Posts Tagged Columbus Blue Jackets
Kovalchuk decision by Wednesday … Staal not looking for offer sheet … 5 teams interested in Kennedy … Penner to Kings?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 29th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL has until Wednesday to decide if they are going to reject or accept the latest Ilya Kovalchuk contract. The contract is said to be 15 years and $100 million, a $6.67 million cap hit. The Devils will then have to shed more than $3 million in salary, plus an extra couple million for injury call-ups. Some say Lou has some deals ready to go if the contract is accepted. Dallas could be interested in Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) could be moved.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Kovalchuk saga could be coming to an end soon (thank god). Kovalchuk may have received some interest throughout this process from the Kings, Islanders, Stars, Blues and KHL SKA St. Petersburg. During Monday’s meeting with the league, Kovalchuk reportedly gave a weekend deadline for the leagues approval and threatened that the KHL could be possible.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tim Kennedy is still one of the unsigned forwards looking for an NHL contract. 5 teams have shown interest in Kennedy, possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers. He thinks he can get a one-way contract but realizes he might have to take two-way deal.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: Getting an offer sheet isn’t being focused on by Marc Staal’s agent, Paul Krepelka. Krepelka said there is no truth to the rumor that they were hoping to get one.
- Matthew Barry (hockeybuzz) via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers are shopping Dustin Penner and the Los Angeles Kings are very interested.
Nothing new on Kovalchuk talks … Semin okay after car accident … Caps talking to Vancouver and Edmonton
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 20th, 2010
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello says “everything is status quo” on Kovalchuk talks. Then asked if still trying to sign him “Yes. I said I’m not going to comment until everything has come to a conclusion.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Kovalchuk’s agent told SovSport that he’s hasn’t received any indication that Kovalchuk is considering the KHL. (This is great news for my fantasy hockey keeper team. The Aki Bergala’s are hoping the Kings steal him away from the Devils)
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Semin was in a car accident. A police spokesman said that he wasn’t hurt when his mercedes collided with a Lada.
- Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: The Washington Capitals have been talking to the Edmonton Oilers about Sheldon Souray, and the Vancouver Canucks about Kevin Bieksa. Tomas Fleischmann has been rumored to be heading the other way in both potential deals.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Islanders 2008 3rd round pick, Kirill Petrov will be staying in the KHL next sesason according to his coach at Kazan. He has 2 years left on KHL contract.
- Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke would like the “World Cup of Hockey” to be brought back and played every 2 years as an alternate to the IIHF World Championship. The NHL and the players are barely compensated for World Championship and the Olympics.
“Each NHL team shuts down their business for close to three weeks while the Olympic Games are played. In return, fans, management and owners are often rewarded with tired or broken players on their return from Olympic competition.
“And it’s not fair that the athletes themselves are not compensated for their participation. They run the risk of injury in international tournaments, which can threaten their NHL livelihood.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames currently have 22 players under contract at $61 million. There’s still plenty of time for the team to get under the $59.4 million salary cap. The team chose not to buyout Ales Kotalik, which would have put them under the salary cap. They have 8 defenseman on 1-way contracts. The Flames could move one of their defenseman, or bury one in the minors.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are still talking to the Canucks about defenseman Kevin Bieksa.
Belanger to Caps, and Fleischmann on the way out? Kaberle interest varies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2010
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources saying Eric Belanger has reached a deal with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals might be moving out a forward for a defenseman before they announce the signing. Brian Burke has said they are not in discussion with the Capitals about Tomas Kaberle. The Capitals could be looking at Kevin Bieksa, Sheldon Souray or others. The Capitals are also said to be in on Willie Mitchell.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Capitals could be dealing Tomas Fleischmann for a defenseman.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The number of teams interested in Tomas Kaberle varies between 6 and 12 depending on the source, and levels of interest varies as well. The Kings and Devils may be more concerned with Ilya Kovalchuk. The Sharks may not want to part with a top-6 forward. The Ducks don’t want to trade Bobby Ryan. The Stars and Blues have their own salary cap. Red Wings are at the cap and have their top defensive corps set. Boston has cap issues, but would like to move Savard, Burke said in June he wasn’t interested in him. The Flyers have been interested in the past, but may not be willing to part with Jeff Carter anymore for him. Sabres are another team that could be interested, but they don’t make a lot moves in the off-season. Columbus has kicked tires but find the price a little high. The Lightning could be interested but they brought in Pavel Kubina earlier in the summer.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Kings could be looking to get back in on Kovalchuk, but he’ll renegotiate with the Devils first.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues GM Doug Armstrong doesn’t see anything else happening before training camp.
Some rumors involving the Bruins … 2 better offers for Kaberle … Kovalchuk hearing begins today
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 4th, 2010
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Bruins are now over the cap (after signing Tyler Seguin) but after they put Marco Sturm on LTIR, they’ll be under.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said that he’s in talks with Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron regarding contract extensions, though nothing is imminent at the moment.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Chiarelli also said that if no more roster moves are made, Tyler Seguin would probably start the season on the wing.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Chances look slim that the Bruins will be able to trade Tim Thomas. The Bruins have gotten some inquiries for Marc Savard. They are asking for a roster player, but may settle for prospects or draft picks. Michael Ryder could be assigned to the AHL. Chiarelli doesn’t have to make an roster moves before the season.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Niemi’s agent, Bill Zito, said he had 5 calls on Monday and 2 more inquiries on Tuesday, regarding Niemi. No offers where made, but he expects to get more than 2, and that it wouldn’t be long before he signed somewhere. Brian Burke has received 2 better offers for Tomas Kaberle, and expects the offers to improve next week (as the Kovalchuk saga should be settled, and the August 15th deadline date getting closer).
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon County Record: Ilya Kovalchuk’s hearing begins today, but Gary Bettman won’t be there, he’ll be in Calgary promoting the Heritage Classic (he could be there tomorrow). A ruling may come on Friday, but more likely on Monday.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Ilya Kovalchuk is expected to win his case versus the NHL, and if/when that happens, the Devils will have until the beginning of the season to shed about $5-6 million in cap space. Possible players to be either traded/waived/demoted are Bryce Salvador, Colin White and Dainius Zubrus. If the NHL wins and Kovalchuk becomes a free agent again, the Kings, Devils and Rangers could be interested.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There are no discussions going on between Bobby Ryan and the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan wants 3 years, the Ducks want longer. The Ducks may have to budge, or consider trading him.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Says the Blue Jackets are not interested in Antti Niemi, they’re set with Mason and Garon.
- Rick Carpiniello of LoHud.com: Recently acquired Todd White, who could be a versatile player for the Rangers, could also be a cap casualty and find himself in the minors if they are looking lower their cap number.
- San Jose Mercury News: According to the Sharks website, they are close to signing Jamal Mayers.
Turco to ‘Hawks if they walk away or trade Niemi … Bieksa and Kaberle getting interest …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 31st, 2010
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Richard Bloch could be the arbitrator in Kovalchuk case. Wednesday could be the start date, possibly concluding on Thursday.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Sources are saying Antti Niemi could be getting between $3 and $4 million from arbitration, which won’t be a good number for the ‘Hawks. Before arbitration the ‘Hawks offered Niemi a 3 year, $8 million deal. 3 teams that could be interested in Niemi are the Sharks, Capitals and Flyers.
- NHLSourcesSay via twitter: If the Blackhawks walk away or trade Antti Niemi, they have a verbal agreement with Marty Turco for 1 year, $1.5 million.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: After the trading of James Wisniewski, the Ducks could be looking at Andy Sutton, possibly Tomas Kaberle.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are apparently very interested in Kevin Bieksa, also looking into Tomas Kaberle.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets are still looking at defenseman, including Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames are currently about $2.35 million over the cap ceiling after the Ian White signing. That doesn’t include Mikael Backlund (about $1.27 million) but does include Ales Kotalik ($3 million). Kotalik could be sent to the minors or head back to Europe, both options would take Kotalik’s number off the cap. They have 8 defenseman under contract, which could mean one of them could be dealt.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After Blake Wheeler’s arbitration ruling, the Bruins are currently over the salary cap ceiling. They aren’t expected to buyout a player. The Bruins will most likely send a player to the minors, with Michael Ryder and his $4 million contract the leading candidate, or make a trade.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jamal Mayers is talking to multiple teams, and hopes to have a deal done by end of next week.
Rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs for July 30th
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 30th, 2010
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Six teams are reportedly still interested in Tomas Kaberle, so it looks good that Burke’s biggest asset will be moved by Aug. 15th. After the 16th Burke loses some control as the no-trade kicks back in. Kaberle could veto all deals during the season and leave a free agent, with the Leafs getting nothing in return (see Mats Sundin). This could be why Burke isn’t getting the home-run offer he’s seeking. “We’re not asking for anything,” Burke said. “We’re fielding offers. We’re either going to get an offer that makes sense for Tomas Kaberle or we’re going to keep him.” According to a Post source, the Leafs have already rejected a deal involving a top 6 forward and a draft pick. The Devils, Kings and Ducks could be waiting for the Kovalchuk saga to end before they make a move. Burke says “It’s clogging the waters,” referring to the Kovalchuk situation.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The countdown has begun for Tomas Kaberle’s August 15th trade cut-off date. Burke hopes the Kovalchuk situation gets cleared up quickly so some teams can turn their focus on Kaberle (NJ and LA could be involved regarding both players. Rumors to the Kings, who just lost defenseman Matt Green for 3 months, will heat up, he’ll only miss about 3 weeks of the regular season though). If the Leafs don’t get their top-6 forward from a Kaberle deal, they could go back to Marc Savard if the price comes down a bit.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: The Maple Leafs could be interested in James Neal of the Dallas Stars, but would have to take some salary back, Mike Ribeiro could be that guy.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Rumor that the Minnesota Wild are interested in Tomas Kaberle are NOT true.
- Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: Scratch Columbus off the list of possible destinations for Tomas Kaberle after they avoided arbitration the other day with Anton Stralman. Now this may be true, but this team needs to make the playoffs, and an upgrade to their defense would be a step in the right direction, especially a power play quarterback.
League to look at other long-term deals? More ‘Hawks Options … Turco to decide in 7-10 days
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2010
- William DePoali via twitter: Gary Bettman said yesterday that if the league wins its case against Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look in to other long-term deals.
- Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: According to his agent, Marty Turco is going to play for a contending team next season. He has 3 potential landing spots, and will make a decision in the next 7 to 10 days.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks and Antti Niemi have submitted their written briefs before their Thursday arbitration hearing. The ‘Hawks would like to keep Niemi but it all comes down to the price. One option to save cap space would be to go with a 21 man roster (2 below the max, which most carry), with the 21st player being able to play both forward and defense. If Niemi’s salary is below $2.5 million (and Victor Stalberg is sent to minors, saving $300K) they could do that (they’d also have a $1 million cushion for injuries). If the number is between $2.5 and $3 million, they’d have to make another move. If it’s over $3 million, he may not be their starting goalie next season. Marty Turco could be an option if they lose Niemi, they might be able to get him between $2 and $2.5 million.
- Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Niemi is likely seeking between $3 and $4 million a season, the ‘Hawks probably closer to $2 million. The ‘Hawks could accept any ruling either way, and look to trade him, or someone else.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Boston Bruins are talking to Bill Guerin, but would need to make a roster move first. Penguins are still interested in him.
- Michael Arace of the Colubus Dispatch: (written before the Blue Jackets and Anton Stralman settled before their arbitration, 1 year, $1.95 million.) The Blue Jackets will look to improve their defense, and will look via trades and not free agency. 3 options could be Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray. Arace believes the Blue Jackets have made a pitch for Kaberle, inquired about Bieksa, and made a ‘token’ call about Souray. Nikita Filatov’s name probably would come up.
- Tim Benz of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero hasn’t completely ruled out bringing Bill Guerin back next season, and is still in touch with him. But at the moment they are looking at young kids to fill the holes.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a 1 year deal with the Kings (for $3.2 million cap hit). He wanted a 4 year from the Leafs on a ‘big ticket’ when he was with them.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Willie Mitchell could be a possibility for the Wild, but he’s not looking to take physicals just yet.
- William DePoali via twitter: Raffi Torres is getting some interest lately according to his agent.
NHLPA files grievance … NHL Rumors involving Frolov, Ponikarovsky, Sutton, Wheeler, Stralman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 26th, 2010
- NHLPA.com: Media release from the NHLPA stating they’ve filed a grievance against the NHL for the rejection of Ilya Kovalchuk-New Jersey Devils contract.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: August 1st is when the Maple Leafs could be pushing clubs to make their best Tomas Kaberle offer, if not, he could remain a Leaf.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Mason Raymond locked up by the Canucks for 2 years, $5.1 million ($2.5 and $2.6 mill.)
- William DePaoli via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky mulling an offer he’s received in the last 72 hours.
- William DePaoli via twitter: The Rangers have spoken with Ponikarovsky’s agent, but they are in talks with Alexander Frolov.
- Arthur Staple (Newsday) via twitter: Alexander Frolov has a 4-year contract offer from the KHL, and likely a 2 year deal for less money from the Rangers.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche are about $8 million below the $43.8 cap floor, with RFA’s Peter Mueller and Chris Stewart left to re-sign. There is no rush to sign the two, but it’s expected to happen at some point.
- Chris Botta via twitter: It’s down to 2 western teams for Andy Sutton’s services, could be finalized this week.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: The Bruins and Blake Wheeler will be going to arbitration tomorrow as they were unable to to get something done beforehand.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets have requested a 1-year arbitration ruling for the Anton Stralman hearing, giving them the option to walk away from the contract if they are not happy with the ruling.
Canucks to be $4 million over cap … Devils could get fined … Stralman-Jackets far apart
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 25th, 2010
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The league did try to get a maximum of 5 year and 7 year contracts in the last CBA, but the PA wouldn’t go for it unless they were granted other terms. If the Maple Leafs found takers for Jeff Finger and Mikhail Grabovski, their free cap room number would be about $8 million. The Vancouver Canucks could be about $4 million over the cap after Mason Raymond’s arbitration case this week.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: There is the possibility that the NHL will fine the New Jersey Devils a $1 million (up to $5 million) for circumventing the CBA. Kovalchuk could get between $250,000 and a $1 million fine. The NHLPA has until tomorrow afternoon to file a grievance.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackest and Anton Stralman are about $1 million apart, arbitration is set for Wednesday. If Stralman’s ruling is too high, the club may walk away.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Paul Martin took a 5 year, $25 million deal from the Penguins on July 1st over other offers from Los Angeles, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Toronto.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres continue to talk with Tim Kennedy, his arbitration hearing is set for July 27th. The Sabres don’t have any trade talks going on at the moment.
- William DePaoli (insidepghsports) via twitter: The Penguins haven’t talked to Paul Kariya, and it’s probably not going to happen.
Options for ‘Hawks if Niemi isn’t back … Stars would match most offer sheets for Neal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 23rd, 2010
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: There hasn’t been much progress between the Chicago Blackhawks and Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration date is set for July 29th (arbitration dates for all players). They could still trade him before the arbitration date, walk away from the ruling if they don’t like it, or possibly trade him after they accept the 1-year deal.
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: Blackhawk options if they lose Niemi: Corey Crawford could be the “best and most likely option.” Some organizational members liked him better than Niemi, and he makes $800,000. Marty Turco has already turned down $2 million a season from Philly, so he might be too expensive for Chicago. A lower salary for a chance to win the cup could sway him. Turco is talking with a couple teams, and has turned down more than Philly. Jose Theodore had a great record but a bad GAA last year, his career is on the tail end, and he’d have to take a big cut from his $4.5 salary (which he’d have to do anyways if he wants to stay in the NHL). Vesa Toskala (not if they want a shot at winning the cup next year) has a winning record every season except for last year. Would have to take a pay cut from $4 million. Has options in Europe if no one in the NHL wants him. Ray Emery could be cheap option, but he’s coming off hip surgery.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray and Teemu Selanne have talked this week, and plan to speak again next week, no decision yet on if he’ll return or retire.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars would match reasonable offer sheets for James Neal, if he were to sign one. If the deal was front loaded, it might be difficult, but they would probably find a way to do it. If the offer was for over $4.638 million, they might consider taking the 2011 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks (compensation for signing RFA’s). If RFA’s are not signed by Dec. 1st, they are ineligible for the remainder of the season.
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have shown mild interest in Aaron Asham. Asham could bring some toughness.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Colorado have been checking out Andrew Cogliano’s availability.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Dmitry thinks that Alexander Radulov could be back in the NHL next year (2011-12).
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Nikita Filatov and Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel will speak in the next couple days. Arniel says “I’m going to let him do most of the talking, but I’ll have something to say at the end of the conversation.“
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