Posts Tagged Chris Higgins

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

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

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

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

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Injury Notes: Lupul, Helm, MacDermid, Kovalchuk, Higgins, Heatley, Karlsson and Canadiens

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 10th, 2013

From twitter unless otherwise noted

  • David Alter: Leafs Joffrey Lupul had off-ice workouts yesterday and is still day-to-day. He won’t play in New York.
  • Helene St. James: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said that Darren Helm won’t play again this season.
  • Mark Stepneski: Stars Lane MacDermid is out another week with a “chest bruise.”
  • Rich Chere: Ilya Kovalchuk said it’s going to take a few more days.
  • Elliott Pap: Canucks winger Chris Higgins‘ lower-body injury is believed to be a sprained a knee.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Senators Erik Karlsson should be able to return to the Senators lineup in 3 to 4 weeks if all rehab goes well.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Davis Drewiske will replace Alexei Emelin along side Andrei Markov. Josh Gorges and P.K. Subban will remain together. Francis Bouillon will be paired with Nathan Beaulieu. Rene Bourque is ready to return after missing 21 games with a concussion.

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NHL Rumors V: Clowe candidates, Blues likely done, Flyers weren’t serious on Jagr, Higgins gets extension

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2013

  • Bob McKenzie: Sounding like the Rangers, Canucks and Flyers are the leading candidates for Ryane Clowe at the moment.
  • Bruce Garrioch: The Canucks are in on Clowe, they want to get bigger.
  • Andy Strickland: Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he isn’t looking to make another trade, but would listen.
  • Tim Panaccio: Two Flyers sources say that the Flyers didn’t have serious interest in Jaromir Jagr.
  • David Pagnotta: The Canucks sign winger Chris Higgins to a 4-year, $10 million contract extension.

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State of the Vancouver Canucks: NHL Trade Deadline Edition

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2012

Written by Errol N. Hannigan and can be contacted by email at enhannigan@hotmail.com

At this point in the season the Vancouver Canucks are a win away from tying Detroit for first place in the NHL. Last year Vancouver finished first overall with a record of 54-19-9 for a total of 117 points and based on their current production are on pace to equal that amount again this year. If that will be enough to be first again remains to be seen, as the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers also look like strong contenders.

Vancouver has made a few personnel changes from the team that came within one win of hoisting the Stanley Cup last year, and they look like a team that should be able to contend again without making any deadline changes.

Since last year the Canucks have added some grit to their line-up in the form of Byron Bitz, Mike Duco and if he is able to return from the injury list Aaron Volpatti. Vancouver has two lines that can put up points with regularity. The Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, and the ever improving Alexandre Burrows are the number one line. With line number two being one of the fastest lines in hockey right now with the all USA born Kesler, Higgins and Booth. They also have good third and fourth lines that they can roll and use to wear down their opponents. They have one of the best face-off men in all of hockey in Manny Malhotra, who they use almost exclusively to win defensive zone face-offs.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Afternoon NHL rumors and notes: Carter, Kings, Radulov, Ruutu, Capitals, Stastny, ‘Hawks, Glencross, Duchene, Green … Devils and Leafs lines

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 13th, 2012

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and Jeff Carter’s agents won’t speak publicly about the situation. Carter agent did confirm though that Carter has not requested a trade. There are probably 5 or 6 teams that would be in the market for Carter. The Kings, Flames and Maple Leafs could be in the hunt for him. If the Kings are involved, Jonathan Bernier would be in the mix. If Calgary is interested, maybe Jay Bouwmeester could be part of the deal. Portzline wonders if the Blue Jackets and Canucks would do a Carter (10 years, $5.27 million cap hit) for Roberto Luongo (10 years, $5.33 million cap hit) deal.
  • David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:

    “He’s a top-six forward that a lot of people would say we’re missing.” “He’s the best player not playing in the NHL.”

    If/when he returns to the NHL, he still have 1 year left on his entry level deal. Once Salavat Yulaev is finished this season, Radulov is free to come back to the NHL and Predators if he chooses. Poile has been told that Radulov’s KHL deal has an ‘out’ clause. His NHL deal is for $980,000 and his KHL deal was a reported 3 years at between $8-$13 million. If Radulov was to return this season, the Preds would be adding a top 6 without having to give up a player or prospect.

  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals owner Ted Leonsis: “wish us speedy recovery to some of our players – and hope we can add some jump via the trade markets during the next few weeks.”
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings fans are frustrated with the lack of deal for a scorer, but Bernstein assures that the Kings are considering many options, some of which are not publicized yet.
  • The Fourth Period: Avalanche forward Paul Stastny could be in the Kings list of possible trade targets.

    “(The Kings) healthy scratched Dustin Penner and put two rookies (Dwight King and Jordan Nolan) playing their first NHL game this season with Mike Richards against the Islanders, looks like they’ve hit the panic button to me,” an NHL insider said Saturday evening. “I know Statsny is a center, but so is Jeff Carter and Paul only has two years left on his deal and there are zero concerns with his attitude.”

    The Avalanche could use Stastny to rebuild their defense and to add depth at forward. A source added if they could get Jack Johnson in a package, they look long and hard at a deal. Stastny has a $6.6 million cap hit through 2013-14. Lightning winger Ryan Malone could be another Kings target.

  • Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said that head coach Joel Quenneville is “absolutely the guy” and that he’s not looking for a goaltender.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Chris Higgins has been battling staph infections. Higgins should be skating today, and an update could be coming later. His progress could determine if GM Mike Gillis looks at their top 6 or bottom 6. Defenseman Keith Ballard’s neck injury should be updated today as well.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flames center Mikael Backlund suffered an upper body injury on Saturday and will be out at least a month.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Zubrus-Bernier; Boulton-Josefson-Janssen.
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel,MacArthur-Grabovski-Connolly, Crabb-Lombardi-Kulemin, Boyce-Steckel-Brown-Armstrong. (I made the Connolly correction from the tweet link)
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: “If a player waives his “no trade” clause once he no longer has a “no trade” clause in his deal.” … “A player can provide a letter saying he is only waiving his “no trade” clause for that purpose. If he doesn’t, he is open season.” Kevin McGran via twitter: according to 2 sources: “a player retains NTC /NMC clause even if he waives it to accept trade. Rec’v'g team accepts player and all terms of deal.”
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Thomas Greiss will start in net for the Sharks tonight against the Capitals. Michal Neuvirth said he’ll be starting tonight.

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Injury notes on Weber, Byfugien, Peverley, Koivu, Blake, Russell and Higgins

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 28th, 2011

  • Gary Lawless via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was scratched last night due to a lower body injury. He’s had a knee issue for awhile.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks center Saku Koivu practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision on Thursday. Winger Jason Blake practiced with the team as well. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Niklas Hagman-Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan-Nick Bonino-Teemu Selanne, Matt Beleskey-Andrew Cogliano-Andrew Gordon, Jean-Francois Jacques-Rod Pelley-George Parros, Kyle Palmieri-Saku Koivu-Jason Blake.

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Tradability of some Capitals … Gillis responds to Luongo rumors … Injury notes on Markov, MacDonald, Kubina, Martinez, Richards, Higgins and Morrow

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 6th, 2011

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at the tradability of some Capitals if they can’t turn it around. Alex Ovechkin: Anything is possible, but he is the face the franchise. He has a cap hit of $9.5 million until 2020-21. Hard to imagine they’d move him. Mike Green: He’ll be a RFA at seasons end. Battling injuries all year, but could be a centerpiece of a Capitals shakeup. Alexander Semin: Carries a cap hit of $6.7 million and has been in the rumor mill for awhile. He would be the most likely ‘top’ player to be dealt if the Capitals decided to do something big. May only get a draft pick for him and not a player in return that would help win a Cup. Nicklas Backstrom: Like Ovechkin, pretty much an untouchable. Has a modified no-trade clause.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s not his final season, “Not unless you know something I don’t.” On Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford giving up his GM post to Ron Francis, “That may happen at some point,” Rutherford said. “But it’s not just around the corner.” The Hurricanes could look to move Tuomo Ruuttu and Tomas Kaberle. A couple of GMs have said a players contract for this year can make it difficult to make a trade. Many teams are at the top of their budget or over due to injuries. Ducks GM Murray said many teams called about Ryan, some thought he was being “auctioned off. ” Toronto, Philadelphia, Rangers, Vancouver, Florida, Carolina, Minnesota and others had interest. Murray added that Selanne will retire a Duck. Some Cup contenders have some cap room this year: Sharks ($2.5 million), Bruins ($4.5 million), Blackhawks ($5.5 million) and Red Wings ($5.6 million). The Panthers were interested in Kyle Turris, but it may be difficult to mess with chemistry down in Florida now. Friedman wonders if the Flames would consider trading Miikka Kiprusoff. His no-movement clause ends at the end of the season.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald has been put the IR and is expected to be out 2 to 4 weeks with a right leg injury.
  • Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund suffered a “big” setback in his recovery. Pavel Kubina has a lower body injury and missed last night’s game. He is not ruling himself out for tonight’s game. “Let’s not kid ourselves,” Boucher said. “We’re not in a position as a team to lose defensemen and keep playing and look the same way. The reality is it’s something we know we have to improve, so it’s tough.” Mathieu Garon will likely start in net tonight.
  • Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings Alec Martinez has been medically cleared to return but will likely miss at least one more game. Mike Richards is “feeling better” but hasn’t returned to the ice and will miss at least the next 2 games due to being on the IR. Richards is able to ride a stationary bike.
  • Monte Stewart of the Globe and Mail: Canucks will be without Chris Higgins tonight as he’s out with a staph infection in his foot. Viktor Oreskovich was recalled and will likely find himself on the 4th line.
  • Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Coyotes. Unless according to coach Barry Trotz “he has the flu or falls down the stairs or something like that.”

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Another interested party for Stars … Pacioretty cleared for contact … Canucks top 6 options and Schneider … Foster out 2-4 weeks … Doughty practicing video

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on September 20th, 2011

  • Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News: Chuck Greenberg is interested in buying the Dallas Stars, and he would have 30 days to submit an offer. Tom Gaglardi has already submitted a bid of $267 million to buy the team. Greenberg has been studying the team for months, and has already been approved by the NHL as a bidder for the team. Greenberg was a part owner of the Texas Rangers along with Nolan Ryan, but he sold his share and stepped down as CEO in March due to the differences he had with Ryan.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty, who was turn-buckled by Chara last year, has been cleared for full contact but said there are some steps remaining before he considers himself recovered. He had a severe concussion and a cracked vertebra. “Obviously, there still is an injury there and I’ll have to deal with it probably for the rest of my life, but it’s been a lot better than I thought it would be.”
  • Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: The next two weeks will determine who’ll play on the 2nd line while Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond are recovering. Cody Hodgson has been given the first opportunity. Mikael Samuelsson will be a top 6 forward according to coach Vigneault. If healthy, Marco Sturm could be on the 2nd line. Chris Higgins could also get a shot. Jannik Hansen, PTO Owen Nolan and point-a-game AHLer Andrew Ebbett could be possibilities.
  • Cam Cole of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks goalie Cory Schneider will again be the backup for Roberto Luongo if the Canucks don’t get what they want for him.

    “I signed a two-year contract, so I’m bound to my contract, and I’m going to fulfil it, and show up and work hard, and do what I agreed to do,” he said Monday.

    “You can’t sign a two-year deal assuming you’re going to be moved or want to get out of it in the middle of it. I was coming off my rookie deal where I had almost no game experience, so a two-year contract sounded like some good security and a good chance to establish myself in this league, so I don’t regret the decision and I’d do it again. It’s just how it’s played out.”

    Cole thinks the Oilers could be a team that would be interested in Schneider.

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks defenseman Kurtis Foster will be out 2-4 weeks as he needs surgery to remove a small metal wire from his thigh. The wire was inserted into his thigh to hold a rod that was part of the surgery in March 2008 to repair his broken femur. He’ll miss the first couple weeks of the regular season.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: The longer the Doughty contract situation drags on, the more of a problem it becomes for the Kings. Lombardi completely shot down the trade route for Doughty on Sunday. There is some concern how the process is impacting Doughty’s psyche. In August Logan Couture talked about the Doughty talks, “It’s been tough on him, he’s getting frustrated,” Couture said. “It’s definitely been tough on him to be waiting so long.” Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller could see some playing time as early as today, doctor’s still don’t know what caused his vertigo bouts last year. Nikita Filatov will see some exhibition time on the top line with Jason Spezza.
  • Drew Doughty practicing ….

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Kane anxious for season … Bruins seeing what Marchand’s trade value is … Krejci and Bruins talking extension … Canucks have top 6 spot open

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 11th, 2011

  • Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane still has his cast on his left wrist, but is sure he’ll be ready for the season opener.

    ‘‘It’s been a long time, and I’m anxious to start the season,’’ Kane said Saturday as he and four teammates took part in Blackhawks Day at U.S. Cellular Field. ‘‘I think I’ll be ready right away. I think once I get this [cast] off, I’ll be able to do pretty much anything. I practiced with the guys the other day, just trying to keep up with skating. I think just strengthening it will be the only thing.’

  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: With the Bruins training camp approaching and with no contract for Brad Marchand, the Bruins are sniffing around to see what his trade value is. “For those doubting the Bruins shopping Marchand. Don’t.” Garrioch doesn’t think the gap is insurmoutable but the Bruins may want to see what they can get for him after 1 good year.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins and David Krejci had started contract extension talks. Krejci should be the teams number 1 center and is entering the final year of his 3 year, $11.25 million deal. He could see a deal similar to Patrice Bergeron’s 3 year, $15 million deal.
  • Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks will have a spot in their top 6 open due to Ryan Kesler’s offseason hip surgery and with Mason Raymond out still with his fractured vertebrae. Cody Hodgson, Chris Higgins, Marco Sturm and Bill Sweatt will be vying for a spot.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Cooper lists 5 prospects Predators fans should watch: Chet Prickard, Ryan Ellis, Craig Smith, Roman Josi and Austin Watson.
  • Katie Carrrera of the Washington Post: Though the Capitals have 7 defenseman on 1-way contracts, not including Tom Poti, prospect Dmitry Orlov may push those ahead of him on the depth chart. Other Capitals prospects to watch are forward Cody Eakin, Mattias Sjogren and Stanislav Galiev.

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NHL Free Agent tracker for July 1st

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2011

We’ll be updating NHL free agents signings from today in the chart below and in (hit F5 to refresh page) our Top 25 free agents page.

Players Old Team New Team Contract Notes
Ruslan Fedotenko Rangers Rangers 1 year, $1.4 million
Sean Bergenheim Lightning Panthers 4 years, $11 million
Michael Handzus Kings Sharks 2 years, $5 million
Andrew Ebbett Coyotes Canucks 1 year, $525,000
Tanner Glass Canucks Jets 1 year, $750,000
Dan Carcillo Flyers Blackhawks 1 year, $775,000
Corey Potter Penguins Oilers 1 year
Francis Lessard Senators Senators 1 year
Chuck Kobasew Wild Avalanche 2 years, $2.5 million
Brian Elliott Avalanche Blues 1 year, $600,000
Eric Belanger Coyotes Oilers 3 years, $5.25 million
Curtis Sanford Canadiens Blue Jackets 1 year, $600,000
Tomas Fleischmann Avalanche Panthers 4 years, $18 million
Jim Vandermeer Oilers Sharks 1, year, $1 million
Sheldon Souray Oilers Stars 1 year, $1.65 million
Ryan Potulny Senators Capitals 2 years, $1.05 million
JS Giguere Maple Leafs Avalanche 2 years , $2.5 million
Alexei Ponikarovsky Kings Hurricanes 1 year, $1.5 million
Marco Sturm Capitals Canucks 1 year, $2.25 million
Ville Leino Flyers Sabres 6 years, $27 million
Benoit Pouliot Canadiens Bruins 1 year, $1.1 million
Michael Ryder Bruins Stars 2 years, $7 million
Alex Auld Canadiens Senators 1 year, $1 million
Cam Barker Wild Oilers 1 year, $2.25 million
Darcy Hordichuk Panthers Oilers 1 year, $825,000
Erik Cole Hurricanes Canadiens 4 years, $18 million
Roman Hamrlik Canadiens Capitals 2 years, $7 million.
Marty Reasoner Panthers Islanders 2 years, $2.7 million
Joel Ward Predators Capitals 4 years, $12 million
Steve Sullivan Predators Penguins 1 year, $1.5 million
Mike Commodore Blue Jackets Red Wings 1 year, $1 million
Michael Rupp Penguins Rangers 3 years, $4.5 million
Peter Budaj Avalanche Canadiens 2 years, $2.3 million
Brian Boucher Flyers Hurricanes 2 years, $1.9 million
Derek Meech Red Wings Jets 1 year, 2-way $700,000
Max Talbot Penguins Flyers 5 years, $9 million
Radim Vrbata Coyotes Coyotes 3 years, $9 million
Johan Hedberg Devils Devils  
Marcel Goc Predators Panthers 3 years, $5.1 million
Andreas Lilja Ducks Flyers 1 year
Andrew Brunette Wild Blackhawks 1 year, $2 million
Vern Fiddler Coyotes Stars 3, years, $5.4 million
Ed Jovanovski Coyotes Panthers 4 years, $16.5 million
Tim Brent Maple Leafs Hurricanes 2 years, $1.5 million
Radek Dvorak Jets Stars 1 year, $1.5 million
Jan Hejda Blue Jackets Avalanche 4 years, $13 million
Boyd Gordon Capitals Coyotes 2 years, $2.65 million
Mark Mancari Sabres Canucks 1 year, $525,000
Matt D’Agostini Blues Blues 2 years, $2.3 million
Raffi Torres Canucks Coyotes 2 years, $3.5 million
Jaromir Jagr KHL Flyers 1 year, $3.3 million
Mike Smith Lightning Coyotes 2 years, $4 million
Jeff Halpern Canadiens Capitals 1 year, $825,000
Scottie Upshall Blue Jackets Panthers 4 years, $14 million
Chris Butler Flames Flames 2 years, $2.5 million
Sean O’Donnell Flyers Blackhawks 1 year, $850,000
Adam Pardy Flames Stars 2 years, $4 mllion
Jose Theodore Wild Panthers 2 years, $3 million
Brett McLean   Blackhawks 1 year, 2-way $525,000
Ben Eager Sharks Oilers 3 years, $3.3 million
Jamal Mayers Sharks Blackhawks 1 year, $550,000
Mathieu Garon Columbus Lightning 2 years, $2.6 million
Cody McCormick Sabres Sabres 3 years, $3.6 million
Andy Greene Devils Devils 4 years,
Drew Miller Red Wings Red Wings 2 years, $1.65 million
Tyler Kennedy Penguins Penguins 2 years, $4 million
Chris Higgins Canucks Canucks 2 years, $3.8 million.
James Wisniewski Columbus Columbus 6 years, $33 million.
Sami Salo Canucks Canucks 1 year, $2 million.
Josh Harding Wild Wild 1 year, $750,000
Patrick Eaves Wings Wings 3 years, $3.6 million.

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Morning news and rumors involving Ehrhoff, Montador, Oshie, Maple Leafs, Wisniewski, Penguins, Canadiens, Jets and Sens

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2011

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: After the Sabres acquired the rights to Christian Ehrhoff, they sent the rights to Steve Montador to the Blackhawks for a conditional 2012 or 2013 7th round draft pick.
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Islanders reportedly offered Christian Ehrhoff a 6 year deal worth close to $33 million before his rights were moved on.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: An official announce should come later this morning, but the Blues and TJ Oshie have reached an agreement on a deal, possibly for 1 year.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs have shown interest in UFAs, Brad Richards, Christian Ehrhoff, Scottie Upshall, and Max Talbot.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: On James Wisniewski’s rights being sent to Columbus.

    “I called James and his response was ‘Let’s go. We’re going,’” Zito said. “His level of enthusiasm for (Columbus) was pretty high.

    “I grabbed a shirt and shoes and flew to Detroit (from Chicago) to meet him last night. Then we flew together to Columbus and got here around midnight. So here we are. I look forward to meeting with the guys and seeing what they’re thinking.”

    Both sides are expected to meet around 8:30 this morning. Zito wouldn’t say the term and money they are seeking.

  • Rob Rossi and Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sources are saying the Penguins have offered Jaromir Jagr a 1 year deal worth $2 million. As of last night they still hadn’t heard back from him. The Red Wings and Canadiens have made offers to Jagr as well. Jagr was to land in the US late yesterday afternoon, but after 6 pm, Jagr’s agent Petr Svoboda was not returning messages. The Penguins are about $6 million below the cap, but would like to keep $1.5 million free for in-season moves. Aaron Asham signed last night for 1 year, $775,000. GM Ray Shero still hopes to re-sign Tyler Kennedy and Michael Rupp by Friday.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens will have some extra cash to spend tomorrow as Roman Hamrlik rejected their 1 year offer, and James Wisniewski rights were sent to Columbus. After Yannick Weber signed a 2 year deal worth $1.7 million, the Canadiens have 17 players under contract with a cap hit of just over $50 million. They still need to sign Josh Gorges, Ryan White, another forward and a backup goalie. Players that could interest the Canadiens are: Michael Rupp, Tyler Kennedy, Aaron Asham, Ville Leino, Ben Eager, Michael Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky.
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Winnipeg Jets probably won’t be able to land a big name, but here is a list of players that could fit the mould of someone they might be interested in: Max Talbot, Joel Ward, Sean Bergenheim, Chris Higgins, Jonathan Ericsson, Cody McCormick, Vernon Fiddler, Rick Rypien, Shane Hnidy, Jason Jaffray.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators would like to sign a player who could play on their top 2 lines and a backup goalie.

    “There will be a couple of guys we will discuss, and there might be the same type of situation that, after Day 1 or Day 2 or Day 3, the guy that we like hasn’t signed yet and is wondering what’s going to happen with himself, and may be very willing to come to a younger team, that he may feel he has a real good chance to get a good spot and produce.

    “We need probably three goalies in the organization. we need a backup here, we need a backup in Binghamton, and we need a fifth guy. So right now, that’s been the talk here between our staff. But we’ve also looked at guys that are young and we think have Top 6 forward potential, but we have to see where it all plays out on Day 1 and Day 2.”

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Afternoon rumors and news involving Wisniewski, Jokinen, Leino, missed qualifying offers, Vokoun, Varlamov, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Blues

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2011

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Canadiens trade the rights to James Wisniewski to the Blue Jackets. It will be a 2012 5th round pick if he signs, a 7th if he doesn’t.
  • Dustin Leed: Leed and TheFouthPeriod think that Ville Leino hasn’t re-signed with the Flyers as the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Penguins, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Avalanche, Bruins, Rangers and Kings have interest in him.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: NHL statement on NHL team(s) improperly filing qualifying offers to RFA’s is: “We’re not aware of any defects relating to Qualifying Offers tendered by NSH to certain of team’s players as several media outlets reported. Those players, having timely received Qualifying Offers, will be Restricted Free Agents as of July 1, and both the players and the team…will be accorded the various rights and benefits of Restricted Free Agency as are set forth in CBA.” The NHLPA has raised the improper filing with agents of the player that are affected.
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: “#NHLPA continues internal investigation throughout the day regarding #Predators potentially missing Q.O deadline on their respective RFA’s” … “Its up to #NHLPA to file grievance with #NHL against #Predators if they believe theirs sufficient evidence to support a case for the players.”
  • George Richards via twitter: Panthers GM Dale Tallon on goalie Tomas Vokoun: “We’re in negotiations with him as we speak. We’re very hopeful. That’s all I can tell you.”
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets and Jan Hejda continue to work a deal, likely for 3 or 4 years. The Jackets will still look to sign a defenseman if they re-sign Hejda, 2 if they don’t.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues will have 1 or 2 forward spots open depending on if Matt D’Agostini is re-signed or not. They are looking to add a defenseman and possibly a back up goalie. Forwards they could look at are Tomas Fleischmann, Chad LaRose (re-signed by Car. after this article was written), Joel Ward, Chris Higgins, Andrew Brunette and Jamie Langenbrunner. Defenseman they could look at are Jan Hejda, Kent Huskins, Brent Sopel or Steve Montador.
  • Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: T.J. Oshie’s agent Matt Oates, says that “things are going well” in their negotiations with Blues GM Doug Armstrong.

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