Posts Tagged Colorado Avalanche
Blues could look at Ruutu … Stewart may be available … Carter may interest Leafs … Green skating … Stempniak on crutches
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 2nd, 2012
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues may look at Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu. Strickland thinks the Blues can find their scoring touch internally, but that doesn’t mean they should not try to improve their roster. It might take someone like Chris Stewart to get him though. Stewart has struggled this year and will be due at least $3.25 million, a RFA after the season. Moving Stewart could come back to bit them if they did move him. For the right price they might move him, but it might not make sense doing it for a rental. T.J. Oshie and David Perron will also need new deals in the summer. The Blues biggest need may be a top 4 defenseman that can play the left side. An experienced, rugged Dman would be ideal. The Blue Jackets aren’t moving Rick Nash, but they wouldn’t mind moving Jeff Carter, and Strickland doesn’t think it will be as hard to do as most think. Ray Whitney may not be a fit with the Blues.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: If the rumors out of St. Louis are true that Chris Stewart could be available, Dater thinks the Avalanche should look at bringing him back. Stewart hasn’t happy when he was dealt to the Blues, and is still friends with some of the Avs. Stewart replacing Hejduk as a top 6 winger would make sense. Dater would offer up David Jones, who also has lost his scoring touch this year. Stewart is a RFA at seasons end, Jones is a UFA.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Mitchell thinks that Jeff Carter would look good between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. The Blue Jackets gave up a 1st round pick which turned out to be Sean Couturier and Jakob Voracek, so they would still need to get a good return back. Why it could happen: Carter has struggled this year but he is a 30-40 goal scorer. They may be able to get him at a discounted rate due to 10 years left on his contract. Why it won’t happen: He has a no trade clause, he has 10 years left at $5.27 million cap hit, and Burke doesn’t like long contracts.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins Nathan Horton will have missed his 3rd consecutive game with a ‘mild concussion. “He’s still where he was a few days ago. He’s feeling better, but not the stages of where he’s working out,” said Julien. “The day he does [feel better], I’m going to be the first to let you know that he’s on the bike now and that he’s moving forward.”
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green said he’s on schedule from his sports hernia surgery. He was expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Mike Green skated the last 3 days.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames winger Lee Stempniak left the arena on crutches and a soft boot on his left foot, could be long-term.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Alex Steen and Andy McDonald skated with the extras today, so it looks like they may not be ready for tomorrow.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is getting closer to making a decision if he’ll play another season. He said 50% yes, the other 50% was up to his wife. They’ll talked about it over the next couple days.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Regardless of what the NHL turns up in their investigation to the Kings-CBJ clock issue, the game stands with a Kings win. Lisa Dillman via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi in an email: “Those clocks are sophisticated instruments that calculate time by measuring electrical charges called coulombs. Given the rapidity and volume of electrons that move through the measuring device the calibrator must adjust at certain points which was the delay you see – the delay is just recalibrating for the clock moving too quickly during the 10 – 10ths of a second before the delay – this insures that the actual playing time during a period is exactly 20 minutes – that is not an opinion – that is science.”
Bruins not talking Thomas trade … Focus now turns to Ruutu, Allen and Pitkanen … Liles doesn’t think it’s a concussion … Kane back to Winnipeg
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said via email on Tim Thomas trade rumors: “Not trading him. I have not talked to anyone and I don’t plan to.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has a policy not to re-sign players during the season, but Tim Gleason was an exception yesterday. It was the first time he’s done that. Rutherford said he’s getting lost of calls for Tuomo Ruutu. Darren Dreger via twitter: Hurricanes trade focus now switches to Ruutu, Bryan Allen and Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen’s injury may not interfere with a trade.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster on the radio yesterday: “our mandate is to win now.”
- Jonas Siegel of TSN: Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles believes he doesn’t have a concussion, but his issues stem from a neck problem.
“Everybody wants to call it a concussion,” he exclaimed to TSN.ca. “Everybody says ‘Oh, if you have whiplash you have a concussion’ … I wasn’t sitting there going ‘Oh man I feel so foggy’ or anything like that, it just felt like I was just completely locked up and it was cutting off my focus and things like that.
“It all seemed like it was always neck-related and it almost felt like it was cutting off the flow to my brain sometimes just because it was so stiff.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane and Tim Stapleton are heading back to Winnipeg for further evaluation. Kane is out with a concussion and is not expected to play on their 4 game road trip. Dustin Byfuglien and Alex Burmistrov staked yesterday and are close to returning. They won’t play tonight, but could be in the lineup on Thursday.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Sidney Crosby will skate today and will be off tomorrow.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: The earliest Flyers forward Daniel Briere returns is this weekend. James van Riemsdyk is not expected to play tonight.
- Tony Marinario via twitter: The Canadiens said that Andrei Markov would be out 4 t0 6 weeks after his Dec. 5th operation. It’s been 8 weeks now.
- Ottawa Senators via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that forward Peter Regin will be out 4-6 months after left shoulder surgery.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Travis Zajac hasn’t resumed skating yet. He’ll need to get clearance from his doctor in Winnipeg before he can start.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zubrus-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Josefson-Bernier; Boulton-Mills/Carter-Janssen.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avalanche tonight against the Oilers.
Morning rumors involving: Ruutu, Clowe, Moen, Carter, Thomas, Canadiens, Hurricanes, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Crosby, Duchene, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Hurricanes have taken lots of calls on Tuomo Ruutu and he could be moved this week. Sharks GM Doug Wilson said there was no chance Ryane Clowe is going anywhere. The Canucks and Red Wings are just a couple of the teams that would be interested in Moen. One source is saying Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is telling teams he’s not ready to start trading yet. The Blue Jackets will be looking to move their pending UFAs and possibly Jeff Carter. Carter doesn’t really want to be in Columbus, but can Howson find someone interested in his contract? He has 10 years left at a $5.27 million salary cap hit.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch doesn’t think the Bruins will move Tim Thomas when his no-movement clause expires on July 1st. The Canadiens haven’t decided if they will be buyers or sellers. GM Gauthier is looking for a big center. There was talk that they could be interested in Sabres center Derek Roy, but he’s 5’8″. Since it doesn’t look like Ryan Suter and Shea Weber will be available at the trade deadline, the Flyers will look at Hurricanes Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. A Jeff Carter trade would more likely happen in the summer. The Maple Leafs would like to add a center, and he’d like to get something done in the next 48 hours (starting yesterday). Tuomo Ruutu is a possibility, but the Hurricanes are asking a lot for him.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The results from Sidney Crosby’s MRI and CAT scans could be released today. He returned to Pittsburgh over the weekend, and continued skating.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Yesterday marked the 4 week anniversary of Avalanche forward Matt Duchene’s knee injury that was to sideline him for at least a month. Though there is no official word on when he’ll return, Dater guesses it will be at least another couple weeks.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The trade deadline is a month away, and Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is not done. Sassone thinks they’ll a defenseman, maybe 2, or possibly another forward.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Don’t look for the Jets to be looking for a rental player by the trade deadline. They could be sellers if they remain out the playoffs.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Expect a roster move today by the Blue Jackets as they have 12 healthy forwards and 6 defenseman. Jeff Carter could be close.
Burke audio – Hopes to make a deal … A team wants Rangers to put Avery on re-entry … Crosby to skate … Mueller, Steen to return … Gionta tears bicep
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2012
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said he’s looking to make a trade in hopes of boosting the clubs playoff run.
“We’re a little small up front and we don’t have much playoff experience,” he noted. “If the playoffs started tomorrow, I would still like our chances. (But) we are looking to add and get better now.”
“I’m a January guy,” he reminded “I set my price and try and let my team play through the deadine (without worrying about trades). The math doesn’t work at the deadline when 24 teams are buying. There can only be one (Stanley Cup) parade.”
The cost to acquire a big center or winger could be 1 or more young assets or a 1st or 2nd rounder this year.
- Brian Burke audio on the Fan 590 with Bob McCown.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Sean Avery is sitting in the AHL despite a team asking the Rangers to put him on re-entry waivers. GM Glen Sather rejected the request, and are trying to make a minor-league trade in which they take on additional money. The team acquiring Avery would then be responsible for putting him on re-entry waives and risk another team claiming him, therefore taking on the ‘dead cap space’ if claimed. If claimed on re-entry waivers, Avery would carry a $445,000 cap hit for each team.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will skate this week. Crosby last practiced on Dec. 7th.
“He will be skating during this trip,” Bylsma said. “He also will, at some point in time, address the media. That will happen in the next few days. It isn’t a set plan, but it will happen.”
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche have activated forward Peter Mueller off the IR, and he could be in the lineup tonight against the Predators. Mueller has been battling concussions and head issues for 3 seasons with the Avs. The Avs have put defenseman Shane O’Brien on the IR.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen could return to the lineup tonight after missing the last 6 games with a concussion. Steen passed his baseline test yesterday and plans to see how he feels at their morning skate.
- Louis Jean via twitter: Canadiens Brian Gionta could be done for the season with a bicep tear.
- Tony Marinaro via twitter: Canadiens defenseman continues his rehab and barring any setback is set to return in early February.
Ducks GM on a scouting trip … Blue Jackets to move some UFAs … Brodeur may not retire … Vanek has UBI or food poisoning or flu … Karlsson a late scratch
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Ducks GM Bob Murray will have to decide by the trade deadline if this year is just a “hiccup or if there’s something fundamentally wrong with the core of the team.” Coach Bruce Boudreau doesn’t think they need a total blowup. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson: “At this point, we anticipate trading away some of our players, particularly the unrestricted ones.” Their UFAs are Kristian Huselius, Sammy Pahlsson, Vinny Prospal and Radek Martinek.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray is going on a scouting trip. Elliott was told that nothing is going on trade-wise for the Ducks at the moment, but the rumors will definitely be flying.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The 39 year old Martin Brodeur may not be thinking of retirement just yet.
“It’s funny, because I’ve asked a lot of players, and a lot of who are enjoying their retirement, but you know what? They all say they wish they could have maybe played another season. That makes me think, maybe I can stick around, if they still want me. So we’ll see.”
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres winger Thomas Vanek left last night’s game after taking a hit from Dion Phaneuf. The Sabres initially said it was an upper-body injury but later …
“He’s either got food poisoning, some type of virus, flu,” Ruff said after the game. “He wasn’t feeling well in warm-up. … If you watch his first three shifts, you could tell. That was part of the issue. That line didn’t get anything going. He had nothing. He emptied his tank in between periods and couldn’t go.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars center Mike Ribeiro has some knee issues that he wants to play through.
“He may fly in tomorrow,” Gulutzan added. “He has an MCL (tear) there, but there’s an old MCL (scar) there, so that pollutes the water (of the MRI) of what’s actually there. He has it and he’s limping around, but Ribs thinks he can play. But for his sake, we have to make sure that he’s stable enough and doesn’t get an injury there. He really wanted to come on the trip, we had to make him stay at home.”
- Alan Robinson of NHL.com: Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson was scratched just before game time last night due to an upper-body injury. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: An update will come on Karlsson’s status this morning at practice.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avs forward Matt Duchene is walking around fine, and is probable to return later this month. He’s been out since Dec. 29th with a knee injury.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom will have minor knee surgery today. If it ends up being just a ‘scope,’ then it will be at least 3-4 weeks. This will be Markstrom’s 2nd surgery on his knee in the last 10 months. Jose Theodore could practice later this week.
- Mike Heika via twitter: The Stars have put Philip Larsen on the IR.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: There were only 3 scouts at the Leafs – Sabres game last night: Oilers, Flyers and Blues.
Quick notes on Nash, Yzerman, Backstrom, Senators, Skinner, Weber, Mueller, Nugent-Hopkins, Steen and a couple starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on January 5th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson regarding Rick Nash: “Our position on Rick has not changed.” … meaning he doesn’t want to trade him.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman was in Calgary watching the World Junior semifinals, then made the trip to Vancouver.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom said he’ll make the trip to California. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Johansson-Backstrom-Knuble, Chimera-Halpern-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Beagle-Semin.
- Sylvain St-Laurent via twitter: Senators lines: Greening-Spezza-Michalek, Condra-Turris-Alfie, Foligno-Smith-Butler, Daugavins-Konopka-Neil. Defensive pairings: Kuba-Karlsson, Cowen-Gonchar, Lee-Carkner.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Jeff Skinner is practicing in a no-contact jersey.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Predators defenseman Shea Weber is on the ice for their morning skate and has been cleared to play according the Predators.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller practiced with the team yesterday. Mueller is still not cleared to play and remains out indefinitely.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers sent Ryan Nugent-Hopkins home yesterday. His arm is in a sling and the Oilers won’t say precisely what is wrong.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said that Alex Steen is feeling better but situation remains the same.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Leland Irving will likely start for the Flames tonight against the Bruins.
- Chicago Tribune: Ray Emery and Ilya Bryzgalov are the probably starters tonight.
Ehrhoff out weeks … Bozak could be out … Blake could return next week … Duchene out a month … Reimer to start
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 31st, 2011
- ESPN: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was injured in a fight last night in the first period. He didn’t return, and according to coach Lindy Ruff, Ehrhoff will “miss some time … probably weeks.”
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak crashed into the boards during practice yesterday and was not able to finish. His status for tonight won’t be known until today. Matthew Lombardi is close, and could possible take Bozak’s spot.
“We have to figure that out. We don’t have room right now unless we find out (Bozak) is hurt bad enough that he could go on IR, which is seven days,” Wilson said. “But if he is only to possibly miss one game if at all, I don’t know what we would do in that situation.”
- Brian McNally via twitter: The Capitals have put Mike Green on the IR retroactive to Nov. 11. The Caps are now able to add Cody Eakin. Green be able to come off the IR at any time.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks winger Jason Blake is ahead of schedule on his recovery from a torn tendon in his wrist. He was scheduled for a mid-to-late January return, but he could be in the lineup next Wednesday or Friday.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene will be out at least 4 weeks with a knee injury.
- Jack Anderson via twitter: Capitals GM Goerge McPhee on Evgeni Kuznetsov: “He should be here next year. He’s ready to play up here and he needs to play in a better league.”
- Adrian Dater via twitter: JS Giguere will start in net for the Avalanche today against the Ducks.
- David Alter via twitter: James Reimer said he will start in net for Maple Leafs tonight.
Could Radulov return to Preds next year? Skinner to IR … Leafs call up Kadri … Robidas questionable … Giordano skates
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 21st, 2011
Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports: Alexander Radulov on thoughts about returning to the NHL:
“I am not going to say anything about the NHL because actually I never closed the door on the idea of playing there. As far as Salavat Yulaev is concerned, I have a contract with the team for this year and the next. However, it actually contains [a clause] with a possibility of early termination… I am not ruling out anything. Because if there are offers, we will consider them. But overall I am happy with everything at Salavat. You always want to play for a team that is challenging for something. You want to play to win, right?”
Radulov has 1 year left on his entry level deal with the Predators. There was an instance years ago involving Alexander Semin, with the Capitals tearing up the last year of his contract and signing him to a two year deal. Could the same be done for the Predators.
Mark Spector via twitter: The Hurricanes have put Jeff Skinner on the IR and called up Riley Nash.
David Alter via twitter: The Maple Leafs have called up Nazem Kadri, and put Dupuis on the IR. Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Frattin-Grabo-Kulie, Kadri-Connolly-MacA, Steckel-Boyce-Crabb, extras, Lombardi,Orr,Rosehill
Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas is questionable tonight with a foot injury.
Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano, who has been out with a hamstring injury, is skating by himself today.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: JS Giguere will start in net for the Avalanche against the Blues.
Panthers say Turris rumors not true … Flyers options … Milbury charged for assaulting 12 year old … Paajarvi to AHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 17th, 2011
- George Richards via twitter: Any trade rumors involving the Panthers and Kyle Turris are not true. GM Dale Tallon has said he’s done, Christmas roster freeze is set.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren confirms that Chris Pronger’s concussion started with the high stick to the eye he got against Toronto.
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Flyers will gain almost $5 million in salary cap space when Pronger is put on the LTIR. Custance provides some options for the Flyers. 1. Increase the workload for the top four: Kimmo Timonen, Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn and Andrej Meszaros all average over 20 minutes (3 over 22 min.). “They take turns now, one of them usually ends up with 27 or 28 (minutes) every night,” Holmgren said. 2. Start leaning more on youth: They’ve like the way Kevin Marshall and Marc-Andre Bourdon have played, and Erik Gustafsson is about 10 days away. 3. A trade to add depth on defense: As the trade deadline gets closer, the market will clear up. GM Holmgren could call the Hurricanes to see about Joni Pitkanen, Jaroslav Spacek or Tim Gleason. The Senators could move Sergei Gonchar or Filip Kuba. Cody Franson of the Maple Leafs could be an option if he is available. 4. A Blockbuster: Holmgren could be in the mix if the Predators decide to trade one of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. Brayden Schenn could be part of big deal if it were to happen.
- TSN: Mike Milbury has been charged with assaulting a 12 year old hockey player. Milbury is an assistant coach on his son’s team and “allegedly grabbed, threatened and shook the opposing player .” He has been charge with assault and battery and threats to commit a crime and disorderly conduct. Milbury denies the charges and his lawyer released a statement:
“He simply intervened in an altercation between his son and an opposing player,” the statement said. “No one was struck, no one was injured and no one was threatened.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Answering readers questions, Dater notes that Paul Stastny could bring back a 1st round pick if they were to deal him. But do the Avs give up on him, and how hard would it be to move his $6.6 million cap hit (2 years left)? He also thinks David Jones could possibly bring back a 1st rounder.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Mike Richards was to join the team in Detroit and is likely to practice with them on Sunday in Toronto.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have sent forward Magnus Paajarvi to Oklahoma City of the AHL.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: The 3 games Flyers forward Matt Read missed in November were due to a concussion.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Michal Neuvirth is expected to start in net for the Capitals tonight against the Avalanche. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: It’s likely that Semyon Varlamov gets the start for the Avalanche.
Injury notes involving Crosby, Chara, 5 Jets, Michalek, Staal, Stastny, Skinner, Nabokov and Hall
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 13th, 2011
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Sidney Crosby is out indefinitely with recurring symptoms from his concussion. He started getting headaches again after taking an elbow to the head from Bruins forward David Krejci on Dec. 5th. “The next day, after the game, I didn’t feel right,” he said. Further tests showed no serious injury.
“Three or four months ago, I was concerned he might never come back to play because of how long it was taking him to recuperate,” said Dr. Jack Wilberger, chairman of the department of neurosurgery for West Penn Allegheny Health System. “My concerns are further heightened now.” (Wilberger is not on Crosby’s medical team)
Crosby is viewing this like the minor setback he experienced in August.
“It is concerning that he is having symptoms again, but there is a very real possibility that Crosby and those around him are simply being extremely cautious, which is the proper course to take,” Stuart said. “This does not mean his career is in jeopardy.”
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins coach on Dan Bylsma: “It’s frustrating for Sid. Sid knows his body better than anyone else. He’s not feeling 100 percent. He’ll return when he is 100.”
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer was told by a couple people that Crosby is also having left knee trouble.
- Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day. “There’s no time frame when I’m going to be back, but most likely I won’t be playing tomorrow,” Chara said. “Honestly, it’s in a stage where we can’t talk about anything more than 24 hours ahead.
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Dustin Byfuglien (leg), Ron Hainsey (ankle), Nik Antropov (foot) and Eric Fehr (shoulder) are all questionable for tonight’s game. Defenseman Tobias Enstrom practiced with contact for the 1st time since breaking his collarbone, but he won’t play tonight.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek and Brian Strait returned to practice yesterday but won’t be ready for game action this week. Center Jordan Staal is day-to-day with a lower-body injury and it’s not known if he’ll be able to go tonight.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche center Paul Stastny practiced yesterday and will play tonight.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller on forward Jeff Skinner: “As of right now I don’t think we’re going to have him.”
- NY Islanders via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov has been activated from the IR.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall has been cleared for contact.
Sunday morning rumor roundup … Giroux and Bryzgalov leave last night’s game early … Richards updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 11th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Canadiens made a desperate move in acquiring Tomas Kaberle, and if doesn’t work, it could cost GM Pierre Gauthier his job. Capitals GM George McPhee has been trying to make a move to shake up their team. They’d love to move Alexander Semin but “there is no market for a struggling, underachieving winger making too much money these days.” Don’t expect the Martin Brodeur to be a rental player. If the Bruins don’t re-sign Chris Kelly, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end, the Senators could be interested. After Brian Burke’s extended Christmas roster freeze, the Maple Leafs could be looking for help down the middle as Tim Connolly has been struggling with injuries. Blue Jackets Derick Brassard could interest them, and GM Scott Howson was spotted at Marlies game. The Kings are working the phones trying to make a move, and they’d love to move Dustin Penner.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers forward Claude Giroux was held out of the 3rd period last on precautionary measure after taking a hit to the head. Giroux was examined by a doctor last night and was feeling better. He’ll be re-evaluated this morning. GM Paul Holmgren on if Giroux has headaches: “not really headaches. This was really just precautionary at this stage.” Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov left the game with 13:01 left in the 3rd. “It was starting to bother me more and more during the game and we decided to be safe,” he said. Holmgren and Bryzgalov don’t think he’ll be sidelined.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: With Avalanche struggling, coach Joe Sacco and GM Greg Sherman could be on their way out if things don’t improve. Gleason thinks the Sabres should call about center Paul Stastny. They could offer up a Derek Roy or Drew Stafford and Andrej Sekera in a package for Stastny. Oilers have had Sam Gagner available all year, and they’re willing to listen to offers for Ales Hemsky, but teams aren’t lining up for either.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Red Wings have about $5.6 million in salary cap space, and could use another Top 6-9 forward, as well as a veteran defenseman. Wings GM Ken Holland has been a Ales Hemsky fan, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings center Mike Richards might join the Kings at some point on their 9 game road trip. He skated briefly on Friday, and continues off-ice workouts.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight against the Sharks.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove Link: Discussing the plight of concussions in hockey.
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