Posts Tagged Brian Rafalski
Red Wings sign Niklas Kronwall to 7 year contract extension
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on October 31st, 2011
Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Detroit Red Wings have signed Niklas Kronwall to a 7 year contract extension with a salary cap hit of $4.75 million.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Salary breakdown: “1) SB $1.25 + $3.25 mil. Years 2-4..$6 mil. Year 5) $5.5. Year 6) $3.5. Year 7) $1.75. Full NTC for 1st 5 yrs.” He has a limited no-trade clause in the final 2 years, Kronwall selects 10 teams he won’t go to.
It’s a decent number for Kronwall, and a smart idea for the Red Wings to lock him up before he became a UFA at the end of the season. With the retirement of Brian Rafalski last year, and the yearly possibility of Nicklas Lidstrom retiring, it was imperative for the Wings to not lose Kronwall as well.
Recchi to retire if Bruins win the Cup … Red Wings off-season options … Could Rangers look at Weiss
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 30th, 2011
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Pronvince: If the Bruins win the Stanley Cup, Mark Recchi will retire.
“Yes, I will,” Recchi said Sunday from Boston as his Bruins prepare for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. “If we win, there’s definitely no doubt I’m going to walk away. I want to stay in the game and work with a general manager and learn the development side of the game. I think I understand some parts as a player.”
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Rumors are that the Red Wings will use the $6 million from the retired Brian Rafalski to go after Predators Dman Shea Weber, though Dupont thinks the Predators would match. The salary cap could be going up around 6-7%, from $59.4 million to around $63.5 million.
- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericasson doesn’t really want to test the free agent market this summer and would rather re-sign with the Red Wings.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks the Canucks should sign Kevin Bieksa over Christian Ehrhoff. Matheson proposes a trade and wonders if the Flames would do it, Devin Setoguchi and Jason Demers for Robyn Regehr.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks the wings need to get younger to push Todd Bertuzzi and Tomas Holmstrom. Jiri Hudler may be trade bait. The best free agent options for them could be Brooks Laich and Ville Leino, with Alex Tanguay as a possibility. WHL MVP and recently signed goalie Darcy Kuemper will likely start next season in the AHL. The Wild could go with German goalie Dennis Endras as Niklas Backstom’s backup, letting Jose Theodore and Josh Harding go as UFA’s. Matheson thinks the Wild should trade Backstrom and keep Theodore, but his $6 million price tag makes it extremely difficult.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks wonders if the NY Rangers are unable to bring in Brad Richards, they might look to Florida and Stephen Weiss.
Malhotra plans for Game 1 … Wings looking for Dman … Crosby to be re-evaluated … Another group interested in Thrashers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 29th, 2011
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Manny Malhotra has been given medical clearance and is preparing to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. 11 weeks ago he nearly lost his eye. “Everything is as it should be,” Malhotra said of the eye. “Going forward, I will continue to be monitored daily and if at any time the doctor doesn’t like what he sees, he has the ultimate veto power,” Malhotra said. Malhotra is expected to take Cody Hodgson’s spot as the 4th line center.
- Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: The Red Wings will now be looking for a top defenseman after Rafalski’s unexpected retirement. “The market isn’t as strong, but we’re only looking for one guy,” Holland said. “If a player’s not out there or doesn’t want to buy into the program, we’ll look at an alternative plan. Do you go a touch higher than you want? Yeah. But we’re not going to go dramatically higher than what we think makes sense.” UFA’s that might interest the Wings are Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen, Ed Jovanovski, James Wisniewski, Roman Hamrlik, Ian White and Tomas Kaberle.
- Fan 590 Audio: Ken Holland talks on Prime Time Sports (Thursday) talking about Rafalski’s retirement and what it means for their blueline.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby will be re-evaluated by a concussion specialist in the next week or so. Crosby has been vacationing in Europe, needs clearance from doctors before he can resume his off-season workouts. The Penguins won’t be re-signing Alex Kovalev or Mike Comrie. Comrie could retire, “I’m not sure what Mike’s going to do,” Shero said. “He might be leaning toward retirement.” Shero didn’t rule out re-signing any of their UFA’s: Max Talbot, Pascal Dupuis, Mike Rupp, Craig Adams, Arron Asham, Eric Godard, Chris Conner and Nick Johnson.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Chris Osgood is “100 percent healthy” but a decision on his playing future is still not known. “He’s going through the internal process to decide if he has the energy and the desire and determination to play hockey again,” Holland said. “In the middle of June, we’ll look at the goalies that are out there, we’re going to try and figure out a way to be the best team that we can.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Another group stepped forward with interest in buying the Thrashers and keeping the team in Atlanta. Statement from president Don Waddell.
“Along with all other groups who have expressed an interest in pursuing an ownership opportunity, which has happened as recently as earlier this week, we have said continuously that ‘until an agreement is signed and approved by the board of governors, it’s never too late but they will have to move very quickly and decisively. Ownership still is committed to selling at a greatly reduced price to anyone committed to Atlanta.’ ”
Roloson to start … Thornton played with separated shoulder … Red Wings options … Leafs and Richards … A Souray buyout coming?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 25th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Sorry Wpg, it’s inching closer, but there still is no firm deal with ASG and there will not be an announcement today. From a key source.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: “As for WPG, principals still grinding out detail work. Hearing Thurs as earliest possible date for announcement, perhaps Fri or later.”
- Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: Dwayne Roloson will be between the pipes for Tampa Bay in Game 6.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Joe Thornton played last night with a separated shoulder.
- Brian Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Brian Rafalski will retire at an 11 am press conference. The Wings now have an extra $6 million to work with this summer. Possible free agent defenseman the Red Wings could look at are Canucks Kevin Bieksa, Sami Salo and Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen (Car), Tomas Kaberle (Bos), Ed Jovanovski (Pho), Eric Brewer (TB) and Scott Hannan (Was). RFA’s that would require multiple 1st round picks in an offer are Drew Doughty and Shea Weber.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If Nicklas Lidstrom returns to the Red Wings, he’ll join Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart, and Jakub Kindl. Jonathan Ericsson might be brought back as they have a bit more financial flexibility with Rafalski retiring, but they won’t overpay for him. Ruslan Salei is likely done with the Wings. 2007 1st round pick Brendan Smith has a shot at making the team. They could bring in 35 year old Ed Jovanovski to eat up minutes. Kevin Bieksa could be another option, as well as Joni Pitkanen, Sami Salo, Eric Brewer, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe and Roman Hamrlik.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Lidstom will let the Red Wings know of his plan to retire or to come back again likely before the NHL draft.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs want to be in the Brad Richards sweepstakes. It has been suggested that Burke could possibly offer a deal in the 7 or 8 year range, which goes against his usual philosophy. Richards could get more than $7 million, possibly up to $8 million. The Rangers or Kings might consider offering more. Without having an owner and coach in place, it would be difficult for Nieuwendyk to re-sign Richards. The Leafs could look to acquire his rights before July 1st, but not if it requires them to send Nazem Kadri the other way.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are considering options again with regards to defenseman Sheldon Souray. He’s still owed $4.5 million with a $5.4 million cap hit. They could buy him out after June 15th for 2/3′s salary, cap hit spread out over 2 years. He could also be sent to the minors. The Oilers are still pursuing Swedish goalie Viktor Fasth and are interested in Finnish Dman Ville Lajunen. Zach Stortini could be traded by the entry draft.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have yet to contact Arron Asham about a possible contract.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward David Perron is making some progress with his post-concussion syndromes.
“We’ve talked to David, and he’s feeling better, but he’s not at the point where he’s coming back to St. Louis to take the necessary tests before he can train,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “He’s taking small steps ahead, but not to the point where he has passed his tests to begin his summer training program.”
Armstrong had said that if Perron still have symptoms in July, they would have to plan to start the season without him.
Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski to retire … Blues and Capitals notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 23rd, 2011
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Sources are saying that Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski will retire, possibly this week. Craig Custance via twitter: Custance gets confirmation on his retirement, press conference planned for Wednesday.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: St. Louis Blues 1st round pick Jaden Schwartz will return to Colorado College for next season. The Blues haven’t talked to Cam Janssen about a contract extension. The Blues have made a 2 year contract offer to Patrik Berglund. Look for him to sign somewhere between $2.1 and $2.5 million per season.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Talks between the Atlanta Spirit group and True North Sports and Entertainment continued through the weekend. The potential buyer that would keep the team in Atlanta is now out.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Scott Hannan is a UFA, and made $4.5 million last year. He could be the odd man out in Washington. If he’s willing to take a nice paycut, they could bring him back. But the Caps currently have 7 defenseman under contract for next year, not including Dmitri Orlov.
Crosby skates 3 of last 4 days … Datsyuk and Rafalski injured … Thrashers and Blues on the Block
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 18th, 2011
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: After a day off, Sidney Crosby was back on the ice yesterday. It was the 3rd time in the last 4 days that he’s skated. “I don’t want symptoms, and I don’t want to rush anything,” he said. “It’s not something you can rush. I know it’s going to take time.” Mike Comrie skated for the first time yesterday since he had hip surgery in December. Mark Letestu is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk left with a lower-body injury after getting hit by Rick Nash in the 3rd period. Brian Rafalski injured his knee after Blue Jackets Antoine Vermette fell on it. Rafalski didn’t seemed concerned about it.
- Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Manny Malhotra had surgery Wednesday night to reduced swelling and take some blood from his eye. If the eye is permanently impaired likely won’t be known for a couple days. Victor Oreskovich was recalled by the Canucks. Maxim Lapierre will likely take Malhotra’s 3rd line center role.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Altanta Journal Constitution: 3 groups have shown interest in buying the Thrashers and keeping them in Atlanta, with the majority of discussions between 2 groups. 2 groupls have shown interest in buying the Thrashers, Hawks and the Arena, with one group having talked to both the NBA and NHL.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues are for sale as well, but fans should be worried about relocation. Bettman and the league are involved with the Blues situation, though the level of their involvement is unclear. “In fact sources confirm the $110 million offer made by Tom Stillman was delivered directly to the NHL and Bettman, not to Dave Checketts or TowerBrook Capital.” TowerBrook Capital ownes around 70% of the Blues.
Toews and Getzlaf injured … Rafalski questionable for Tuesday … Oshie late Jan. return? No progress for Perron and McDonald
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 29th, 2010
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews left last night’s game 13 minutes in with a shoulder injury. More will be known today on the extent of the injury.
- Eric Stephens OC Register: Ryan Getzlaf took a puck off the forehead and left the ice with 4 minutes left in the 2nd. The extent of the injury is not known yet.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Brian Rafalski is questionable for Thursday’s game after being a late scratch Monday with a back injury.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Larry Quinn, a minority owner in the Buffalo Sabres is denying reports that a letter of intent was signed to sell the team to Terrence Pegula. Quinn said that the Buffalo News report that a document was signed to buy the Sabres from majority owner Tom Golisano is not correct. There’s no doubt the process has begun, but maybe not to the extent being reported.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues forward TJ Oshie is recovering faster that expected. He broke is ankle on Nov. 10th, with surgery putting him on the shelf for 3 month, re-evaluation was to take place in February. There is a chance that Oshie could be back in the Blues lineup at the end of January. He’s been skating for about a week and progressing well. Neither David Perron and Andy McDonald are still not symptom free from their concussions. There were reports that McDonald was riding a bike but that may not have been the case.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: It looks like Pascal Leclaire will be out another at least another week with his lower body injury. He could be ready for their Jan. 7th game against the Blackhawks.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Todd White was placed on waivers again by the NY Rangers, with Mats Zuccarello with the team, it could spell the end of his tenure with the Rangers.
Monday afternoon injury and roster updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 8th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: X-rays on Willie Mitchell’s upper-body injury showed no breaks or fractures, an MRI is being done today. The LA Kings also need to decide this week if they’ll be sending Kyle Clifford (9 games) and/or Brayden Schenn (8 games) back to Junior. Clifford has played more lately, getting some praises from his coach for his play. Schenn has been a scratch the last 2 games, and needs some work on the defensive side of things.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning forward Simon Gagne is out indefinitely.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Brian McGratton was put on waivers by the Boston Bruins. Dustin Boyd was put on waivers by the Montreal Canadiens.
- KuklasKorner via twitter: Defenseman Brian Rafalski will return to the lineup for the Red Wings tonight. Drew Miller a healthy scratch.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Marian Gaborik is practicing, but is not game ready yet.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: David Krejci should be taking another baseline test later this week.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins lines: Patrice Bergeron centering Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton. Blake Wheeler centering Jordan Caron and Mark Recchi.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Marco Sturm could return in the first 7-10 days of December. Marc Savard “feeling better and could be ready to turn corner.”
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Semyon Varlamov took shots during practice, first time since being placed on the IR.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Joni Pitkanen is ‘day-to-day’ with an upper body injury. Pitkanen practiced today but was wearing a no contract jersey.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur’s elbow is still giving him trouble when holding his stick, though it’s improved 30% since Sunday. Brodeur thinks there is a chance he’s ready for Wednesday.
Staal breaks hand … Doughty to have ‘baseline’ test today … Pominville to return tomorrow … Burrows back today
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 2nd, 2010
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jordan Staal was getting ready to return to the Penguins lineup this week, but will now be out 6 weeks. Staal took a puck to the hand, breaking it, and will undergo surgery today.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Drew Doughty was wearing a no-contact jersey at Kings practice yesterday. Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: If everything is well when Doughty wakes up today, he’ll do the ‘baseline’ test today.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Jason Pominville appears to be ready to go for Wednesday game against the Bruins. Pominville’s return will be a welcome for the 3-7-2 Sabres. Ryan Miller missed practiced yesterday with a none serious, lower-body injury.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Jason Arnott feels he did nothing wrong to deserve the benching, “Not in my mind. It’s been a little weird this season.” Arnott leads the team in scoring with 6 points and has the second worst team +/- at -9.
- David Goricki of the Detroit News: Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood is day-to-day with a groin injury, he left practice yesterday after 10 minutes. Jimmy Howard was back on the ice and will start on Wednesday. Brian Rafalski left with the team on their road trip, he might return next Monday when they return home.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman doesn’t think he needs to acquire another player anytime soon, “If anything, I don’t know if it’s anything personnel-wise we have to change,” Bowman said. “It’s just getting acclimated to the new group we have here, and bringing in another new face really wouldn’t be the answer. The 2012 NHL draft may be held at the United Center.
- The Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks activated Brian Campbell yesterday and placed David Bolland on IR. Bolland had 3 points in 12 games this season.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs are sticking by their guns with regards to letting Nazem Kadri develop in the AHL for now. The offensively challenged called up Christian Hansen and Luca Caputi last week, and left the Marlies leading scorer (4 goals, 4 assists in 8 games) to continue to work in his game in the minors. “It’s exactly the right situation,” Marlies coach Dallas Eakins said. “You know what, he has enough skill and creativity right now to play in the NHL. The problem is, that skill and creativity will be just greatly exposed [when he makes mistakes] and he would be the goat in the NHL.” Don Cherry doesn’t agree and let his feeling be known on Coaches’ Corner on Saturday.
- Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: Alex Burrows will return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup tonight versus the Oilers. Burrows has been recovering for the last 5 months from shoulder surgery.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens are carrying 8 defenseman, Jaroslav Spacek and Ryan O’Byrne will be healthy scratches tonight.
- Fan 590 Audio: Wendel Clarke was on Hockey Central at Noon with Nick Kypreos yesterday, talking about playing careers, today’s Toronto Maple Leafs, and the current state of the NHL.
- Fan 590 Audio: Don Cherry was on with Andrew Krystal and Jeremy Roenick yesterday morning, talking Leafs, the current NHL and to tell a few stories.
- Fan 590 Audio: Full 2 hours with Jeremy Roenick on the Andrew Krystal show.
- Fan 960 Audio: Craig Conroy talks with Rob Kerr about the Calgary Flames of late.
If you know a sports radio station that breaks down interviews rather giving links to entire show/podcast, please send me a note. Address can be found in the ‘contact’ tab at the top of the page. Thanks
Savard to undergo physical exertion test soon … Staal and Tavares skate … Rafalski out 3-4 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 13th, 2010
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com: Marc Savard will undergo a physical exertion test in the next few days. He’s been doing low-intensity workouts, and has been making slow, steady progress. If/when he passes the test, it would be at least 4-6 before he’d return to the Bruins lineup.
- Katie Strang via twitter: John Tavares felt good after yesterday’s skate, and skated again today.
- Rob Longley via twitter: Jordan Staal skated today by himself, but don’t read into it too much, he’s still a-ways-away.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Both Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara have no movement clauses in their deals.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Brian Rafalski is out 3-4 weeks after having surgery on his left knee.
- Helene Elliot via twitter: Andres Lilja is unlikely to play with the Anaheim Ducks this weekend as he has to leave the US to get the proper visa/paperwork.
Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Defenseman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on August 1st, 2010
Listed below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Hits for defenseman heading into the 2010-11 NHL Season. We’ve used the salary cap number over the total salary for this season, due to the front loading of contracts. If a free agent signs and makes the list, we’ll update accordingly, but that is unlikely to happen.
Take a look at Top 30 salary cap numbers by position:
Centers | Left Wingers | Right Wingers | Defenseman | Goaltender
| Rk. | Player | Team | Age | 2010-11 Cap Hit | 2010-11 Salary |
| 1 | Zdeno Chara | Boston | 33 | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 2 | Brian Campbell | Chicago | 31 | $7,140,000 | $7,140,000 |
| 3 | Jay Bouwmeester | Calgary | 26 | $6,680,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 4 | Dan Boyle | San Jose | 33 | $6,667,000 | $6,667,000 |
| T5 | Wade Redden | NY Rangers | 33 | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Ed Jovanovski | Phoenix | 34 | $6,500,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| Dion Phaneuf | Toronto | 25 | $6,500,000 | $7,000,000 | |
| 8 | Kimmo Timonen | Philadelphia | 35 | $6,333,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 9 | Nicklas Lidstrom | Detroit | 40 | $6,200,000 | $6,200,000 |
| 10 | Brian Rafalski | Detroit | 36 | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 |
| T11 | Bryan McCabe | Florida | 35 | $5,750,000 | $4,150,000 |
| Andrei Markov | Montreal | 31 | $5,750,000 | $5,750,000 | |
| 13 | Lubomir Visnovsky | Anaheim | 33 | $5,600,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 14 | Duncan Keith | Chicago | 26 | $5,551,000 | $8,000,000 |
| T15 | Roman Hamrlik | Montreal | 36 | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 |
| Sergei Gonchar | Ottawa | 36 | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| 17 | Sheldon Souray | Edmonton | 33 | $5,400,000 | $4,500,000 |
| 18 | Mike Green | Washington | 24 | $5,250,000 | $5,000,000 |
| T19 | Michal Rozsival | NY Rangers | 31 | $5,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Paul Martin | Pittsburgh | 29 | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| 21 | Chris Pronger | Philadelphia | 35 | $4,921,000 | $7,600,000 |
| T22 | Ron Hainsey | Atlanta | 29 | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Scott Hannan | Colorado | 31 | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Shea Weber | Nashville | 24 | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Mike Komisarek | Toronto | 28 | $4,500,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| Dan Hamhuis | Vancouver | 27 | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| T27 | Anton Volchenkov | New Jersey | 28 | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 |
| Eric Brewer | St. Louis | 31 | $4,250,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Tomas Kaberle | Toronto | 32 | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 | |
| T30 | John-Michael Liles | Colorado | 29 | $4,200,000 | $4,425,000 |
| Keith Ballard | Vancouver | 27 | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 |
Options if Lidstrom Retires … Yzerman still considering Tampa? A new look Shark team next year?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 22nd, 2010
- George Malik of MLive: If Nicklas Lidstrom retires, Brian Rafalski could step up into a larger role. One option available for the Red Wings would be to call up the Maple Leafs and see what it would take for Tomas Kaberle. They could also look at 2nd tier defenseman like Henrik Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Derek Morris, Joe Corvo, and Kim Johnsson.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: There are mixed reports on if Steve Yzerman is still considered a candidate or interested in the Tampa Bay Lightning GM position. It was report earlier that he wasn’t interested, but that may not be the case. When asked about it, “My response has always been not to comment,” Yzerman said. That might lead one to speculate that it’s still an option for him.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet: The Sharks are down 3-0, and it will take a miracle for them to come back and win the series versus the Blackhawks. Big changes could be coming from them in the off-season. Odds are looking good that Patrick Marleau won’t be back with the Sharks next season. Evgeni Nabokov is 34 and a UFA, and despite solid regular season numbers, he has a history of not performing in the playoffs. No one questions Joe Thornton’s talent, but the playoffs have a tendency of not bringing out the best of him, he’s a -10 heading into last night. GM Doug Wilson will also be on the hotseat as he’s the one who’s put together this team that has had some playoff woes the past couple seasons.
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