Posts Tagged Cody Hodgson

Hawks expensive rings … C. Clark available … No love for Rolston? Salvador out? Blues Blueline Battle and more

  • Mark Spector via twitter: RW Chris Clark of the Columbus Blue Jackets could available. Spector wonders if: in a Souray deal? some added grit in Vancouver? or a truculent American for the Leafs? Clark has a cap hit of $2.633,333, salary of $2.5 million.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: There are no suggestions that there is a team willing to trade for Brian Rolston’s and his $5.1 million contract. Coach John MacLean says that Bryce Salvador is “fine” after crashing into the boards. The Devils may end up having to waive and demote players to get under the cap.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Salvador underwent ear tests yesterday. He’s missed 9 games in the past because of ear problems. Injured players are not allowed to be waived.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: Competition on the St. Louis Blues blueline is heating up. Ian Cole has outplayed Alex Pietrangelo, Oystrick and Nikitin are still in the battle.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: During Tuesday’s pre-season game, Cody Hodgson started on the 2nd, and ended up on the 4th. It may becoming more apparent that Hodgson needs time to recover from his back injury and gain some pro experience in the minors.
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Marc Savard won’t travel with the team to Europe. From GM Peter Chiarelli,

    “He spent the whole time at the team-building (in Vermont Monday and Tuesday). I spoke to him (yesterday) morning, and he’s going to see his doctors, and he’s going to work up his physical exertion test.

    “He’s getting better. He’s feeling a lot better. We just have to make sure we do all the proper things – get through the exertion and the impact and the conditioning. He’s still a ways away.”

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Potential Stars owner backs out … Injury updates on Crosby, Franzen and Stajan … Teams losing money … and more

  • Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: Sources told Pierre LeBrun yesterday that Calgary Oil man Bill Gallacher has pulled out of buying the Dallas Stars. In the past few months, it was rumored that he was close to a deal with current Stars owner Tom Hicks. Canadian businessman Tom Gaglardi still remains interested, and other groups may get back into it. The team is operating on a low internal budget which is limited what the team could do in terms of free agents and trades.
  • Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Matt Stajan separated his shoulder during the first period of Tuesday night’s game versus the Canucks, and will be out indefinitely. The Flames are already without Daymond Langkow who has a fractured vertebrae at the base of his neck. Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Stajan’s injury opens the door for Mikael Backlund to step up into the 2nd line roll. Backlund collected 10 points in 23 games last season, and welcomes the opportunity. Stajan could be out for a month if they’re lucky.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Right now there doesn’t seem to be any urgency for the Vancouver Canucks to trade Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks did have 3 scouts watching the Columbus Blue Jackets in Traverse City, where the Jackets prospects were playing.
  • Doug MacLean via twitter: Minnesota Wild owner said yesterday they lost money last year, joining the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks. The Washington Capitals got revenue sharing.
  • Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Martin Hanzal and Vern Fiddler will be the Coyotes top 2 centerman, with the other 2 spots up for grabs. Eric Belanger, Kyle Turris, Kyle Wellwood, and Wojtek Wolski are vying for the spots. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If either Kyle Turris or Kyle Wellwood make the Coyotes, Wojtek Wolski would likely shift back to the wing, he’s been playing center at camp.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks the Edmonton Oilers captaincy is down to Ryan Whitney and Shawn Horcoff, if the team goes with one this year.
  • Curtis Zupke via twitter: Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said that if Matt Beleskey continues to get the puck to Cory Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, he might have a spot on that line.

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Drury out 4 weeks … A worthwhile risk for Jackets? Ilya to the right side … Lupul get clearance to skate

  • Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Chris Drury broke his left index finger blocking a shot yesterday and will be out 4 weeks. After starting camp centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov, Derek Stepan skated between Evgeny Grachev and Mats Zuccarello yesterday.
  • Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There is a deal that works for both the Oilers and Blue Jackets. Even though Sheldon Souray has missed 102 games in the past 2 seasons, and has a cap hit of $5.4 million the next 2 years, he may be worth the risk for the Blue Jackets. GM Scott Howson has declined to comment on the rumors, the same for Oilers GM Steve Tambellini. The Oilers could waive Souray on Saturday and hope someone claims him on re-entry waivers, but then they’d be on the hook for 1/2 his salary. Arace thinks Souray would be worth the risk for the Blue Jackets, and could arguably become the best defenseman they’ve ever had. Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Mike Commodore isn’t that bothered with all the trade talk, he’s been dealt before and has played with 6 organizations in 11 years. He’s been aware of Sheldon Souray rumor since June.
  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: Ilya Kovalchuk has moved over to right wing to start camp. Top line to start is Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk, a solid 2nd line of Patrik Elias, Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Joffery Lupul received medical clearance to start skating after 10 months. Lupul suffered a blood infection stemming from back surgery last December. It will take him a couple months to get back into game shape. “It’s a starting point. I’ve been cleared to do a little more in the weight room and I can skate, albeit by myself. I’m not allowed to get out there with the guys. But just to get in the weight room and start bringing my strength back up and just being out there with the guys is a good thing. I’m going to be under a watchful eye.”
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: New York Rangers GM Glen Sather says that John Tortorella is the right coach for the team. My question is … Is Sather the right GM for the team? As I’ve said before, I’m still surprised that he’s still there.
  • George Malik via twitter: Kris Draper will head back to Detroit and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Suffered a groin injury and is done for training camp.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks defenseman Niclas Wallin is battling an infection from a July surgery on his ankle that was cleaning out scare tissue. He’s been able to take part in scrimmages but only after the training staff cut a whole in his skate that allows him to get his foot in and out. He’s having Bauer create a custom boot for him.

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Kuba out 5-6 weeks … Little-Peverley switching positions … Weber-Suter split up? Hodgson back Wednesday?

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Through 2 days of training camp, the top 3 lines have consisted of Anze Kopitar-Ryan Smyth-Dustin Brown; Jarret Stoll-Scott Parse-Justin Williams; and Michal Handzus-Alexei Ponikarovsky-Wayne Simmonds. Coach Terry Murray envisions a “gritty, heavy” fourth line.
  • Josh Copper of the Tennessean: Nashville Predators coach, Barry Trotz, is thinking of breaking up the defensive pair of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Mark Dekanich heads into camp as the leading candidate to the be the backup for Pekka Rinne over Chet Pickard. GM David Poile has hinted that he may look outside for a backup goalie. Ryan Suter and Steve Sullivan were named as alternate captains.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Cody Hodgson could rejoin the full team Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. Saturday and Sunday he was skating at the 2nd rink with “slightly injured players and fringe prospects”. Alex Burrows is still recovering from shoulder surgery, he’s skating but not taking contact. Mikael Samuelsson is expected to move up from the 2nd line to take Burrows spot until he comes back. A time frame for Burrows return  may be known later this week after strength tests.
  • Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The New York Rangers continue to build around their young core, and with many young guys looking good in camp, some veterans may find themselves on the outside. Derek Stepan has been centering Marian Gaborik and Alexander Frolov.

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Vancouver Canucks update on Cody Hodgson, Jordan Schroeder and the team Captaincy

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Cody Hodgson plans on skating today, but he’s not closer to joining the Vancouver Canucks main camp as he hasn’t been cleared for contact. “I probably misspoke when I talked about it on the radio (last week), he has a bulging disc in his back. That’s been an ongoing injury,” GM Mike Gillis said. “In addition to that we’re informed by his agent and his family that he also had a slight muscle tear in his back that is now completely healed but there is still some tenderness in that area.” It’s possible that Hodgson misses the entire preseason, and surgery could be the final option if there isn’t improvement. There have been rumors of rift between Hodgson, his family, and the Canucks, but GM Mike Gillis says there is no problem that he’s aware of.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis and goalie Roberto Luongo will meet today, and it could end with Luongo giving up the team captaincy. It will be up to Luongo to give it up, but Gillis will offer his opinion on the situation.

    “I think the expectations that go with that position or that title in a Canadian city can be a distraction,” Gillis said. “I will discuss it with him tomorrow and I will find out whether he feels the same way and get his thoughts on the process. . .If he feels it is a distraction or hinders his play in any way, I’m sure he will make a decision that is the best decision for the team first and for him second.

    Rumor is that Henrik Sedin will take over as the Canucks captain shortly after Luongo gives it up.

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No progress between Ducks and Ryan … Byfuglien to play the point … Schenn day-to-day

  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers coach, Craig Ramsay, said that Dustin Byfuglien will be tried at defense, rather than forward. “I’ve been told he is a defenseman, he was a defenseman. That was his position and he likes it. He wants to be there. I will give him every opportunity to show us he can play defense. If he can do that, wonderful. That’s great.” Their top 6 D  will be Zach Bogosian, Tobias Enstrom, Ron Hainsey, Johnny Oduya, Brent Sopel and Byfuglien. EJ Hradek via twitter would rather see him at forward forechecking with speed rather than retreating into to own end.
  • Jason Botchord of the Vancouver Province: Cody Hodgson won’t participate in the Canucks prospect camp and requires further evaluations. Hodgson won’t be talking to the media. Hodgson has a torn muscle in his back that was mis-diagnosed earlier as a bulging disc. The injury hasn’t healed in 14 months. Coach Vigneault said Hodgson will undergo further evaluation and might update the situation on the 17th when the main camp opens.
  • Steve Zipay via twitter: TSN reporting Ruslan Fedotenko has accepted a training camp invite from the New York Rangers.
  • AP The Globe and Mail: Minnesota Wild center Mikko Koivu is on track for training camp after having surgery on his right shoulder and right knee back in April. Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been scrimmaging, no full contact, as he recovers from post-concussion problems.

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Injury notes for Milan Lucic, James Sheppard, and Canucks prospects Sauve and Hodgson

  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Milan Lucic was plagued with an injured left ankle for most of last season, and it sounds like it might not be 100% yet. Lucic originally hurt his ankle in November, and was told it could take a year and a half to fully heal.“It feels better,” Lucic said. “I can skate on it now without tape on it. It feels strong. I’ve been on the ice now for almost a month. I’m definitely feeling good about it, feeling pretty confident with the ankle that it will hold up all year and I can put whatever happened last year behind me. Hopefully there’ll be no problems with it. I’ve still got to do my exercises with it to keep it strong.”
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: James Sheppard was training in Vail Colorado, when he was involved in an ATV accident. He underwent surgery on his left knee cap on Saturday and could be out for up to 4 months. The Wild are looking into the incident, as well as potential courses of action. The Wild may have the right to suspend Sheppard without pay. He signed a one year deal worth $803,250.
  • Ian Walker of the Vancouver Province: Vancouver Canucks defenseman prospect, Yann Sauve was hit by a car while crossing the street in downtown Vancouver on Saturday. Sauve was taken to the hospital but quickly released, with abrasions to his face and body.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Pronvince: Canucks prospect Cody Hodgson’s back is hot topic heading in to training camp again this year. He is scheduled to have his first training camp medical exam today. Hodgson missed most of last year with what was thought to be a bulging disc, which later turned out to be a torn lower back muscle. Hodgson will miss rookie camp.

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Agent denies 10 year extension for Backstrom … Flames to lose both Nystrom and White? What the Canucks face this off-season

  • Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: El-Bashir gets confirmation from Nicklas Backstrom’s agent that his client hasn’t signed a 10 year extension with the Washington Capitals. The rumor was started by someone posting it in a forum or blog.
  • Eric Francis of Canoe Sports: There is a chance that the Calgary Flames will not be able to afford Eric Nystrom, who’ll be looking for a raise from his $775,000 salary.  The New York Islanders are a possible destination, as his dad, Bob Nystrom, was a huge part of the organization in the 80′s. It also looks like the Flames will not be able to afford Ian White, who could receive an arbitration award of around $3.5 million. If he does go to arbitration, the Flames will have to accept it, and look to trade him. Would this be more mis-management by the Flames? I think so. I’m still scratching my head over the 4 year, $14 million extension 3rd line center, Flames #1 center Matt Stajan received. One other option I think  the Flames may also look at, is dealing Robyn Regehr for some much needed scoring help, preferably someone young and cheap. If they could save a few million on a Regehr deal, they could at least keep White.
  • Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have 15 regulars signed for season with a cap hit of about $46 million, which includes 9 forwards, 5 Dmen and Roberto Luongo. That leaves about $10 million to fill out the rest of their roster. Willie Mitchell may be too expensive to bring back, and at 33 and his injury history, he might not be worth it. Also headed for free agency potentially are Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, and Andrew Raycroft. RFA Mason Raymond will need to be re-signed. The Canucks need to add a top 6 defenseman and Gillis could make a pitch for Anton Volchenkov or a Dan Hamhuis, but both would be costly. Other defensive free agents that might interest the Canucks are Paul Martin, Dennis Seidenberg, Henrik Tallinder, Zbynek Michalek, Derek Morris, Carlo Colaiacovo, Joe Corvo, Shaone Morrisonn, Mark Eaton, Scott Niedermayer and Sergei Gonchar. Canucks RFAs this year are: Mason Raymond, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Rome, Tanner Glass, Jannik Hansen, and Cory Schneider. 2010 Unrestricted Free Agent list.
  • Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: With the Canucks having $10-11 million to spend on roughly 6 players, they could promote some within. If Cory Schneider is re-signed and not traded, he should be the backup. Cody Hodgson should be ready to make the jump, and fill a vacant center position. Jordan Schroeder and Sergei Shirokov are 2 others who could work their way into the lineup. They have plenty of wingers, which could be used as trade bait for a defenseman.
  • George Malik of MLive: Brad May might retire from hockey unless he can play in Toronto and be close to his family. It’s unlikely the Maple Leafs will want to sign him (as they didn’t re-sign him last off-season), but he could play or maybe even a player-coach (‘player-coach’ was my own 2-cents, not Malik’s) for the AHL Toronto Marlies.
  • John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators may not be looking to bring in much from the free agent market, and could look to promote from within.

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Canucks to look at Kaberle? Leafs interested in Cervenka … “Almost one-third of the teams in the league either is or soon will be put up for sale”

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The  Vancouver Canucks blueline took a beating during the playoffs, and throughout most of the season. Alex Edler looks to be a corner piece for the team, but they still could use a true puck moving defenseman. Cox brings up Tomas Kaberle, who could fit that bill, and has been mentioned to Vancouver before the trade deadline. I’m sure this will come up plenty of times throughout the summer, and Cody Hodgson’s name will most likely be attached to it often.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking at signing Czech forward, Roman Cervenka, a decision won’t be made until after the World Championships. Cervenka’s name gained popularity since Jaromir Jagr began singing his praise, and it was rumored that if he was to come back to the NHL, he wanted to be ‘packaged’ with Cervenka.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There is  a rumor out there that NY Islanders owner Charles Wang is getting a loan/advance from the NHL, and that they might be helping run the Islanders like they did for the Coyotes before they bought him. Brooks contacted Bill Daly asking questions about the rumor, Daly said they are not involved with the Islanders, have not be ‘given’ the team, and have not advanced or loaned money to the team.
  • Ken Campbell of The Hockey News: Campbell reports that there are rumors that “almost one-third of the teams in the league either is or soon will be put up for sale“. It’s not just the Coyotes, Stars, and Thrashers. Kings owner Philip Anschutz may be tired of losing money in LA, but he does own the building in Kansas City. The Predators are always looking for money. The Hurricanes and Devils could be available in the near future. Some teams operating losses are between $20-$30 million a season. Islanders owner Charlie Wang has been trying to get his ‘Lighthouse’ project going for years, without much luck, and may soon lose his patience and sell/move his team.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Bay Tribune: The Lightning are still without a GM, but their remaining staff is still looking ahead to the NHL Draft in June. Their going with the plan of drafting the ‘best player available’ regardless of position. A good decision for them as they could use help at all positions. The Lightning are picking 6th overall.
  • Rejean Tremblay of the Cyberpresse: So it looks like Jaroslav is the main man in Montreal these days, but it still might not get him a huge payday from the Canadiens. Though it could be really bit them in butt if they he is traded or signs an offer sheet and it’s not matched, and outplays Carey Price. There are many out there that still think that Price will be a better long term goalie than Halak. But for the time being, Halak is the toast of Montreal.

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Tomas Kaberle Trade Rumors about to heat up

4:21 PM: Mark Seidel: “I apologize to all who follow my tweets but I was given info about Kaberle that was either incorrect or I was used but either way, im sorry”

2:36 PM: HendricksHockey: Caps looking at Kaberle.

2:35 PM: Mark Seidel: Calls about Hodgson’s back were not to his agent. Philly and LA may be interested as well.

2:34 PM: Mark Seidel: Kaberle as good as gone. Calls have been made about Cody Hodgson’s back.

2:25 PM: Sportsnet: Brian Burke tells Sportsnet that he has not asked Kaberle to waive his no trade clause and doesn’t expect anything to happen.

2:22 PM: Darren Dreger: as of 7 minutes ago, the Canucks haven’t called about Kaberle.

2:19 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers kicking tires on Tomas Kaberle to make sure he isn’t going cheaper than what they could offer.

2:00 PM: TheFourthPeriod: From Kaberle – “If there is a good deal there, I will consider it.” … “It’s tough. We’ll see what’s going to happen, today or in the off-season”

1:45 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Looking to see where Kaberle could end up.

1:40 PM: Darren Dreger: Kaberle says he has an agreement with Burke. Burke will tell him what the offers are.

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Another Kaberle Rumor … Something to Happen in Buffalo?

  • Ken Campbell of The Hockey News: The Tomas Kaberle rumors won’t go away despite Burke saying he won’t ask him to waive his no-trade clause, and Kaberle saying he wants to stay. This one has the Leafs sending Kaberle to the Canucks for prospect Cody Hodgson.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM, Darcy Regier has made a trade at the deadline in each of his 11 seasons. Does Regier look to add a power-play quarterback, like a Joe Corvo? Could they go after a Cory Stillman or Nathan Horton from Florida, or the gritty Ben Eager from Chicago?
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will be trading Raffi Torres, who said he’d be fine with re-signing with them even if he’s traded, but that probably won’t happen. The money they save should go into a fund to upgrade their defense. Hejda or Klesla may not be back next season. Mike Commedore’s contract makes him hard to trade. Milan Jurcina is trade bait.
  • Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins don’t plan on trading a 1st round pick and a prospect for anyone. Cross off Ray Whitney then. Max Talbot, if he can return healthy, will be like adding someone at the deadline. The Penguins could use a big, tough, physical defenseman. Alex Goligoski might bring in that type of player.
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    Around the Boards – Fri. Oct. 9th

      • The Chicago Blackhawks probably won’t be the only team with hard cap decisions to make during/after the season. 2 big pieces to the Pittsburgh Penguins blueline will be free agents after the season, Sergei Gonchar and Kris Letang. Gonchar is unrestricted, while Letang is restricted. Letang will be looking for a nice raise, and though Gonchar would like around the same money he’s making now, I don’t think he’d get, especially from Pittsburgh. I don’t see how it’s possible from the Pens to keep both players. Gonchar will most likely test the free agent market, unless he takes a huge pay cut to stay with the Pens.
        • Sheldon Souray of the Edmonton Oilers appears to be out with a concussion after being tripped and driven into the boards by Jarome Iginla, and coach Pat Quinn was not impressed with. It would be a big blow to the Oilers if Souray is out for an extended period of time.
          • Chris Chelios still doesn’t know when to hang up the skates and retire. He will begin practicing with the AHL Chicago Wolves, though he hasn’t signed with them yet. The 80 year old Dman hopes to sign on with an NHL team sometime this year.
            • Cody Hodgson, who was initially thought of to be the 2nd line center for the Vancouver Canucks, since sent back the OHL’s Bramption Battalion, has been told to stay off skates for at least 3 weeks due to a partially herniated disc.

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