Posts Tagged Colorado Avalanche

NHL terminating CBA … Canucks and Panthers notes … Shero wants big 3 … Top 5 FA targets for Sens … Semin’s agent audio

  • Jason Kay via twitter: The NHL has officially let the NHLPA know they are terminating the CBA on Sept. 15th. Talks are expected to start after the draft. Liz Mullen via twitter: A source said that one side must let the other side know if they want to make changes to a CBA 120 days before it expires.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: With a possible lockout looming, the fall prospects tournament for Canucks, Oilers, Flames, Jets in B.C. has been cancelled.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA on July 1st, and will be looking for a nice raise from the $675,000 he made this past season. He’d like to re-sign with the Panthers, and they are saying the right things, but their priorities list may lie with Kris Versteeg and bolstering their offense. Garrison is from BC, and may hope the Canucks are interested:

    “It’s always nice to be wanted and if that’s the case and you have a quality that they like, obviously it’s my hometown team and I grew up watching them play,” said Garrison, who played with Canucks winger Mason Raymond at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. “My friends and family are big Canuck fans and would love to see me play at home but you’ve got to be the right fit for a team. You want to be able to contribute.”

    Cap space for the Canucks would depend on a Roberto Luongo deal, and the re-signing of Cory Schneider. They need a top 6 forward, a 3rd line center and a top 4 defenseman. Sami Salo and Aaron Rome are UFAs, Marc-Andre Gragnani is a RFA.

  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: The door is still open for Scott Clemmensen to return to the Panthers next season with Jose Theodore, and that GM Dale Tallon would like to Jacob Markstrom to spend a full year in the AHL. Fialkov doesn’t sense they will bring back Marco Sturm, John Madden or Wojtek Wolski. Mikael Samuelsson and Krys Barch are possibilities. Jonathan Huberdeau and Quinton Howden will be given every opportunity to make the Panthers next season. Alex Petrovic and Colby Robak will likely start next year in the AHL. Keaton Ellerby and possibly Shawn Matthias could be packaged to move up in the draft.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Ray Shero isn’t about to give up on the 3-center model that helped them win the Cup in 2009. Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby have 1 year left on their deals, Evgeni Malkin has 2.

    “I’d like to do that, if possible,” he said. “We’re looking at hopefully getting extensions with [Crosby and Staal].”

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch lists the top 5 free agent targets for the Senators. 1. Zach Parise 2. Chris Kelly 3. Bryan Allen 4. David Jones 5. Jiri Hudler.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: Zach Parise will be the Red Wings top goal scoring priority, but if they can’t land him, Khan wonders if they should look at Alexander Semin? Would his motivation increase playing with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg?
  • David Pollak via twitter: New reports are saying that Todd McLellan is coming back as the Sharks coach, but likely with new assistants.

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Semin denies report … No charges for Kane … Avs-Hejduk talking … Price-Habs have talked … Videos of Doan and Hanzal hit

  •  Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: When Alexander Semin arrived in Sweden, he denied that he’ll be leaving the Capitals for sure. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Whyno spoke with Semin’s agent who didn’t close the door on the Capitals. He questioned the teams direction, and is not considering the KHL.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: There has been ongoing talk between the Avalanche and Milan Hejduk. Hejduk struggled in the 2nd half of the season, but would like to return. If they can’t get a deal done, he could consider signing elsewhere.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Carey Price just finished his 2 year, $5.5 million deal. His agent, Gerry Johannson has had a couple “cordial chats” with new GM Marc Bergevin.

    “I’m pretty confident we’ll get something done,” the three-time all-star said. “I’m really not the type of guy who’s going to push everything to get (a contract) done faster. We’re trying to build a team here and we want to build it the right way. Rushing decisions isn’t the right way to do it.”

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: On the Shane Doan hit, Lewis turns just before the hit, nasty result but not a suspension in his opinion. Martin Hanzal tracks Dustin Brown, he’ll get a suspension.

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2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers

Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.

15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.


RK TEAM
2011-12
AVG
%
Capacity
2010-11
AVG
2009-10
AVG
2008-09
AVG
1 Chicago
21,533
105
21,423
21,356
22,247
2 Montreal
21,273
100
21,273
21,273
21,273
3 Philadelphia
20,433
107.4
21,273
19,535
19,545
4 Detroit
20,114
100.7
19,680
19,546
19,865
5 Toronto
19,506
103.7
19,354
19,289
19,312
6 Ottawa
19,356
101.1
19,289
19,260
18,949
7 Calgary
19,289
100
18,378
18,269
19,289
8 Vancouver
18,884
102.5
18,860
18,810
18,630
9 St. Louis
18,809
98.2
19,150
18,883
18,554
10 Pittsburgh
18,566
102.7
18,240
17,078
16,975
11 Buffalo
18,550
99.9
18,452
18,529
18,531
12 Washington
18,506
101.3
18,397
18,277
18,097
13 Tampa Bay
18,468
96.2
17,268
15,497
16,497
14 NY Rangers
18,191
100
18,108
18,076
18,949
15 Los Angeles
17,920
100
18,083
17,313
16,488
16 Minnesota
17,772
98.4
17,565
17,388
17,039
17 Boston
17,564
100
17,562
17,558
17,039
18 San Jose
17,562
100
18,012
18,415
17,488
19 Edmonton
16,839
100
16,839
16,839
16,839
20 Nashville
16,690
97.5
16,142
14,979
15,010
21 Florida
16,628
86.6
15,685
15,146
15,621
22 Carolina
16,042
85.9
14,820
13,947
16,572
23 Colorado
15,498
86.1
14,775
15,535
15,429
24 New Jersey
15,396
87.4
16,415
15,240
15,790
25 Winnipeg
15,004
100
13,469
13,607
14,626
26 Anaheim
14,760
86.4
14,738
15,168
16,990
27 Columbus
14,660
80.8
13,658
15,416
15,543
28 Dallas
14,226
76.8
11,059
12,735
17,680
29 NY Islanders
13,191
81.3
15,073
17,215
13,733
30 Phoenix
12,420
72.5
12,188
11,989
14,875
Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers.

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Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments

  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
  • Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.

    “It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”

    Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”

  • Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
  • Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.

    “The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”

    If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.

  • Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”

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Morning notes on Sedin, Toews, Carter, McQuaid, Reimer, Gustavsson, McDonald, Hejduk, Mueller, Suter and Parise

  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks get some good news in that Daniel Sedin could be ready to return for the 1st round of the playoffs according to GM Mike Gillis.

    “It’s risky to make projections with these things because one day the player just may not feel right, but he’s going in the right direction,” Gillis told The Vancouver Sun. “He’s feeling a little better each day. We’re hopeful if things keep going the way they are that he’ll be available [for the first round].”

  •  Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is getting real close to returning.

    “I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but probably,” Toews said. “If it’s not [Thursday], it will be soon, though.”

    Defenseman Steve Montador’s concussion symptoms returned on Tuesday and he’s out indefinitely.

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid left last night’s game in the 1st period after being hit face-first into the boards by Jason Chimera. McQuaid has had concussion issues in the past. He was cut over the eye and was ‘woozy’ leaving the ice.

    “We’ll probably learn more (today),” coach Claude Julien said. “But for the obvious reasons that the medical staff deals with those kind of things, the minute you don’t feel right, they pull you out. So hopefully we’ll get good news (today).”

  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs may shut James Reimer down for the season as a result of concussion-like symptoms returning.

    “There will be probably a point that there’ll be a decision made if he’s going to return or not,” Carlyle said. “That’s in the medical people’s hands right now. We just have to wait for clearance from everybody involved to put the player back on the ice.”

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs pending UFA Jonas Gustavsson is trying to not think that far ahead. “What’s going to happen next year is going to wait for a while.” Gustavsson was injured in the warmups and was unable to make the start. The Leafs may look to bring in a veteran goalie next year to work with James Reimer.
  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk is considering retiring after the season.

    “It could be. I don’t want to analyze right now, but it definitely could be,” Hejduk said.

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: (mailbag) Avs pending RFA Peter Mueller has been a healthy scratch for 2 games lately and would required a $2.2 million qualifying offer. Dater thinks they will likely qualify him, but it is possible they look to trade him.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that the Red Wings have sent scouts to watch the remaining games of pending UFAs Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The Wings could be leaning more towards Suter since Nicklas Lidstrom could retire or play only one more season. B.J. Crombeen has been out with a hand injury. Roman Polak could return on Saturday.

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Could change be coming for the Flames? Parenteau talks to start … Time running out for Hejduk, Morrow? Should Oils trade pick? Burke staying

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun thinks the Flames need to re-tool, if not a total rebuild. Flames GM Jay Feaster is giving this group one last chance. If it doesn’t work, changes are coming. They will have 6 UFA s and 3 RFA at the end of the season. Jarome Iginla will have one more year at $7 million, and would he want to be around for another rebuild? They may need to have a “heart to heart” with Iginla after the season.
  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: Pending Islanders free agent P.A. Parenteau wants to remain with the club. Talks are likely to begin this week. Parenteau could be looking a deal in the $4 million per season range.

    “I’ve said all along that I want to be here, and nothing’s changed,” he said. “I love these guys and I want to be here for when we turn it around.”

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk’s production has been non-existent in the 2nd half, and it could be the “the end of the line for the classy Avs captain.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars captiain Brenden Morrow has been moved down to the 4th line, and his minutes have been reduced. He’s been dealing with injuries all year, and it’s affecting his play. Heika asks the question if Morrow’s time in Dallas is coming to an end? He doesn’t think so.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Former Lightning GM Brian Lawton said the Oilers should trade down in the draft.

    “The  time has come for the Edmonton Oilers to look to create another asset and if they do, in fact, end up with the number 2 pick, they should look to trade down. There are so many quality defencemen that are available. Morgan Reilly’s been injured this year but he’s out there. Mathew Dumba, very intriguing player. Ryan Murray, probably the top-rated guy in that group and, of course, the very last guy Griffin Reinhart.”

    Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:

    “Go out and draft the best player. … You can always make trades. You need assets, you need commodities within your organization.”

    Fan voting: (as of 8:55 am on the 28th) 41.46 % – Draft the best player available, even if that’s a Russian forward. 35.79% – Trade it for as good a veteran defenseman as the team can get. 22.75% – Trade down a few spaces, then draft the best defenseman available.

  • John Buccigross via twitter: Buccigross is hearing that college free agent J.T. Brown (UMD) is down to the Flyers, Bruins and Lightning.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Someone within MLSE doesn’t expect any of the new ownership to demand that Brian Burke be fired as the Leafs GM before the end of the 2013-14 season.

    “You have two choices: you can trust your general manager or you can fire your general manager,” the insider said. “At the end of the day, you can criticize [MLSE] for not hiring the right GM. But the decisions are made by the general manager. They really are. Brian Burke is running the show.”

    “[Burke] can do pretty well what he wants. Brian has no shackles of any consequence at all.”

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Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Duchene, Perry, Sbisa, Datsyuk, Letang, Backstrom, Eager and Wings starting goalies

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent said there is no meeting with the KHL today. A decision is expected tomorrow.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene will return to the lineup on Thursday. He will miss only 9 days instead of the expected 3 to 4 weeks for the ankle injury.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Both Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa are questionable for tonight. Perry injured his shoulder on Saturday and Sbisa developed back spasms on Monday.
  • Dave Lozo via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 2 days in a row and said there’s “no problems at all.”

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Fantasy Hockey notes: Duchene, Tyutin, Toews, Dubinsky, Anderson, Morrow, Nyquist, Ponikarovsky and starting goalies

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson was on the ice before the Sens practice this morning. He was able to carry a goal stick.
  • Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Ott-Benn-Burish. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour. vs. Sharks.

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Was Grabovski’s deal delayed? Canucks targeted teams for Hodgson deal … Injury notes on Duchene, Lupul, Armstrong, Dubinsky, Jagr, Jackman and Nikitin

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks the Mikhail Grabovski’s deal could have been done a week or 2 ago but Burke may have wanted to see if he would get a crazy offer at the deadline. It’s rumored that the Stars wanted Cody Hodgson for Steve Ott. The Leafs tried to get Hodgson as well. The Canucks ‘targeted” a few clubs that they thought had the match they wanted. Friedman thinks they liked Brandon Sutter from the Hurricanes and John Carlson of the Capitals. Former Oilers Tom Gilbert said he didn’t demand a trade.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene injured his right ankle in the 3rd period of last night’s game. He’ll be re-evaluated today.
  • Lance Hornby via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul has an upper-body injury and Colby Armstrong has a broken nose.
  • Andrew Gross of the Bergon Record: Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky left last night’s game in the first period after getting into a fight with Ryan Carter.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers Jakub Voracek got rocked by Niklas Kronwall last night. There was no injury update after the game as he was still be evaluated by doctors. Jaromir Jagr also left the game with a lower body injury.
  • Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Nikita Nikitin blocked a shot off the foot in the 1st period and did not return.

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Crosby cleared for contact … Downie status TBD today … Brown, Ponikarovsky out tonight … lines and starting goalies

  • Dejan Kovacevic via twitter: Sidney Crosby has been cleared for contact. Crosby: “The big step is contact. Hopefully, I can do that for a few days and get back out there.”
  • Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche forward Steve Downie will be examined today, and his status will be made after today’s skate.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Leafs Nikolai Kulemin on if his contract extension is next: “I want to stay in Toronto, too. I love the team. We’ll see what happens.”
  • David Alter via twitter: Leafs forward Mike Brown out tonight. John-Michael Liles has the flu and will be assessed this afternoon.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils forward Alexei Ponikarovsky won’t play tonight, has a minor MCL sprain. Plans on practicing tomorrow.
  • Roger Millions via twitter: Flames probable lines: Tanguay Jokinen Iginla-Glencross Stajan Moss-Kostopoulos Horak Jackman-Desbien Kolanos Nemisz.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators lines: Greening-Spezza-Michalek, Klinkhammer-Turris-Alfredsson, Foligno-O’Brien-Neil,Daugavins-Smith-Condra.

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Lightning will likely turn to Schneider … Injury notes: Parise, Kindl, Howard, Timonen, Meszaros, Bogosian, Comeau and Downie

  • Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Since the Lightning weren’t interested in giving up a 2nd round pick for Ben Bishop, speculation is that they’ll turn to Cory Schneider in the summer. They have 2 1st round picks and likely 4 2nd rounders. Schneider has a career 32-14-4 record with a 2.36 GAA and .924 SV%.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils winger Zach Parise injured his hand yesterday, that may required him to get x-rays. He doesn’t think, and hopes it isn’t broken. He was hit in the hand with a Milan Jurcina shot.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl tried to play yesterday, but only last 2 shifts before leaving with an upper-body injury. More importantly for the Red Wings, Jimmy Howard left after the 1st period with a lower-body injury, and is day-to-day.
  • Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche forward Steve Downie has a shoulder injury, this timetable won’t be known until today.

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A whole lot of rumors and 1 video

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Stars are telling people they won’t trade Steve Ott unless it’s a “great” offer. Lots of interest, could happen.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Maple Leafs assistant GM Dave Nonis said they’ve had a few more calls, a “minor deal” could happen.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Brian Burke: “We believe we’ll be able to work something out contractually with” Grabovski … He won’t be traded. Burke added he won’t acquire a goalie today. Lance Hornby via twitter: At his point, Burke isn’t expecting a deal … 2 hrs, 45 min to go.
  • Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Brian Burke “turned down flat” a trade offer for James Reimer. Burke on adding a top 6 forward: I don’t think so. I don’t sense we are going to be able to do what we wanted.”
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Winnipeg is considering the interest in Johnny Oduya. Boston is interested. Bruins also like David Jones.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: With regards to Ryan Malone to Boston rumors, Bruins would need to move a roster player back, no 2nd or 4th round picks.
  • Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders getting calls on PA Parenteau, Milan Jurcina and Mark Eaton. Expect one or both Dmen to move.

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Leafs have firm offers … Not much cooking for Wings … Custance list of trades he’d like to see

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs have a couple firm offers on a number of players. They are getting interest in their 2nd line but nothing is imminent.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Wings are looking to add a decent-sized forward. GM Ken Holland has had some talks but wasn’t close t a deal as of yesterday afternoon. Holland is not looking for a depth defenseman.

    “I’ve talked to a few managers today, but nothing’s really cooking,” Holland said. “There’s not a lot of players (available). Maybe things change in the next 18 or 24 hours. We’ll see. So many teams are in the playoff hunt.”

    Sabres Paul Gaustad and Canadiens Travis Moen could be options. Other players available are Sammy Pahlsson, Steve Ott, Mike Knuble, Mikael Samuelsson, David Jones, Daniel Winnik and T.J. Galiardi.

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Admits deals are long-shots, but lists 10 trades he’d like to see: 1. Ryan Getzlaf for Matt Frattin, Luke Schenn and a 1st round pick. 2. Roberto Luongo for Jacob Markstrom and a 1st round pick 3. James van Riemsdyk for Steve Ott and a 1st round pick. 4. Patrick Kane for Derek Roy and Andrej Sekera 5. Ryan Malone for Paul Martin 6. Rick Nash for Tyler Seguin and a 1st round pick 7. Alexander Semin for Ryan Ellis 8. Jonathan Bernier for Clark MacArthur and Joe Colborne 9. Lubomir Visnovsky for Andrew MacDonald and a 2nd round pick 10. Dustin Byfuglien for Erik Gudbranson and 1st round pick.

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Twitter quick hits involving: Sharks, Predators, Nash, Nabokov, Leafs, Canucks, Gaustad

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: One veteran executive predicts a couple “goofy” trades. A strange year, many teams still in it.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs could trade a bunch of players for high picks. Leafs do need players, so the picks could be parlayed.

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Flyers looking for a goalie? Wings would like a forward … Burke won’t fire Wilson … Leafs one team interested in Roy … Bruins looking for top 9, and Dman

  • The Fourth Period: A source is saying the Flyers are actively looking for a number 1 goalie. The source is saying they could package Sergei Bobrovsky and possibly James van Riemsdyk for the right goaltender. The Flyers could be looking at Nikolai Khabibulin, JS Giguere and Ondrej Pavelec. It’s unclear if the Jets would part with Pavelec, who’ll be a RFA at the end of the year.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Brian Burke on calls for Ron Wilson’s firing, “I’m not contemplating a coaching change.”
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams like the Stars and Avalanche are thinking about getting into the playoffs, but they are also thinking about how to build a team that can contend in the future.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Islanders GM Garth Snow is acting like the Islanders are still pushing for the playoffs, people saying his asking prices are huge.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins hope to add someone that can play on one of their top 3 lines. and a defenseman that can log some minutes.

    ”I think those deals are there to do,” said Chiarelli. ”You’re never sure, but….I’d like to be further along in some of these discussions, down to the short strokes, but yes, right now, I think we are getting closer and there are one or two deals we could close.”

    One player the Bruins could be looking at is Sammy Pahlsson. Jaroslav Spacek could be an option along the blueline.

    ”My motivating factors are, first of all, depth,” said Chiarelli, when asked his target areas. ”And then injury, especially to our forwards. Both Nathan (Horton) and (Rich Peverley) remain out, and though we expect both are going to be back, you have to make sure you are covered.”

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Afternoon rumors involving: Grabovski, Senators, Hurricanes, Bruins, Oduya, Harding, Steen and Ducks

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Mikhail Grabovski’s agent: “We understand their position and I believe that they understand our position, we are more than fair.” … “Mikhail wants to play for the Leafs for many years & win the Stanley Cup with them and I absolutely agree with him. “
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators GM Bryan Murray when asked about adding a depth forward, “we don’t have an immediate target.”
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said it’s hard to predict how active they’ll be over the next 24 hours. Said there is the possibility of a “hockey trade.” Added, “It’s hard to find players now, at the deadline or in the offseason.”
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Bruins are looking for a forward and a defenseman. They have interest in Avalanche forwards Daniel Winnik, T.J. Galiardi and David Jones. Jets defenseman Johnny Oduya is getting interest, but they are back in the playoff race. With the Blues getting a 2nd round pick for Ben Bishop, the Wild may do better for Josh Harding.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues Alex Steen had been practicing, but shut it down last week. Skating led to vision problems. He’ll be heading to California for at least 2 weeks to receive treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, similar to what Andy McDonald and Paul Kariya did.

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Leafs and Panthers interested in Stastny … Burke quotes … Lightning called about Bishop … Would take more than Raymond for Ott

  • The Fouth Period: Several teams have inquired about Avalanche center Paul Stastny, with the Maple Leafs and Panthers showing the most interest.  Greg Sherman and Brian Burke have spoken frequently, and the Avalanche have scouted the Leafs several times this month. The Avs could be looking to move defenseman Ryan O’Bryrne.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke:

    “We’ve spent three years putting together some depth here,” Burke told Hockey Night In Canada a half hour before the Leafs laid an egg against Washington. “We’re not going to blow it all up to try to squeak in the eighth spot.”

    “Teams that think they’re close and are trying to load up, teams that are banged up and trying to patch holes, teams that have under-achieved … we don’t fall in any of those categories. So from my perspective, we’re in the hunt. If we can add a piece that gives up a better shot at getting in the playoffs, we’re going to do it.”

    Burke on Mikhail Grabovski:

    “I don’t intent to move him at this time. That could change, but I see him as a guy that we wait until the end of the year and see if we can sign him then.”

  • Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman spoke with the Blues about Ben Bishop, but he didn’t want to give up a 2nd round pick for him.
  • Damian Cristodero via twitter: Yzerman on the trade deadline: “We’ve made our major moves here. As far as acquiring impact players, it’s more likely at the draft”
  • Mark Spector via twitter: Stars source said there’s no chance they trade Steve Ott to the Canucks for just Mason Raymond.

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Morning rumors involving: Maple Leafs, Wild, Sabres, Islanders, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Stars, Red Wings and Predators

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Maple Leafs, Penguins and Senators are checking out the goalie market.The Pens and Sens are looking for depth, and have shown interest in Josh Harding. The Wild are looking for a top pick and prospect. The Leafs have talked to the Islanders about Evgeni Nabokov, but GM Garth Snow is saying he won’t be moved. There is plenty of interest in Sabres Derek Roy. The Leafs, Canadiens, Blackhawks and Kings were interested in Antoine Vermette before he was dealt to Phoenix. The Canadiens could be open to trading center Tomas Plekanec. The Islanders want to wait until after today’s game to decide whether they are buyers or sellers. P.A. Parenteau is interested in re-signing with the Islanders, but the Senators, Blackhawks, Bruins and Maple Leafs have shown interest in him. If the Hurricanes are able to re-sign Bryan Allen, they may move Jaroslav Spacek. It’s sounding like Steve Ott won’t be moved, Canucks and Leafs interested. Looking like Mike Ribeiro could be moved.
  • The Fourth Period: One league executive is saying the Maple Leafs are looking to add 2 top 6 forwards, which may result in the Leafs dealing Mikhail Grabovski. It’s looking unlikely that he’ll be re-signing with the Leafs before the deadline. The Leafs have been offered a 2nd and a prospect. The Leafs are also eyeing Steve Ott, James van Riemsdyk and Paul Stastny.
  • Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have a couple inquiries on Brian Rolston, so it won’t be a surprise if he gets claimed off waivers.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock likes his roster, but realizes you can’t have enough depth up front.

    “We’re all focused on if we can improve our team,” Babcock said. “At the same time, we like our team. If there’s something there that can help us and makes sense, then that’s a great thing.

    “Change just to change isn’t going to be the approach. We’ve already done a good job in giving ourselves depth on the back end (by acquiring defenseman Kyle Quincey on Tuesday). We want to get healthy up front, but if there’s something available to make us better, we’d like to acquire that.”

    A list of players could include: Travis Moen, Paul Gaustad, Sammy Pahlsson, Steve Ott, Mike Knuble and Mikael Samuelsson.

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile:

    “This trading deadline is not setting up anywhere near the same, in my memory, as past trading deadline,” Poile said. “Now we have more situations where more teams are in the playoffs or ‘I’m two points out of the playoffs … I’m not sure If I’m a buyer or a seller.’ What we know for sure is how close the standings are and it’s really hard to identify very many sellers at this point.”

    The Predators continue to look for a forward.

    “We certainly could use more depth on our forwards,” Poile said. “You talk two things, a higher-end deal for a top-six or top-nine forward or you talk about your depth.”

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Morning rumors involving: Ott, Mason, Boyes, Avalanche, Blackhawks, Stars, Sabres, Selanne, and Bernier

Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Maple Leafs, Flyers and Canucks have heavy interest in Steve Ott. The Flyers are reluctant to move James van Riemsdyk.

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Avalanche Milan Hejduk and Paul Stastny aren’t going anywhere. David Jones, Cody McLeod and T.J. Galiardi are in play. The Blues were interested in Capitals Roman Hamrlik last summer, and could be interested now. Source saying that one team has an offer in for Steve Mason, who still has a year left on his contract at $3.2 million. The Bruins could look at Mike Knuble with the injuries to Nathan Horton and Rich Peverley. The Sabres would love to move Brad Boyes, but he’s owed $4 million next season.

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks continue to look for defensive help.

John Shannon via twitter: Dallas “listening to everything about almost everybody over the age of 27.”

David Pagnotta via twitter: There is still talk going on surrounding Sabres Jason Pominville, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford.

Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray: “For the last time, Teemu is not going anywhere,”

John Shannon via twitter: Told that the chances of Evgeni Nabokov re-signing is 50-50.

Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Jonathan Bernier has not asked for a trade. He desparately wants to start, and was unhappy that he wasn’t starting in back to backs.

HNIC Hotstove link: Panel discussing trade deadline (see last nights post for some points that were made if you don’t want to watch the video)

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Bruins looking for impact player … Blues not shopping Stewart … Quincey speaks about Avs … Lecavalier out 3 weeks

  • James Murphy of ESPN: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli may have changed his tune and could be after adding an impact player before the deadline. Nathan Horton’s concussion, Rich Peverley’s knee injury, and their lackluster play since January have all lead to this switch. They have $13.2 million in cap space that Chiarelli can add, but he may be hesitant to trade for a short-term rental as prices are currently “through the roof.” Players the Bruins could look at are forwards Ales Hemsky, Milan Hejduk, Kyle Okposo and defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Johnny Oduya.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland doesn’t think the Blues are shopping Chris Stewart, but you can assume his name as come up. AHL goalie, Ben Bishop, will come up in rumors, with the Lightning potentially interested. One source thought the Blues would eventually got Steve Downie for Bishop and a draft pick. Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey may be a fit for someone looking to bolster their blueline. He has a $4.5 million cap hit, but is only owed $3 million in salary next year. One Bruins source wondered if the Bruins would look at getting Michael Ryder back from the Stars. The Bruins will focus on re-signing Tuukka Rask. Sources are saying that the Canadiens won’t move Travis Moen. Contract extension talks haven’t begun yet though. Ryan Smyth will likely sign an extension with the Oilers.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Kyle Quincey after being traded to the Red Wings:

    “Everyone is ready to get shipped out any day. There’s a lot of guys, their bags are packed beside the door, and they wouldn’t be unhappy to go – trust me. I know I had a big smile on my face, and all the guys were jealous. I think there’s a bunch of guys that were pissed off they weren’t in a package deal”

    “I truly believe, if you have confidence in a player, then give it to them, show it to them,” Quincey said. “When there’s so much uncertainty if those guys are going to be there next year, it would be nice for guys to get extensions. But that’s their policy, and that’s what they do. Confidence, it comes and goes, and when it goes, it’s pretty tough to get it back.”

  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouting the Maple Leafs – Sharks game: 2 Winnipeg, Avalanche, Oilers, Blackhawks, Canucks, Penguins, Blues, Rangers, Coyotes, Lightning, Senators and Bruins.

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