl to play for the Boston Bruins. Carl is a big, strong, two-way center who can also play wing. We look forward to him joining our team this week.”

  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks that if the Senators could fit UFA wings David Clarkson into their budget this summer, they should do it. There would be lots of competition for him.

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Kekalainen new Blue Jackets GM … New group looking at Coyotes … May not be right time move Hall to center

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 13th, 2013

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets are expected to name Jokerit’s GM Jarmo Kekalainen as the new GM at a simultaneous 9:30 AM press conference. Kekaleinen would be the first European GM. He played in the NHL with the Bruins and Senators and has front office experience with the Blues and Senators. Aaron Portzline via twitter: Brian Burke may not have been on their list as he’s not a No. 2 guy in hockey operations. John Davidson is No. 1 in Columbus. Portzline was told the Blue Jackets didn’t ask permission to speak with Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton or Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall.
  • Paul Giblin of the Arizona Republic: Anthony LeBlanc and Matthew Hulsizer, both previously were unsuccessful bidders, are combining their efforts and exploring the options on the terms and conditions to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. LeBlanc would be the lead man with 5 or 6 investors. LeBlanc stressed that they are in the preliminary stages.

    “We continue to explore what the options are,” LeBlanc said.

    “This time around, while I don’t actually know this will be the case, I think the league is going to take a much more involved role in discussions with the city. So I’m kind of seeing what the league’s coming to this time, before we really get ourselves too engaged.”

  • Andy Strickland via twitter: There is a chance that the Blues will scratch Wade Redden tonight as Kris Russell is back and will be in the lineup.
  • Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Willis wonders if the Oilers will consider moving Taylor Hall to center. The Oilers are stacked on the wings and he would bring size up the middle. The Oilers have kicked the idea around before. Former coach Tom Renney tried it for several games. New coach Ralph Krueger has talked about it too. It may not be a good idea right now as it Sam Gagner has played really well in the No. 2 slot this year. Another reason to not move him right now is the depth on the left side isn’t the greatest at the moment. Nail Yakupov may not be ready for a first line role. Paajarvi or Hartikainen may not be ready for a top 6 role just yet.  The last reason is that they had the opportunity to experiment with Hall at center during the lockout at Oklahoma City and they didn’t.

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Gretzky not interested in Leafs … Free agents Benn, Subban and O’Reilly … “Cup of Hope”

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2013

  • Bob McCown via twitter: (tweeted this morning) Gretzky talked to a MLSE board member about the Maple Leafs presidents job. Gretzky not interested.
  • Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos, Damien Cox and Bob McCown talked about Wayne Gretzky becoming the Maple Leafs president on the Fan 590′s Prime Time Sports.

    “I’ve often thought Wayne Gretzky was coming back to Toronto,” Cox said on Prime Time Sports Wednesday. If you’re Bell and Rogers, who would be better than Wayne Gretzky as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

    “Only chance we see Wayne back in NHL in that type of capacity,” Kypreos told Cox and McCown. “If not, ownership again and I don’t know if he would be interested (in that) with everything he’s gone through with Phoenix.”

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: On talk of Gretzky being Leafs president: “TML presidency one of few jobs in hockey 99 would seriously consider but no direct contact between MLSE and Gretzky camp has been made. There likely was informal 3rd party inquiries – after Bell/Rogers took over Aug but none in last 2 months – and perhaps internal MLSE talks. Bottom line for me: Gretzky would be all ears if MLSE wants to go down that road but nothing tangible with MLSE seems to have taken place.”
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Jamie Benn could be the first of P.K. Subban and Ryan O’Reilly to re-sign. Comparables: John Tavares (6 years, $33 million), Evander Kane (6 years, $31.5 million) and Phil Kessel (5  years, $27 million). Benn won’t do 6 years. He’s willing to do 5 years. LeBrun thinks that if the Stars would go a bit higher than Kessel’s contract, a deal would get done. O’Reilly is making good money in Russia, tax-free, so he has that leverage. There has been nothing between Subban and the Canadiens for a while. Subban wants a long term deal, the Canadiens want a 2 year deal. Habs GM Bergevin insists he won’t trade Subban, but LeBrun wonders that if this drags on that he might reconsider.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle responds “One rumour: Dallas,” to Bruce Garrioch saying that lots of people are wondering where former Leafs GM Brian Burke will resurface.
  • Slava Malamud via twitter: KHL president Alexander Medvedev announced they will have a “Cup of Hope” playoffs for non-playoff teams. David Pagnotta via twitter: Pagnotta spoke with several KHLers today, and they are not happy with the playoff tournament. Players were never consulted.
  • Randy Miller via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren on burning the first year of 3 for Scott Laughton in a short season: ”No. I think about the Flyers. That’s all.”

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Video of Brian Burke’s Press Conference

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on January 12th, 2013

Opening Statement from Brian Burke:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

Part 8:

Part 9:

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More behind the Burke firing … Leafs still after Luongo … Flyers involved in a 3 way trade with Leafs getting Luongo

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2013

  • Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Brian Burke was fired because he couldn’t get along with the new members of the MLSE board.
  • Tim Wharnsby of CBC: Burke and some new members of the board did not see eye-to-eye. Burke did not react kindly to some free hockey related advice he was getting from some new members. After several meetings with him, they decided it was time to part ways.

    The official word from Anselmi was the new ownership group wanted new leadership. But again, the new set of directors didn’t need seven months to determine they wanted new leadership. They simply learned over this time they needed somebody willing to work with them.

    It was not, as some speculated, a difference in opinion in whether the Maple Leafs should make a serious pitch for Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo.

    Burke wanted to make a trade for Luongo.

  • James Mirtle via twitter: Reliable source said that Burke’s firing had nothing to do with his personal issues, although they are there.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Within days of the meeting Burke for the first time, the new board members had already began formulating a list of possible replacements.

    According to a source in the room, Mr. Burke offered few solid answers for why the losses on the ice kept piling up. Nor did he explain why his four-year rebuilding effort had failed to solve two key issues for the hockey team: finding a first-line centre and stabilizing the Leafs’ goaltending situation.

    Executives of BCE and Rogers Communications, who together control 75 per cent of the sports franchise, found Mr. Burke defensive and brusque – difficult to work with, the source said.

    A source on BCE and Rogers board members almost immediate dislike for Burke’s outspokenness:

    “New ownership didn’t like him,” the source said. “Fundamentally, they wanted a GM who would listen – for better or worse. They said they want a corporate guy and fired a Harvard lawyer.”

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch believes that new Leafs GM Dave Nonis will make the call to Canucks GM Mike Gillis. It could take Tyler Bozak, Nazem Kadri and a 2nd round pick, or some variance of that to get Roberto Luongo. Garrioch notes that that Burke was afraid to pull the trigger on the deal, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Nonis pulled the trigger on this quickly.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: A reliable source said that prior to the Burke firing, the Flyers would be the 3rd team in a 3-way trade that would land Luongo in Toronto.
  • Chris Botta via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis said that Brian Burke’s firing doesn’t change the Roberto Luongo story.

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Flyers interested in Luongo … Burke was close on Luongo deal … Luongo tweet

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2013

  • James Duthie via twitter: Despite some denials, Ciccone’s tweet is accurate. This doesn’t mean they will get him or make an offer, but they have inquired. They could buyout Ilya Bryzgalov in June.
  • Adrian Dater via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is going after Luongo big time. They will buyout Bryzgalov next year.
  • Frank Seravalli via twitter: Holmgren on the Luongo rumors: ”That made me chuckle. Safe to say they aren’t true. They have no basis or merit.”
  • Adrian Dater via Sulia: The Flyers thought process as of last night is, to trade for Luongo then:

    1. Secretly hope that Ilya Bryzgalov retires to the KHL right away.
    2. But with his huge contract making that about a 1% chance of happening…
    3. Just barely sneak Luongo’s $5.3 million cap hit under the cap level of $70.2 million for this season, and go with a goalie tandem for this short season of Luongo-Bryzgalov. This assumes that Chris Pronger’s nearly $5 million cap hit comes off the books this year, because of LTI relief. (Long Term Injury).
    4. If they don’t win a Stanley Cup with that tandem they…
    5. Buy out one of the two contractually. That leaves the other standing as the No. 1 guy, and then they can worry more about getting under the $64.3 million cap for next year.

    The fact is, the Flyers regret the Bryzgalov signing. He was brutal most of last year, regular season and playoffs. They are curious as to what it would take to trade for Luongo.

  • Adrian Dater via twitter: The Canucks would like to get Nicklas Grossman in a Luongo trade, but it’s unclear if the Flyers would go that far. If the Canucks can’t get Grossman, may ask for Luke Schenn.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: No matter who is trying to trade for Luongo, the Canucks won’t give him away, and Gillis will want fair value for him. It won’t be a major haul, but a good prospect and a decent draft pick seems fair.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis said he hasn’t talked to Nonis about a Roberto Luongo deal: ”Not allowed to talk about trades until this deal is done. It’s not done.”
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Burke wanted Luongo bad and Nonis will push for him as well. The Canucks insist there are other teams interested. The Canucks want to get quality return for Luongo, and can still see him working out well with Schneider in a shortened season if the right deal isn’t there. Staying in Vancouver isn’t the first choice for Luongo, both are professionals, and Luongo won’t go a city that isn’t right for his family.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle was told that even with Burke, the Maple Leafs and Canucks were close on a deal. Burke thought the asking price was too high and was playing the waiting game.

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Videos: Part of Nonis press conference, Timing in Question, Tanenbaum, Lupul and Armstrong

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on January 9th, 2013

*** I’ll post the complete press conference when I can find it ***

Maple Leafs fire Brian Burke and make Nonis new GM [Raw Video]

Hockey Central: Timing of Burke firing in question.

Burke firing emotional for Tanenbaum.

Lupul: Not a good feeling for players

Colby Armstrong’s perspective.

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Maple Leafs fire Brian Burke and name Dave Nonis GM

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 9th, 2013

Dave Nonis is named the 14th general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Burke will be staying with the Maple Leafs in a senior advisor role.

3:41 PM:

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger was told that Burke was absolutely shocked by the news. Said via text that he can’t talk at this point.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: “Two, both Bell and Rogers are keen on a deal for Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo and Burke was resisting such a move. He said repeatedly of late that he was “90 per cent” certain he wanted to go with the combination of James Reimer and Ben Scrivens in net and had talked several times about his frustrations of dealing with Vancouver GM Mike Gillis, particularly since he wasn’t sure dealing for Luongo was the right move.”
  • Alex Seixeiro via twitter: “Bob McCown on #Sportsnet: Burke didn’t want to deal Kadri & Gardiner for Luongo. Felt it wasn’t the right deal to make. #Leafs #MapleLeafs”

2:50 PM:

  • Damien Cox via twitter: “Bell/Rogers clearly not comfortable with Burke. Bell, in particular, believed his style was “bad for the brand.”
  • Damien Cox via twitter: “Nonis will ABSOLUTELY make a strong push to get Roberto Luongo from Vancouver. Take that to the bank.”

2:00 PM:

  • Katie Strang via twitter: “Toronto’s Larry Tannenbaum when asked about Burke: “This was a decision of the board.”"
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: “Last season, Burke turned down trading Grabovski to Chicago for a 1st & prospect, and rejected a 1st RD pick for MacArthur from another team”

1:45 PM:

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “One NHL team executive believes Burke’s reluctance to move on Luongo cost him but I think there’s more to it than that…”
  • Jason Brough via twitter: “Burke: Didn’t address goaltending. Never landed a top center. Poor free-agent signings. Still not very tough. No playoffs. So…yeah.”
  • Brian Huddle via twitter: “I also can’t see a new GM wanting the Kessel trade hanging over him, and almost wonder if he’ll be moved.”

1:15 PM:

  • David Pagnotta via twitter: “Was told in June new Leafs ownership was not going to renew Burke once contract expires, once they took over. Surprised happened now”
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: “The reality is Brian Burke should have been fired before he was allowed to hire Randy Carlyle.”
  • Steve Simmons via twitter: “I could be wrong, but I don’t believe the Burke firing has anything to with Luongo. I believe there are other issues at play here.”

1:05 PM:

  • Mark Spector via twitter: “Sounds like Burke did NOT want to make Luongo deal, while many in Leafs org did. Burke a principled man.”

12:55 PM:

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: “The timing of the Brian Burke firing is absolutely stunning to me — unless his contract stipulated he could not be fired during a lockout.”
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: “#NHL news: Source saying #Canucks Luongo still very much in the hunt to become a #Leaf despite GM Burke relieved of his duties. “
  • Eric Francis via twitter: “Speculation is it’s Luongo related but that’s hard to fathom, unless it was the tipping point of a power struggle. Against who is question “

12:40 PM:

  • Greg Brady via twitter: ”I realize this is VERY speculative, but told by a source Randy Carlyle is “not exactly safe”. I trust this source impeccably. Wow.”
  • James Mirtle via twitter: “Several people around league told me during lockout they didn’t think Burke would last the season. Didn’t fully believe it…”
  • Brian Huddle via twitter: “You let the guy sign McClement, draft Rielly, hire Carlyle and trade for JVR, and THEN fire him? #gongshow”

12:30 PM:

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: “Toronto Maple Leafs have apparently fired Brian Burke as general manager. Working on official confirmations.”
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: “This move could have been made during the lockout to allow a new body to become familiar with players, contracts etc. Timing seems absurd.”
  • Glenn Schiiler via twitter: “Wonder if Burke told the board “Sorry I don’t think Luongo is going to happen.” Then the board said “OK..goodbye then!”Nonis to get it done?”

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Trade activity could be heated … Leafs say no to Bernier, others could be interested … Sens could look for a Dman … Iginla and free agency

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 9th, 2013

  • Greg Wyshynski via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee said that trade activity could be heavy before the season starts. He was already getting calls. Clarifying, that he was referring to trade activity in the NHL and not necessarily for the Capitals.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: The shortened schedule and the drop in salary cap for next season could mean an active trade market at the deadline. There should be enough separation in the standings to determine if teams will be sellers or buyers.

    “As long as a guy’s contract is up this year, you can take on salary galore,” said one general manager, adding the one important caveat: “If you want to give the assets away.”

    Former GM Neal Smith:

    “You don’t want to make the mistake of giving away a guy who will be around for four or five years haunting you, particularly a younger guy,” Smith said. “A smart GM would be very, very careful at the deadline this year unless he can find a deal out there where he can catch a guy napping.”

    A team could take on a bad contract at the trade deadline, and then buy him out after the season.

    “You could, but you won’t have a very happy owner if you do that,” Smith said. “You took a buyout from somebody else.”

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Brian Burke pushed the idea of retaining salary in trades for years. Teams will now be able to do this.

    A club cannot absorb more than 50 percent of the players’ annual cap hit/salary in any trade. Any NHL club can only have up to three contracts on their payroll in which the contract was traded away under the retaining salary proviso. Also, only up to 15 percent of your upper limit cap amount can be used up by the money you have retained in trades.

    An example of how this works: The Maple Leafs want to trade Mike Komisarek who has a $4.5 million salary cap hit and $3.5 million salary. The Maple Leafs could retain half the cap hit and salary, so $2.25 million and $1.75 million. The trading team would take on the other half. This should result in more trades taking place.

  • The Fourth Period: It’s thought that the Kings will look again at trade options for Jonathan Bernier. The Kings talked with Maple Leafs, but they said no thanks according to Cybulski. The Devils could be a team interested as Brodeur is on his last contract. Bernier would be able to learn from one of the best goalies of all-time. Miikka Kiprusoff has one year left on his deal in Calgary. The Red Wings will look at signing Jimmy Howard to a contract extension, but if they are unable to get him looked up, GM Ken Holland may have to look elsewhere. The Oilers have said they are going with Devan Dubnyk, but if that doesn’t work out as planned, they may look elsewhere.
  • Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers Jose Theodore is not fazed by the Roberto Luongo to Florida rumors. Theodore said that Tomas Vokoun would also still want to play from the Panthers.
  • Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: With Senators defenseman Jared Cowen out for the year, and Mike Lundin out for 3 or 4 weeks, GM Bryan Murray might look at a trade or free agent to fill the hole.

    “I’m not sure,” Murray said in an interview with the Citizen. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to, but from the looks of it, with Lundin out for a bit of time, too, we probably will have to do something.”

    Murray has already received calls from free agents, and has talked with a few teams about a trade.

  • Harvey Fialkov via twitter: The Panthers could re-sign Marco Sturm, and at least 2 camp invitees could make the team. Mike Santorelli could be in trouble.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said that Tyler Kennedy, Tanner Glass and Matt Cooke could play with Evgeni Malkin and James Neal. Chris Kunitz played with Malkin and Neal last season, but he’ll be along side Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis. GM Ray Shero could make a move for a winger for the line. Prospect Beau Bennett could make the team and fill that slot.
  •  Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames captain Jarome Iginla will be a free agent at the end of they year and will be questioned about his plans all year.

    “I didn’t expect that question so early. Yeah, it’s right back at it,” Iginla said Monday after skating with a whack of teammates and fellow pros at WinSport.

    “I’m really just excited to get playing again and have that opportunity to play in the NHL and compete here in Calgary.

    “It would be my preference to stay here, for sure, and play on a good team, which I believe we will be, and to win here. It is home.

    “That’s where my focus is, to get ready and have a great season as a team and play well for this team.”

    There was no talks between Iginla, his agents Don Meehan and Jay Feester over the summer, and they weren’t allowed to talk during the lockout.

    “I’ll be honest, I haven’t thought about those different scenarios. Right now, it’s really just getting ready for training camp,” he said. “Once the season comes, I’d like the focus to definitely be just on winning games. I don’t know with Don Meehan, when he and Jay are going to talk.

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Suter, Lamoriello, Carle, Ryan, Weber, Flyers, Semin, Kings, Stars, Burke Audio and Bruins

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 4th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said their offer to Parise “was competitive.” Lamoriello confirms that Parise told him, had he not gone back home to Minnesota, he would have stayed with the Devils. From tone of both media calls, Lamoriello taking it better than David Poile. Lamoriello said that he reached out to Ryan Suter as well, but Suter didn’t have any interest coming East.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that he’s already talked to Shea Weber’s camp about a long-term deal, going to turn his attention to that.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Pierre Maguire said on TSN radio that an East teams is interested in a defenseman from the Kings roster, giving currency to their suggestion of a Rob Scuderi move.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: People were asking Murphy if the Stars would move Brenden Morrow after the addition of Jaromir Jagr, Derek Roy and Ray Whitney, Murphy doesn’t think so. Morrow is a leader and money isn’t an issue anymore.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke vows to improve the Maple Leafs with more roster moves. Burke said: “We need to get some sandpaper in there as well,” and that Tim Connolly needs to pick up his game.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: The Bruins are still looking for a puck moving defenseman. “Obviously we’ve tried to [develop a puck-mover] a little bit in the last few years, or bring in a player of that ilk,” said Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney. Dougie Hamilton hold the inside track on the 6th defensive spot heading into next year.

    “You look at what Doug Hamilton may or may not be able to bring and what he was able to do at the junior level. You hope that [his offensive skills] translate and that he’s gonna be a puck mover,” said Sweeney. “Is he a prototypical guy . . . sometimes you describe those guys as being small and skilled wise? No, those guys are big and skilled now. It’s the best of both worlds in that regard.

    Other options from within are David Warsofsky, Torey Krug and down the road Matt Grzelcyk.

    “It is expensive to acquire that [puck-moving defenseman] as it would be to sign a player; Dennis Wideman’s contract is what it is,” said Sweeney. “Ideally, you’d like to develop that, and you would be homegrown in every position. We look for [the puck-moving defenseman], of course.”

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Leafs could be close on a deal … Habs-Moen close … Lightning talking Dmen … Pens after Suter’s rights … Ryan speaks his mind

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2012

  • Mike Morreale via twitter:  Brian Burke: “I’m not going to overpay to upgrade at the [goalie] position.” David Alter via twitter: Burke said they could be close on a deal. Talked with the Flyers and Predators tables on day 2. Chris Johnston via twitter: Burke on Jordan Staal: “We didn’t have a brother named Staal. That was part of the problem.” Damien Cox via twitter: To get Jordan Staal the Maple Leafs would have had to give up a good roster forward, the #5 pick and their best non-NHL defenseman prospect. They don’t have the depth yet to do that.
  • Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero expects the trade market to develop after the bigger names sign on July 1st. There is lots of activity between GMs.
  • Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said he’s confident that they will get a deal done with Travis Moen this week.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello on if he’s had any negotiations with Zach Parise: “No, not at this point.”
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: A source said this morning that the Penguins were working hard to get the rights to Ryan Suter. Though Suter has expressed interest in remaining in the Western Conference, Pens GM Ray Shero thinks he can talk him into coming to Pittsburgh. Shero drafted Suter in 2003. The Flyers have interest in Suter, but sources say he doesn’t have interest in coming to Philadelphia.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Bobby Ryan is fed up with the Ducks and wants out:

    “I take things personally,” Ryan told the newspaper. “Anaheim to me has been a team over the past year that really has shown me nothing to prove that they want me here, unfortunately.

    “Obviously, it’s not the ideal situation. When you get drafted, you want to win championships with that team and every time they look to add a piece to the puzzle, I’m the piece going the other way.

    “I gotta be honest with you. At this point, I don’t care. Move me … because it’s just tough going to the rink every day knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re going to be the guy moved.”

    “Everybody wants to play in your hometown, but it would be tough because a lot of expectations come when you’re put into a situation like that,” Ryan told the newspaper. “For me, if I’m moved, Philadelphia would be a very ideal and comfortable place for me.”

  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Maple Leafs made an unsuccessful pitch for Roberto Luongo last night.

    “I don’t need a goaltender until we play the first game,” Burke told reporters. “And we are far more comfortable with the guys we have than the media seems to be. If we can upgrade at a reasonable price, we will. I don’t feel any pressure to [trade for a goalie] now.”

    “We’re listening to a number of different situations,” Gillis said Friday. “I haven’t made my mind up yet on what direction we’re going to go. I think it’s more prudent to be patient and make sure we’re doing the right thing for our organization and that’s what we’re going to do.”

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