Posts Tagged Columbus Blue Jackets
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.”
Afternoon notes involving: Parise, Moore, Visnovsky, Blake, Suter, Ruutu, Morrow, O’Reilly, Theodore, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Zach Parise said there have been no contract negotiations, but he still wants to stay in New Jersey.
- Craig Custance and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lightning Dominic Moore would be a nice addition to many playoff bound teams. If the Ducks can’t get back in the playoff race, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky could become available. Winger Jason Blake could also becomes available.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Suter knows the Predators will pay market value, though the sides haven’t talked serious numbers. Suter hasn’t signed as he’s waiting for them to show him that they’ll compete for the Stanley Cup this year, and in the future. It seems unlikely that David Poile would trade Suter. Tuomo Ruutu would be a good fit with the Predators. Poile may be looking for a long-term addition as well.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Responding to James Murphy’s question on where will the Blues trade goalie Ben Bishop: The Lightning, Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Devils, Hurricanes and Anaheim … teams that need goaltending or who have piece the Blues would want.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu has had no negotiations with the team. Ruutu on trade rumors: “I’ve heard rumors I’m going to every team in the NHL. … I hear that stuff but there’s nothing I can do.”
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars forward Brenden Morrow has been activated from the IR.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Coyotes have put Cal O’Reilly on re-entry waivers.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers coach Dineen says that Jose Theodore is still his starter but is not happy with his last 2 games.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Anisimov-Mitchell.
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla; Comeau-Jokinen-Cammalleri; Bouma-Jones-Stempniak; Kostopoulos-Stajan-Jackman.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Jaromir Jagr will be in the lineup tonight. Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers tonight against the Jets.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Martin Biron and the New York Rangers.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins.
Watters drops a big Maple Leafs – Blue Jackets rumor
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
1:06 PM:
Darren Dreger via twitter: “A couple of sketchy trade rumours out there. Can tell you the Leafs, according to Burke have never discussed Nash trade…”Ever.”"
10:10 AM:
Bill Watters via twitter: Watters drops this NHL rumor today …. The Maple Leafs would get Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius from the Blue Jackets for Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Mike Komisarek.
I think a similar rumor was dropped a week ago by @Incarceratedbob
Nash carries a $7.8 million cap hit until 2017-18. Huselius carries a $4.75 million cap and will be a UFA at the end of the season. Combined total for this year is $12.55 million.
Grabovski carries a $2.9 million cap hit this year and will be a UFA at the end of the year. Schenn signed a 5 year contract with a $3.6 million cap hit before this season. Kadri will have one more season after this year with a $1.72 million cap hit. Komisarek has a $4.5 million hit for the next 2 years. Combined total for his year is $12.72 million.
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.
Late morning rumors involving: Karlsson, Parise, Moore, Grabovski, MacArthur, Gleason, Mason, Subban, Thomas and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators will start serious talks with defenseman Erik Karlsson’s agent next week.
“We do have to talk,” Murray said Saturday. “In the next week or so, we either have to make a phone call or they have to make a phone call to at least initiate some discussion.” Murray said
Don’t expect the Devils to trade Zach Parise. He’s a UFA on July 1st and there haven’t been any talks. The Kings and Wild will be interested in Parise on July 1st. Lightning Dominic Moore is getting interest, and the Sens may make a pitch. The Maple Leafs have been tossing Mikhael Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur’s names in trade talks.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks could have interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason, as would half a dozen other teams. The Blue Jackets are trying to move Steve Mason but are not finding takers with his $3.2 million salary. They may have to put him on re-entry to see if someone would take him at half price. Don’t expect the Canadiens to move P.K. Subban. Tim Thomas’s no trade clause expires July 1st. Thomas would be in the last year of his deal, and will have a $3 million salary with a $5 million cap hit. Matheson thinks that Brenden Morrow could be a good fit with the Sharks, Canucks or Red Wings.
Could the Leafs be looking at Clowe? Rutherford wants a ton … No serious talks with Karlson … Peckham, Sutton getting interest … A Miller for Hiller swap?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Only a few GM’s are in Ottawa, Brian Burke is one of them, and everyone is waiting for him to make a move.
“He’s trying. He’s trying hard. He definitely wants to get bigger,” a league executive said Thursday.
The Leafs would love to bring in a hard-nosed forward. A guy they could look at is Sharks winger Ryane Clowe. Clowe has 1 year left at a $3.625 million cap hit. There is word that he might be someone the Sharks could look at moving. It might take more than the Leafs want to offer San Jose to get him though. The Leafs would likely have interest in Tuomo Ruutu. The Hurricanes have talked to Ruutu about a contract extension but it’s believed he’s asking for too much on a long-term deal, so he’ll likely be traded.
- League sources are saying that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is asking a ton for his UFA defenseman. A league source said that Hurricanes are asking for 2 1st round picks or a 1st round pick and an ‘A’ prospect for one of Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. The asking price will come down.
- The Blue Jackets would move center Antoine Vermette. He’s been available all season.
- The Senators and defenseman Erik Karlsson’s camp haven’t had any serious contract talks. It will likely wait until after the season.
- The Oilers are getting interest in defenseman Theo Peckham and Andy Sutton. Sutton will be a UFA at the end of the year. Peckham will be an RFA, and there are plenty of teams looking for help on the blueline.
- The Ducks, Blackhawks and Lightning could be looking for goaltending help, so keep an eye on Ryan Miller. The Sabres aren’t shopping him, but they’ll have to decide soon if they are in the playoff hunt or not. A Miller for Jonas Hiller trade could be possible.
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:
“Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
- Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
- John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.
“We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:
“The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
No one has heard that Subban is availabe … Friendman’s 30 Thoughts rumors … Nothing imminent for Leafs … Coyotes update … Hedman hopes for next week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 25th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun clarifies his comments on RDS. LeBrun talked with several teams yesterday and NONE have heard Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban’s name being available. What LeBrun said on RDS was that a team suggested it could be a possibility, though they hadn’t talked to the Canadiens. Louis Jean via twitter: All the Subban trade talk is “completely ludicrous.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: If the Canadiens end up looking for a new GM at some point, don’t count out former Avalanche GM Francois Giguere. After the Blues signed Brian Elliott to a 2 year deal, AHL goalie Ben Bishop’s name hit the rumor mill. GMs have now said that Elliott’s trade value has now gone up with his affordable deal. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is “pulling back” in his quest for a goalie and defenseman.
“He’s made it clear that he’d rather wait than rush through a trade,” said another executive. Yzerman, via email, said, “We aren’t in a position to trade draft picks or young players for rentals.”
Blue Jackets forwards Derick Brassard is off the market. R.J. Umberger might get some interest. A couple teams have heard that Ryan Suter is off the market. The Predators are not interested in a Ryan Ellis or Jon Blum/1st round pick for Ales Hemsky. Sabres Paul Gaustad could be a nice fit in San Jose. One GM thought Wild defenseman Marek Zidlicky would fit well in San Jose. One of the reasons the Maple Leafs could be looking to move an NHL defenseman is to create room for Korbinian Holzer. Friedman has heard the Maple Leafs could consider moving Mikhail Grabovski, they are listening to offers. He’s a pending UFA and the Leafs could see the dollar amount an issue. They are also listening on Nikolai Kulemin.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said last night that nothing is imminent on the trade front, lots of listening. Burke added that he doesn’t have a problem keeping pending UFA Mikhail Grabovski past the trade deadline without a new contract.
- Lisa Halverstadt of the Arizona Republic: Glendale City Council met yesterday for an update on the Coyotes situation. The mayor wonders if the NHL is asking price will force the Glendale to pay more. The NHL is trying to get $170 million for the Coyotes, Forbes says they are worth about $36 million less.
“I think it has kept other potential buyers out of the process of trying to purchase the team and I think it is definitely impacting the financial burden that’s being asked of the city of Glendale,” she said.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly:
“We bought this franchise out of bankruptcy when no one else would, and we and our owners have jointly supported its operation for more than two years now,” Daly said. “We and the city of Glendale have a joint problem and we are jointly trying to fix it.”
- Erik Erendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, who has been out since Dec. 27th with a concussion, practiced yesterday in a no-contact jersey. He’s hoping to return next Tuesday against the Capitals.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres forward Jochen Hecht has a concussion. He skated yesterday but felt awful after and headed to the doctors.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that Oilers GM Steve Tambellini will likely get a 1 or 2 year contract extension. McKenzie said during last night’s Oilers telecast:
“I think he’ll probably get one (a new deal). I think the way the team finishes from now to the end of the season might not make it completely ironclad.”
Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2012
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: More will be known about Jonathan Toews injury after practice today. The Blackhawks have only 1 game before the All-Star break.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.
Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
- Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
- Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames winger Curtis Glencross has an MCL injury and will be out at least 6 weeks.
Morning NHL rumors and injury notes involving: the Blackhawks, Stars, Tallinder, Bogosian, Ramo, Kolanos, Tanguay, Jagr, Martinek, Niittymaki
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 20th, 2012
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are letting everyone know what they would like to trade for. A defenseman for their 2nd pairing, and a veteran forward, preferably a 2nd line center. The Hawks haven’t talked to the Ducks who floated their big 3 and Francois Beauchemin earlier this month. In the Western Conference, only the Ducks, Oilers and Blue Jackets could be sellers so far. It would take a significant piece for Oilers Sam Gagner. In the Eastern Conference, the Sabres, Canadiens, NY Islanders, Lightning, Hurricanes and maybe the Jets could be sellers. The Sabres have Derek Roy, Drew Stafford and Brad Boyes but their price could be high. They should at least call about Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu of the Hurricanes. Untouchable prospects could be Dylan Olsen, Kevin Hayes and Brandon Saad. Brandon Pirri, Jeremy Morin, Shawn Lalonde and Brian Connelly could interest some teams.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) If the Stars don’t sign Nicklas Grossman to a contract extension, they could trade him by the deadline. As for anyone else, that would depend on whether their buyers or sellers. If they are sellers, there should be some interest in Brenden Morrow, Sheldon Souray, Mark Fistric and Grossman. If they are in a playoff at the deadlines, would have to think they are buyers.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils defenseman Henrik Tallinder will be out 6 to 8 weeks with a blood clot in his lower left leg. He’s been bothered by a sore leg and an MRI yesterday revealed.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian could be ready to return tomorrow night. He’s missed 5 consecutive games with a lower-body injury.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster confirms that recently acquired goalie Karri Ramo has 1 year left on his KHL contract.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Jay Feaster confirms that they are considering signing Krys Kolanos to a 2 way deal.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Alex Tanguay will join the Flames in Edmonton and could play on Saturday. He’ll be cleared by doctors today and Sutter will decide Saturday morning if he’s playing or not.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross was put on the IR and out at least 7 days. MRI results are not in yet.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren on a Jaromir Jagr deal: “We’ve had some talks. I don’t really want to comment any further on that right now. We’ve talked about it.”
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Radek Martinek will miss the rest of the season with a concussion. They’ve signed Brett Lebda to a 1 year deal.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Sharks goalie Antero Niittymaki will play for Worchester of AHL on Friday and Saturday. Interested teams will get a chance to scout him.
Wings-Leafs in 2013 Winter Classic … Red Wings looking for scorer, depth … Potential Leafs targets … Hall gets nasty cut
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 18th, 2012
- Ansar Khan of MLive: A source confirms that a deal has been finalized with the NHL, Red Wings, and Maple Leafs to hold the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. A rink will also be built at Comerica Park and will host events leading up to the Winter Classic on January 1st. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Earlier this week University of Michigan Athletic Director said there could be scheduling conflicts and other issues, such as liquor licenses.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings are having 3 days of pro and amateur scouting meeting this week. They’ll be evaluating potential trade targets and this summers free agent crop. The Red Wings are looking for a scoring winger and or a 3rd/4th line forward. The Wings have $5.7 million in cap space and will likely be offering up draft picks, middling prospects and/or fringe players. They will likely just be adding depth and not a star player.
“We like the way the team has performed. A lot of people have had good first halves,” Holland said. “But the trade deadline is coming. We have a lot of cap space. We’ve done a lot of drafting and developing since 2005, saving our picks. I don’t know if we have to do anything, but certainly in the next six weeks we’re going to explore.”
The Wings are believed to have interest in Tuomo Ruutu and Ales Hemsky. If Teemu Selanne decides to waive his no-trade clause, the Wings could be interested. Ryan Suter and Zach Parise could become available, but the Red Wings may opt to chase them in the summer.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk, Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Malone, Derick Brassard, Paul Stastny, and Jeff Carter.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall was held out of last night’s game after a pre-game mishap where his head took a nasty gash from the skate of defenseman Corey Potter.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been off skates for the past 11 days due to his concussion. GM George McPhee said, “Nick’s doing really well. I’m I guess happy to report he’s progressing.”
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Petr Sykora is unsure if he’ll return next year, he’s taking it one year at a time according to his agent Allan Walsh.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He left Monday’s practice after taking a blow to the head.
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