Posts Tagged Buffalo Sabres

Morning Hits: Roy and Radulov, Stoll, Jets injuries, Bobrosky’s contract, Fleury and other goaltending scenarios

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2013

  • Dan Rosen: If the Senators win Game 5 tonight, Game 6 will go on Sunday at 7:30 pm, moving the Kings-Sharks to 10 pm. If the Penguins win, the Kings-Sharks will be at 8 pm.
  • Josh Cooper: Cooper points out that Patrick Roy and Alexander Radulov had a good rapport when Radulov was in Quebec. The Predators have been unable to trade Radulov for the last year.
  • Jon Rosen: Kings Jarret Stoll rode the stationary bike on Wednesday. He was at the area yesterday but not skating.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane won’t need surgery for his wrist problem and lower leg/foot nerve damage. Tobias Enstrom’s bad back only needs rest. Mark Stuart’s sports hernia doesn’t require surgery. Zach Bogosian missed the final three games of the season with a concussion.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky contract talks have stalled.

    “We’ve talked. We’ve exchanged ideas,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said this week. “But we haven’t made any progress, really. It’s been pretty quiet for a while now.”

    The RFA will be looking for a nice raise from this $1.7 million he made last year. The Blue Jackets will send him a qualifying offer, but he’ll reject it. Bobrovsky could get an offer sheet, with the Blue Jackets having seven days to match.

    “That’s something we can’t control,” Kekalainen said. “It’s obvious what we’re going to do if it goes that far. We have great ownership; committed ownership. We would match any offer there might be, but I’m optimistic we won’t get to that point.”

  • Aaron Portzline: Portzline wonders if the Bobrovsky talks drag into July, would the Flyers try to sign him to an offer sheet.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance wonders if Marc-Andre Fleury’s days in Pittsburgh could be numbered. GM Ray Shero could trade Fleury and his $5 million salary cap hit through 2014-15, and go with Tomas Vokoun and a young, cheaper goalie. It’s a move that may upset the balance in a close Penguins dressing room.

    “Guys will bleed for him. I wouldn’t hold your breath to think Pittsburgh is going to do something rash,” one NHL source said. “Marc-Andre Fleury has one thing in his corner — that’s called the Stanley Cup. Once accomplished, you know he can get it done.”

    The Blackhawks may have to consider putting Ray Emery to see if he can spark the Hawks. GM Stan Bowman may look at his goaltending situation in the summer if they lose to the Red Wings. Emery will be a UFA this summer. The Hawks are just over $2 million under the cap for next year with 21 players signed. Other UFA goalies this year: Mike Smith, Niklas Backstrom, Nikolai Khabibulin and Evgeni Nabokov. Emery could be a great fit with the Islanders or Coyotes if they don’t re-sign Smith, possibly the Sabres if they trade Ryan Miller or the Wild if they don’t keep Backstrom.

  • Katie Strang: The Cap Advantage Recapture Rule could really hurt the Rangers, as well as many other veterans. If Brad Richards were to retire in 2017, it would cost the Rangers $5.66 million in 2017, $8.5 million in 2018 and $17 million in 2019.

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Morning Hits: Burmistrov, Bogosian, Horcoff, Enroth and possible Canucks coaching candidates

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 23rd, 2013

  • Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Two sources have said that Jets RFA forward Alex Burmistrov has no-intention of re-signing with the team. Burmistrov wanted to be traded at the deadline and the Jets were trying too. Head coach Claude Noel and Burmistrov have had issues for two years, and hit a low when he was made a healthy scratch for four straight games. Names that reportedly came up when the Jets held talks with the Senators (Jakob Silfverberg), Sabres (Drew Stafford) and Islanders (Kyle Okposo). GM Kevin Cheveldayoff won’t let him go for nothing, but his market value is getting muddy. Burmistrov’s agent Mark Gandler would only say that he wasn’t going to sign in the KHL. The Jets haven’t held talks with RFA Zach Bogosian.
  • David Staple of the Edmonton Journal: Should the Oilers buyout Shawn Horcoff? The 35-year old Horcoff’s game has been on the decline and he’s been injured in two of the past three seasons. Horcoff could also be blocking Anton Lander, if the Oilers feel he’s ready. If his salary cap hit isn’t an issue this year, than he still may be a valuable bottom-six forward to have. His salary cap hit may become an issue for season, so if he’s bought out, it would likely be next year and not this summer.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Jhonas Enroth on whether he’s ready to be the No. 1 in Buffalo if Ryan Miller is moved: “I’m ready.”

    “I’ve been growing a lot,” Enroth said. “I want to play more. My goal is to be a starter one year in the NHL, and right now Ryan is the starter here. It’s kind of hard to take the job from him here, but we’ll see what happens.”

    The Sabres could be dealing at the draft, which could include Miller, though moving goaltenders isn’t always easy.

    “We get to the draft, and everything’s unpredictable,” Miller said. “I mean, everyone thought Luongo was going to get traded, and look where he is. He’s right where he is. … It’s just a weird landscape.”

  • Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: Pap lists possible coaching candidates for the Canucks: Dallas Eakins, Lindy Ruff, Dave Tippett, Scott Arniel and Tom Renney.

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Morning Hits: Wolski, Scott, Brunner, Roy and Hemsky

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 20th, 2013

  • Renaud Lavoie: The Sabres signed John Scott to a one-year deal at $750,000.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: A source confirmed that Patrick Roy is a strong candidate for the Avalanche head coaching position. Roy was offered the position in 2009, but turned it down.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Ales Hemsky’s days with the Oilers could be coming to an end. GM Craig MacTavish isn’t going to pay $5 million a season for a second line winger with world-class ability.  His knock is missing too many games due to injury.

    “I don’t think there’s a market for him … I shouldn’t say there’s no market,” said former NHL general Craig Button, who now works for TSN. “But the salary cap is coming down to $64.3 million. He makes $5 million for one more year. Would the Oilers pick up half of that to trade him, 50-50 (with another team)? That would still free up $2.5 million in cap space for the Oilers.

    “I don’t know if they can get something tangible in return for Hemsky. Andrew Cogliano got the Oilers a second-round draft (pick). I don’t know if they can get that for Hemsky,” Button said.

    “He’d be rolling along, on pace for 80 points, and bang, he gets hurt. He’s not reliable (to possible trade suitors).”

    Western Conference teams that might be interested: Predators, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Blues, Coyotes and Jets (moving next season). If the Red Wings lose Valtteri Filppula, Hemsky could be an option if they only have to pay $4 million.

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Morning Hits: Spezza, Quick, Sharks fined, trade options for Miller and a look at the Canucks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 19th, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch: With Jason Spezza returning to the Senators lineup today, would have to assume that Guillaume Latendresse will be sitting.
  • Helene Elliott: Kings Jonathan Quick received a game misconduct that the end of last night’s game. He receives an automatic $200 fine and “the case shall be reported to the commissioner, who shall have full power to impose such further penalties by way of suspension or fine.” Because it was for abuse of an official, if a player receives two of them, they can be suspended. It was Quick’s first abuse of an official.
  • Jon Rosen of LA Kings Insider: The NHL didn’t like Sharks GM Doug Wilson’s comments regarding the Raffi Torres suspension and have fined the organization $100,000.
  • Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: It sounds like the Sabres would like to keep Tomas Vanek, but he may be looking to get out. The Sabres may be more interested in trading goalie Ryan Miller. The 33-year old Miller is set to make $6 million next year and may not be easy to move with the salary cap going down. Harrington thinks a team that is close to the winning the Cup may be interested in Miller. Could the Ducks be interested? Jonas Hiller has a year left on his deal and was only OK in their first round loss. The Blues might be interested. Brian Elliott lost four straight in the first round, and Jaroslav Halak may not be getting along with coach Ken Hitchcock. Sabres GM Darcy Regier is unlikely to move Miller to an Eastern Conference team, so that would eliminate the Capitals and perhaps the Penguins. If a non-Cup contending team is interest, maybe the Avalanche. Miller would be an improvement over Semyon Varlamov and JS Giguere.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks are already over next year’s salary cap with 17 players under contract. Trading Roberto Luongo and buying out Keith Ballard would free up $9.5 million. They would have to be cautious free agent spenders. They probably can’t afford Ryane Clowe, Nathan Horton or David Clarkson. They may have to look at cheaper options like Guillaume Latendresse, Raffi Torres, Eric Nystrom and Bryan Bickell. There isn’t much help from within the organization coming up. Six current Canucks have no-trade clauses, and another three kick in on July 1st: Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins and Alex Edler. Edler may be used as a trade chip. Would the Flyers deal Sean Couturier for Edler? Could the Canucks get a package including Justin Abdelkader from the Red Wings or Jamie McGinn is a deal with the Avalanche.

    “In order to get players to play for less than market value, you have to give them something they can rely upon,” Gillis explained. “I think if a player was unhappy here, he’d waive his no-trade. If we were unhappy with him, it would be obvious and he would waive his no-trade. But that’s not a path we’re looking to right now. I think we need to supplement our core group of players that are here as best we can, and then look at possibilities down the road.”

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Injury updates for the Canadiens, Wild and Penguins … Vanek may eye Wild … KHL chasing Voynov

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 5th, 2013

  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Max Pacioretty and Brian Gionta skated yesterday and traveled with the team. Coach Michel Therrien said they were day-to-day and could play today.
  • Rachael Blount of the Star Tribune: Wild coach Mike Yeo said he isn’t afraid to break up their top line of Zach Parise, Mikko Koivu and Charlie Coyle.

    “If we think (splitting up the top line) is what we need, then that’s something we would be willing to do, for sure,’’ Yeo said. “Again, we’re coming home. It’s a little bit of a different situation now. … I think because we played one game that wasn’t good, I don’t think we need to reinvent the wheel here.’’

    Goalie Niklas Backstron (lower-body) practiced yesterday but it’s not known if he’ll be able to go in Game 3. No new updates for Jason Pominville (head injury) and Clayton Stoner (upper body).

  • Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Gleason wouldn’t be surprised if Sabres winger Thomas Vanek ended up taking less money to play in Minnesota when his contract expires after next season. They will be contenders, he already has tons of money and he spends there offseasons there as his wife is from the state.
  • Alex Seren Rosso: Russian press are saying that KHL Traktor will make LA Kings Slava Voynov a “can’t refuse offer” this summer.

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Morning Rumor Hits: Clarkson, Possible Oilers targets and an Offer sheet for Pietrangelo?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 30th, 2013

  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils David Clarkson isn’t sure what to expect when it comes to unrestricted free agency.

    “I’m going to have my meeting with Lou and see what happens, I haven’t really even touched on it,” Clarkson said. “I’m sure I’ll have a meeting with my agent (Pat Morris) this week when I get back to Toronto and go through everything. But to be honest with you, I haven’t even sat down with (Morris) once this year. He’s somebody that let me play as well and just wanted to wait until this was over with.

    “Unfortunately, it’s earlier than we expected. But I’m sure when I get home in the next week we’ll have some meetings and figure things out a little more.”

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It’s unlikely that the Wild will be able to re-sign Cal Clutterbuck because of salary cap reasons. Matheson thinks the Oilers should go after him. Matheson also thinks the Oilers will go after Nathan Horton, and possibly Blackhawks Bryan Bickell or Viktor Stalberg.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: New Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has said changes will be coming, but it’s unlikely to involve Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz. That could change if Shea Weber comes available.

    “I’ve always been of the belief that everything has a price, everything’s for sale. Is it likely, given the high regard we have for these players, given the punitive price we paid to get them? Highly, highly unlikely they would be part of any trade discussion, largely because we value them more highly than anybody else,” said MacTavish.

    Sam Gagner could be a trade chip this summer. There have been some talks with Gagner regarding a contract extension. The Oilers could take a run at Sabres Drew Stafford. Free agents Viktor Stalberg or David Clarkson could get a look at from the Oilers.

  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren knows he has to makeover their defense, add more size up front and add more speed. Panaccio wonders if the Flyers should put an offer sheet in on Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.

    “My job is to make this team the best it can be,” Holmgren said of offering an RFA sheet or any other move. “So I will look at any and every way to do that.”

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Morning Hits: Nill, Nieuwendyk, Malone, Flames, Neuvirth, Ducks, Luongo, Jets and Sabres

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 28th, 2013

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Sources saying that Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill will replace GM Joe Nieuwendyk in Dallas. Andy Strickland: Confirms reports that Nill will replace Nieuwendyk.
  • Erik Erlendsson: Erlendsson doesn’t see the Lightning buying out Ryan Malone or Teddy Purcell. Trading Malone is a possibility.
  • The Fourth Period: It’s thought that the Flames were close to trading Cory Sarich at the deadline. Teams also called about Lee Stempniak, Curtis Glencross and Alex Tanguay. GM Jay Feaster has indicated that he isn’t really interested in trading Glencross. If Miikka Kiprusoff retires, the Flames will be on the lookout for a new No.1 goalie.
  • Mike Vogl: The Capitals signed Michal Neuvirth to a 2-year, $5 million extension. He’ll earn $2.4 million next year, and $2.6 million the following year.
  • Eric Stephens: Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau won’t name is starting goalie for Game 1, but added that he’s known who it will be for awhile.
  • Andi Petrilli: (Canucks lose 7-2, 6 goals in the third) Canucks Roberto Luongo was off the ice, undressed, showered and out of the arena in 12 minutes. Jason Botchford: “I’m not sure how furious Luongo is. He should be used to getting hung out there and embarrassed by now.”
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets have nine RFAs, including: Zach Bogosian, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little. Wiebe thinks they should lock up Bogosian to a max-length eight year deal worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $48 to 50 million.

    “You never know. It’s a negotiation. It’s not something that usually happens overnight. “I don’t really know what I’m expecting as far as how smooth or how not smooth it’s going to go,” said Bogosian. “Yeah, I’ve really kind of settled in here and I’ve enjoyed my time. Whether it’s two years, eight years or 10 years, I’m going to enjoy playing here.

    “I’m looking forward to that next step. I want to be part of the solution moving forward, as far as getting in the playoffs and winning a championship.”

    Wheeler will be looking for a raise from his $2.55 million, and could get a long-term deal.

    Little should get a multi-year deal for more than the $3 million he was making.

    Alex Burmistrov is an interesting case, as some think he could bolt for the KHL or could use a fresh start with a new organization.

  • Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres Thomas Vanek has thought that Friday’s game could have been his last in a Sabres uniform.

    “Let’s be honest,” Vanek said. “I’m not stupid. I know I have a year left and they can probably deal me for prospects, young guys, whatever else is out there. Yeah, I’ve thought about it. If it looks like it’s a long rebuild, then it probably makes sense for both parties to move on.”

    “I don’t know what the plan is,” Vanek said. “If they’re turning it over to the younger guys, it’s a turnover. Or are they going to build around us again? It’s all speculation at this point because you guys don’t know and I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

    Sabres Ryan Miller also realizes that his days could be number.

    “Around this stage of a contract, you have to be realistic,” Miller said. “In the last year of your deal, if you’re not part of the plan, you become an asset that’s tradable. So I’m just trying to stay open to coming back and trying to stay excited about playing hockey games in the NHL if it’s not going to work out.”

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Morning Hits: Hecht, Miller, Babcock, Stars, Atkinson, Nichushkin, Skinner and Clarkson

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

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres Jochen Hecht retired from the NHL last night.

    “It’s best for everybody to start a new life. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve got some great memories. I lived here and loved this place for 10 years, 11 years, and Buffalo became a second home to me.

    “Buffalo has been like a second home for everybody. I was fortunate enough to play my first game in Buffalo with St. Louis, and I played my last game in Buffalo. It’s kind of full circle, came around. It was a lot of fun.”

    Sabres goalie Ryan Miller may have played his last game in a Sabres uniform.

    “Everything comes to an end. It’s not always clean and easy. Most of the time, it’s little bit dirty and not any fun. It was hard to watch these guys kind of leave a team one by one, but it’s the nature of sports, nature of life. You can’t just hold on to something that’s not sustainable. Everything becomes stagnant if you’re always trying to hold on to one thing.

  • Darren Dreger: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said that rumors of him being Red Berenson’s successor at the University of Michigan are not true. He has two years left on his Red Wings contract and is happy being the Wings coach.
  • Bruce Garrioch: If the Stars decide to make a GM change, Garrioch wouldn’t be surprised if Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill is the top candidate.
  • Shawn Mitchell: The Blue Jackets sign forward Cam Atkinson to a 2-year, $2.3 million contract extension.
  • Alessandro Seren Rosso: Valeri Nichushkin was traded to Dynamo for $10 million. He’s on a two-year contract with an out-clause after one year, $2 million per year. Slava Malamud: There will be no Nichushkin next year, and likely for 2014-15. TJ ОвечкиH: Russian Media saying that Nichushkin was traded without his knowledge. Could trigger his decision to leave to the NHL.
  • Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford on restructuring their blue line: ”We need to be a lot harder to play against. We made it too easy for opponents.”
  • Chip Alexander: Rutherford said that Jeff Skinner at center was an “experiment” but liked what he saw. Creates another option for next season.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils David Clarksonwill be a UFA and he may get some offers to convince him to sign with someone else. There has been lots of speculation that the Maple Leafs will be interested.

    “I don’t know where I’ll be. I have no idea what will end up happening,” Clarkson told The Star-Ledger today. “There haven’t been any negotiations between Mr. (Lou) Lamoriello and my agent. I’ve had no decisions to make yet.”

    “I love playing here. My daughter is from here. I’ve loved my time here,” Clarkson pointed out. “What better situation could there be? I have a coach (Pete DeBoer) I’ve had since I was young who I believe, besides my father, has been the biggest part of my hockey career. And Mr. Lamoriello was the first GM to give me an opportunity.”

  • Ian Mendes: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tonight. Robin Lehner could start on Sunday.

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Morning Hits: Stars offseason, Miller lists townhouse, Oilers could make several moves this offseason and Forsberg to AHL

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 26th, 2013

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (from a chat) Heika thinks the Stars could look at a right handed center in the draft or on the right wing. Elias Lindholm will likely be gone by the time they pick. Sean Monahan, Bo Horvat, Frederik Gauthier and Alex Wennberg could be options. The Stars might be willing to move up in the order to get the player they want. At some point the Stars will have to look at trading a defenseman. They may need to turn them into a more physical and/or a right handed defenseman or depth upfront. Defensemen Trevor Daley, Alex Goligoski, Stephane Robidas, Philip Larsen, Joe Morrow and Kevin Connauton are similar players. It may take moving two or three and replacing with one. Stephane Robidas, Trevor Daley or Alex Goligoski could be candidates to be moved. Jordie Benn is a UFA and likely not coming back.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Ryan Miller has put a for sale sign on his Buffalo townhouse.

    “I don’t know which way it’s going to go, so I’m not going to talk like I’m gone,” Miller said today. “I think I’ve got a lot more hockey in me, so being able to just kind of reflect and enjoy a moment is nice, but it’s going to be another hockey game and I have to prepare and compete.”

  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: TSN’s Bob McKenzie said on Wednesday that the Oilers could consider trading their 1st round pick this year.

    “If you’re going to be bold, that’s certainly a bold move. What the Edmonton Oilers really don’t need is another 18-year-old blue chipper. They need some help right now and using that first round pick as currency could get them that help right now.”

    “They may use the pick, but they may try and parlay it into something immediate.”

    McKenzie added that if they keep the pick, they could look for a strong, physical center or a defenseman. Defenseman Darnell Nurse would be one possibility.

    TSN’s Darren Dreger added that GM Craig MacTavish may look to make as many as six changes:

    “He wants to upgrade in all areas, starting in goal.”

    Devan Dubnyk has been OK, Dreger said, “but the Oilers will look to improve.”

    Dreger speculates goalies Ryan Miller, Jonathan Bernier or Mike Smith. On defense they could look at Kevin Shattenkirk, Andrew Ference or Mark Streit. At forward they could look at Jarome Iginla, Brenden Morrow, David Clarkson and Matt Hendricks.

  • Josh Cooper: The Predators send Filip Forsberg to Milwaukee of the AHL.

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Roster and Goalie Notes: Crosby, Ward, Devils, Leafs, Hurricanes, Capitals and Sabres

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 23rd, 2013

  • Shelly Anderson: Anderson is hearing Sidney Crosby’s jaw may not be healing fast enough for him to start playing before the playoffs.
  • Stephen Whyno: Capitals Joel Ward didn’t skate again today. Adam Oates gave no update on his status.
  • Tom Gulitti: Devils lines: Ponikarovsky-Loktionov-Kovalchuk; Elias-Zajac-Clarkson; Zubrus-Josefson-Sullivan; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
  • David Alter: Maple Leafs lines: JVR-Bozak-Kessel, Lupuk-Kadri-Kulemin, McClement-Grabo-Komarov, MacArthur-Colborne-Frattin, McLaren-Hamilton-Orr.
  • Tom Gulitti: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils. Rich Chere: Johan Hedberg will get the start for the Devils on Thursday against the Penguins.
  • Adam Vingan: Braden Holtby will start in net for the Capitals.
  • John Vogl: Ryan Miller will start in net for the Sabres.

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Roster and Goalie Notes: Horton, Karlsson, Pens, Kane, Oilers, Canucks, Sharks and Starting Goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 22nd, 2013

  • Joe Haggerty: Bruins Nathan Horton won’t travel with the team due to an upper-body injury he sustained in the fight with Jarome Iginla.
  • Ian Mendes: Unlikely that Senators Erik Karlsson is in the lineup tonight.
  • Will DePaoli: Penguins Kris Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury won’t be in the Penguins lineup tonight. Pittsburgh Penguins: Letang has foot poisoning. Beau Bennett has an upper-body injury. Fleury’s wife is expecting. Sidney Crosby, James Neal, Paul Martin and Evgeni Malkin all skated today.
  • Kirk Penton: Jets Evander Kane didn’t skate this morning.
  • Joanne Ireland: Oilers Magnus Paajarvi was hit in the foot with a shot against the Avalanche, and won’t be in the lineup. Eric Belanger will be in the lineup. Ryan Whitney will also play.
  • Jim Jamieson: Canucks lines: Sedins-Burrows; Higgins-Roy-Kesler; Weise-Ebbett-Kassian; Raymond-Lapierre-Hansen.
  • Kevin Kurz: Sharks defensive pairings: Vlasic/Stuart, Hannan/Boyle, Irwin/Braun.
  • Bruce Garrioch: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tonight.
  • John Vogl: Jhonas Enroth will start in net for the Sabres.
  • Dave Molinari: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Penguins.
  • Jim Jamieson: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks.
  • Eric Stephens: Viktor Fasth will start in net for the for the Ducks.
  • Michael Russo: Niklas Backstrom will start in net for the Wild.
  • Chris Kuc: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks.

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Morning Hits: The Avalanche, Miller’s time over in Buffalo? UFAs Brunner and Jones

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 22nd, 2013

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Dater thinks that the Avalanche will have to trade one of their centers at some point. Paul Stastny and Ryan O’Reilly are likely the two they’ll consider trading. O’Reilly can’t be moved until Feb. 28th of next year. If the Avalanche don’t finish last and therefore the No. 1 pick, they could try to trade up. They could offer up Stastny and their first for the No. 1 pick and a roster player.
  • Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: It looks like Ryan Miller’s time with the Buffalo Sabres may be at the end of the line. It’s hard to see Miller coming back next season after the way Friday’s game ended. Miller has a year left at $6 million, and there is little chance that he gets an extension from the team. He’s been very good through stretches, but only average in others. Miller said after Friday’s game that it reminded him of what Patrick Roy went through in Montreal.

    “Well, I would love to have what happened after that,” Miller said. “Just saying. It doesn’t mean I want to leave, but if that’s what you’re getting at. [Roy] won two Stanley Cups after that so, hey, why not?”

    Trading Miller would allow the Sabres to see if Jhonas Enroth could be a No. 1 goalie.

  • Brendan Savage of MLive: The Red Wings will have to figure out if they want to re-sign Damien Brunner, and if so, for how much. He started off with 10 goals and six assists in the first 19 games, but only has 1 goal and 5 assists since. GM Ken Holland said that talks were put off until the offseason. Ansar Khan thinks they should re-sign him, but possibility to a shorter term contract and maybe for in the $2.5 million per year range. Savage is thinking a 4 year, $10 million deal.
  • Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Oilers coach Ralph Krueger said UFA Ryan Jones needs to show that the Oilers should keep him around for next season and beyond.

    “It’s very important for us to take a really good look at Ryan Jones,” said Krueger, who scratched the winger five times this season. “Give him the opportunity to be the player he can be for the Edmonton Oilers.”

    Jones, also needs to decide if he wants to stay in Edmonton.

    “It’s a two-way street,” he said. “It’s a matter of the team trying to decide whether or not I have a role here, and also me trying to decide whether or not this is going to be a place that’s best for my career moving forward.

    “I like being here and I’m passionate about the organization, but it has to be healthy for me as a person and moving forward in my career. It’s not an automatic. It’s a two-way street and we’ll deal with it when the season ends.”

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