Posts Tagged Calgary Flames
Coaches Corner: Hunter, Wilson, Richards, Renney, McLellan, Leafs, Canadiens and Flames … Conditions on Dudley leaving Leafs for Habs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Dale Hunter made the tough decision of leaving the Capitals to go back to the London Knight after talking with his family. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: “It was a tough decision. But it was the right one for me and my family.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee is in no hurry to hire a new head coach, he could wait until July or August to find Hunter’s replacement. McKenzie wouldn’t hold his breath waiting for Ron Wilson to be named coach.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards gets a 2 year deal, no longer the interim coach. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the Richards extension is a vote of confidence from ownership for GM Scott Howson.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Leafs assistants Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin are expected back. The Canadiens are in the process of touching base with some head coaching candidates, such as: Michel Therrien, Guy Carbonneau, Marc Crawford, and Bob Hartley. The Flames are planning on narrowing their 10-12 head coaching list down to 5 or 6 for interviews. Bob Harley and Troy Ward are prominent. Nothing to report on Tom Renney’s expiring contract. GM Steve Tambellini’s contract is expired too, but many believe he has an extension in place,
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks that Todd McLellan will be back coaching the Sharks next season, but not surprised if they brought in an experienced or veteran assistant coach.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames AHL head coach Troy Ward is the leading candidate for the head coaching position according to Bodog’s prop (7/4 odds). Bob Hartley (5/2) is a close friend GM Jay Feaster is also a candidate. Craig MacTavish is listed at 6/1.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Dudley could leave the Maple Leafs for the Canadiens by the end of the month. It would be conditional on him not helping the Canadiens with the draft. Pending negotiations with the Canadiens, Dudley has the Leafs blessing to move on as long as he isn’t involved with the draft.
Torres appeals his suspension … Rads-Kostitsyn back at practice … Pietrangelo-Kovalchuk hope to return … Cervenka details
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on May 3rd, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Hearing that Raffi Torres is appealing his 25 games suspension. Saying that 25 games was “excessive.” The CBA says that discipline needs to be enforced in a “consistent” manner. The question is if the suspension is consistent others? The appeal will be heard by Bettman. He will decide if it’s a in-person hearing, by phone or none at all. Bettman must write a ruling upon his decision. Darren Dreger via twitter: Torres appeal could be held next week. A reduction is unlikely.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Alexander Radulov was skating with Andrei Kostitsyn and Craig Smith at Predators practice this morning.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues hope to get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo back tonight. He’s been battling a lower body injury as well as concussion like symptoms. He made it through yesterday’s practice, but it may depend on how his head feels.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Top 3 Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Clarkson; Sykora-Zajac-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Bernier. Rich Chere via twitter: Ilya Kovalchuck is skating with Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta. Kovalchuk said he’s ready to play, a coaches decision. NJ Devils PR via twitter: Coach Peter DeBoer said that Kovalchuk wll be a game-time decision.
- Capgeek via twitter: Flames Roman Cervenka has bonuses “totalling $2 million for Hart, Richard, Selke and Conn Smythe voting, all-star team selection, and top-10 scoring stats.” Cervenka has a European assignment clause so if it doesn’t work out, he can leave.
Afternoon notes on: Dubinsky, Caps, Predators, Hurricanes, Canadiens, Sharks … Flames sign Cervanka
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 2nd, 2012
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rangers Brandon Dubinsky travelled with the Rangers to DC, no indication if he’s close to returning.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals lines this morning: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson. Chimera-Laich-Semin. Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: If the Predators win Game 3, Barry Trotz said he’d go with the same lineup for Game 4. (No Kostitsyn and Radulov)
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford can’t name players who are possible trade targets, but did mention that Eric Staal has played wing before. He has said that finding a scoring winger for Staal was their top offseason priority. He said today that focus could be a winger or center. Rutherford said that defenseman Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek could be headed for free agency. The Canes are high on Bobby Sanguinetti. They hope to have Jamie McBain re-signed soon.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie points out that the Canadiens buying out Scott Gomez “is the dumbest thing any organization could possibly do in a salary cap word.” If they were to send him to the AHL, it frees up $7.3 million in cap space the next 2 years, salary would be $10 million in salary. The Canadiens could save $3.3 million in cash by buying Gomez out, but would have cap hits of “$3.5M, $4.5M, $1.66M and $1.66M for each of 4 yrs.” However, in the new CBA, it’s not known about amnesty buyouts and burying contracts in the minors. Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Canadiens can’t buy Gomez out until the buyout period which runs from June 15th to 30th, merely speculation at this time. Louis Jean via twitter: According to @TVASports Dave Morrissette, the decision to buy Gomez out has already been made.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: As of this morning, the Canadiens hadn’t asked the Maple Leafs permission to speak wit Rick Dudley. Dudley and Martin Lapointe are expected to be among GMs Bergevin’s hires.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks ownership put out a statement that this seasons results are not acceptable, but are confident that GM Doug Wilson will make the changes needed going forward.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: The Flames have signed KHL center Roman Cervanka to a 1 year, $3.7 million deal. Hall can’t see the Flames bringing Olli Jokinen back after giving Cervanka that much money.
Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 19th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad will likely replace injured Marian Hossa for Game 4.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
- Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.
JVR could practice today … Lindback will get trade interest … Oilers looking for 1 or 2 top Dmen … CBJ unlikely to move 2nd overall
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 14th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Viemsdyk began skating on Sunday and could practice with the team today. He had surgery on March 6th on his fractured foot. His possible return for the 1st round is not known.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that are looking to add a goaltender this summer will be looking at RFAs, Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier and even Tuukka Rask. Predators Anders Lindback is another RFA goalie that could find himself playing on another team next year. Custance points out that if someone signed Lindback to an offer sheet, that Preds don’t have a lot of free money to match. A 2 year, $3 million offer would only cost a 3rd round pick in compensation. A trade is a more likely scenario, as they will look to recoup that picks they moved at the deadline. In the last 2 years the 6 foot 6 Lindback posted a 16-13-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .914 SV%. The Lightning have a stockpile of draft picks. The Blue Jackets are looking at upgrading their goaltending. The Maple Leafs are also said to be looking at adding a goalie, but they may be looking for a veteran goalie.
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): The Oilers would like to add 1 or 2 top-end defenseman, and the 1st overall pick will likely be brought up in several cases. He doesn’t see them interested in a Rick Nash or Jarome Iginla.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told that it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets trade the 2nd overall pick, but it’s not out of the question. They’d gladly move the pick they get from the Kings.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins will be in the running for the Flames head coaching position. Other possibilities for the Flames are Troy Ward, Mike Sullivan, Craig MacTavish, Bob Boughner and Bob Hartley.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Before the 2011 NHL Draft, an Eastern team scout said that a team is going to get a steal in Sean Couturier. The scout knew his team would not be in a position to draft him and added that Philadelphia would be a perfect fit as they have success with young French players.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins 2010 1st round pick Beau Bennett signed an entry level deal and will leave the University of Denver. Dave Molinari via twitter: He has a $900,000 cap hit. He has a $810,000 salary, $90,000 signing bonus and a minor league salary of $67,500.
Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012
- Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
- Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8 unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Coyotes Radim Vrbata is day-to-day with an injury.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”
“I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.
“You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”
- Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.
15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.
| RK | TEAM |
2011-12
AVG |
%
Capacity |
2010-11
AVG |
2009-10
AVG |
2008-09
AVG |
| 1 | Chicago |
21,533
|
105
|
21,423
|
21,356
|
22,247
|
| 2 | Montreal |
21,273
|
100
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
| 3 | Philadelphia |
20,433
|
107.4
|
21,273
|
19,535
|
19,545
|
| 4 | Detroit |
20,114
|
100.7
|
19,680
|
19,546
|
19,865
|
| 5 | Toronto |
19,506
|
103.7
|
19,354
|
19,289
|
19,312
|
| 6 | Ottawa |
19,356
|
101.1
|
19,289
|
19,260
|
18,949
|
| 7 | Calgary |
19,289
|
100
|
18,378
|
18,269
|
19,289
|
| 8 | Vancouver |
18,884
|
102.5
|
18,860
|
18,810
|
18,630
|
| 9 | St. Louis |
18,809
|
98.2
|
19,150
|
18,883
|
18,554
|
| 10 | Pittsburgh |
18,566
|
102.7
|
18,240
|
17,078
|
16,975
|
| 11 | Buffalo |
18,550
|
99.9
|
18,452
|
18,529
|
18,531
|
| 12 | Washington |
18,506
|
101.3
|
18,397
|
18,277
|
18,097
|
| 13 | Tampa Bay |
18,468
|
96.2
|
17,268
|
15,497
|
16,497
|
| 14 | NY Rangers |
18,191
|
100
|
18,108
|
18,076
|
18,949
|
| 15 | Los Angeles |
17,920
|
100
|
18,083
|
17,313
|
16,488
|
| 16 | Minnesota |
17,772
|
98.4
|
17,565
|
17,388
|
17,039
|
| 17 | Boston |
17,564
|
100
|
17,562
|
17,558
|
17,039
|
| 18 | San Jose |
17,562
|
100
|
18,012
|
18,415
|
17,488
|
| 19 | Edmonton |
16,839
|
100
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
| 20 | Nashville |
16,690
|
97.5
|
16,142
|
14,979
|
15,010
|
| 21 | Florida |
16,628
|
86.6
|
15,685
|
15,146
|
15,621
|
| 22 | Carolina |
16,042
|
85.9
|
14,820
|
13,947
|
16,572
|
| 23 | Colorado |
15,498
|
86.1
|
14,775
|
15,535
|
15,429
|
| 24 | New Jersey |
15,396
|
87.4
|
16,415
|
15,240
|
15,790
|
| 25 | Winnipeg |
15,004
|
100
|
13,469
|
13,607
|
14,626
|
| 26 | Anaheim |
14,760
|
86.4
|
14,738
|
15,168
|
16,990
|
| 27 | Columbus |
14,660
|
80.8
|
13,658
|
15,416
|
15,543
|
| 28 | Dallas |
14,226
|
76.8
|
11,059
|
12,735
|
17,680
|
| 29 | NY Islanders |
13,191
|
81.3
|
15,073
|
17,215
|
13,733
|
| 30 | Phoenix |
12,420
|
72.5
|
12,188
|
11,989
|
14,875
|
| Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers. | ||||||
Horton a “long shot” … 5 things Habs GM must do … Hurricanes to look at top UFAs … Time to break up Flames? Jets free agents
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2012
- Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said it’s a “long shot” that forward Nathan Horton will be able to return for the playoffs.
“If he were to be cleared at some point, he would need at least a couple of weeks to get back,” Chiarelli said during a 20-minute conference call Sunday. “He’s quite far off right now. I know he’s skating, but he’s having little bouts here and there of post-concussion symptoms. It’s a long shot. I’m not going to rule him out, yet, but it’s a long shot.”
Tuukka Rask has been on the ice but is questionable for the Capitals series. Anton Khudobin would be the backup to Tim Thomas until Rask is ready.
- Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette: Todd lists 5 things the Canadiens new GM has to do: “1. Persuade the organization to stop using the exhibition season as a cash cow. 2. Find someone who can coach the power play. 3. Throw the expensive deadwood overboard. 4. Four lines, not 1.5. 5. No sacred cow.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said they should bid to sign at least one high-priced free agent. There will also be some other personnel changes.
“When you don’t make the playoffs, it’s an indication we’ve got work to do in the summer and some areas to get better at,” Muller said after the Canes closed the season with a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. “I think with a few changes and a few tweaks here and there, we should be competing for the playoffs.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: If MacFarlane were the Flames GM, he’d shop Jarome Iginla with a fairly high asking price, with an NHL ready prospect as part of the package. He’d also listen to offers for Miikka Kiprusoff, but would have to be blown away. Cap purposes would put Jay Bouwmeester on the trade block. He wouldn’t bring Olli Jokinen back as his price and term will likely be too high.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets have 7 UFAs: Chris Mason, Randy Jones, Mark Flood, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood and Tim Stapleton. They have 4 RFAs in Ondrej Pavelec, Evander Kane, Spencer Machacek and Eric Fehr. Fehr is not expected to be brought back. Jones may not be back due to the depth on the blueline.
“I don’t think there’s a whole lot to be nervous about,” said Kane. “It will be interesting to see what happens with the CBA and how things work themselves out. We’ll see what happens. I’m not 100% on how it works but that’s what I have my agents for and I think they’re the best at what they do. I’m sure they’ll be giving me a lot of information and it should be an interesting summer. We’ll see what the best situation is.”
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Rangers prospect Chris Kreider is flying home from Tampa after their BC title win. There is no indication that he is on the verge of signing.
Stars could make FA splash … Nash hurt … Henrik OK … Carter may be good for playoffs … Flames UFAs … Schneider says Luongo … What was Clowe thinking?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on April 6th, 2012
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars may make a push for Zach Parise and/or Ryan Suter. They will have to evaluate Sheldon Souray and Radek Dvorak.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Rick Nash may have played his last game in a Blue Jackets jersey as he left last night’s game with an undisclosed injury.
- Jeff Klein of the NY Times: Rangers Henrik Lundqvist’s forearm injury is fine enough that he could have played last night. “I would play probably, but it’s a good opportunity to get a good practice, get a little rest, and get back at it.”
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Jeff Carter skated yesterday for 20 minutes. It’s unlikely that he’ll play on Saturday. Carter seems confident that he’d be able to return to the lineup for the start of the playoffs if they make it. “Oh yeah. I really don’t think that’s an issue. I should be good to go, with the way it has progressed over the last few days.”
- Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will have to decide if they want to bring back UFAs Scott Hannan, Tom Kostopoulos, Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss and Cory Sarich.
“I know that I’m up,” Sarich was saying the other day. “No idea whether the team is interested in having me stick around. I’m not sure if there will be other teams interested. You always want and hope that there are.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Cory Schneider thinks that Roberto Luongo should be their starter in the playoffs.
“He’s the guy who got us to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last year, not me,” Schneider said of Luongo. “He’s clearly earned the right to [start the playoffs], both through his performance and his history and experience.
“I don’t see why they wouldn’t start him.
“I’ve seen [Luongo] up close for two seasons now, and I have no doubt that when the playoffs start, he’ll be ready to go and he’ll be ready to raise his game.”
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have reached a verbal agreement with Swedish goalie, Viktor Fasth. He will sign with the Ducks after the World Hockey Championships. The Ducks wouldn’t confirm the report. The 29 year old had a 23-21 record with a 2.12 GAA and .913 SV% with AIK this past season.
Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2012
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
- Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.
“It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”
Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Jacob Josefson broke his wrist last night and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed 2010 1st round pick Brock Nelson to an entry level deal.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.
“The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”
If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.
- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”
Price has headaches, concussion? Hall to have surgery today … Myers out … Wisniewski to return … Quincey suspendion video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 3rd, 2012
- Mike Boone of Hockey Inside/Out: Radio-Canada is reporting that Canadiens goalie Carey Price has a concussion, but as of last night the Canadiens were disputing that. The Canadiens say that he is having headaches, but hasn’t been diagnosed with a concussion just yet. He’ll go through some tests this week to see what is causing the headaches. Price collided with a teammate Thursday morning and hasn’t felt the same since. It is possible that his season could be over. A Radi0-Canada reporter apparently overhead the Canadiens doctor on his cell phone talking to their head athletic therapist.
- Taylor Hall via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall arrived in Cleveland yesterday and will have surgery today.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers is out tonight, but hasn’t been rule out for Thursday or Saturday. Christian Ehrhoff is out this week.
- LA Kings via twitter: Kings forward Jeff Carter had an MRI yesterday which revealed a deep bone bruise and no structural damage. He’ll be out day-to-day.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski is set to return to the lineup tonight.
- Dallas Morning News via twitter: Stars forward Eric Nystrom could return to the lineup tonight.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets center Kyle Wellwood is out with a broken ankle. Wellwood was hit in the foot by a Grant Clitsome’s shot. Wellwood set a career high with 47 points this season.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks tonight.
- Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey was suspended for elbowing.
Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”
“It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun suffered another groin injury and may have played his last game for the Capitals.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.
Could change be coming for the Flames? Parenteau talks to start … Time running out for Hejduk, Morrow? Should Oils trade pick? Burke staying
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun thinks the Flames need to re-tool, if not a total rebuild. Flames GM Jay Feaster is giving this group one last chance. If it doesn’t work, changes are coming. They will have 6 UFA s and 3 RFA at the end of the season. Jarome Iginla will have one more year at $7 million, and would he want to be around for another rebuild? They may need to have a “heart to heart” with Iginla after the season.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Pending Islanders free agent P.A. Parenteau wants to remain with the club. Talks are likely to begin this week. Parenteau could be looking a deal in the $4 million per season range.
“I’ve said all along that I want to be here, and nothing’s changed,” he said. “I love these guys and I want to be here for when we turn it around.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk’s production has been non-existent in the 2nd half, and it could be the “the end of the line for the classy Avs captain.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars captiain Brenden Morrow has been moved down to the 4th line, and his minutes have been reduced. He’s been dealing with injuries all year, and it’s affecting his play. Heika asks the question if Morrow’s time in Dallas is coming to an end? He doesn’t think so.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Former Lightning GM Brian Lawton said the Oilers should trade down in the draft.
“The time has come for the Edmonton Oilers to look to create another asset and if they do, in fact, end up with the number 2 pick, they should look to trade down. There are so many quality defencemen that are available. Morgan Reilly’s been injured this year but he’s out there. Mathew Dumba, very intriguing player. Ryan Murray, probably the top-rated guy in that group and, of course, the very last guy Griffin Reinhart.”
Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:
“Go out and draft the best player. … You can always make trades. You need assets, you need commodities within your organization.”
Fan voting: (as of 8:55 am on the 28th) 41.46 % – Draft the best player available, even if that’s a Russian forward. 35.79% – Trade it for as good a veteran defenseman as the team can get. 22.75% – Trade down a few spaces, then draft the best defenseman available.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Buccigross is hearing that college free agent J.T. Brown (UMD) is down to the Flyers, Bruins and Lightning.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Someone within MLSE doesn’t expect any of the new ownership to demand that Brian Burke be fired as the Leafs GM before the end of the 2013-14 season.
“You have two choices: you can trust your general manager or you can fire your general manager,” the insider said. “At the end of the day, you can criticize [MLSE] for not hiring the right GM. But the decisions are made by the general manager. They really are. Brian Burke is running the show.”
“[Burke] can do pretty well what he wants. Brian has no shackles of any consequence at all.”
Quick hits on: DeKeyser, Brown, Biship, Franzen, Ericsson, Howard … Caps, Flames, Lightning lines … Bryz starts
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 26th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Western Michigan University defenseman Dan DeKeyser is expected to get interest from all 30 teams. The Flyers appear to a candidate to land University of Minnesota-Duluth forward J.T. Brown.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators goalie Ben Bishop could be out a week with a groin injury.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Johan Franzen said he’ll return the Red Wings lineup either Wednesday or Friday. Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericsson said he’ll return either on Wednesday or Friday. Helene St. James via twitter: Jimmy Howard is hoping to play on Friday.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Chimera-Perreault-Semin, Johansson-Halpern-Aucoin, Hendricks-Beagle-Ward/Knuble. Backstrom extra.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines (Jokinen didn’t skate today): Tanguay Cammallei Iginla-Glencross Horak Moss-Kostopoulos Jones Jackman-Comeau Stajan Stempniak.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Tampa Bay Lines (dressing 7 Dmen): Purcell-Stamkos-St.Louis, Malone-Pyatt-Connolly, Wallace-Smith-Wyatt, Labrie-Segal. Defensive pairings: Hedman-Brewer, Lee-Clark, Commodore-Mikkelson, Aulie.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers against the Lightning.
Afternoon notes: Sedin, Keith, Radulov, Maple Leafs, Hall, Zajac, Toews, Lupul … Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 22nd, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Daniel Sedin won’t play tonight. He’s flying home today to see a specialist in Vancouver.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blackhawks don’t play until Sunday so there is no rush for Duncan Keith’s disciplinary hearing. Likely to happen tomorrow. It’s expected to be a phone hearing, so if there is a suspension it will be 5 games or less.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Alexander Radulov will be in the lineup for the Predators tonight.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs will add 3 forwards (1 top 6 and 2 depth guys) plus a goalie this summer. Burke can’t mortgage the future to get them.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Taylor Hall didn’t skate this morning. Coach Tom Renney, “Not sure it’s a setback. It’s a concussion.”
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Capitals Alexander Semin is a game-time decision.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Travis Zajac is under the impression that he won’t play on Friday but added, “closer, but not close enough.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
- Kevin McGran via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul admits it’s “a bit of a stretch” for him to return this year.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Rick Nash on a line with Vinny Prospal and Mark Letestu. Atkinson was with Umberger and Brassard.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Ashton-Bozak-Kessel. MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin. Crabb-Steckel-Connolly. Rosehill-Lombardi-Armstrong.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole,Eller-Plekanec-Bourque,White-Leblanc-Blunden, Staubitz-Geoffrion-Palushaj.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Dowell-Wandell-Burish. Defensive pairings and goalie: Souray-Robidas. Goligoski-Larsen. Pardy-Daley, with Kari Lehtonen starting.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay Stajan Iginla-Comeau Jones Stempniak- Glencross Jokinen Moss-Bouma Kostopoulos jackman. Defensive pairing and goalie: Butler Bouwmeester-Hannan Giordano-Smith Babchuk-Kiprusoff.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Cory Schneider will be in net for the Canucks.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick is the first off the ice and likely starter.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tomorrow.
Sedin leaves with head injury … Backstrom could practice next week … Wings injury update … Steen progressing … Sarich back to Calgary
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 22nd, 2012
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks Daniel Sedin took one shift after Duncan Keith’s elbow, and didn’t return for the 2nd period after suffering an apparent head injury.
- Katie Carerra of the Washington Post: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 8 of the last 9 days and could return to practice next week. There is no timeline on when he could be back in the lineup.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings injury update: Nicklas Lidstrom, Jakub Kindle, Jimmy Howard are hoping for Saturday. Johan Franzen isn’t sure when he can get back to skating or into game action.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen (concussion) has been back on the ice with teammates. He’ll remain with the team and return to St. Louis after their 3 game road trip. Strickland thinks he’ll play at some point this year, with the regular season a possibility but no timetable has been given.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Flames defenseman Cory Sarich went back to Calgary after looking concussed during their game against the Avalanche.
Radulov on plane for U.S. … Gomez expects to be bought out … Meszaros out 6-8 weeks … Thornton signs extension … Flames getting healthy
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 20th, 2012
- Alexander Radulov via twitter: Radulov tweeted (and included a photo) that he’s one a plane for New York, then to Nashville.
- TVA Sports (google translate): Canadiens forward Scott Gomez expects to be bought out by the team at the end of the season according to Patrice Brisebois, and that he might want to make a comeback with the Devils next year. Gomez has apparently told relatives this.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros will have surgery to remove a small disc fragment from his lower back and will be out 6 to 8 weeks.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have signed Shawn Thornton to a 2 year contract extension worth $1.1 million per year. GM Peter Chiarelli has talked about re-signing Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Chris Kelly, Joe Corvo, Greg Zanon, Brian Rolston and Mike Mottau.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If college defenseman Justin Schultz doesn’t take the Ducks offer, and becomes a UFA on July 1st, the Rangers will be interested. Rangers forward Brandon Prust has put contract extension talks on hold so he can just focus on playing.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Mathieu Darche has been out with an inner-ear infection, but has also been battling concussion-like symptoms. “I had an inner-ear infection and we treated that with antibiotics, but when that cleared up, I still had symptoms,” Darche said. “So we looked at the symptoms and treated it as a concussion. Right now, I feel great and every day on the ice we ramp up the intensity and length of the workout. My wife is sick of me being at home, so I want to get back and play.” Darche hopes to begin practicing with teammates by the end of this week or early next week.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: The Flames are likely to get Tim Jackman, Lance Bouma and Chris Butler back in the lineup some time this week during their 3 game road trip.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Flames had no choice but to send Sven Baertschi back to junior because of the NHL-CHL player agreement. If/when the Winterhawks are out of the playoff, Baertschi can rejoin the Flames.
Afternoon notes on: 2 College FAs, Backstrom, Kulemin, Zajac, Toews, Leafs lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 15th, 2012
- Roger Millions via twitter: The Flames are interested in NCAA defenseman Dan DeKeyser of Western Michigan and winger JT Brown of UMD. John Buccigross via twitter: The Lightning are also interested in DeKeyser and Brown. The Red Wings are interested in DeKeyser.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom said he’s not going to rush back. Will not go on their road trip.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Nikolai Kulemin will be out 3 weeks with a broken finger.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac was been cleared for contact.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jonathan Toews skated for a bit yesterday, but not today.
- David Alter via twitter: The Maple Leafs will go with 7 defenseman tonight. Jay Rosehill will be a scratch. Expected Leafs lines: MacArthur-Bozak-Kessel, Ashton-Grabovski-Frattin,Connolly-Steckel-Crabb,
Rosehill-Lombardi-Armstrong.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight. Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dustin Tokarski will start in net for the Lightning.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins tonight. Patrice Bergeron is a game-time decision.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
Was Grabovski’s deal delayed? Canucks targeted teams for Hodgson deal … Injury notes on Duchene, Lupul, Armstrong, Dubinsky, Jagr, Jackman and Nikitin
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 7th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks the Mikhail Grabovski’s deal could have been done a week or 2 ago but Burke may have wanted to see if he would get a crazy offer at the deadline. It’s rumored that the Stars wanted Cody Hodgson for Steve Ott. The Leafs tried to get Hodgson as well. The Canucks ‘targeted” a few clubs that they thought had the match they wanted. Friedman thinks they liked Brandon Sutter from the Hurricanes and John Carlson of the Capitals. Former Oilers Tom Gilbert said he didn’t demand a trade.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene injured his right ankle in the 3rd period of last night’s game. He’ll be re-evaluated today.
- Lance Hornby via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul has an upper-body injury and Colby Armstrong has a broken nose.
- Andrew Gross of the Bergon Record: Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky left last night’s game in the first period after getting into a fight with Ryan Carter.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers Jakub Voracek got rocked by Niklas Kronwall last night. There was no injury update after the game as he was still be evaluated by doctors. Jaromir Jagr also left the game with a lower body injury.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames forward Tim Jackman left after 1 shift after taking a big hit from Alexei Emelin.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Nikita Nikitin blocked a shot off the foot in the 1st period and did not return.
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