Posts Tagged Carolina Hurricanes
Nabokov going to Russia … Zherdev signing with the Flyers? No comment for Kovalchuk agent
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2010
4:37 PM:
Helene Elliott via Twitter: “Kings believed to have gotten a proposal from Kovalchuk, but nothing has been settled and no response is imminent.”
4:20 PM:
Aaron Portzline via Twitter: Flyers and Zherdev deal could be finalized tonight.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Joe Corvo and the Carolina Hurricanes reach a 2 year deal worth $4.5 million.
1:40 PM:
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Evgeni Nabokov signs with the SKA St. Peterburgh.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Nikolai Zherdev may be signing with the Philadelphia Flyers according to reports from Russia.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, would not comment on the talks with the LA Kings. Maple Leafs still searching for a top 6 forward. “We continue to listen on Kaberle and to explore other trade opportunities,” Leafs GM Brian Burke told ESPN.com via e-mail. If they don’t get a top 6 forward, they’ll keep Kaberle. Nabokov is close to signing with SKA. Paul Kariya still wants to play and will wait for a good fit. The Montreal Canadiens and Carey Price have had talks, but no serious progress has been made, there is no rush to get a deal done. Buffalo Sabres have signed Rob Niedermayer.
Kovalchuk and the Devils … Modano, Wings or retirement … Family concerns for Nabokov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Nothing much has changed with Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils the past couple days. They are still considered the leading NHL candidate (maybe the only NHL candidate) to sign the Russian super-star. One thing that might be holding this up is that the Devils need to shed some salary before they can sign him, possibly as much as $6 million. The Devils have 8 players that have no-trade/no-movement clauses. Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) are the most likely candidates. The Devils could sign now, and would have all summer to shed the excess salary (teams are allowed to 10% over the salary cap during the summer, but have to be under by day 1 of the regular season).
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bill Guerin is still hoping to play next season. He’s had ‘minimal discussions’ with the Penguins and a few other teams. The Penguins are considering moving Malkin or Staal to the wing, and using a young winger or bringing back Guerin for the 3rd line. Everything still status quo on Kovalchuk according to Lou Lamoriello. The Anaheim Ducks are going to sit back on the Bobby Ryan front after he turned down a 5 year $25 million deal, and a 4 year $18.4 million deal. The Ducks are ready to wait and see if a team sends him an offer sheet, then decide to match it or take the compensation. See - Compensation for signing a RFA. Maxim Afinogenov is the 2nd highest UFA scorer, but still remains unsigned. John Madden is still available and not going to rush things, wants to make sure it’s a good fit.
- Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: If New Jersey is looking to make some trades to sign Kovalchuk, he’s sure the Blues are looking into it. However, neither team is looking to take on salary.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Mike Modano has said it will be the Detroit Red Wings or retirement.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Next set of negotiations for Evgeni Nabokov and SKA St. Petersburg is set for today. His concerns aren’t about money but over his family.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Former Wild Kim Johnsson is contemplating retirement due to concussions. Johnsson received a concussion with the Blackhawk that ended his season in March, is still suffering symptoms, and has no “immediate plans to play” according to his agent. Pierre-Marc Bouchard is exercising at a slow, easy pace in hope of being ready for training camp. Russo thinks the Wild will add another defenseman, and he wouldn’t be surprised if the Wild make a big trade.
- Chip Alexander via Twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has said they are considering 2 options: 1. Signing a Top 4 defenseman and allowing Jamie McBain to “ease into things” or option #2 having McBain as a Top 4 defenseman and re-signing Brett Carson or Alexander Picard. Re-signing Brian Pothier is an “outside possibility” but isn’t being ruled out.
Coyotes and Oilers make a deal … Souray for Brewer in the works?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010
- The Edmonton Oilers have sent forward Patrick O’Sullivan to the Phoenix Coyotes for defenseman Jim Vandermeer. Both O’Sullivan ($2.925 million) and Vandermeer ($2.3 million) cleared waivers earlier today, and could still be bought out by their new clubs.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There are rumors of a Sheldon Souray deal to the St. Louis Blues for Eric Brewer. Souray is a $5.4 million cap hit ($4.5 million salary this year and next), while Brewer has a cap hit of $4.25 million ($4.5 million salary this year). The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed Ethan Moreau off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. The Carolina Hurricanes will buy out Rod Brind’Amour and he will retire. His $3 million contract will count against the cap. Tom Preissing (Col), Jay Pandolfo (NJ), Andrew Peters (NJ), Petteri Nokelainen (Phx) and Nigel Dawes (Cgy) were placed on waivers.
Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd, both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
- Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
- Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes and Derek Morris are still talking, but are far apart.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Flyers have permission to speak to both Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco (who did receive an offer, but wants to test free agency).
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: ESPN reported that Marty Turco turned down a 3 year deal worth over $6 million.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.
NHL Draft Day Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2010
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: It’s looking like the Florida Panthers will be selecting Erik Gudbranson with the 3rd overall pick.
- Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting calls about the 6th overall pick, but Yzerman doesn’t want to move down too far, or maybe not at all.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: If one of Gudbranson, Fowler, or Gormley get to the Carolina Hurricanes at #7, they will most likely select them, but GM Rutherford doesn’t think any will be around. If they are forced to select a forward, it could be a centerman, with them possibly eyeing Ryan Johansen or Alex Burmistrov. Winger Brett Connolly could be the wild card if he drops.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars will be going with “drafting the best player available” approach, but if 2 players are close, they’ll go with the defenseman. Some believe they might consider Jack Campbell if he’s available. After the big 3 defenseman that will be gone by the 11th pick, the next group of Dmen are: Derek Forbort, Jon Merril, Dylan McIlrath and Jarred Tinordi. Derek Forbort and Dylan McIlrath are more in the range of the Stars pick than Merril and Tinordi.
- George Richard of the Miami Herald: The Florida Panthers may be open to trading their 15th overall pick that they acquired from the Boston Bruins in the Nathan Horton trade. The Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins may be interested in it.
- JP Hoornstra of the LA Daily News: There is the possibility that the LA Kings could send their #19 overall pick to New Jersey for the rights to Ilya Kovalchuk. If they keep the pick, they’ll most likely target a winger.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: The Red Wings plan on drafting the best player available at #21, but don’t expect a goalie. Holland didn’t rule out moving up or down in the draft.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Philadelphia Flyers don’t pick until 3rd round, 89th overall. GM Paul Holmgren didn’t rule out trading up to grab a player they feel has dropped, but isn’t actively looking to move up.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Carchidi wonders if the Flyers will trade Jeff Carter for young goalie and high draft pick.
Rumor roundup from LeBrun … Oilers to draft Hall? When will Kaberle to Bruins talk start-up again? Canucks interested in Ladd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the Ducks will move to ‘Plan B’ with their defense needing an overhaul. Teemu Selanne is still undecided if he’ll retire or not, the two sides will talk again next week. Three Eastern executives have said that Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, and Kris Versteeg are being shopped, Patrick Sharp isn’t. The asking price for Byfuglien is a 1st round pick and a prospect (good luck with that one). One GM said they are asking too much for each of the three. GM Dale Tallon said after he traded Nathan Horton to Boston that he had offers of players and no draft picks, and offers of draft picks and no players. He felt getting a top-4 defenseman and 1st round pick was the right mix. A dozen teams inquired about Horton, but only 3-4 serious bidders. Matt Cooke re-signed with the Penguins for 3 years, and a $1.8 million cap hit. Penguins GM Ray Shero and Sergei Gonchar’s agent will meet in LA at the draft to continue their talks on getting a deal done. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson once again says that there have been no discussions with Ottawa about Jason Spezza.
- Terry Jones in the Toronto Sun: Pat Quinn may have inadvertently tipped the Oilers drafting plan. In the press conference where he was named the senior advisor and his head coaching job was given to Tom Renney.
“This team could have three kids come in at 19 years old and I’ve worked with all of them,” he said.
Quinn coached Taylor Hall to a gold medal at the 2008 IIHF U-18 championship. He’s never coached Tyler Seguin.
“Depending on who they draft, of course,” Quinn added.
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: Dreger wonders how long it will be before Kaberle to Bruins discussions start. Nothing yet. Savard is rumored to be available.
- Larry Brooks via Twitter: Marc Savard has been aggressively shopped since the end of the season.
- Caylan Davis of NESN: From Peter Chiarelli, “I’m not going to trade away the No. 2 pick but certainly I’d like to trade away the other picks because certainly we’d like to get better now too. ” The Bruins have 2 2nd round picks this year, 2 2011 1st round picks and 2 2011 2nd round picks.
- David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: Evgeni Nabokov has been informed by Sharks GM Doug Wilson that he is no longer in the their plans. Nabokov will now hit the open market on July 1st. It appears the Sharks will go with the new NHL fad in going with cheaper goaltending. Wilson will now focus on re-signing UFA Patrick Marleau, and other free agents: Joe Pavelski, David Setoguchi, Manny Malhotra, Scott Nicol and Nicklas Wallin.
- TSN: The Vancouver Canucks may be one team that is interested in acquiring potential Chicago Blackhawks salary cap casualty Andrew Ladd. What makes this interesting is that Andrew Ladd and Ryan Kesler have had a running battle this past season.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: One of Peter Regin’s agents (Regin plays for the Ottawa Senators in case you haven’t heard of him) told a Danish TV station that Regin could get an offer sheet similar to what Tomas Vanek received from Edmonton, which in case you forgot was $50 million. I wonder if his agent is familiar with who Peter Regin is.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Cross one player off the Maple Leafs wish list with the trading of Nathan Horton to the Bruins. It was rumored the Leafs liked Horton, but it’s not known the level of interest the Leafs had, or if they made an offer.
- Chip Alexander via Twitter: The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to stay at #7 in Friday’s draft.
Burke outlines what it will take to get Kaberle … Phaneuf to be new Leaf Captain … Would Flyers trade Carter for a frontline goalie?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 12th, 2010
- David Shoatls of the Globe and Mail: Brian Burke confirmed yesterday that Dion Phaneuf will be named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs haven’t had a captain since Sundin left after the 2007-08 season. Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek will probabaly be assistant captains if Tomas Kaberle is dealt. The Leafs are also unvailing their new jersey (probably just adding the bottom stripes and a patch). Burke also offered this regarding a Kaberle trade, “I’m going to go for the best player I can get to help my team,” Burke said. “If it’s not a good enough player, would I take a first[-round pick], if it’s a second-tier player? Yes.”
- Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers may have do some minor tinkering to their lineup, or they can make some bold moves. They have a young core in Richards, Carter, Giroux, Leino, and van Riemsdyk, but also an older crew; Pronger, Briere, Timonen, Gagne and Laperiere. Michael Leighton could be brought back at a low contract, and they could look to acquire a front line goalie, but does Leighton now think he’s a frontline goalie? Would the Flyers move out Carter to acquire that front line goalie?
- 4period.ru: Reports out of Russia are once again confirming Nikolai Zherdev is looking to come back to the NHL. I wonder if next summer there will be reports that Zherdev is looking to go back the KHL.
- Chip Alexander of Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes will fill their backup goalie position from within as GM Jim Rutherford has said Justin Peters will backup Cam Ward. Peters spent the majority of the season in the AHL, compiling a 26-18-2 record with a 2.54 GAA and .917 SV%. He made is NHL debut last year while Cam Ward was injured, posting a 6-3-0 record with a 2.83 GAA and .903 SV%.
- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Chris Chelios didn’t say he was going to retire, but he wants to spend more time with his family in Detroit. Please Chris, you’ve had a great career (not including the last couple years), it’s now time to retire.
Blue Jackets get their coach? Bertuzzi going to the open market? NY Rangers plan moving forward
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2010
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Sheldon Souray has 2-years at $5.4 million a season left on his contract, and their aren’t many teams interested. The San Jose Sharks may come calling to replace Rob Blake and add some much needed scoring from the blueline. The Sharks could offer Kent Huskins and Torrey Mitchell. There would be cap difference, so what they do about Marleau and Nabokov would come into play. Would the Oilers give up the 31st overall pick for Kris Versteeg? They would move comfortable with their 45th pick. The Oilers are interested in signing John Scott, a 6-8 defenseman from the Wild organization. “Would the Sabres take Kaberle and give up Derek Roy or Jason Pominville? Probably. Would the Sharks take him for Devin Setoguchi? You bet. Would the Blue Jackets for Jake Voracek. For sure. How about Dallas for Loui Eriksson or Jamie Benn? Try the Bruins for centre David Krejci?” They are not really Brian Burke type placers, but have an offensive upside the Leafs need.
- Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch: It’s rumored that the Columbus Blue Jackets have offered Guy Boucher the head coaching position. It would be viewed as a slightly risky move as Boucher has only one year of professional coaching experience. The 38-year old coached the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs this past season, after coaching 3 season in the QMJHL.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: After signing Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings now have $52.3 million tied up in 17 players for next season. Ken Holland would like re-sign Todd Bertuzzi, but his available funds is small. He could offer the same $1.5 million Bertuzzi made last season (possibly less), but Bertuzzi should be able to get more on the open market.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers plan on improving their team by staying with their organization, letting the young players a chance to develop. From Glen Sather “This has been a long process, and it’s ongoing, but as we go into this summer, our plan is to keep our own players. I can tell you one thing — we are certainly not going to overpay for free agents. If we can improve with a signing that makes sense, we’ll look into it, but we want to give our guys the first shot.” Donald Brashere is done with the team, but has 1 year left at $1.4 million. They will continue to try and trade him. The Rangers have about $12 million in cap space to sign Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. They also have free agents, Jody Shelly, Vinnie Prospal, Erik Christensen, Brandon Prust, P.A. Parenteau, and need a backup goalie and 7th defenseman. They could clear a lot of cap space by putting Wade Redden on waivers and sending him to the minors.
- Luke Decock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Could the Hurricanes look to move up from he #7 spot to one of the top-2 draft spots? They have 11 picks in this years NHL draft. The Bruins are tight financially (cap wise) and could to shed some cap space. The ‘Canes could send a 2nd round pick or two, and a lower priced player (Chad LaRose) to move up. The Hurricanes could look to drafting a defenseman, regardless of where they are picking. The team on a whole hasn’t had much luck drafting out recently unless it’s from the OHL or WHL.
More teams interested in Kaberle … Murray and Spezza to meet … Good fit for Nabokov could be Washington
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2010
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke mentioned the other day that 2 teams have shown interest in Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle, and according to Simmons, that number may have increased to at least 6 suitors. The return they’d get for Kaberle would be higher if he were to get an extension from that team, rather than them trading for a player with only 1 year left on his contract. Burke would like add a winger in his 20s that can score and has some size. If he isn’t moved by/at the draft, Burke may look at the possibility of an extension.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray hopes to sit down with Jason Spezza in the next 3 weeks to discuss Spezza’s ‘unhappiness’. Spezza was booed in the 1st round by Sens fans, and already has complained to Murray about it. There were rumors that he requested a trade during their initial meeting, but Murray wouldn’t say. Murray has talked to several teams about trading the rights to Anton Volchenkov, but teams are frightened about the money at the moment. Volchenkov turned down 5-years and $20 million before the Olympics. The Capitals and Rangers may be interested in him.
- E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Hradek thinks that Nabokov could be a good fit in Washington, mentoring along Semyon Varlamov. If they went after Nabokov, they wouldn’t be able to go after Anton Volchenkov. Tampa Bay could also use a goalie, but Yzerman will most likely be interested in a younger, chearper goalie.
- AP in the New York Times: Coming out the GM meetings yesterday was that the GMs unanimously recommended that blindsided hits to the head will result in a 5 minute major and game misconduct. They are also looking at overtime/shootouts. Nearly 25% of games this past season went to a shootout, and 61% of games went to OT, also went to a shootout.
- Chip Alexander and Luke Decock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr. indicated that a decision to buy out Rod Brind’Amour or not may not happen for awhile. Sergei Samsonov is in the final year of his contract at $2.8 million, he could be bought out or they could try and trade him. GM Jim Rutherford will be meeting next week with UFA Ray Whitney. Anton Babchuk and his agent are in Raleigh to discuss the return of the defenseman to the NHL.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Though the Colorado Avalanche have plenty of salary cap space, don’t expect them to be spending it on free agents, they will continue “build from within.” The Avs have a cap number of $30.2 million for 14 players.
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