Posts Tagged Chris Campoli
Pens optimistic with Crosby … Kane may miss start of camp … Whitney still bothered by foot … Isles going young … 5 teams interested in Campoli
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 24th, 2011
- Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins owner Mario Lemieux and coach Dan Bylsma spoke recently with Sidney Crosby and “expressed cautious optimism” that their captain will be ready for training camp.
“I can’t wave a wand and tell you exactly how it’s going to play out,” Bylsma said. “He’s worked hard. He’s worked harder in some areas than he has in the past. I know he’s active.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Patrick Kane said the recovery process is going well. He could miss the beginning of training but will be 100% for the season opener. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kane still has a cast on from his offseason wrist surgery, and hasn’t skated in full gear yet. Targets Oct. 7th opener.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney is still feeling the effects from his surgically repaired foot and ankle.
“My reports suggest that,” Renney said. “My converstations with Ryan himself maybe suggest otherwise, but only to a small degree. There is some trepidation there that it’s still a little tender. He’s got a little bit of pain there. But from what I can gather, and even in talking to Ryan, it’s more of a function of scar tissue breaking down, which is actually healthy, and makes the joint healthier, so that’s the kind of thing you get in July and August when you don’t see the whites of their eyes.”
- The Fourth Period: So with the Sabres needing to shed some money, and the Coyotes needing a center, the 2 teams could come together. Brad Boyes at $4 million has the ability to play center. Jochen Hecht and his $3.5 million contract could also be available, but is not as attractive as others.
- Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: Islanders GM Garth Snow yesterday:
“Right now, I don’t have any plans to add another forward to our group,” Snow told The Post. “As much as we’d like to add quality veterans, we’re not going to box out our young guys.”
This statement will likely have the most affect on Alexei Yashin, as the 2 sides have linked together this summer.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: 5 teams are showing interest in Chris Campoli.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Former Devil Sergei Brylin was interested in returning to the club, but they weren’t interested in him. He signed with Novokuznetsk of the KHL.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins forward Craig Adams had appendectomy surgery last week and is expected to ready for the start of training camp.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Slava Fetisov recently said that agents are able to buy spots on the Russian national team for their clients.
Nabokov would need to clear waivers before a trade … Red Wings done for now … Coyotes interested in Campoli … Stamkos press conference video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on July 23rd, 2011
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Evgeni Nabokov’s agent said he’ll stick it out in the NHL this season. He has a 1 year deal worth $570,000 and is property of the NY Islanders. The Islanders already have 5 goalies in their organization, so where Nabokov fits in a good good question. He will likely be traded by the Islanders. Capgeek via twitter: If Nabokov was traded, he would have to clear waivers first.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Yashin is being offered no more that $2 million, presumably from the Islanders.
- Josh Gorges signed a 1 year, $2.5 million deal with the Canadiens before their arbitration hearing. Brian Wilde via twitter adds “Of course there’s no guarantee he’ll leave as UFA now. But I can guarantee one thing – he wouldn’t with a long term deal. Why roll dice?”
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland doesn’t expect to make any more signings or trades before the season starts. The Wings have about $5.8 million in cap space, which would allow them to make a move or two during the season.
“I think we can compete and I like our cap space,” Holland said. “If, after 60 games, we get to the (trade) deadline and are in a playoff position, we can make a deal. We haven’t had that (cap space) the last couple of years.”
The Red Wings tried to sign a top 6 forward. They made an offer to Jaromir Jagr, and had interest in Tomas Fleischmann and Scott Upshall.
“I’d like to add a top-six forward, but so would every other team in the league,” Holland said. “We wanted to add a guy like (Danny) Cleary, a good, two-way forward. We explored but came up short on a few (players), either in dollars or term.”
Holland will meet with Kris Draper soon and it should be known by next week if he’ll be back or not.
“If he plays another year, his role is diminishing,” Holland said. “We need young players to push and eventually take away older players’ jobs. If that’s not happening, we’re not doing our job.
“We’re talking about (whether) he’s comfortable with the (diminished) role.”
- Tom Reed via twitter: Is hearing the NY Rangers aren’t certain to buy out Wojtek Wolski.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes are one team that has shown interest in Chris Campoli.
- Steven Stamkos, Steve Yzerman Press Conference
Islanders and Yashin talking comeback … Blue Jackets likely don’t have interest in Campoli
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 22nd, 2011
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: From Alexei Yashin’s agent Mark Gandler, “At this time we are negotiating with the Islanders…and are seriously considering their offer.” Katie Strang via twitter: Both Islanders GM Garth Snow and Yashin’s agent have confirmed they have had discussions on Yashin’s return to the Isles. Though talks have been exploratory to this point, Gandler say that they are “growing in seriousness.” Both Snow and Gandler believe they are not breaking any CBA rules despite the fact they the Islanders bought Yashin out.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Reed doesn’t think the Blue Jackets would have any interest in defenseman Chris Campoli as they already have 6 defenseman on 1-way contracts.
Dubinsky’s hearing today … Campoli awarded $2.5 million, Blackhawks walk away … Malone to Leafs rumors … Zherdev hopes for NHL … Orpik has surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 21st, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers have elected for a 1 year contract in Brandon Dubinsky’s arbitration hearing today. They have requested a $2.8 million contract, while Dubinsky has requested $4.6 million. It’s expected he’ll be awarded somewhere in the $3.8 to $4.4 million range. GM Glen Sather won’t be attending. After today’s hearing, the Rangers will turn their attention to Ryan Callahan in hopes of getting a multi-year done before next weeks hearing.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Chris Campoli and the Blackhawks have parted ways after he was awarded $2.5 million in a sped up process. Both sides had agreed that they would be parting ways regardless of what the arbitration away was, so they were able to have the hearing 2 weeks before the original date.
“The decision was made to move the date up to today because Chicago likes Chris and didn’t want him to be in a position where he was suddenly an unrestricted free agent in August,” Campoli’s agent Rich Evans said.
“As long as the NHL and the Players’ Association were in agreement, and the player and his agent and the team were in agreement, there was nothing holding us up from doing this and moving the date.”
Several teams have already contacted Campoli’s agent about his availability.
- Terry Koshan of hte Toronto Sun: The Ryan Malone trade rumors to Toronto have apparently started again, which may not make much sense as the Lightning don’t need to clear salary cap space and they don’t have big body that drives the net that could replace him. If this deal where to happen the Leafs would need to clear some cap space, with suggestions that Mike Komisarek could be sent to the minors. It is rumored that the Leafs could get Malone and Carter Ashton for Jussi Rynnas and a pick.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikolai Zherdev’s agent said he’s looking for only NHL offers, but will consider the KHL if he can’t get an NHL contract. Zherdev’s agent: “Nikolai is in Russia now but not to sign a contract in the KHL, but to start training [for the next season].” Slava Malamud via twitter: Zherdev is flying to Moscow today, and seems likely that he’ll sign somewhere soon.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Isles GM Garth Snow has said they need a top defenseman to play with Mark Streit and they need to added salary to get to the cap floor. Teams may now have bonus overages from last year and may be looking to clear some cap space.
- Staff of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik has undergone sports hernia surgery and will be recovering for 6 to 8 weeks.
Grier looking for work … Bruins will monitor arbitration cases … Campoli on the block … Sharp interview
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 18th, 2011
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Sabres UFA Mike Grier was once thought to only want to re-sign with the Sabres, is willing to look elsewhere according to his agent.
“I know he can still help a lot of clubs,’’ said Fee. “It’s that stage now when clubs don’t know if they’ve got a kid who can step in and help at right wing, or if they want to go with someone like Mike who can just step in and give them that veteran, reliable leadership.’’
The Bruins will be paying attention to the arbitration process, as some teams will buyout/walk away from a player if they don’t like the price.
“I’d anticipate some buyouts and maybe some walkaways,’’ noted Chiarelli. “We try to stay close to that, and if there is someone there who interests us, we’ve got some [cap] flexibility.’’
EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek answers a followers question by saying that Brad Boyes might be on the trade block in Buffalo, but that he’s overpriced ($4 million) and the Predators should stay away.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are replacing Chris Campoli with Sami Lepisto on the point. Campoli was looking for a similar deal to what Steve Montador received, 4 years, at $2.75 million per season.
“He’s a guy who has some growth to his game,” Bowman said. “He fits in with what we try to do because he’s able to play a few different ways. He can move the puck, kill penalties and has a bit of an edge to him.
“In a lot of ways, Sami is a similar player to Chris.”
GM Stan Bowman will trade try to Campoli before his arbitration hearing next month.
Patrick Sharp interviewed by Dan Roan:
Crosby skates … Kane out 6-8 weeks … Campoli done with ‘Hawks … Nothing going on with Parise’s contract … Larsson signs with Devils
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 16th, 2011
- Larry Fine in the Globe and Mail: Sidney Crosby has begun on-ice workouts. Crosby has been training in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s still unknown if he’ll be ready for training camp, and he hasn’t been given clearance by doctors for physical contact.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Patrick Kane will require surgery on his left wrist. He had tests on his wrist during the playoffs, but it didn’t reveal a fracture. Kane is expected to miss 6 to 8 weeks.
“I thought it was getting better, but it’s in an area where no blood can get to the fracture and something I’m going to have fixed for later down the road,” said Kane, who wore a brace. “It’s one of those things, I fix it out now [and] it’s not going to affect me when the season comes.
The Blackhawks have decided to walk away from RFA Chris Campoli, who has an arbitration hearing on August 3rd.
“It was apparent from the beginning that their salary demands were not in concert with where we see him fitting in our team,” Bowman said. “The dollar [amount] that they’re looking for is not agreeable with our mixture. If we don’t trade him, then he will become an unrestricted free agent.”
The Blackshawks have signed defenseman Sami Lepisto to a one year deal. They also re-signed Micheal Frolik to a 3 year, $7 million deal.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: GM Bowman on Campoli: “We went back and forth and made him our best offer and it didn’t work for them.”
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames have re-signed Brendan Morrison to a 1 year deal worth $850,000 is base salary and up to $400,000 in bonuses. The Flames are now close to the cap, and have too many forwards. They may look at stashing someone in the minors. The best case scenario for the Flames would be for another team to believe in Niklas Hagman or Matt Stajan and would send a draft pick back.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Yesterday morning Zach Parise sent Gulitti an email saying that nothing was going on regarding his contract.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Adam Larsson signed a 3 year entry-level contract with the NJ Devils. The deal does not include any performance bonuses. Larsson made the decision to sign a deal without performance bonuses, he did get a signing bonus. Lamorielllo on Larsson: “That’s a decision the player made to be part of the Devils and not to be any different than anyone else in that locker room.” Lamoriello added that they and Larsson expect him to play in either the NHL or AHL next season. His deal carries a $925,000 cap hit.
- Arthur Staple via twitter:The Islanders and RFA Josh Baily are still talking about a new deal.
Some free agent notes … Huselius out 4-6 months … Devils getting closer to naming coach … Canes basically done
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 14th, 2011
- Craig Custance of the SportingNews: Custance notes some intriguing players remain unsigned: Alex Kovalev (who’s not retiring according to his agent), Bryan McCabe, Scott Hannan and Ray Emery. The Bruins could use some help on the wing with Mark Recchi retiring and Michael Ryder heading to Dallas. The Rangers could use some scoring help up front, but a veteran along the blueline may be more important. Chris Osgood’s future with the Red Wings could be decided later this week. The Red Wings don’t want to spend much on their backup goalie. The Predators need to find some scoring help as only Sergei Kostitsyn and Patric Hornqvist scored over 20 goals. The Islanders are still $10 million below the salary cap floor. Kings GM Dean Lombardi continues to work the phones, and could be looking to add a winger.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius tore his pectoral muscle last weekend while bench pressing during a workout. He’s expected to miss 4 to 6 months after surgery (today in Columbus). Jackets GM Scott Howson will now look for a free agent winger who is able to play in the top 6. “I’m sure I’ll get some phone calls beginning (Thursday),” Howson said.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Though they are getting closer to hiring a new head coach, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said “it won’t be this week.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: The Blackhawks just started the negotiating process for RFAs Campoli and Frolik, there is no rush to get them signed.
- Dirk Hoag via twitter: Predators GM Poile “we’re in exactly the position we want to be competitive for a number of years. We have our window of opportunity.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said they are basically done for the summer unless a good “hockey deal” comes along. He will need to add a few depth AHL players.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Kris Draper wants to return next year, and Red Wings GM Ken Holland plans to talk to him soon. The Wings don’t have cap problems, but they 14 forwards under contract already. The 40 year old Draper had 11 points in 47 games, and didn’t complain when he was made a healthy scratch. If he’s not offered a contract by the Wings, he’ll likely be offered a position within the organization.
- Wayne Scanlan of hte Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators have signed their 2011 1st round draft pick Mika Zibanejad to an entry level deal.
“Obviously, if I don’t (make the Senators), I’m going back to Sweden,” said Zibanejad
“I don’t think that’s a bad idea to be there and maybe develop, get bigger and stronger. Sweden is the second-best league in the whole world, so I think that’s the plan.”
- Predators unveil their new jersey’s:
Devils prospects to miss camp … Blackhawks notes … Holland wants to talked to Osgood … Stars sale process ongoing … Bruins blueline
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 12th, 2011
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Mattias Tedenby will miss the NJ Devils prospect camp due to visa problems. Fellow prospect Jacob Josefson said that Tedenby was at the airport on the weekend to head to New Jersey when it was discovered his visa had the wrong birth date. Jon Merrill will also not be prospect camp as he’s taking summer classes.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman remains hopeful that he can re-sign Chris Campoli and Michael Frolik.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re still talking, which is a good sign,” Bowman said. “We’re trying to look at different options in terms of term and dollar amounts. . . . We’re hopeful it’ll get done.”
Down the middle the Blackhawks are a little thin, but they plan of giving rookie Marcus Kruger more time and also using Patrick Sharp and Frolik at center. Rostislav Olesz, acquired for Brian Campell, will be given every opportunity to prove himself at training camp.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings signed Joey MacDonald to a 2 year deal with the 1st year being 2-way. “I want to talk to Chris,” general manager Ken Holland said. “I want to hear what he has to say.” Osgood is returning from Scotland, so they won’t be able to speak until Wednesday at the earliest. Holland wants to know if Osgood can still play and that he’s recovered from his sports hernia and groin area issues.
“We explored the market on July 1,” Holland said. “We talked to a couple of guys that we thought would be good additions. They went elsewhere. As the market thinned out, we always knew we had Chris Osgood out there.
“We’ve protected ourselves with the signing of Joey MacDonald. Now I want to talk to Chris and make a decision within the next week.”
Ty Conklin still could be an option.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens shouldn’t rush Josh Gorges back from his major reconstructive surgery if he’s not a 100% when the season starts. Andrei Markov came back a little early last year, but got hurt again and only played 7 games all year. Tom Gagliardi’s exclusive negotiating window to buy the Dallas Stars has expired. 4 or 5 groups have shown interest in buying the team. The Stars lost $15 million last year. The NHL and Tom’s Hick’s creditors are looking for max return while purchasers are looking for a deal.
- Matt Kalman of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have continued adding some organizational depth along their blueline this offseason. Tommy Cross and Dougie Hamilton were paired together at prospect camp, and could be envisioned as their 2nd or 3rd pairing in 2013-14. Joe Haggerty via twitter: Hamilton isn’t expected to make a roster push during training camp this fall.
- Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News: Mike Modano,
“Not really in a rush to make a decision one way or another about what’s going to happen,” he said, “but I’ll probably make an announcement in two or three weeks if I want to play or if that’s it.”
2011 NHL Salary Arbitration List
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 6th, 2011
A list of all NHL players who filed for salary arbitration and the date of their hearing.
| Player | Pos. | 10/11 Team | Date | Ruling/Contract Notes |
| Dan Sexton | RW | Anaheim Ducks | Aug. 4 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years |
| Andrej Sekera | D | Buffalo Sabres | July 25 | Re-signed before arbitration. 4 years, $11 million |
| Derek Joslin | D | Carolina Hurricanes | July 28 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $1.4 million |
| Chris Campoli | D | Chicago Blackhawks | Aug 3 | Arbitration hearing moved up. Awarded 1 year, $2.5 million. Blackhawks walk away. |
| Viktor Stalberg | LW | Chicago Blackhawks | July 20 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $1.75 million. |
| Kevin Porter | C | Colorado Avalanche | July 26 | Re-signed before arbitration. 1 year, $850,000 |
| Ryan Wilson | D | Colorado Avalanche | July 22 | Re-signed before arbitration. 1 year, $1.275 million. |
| Andrew Cogliano | C | Anaheim Ducks | July 21 | Re-signed before arbitration. 3 years, $7.17 million |
| Alec Martinez | D | Los Angeles Kings | July 27 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $1.475 million. |
| Brad Richardson | C | Los Angeles Kings | July 21 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $2.35 million |
| Josh Gorges | D | Montreal Canadiens | July 28 | Re-signed before arbitration. 1 year, $2.5 million |
| Sergei Kostitsyn | LW | Nashville Predators | July 26 | Re-signed before arbitration. 1 year, $2.5 milloin |
| Shea Weber | D | Nashville Predators | Aug 2 | |
| Mark Fraser | D | New Jersey Devils | Aug 4 | Re-signed before arbitration. 1 year, $550,000 |
| Zach Parise | LW | New Jersey Devils | Aug 3 | Re-signed before arbitration. 1 year, $6 million. |
| Blake Comeau | RW | NY Islanders | Aug 4 | |
| Brian Boyle | C | NY Rangers | July 25 | Re-signed before arbitration. 3 years, $5.1 million |
| Ryan Callahan | RW | NY Rangers | July 28 | Re-signed before arbitration. 3 years, $12.825 million |
| Brandon Dubinsky | C | NY Rangers | July 21 | Re-signed before arbitration. 4 years, $16.8 million |
| Michael Sauer | D | NY Rangers | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $2.5 million | |
| Lauri Korpikoski | LW | Phoenix Coyotes | July 20 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $3.6 million |
| Teddy Purcell | RW | Tampa Bay Lightning | July 20 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $4.725 million |
| Jannik Hansen | RW | Vancouver Canucks | July 29 | Re-signed before arbitration. 3 years, $4.05 million |
| Blake Wheeler | RW | Winnipeg Jets | Aug 3 | Re-signed before arbitration. 2 years, $5.1 million |
Morning rumblings involving Richards, Arnott, Doughty, Blackhawks, Flames, Sabres, Red Wings and Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2011
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Brad Richards salary breakdown: “$12M, $12M, $9M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $7M + 3 Yrs at $1M. Yrly totals include signing bonuses.$10M in 11-12, $8M in 12-13”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs offered Brad Richards a higher annual average salary than the Rangers, but Richards wanted the term and to play for John Tortorella again.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs are still said to have some interest in Jason Arnott.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings and Drew Doughty have exchanged proposals, it could be in the $7 million range. GM Lombardi was at Newport Sports office Friday, but didn’t meet with Doughty’s agent, Don Meehan.
- Daily Herald: There were possible trade talks between the Blackhawks and Canadiens. There is speculation that the Blackhawks could be having trouble re-signing one of their free agents, Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli, or Viktor Stalberg. GM Stan Bowman hopes to sign all 3. They might be kicking tires on adding a center, possibly John Madden, Eric Belanger and Zenon Konopka.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster,
“Guys are getting traded. Teams are starting to make phone calls, teams trying to unload salary. Now, for the first time in a long time, we are poised to take advantage when we see an opportunity we like.
“We’re not done. We think there will be opportunities in the trade market. We think there will be opportunities when camps open.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres will have to move some salary out. They could send Ales Kotalik and Shaone Morrisonn to the AHL, those moves would have $5 million in cap space. They could look at moving Brad Boyes ($4 million) or Jochen Hecht ($3.5 million). Both Boyes and Hecht are in the last year of their deals.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings are debating about re-signing Chris Osgood or looking at the free agent market, possibly Ty Conklin.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater heard a rumor that the Red Wings could be interested in Chris Drury.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Lightning could be looking for 1 or 2 forwards, including a top 6.
5 year deal for Doughty? Stastny not be traded … Jets to extend qualifying offers … Hawks likely to re-sign Campoli
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 26th, 2011
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein is hearing $5.7 million per for 5 years for Drew Doughty.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A member of the Colorado organization tells Strickland there is “No chance” that they trade Paul Stastny.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets are expected to send qualifying offers to Andrew Ladd, Zach Bogosian, Blake Wheeler, Ben Maxwell and Anthony Stewart. Rob Schremp and Brett Festerling likely won’t get one.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini on Sheldon Souray, “I’ve had discussions with most teams but haven’t been able to do anything with Sheldon at this time.” Tambellini could buy him out by July 1st. The Oilers had offers for the 31st overall pick yesterday where they would move back and get an extra pick but decided against it and drafted David Musil.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: With the trading of defenseman Brian Campbell, it opens up a bigger role for Nick Leddy, and more likely that they will re-sign Chris Campoli.
- Adam Jahn of the Chicago Sun-Times: Patrick Sharp has 1 year left at $3.9 million, and GM Stan Bowman said he’ll start contract extension talks this summer. It took some convincing from Panthers GM Dale Tallon to get Brian Campbell to waive his limited NTC. ‘‘He’s willing to come down and help turn our franchise around, and that speaks volumes,’’ Tallon said.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero, “I expect Max Talbot to hit the market. I wish him the best and he will never be forgotten in Pittsburgh.”
- Helene Elliot of the LA Times: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the Ryan Smyth trade saga,
“It makes no sense for me to lose this player and lose the flexibility I need to replace him. And that’s where it broke down,” Lombardi said Saturday after the NHL entry draft in St. Paul, Minn.
“Once it was very clear I couldn’t do what I needed to do with the player I’m taking back, then it’s not what the deal was based upon by any stretch of the imagination and it certainly doesn’t make any sense for me.”
Lombardi said he talked to another team — believed to be the Calgary Flames — but said that team has “issues that aren’t related to us agreeing on compensation.” He added, “I’m being penalized enough and that’s not anybody’s fault that I’m losing this player. I’m not going to pay another penalty and not be able to go out and at least try to get a player of his caliber.”
Blue Jackets working on deal with Flyers for Carter … Oilers interested in 8th overall … Modano may play next year
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 9th, 2011
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Multiple sources have said that the Blue Jackets and Flyers have discussed a trade that would send Jeff Carter to the Jackets for the 8th overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft and a top 6 forward, presumably RFA winger Jake Voracek. It’s likely not to be finalized until draft day, June 24th. Carter carries a $5.27 million cap hit for 11 years. The Blue Jackets are looking to make a big move as they’ve missed the playoffs 9 of 10 years, and attendance decreased by 2,000 last year. The Jackets and Flyers have been talking trade since January, and picked up at the NHL scouting combine. The Blue Jackets have also talked with the Edmonton Oilers about the 8th overall pick, possibly about Ales Hemsky and/or Tom Gilbert.
- Teemu H via twitter: “”I’ll have a talk with my agent in a day or two and then I’ll be open for comments. Right now I’m forced to remain silent.” – Bryzgalov”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano is considering playing next year. “I don’t think I’ve completely shut the door on that,” he said Wednesday. “I’ll think about it the first two weeks of July, see if anybody calls. If not, then I’ll say that’s it. But it depends where and with whom — what the opportunity is.” A return to the Red Wings is unlikely as they already have 10 forwards under contract.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Chris Campoli’s agent said recovery from right knee surgery a month ago is “ahead of schedule”
Richards says No to waiving NTC, would love to return to Tampa … Bryzgalov demanded a lot from the Coyotes … Oilers willing to trade 1st overall … Rangers to buyout Drury
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 9th, 2011
- Joey Johnston of the Tampa Tribune: Brad Richards never wanted to leave Tampa, and would love to return.
“I don’t know what they’re thinking as an organization,” said Richards, 31, who has played for the Dallas Stars since the Lightning shipped him away a few hours before the 2008 trade deadline. “If they’re going to talk to me, I’d definitely be interested.”
“Obviously, fitting in with Tampa wouldn’t be an issue because of my history here,” Richards said. “In this salary-cap world, you have to be aware of each organization’s dynamics. Maybe you couldn’t get top dollar (in Tampa) that you might get somewhere else, but you consider other things.
“I’ve got friends and people I play golf with who constantly hammer me about coming back to Tampa. Even if I tried, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. So yes, it’s there. I’d love to see it progress. But what’s going to happen? Who knows?”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars asked Brad Richards if he would waive his no trade clause, but he said no at the advice of his agent.
“He asked in late May, and it was not a situation that was good for us, and so we said no,” Morris said of Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk. “He hasn’t asked again, but he understands that we would have to be aware of the situation and it would have to be a situation that would be one where we can see some benefit.”
The teams interested in Richards (Leafs, Rangers, Kings, possibly the Sabres and Blue Jackets ) don’t have to deal with salary cap issues. With the Flyers acquiring Bryzgalov with the hope of signing him, they will need the time before July 1st to make some other moves to fit him in under the cap.
- Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic: It’s clear that Ilya Bryzgalov didn’t want to return to the Coyotes. He knew they wouldn’t be able to afford the $7 million he wants. With their payroll likely to be around $50 million next year, if they gave Bryzgalov big money they wouldn’t be able to re-sign some of their free agents, including Keith Yandle. Coyotes GM Don Maloney has talked about adding a goalie through trade or free agency. Marty Turco could be a stop gap goalie for them.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov’s contract demands with the Phoenix Coyotes were off the charts according to a source.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: If the Flyers are able to come to terms with Ilya Bryzgalov they might have to deal Matt Carle or Jeff Carter, and possibly not re-signing Ville Leino.
“We still have intentions of trying to re-sign Ville . . . but you can only do so much,” Holmgren said. “We’re trying to have the best team available. We’ll see what we can do.”
Bryzgalov is reportedly looking for a 4-5 year deal worth at least $5 million. The Flyers currently have 18 players signed for almost $59 million for next year.
- Chris Johnston in the Globe and Mail: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini is open to trading the 1st overall pick in this year’s draft. He has had discussions with some teams about a possible trade.
“I’ve had a few calls (from) people kicking the tires of how they can help me make the Oilers a better team,” Tambellini said Wednesday after the NHL’s GMs meeting. “For me to move the No. 1 pick it would have to be obviously something exceptional. Because this is a huge building block again for us.
“These couple years here are exactly the time that we have to put pieces in place that are going to be part of the Oilers success for a long time. It would have to be something quite sweet.”
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers are planning on buying out the last season of Chris Drury’s contract. Buying Drury out will save the team $3.3 million against the cap this year, $1.6 million next year. They also are likely to buy out Wojtek Wolski, saving another $3.3 million next year, $666,667 in 2012-12. The Rangers have 7 restricted free agents, most notably Ryan Callahan and Brandon Dubinsky.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Free agent Andrew Ladd is a top priority of Winnipeg’s new GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. “Andrew’s going to be one of my first phone calls,” new GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said, Wednesday. “He is a big, big piece of this franchise.”
- Adam L Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said there are no deals imminent with Chris Campoli, Michael Frolik, Viktor Stalberg, and Troy Brouwer. Bowman also added that he’s OK with going into the season with Corey Crawford and Alexander Salak in net. He also expects trade talks to heat up after the Stanley Cup.
- Chris Johnston in the Globe and Mail: Senators GM Bryan Murray is getting closer to making a decision on their new coach. “I just have to have a second interview with two or three of them and then make a decision.” Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk hopes to have his new coach soon. “It’s going well, we’ve met some impressive candidates,” said Nieuwendyk. “Ideally, I’d like to have it done before the draft. But certainly before free agency (opens July 1).” Wild GM Chuck Fletcher is thinking along the same lines as Nieuwendyk. “In a perfect world, you have guy in case you make a trade at the draft or for free agency he may have insight into a player,” said Fletcher. “He might have a player he absolutely doesn’t like or a style of player that he prefers. So if you’re filling out a certain role on your third or fourth line — let’s be honest, if the coach has a strong opinion on something I’d rather go with that player.”
Blackhawks sign Crawford … Werek and Etem sign entry level deals … Button has trade ideas for Capitals … Panthers want to bring Vokoun back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 20th, 2011
- Elliott Pap of hte Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger Mikael Samuelsson will be out for the remainder of the season after adductor tendon and sports hernia surgery.
- Chicago Breaking Sports: The Blackhawks have signed Corey Crawford to a 3 year deal worth $8 million, a $2.6 million cap hit. “It means a lot,” Crawford said. “I want to be a part of the Blackhawks and I think the management and everyone there wanted me back too. It’s great to get it done early. Now I can just focus on workouts and getting prepared for next season.”
- Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have signed recently acquired prospect Ethan Werek to an entry level deal. Werek scored 24 goals and added 28 assists in 47 games with Kington of the OHL. He was acquired earlier this month from the Rangers for Oscar Linberg.
- Eric Stephens of hte OC Register: The Ducks have signed 2010 1st round (29th overall) draft pick Emerson Etem to an entry level deal. His NHL deal is for $900,000 with $90,000 in bonuses, $67,500 AHL salary. Etem scored 45 goals with 35 assists in 65 games with Medicine Hat of the WHL.
- Craig Button of ESPN: Button offers some trade options for the Capitals this off-season. They have 3 capable goalies in Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby. The Flyers could be one option, and have rugged winger Scott Hartnell. Could expand the deal to include Jeff Schultz and Braydon Coburn. Button thinks the Caps should target Valtteri Filppula and could offer up Mike Green. Jonathan Ericsson could also be a target of Washington. Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr would also look good in a Caps uniform. If the Caps offered up prospect Cody Eakin, it might open up discussions for Rene Bourque or David Moss. Button offers up a blockbuster proposal: one of Washington’s three goalies, Mike Green, and Alexander Semin to Anaheim for Francois Beauchemin and Bobby Ryan.
- The Fourth Period: The Panthers are very interested in bringing goalie Tomas Vokoun back next season. The 35 year old had a cap hit of $5.7 million last year.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: With Corey Crawford locked up, the Blackhawks will now focus on Michael Frolik and Chris Campoli. They will also have decide what they are going to do with RFAs Viktor Stalberg, Troy Brouwer and Jake Dowell.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have received permission for the Blue Jakets to speak with Ken Hitchcock. GM Chuck Fletcher has apparently interviewed Michel Therrien and Craig MacTavish already. Sources say Fletcher has talked to Kirk Muller, but he has not been ‘interviewed.’
- Katie Strang of the Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov plans on reporting to the Islanders training this fall. (If he’s not traded before)
Salo in for Canucks … Off-season Blackhawks questions … Arnott and Sturm likely not back for Capitals … Thrasher sale update
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 5th, 2011
- Damien Cox via twitter: Predators forward Colin Wilson will be in the lineup for injured Steve Sullivan. Sami Salo is in for the Canucks, Andrew Alberts is likely out. Keith Ballard a scratch. Dan Murphy via twitter: Salo in, Alberts out. No other changes for the Canucks, lines the same.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has some easy decision in the re-signing of Corey Crawford and Michael Frolik, but tougher one’s involving Viktor Stalberg and Troy Brower (both are RFA’s). Tomas Kopecky is a UFA. Jake Dowell could be out because of money or team need to be bigger. Chris Campoli made $1.4 million last year and his return will likely depend on money. Marty Turco may not be back unless he takes less than the $1.3 million he made this past season. Fernando Pisani is likely done. Another team may offer Ryan Johnson more money and a bigger role. Niklas Hjalmarsson could be trade bait, he has 3 years at $3.5 million per season, but Bowman may not be eager to deal him, “I look back at his season and he was rock solid for us,” Bowman said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can contribute offensively. Not everybody has to put up points. There’s value in the style he plays.”
- CSN Chicago via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Chris Campoli had knee surgery, recovery will be 2 months.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm will likely not be brought back by the Capitals.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres forward Mike Grier will either return or retire, “If I play again, it’ll be here,” Grier said last week after cleaning out his locker. “If not, that’ll probably be it.”
- Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: There has been limited progress on finding a new owner/investors for the Thrashers.
“We continue to have discussions with different prospective investors or buyers of the franchise,” Gearon told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week. “The comments I made in February generated some preliminary interest. I wish there was more. There are some people we are talking to, but nothing that is far enough along at this stage that it deserves further comment.”
The Winnipeg group could target the Thrashers for relocation if Coyotes remain in Glendale. There is no indication if any local deal is close to keep the team in Atlanta.
Kariya to play a part in Selanne’s decision … Off-season notes on the Blackhawks, Kings and Canadiens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 28th, 2011
- JP Hoornstra of the InsideSocal: Paul Kariya could play a part in Teemu Selanne’s plan to play another season or not. Selanne has said he wants to know if Kariya would come back to Anaheim if he decides to play next year. “Obviously all the years that I had with Paul, it was just unbelievable,” Selanne said. “I talked to him yesterday and we’re going to meet next week. We didn’t even talk about injuries yet but I want to talk to him about how he’s doing, what he’s thinking and maybe go surf with him.”
If he retires, Selanne said he would be at peace his career ending now. “I think so,” he said. “I tried to play like I left everything there. That’s how you should play anyway, every season. You can’t just win the Stanley Cup every year. That would be awesome, but it doesn’t work like that. I really believe we had enough tools to go further, but we lost.”
If he comes back, it will be in Anaheim. “I haven’t thought about having a chance to go somewhere else,” he said. “This is my place for sure.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Despite being knocked out by the Canucks in the first round, there isn’t a lot of holes to fill in the Blackhawks lineup. One area they need to add is size and sandpaper. They have to make decisions on RFAs Troy Brouwer, Viktor Stalberg, Chris Campoli and Jake Dowell, either to re-sign or use as trade bait. Re-signing RFA’s Cory Crawford and Michal Frolik is a priority. Ryan Johnson may be only UFA to return (if the price is right) out of a group of Tomas Kopecky, Marty Turco, Fernando Pisani and Jordan Hendry. Kopecky may have priced himself out of Chicago’s plans, he made $1.2 million this past season. The Blackhawks could look at dealing one of their “big-ticket players”, possibly Niklas Hjalmarsson and his $3.5 million cap hit.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings think that Dustin Penner needs to improve his conditioning for next season. Winger Justin Williams needs to decide if he wants to have surgery on his shoulder or not. GM Lombardi has to decide if he wants Michal Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky back, coach Murray does. They must also re-sign RFA’s Drew Doughty, Wayne Simmonds, Trevor Lewis, Brad Richardson, Alec Martinez and Oscar Moller. Moller’s future with the Kings may not be bright as he scratched for Scott Parse who had been out for 5 months. Lombardi on Doughty, “Part of this is do we go short term with Doughty for now and keep it down or try and go long-term.”
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens blueline could have a different look next year as they have 6 UFA’s. Who of Andrei Markov, Roman Hamrlik, James Wisniewski, Brent Sopel and Hal Gill will be back?
What is MacArthur worth? Penguins and Flyers could get some key defenseman back this week … Hendry out of season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 1st, 2011
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: So the big question now for Clarke MacArthur and the Maple Leafs is, what is he worth? This is a breakout year for MacArthur, but is he a 40 or 70 point guy? Burke,
“That’s why there’s been no stone throwing about the two sides about who’s being fair. We acknowledge the player has had an excellent year for us and he’s a good guy. We’re happy he’s here, but is that the real guy? Is that the player you are signing?”
If they don’t get a deal done, Burke is fine with going to arbitration.
“We did not offer Clarke to teams, we did get offers on him. We had an internal price that wasn’t met and we’re very happy that he’s still here.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Paul Martin returned to practice yesterday and there is a chance he plays on Wednesday against the Leafs. Martin has missed the last 4 games. Chris Kunitz has been skating but not practicing with the team. RW Tyler Kennedy and G Brent Johnson also didn’t practice due to injuries. Sidney Crosby was in the dressing room yesterday but still no time line on him.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Both Chris Pronger and Blair Betts practiced yesterday and could be ready to go on Thursday against the Leafs.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks added Chris Campoli from the Ottawa Senators yesterday but also found out they have lost Jordan Hendry with a torn ACL in his left knee. Hendry will be out for the rest of the season. They were also looking to a center yesterday but will go with “Jake Dowell and Ryan Johnson for now behind Jonathan Toews and Dave Bolland.” The Senators will receive one of the three 2nd round picks the Blackhawks have, they’ll send over the worst of the three.
Recent Comments