Posts Tagged Chris Mason

Rangers targeting Johan Hedberg … Sens options may be limited … Lightning after Mason, Martin?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Sens have to be careful spending their money this off-season. They have almost $49 million committed to 13 players, with RFAs Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, and Jesse Winchester. Players they could target: Anton Volchenkov, Sergei Gonchar, Ray Whitney, Zbynek Michalek, Kurtis Foster, and Dan Hamhuis.
  • Craig Custance via Twitter: Johan Hedberg and the Thrashers are still talking. Other options for Hedberg are Rangers, Canadiens and Devils.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Steve Yzerman may not do anything on today. He’s looking for another goalie, possibly targeting Chris Mason. Yzerman still wants to re-sign Kurtis Foster, and might have an eye on Paul Martin.

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Top 25 NHL Free Agents for 2010

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on June 30th, 2010

Here is our Top 25 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents list for 2010. It has been labelled a weak crop for this years NHL unrestricted free agents, especially if you’re looking for scoring help. There are a several defenseman that should draw plenty of interest. In putting together this list, we took into consideration age, position, and likelihood of signing with a new team (ie. Nicklas Lidstrom would only sign with Detroit, so we left him off the list). Check out a complete list of 2010 NHL free agents.

Rk. Player

2009-10 Team
Pos.
Age
09-10

Cap #
 Notes
1 Ilya Kovalchuk
NJ
LW
26
$7,500,000
 Re-signed with New Jersey, 15 years, $100 million.
2 Patrick Marleau
SJ
C
29
$6,300,000
 Re-signed with the Sharks. 4 years, $27.6 million.
3 Anton Volchenkov
OTT
D
27
$3,200,000
 Signs with the Devils. 6 years, $25.5 million.
4 Paul Martin
NJ
D
28
$4,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $25 million.
5 Evgeni Nabokov
PHI
G
33
$6,000,000
 Signs with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 4 years, $6 million
6 Tomas Plekanec
MON
C
26
$2,750,000
 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 6 years, $30 million.
7 Dan Hamhuis
PIT
D
26
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Canucks. 6 years, $27 million.
8 Alexander Frolov
LA
LW
27
$4,000,000
 Signs with the Rangers. 1 year, $3 million.
9 Sergei Gonchar
PIT
D
35
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Ottawa Senators. 3 years, $16.5 million.
10 Marty Turco
DAL
G
33
$5,400,000
 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1.3 million.
11 Zbynek Michalek
PHO
D
26
$1,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $20 million.
12 Alexei Ponikarovsky
PIT
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Kings. 1 year, $3 million ($3.2 mill. cap hit)
13 Matthew Lombardi
PHO
C
27
$2,350,000
 Signed with the Predators. 3 years, $10.5 million.
14 Dan Ellis
MON
G
29
$2,000,000
 Signs with the Lightning. 2 years, $3 million.
15 Dennis Seidenberg
BOS
D
27
$2,250,000
 Re-signed with the Bruins. 4 years, $13 million.
16 Pavel Kubina
ATL
D
32
$5,000,000
 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $7.7 million.
17 Chris Mason
STL
G
33
$3,000,000
 Signs with the Thrashers. 2 years, $3.7 million
18 Henrik Tallinder
BUF
D
30
$3,250,000
 Signed with the Devils. 4 years, $13.5 million.
19 Maxim Afinogenov
ATL
RW
30
$800,000
 Signed in the KHL. 5 years.
20 Toni Lydman
BUF
D
31
$3,150,000
 Signed with the Ducks. 3 years, $9 million.
21 Lee Stempniak
PHO
RW
26
$3,500,000
 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $3.8 million.
22 Olli Jokinen
NYR
C
30
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Flames. 2 years, $6 million.
23 Alex Tanguay
TB
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.7 million.
24 Willie Mitchell
VAN
D
32
$3,500,000
 Signed with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million.
25 Michael Leighton
PHI
G
28
$600,000
 Re-signed with the Flyers. 2 years, $3.1 million.

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Not many trades at the draft, but that could change now … Savard to Leafs?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 28th, 2010

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It appears that the Toronto Maple leafs are considering trading for Marc Savard. Savard is willing to waive his no trade clause for either Toronto or Ottawa. Savard received a concussion from a Matt Cooke hit last season, and has a cap hit of about $4 million for 7 years. His contract is front end loaded. Cox thinks it could be a risky pick up for the Leafs but one the Leafs may not be able to resist. It is speculated that if the LA Kings don’t sign Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look at Tomas Kaberle. The Lightning also showed some interest in Kaberle, and could offer up Ryan Malone.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The price to acquire Marc Savard will be much cheaper than that for Tim Thomas. Savard may not be a ‘Burke-type’ player, but adding Phil Kessel’s old center is intriguing. Burke can’t say much due to tampering rules. Kaberle is not expected to be in any talks for Savard. McGran thinks the Bruins could be talked into Mikael Grabovski. Savard’s salary and his concussion last year could bring down the price.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs won’t do a Kaberle for Savard deal. Rumors are floating around that GM Peter Chiarelli has downgraded his demands for Savard, possibly prospects and/or draft picks. Longley thinks the Leafs could get Savard for Grabovski or Nikolai Kulemin and others. Things for Kaberle could pick on later on this week for Tomas Kaberle, to land another top forward.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Ottawa Senators are unable to re-sign Andy Sutton and Anton Volchenkov, they could take a look at Sheldon Souray. Jonathan Cheechoo could be included as they’d need the cap numbers to be similar, the Oilers could then buyout Cheechoo as they have the space to absorb the cap hit. Defensemen Brian Lee and Chris Campoli may also be on the trading block. The Senators may take a look at signing Dan Hamhuis or Sergei Gonchar if they become available.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Penguins are trying to sign recently acquired UFA, Dan Hamhuis. They are also still talking Sergei Gonchar, who wants a 3 year deal, which he won’t get from Pittsburgh. If they can’t reach an agreement soon, they’ll look to trade his rights. The Devils acquired Jason Arnott a couple weeks ago in hope of getting Patrick Elias going. The Buffalo Sabres were originally looking to draft a forward, but went with Mark Pysyk. The Minnesota Wild won’t be bring Owen Nolan back next season. He’d like to finish his career in San Jose but Pittsburgh and Washington would give him a better chance to win the cup. The Washington Capitals are looking for a number 2 center in the $3.5 million range or less (I think Matthew Lombardi could be an interesting fit, though in this weak free agent crop, he may get more than $3.5 mill).
  • Damian Cristero of the St. Petersberg Times: There was talk over the weekend that the Tampa Bay Lightning showed interest in trading for Tomas Kaberle, and the rights to Evgeni Nabokov and Chris Mason. It might take a Ryan Malone to get Kaberle, which may not make sense for them. Nabokov’s rights went to the Flyers. Yzerman doesn’t expect to make a big splash in free agency, though he will be looking at adding a goalie. Options could be: Mason, Marty Turco, Michael Leighton, Dan Ellis, Martin Biron and Jose Theodore.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: While most teams shied away from the Russians at the draft, the Capitals picked up 2 of the top Russians, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stanislav Galiev. GM George McPhee believes the lure of playing with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, while give some Russians a stronger desire to play in the NHL.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Columbus GM Scott Howson on how it can be hard to make a trade at the draft, “It’s very difficult to go to a team right at the draft table and say ‘Do you want this player?’ because they haven’t thought about it and haven’t done enough work on it, so they get uncomfortable with it. They’re focused on the draft.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Teams weren’t that focused on trading/unloading players at the draft, they were more concentrated on drafting players or trading for draft picks, moving up or down.

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Trade Rumors still going on … Eyes turning to Free Agency

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2010

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The LA Kings made a play at the rights for Ilya Kovalchuk, but the New Jersey Devils reject as they still hope to re-sign him. If Dan Hamhuis and the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t reach a deal, the Kings could also be interested in signing him. The Kings like Tomas Kaberle but it may not fit as the Leafs want a top-6 forward, and so do the Kings. The Devils are still trying to sign Paul Martin, but it looks like he maybe heading to the open market. Kaberle could be an option for the Devils if they are unable to sign Martin. The Sharks re-signed Niclas Wallin and Scott Nichol to one year deals. The Phoenix Coyotes still hope to re-sign Zbynek Michalek, but are running out of time.
  • Bruce Garrioch in the Toronto Sun: Ray Whitney could sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He could get a 2 year deal at $3.5 million per season. Minnesota made a run at David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron and Stephen Weiss. The Oilers offered Andrew Cogliano and another player to Boston for the 2nd overall pick. The Bruins are still working on moving Marc Savard. The Coyotes, Rangers, Leafs, and Thrashers are looking for a center. Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are on Savard’s list of preferred teams.
  • ChicagoBreakingSports: Niklas Hjalmarsson has received a qualifying offer from the Chicago Blackhawks. Andrew Ladd and Jordan Hendry have yet to receive qualifying offers and may hit unrestricted free agency.
  • Pat Hickey: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier must decide this week if he’ll re-sign Dominic Moore. Glen Metropolit and Paul Mara appear to be headed to free agency. He’ll also start working on signing Carey Price to a long term contract.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: With the Minnesota Wild unable to make any trades during the draft, they may be more active in the free agent market than originally planned, or they may just hold course. The Wild need to address the lack of depth at center. They are hoping that Pierre-Marc Bouchard is able to return from his concussion that happened 17 months ago.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas may have waived his no trade clause. The Flyers have shown interest (this was written before Flyers acquired Nabokov’s rights).
  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: The Maple Leafs have shown some interest in Marc Savard. Tomas Kaberle won’t be part of a deal if it happens.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Burke put Kaberle talks on hold Saturday and focus on the draft. After free agency starts on July 1st, he expects talks to heat up after the free market for offensive defenseman is set.
  • Michael Obernauer of the New York Daily News: The New York Rangers and Marc Staal don’t appear close to a deal at the moment.

    “I wouldn’t say it’s a wide gap; it’s more like a chasm.

    “I’d like to have it done,” Sather said. “In Staal’s situation, he’s in exactly the same position Dubinsky was in last year. Where that’s going to end up is anyone’s imagination. He’s a good player, we like him – just like Dubinsky: we’d like to have him back, we think he’s got a long future, we’re going to treat him fairly. Sometimes agents don’t recognize that – leverage works both ways.”

  • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The Flyers may have a verbal agreement with the San Jose Sharks that would send the Flyers 2011 7th round pick to the Sharks for the rights to Evgeni Nabokov.

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Maple Leafs interested in Hamhuis? Kovalchuk update, well sort of …

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins continue to shop Tim Thomas around in hope of freeing up some cash before July 1st. The Blues had shown some interest before they acquired Halak. Other teams that could be looking for a starting goalie are Philadelphia, Washington, San Jose and Tampa. Thomas is 36-years old with 3-years left at a $5 million cap hit. The Lightning made a run at Carey Price, but the Canadiens had already decided to keep him. The Capitals are rumored to be shopping Alexander Semin around the league, looking for 2 top prospects and a pick. The Florida Panthers are shopping Nathan Horton, Rostislav Olesz, Radek Dvorak, and Keith Ballard.
  • Tom Gulitti of The Record: Gulitti runs through the Ilya Kovalchuk free agent situation. Kovalchuk won’t be signing with the KHL or the New Jersey Devils before the July 1st free agent date. The Devil’s and Kovalchuk continue to talk. There is still a possibility of signing with the Devils on July 1st. His opinion of the organization has increased over time. He wants to play for a winning team, and his first choice is to stay in the NHL, with the KHL as a fall back.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It’s been well documented that the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of many teams interested in Patrick Sharp and Nathan Horton, but Cox throws out the name Dan Hamhuis. Dan Hamhuis is a UFA, Sharp and Horton would would have to be acquired through trade. What the team does with Tomas Kaberle would influence any of the above move(s).
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN: The Flyers had interest in trading for Carey Price before the Canadiens shipped Halak off to St. Louis. TSN reported that the Flyers, Lightning and San Jose were interested in Halak, though Flyers GM Paul Holmgren denied it. The Flyers are uncertain if Michael Leighton could be their #1 goalie next year.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: According to James Wisniewski’s agent, they are not in talks with Anaheim, and there is the possibility that the RFA is dealt. Wisniewski is coming off a 1-year deal at $2.75 million. He had 30 points last season in 69 games, and was in the top-20 in ice time (24.:20).
  • Mike Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Minnesota Wild could be open to trading the 9th overall pick in this year’s NHL draft, but it would have to be for a young player that could give them 8-10 years of solid production. The Wild have varying degrees of interest for centers Patrick Sharp, Jeff Carter,  and Stephen Weiss.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: After not having much success with the Penguins after he was acquired at the trade deadline for Luca Caputi, Alexei Ponikarovsky most likely won’t be re-signed. Jay McKee probably won’t be back either. The Pens are still considering bringing back Sergei Gonchar, Jordan Leopold, Mark Eaton, Matt Cooke and Bill Guerin.

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Bruins trading for the 4th overall pick? Weiss not getting traded?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 18th, 2010

  • Brandon Worley of the NBCsports.com: I’m shaking my ahead over this one, as there seems to be many holes. According to Worley’s ‘reliable source’, the Boston Bruins would send Marc Savard, RFA Blake Wheeler, and the 15th overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 4th overall pick. Oh yeah, Savard also has a no-trade clause. It isn’t for certain that the Bruins are offering the 15th pick.
  • Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: The Florida Panthers have talked to Oilers and Bruins about moving up in the draft with no luck. Teams have also been calling them about their 3rd overall pick. They are still unsure of who’d they take if they keep the pick. The Panthers may not be looking to trade Stephen Weiss, if they did, their number one center would be Steven Reinprecht followed by Shawn Matthias. Weiss also makes a reasonable $3.1 million.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Gauthier conceded that part of the decision to trade Halak was for salary cap reason. What was Halak looking to sign for? Gauthier doesn’t know as the 2 sides never talked.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks if the Penguins would consider trading the rights to Sergei Gonchar before July 1st. Molinari writes that Shero probably wouldn’t do that until he was completely convinced that he couldn’t re-sign Gonchar.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It doesn’t appear that Matt Cooke and the Pittsburgh Penguins are close to coming to a deal. Talks between Andy Sutton and the Ottawa Senators are moving along slowly as the team attempts to keep Anton Volchekov in town. Things are slow for Matt Cullen as well. The New York Rangers have not talked to Ollie Jokinen at all. Jokinen wants to stay in the NHL and not go to the KHL.
  • Chraig Custance of the Sporting News: So it appears that UFA Chris Mason is done in St. Louis with the Halak deal. Mason’s agent offers up teams that could be looking for a starting goalie … “There could be surprises,” he said. “With Steve Yzerman going into Tampa, does he think he needs to make a change there? San Jose, do they make a change? What does Philadelphia do? It could be there are no jobs and there could be five jobs.”
  • Michael Russo Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher thinks the team will try and go the trade route to improve his team rather than go the free agent route as it isn’t the greatest. The Wild are looking for top-6 forward, mainly a #2 center. They have some depth on the blueline that they might be able to use to acquire a forward. Brent Burns and goalie Josh Harding, as well as their 1st round pick could all be in play.

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Montreal Canadiens trade Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Trades on June 17th, 2010

The Montreal Canadiens have traded their playoff hero, Jaroslav Halak, to the St. Louis Blues for forwards Lars Eller and Ian Schultz.

The 25-year old Halak is a restricted free agent, and the Canadiens decided that Carey Price (also a RFA) will be their goaltender of the future. Last season, Halak posted a 26-13-5 record with a 2.40 GAA and .924 SV%. with 5 shutouts. It was his playoff performance that I thought would make him the Canadiens goalie of the future, after leading the team to upsets over the Penguins and Capitals.

It’s been rumored for months that the Blues have been unsure about their future goalie. They were in talks Chris Mason, but he is turning 34, and was reportedly looking for in the $4 million neighborhood. It appears now that he’ll hit the open market. The two teams have been linked in the past to either a Halak or Price trade.

The Canadiens get back 2 young forwards. Eller was the 13th overall pick in 2007 by the Blues, and was one of their top prospects. He made his NHL debut this past season, recording 2 goals in 7 games. For Peoria Riverman in the AHL, he had 18 goals and 39 assists, with 84 PIMs in 70 games. Schultz was a 3rd round pick in 2008, and has spent the last 4 seasons with the Calgary Hitman.

I’m a little surprised they decided to go with Price over Halak, but more surprised by the timing of it. I thought the Canadiens would hold off until at least draft day to pull something off.


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Horton dealt by Draft, to Sabres? St. Louis to get extension … Oilers getting calls for #1

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2010

  • Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Nathan Horton’s time as a Florida Panther could be close to coming to an end. It’s looking like he’ll be dealt by next weeks NHL draft, and it wouldn’t surprise his agent. Horton has 3 years left on his 6 years, $24 million contract. His no trade clause kicks in July 1st. The Buffalo Sabres definitely could use a winger with size, have shown interest, and have been rumored to be shopping Derek Roy and Tim Connolly.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steve Yzerman has started working on a contract extension for Martin St. Louis. What could complicate things a little are the numbers and term length, as St. Louis is 35 and the Lightning would be on the hook for the entire salary (and cap number) if he would retire early, so the deal has to make sense for them. Yzerman must also send a qualifying offer to Paul Ranger to retain his rights. Ranger missed all of last season for ‘personal injuries’, he would definitely improve their blueline. Yzerman will also look to re-sign Kurt Foster if the numbers make sense. The Lightning will take the best player available with the 6th overall pick, with a “remote” chance of trading it.
  • Darren Dreger on TSN: The Oilers continue to get inquiries about the 1st overall pick, and GM Steve Tambellini will continue to listen to offers, they are unsure what it would take to get the pick though. David Booth, Dmitry Kulikov and Jacob Markstrom could be the only untouchables for Florida. Nathan Horton and Steven Weiss are available. The Predators are interested in Kris Versteeg. No offers have been sent to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle yet. Teams may wait until the draft when the no-trade is lifted in fear that their proposal will be shopped to drive up the price. As many as 8 teams could put forth an offer.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins have received some offers for the #2 pick, and GM Peter Chiarelli was impressed with one of the offers. But … “I’m not moving it,” Chiarelli said of the No. 2 position. “We’re going to take one of those two forwards.”
  • Chris Koc of ChicagoBreakingsports.com: The Atlanta Thrashers have been granted permission to speak with Chicago Blackhawks associate coach John Torchetti. about their vacant head coaching position.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It’s the year of the goalie. UFA’s: Evgeni Nabokov, Martin Biron, Dan Ellis, Michael Leighton, Chris Mason, Jose Theodore, Antero Niittymaki, Vesa Toskala, Johan Hedberg, Patrick Lalime, Manny Legace, Wade Dubielewicz, Alex Auld, Steve Valiquette, Andrew Raycroft, Yann Danis and Curtis Sanford. Goalies available for trade: Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak, Tim Thomas, Cristobal Huet. Turco would be a good fit in Philadelphia, but they might not think so. Martin Biron could end up being a backup in Buffalo where he started his career. The Lightning have had some discussion with their UFA goalie, Antero Niittymaki. The St. Louis Blues have begun talks with Chris Mason in hope of re-signing him.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Could the Washington Capitals head in to next season with two, 22-year old goalies, Neuvirth and Varlamov? GM McPhee didn’t rule out bringing back Jose Theodore. McPhee basically said that Karl Alzner and John Carlson will be playing full time on the Capitals blueline. They are talking with Eric Belanger about re-signing him. The team has talked with Shaone Morrisonn, but he isn’t a lock to be re-signed.

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Cheechoo to be bought out … Red Wings news … Blues-Mason talking

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 10th, 2010

  • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The writing is already on the wall that Jonathan Cheechoo will be bought out by the Ottawa Senators. The 2 week buyout period begins Tuesday, where teams can buyout the contracts at 2/3 their value, and payable over 2x the amount of years left on the contract. Cheechoo’s $3.5 million for next season would turn out to be $1,165,500 cap hit for the next 2 seasons.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland was on the “NHL Live” radio program, and said they are looking towards drafting a forward with their 21st overall pick at this years NHL Draft. “We’ve got some young defensemen coming,” Holland said. “Probably, ideally, you’d like to find some forwards with some scoring touch. Again, if there’s a defenseman there that we feel has fallen, we’ll take him.” Holland also talked about the Bertuzzi contract talks and he didn’t seem to optomistic as the numbers may not fit. “Obviously, in a cap world, the situation we’re in, we don’t have a ton of money. Todd had a great year for us, and I’m sure he’s gonna have some decisions to make come July 1. We’ll continue to talk to him. We’d like to have him back, but obviously, there’s gotta be a fit financially for the player and for us. Talks are ongoing. We’ll see where they go.”
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Wings re-signed Dman Doug Janik for 2 years (1st year is 2-way, 2nd year is 1-way). Jason Williams was informed yesterday that he won’t be back. The Wings still would like to add 1 more Dman, Andreas Lilja or another cheap Dman. They are still unsure if they are going to offer a contract to Kirk Maltby. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will get a qualifying offer.
  • The Calgary Herald: Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter confirmed on The Fan 960, that Vesa Toskala won’t be back the Flames, so they’ll be looking for a backup to lessen the load of Miikka Kiprusoff. Kiprusoff has played over 73 games in each of the last 5 seasons. The Flames are in preliminary negotiations with UFA Eric Nystrom and RFA Ian White.
  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Boston Bruins assistant coach Craig Ramsay was interviewed by the Atlanta Thrashers for the head coaching. The Thrashers are also interested in John Torchetti

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Kovalchuk offered $14 million per season? Flyers may not re-sign Leighten … Would the Bruins trade Bergeron?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 7th, 2010

  • Sport-Express.ru: The SKA St. Petersburg reportedly have increased their offer to Ilya Kovalchuk to 3 years and $42 million. It was reported that they previously offered Kovalchuk 3 years and $30 million.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Despite helping take the Philadelphia Flyers to game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals (after filling in for Brian Boucher part way through the playoffs … and he may not get the game 6 start), it might not gaurantee that goalie Michael Leighton will re-sign with the Flyers. They may think he’s “a one-trick pony on a magical ride”, and look towards a Turco, Mason, Nabokov, Halak or Price.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: One option the Bruins have in their quest to find a scoring winger or two, is to consider trading Patrice Bergeron, especially if the Oilers draft Taylor Hall. If the Bruins were to trade him, they would still have a solid one-two punch of Marc Savard and David Krejci, and possibly Tyler Seguin down the middle. Bergeron is a UFA at the end of next season, and is making $4.25 next season, and would be looking for a raise. He has a no-trade clause that kicks in July 1st.
  • TSN: Contract talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nikolai Kulemin have hit a wall. It was reported earlier that Kulemin is looking for at least $3 million per season deal. He recorded 36 points in 78 games last season. Burke told AM 640, “While they can say: ‘he was on your first line last year,’ there is no one who would say Nikolai Kulemin is a first line left winger.  He’s a first line left winger by default because we did not have a very good team.  I’m not paying for someone who gets the position by default.”
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Craig MacTavish and Mike Keenan appear to be out of the running for the head coaching vacancy in New Jersey. The leading candidates are John MacLean and Michel Therrien, other options are Ken Hitchcock, Kirk Muller, and Guy Boucher. Boucher was offered the coaching position in Columbus.
  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: The Blue Jackets would like an answer from Guy Boucher if he wants the head coaching position by Tuesday.

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Blackhawks off-season talk … Plekanec out-priced Montreal? Quick hits on Free Agents from Hradek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 5th, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Hradek talked to Scott Niedermayer on if he’ll retire or not. A decision will be made in the next few weeks, Hradrek thinks he’ll retire. Where Ilya Kovalchuk signs is anyones guess, but Hradek doesn’t think it will be in New Jersey, with LA making the most sense. Paul Martin will have many suitors if he hits free agency. Marty Turco may be a good option for San Jose Sharks if they don’t bring back Evgeni Nabokov. He also goes on to say that if the Florida Panthers could move Tomas Vokoun, Turco would be a good fit. Dan Hamhuis could get plenty of interest if he doesn’t re-sign in Nashville, but it may come down to his asking price. Matthew Lombardi will get plenty of interest as well, he’s a solid 2-way player with a good offensive game, who’ll need a raise from his $1.817 million cap number. The St. Louis Blues would like to keep the 34-year old Chris Mason, but he may want to see how much more than the $3 million (last year’s number) he can get on the open market. Alexander Frolov may have worn out his welcome in LA (wanting $5 million plus will probably scare away many team).
  • Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald: Teams are getting an extended look at the Chicago Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup run, and are getting excited about what players might be available over the summer as the Hawks look to shed contracts. Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp are the most likely candidates. David Bolland would have been a potential candidate to moved, but his value has increased during the playoffs, and they may look to keep him. Dustin Byfuglien value has also increased tremdously and may have earned him another year in Chicago. After talk from the GM meetings, no teams are interested in taking on Cristobal Huet or Brian Campbell’s contract. The Blackhawks also have to worry about offer sheets for Hjalmarsson, Niemi and Ladd.
  • Jean-Francois Chaumont of Radio-Canada: After coming off a 70 point season, Tomas Plekanec is hoping to cash in a nice contract, rumored to be in the $5-6 million range. He’d like to stay in Montreal, but his asking price may be too high for the Canadiens. Plekanec’s agent, Brian Curran, met with Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier after the Canadiens were eliminated and are expected to meet again soon. I don’t see him returning to the Canadiens, unless it’s in the $4-4.5 million range (and that might not be possible either). Some question his playoff performance. What may help Plekanec get more money than he may deserve would be a weak offensive free agent class.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Alexander Svitov is looking to return to the NHL after bolting to Russia two years ago.  Columbus still owns his rights after qualifying him last summer, but they have no plans on him returning to the team next season. He’ll become a unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

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Boucher back Saturday? Rob Blake leaning to retirement … Nabokov would like to stay in San Jose … Yzerman needs to lock up Stamkos

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 27th, 2010

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Though it was speculated that his season was over after suffering sprained ligaments in both knees on May 10th, Brian Boucher returned to practice with the hope of dressing for game 1 on Saturday. He’ll travel with the team to Chicago on Friday. Though he’s experiencing a bit of pain, and it will continue for another month or so, doctors have said the injury has healed.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Signs are pointing to Rob Blake retiring from hockey according to a ‘source’ close to the situation. “You need time to unwind after the season and different things,” Blake said.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Evgeni Nabokov would like to return to the San Jose Sharks next season, but he realizes that decision may not be up to him. “Let’s face it, the mission is not accomplished yet,” he said of the Sharks’ goal of winning the Stanley Cup.  “I want to be a part of it, but I don’t know if it’s up to me.” Patrick Marleau is also a UFA and has said that he and his family like living in San Jose. When asked if he’d take a ‘hometown discount’, Marleau said “I’m not going to get in to that.”
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBCSports: Steve Yzerman is reported to now be the highest paid VP/GM in the league at $2.5 million a season for 5 years. Glen Sather reportedly makes more, but he is also the president. One of Yzerman’s important tasks will be locking Steven Stamkos up long term, next season will be his last on his entry level deal, and will make $875,000 base salary this year with a cap hit of $3.725 million with all bonuses included. Comparables for Stamkos will be: Crosby/Malkin – 5 years, $43.5 million, $8.7 million cap hit. Anze Kopitar – 7 years, $47.6 million, $6.8 million cap hit. Nicklas Backstom – 10 years, $67 million, $6.7 million cap hit. Paul Stastney – 5 years, $33 million, $6.6 cap hit. Toews/Kane – 5 years, $31.5 million, $6.3 million cap hit. Mike Richards – 12 years, $69 million, $5.75 million. Look for Stamkos to sign for below the Crosby/Malkin average ($8.7 million), but higher than Kopitar ($6.8 million).
  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Trading Jarome Iginla makes no sense for the Calgary Flames, on and off the ice. If they could be guaranteed to get a franchise player in return (top 2 pick in the draft), then it might be possible, but that probably won’t happen.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: After the St. Louis Blues organizational meetings wrap up on June 12th, the Blues GM Doug Armstrong wants to meet with UFA Chris Mason in person. Mason is 34-years old and made $3 million last season.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: According to Maxim Afinogenov’s agent Don Meehan, he’s received a one-year contract offer from the Atlanta Thrashers. Afinogenov’s was second in team scoring with 61 points after signing a one-year deal worth $800,000 last season. After some discussions, Colby Armstrong will not receive a contract offer from the Thrashers. He made $2.4 million last season.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings GM Dean Lombardi was on the 1260-AM and asked if Alexander Frolov will be back or whether they’ll move on, here’s part of his response.

    LOMBARDI: “When you talk about building today, it’s certainly different from prior to the lockout. You really get tied in with, `Do you like the player?’ Yes, but do you like him at `X’ price? Because you now have to get the right price, if you’re going to be able to keep your core together. So would we like to keep him? Yes. But if the price is prohibitive, and maybe would prevent us from filling other holes and making sure we keep Doughty and Johnson and all these kids coming through, then you have to walk away. I think you’re probably right on Fro. He’s a good player. I guess at times, like you say, you think he’s capable of more, but he’s still a productive player. But you still now have to really be astute in how you attach a price tag to that, or you’re going to get yourself in trouble down the road, and then all this building we’ve done makes no sense if we can’t keep these young players that have come through our system. So I’m not too optimistic, given what he’s looking for. The other thing we’re confronting here, don’t forget, is the KHL, and they’re offering an awful lot of money, tax-free. It’s almost like the WHL days, where the difference in dollars is huge.”

  • AP in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta native and film-maker, Stephen Rollins, hasn’t made an offer to buy the the Atlanta Thrashers, but he did admit to being interested in becoming a majority owner in the club. He has talked to one of the owners about his interest.

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Kovalchuk to KHL? Marleau talk … Blues to go after a D-man?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2010

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Reports are floating around that Ilya Kovalchuk is signing with St. Petersburg of the KHL, but … “Don’t jump to conclusions,” warned the source at the World Championships in Germany.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: It’s unsure if the San Jose Sharks will want to bring Patrick Marleau back, but it sounds like he’d like to stay. “There’s lots of time to think about that,” Marleau said. “We love San Jose. We’ll see how every thing works out.”
  • Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle: Ratto thinks the LA Kings and Calgary Flames could have an interest in Patrick Marleau. The Kings we’ve heard before, and the Flames might have trouble fitting his salary under their cap. Rob Blake could retire.
  • Scott Cullen of TSN: The Blues say they are not in the market for a big free agent scorer (they tried acquiring Kovalchuk at the trade deadline), but they could look to a spend some money on a top defenseman free agent, with Cullen naming Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis as possibilities. They’ll also have to decide what they want to do between the pipes as last years starter, Chris Mason, is a UFA.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Panthers new GM, Dale Tallon, may look to his old team (Blackhawks) to help improve his new club. The ‘Hawks will be the center of plenty of rumors this summer as they will be forced to trade some of their higher price players to get under next seasons cap. Matheson thinks Tallon will go after Kris Versteeg, and possibily Dustin Byfuglien and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks currently have 14 players under contract for $55 million next season.
  • QMI Agency, Toronto Sun: The Globe and Mail reported that if the NHL can not find a new owner to keep the  Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale by Dec. 31st, the league has a ‘bona-fide offer’ to purchase the club and move it Winnipeg. The city of Glendale agreed on Friday that they would cover up to $25 million in team losses during the 2011-12 season if a new owner can’t be found before hand. True North Sports and Entertainment is the name of the group that is interested in moving the team to Winnipeg.

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Jokinen to KHL? Turco Preparing to Move On … Thrashers Wish List

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 17th, 2010

  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: After bouncing around between 4 different teams in the past couple years, Olli Jokinen may be playing in Russia next season, especially if he’s looking to make anywhere close to the $5 million salary he made this past season. Peter Mueller, out with a concussion, hasn’t been cleared to skate yet, so Avs fan shouldn’t expect him back soon. As it shouldn’t come as a surprise, Marty Turco could get interest from the Flyers, Capitals and Blackhawks, with the Lightning as a potential sleeper. Wild back-up Josh Harding could be on the trade block this summer. St. Louis could be looking for a goalie if they don’t re-sign Chris Mason, though they could be looking for a young goalie even if they re-sign Mason.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Newly anointed Thrashers GM, Rick Dudley, doesn’t have a timetable set yet for a naming a new coach. Their new coach must “have good communication skills, good teaching skills and good technical skills.” The team also has 10 UFA’s and 4 RFA’s. They are also looking for a veteran leader and a scoring forward for one of the top 3 lines.
  • George Csolak of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat: Both Paul Kariya and Chris Mason would like to return to the Blues next season, but it’s not sure if the Blues will bring them back. Carlo Colaiacovo is also a question mark to be back next season, they were shopping him at the deadline.  They will look to re-sign RFAs Eric Johnson, Alex Steen, and David Perron.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Marty Turco is gearing up for life outside of Dallas as he’s in the process of putting his house on the market. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said on Tuesday that Turco will not be back next season with the Stars. The 35-year-old Turco should get a shot with another team. “I want to win,” he said. “I want to find a team that is ready to win, an organization that is building to win now, and an organization that believes I can be a big part of that winning. That’s the most important thing to me.”

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Stamkos Almost a Ranger … Stars that Could be on the Block … Ovie has Advice for Filatov … Leafs-Gustavsson talking contract

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 5th, 2010

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather said he ‘shook hands’ on a deal with Lightning co-owner Len Barrie last year, that would have sent Steven Stamkos to the Rangers for 2 or 3 of Michael Del Zotto, Evgeny Grachev, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Dan Girardi. When Barrie took the proposed deal to GM Brian Lawton, Lawton shot it down. Barrie, still wanting to make the deal only needed approval from the other co-owner, Oren Koules. Koules shot it down as well.


  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks that several Dallas Stars could be moved this off-season. Possible candidates are Mike Ribeiro, Brad Richards, Matt Niskanen, Fabian Brunnstrom, and James Neal. Neal could be moved if they got a huge return. Ribeiro and Richards are tied together, in that if they can`t get Richards to sign an extension (contract expires after next season), they could move him. If they get Richards on an extension, Ribeiro could be expendable.


  • Columbus Post-Dispatch: Alex Ovechkin has some advice for Nikita Filatov:

    Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, left, thinks that Blue Jackets prospect Nikita Filatov, a fellow Russian, must come back to the NHL from the Continental Hockey League. “If he wants to play in the NHL, he has to see how different players step up and play,” Ovechkin said.


  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader writes in and asks Molinari if the Penguins can/will re-sign Matt Cooke. If Cooke will re-sign for around the same $1.2 million cap hit, they’ll definitely consider it. If not, they have Dustin Jeffrey that might be ready to step in for that role.


  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Tomas Vanek (lower body) and Tim Connolly (foot) are still not close to returning to practice. The Sabres must be praying that they’ll be ready for the playoffs.


  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The 37-year-old Daniel Alfredsson will play his 1,000th game on Thursday. Alfie is still scoring at a point-a-game pace, and GM Bryan Murray figures he still has another 3 good years left.


  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Chris Mason steady play this season may earn him a contract extension with the Blues, and bide some time while they decide on who will be their goalie of the future. In their organization they have, Ben Bishop, Joe Fallon, and Jake Allen, but anyone of them may not be the answer they are looking for. Trading for Cory Schneider continues to be an option, but the Canucks may still want David Backes, which won’t happen. Price or Halak is another trade option, but they’d be in competition with several other teams.


  • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Preliminary talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jonas Gustavsson have begun, but Gustavsson isn`t paying attention to the financial side until after the season.

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Gretzky to Russia? Blues to Have Busy Off-Season? Leafs after Goalies? Huet to Minors? Ward Back Monday

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 27th, 2010

  • Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL has reportedly contacted Wayne Gretzky about the possibility of becoming their next head coach. Alexander Medvedev (KHL and SKA boss) has contacted Gretzky with an offer. Russian sources are saying that Gretzky has been in contact with them for months. Adler also notes that Jaromir Jagr will leave the KHL and Avangard Omsk when his contract runs out in mid-April.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis Blues owner, Dave Checketts, has said the team will continue building around their young players, but he predicts they will go after some free agents this offseason. The team currently has under $30 million tied up in 11 contracts for next year. Keith Tkachuk is expected to retire. Paul Kariya ($6 mill.) and Chris Mason ($3 mill.) are UFA’s, one or both may be resigned, with Kariya at a lower number. RFA’s that they will look resign are Steen, Perron, Johnson, Janssen, King and D’Agostini. The Blues had trouble scoring this year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they take a run Ilya Kovalchuk. It was rumored that the Blues were one of the teams to make a pitch for Kovalchuk before he was dealt to New Jersey.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Toronto Maple Leafs may join the list of teams that are looking at signing European goalie free agent, Jussi Rynnas. The Leafs could also look at signing college free agent goaltender, Ben Scrivens of Cornell.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: According to Sassone, there is a chance that the Blackhawks might send Cristobal Huet to the minors and call up Corey Crawford.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Cam Ward will make his first start between the pipes for Carlina since February 3rd on Monday. GM Jim Rutherford said the Hurricanes won’t go shopping for a backup goaltender next year, and will go with either Manny Legace (UFA) or Justin Peters.

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    Oilers Want Leafs Pick … Would Calgary trade Jarome? More on Philly’s Goaltending Options … Caps Wanted Kaberle?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 22nd, 2010

  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Edmonton Oilers reportedly offered the Boston Bruins, Dustin Penner and Tom Gilbert for the 1st round pick that belonged to the Maple Leafs. The Oilers may try again at Draft time with Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano.
  • Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail: Would the Calgary Flames consider asking Jarome Iginla to waive his no-trade clause? Iginla is 33, and Power Forward bodies begin to breakdown faster. Iginla is still effective, but how long can he keep his robust style up. He could fetch a good return, but he is the face of the Flames. “Iginla could end up being the Flames’ Mats Sundin,” an NHL source said. “He wants to stay. He wants to be part of the solution. But what if he has to be traded to make the team better? That’s the question Calgary is left with.”
  • Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: What would it take for the Flyers to trade for Carey Price? If the price for Price isn’t too high, could make sense. They can also look to the free agent route; Marty Turco, Evgeni Nabokov, Jose Theodore, Vesa Toskala, and Chris Mason. They could also look at re-signing Michael Leighton. 28 year old Johan Backlund (21-17-2) was played well for Adirondack but would have to be re-signed. Finnish free agent Jussi Rynnas may also be worth the risk if the price is right.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov’s KHL season is over, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be heading back to Columbus to finish their season. There is a chance his days in Columbus are over for good. Unhappy with being a healthy scratch for 6 games, and seeing limited action in 13 games at the beginning of the season, Filatov basically walked out on the team. Some feel he would have a negative impact in the dressing room if they brought him back this year or next. Portzline thinks the Blue Jackets will trade him at the draft for a proven, reliable player.
  • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: It was rumored at the NHL trade deadline that Washington offered Tomas Fleischmann, Karl Alzner and a pick for Tomas Kaberle.

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