Posts Tagged Columbus Blue Jackets

Quick Hits: Bernier, Blue Jackets, Vigneault, Bryzgalov and Rask

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 18th, 2013

  • Aaron Portzline: Portzline agrees with the executive who thinks the Blue Jackets needs to make two “pick” trades with a top a top prospect to get into the top 4 or 5.  With the draft being so deep, Portzline wonders why would teams give up a lot to move up?
  • Louis Jean: Alain Vigneault’s deal with the Rangers is for 5 years in the $2 million a year range.
  • Dennis Bernstein: An Ilya Bryzgalov buyout would be $700,000 next year, $1.3 million in 2014-15, $1.3 million in 2015-16, $1.8 million in 2016-17, $1.8 million in 2017-18 and $1.6 million for the remaining 7 years.
  • Mike Zeisberger: Tuukka Rask hasn’t allowed a goal at home in 166 minutes, 28 seconds.

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Richards may be staying in New York … Bobrovsky talks to continue this week

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2013

  • The Fourth Period: With Alain Vigneault joining the Rangers, they may no longer be leaning towards buying Brad Richards out. They might keep him for another season to see how it goes.
  • Michael Arce of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets John Davidson on Sergei Bobrovsky talks.

    “We’ll look at all the different options — short-term, long-term, arbitration … who knows?” Davidson said. “We think we’ll get him signed.”

    Bobrovsky’s agent, Paul Theofanous, will be in Columbus later this week.

    “I’m sure it’s all going to work out,” Bobrovsky said on a conference call, “(but) now is the time to celebrate.”

    On if there is a chance he’ll head to the KHL,

    “We’ll see,” Bobrovsky said.

  • Aaron Portzline: Vinny Prospal wants to return to the Blue Jackets, but management wants to get through the draft and maybe the start of free agency before deciding if they want to bring him back or not.

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Quick Hits: Vancouver, Fleury, Streit and Gaborik

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on June 13th, 2013

  • CP in SportsNet: 229 of the Vancouver rioters from two years ago will be charged, with 56 accused still waiting to learn their fate. Police say they wanted to charge 325 people but 40 charges were not approved. 149 people have entered guilty pleas and 102 have received sentences.
  • Pittsburgh Penguins: Penguins GM Ray Shero ”I’m not getting rid of Marc-Andre Fleury.”
  • Katie Strang: The Islanders last offer to Mark Streit was for three years and $4.75 million.
  • Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets Jarmo Kekalainen said that Marian Gaborik’s recovery from abdominal surgery is progress really well, ”He was on the treadmill before he went home.”

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Free Agent Hits: Malkin, Bobrovsky, the Sedin’s, McDonagh, Bickell and Ellis

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 12th, 2013

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero wants settle their coaching situation so he can focus on Evgeni Malkin, then Pascal Dupuis and Kris Letang. It could cost the Penguins around $10 million a year to keep Malkin, and ownership has given Shero authorization to keep him at almost any cost. Shero had a “productive” meeting with Malkin’s agent, J.P.  Barry.
  • Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets and Sergei Bobrovsky contract talks have picked up the past couple days. The sides have been waiting to see if Bobrovsky wins the Vezina Trophy, but Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has found away around it.

    “I said, ‘Let’s just proceed as if he’s already won it,” Kekalainen told The Dispatch today. “Let’s take that out of the equation. Let’s assume he’s won it, and move forward from there. But … “

    It doesn’t appear that a deal is imminent.

    “His representation is doing what they feel is best; I don’t blame them,” Kekalainen said. “We’re doing what we think is best. I’m not discouraged at all. This is part of the process that both sides have to go through to get a deal done.

    “But it’s something we’d like to work at, get settled and put behind us.”

  • Chris Nichols of Sportsnet: Daniel and Henrik Sedin were on TEAM1040 radio on Monday and said they hope to remain with the Canucks beyond next season. The Sedin’s haven’t talked with their agents or the Canucks yet. Henrik:

    “No, we haven’t talked about it yet, actually. It’s only been a few weeks since we lost here. We’ve always been in a position where everything is going to get worked out if both sides agree that they want the same thing. We’re not panicking. Like Daniel said, we’ve been very up front that we like it here. That’s all we can do.”

  • Katie Strang: The Rangers and Ryan McDonagh have held preliminary talks, but nothing is serious yet.
  • Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he’ll do “everything we can” to keep Bryan Bickell.
  • Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago: Bickell said yesterday that he’d like to re-sign with the Blackhawks.

    “Yeah, definitely, (I’d like to re-sign with the Blackhawks),” Bickell said during the Stanley Cup finals media day. “I got drafted in ’04 with this team. I think this is a second home to me. To be brought up through the minor leagues and being here the last couple years has been an honor. I feel this is a home to me. I have a lot of friends and family with me in the city. I enjoy it a lot here.”

    When asked about a hometown discount.

    “I don’t know about that,” Bickell said of giving the Blackhawks a hometown discount. “We’ll see. We’re just concentrating on the finals. Me and my agent will come together, and we’ll negotiate that at the end of the season.”

  • Chip Alexander: There is no offer on the table, but Dan Ellis and the Hurricanes are “talking back and forth.” In a “holding pattern.”

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Free Agent Hits: Bobrovsky, Bogosian, Hendricks and Hurricanes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 8th, 2013

  • Slava Malamud: Blue Jackets Sergei Bobrovsky tells Sport-Express ”we are talking to both Columbus and SKA.”
  • Ken Wiebe: The Jets have held preliminary contract discussions with defenseman Zach Bogosian’s agent on Thursday.
  • Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals Matt Hendricks will be looking for a big raise from his $800,000 salary. He may be able to somewhere in the neighborhood of $2 million on the open market if the Capitals don’t agree to terms with the UFA beforehand.
  • Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford expects all of their UFAs to hit the open market next month. He added that they may later sign one or two of them.

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Free Agent Notes: Bobrovsky, Lehtera, Ramo and Six Red Wings

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2013

  • Slava Malamud: Sergei Bobrovsky’s agent wants to wait until the Vezina Trophy is announced to get a better deal according to sport express.
  • Andy Strickland: Blues prospect Jori Lehtera re-signed for two years with the Novosibirsk in the KHL.
  • Andy Strickland: The Flames agreed to terms with goalie Karri Ramo. He can’t officially sign with the Flames until July 5th.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Red Wings: In the Red Wings group of unrestricted free agents are: Damien Brunner, Daniel Cleary, Valtteri Filppula and Drew Miller. They have 11 forwards already under contract for season, including Tomas Tatar. That number would jump to 13 after re-signing RFAs Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson. They plan on carrying 14 forwards. Brunner and Cleary will be their top priorities. Filppula could be gone unless he wants to take less to stay with the Wings. The Wings might go as high as $4.25 million, but Filppula knows he’ll likely get at least $5 million on the open market.

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Morning Rumors: Goalies, Coaches, Ryan, Hainsey, Yakupov, Hurricanes and Bobrovsky

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 4th, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There is talk that as many as 10 teams are thinking about their goaltending situation. Among the teams thinking No. 1 goalies are: Flyers, Panthers, Oilers, Capitals, Sabres, Blues, Lightning, Flames, Wild and Islanders.

    Names to watch: Ryan Miller (BUF) – one year left on his deal. Coyotes could be a fit. Mike Smith (PHX) – a UFA and uncertainty of organization is keeping him from re-signing. Ray Emery (CHI) – UFA. Won’t get a long-term deal but may get a shot at being a No. 1. Tim Thomas(NYI) – UFA who may get a pro tryout.

    Rangers GM Glen Sather is giving Mark Messier serious thought as their new head coach. They are also interested in Alain Vigneault.

    Ducks GM Bob Murray is getting calls for Bobby Ryan. They’d like to keep Ryan who has two years left at $5.1 million. The Flyers and Senators have been interested in the past.

    There have been no talks between Ron Hainsey and the Jets.

    Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has been working the phones and looking for immediate help. Could be willing to move some of their young assets. Talk that they might trade Nail Yakupov to bring back a package.

    Alain Vigneault appears to be the top candidate for the Stars, Lindy Ruff for the Canucks.

  • Michael Smith of CarolinaHurricanes.com: New Hurricanes logo coming today. The Hurricanes currently sit at No. 5 in this year’s draft. They won’t be trading up, but haven’t ruled out moving back. GM Jim Rutherford will target a top 4 defenseman in free agency or through a trade.

    “It’s hard to say. It could come in any manner,” Rutherford said. “It could come in the form of a player that we trade for as a projection who hasn’t done it yet but we think could do it now. It could come in the form of a projection of a (Ryan) Murphy jumping in the top four. It could come many ways, but I do feel that’s an area we have to change.”

  • Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets Sergei Bobrovsky will be a RFA, and it’s possible that his agent is willing to look at offer sheets. The KHL could also offer a pile of money. Talks between Bobrovsky’s agent and the Blue Jackets haven’t gained traction as his agent, Paul Theofanous, wants to wait. Bobrovsky would be worth more if he wins the Vezina and/or gets offer sheet and/or a KHL offer. There is a chance that the KHL money is too much to pass up. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has said they will match any offer sheet.

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NHL Draft Hits: The Avs, Panthers, Predators, Oilers and Blue Jackets may be listening to offers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2013

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: The Avalanche (No. 1) and Panthers (No. 2) have already said they could move their picks for the right price. The Predators at No. 4 are keeping their options open.

    “We’ll entertain offers. We’ve already had people inquire with us about it and vice-versa,” assistant general manager Paul Fenton said. “We’ll talk about whatever position that can improve us for the whole big picture of things.”

    Still, Fenton was cautious: “In order to move up to that position, you’re going to have to make an offer that you can’t refuse.”

  • Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: It’s unlikely that the Oilers at No. 7 would be able to move up to the Panthers No. 2. What makes it a difficult is the drop off in talent from the top two players, Seth Jones and either Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin. Usually there is a bigger drop off between the top two picks.
  • Jonathan Willis of Oilers Nation: If the Oilers are looking to move back and add a player or a few more picks, the Blue Jackets might be a trade partner if they want to move up to grab someone. The Oilers draft at No. 7 with the Blue Jackets holding the No.14, No. 19, No. 27 to 30 and No. 44. Potential players the Oilers could look at are: R.J. Umberger, Ryan Johansen, Boone Jenner, James Wisniewski, Fedor Tyutin and Nikita Nikitin.

 

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NHL Rumors: Datsyuk knows where he’ll sign, KHL to chase Bobrovsky, Family decision for Alfredsson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 25th, 2013

  • Dmitry Chesnokov: Red Wings Paval Datsyuk’s agent has told Pavel Lysenkov (@plysenkov) that Datsyuk has decided where he’ll sign next summer but won’t announce it.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports: In April, SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL decided that they will go after goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Chesnokov said that the money they are willing to offer will be very good. Bobrovsky still wants to play in the NHL.
  • Aaron Portzline: “Bobrovsky math: Vezina Trophy + potential KHL offer + potential offer sheet = $$$$$$$$$$”
  • Chris Johnson: Senators Daniel Alfredsson thinks he has plenty of game left and that the retirement decision will come down to family.
  • Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets sign defenseman Ilari Melart and goaltenders Curtis McElhinney and Anton Forsberg.

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Morning Hits: Roy and Radulov, Stoll, Jets injuries, Bobrosky’s contract, Fleury and other goaltending scenarios

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2013

  • Dan Rosen: If the Senators win Game 5 tonight, Game 6 will go on Sunday at 7:30 pm, moving the Kings-Sharks to 10 pm. If the Penguins win, the Kings-Sharks will be at 8 pm.
  • Josh Cooper: Cooper points out that Patrick Roy and Alexander Radulov had a good rapport when Radulov was in Quebec. The Predators have been unable to trade Radulov for the last year.
  • Jon Rosen: Kings Jarret Stoll rode the stationary bike on Wednesday. He was at the area yesterday but not skating.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane won’t need surgery for his wrist problem and lower leg/foot nerve damage. Tobias Enstrom’s bad back only needs rest. Mark Stuart’s sports hernia doesn’t require surgery. Zach Bogosian missed the final three games of the season with a concussion.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky contract talks have stalled.

    “We’ve talked. We’ve exchanged ideas,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said this week. “But we haven’t made any progress, really. It’s been pretty quiet for a while now.”

    The RFA will be looking for a nice raise from this $1.7 million he made last year. The Blue Jackets will send him a qualifying offer, but he’ll reject it. Bobrovsky could get an offer sheet, with the Blue Jackets having seven days to match.

    “That’s something we can’t control,” Kekalainen said. “It’s obvious what we’re going to do if it goes that far. We have great ownership; committed ownership. We would match any offer there might be, but I’m optimistic we won’t get to that point.”

  • Aaron Portzline: Portzline wonders if the Bobrovsky talks drag into July, would the Flyers try to sign him to an offer sheet.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance wonders if Marc-Andre Fleury’s days in Pittsburgh could be numbered. GM Ray Shero could trade Fleury and his $5 million salary cap hit through 2014-15, and go with Tomas Vokoun and a young, cheaper goalie. It’s a move that may upset the balance in a close Penguins dressing room.

    “Guys will bleed for him. I wouldn’t hold your breath to think Pittsburgh is going to do something rash,” one NHL source said. “Marc-Andre Fleury has one thing in his corner — that’s called the Stanley Cup. Once accomplished, you know he can get it done.”

    The Blackhawks may have to consider putting Ray Emery to see if he can spark the Hawks. GM Stan Bowman may look at his goaltending situation in the summer if they lose to the Red Wings. Emery will be a UFA this summer. The Hawks are just over $2 million under the cap for next year with 21 players signed. Other UFA goalies this year: Mike Smith, Niklas Backstrom, Nikolai Khabibulin and Evgeni Nabokov. Emery could be a great fit with the Islanders or Coyotes if they don’t re-sign Smith, possibly the Sabres if they trade Ryan Miller or the Wild if they don’t keep Backstrom.

  • Katie Strang: The Cap Advantage Recapture Rule could really hurt the Rangers, as well as many other veterans. If Brad Richards were to retire in 2017, it would cost the Rangers $5.66 million in 2017, $8.5 million in 2018 and $17 million in 2019.

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Morning Hits: Wolski, Scott, Brunner, Roy and Hemsky

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 20th, 2013

  • Renaud Lavoie: The Sabres signed John Scott to a one-year deal at $750,000.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: A source confirmed that Patrick Roy is a strong candidate for the Avalanche head coaching position. Roy was offered the position in 2009, but turned it down.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Ales Hemsky’s days with the Oilers could be coming to an end. GM Craig MacTavish isn’t going to pay $5 million a season for a second line winger with world-class ability.  His knock is missing too many games due to injury.

    “I don’t think there’s a market for him … I shouldn’t say there’s no market,” said former NHL general Craig Button, who now works for TSN. “But the salary cap is coming down to $64.3 million. He makes $5 million for one more year. Would the Oilers pick up half of that to trade him, 50-50 (with another team)? That would still free up $2.5 million in cap space for the Oilers.

    “I don’t know if they can get something tangible in return for Hemsky. Andrew Cogliano got the Oilers a second-round draft (pick). I don’t know if they can get that for Hemsky,” Button said.

    “He’d be rolling along, on pace for 80 points, and bang, he gets hurt. He’s not reliable (to possible trade suitors).”

    Western Conference teams that might be interested: Predators, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Blues, Coyotes and Jets (moving next season). If the Red Wings lose Valtteri Filppula, Hemsky could be an option if they only have to pay $4 million.

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Morning Hits: Vokoun, Fraser, Gionta, Canadiens injuries, Canucks offseason questions and Blue Jackets free agents

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 9th, 2013

  • Pittsburgh Penguins: Coach Dan Bylsma on starting Tomas Vokoun: “We brought Tomas Vokoun in to play big games for us…He’s done that for us & he’s been very good vs. the #Isles.”
  • James Mirtle: Maple Leafs Mark Fraser was taken to the hospital to check for any broken bones after taking a shot off his face.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Canadiens Brian Gionta will have surgery on Friday for a torn left bicep. He hopes to be ready for training camp.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Brandon Prust and Ryan White are out tonight. Carey Price is day-to-day.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Ziemer’s thoughts on the Canucks coaching staff.

    The jobs of head coach Alain Vigneault and his staff are most certainly on the line and general manager Mike Gillis is going to face some uncomfortable questions from ownership over the team’s second straight playoff collapse.

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks have the highest payroll going into next season, but trading Roberto Luongo or an amnesty buyout of Keith Ballard($4.2 million for two years) will help them get down below the new cap of $64.3 million. Five questions for the Canucks this offseason are:

    • Do the Canucks have a bona fide No. 1 goalie in Schneider moving forward?
    • Should this team still be built around the Sedins?
    • Will Ryan Kesler ever be injury-free?
    • Does this team have the right supporting cast to still contend?
    • Is it time to retool, rebuild or be patient for one more run with this core?

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen on contract talks with their free agents, including goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

    “We’re working on them. It’s a work in progress on all fronts. Everything has been started, everything is in progress. We’re waiting to hear back from a few agents. Obviously, Bobrovsky is a high priority for us. I told him in the (exit) meetings that everybody talks about his great play, and sure it was remarkable. But I’m even more impressed with his work ethic, how he prepares for the game and every practice, how he takes care of recovery after every game, the routine he goes through every day. That’s what I’m most impressed about Bobrovsky. He sets the bar high for the rest of the guys. I don’t think anybody’s going to argue with me if we says he’s the MVP of our team this year. If he sets the bar that high with the way he works everyday, it’s going to be hard for anybody else in that room to say, well, I’m not going to do this or that today. That’s what I think it’s all about, your best players being your hardest working players. And that’s what we have in Bob.”

    On Bobrovsky’s contract talks …

    “It’s going to take its course, and it’s going to take its time. Some (deals) are quicker than others. We’ll have to stay more patient with some than others. I don’t anticipate any problems. It’s going to be a negotiation. His agent, his representatives are professionals. They have their thought process and we have ours. I’m sure we’re going to reach a result here in the near future.”

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