Posts Tagged Brian Burke
Jagr not considering NHL … No Ehrhoff at skate … Brian Burke video – talks prospects and draft
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on May 24th, 2011
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Jaromir Jagr’s agent tells @plysenkov that Jagr isn’t considering any offers from the NHL at this time.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (shoulder) not taking part in the pre-game skate.
- Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke – Leafs looking at packaging a 1st (1 of 2) and 2nd (39th) to move up in the draft. Will draft best player available and not by position. Also focusing on adding a number one center, if can’t get one in free agency, will look at trades.
Afternoon notes on Leafs, Flames, Crosby, Green, Ducks goalie situation, Pacioretty and Clowe
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 12th, 2011
- James Mirtle via twitter: Brian Burke, “We have a ton of cap room and intend to be active on July 1.”
- Calgary Flames via twitter: Jay Feaster, “Jarome isn’t going anywhere”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Sidney Crosby is making progress but doctors are not giving a timeline for his return.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Bruce Boudreau said that Mike Green would be ready to go for Game 1.
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Ray Emery is still being bothered by a lower body injury and may not be ready to go. Jonas Hiller is still dealing with vertigo symptoms. Dan Ellis is likely to be the start for Game 1. “You go with the hot hand. Dan has been very strong in the nets for us. He’s been a great guy as far as his work ethic and hasn’t wavered in is support of his teammates,” Carlyle said.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Despite skating on his own, Max Pacioretty “isn’t close to returning” according to coach Jacques Martin.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercry News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe should be ready for their playoff opener. “Clowe’s fine,” the coach said. “I talked to him after practice. He felt really good. He was smiling. I asked him about his legs and his lungs and he said everything felt good. Like I said before, we expect him to be playing and I think he expects himself to play.”
Wilson back with Leafs next year … Wideman out week-to-week … Starting goalies for tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 31st, 2011
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: “General manager Brian Burke confirmed as much Wednesday, saying Wilson has “done a marvellous job” and would remain behind the bench for 2011-12.” “I said back in the fall, we would not consider a change, even when all the hounds were baying,” Burke said. “I feel the same way now. Ron is coaching this team next year.”
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals Tyler Sloan will be in the lineup. Dennis Wideman out with a lower body injury he suffered on Tuesday. Mike Vogl via twitter: Wideman is listed as week-to-week.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will start in net for the Capitals tonight against Philly.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Al Montoya will start for the Islanders tonight. Michael Grabner is doubtful, Zenon Konopka given the go ahead if he feels up to it.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Scott Clemmensen will start for the Panthers tonight against the Senators. Tomas Vokoun still out with a bad back.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Looks like Tim Thomas will get the start for the Bruins tonight against the Maple Leafs.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Steve Mason is expected to start for the Blue Jackets.
Audio from Kaberle, Burke, Byfuglien and Cherry calling Lemieux a phony and hypocrite
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio on February 16th, 2011
- Tomas Kaberle Audio from AM 640: “We don’t want to distract the team or anything like that,” said Kaberle. “If I’m no [longer] needed on this team then we can talk about it. Obviously we’ve still got 12 days to go and like I said right now it’s nothing to talk about.”
- Brian Burke Audio from the Fan 590: Burke talks with Greg Brady, Nick Kypreos and Doug Maclean about Grabovski and concussion question, Tomas Kaberle situation, Beauchem and Versteeg trades, Phil Kessel, and Mike Komisarek’s struggles
- Dustin Byfuglien Audio from the Fan 590: “Dustin Byfuglien joins Hockey Central to talk about his new contract with the Thrashers, his time with the Trashers so far and his experience at the NHL all-star game this year.”
- Don Cherry Audio – Grapeline from the Fan 590: “Don speaks out against Mario Lemieux’s threat to leave the NHL if fighting isn’t taken seriously.” Cherry calls Lemieux a phony and a hypocrite.
If anyone knows any other radio stations/sites that offer audio for individuals interviews, please let me know as I’ve only found a couple. My email address can be found in the ‘contact’ tab.
Twitter rumors involving the Flyers, Maple Leafs, Sharks, Oilers, Kings, Lightning and Canucks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 15th, 2011
- Mike Ziesberger via twitter: Flyers coach Laviolette said that Kris Versteeg could play with Mike Richards or Claude Giroux, won’t break up the Briere line. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Versteeg did not ask Burke for a trade.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Brian Burke said the 3rd round pick they got in the Versteeg trade is already in an offer. Greg Brady via twitter: The trade involves a player coming back to the Leafs if it happens.
- Steve Dangle via twitter: Quoting Burke from his press conference last night, “The agent here has asked for complete secrecy and silence regarding Tomas Kaberle.” …. Burke regarding the 1st rounder: “I haven’t put it in play, but would I move it? Yes.”
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Since Versteeg and Fisher netted 1st rounders, there’s no way the Oilers wouldn’t get one in any Penner or Hemsky deal if they go that route.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek thinks that Joni Pitkanen would be a great fit in San Jose if they could make it work cap wise.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks the LA Kings need a left winger before they can be serious contenders, Handzus isn’t the answer for Kopitar. Curtis Glencross would be a good fit for the Kings, along with 28 other teams, but Bernstein doesn’t see the Flames messing with the chemistry they have going on now.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is still trying to find Mike Smith a new team before the deadline.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Cancucks will look to add a 3rd-4th liner by the deadline, a Brad Winchester (STL) type player.
Maple Leafs trade Kris Versteeg to Flyers for Draft Picks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Trades, NHL Videos on February 14th, 2011
The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded winger Kris Versteeg to the Philadelphia Flyers for a 2011 1st and 3rd round draft pick.
Versteeg carries a $3,083,333 cap hit and salary for next year. Philadelphia has to be pretty much capped right out. Versteeg will bring his Stanley Cup experience to an already deep group of forwards.
Tim Panaccio via twitter: The Leafs were trying to get James van Riemsdyk for Versteeg but settled with the 1st and 3rd round picks.
Capgeek via twitter: The Leafs now have 12 players on the books for next season at $35.1 million.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie is hearing that the Leafs will keep the 1st rounder and look to deal the 3rd rounder for a tangible asset.
Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Burke said, “This deal was on the table from Philly for a week.” Tried hard to get a player in the league or close, but couldn’t.
Brian Burke Press Conference Audio from AM 640: Top right of the entry is a Kris Versteeg interview, click on the 2nd black bar for Burke press conference. (need to work on your set up AM 640)
27 more days of Tomas Kaberle trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2011
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is expected to meet with Tomas Kaberle’s agent this week to see if he would accept a trade. Kaberle had this say this morning,
“I haven’t heard anything about that yet,” he said. “Obviously if something comes up, you guys going to be the first to know. Every year is the same, you know? There’s going to be a lot of talk, especially towards the end.
“Like I said, if something comes up, you guys going to know about it. I’m just going to focus on the games.”
- John Shannon via twitter: Rick Curran told Shannon, “will put to rest any rumors…there’s no ‘list of teams.”
- Brian Huddle via twitter: Doug MacLean said that Brian Burke has asked for a list of teams Kaberle would accept a trade too.
- Jonas Siegel of AM 640: Burke hasn’t and won’t ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause, but he will ask for a list of teams, like he did last year at the deadline.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Day 1 of the Tomas Kaberle trade watch, and will likely be an ongoing topic until the deadline day. 27 more days to go.
Burke says hasn’t spoken SJ about Thornton … Malkin out tonight … Habs have $3.5 million in cap space … Edler out 3 months after surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Brian Burke said “I have never spoken to Doug Wilson on that. Total fabrication.” Burke was responding to internet rumors of a possible deal with the Sharks involving Joe Thornton.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Jason Arnott has already stated he’d waive his no-trade clause, and is unsure where he’ll finish the season. “I think I have to just go out and play,” he said. “The trade deadline is coming up. I’m sure it will come quicker than normal. I just have to wait and see.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Coach Dan Bylsma said that Evgeni Malkin won’t play tonight but he’s traveling with the team.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Alex Edler underwent micro discectomy surgery on Monday, hopes to be back by the end of the regular season, though GM Mike Gillis said that is unlikely, as it could be 3 months to recover. Sami Salo still doesn’t know when he’ll be able to return, he’s been practicing for 5 weeks. Andrew Alberts could be back on Friday, Aaron Rome could be ready next week.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche winger David Jones will be out indefinitely with a shoulder injury that he suffered in the final game before the all-star break. Peter Forsberg’s next practice is scheduled for Wednesday.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens have about $3.5 million in cap space after the season ending injuries to Markov and Gorges. Do they go after a top 6 forward like a Richards, Arnott or Weiss? Or after a defenseman like Robyn Regehr?
- Chris Johnston via twitter: Jordin Tootoo has been cleared to practice after spending time in the leagues substance abuse and behavioral health program.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: St. Louis Blues forward Andy MacDonald will return to the lineup Friday.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Vinny Prospal could be making his season debut on Thursday. Ryan Callahan is in tonight, Brandon Dubinsky is a possibility.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: JS Giguere will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight vs. the Panthers. George Richards via twitter: Scott Clemmensen will be in net for the Panthers.
Video of Brian Burke discussing the possibilities of Toronto Maple Leafs trades
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Videos on January 13th, 2011
Torres or Samuelsson out in Van.? Senators troubles … Burke still working the phones … Would the Rangers trade Gaborik?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2011
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: If/when Sami Salo returns to the Canucks lineup, a forward could be moved instead of a much rumored defenseman. One train of thought is the Canucks can’t risk losing Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff to free agency this summer. 3rd liners Raffi Torres ($1 million) or Mikael Samuelsson ($2.5 million) could find themselves being moved if Salo returns. 3rd pair defenseman Keith Ballard ($4.2 million) could be a candidate to be moved as well as he hasn’t lived up to his billing, but has 4 years and almost $17 million remaining, which could be difficult to move. Another option could be to have Salo not play a regular game and return in the playoffs.
- Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Scanlan thinks the Senators should bottom out and start thinking 2 or 3 years down the road.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Robin Lehner will get the start for the Senators tonight against the NY Islanders, and Corey Locke will be on a line with Nick Foligno and Ryan Shannon. Erik Karlsson may not be in the lineup after blocking a shot on the right foot against Boston.
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside is surprised that Senators owner Eugene Melnyk hasn’t demanded someone’s head on a platter for the teams continued struggles. LeBrun thinks that GM Murray will make a couple deals before the trade deadline (he’s been rumored to be working the phones for months with no luck) and that coach Clouston and players are not on the same page. Burnside adds their goaltending has been a “blackhole” and the Kovalev and Gonchar acquisitions have been disasters. If Murray and Clouston are not in the plans to rebuild/retool this team, time to replace them. LeBrun adds that Murray may go behind the bench again, and there were rumors that Melnyk nixed a coaching change earlier in the year. Bruce Garrioch emailed the below to LeBrun,
“I’m not sure they need to blow this up, but they need changes,” … “The first thing that has to happen is Melnyk needs to make some sort of announcement here. He needs to let people know what the plan is going forward.
“If Bryan Murray is going to be the guy, then what action is he going to take? They really need a goalie in a bad way and they have to get another forward. They should house-clean at the deadline and try to get draft picks.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Marian Gaborik has a limited no-trade clause, but if a team came calling that he could be dealt to before the February 28th trade deadline, the Rangers would listen. The Rangers don’t want to trade him, and are not shopping him but … He’s only scored 7 goals in his last 30 games, and has shown an inability to mesh with a variety of linemates. The Rangers badly need a point man (someone with a shot for the PP), but they also need Gaborik to start producing.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Despite being on mini roll, Brian Burke continues to looks for deals, “My phone bill the last couple of weeks could feed a small country.” Since the team has been playing better recently, the trade proposals haven’t been as outlandish, and not as frequent. Burke reiterated: “We’re trying to add, not looking to dump. I’m getting fewer calls, better offers and our goal is to keep getting better.”
- Jonas Siegel of AM640: The Maple Leafs don’t have any imminent deals, and their looking to add talent over draft picks. “As we get closer to the deadline we’re gonna try to add,” [Burke] said “If we get a pick as part of a bigger deal that’s fine, but we’re not looking to dump here, we’re looking to add.” Burke added he hasn’t talked to the agents for Luke Schenn and Clarke MacArthur.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Logan Couture is doubtful for tonight after taking the brunt of a knee-on-knee hit from Colton Orr on Tuesday. “Did he blow out his knee? No, if that ‘ll help you,” Todd McLellan said. “Surgery? I’ve never heard that word used with it at all.” Couture was at the rink yesterday walking around with no brace, and is day-to-day.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Chris Pronger will practice with the Flyers tomorrow, and could be back in the lineup next week.
Pronger skating … Backstrom groin problem? Stuart’s jaw broken, Kostopoulos to be suspended (video)? Horcoff 2 weeks away?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 8th, 2011
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Chris Pronger skated yesterday by himself for the 2nd time since fracturing his foot. He could be back in the Flyers lineup around the All-Star game later this month.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Niklas Backstrom’s next start on Sunday could be in jeopardy with what might be a groin injury. Antti Miettinen will take the morning skate to see if he can go tonight.
- Ted Kuflan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula is day-to-day with a groin injury.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart had his jaw broken by a Tom Kostopoulos questionable hit last night (video at bottom of entry). The Wings hope he’ll be able to have surgery when they get to Vancouver.
“I’d assume they’d look at it and I’d assume he’s suspended,” Babcock said. “You’re supposed to protect the good players in the league and that’s a good player. I mean, I would have no problem if the guy buries him, he’s swinging at the puck, but you don’t have to hit him in the head. There’s no reason to do that. It’s disappointing.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff was expected to miss 8 weeks with a sprained MCL (originally hurt on Dec.7th) but is ahead of schedule. There is a chance he’s back in the lineup in 10-14 days, 2 weeks ahead of schedule.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Chris Stewart is practicing but still wearing a non-contact jersey. He’s getting closer to returning.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Blue Jackets: Mike Commodore cleared waivers yesterday, and the team continues to try and trade him. If they can’t find a deal right away, they could send him to their AHL team, put him on re-entry waivers and hope someone bites at 1/2 the price or loan him to another AHL team to basically remove him from their organization (what the Oilers did to Sheldon Souray). GM Scott Howson will meet with Commodore first before saying what they may do with him.
- AP in New York Times: Lamoriello says the NJ Devils are not rebuilding, but wouldn’t rule out future deals, but not Martin Brodeur.
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke on HockeyCentral @ Noon talking about their victory over the Blues, “Ron Wilson’s job security, the progression of his young players and the struggles of Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek.
Kane replaces Hossa on IR … Burke owes Wilson a trade? Spezza hurts arm … Cleary fractures foot
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 27th, 2010
- The Globe and Mail: Marian Hossa was activated from IR yesterday and Patrick Kane was placed on IR. Kane has been out since Dec. 5th with an ankle injury. Hannu Toivonen was recalled by the team.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza left last night’s game in the 2nd period holding his arm after being hit by Kris Letang. A better update will be come today.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have lost Daniel Cleary for at least a month after his ankle was fracture after being hit by a Brad Stuart shot. Cleary leads the Wings with 16 goals. The Wings are also without Pavel Datsyuk, recalled Jan Mursak.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Marian Gaborik will be back in the lineup for the Rangers tonight, and the Rangers also recalled Mats Zuccarello. Gaborik practiced with Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan. Michael Del Zotto will likely be out as he recovers from the flu.
- Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The NHL holiday roster freeze ends Monday, and Brian Burke continues to look for a trade to shake up his roster. “It’s believed by team sources that Burke “owes” Wilson at least a trade to shake up the underachieving roster up and give the coach an improved opportunity to rescue the team’s badly fading playoff hopes.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Teams are following the NJ Devils closely, and many are interested in Jamie Langenbrunner and his no-trade clause. The Sharks, Red Wings, and Stars (as well as most other top teams) could be interested. If Rolston is put on re-entry waivers he’s likely to get picked up. Jason Arnott is pondering if he’d waive his no-trade clause if asked.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Teams are calling the Atlanta Thrashers about Niclas Bergfors (Maple Leafs likely one of the teams) but GM Dudley doesn’t want to give him away for nothing.
- TSN: Peter Forsberg’s attempted comeback is now over (it’s Christmas not Ground Hog day right?). Markus Naslund, MODO’s GM said “I’ve had a talk with him today and he simply says that it does not feel good enough for him to build on this.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Avalanche are not “moving full steam” to re-sign Craig Anderson. Anderson was excellent last season, but he’s battled injuries and has only been average. LA Kings prospect Brayden Schenn will likely be traded by Portland (WHL) to either Saskatoon or Portland. Sheldon Souray has 1 goal on 50 shots in 15 games.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators and Chris Phillips haven’t discussed a new contract for the upcoming UFA. Preliminary discussions took part at the beginning of the season, but not much since then.
Burke looking for a power forward … Time to Blowup the Flames? Svatos and Avangard split
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 24th, 2010
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Is the patience of Brian Burke running thin in Toronto? They are currently 28th with 28 points, 3 points fewer than they had last year at the same point.
“Inexcusable lapses have cost them too many games and too many points. A putrid start here, a late goal to blow a lead there and the Leafs have squandered opportunities to ease their way into a respectable spot in the standings.”
At the top of Burke’s wishlist is big power forward with some offensive talent. Finding a trade partner has been difficult but, “The tightness of the (Western Conference) probably helps us right now,” Poulin said. “There are teams that won’t wait until the trade deadline because they will want to make a push much earlier.”
- Vinay Menon of the Toronto Star: Change is coming according to Brian Burke. He’s been working the phones looking for size and scoring.
“We need a big forward,” Burke says, as a couple of suits stroll past and nod hello. “Everyone points to the center position. But I think if we had a Top 6 forward with size, center or wing, it would help us. Right now we’re not getting to enough loose pucks in front of the net. We’re not creating enough traffic in front of the net. So that to me is our biggest need.”
“I think Ron brushes some people the wrong way with his mannerisms when in fact he’s a great guy and a great teacher and a great coach,” says Burke. “But I think his mannerisms with the media – which, by the way, have been developed over a very frustrating period of time – have led some people to turn on Ron unfairly.
“That doesn’t change my thinking. We are not looking at a coaching change.”
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Is it time to blowup the Calgary Flames? LeBrun would blowup the Flames, putting Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff on the market. The Kings would be interested in Iginla, the Canadiens might be too. Would he waive his no-trade though? He has another 2 years left at $7 million. Burnside wonders if a team would part with a 1st round pick, a top prospect or “tidy little package” for Iginla? Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay might get some interest, though both have a no-movement clause. To quote Burnside “how does that happen, by the way?”, referring to Jokinen and Tanguay’s no-movement clause. It may be time to replace management as well.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Marek Svatos and KHL’s Avangard have mutually agreed to terminate Svatos’s contract. Chesnokov hears that he may stay in the KHL with Dinamo Riga.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Zach Bogosian missed last night’s game with multiple nagging injuries. The Thrashers play 4 games in 6 days after Christmas, so he was given some extra time to heal. Niclas Bergfor was scratched again, along with Nic Antropov.
- James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk: The race to get the rink built in Pittsburgh is on.
I may be able to sneak in an update later on today. Traveling begins shortly, will be on the road for the majority of the day so I may not get a chance. If not, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers. No posting tomorrow, and we’ll see about boxing day.
Burke talks music and Leafs (audio) … Leafs trade assets … Would Devils trade Brodeur? Staal skates … DiPietro to IR … Video of Cooke hit on Yandle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 22nd, 2010
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke was on the morning show yesterday morning talking about music and the Maple Leafs.
- 98.5 The Sports Hub Audio: Bruins President Cam Neely joined Felger and Mazz to break down the team’s recent slump. Is Neely happy with the job head coach Claude Julien is doing? Will any moves be made? Neely gives us the answers.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs have some trade assets that could help the future. Names that might come up at the trade deadline or before are Francois Beauchemin, Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Tomas Kaberle.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: JS Giguere will be off skates for 7 to 10 days.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: The New Jersey Devils season is all but over, 18 points out with no signs of things turning around. Could they look at trading Martin Brodeur to a contender? He has another year left at $5.2 million. Would the Washington Capitals or Tampa Bay Lightning be interested? The LA Kings may look into adding another defenseman before the trade deadline, as Willie Mitchell’s has been unable to remain healthy. He’s played only 15 games and is week-to-week with a knee injury.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Vancouver might trade Kevin Bieksa when Sami Salo returns (it’s still not known exactly when he’ll return). Rick Rypien, who left the Canucks for personal reasons, isn’t expected to be back with the team this season, and it’s possible that he may never return. Former NHLer, current AHLer, Jonathan Cheechoo has a bruised kidney and some internal bleeding. The Islanders may look to trade winger Matt Moulson if he wants more money than they want to give him. The Isles may offer Doug Weight one more kick at the can and send him to a contender if he wants too.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jordan Staal skated for 30 minutes yesterday with their strength and conditioning coach. He didn’t wear a glove over his surgically repaired hand, nor did he do any stick handling drills. It’s been 50 days since the surgery.
- Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Even though the NY Islanders 3rd sting goal, Nathan Lawson, got the start of Dwayne Roloson, a trade of Roloson is not imminent. Botta thinks the Isles would ask for a 2nd round pick for Roloson if they decide to trade him.
- The Globe and Mail: The New York Islanders have put Rick DiPietro and defenceman Mike Mottau on injured reserve. DiPietro will be eligible to return in 7 days. Mottau will have surgery on his hip and will be out the remainder of the season.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Milan Hedjuk missed his 6th straight game due to a groin injury.
- Mike Vogel via twitter: Washington Capitals winger Matt Bradley has a broken finger and will miss 2-4 weeks.
- Yesterday @jimbalsillie tweeted “Hi again, social friends! Very early morning. Nashville bound today! And not to learn how to write a country song. Stay tuned.” Later on Bob McKenzie let the world know it was a fake account and to get back to Christmas shopping.
- Matt Cooke’s elbow to Keith Yandle from Sunday night. Yandle called for a 5 game suspension. What do you think of it?
Nabokov to Lightning may not be a no-brainer … Lease passes Glendale vote … Sabres get trio back … Phaneuf-Iginla feud? Difference in Oilers-Leafs rebuilds
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 15th, 2010
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman confirms that he spoke with Evgeni Nabokov’s agent but wouldn’t say anything more. He did say that their goaltending needs to improve and he’s not ruling out that improvement comes from Dan Ellis and Mike Smith. The Washington Capitals are also mentioned a team that may be interested in Nabokov but Bruce Boudreau offered this, “We’ve got two great young goaltenders,” Boudreau said. “Not good, but great young goaltenders. We’re not going after anybody else.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: It seems like a no brainer for the Lightning to sign Evgeni Nabokov but there a few things that Yzerman has to consider. 1) He’s 35 so if you sign him to multi-year deal he’ll count against the cap even if he stops playing. He struggle at the Olympics last year (and through parts of the season) and in the KHL this year. 2) If they sign him, he still has to clear waivers. 3) How much does he expect to make? Is he looking for something in the $4 million range? If the Lightning decide to go another route the could inquire about Dwayne Roloson and Johan Hedberg as upgrades to their current tandem.
- The Globe and Mail: It looks like Matt Hulsizer is getting closer to owning the Arizona Phoenix Coyotes as the Glendale City Council approved the new lease in a 5-2 vote. The new deal will cost the city $197 million over 6 years, Hulsizer is expected to buy the team for $170 million.
“This is the resolution we sought,” Bettman said after the meeting ended near midnight. “The action taken by the council is successful and conclusive.”
“My reservation here is the city would be left with huge bills and no income from this transaction if Mr. Hulsizer defaults on any of his payments to the city,” said council member Joyce Clark, who voted against the lease. “If, for some reason, he relinquishes control of the Coyotes franchise, the cost to the city would be enormous.”
The Coyotes have not made money since they left Winnipeg in 1996, Hulsizer added,
“It will take some time to turn this around,” he said. “It will not happen in the short term. We’re looking 10, 15 years possibly, I don’t know. We hope the economy will start to turn around, and the Coyotes can win.”
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Though not official yet, Dean McAmmond plans on retiring. McAmmond’s agent said he received a couple opportunities to continue playing but he had already stopped skating.
- The Detroit News: Jimmy Howard will start in the net for the Red Wings tonight against the Blues. Chris Osgood is likely to a get a shot at his 400th career win on either Friday or Saturday.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford are expected back in the Sabres lineup tonight versus the Bruins. Rob Niedermayer is likely to return as well. Mark Mancari was sent to the AHL Monday and Luke Adam was sent back yesterday. Nathan Gerbe hasn’t scored in 20 games could be a healthy scratch.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks Douglas Murray, Devin Setoguchi and Kent Huskins all skated yesterday before the team left on a 3 game road trip.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The rebuilding process between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton is quite different. From Brian Burke,
“We’re trying to do this without the draft picks. That’s why we signed Phil Kessel. We just have a different model, a different blue-print than Edmonton. We’re trying to rebuild without finishing dead last … although we almost did last year,” said Burke, who traded away his first-round draft pick last June and next summer to the Boston Bruins — who selected Tyler Seguin No. 2 overall behind Hall — for Kessel.
“I think you can rebuild without doing the Ottawa model or the Chicago model, where you finish last or dead-last or close to dead-last for two or three years and reload. I think you can add assets in a (salary) cap system. I build all my teams the same way — from the blue-line out. That’s where I spend my cap dollars. We’re different from Edmonton here. They’re building up front, first (Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Sam Gagner).
“I won’t change my blue-print. It worked in Vancouver. It worked in Anaheim.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf shot down rumors that they feuded in Calgary. There were rumors that the 2 had fought, and that Phaneuf was having an affair with a teammates wife/girlfriend.
“Yes, Dion and I had a scrap,” Iginla admitted to the Toronto Sun.
“Ask Dion about our wrestling match,” Iginla said with a wink.
“It was at the hotel one time and we were just fooling around,” Phaneuf confirmed Tuesday.
“I was aware of the rumours. One of them suggested we got into it and one of us ended up with a black eye. I really don’t know where this stuff comes from.”
“Dion and I have been friends for a long time. And we will be long after our respective hockey careers have ended.”
Iginla at ease … Wild wanted Yzerman last year … Burke scouted Hawks-Ducks … Ducks sticking with 8 Dmen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 22nd, 2010
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Jarome Iginla’s said his mind is at ease after he was told he won’t be traded this year.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leopold had hoped to convince Steve Yzerman to be teams GM after Doug Risebrough was fired after the 2008-09 season. The Oilers could look to trade Dustin Penner before the trade deadline as he’s struggled and lacked passion this year.
- Kevin Paul-Dupont of the Boston Globe: Brian Burke was seen scouting the Chicago Blackhawks – Anaheim Ducks last Sunday. Burke has done deals with both teams in the last year. I don’t see that either team has top center that they’d be interested in dealing.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have 8 defenseman on their roster, and may go against the norm, and keep all 8. “It’s proven you need defensemen because you get (injuries). Look at our schedule. We’re going to need players.”
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings power play has gone 1 for 15 in their last 4 games, coach Terry Murray is considering switching Jake Muzzin for Peter Harold.
- Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: It looks like Devan Dubnyk may start all the games while Nikolai Khabibulin is out. Martin Gerber was hoping to get into a game.
Sunday morning NHL Rumor Roundup with Hotstove and SourcesSay video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on November 14th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: “The level of talk has heated up quite a bit,” said a league executive. “I get the sense some teams are getting antsy.” Brian Burke is the most active. The San Jose Sharks would like to add a veteran blueliner and might be willing to deal D Niclas Wallin and D Kent Huskins. Teams may be reluctant to give up 2nd round picks this year as it’s looking like a deep draft. The Canucks could be looking to move a Dman with soon, possibily Christian Ehrhoff or Kevin Bieksa. The Devils are also looking for defensive help, “They look to me like a team with a bad defence, an aging goalie and a superstar (Ilya Kovalchuk) that’s having a hard time fitting in. That can be a bad recipe,” said a league executive. If the Panthers fall out of the playoffs they could look to trade goalie Tomas Vokoun and winger Chris Higgins. The Sharks could be interested in Vokoun. The Panthers are also trying to move Rostislav Olesz and his 3 remaining years and $3.125 million cap hit.The Lightning are looking for blueline help. The Penguins are looking for a top 6 forward, Bill Guerin doesn’t seem like a possibility at this time.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks have offered Christian Ehrhoff a contract, they counter offered, both sides are apart, and will table talks until later on in the season. Shea Weber’s side will talk with GM Poile this week when the Predators are in Toronto. Several teams have are talking to Miro Satan. Contract talks between Brent Seabrook and the Chicago Blackhawks haven’t taken place yet. Steve Yzerman has met with Steven Stamkos’s agent, they’ve begun contract extension talks, but it will take awhile. The Ottawa Senators and Chris Phillips’ side have had initial contract talks.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: 16 of the 20 Maple Leafs dressed last night were brought in by Brian Burke (Phaneuf and Armstrong not included). He’s done okay bringing in some better players like Kessel and Phaneuf, but the team still needs a Brian Skrudland/Doug Risebrough type center “who makes teams better without necessarily scoring goals.”
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove with Ron MacLean, Eric Francis, Mike Milbury & Pierre LeBrun
- John Shannon of Sportsnet (video) talks about Jeff Carter’s contract, Mark Cuban could be interested in buying the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils might look to change coaches, Miro Satan has a list of 3 teams. Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mark Cuban said in an email he’d only be interested in the Stars as a minority partner, and “only to help him with control of the American Airlines Center.”
Flyers and Carter close on 10 year deal … Trade offers make “no sense” for Burke … Little returns tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 13th, 2010
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Panaccio is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers and Jeff Carter could reach a deal this month worth between $60-$63 million over 10 years. As their roster stands right now for next year, the Flyers have $7 million in cap space, and still have Ville Leino to sign. Leino could get a 3 year deal in the $1.5 million range. Leino’s agent Bill Zito has spoken with GM Paul Holmgren a couple times. Leino has 13 points already this season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d look for something above $2 million. If the Flyers do sign Carter for long-term deal in the $6 million range, as well as Leino, it’s going to be really interesting how they round out their roster. They’ll need to make some moves heading into next season to give them some breathing room in case of injuries
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke “I’ve gotten numerous trade offers over the last several days that make no sense and we are sitting tight.” JS Giguere may see more action than Jonas Gustavsson as the team tries to get out of their slump according to Ron Wilson.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Brian Little is expected to return to the Atlanta Thrashers lineup tonight after missing 6 games with a concussion. Ondrej Pavelec will start tonight vs the Penguins.
Toronto Maple Leafs call up Nazem Kadri and Keith Aulie … Audio with Kadri, Burke and Wilson
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 12th, 2010
3:13 pm:
- Nazem Kadri Audio: posted by James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.
- Keith Aulie Audio: posted by James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.
2:57 pm:
- Fan 590 Audio: Leafs Sr VP of Hockey Operations Dave Nonis discussing call ups and upcoming game.
2:46 pm:
- Fan 590 Audio: Nazem Kadri talks with Howard Berger.
2:30 pm:
- Brian Burke Audio: posted by James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.
- Ron Wilson Audio: posted by James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.
1:00 pm:
- Fan 590 Audio: Howard Berger talking with Jeff Blair.
11:06am:
- Rob Longley via twitter: At Leafs practice. Kadri on a line with Kulemin and Bozak. Other top line is Kessel, MacArthur and Grabovski.
10:36 am:
- Greg Brady via twitter: People who Brady respect say that “Jerry D’Amigo’s more “NHL-ready” than Nazem Kadri, but D’Amigo wouldn’t satiate Leafs fanbase.”
9:50 am:
- Burke told Gord Stellick before the Panthers game that the Maple Leafs would try “other ways” to improve their offense rather than recalling Nazem Kadri. Well the “other ways” didn’t last too long. Let the debate if the Maple Leafs are bringing up Nazem Kadri at the right time begin.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Toronto Maple Leafs have called up Nazem Kadri and Keith Aulie.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie notes that this is “NOT” what the Leafs wanted to do.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Friedman thinks that this means they are pressing the panic button. Friedman also asks, Is Kadri really ready to play against top-line guys in Eastern Conference?
I think the best time to call up Kadri would have been if/when the Leafs fire Ron Wilson. Two stories would deflect some attention away from Kadri.
I’ll continue to add some pieces to this entry through out the day.
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