Posts Tagged Dallas Stars

Afternoon notes: Devils, Flyers, Blues, Predators and Stars

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 8th, 2012

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Ponikarovsky-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Parise-Elias-Clarkson; Sykora-Henrique-Zubrus; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
  • Randy Miller via twitter: Andres Lilja and Pavel Kubina skating after practice. Andrej Meszaros likely returning. Laviolette said he’s looked good for 7 to 10 days.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues have made it clear that they’d like to have Vladimir Tarasenko in uniform next season, and he’s nearing his decision if he’ll head to North America or remain in Russia. He’s expected to make his decision after the IIHF World Championships. Tarasenko has indicated to some that he intends to sign with the Blues. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo had an MCL injury after taking the hit from Dwight King in Game 2. Forward T.J. Oshie suffered a knee injury, possibly in Game 3.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Predators GM David Poile should be able to recoup a 1st round pick this year by trading backup goalie Anders Lindback. Andrei Kostitsyn likely won’t be back. Alexander Radulov will be a RFA and will want a big raise if they bring him back (and if he wants to stay in the NHL). If coach Barry Trotz thinks he can straighten Radulov out, he may be back (if they can sign him).
  • Brandon Worley via twitter: Did you know that Doug Armstrong traded #13 pick in 2002 for #26, #42 and #180. The #13 pick was Alex Semin and none of 3 picks for Stars played in NHL. (#26 – Martin Vagner, #42 – Marius Holtet, and #180 – Kirill Sidorenko). 2002 draft results

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Luongo to submit list … Thomas could hit market as well … Stars may look at Nash … Could Hawks gauge interest in Keith or Sharp?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 26th, 2012

  • James Duthie via twitter: Sources are saying that Roberto Luongo will submit a short list of teams the he would waive his no-trade clause to go to next week. The Maple Leafs will be on it. Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Canucks didn’t even have to ask Luongo to waive his no-trade. He tells them during his exit meeting with he wants out of Vancouver. Dan Murphy via twitter: Murphy confirms that the Maple Leafs will be on Luongo’s list. Tampa Bay will also be on it. James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks that the Canucks and their fans should expect a homerun if they trade Luongo. There are not a lot of teams that will be interested, and he has 10 years left on his contract. Tim Thoams, Miikka Kiprusoff and others could become available. Mirtle thinks if the Canucks could get a late 1st rounder or a middling prospect, it could be a fair deal. They might even have to take back some salary. Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Buffery doesn’t think trading for Luongo is a good idea. “Besides the fact he’s 33 years old and has 10 more years in his deal, there is a reason why he is expendable in Vancouver … because he’s 33 years old and has 10 years left on his contract.”He notes that the Leafs aren’t close to a cup, so why not go with the youngsters – James Reimer, Ben Scrivens, Mark Owuya and Jussi Rynnas.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars may be open to the idea of trading for a player like Rick Nash due to the limited number of scores on the free agent market. One key point regarding Nash is whether is okay numbers are a result of being in a bad system in Columbus or if he could break out on a line with Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson. What the Blue Jackets would want is another question. Would the Stars be willing to part is a solid player, a top prospect or 2 and a high draft pick? The Stars may think higher of Zach Parise and may see what he’ll do if he hits the open market.
  • David Haugh in the Chicago Tribune: Haugh thinks the Blackhawks should look at the trade interest in defenseman Duncan Keith or forward Patrick Sharp. Keith hasn’t been the same since 2010 and could bring more back than Brent Seabrook. Sharp is a more tradeable asset than Marian Hossa, and Toews and Kane remain untouchable.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom on whether his 39-year old body can handle another summer of training and long season:

    “I love the game, I would love to play three, four more years,” Holmstrom said. “It’s so much fun to come to the rink and everything. It’s just if the body can take it one more year or two more years. There’s lots of wear and tear on the body. Mentally, the last couple of years, you’ve got to go through the soreness, aches and pain, and it can be pretty tough during the regular season.”

    Possibly the only way that Holmstrom is in a Wings uniform next season is if Nicklas Lidstrom says he’d like to have him come back too.

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: At the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs were given a choice between 24-year old Steve Downie (a RFA looking for more than $3 million) or 20-year old Carter Ashton for defenseman Keith Aulie.
  • Toronto Sun: Reports are that Patrick Roy has met with Serge Savard at a restaurant recently, but Savard denied they met in-person, but spoke on the phone.

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Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012

  • Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
  • Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8  unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”

    “I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.

    “You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”

  • Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.

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Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 12th, 2012

  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Darren Helm had surgery to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm and will be out from the remainder of the playoffs.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke said he wouldn’t move his 1st round pick to bring a goalie like Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. Zeisberger wonders if the Blues would give up one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak. Even if the Canucks wanted to trade Roberto Luongo, the Canucks “organization despises the Leafs.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brenden Morrow’s future with the Stars is up in the air, and he has be hearing criticism from from fans.

    “I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough to hear,” said Morrow of speculation that the team might be better if it moved forward without him. “But at the same time, I saw it with franchise players, good friends. If it happened to Mike Modano, it can happen to anyone.

    “I don’t like it; I’m uncomfortable with it. I want us to win, I want us to be better, but I also understand this is a business and some of the things are out of my control. So what I can control is to get myself as healthy as I can and work as hard as I can and hope I perform as well as I can.

    “I’d love to be a part of the solution next year, and hopefully management agrees.”

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Elliott day-to-day … Zibanejad to AHL … Rangers-Kreider talking … Brian Burke press conference

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Trades on April 10th, 2012

  • Sean Gentille of the Sporting News: Blues goalie Brian Elliott is now day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in practice. He should be available for Game 1. It increases the odds of Jaroslav Halak starting.
  • Katie Strang of ESPN: The Rangers and Chris Kreider are in contract discussions. It’s believed that Kreider will forego his senior year at Boston College and go pro. If he signs, the Rangers may send him to the AHL. ** Update: Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Rangers and Kreider have agreed on an entry level contract.
  • Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Raymond-Henrik-Burrows Lapierre-Kesler-Booth Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Bitz-Kassian.
  • Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers defensive pairs: Coburn-Grossmann, Carle-Timonen, Bourdon-Lilja. Kubina skating as the extra blueliner
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said they need to get bigger, and a top priority is goaltending. Scott MacArthur via twitter: Burke still believes in James Reimer, and basically shuts down on Jonas Gustavsson returning. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke said he won’t trade their first round draft pick for a goaltender. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke isn’t really interested in what’s available in free agency and will address team issues via trades. Center and goal are biggest needs.
  • Brian Burke full press conference

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2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012

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

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


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

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Stars could make FA splash … Nash hurt … Henrik OK … Carter may be good for playoffs … Flames UFAs … Schneider says Luongo … What was Clowe thinking?

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on April 6th, 2012

  • Jeff Klein of the NY Times: Rangers Henrik Lundqvist’s forearm injury is fine enough that he could have played last night. “I would play probably, but it’s a good opportunity to get a good practice, get a little rest, and get back at it.”
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Jeff Carter skated yesterday for 20 minutes. It’s unlikely that he’ll play on Saturday. Carter seems confident that he’d be able to return to the lineup for the start of the playoffs if they make it. “Oh yeah. I really don’t think that’s an issue. I should be good to go, with the way it has progressed over the last few days.”
  • Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will have to decide if they want to bring back UFAs Scott Hannan, Tom Kostopoulos, Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss and Cory Sarich.

    “I know that I’m up,” Sarich was saying the other day. “No idea whether the team is interested in having me stick around. I’m not sure if there will be other teams interested. You always want and hope that there are.”

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Cory Schneider thinks that Roberto Luongo should be their starter in the playoffs.

    “He’s the guy who got us to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last year, not me,” Schneider said of Luongo. “He’s clearly earned the right to [start the playoffs], both through his performance and his history and experience.

    “I don’t see why they wouldn’t start him.

    “I’ve seen [Luongo] up close for two seasons now, and I have no doubt that when the playoffs start, he’ll be ready to go and he’ll be ready to raise his game.”

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have reached a verbal agreement with Swedish goalie, Viktor Fasth. He will sign with the Ducks after the World Hockey Championships. The Ducks wouldn’t confirm the report. The 29 year old had a 23-21 record with a 2.12 GAA and .913 SV% with AIK this past season.

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Price has headaches, concussion? Hall to have surgery today … Myers out … Wisniewski to return … Quincey suspendion video

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 3rd, 2012

  • Mike Boone of Hockey Inside/Out: Radio-Canada is reporting that Canadiens goalie Carey Price has a concussion, but as of last night the Canadiens were disputing that. The Canadiens say that he is having headaches, but hasn’t been diagnosed with a concussion just yet. He’ll go through some tests this week to see what is causing the headaches. Price collided with a teammate Thursday morning and hasn’t felt the same since. It is possible that his season could be over. A Radi0-Canada reporter apparently overhead the Canadiens doctor on his cell phone talking to their head athletic therapist.
  • LA Kings via twitter: Kings forward Jeff Carter had an MRI yesterday which revealed a deep bone bruise and no structural damage. He’ll be out day-to-day.
  • Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets center Kyle Wellwood is out with a broken ankle. Wellwood was hit in the foot by a Grant Clitsome’s shot. Wellwood set a career high with 47 points this season.
  • Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey was suspended for elbowing.

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

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012

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

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

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

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

    Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:

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

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

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

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

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

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Morning notes: Sedin, Hall, Horcoff, Sutton, Gagne, Parise, Harding, Spurgeon, Backstrom, Vokoun, Zuccarello and Keith suspension video

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 24th, 2012

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall has been off the ice for the last 2 days. He won’t play on Sunday. Captain Shawn Horcoff left last night’s game with a sore back. Defenseman Andy Sutton has a minor knee issue.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings Simon Gagne has been out since December 26th with a concussion, continues to skate but hasn’t practiced and won’t travel with the team on their 4 game road trip. If he’s not cleared for practice soon, the chances of him playing this year are not high. When asked if Gagne will play again this year, GM Dean Lombardi said “Doubt it.”
  • The Fouth Period: It’s believed the Wild will try to sign Zach Parise this offseason if he’s not re-signed by the Devils before July 1st. Goalie Josh Harding is expected to test the open market and is not likely back with the Wild. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Senators could take a look at Harding.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun skated yesterday for 30 minutes and took some shots.

    “Hopefully it stays the same and I can do a little bit more tomorrow,” Vokoun said after an extremely sparsely attending morning skate. “Then we’ll see, maybe shoot for some time next week.”

  • Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight.
  • Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended for 5 games for his elbow on Canucks Daniel Sedin.

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Afternoon notes: Sedin, Keith, Radulov, Maple Leafs, Hall, Zajac, Toews, Lupul … Lines and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 22nd, 2012

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blackhawks don’t play until Sunday so there is no rush for Duncan Keith’s disciplinary hearing. Likely to happen tomorrow. It’s expected to be a phone hearing, so if there is a suspension it will be 5 games or less.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs will add 3 forwards (1 top 6 and 2 depth guys) plus a goalie this summer. Burke can’t mortgage the future to get them.
  • Mark Spector via twitter: Taylor Hall didn’t skate this morning. Coach Tom Renney, “Not sure it’s a setback. It’s a concussion.”
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Travis Zajac is under the impression that he won’t play on Friday but added, “closer, but not close enough.”
  • Kevin McGran via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul admits it’s “a bit of a stretch” for him to return this year.
  • Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Ashton-Bozak-Kessel. MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin. Crabb-Steckel-Connolly. Rosehill-Lombardi-Armstrong.
  • Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole,Eller-Plekanec-Bourque,White-Leblanc-Blunden, Staubitz-Geoffrion-Palushaj.

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Doan gets 3 game suspension …. Keith should get more

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 22nd, 2012

Coyotes Shane Doan was suspended for 3 games for his elbow to Stars Jamie Benn.

Blackhawks Duncan Keith will be up for suspension after elbowing Canucks Daniel Sedin.

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Radulov to have physical and presser this morning … Teams worried about drafting Russians … Howard day-to-day … Doan has hearing for elbow

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 21st, 2012

  • Elliotte Friendman of CBC: The Russian factor may play a role in rumors that the Blue Jackets and Oilers could consider trading their high first round pick. Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Mikhail Grigorenko are expected to be high 1st round picks, and all play in the CHL. Teams are concerned that some players may pull a Radulov and bolt back to Russia during their entry level contract to make more money in the KHL.
  • QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Patrick Roy denies rumors that he would be the next coach of the Canadiens. “It makes me laugh and I’m flattered that my name is circulating, but at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Molson, who will make decisions about who is going to be his coach and general manager,” Roy told the Journal de Quebec.
  • Dave Stubbs via twitter: Canadiens Scott Gomez tells Stubbs that the buyout/Devils talk is news to him: “I’m just trying to get healthy & get back. Buyout’s never been brought up”
  • Steve Buffery of hte Toronto Sun: With James Reimer’s and Jonas Gustavsson’s play this year, the Maple Leafs will have to go out and get a goalie through free agency or trade. Either way, it may take away assets (money/players) that may have been used in attempt to land a number 1 center. If Burke did try to trade away Phil Kessel, there is no way he would get back what he gave up.
  • Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard will be day-to-day with a groin issue. Ty Conklin was recalled but he has to clear re-entry waivers.
  • Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock hopes that Nicklas Lidstrom will be ready for Saturday, but Lidstrom is not as sure.
  • Paul Hendrick via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown is expected to skate this week. Joffrey Lupul will start skating in about 10 days.

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More on Radulov … Helm out 4-6 weeks … Wild injury updates … Pitkanen close … Canucks lineup changes and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 19th, 2012

4:45 PM:

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov’s return to Nashville is conditioned on him returning to the KHL next year (from Medvedev via @plysenkov). He was allowed to buy out this year only with condition he’d be back. If not, he’d have to pay 2/3 of next years back. Radulov’s KHL salary for next year would be for around $5 million. KHL president Medvedev also implied that SKA will try to buy Radulov’s and Evgeni Kuznetsov’s rights. In response to my question to be clear, Chesnokov said that Radulov can re-sign with the Predators after the season, but has pay the 2/3rds back.

2:50 PM:

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:

    “We’ve been in contact with Jay Grossman, Alex’s agent, throughout process of trying to return Alex to NSH and NHL.”

    “Though the complicated process has yet to be concluded, every indication is Alex will be returning to NSH in near future.”

    No updates are expected until tomorrow until at the earliest.

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov wonders how Radulov was able to get out of his contract. He’s re-read the KHL rules and it looks impossible legally. Article 30 (7) – “No player can terminate contract from the start of playoffs until April 30.” Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun responds to Chesnokov that “no player under NHL contract is supposed to bolt to another league either.” Slava Malamud via twitter: Malamud notes that if KHL president Medvedev allowed Salavat to “skirt KHL rules,” may expect to see a favor back to SKA, possibly trading Radulov to SKA. One possibility could be the Radulov is traded to SKA, then signing Capitals prospect Evgeni Kuznetsov, with SKA promising not to go after Kuznetsov. Shawn Simpson via twitter: Simpson spoke with Val Kamesky. Radulov is heading to Nashville for this season, but must return to Ufa next year. Slava Malamud via twitter: Radulov return to the Predators won’t set a precedent as it’s a unique case in that he left before the KHL-NHL had an agreement with contract.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and is listed as day-to-day. Niklas Backstrom’s groin injury is almost back to normal. Center Matt Cullen is expected back in the lineup against the Canucks.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom did a few drills today at practice. It’s the most he’s done since his ankle injury.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac was on the ice this morning, but is not expected to play tonight.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik Dubinsky-Stepan-Callahan Zuccarello-Boyle-Mitchell Rupp-Fedotenko-Prust.
  • Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks forward Mason Raymond will be a healthy scratch. Alex Burrows will be back with the Sedin twins. Manny Malhotra is back in. Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks.

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Afternoon notes involving: Radulov, Perry, Sbisa, MacDonald, Markov, Kaberle, Sekera, and Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 16th, 2012

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s agent tells @plysenkov that he’s “not expecting any news today or even tomorrow.” Salavat is wanting Radulov to buyout is his deal. Salavat will somehow keep his rights if Radulov buys himself out. Radulov would have to pay Salavat 2/3 of his deal if he wants to return to Nashville now. KHL contract numbers are not required to be disclosed to public.
  • Mike Harrington via twitter: Sabres Andrej Sekera might play tomorrow. Nathan Gerbe traveled with the team, but his status is unknown.

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Afternoon notes on: Crosby to return, Radulov, Avery, Letang, NHL rules, Bergeron, Parenteau, lines and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 13th, 2012

  • Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports out of Russia are that Alexander Radulov is leaning towards returning to the NHL, but the KHL leaders are doing their best to dissuade him.
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Sean Avery tells the NY Post: “No, that wasn’t a joke, yes I’m retiring at end of season and its ok”
  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is a maybe for Thursday. He said he wasn’t diagnosed with another concussion.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there is little support for removing the trapezoid or returning the red line.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Hearing there is support of hybrid icing, but he GMs want to refine the wording/interpretation before their formal vote.
  • Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Wellwood-Briere-Voracek, Read-Schenn-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Rinaldo.
  • Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Daniel-Henrik-Raymond Higgins-Kesler-Booth Burrows-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Lapierre-Kassian.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-Gagner-Hemsky, Jones-RNH-Eberle, Smyth-Horcoff-Omark, Hordichuk-Belanger-Petrell.
  • Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Burish. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Ben Bishop will start in net for the Senators tomorrow. Craig Anderson won’t play in the 3 games this week.

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Injury notes for Sabres, Canadiens, Flyers, Sharks, Blues and Stars … Video of hybrid icing rule that GMs are discussing

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on March 12th, 2012

  • Mike Harrington via twitter: Tomas Vanek and Patrick Kaleta are back in. Matt Ellis has a knee injury, not sure if season ending. Andrej Sekera has pneumonia and it’s getting worse.
  • Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers forward Jakub Voracek hopes to play tomorrow. Defenseman Pavel Kubina on his injury: “hoping its not serious and just a few days more.”
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: In addition to Vladimir Tarasenko’s KHL contract, he’s getting a special “stipend” that equals NHL entry level contract.
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Connolly-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Kulemin, Ashton-Steckel-Crabb, Frattin-Lombardi-Armstrong-Rosehill.
  • Link to the video was posted by Elliotte Friedman describing the hybrid icing rule that GMs are discussing

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Crosby not returning today … Toews hopes for Tuesday … Souray 50-50 for Tuesday … Thorburn out 3 weeks … Brodie out with UBI

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 11th, 2012

  • Pittsburgh Penguins via twitter: Sidney Crosby won’t play today. He doesn’t have symptoms or had any setbacks. Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Crosby on his return, “Hopefully, it’s soon.” When asked if Thursday against the Rangers was possible, “That’s soon, so we’ll see.” Crosby added:

    “A good amount of contact is the biggest test right now, so, hopefully, the next few days with the practices we have I can really get a good idea of where I’m at and go from there,” Crosby said. “I’ve been really happy with the way I’ve felt leading up to this point.”

  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland and Kris Letang practiced yesterday. Engelland is out with a lower-body injury and hopes to return on Thursday. Letang practiced with the team as no other ice was available for him. He didn’t take any contact.
  • Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews hopes to return on Tuesday, but he hasn’t been cleared for contact yet.

    “I’d love to be in on Tuesday, but again, I just have to focus on this afternoon and getting a good rest tonight and worrying about those little things right now, the way I have been, just taking it one step at a time,” Toews said. “Hopefully, it’s going to be sooner than later at his point.”

    “I think so. I keep telling myself that,” Toews said. “If you can shoot for a date like that, even if it’s early, obviously you feel like you’re improving and you’re making strides and notice a difference. This past week I was hoping for Sunday and now I realize that’s not going to happen. We’ll shoot for [Tuesday].

    “But again, I’m going to tell you guys [the media] the same thing every day. I’ll just take it day by day and it what happens.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray is listed as 50-50 to play on Tuesday. Souray suffered a lower body injury on Thursday and sat out yesterday’s game.
  • Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: Jonas Gustavsson doesn’t have many starts remaining to show his bosses they should keep him around beyond the season. Coach Randy Carlyle yesterday morning after:

    “I had to go by statistics and … everybody said Jonas Gustavsson has been the better of the two in performance, that’s what they told me.”

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Morning notes on Radulov, Howard, Morrow, injured Blues and Green’s 3 game suspension

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 10th, 2012

Update: Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov is checking a report that Radulov is set to join the Predators in the next couple days. He’s cautious with the outlet as it’s coming from an outside agent who has players on the same team (not Radulov’s agent).

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Alexander Radulov’s KHL team was eliminated from the playoffs, but as of yesterday afternoon, there was “no change in his status” according to his agent. There is the possibility that Radulov could return to the Predators this year.
  • Bill Roose of the DetroitRedWings.com: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard plans take part in their morning skate today in Nashville, and could return to the lineup on Tuesday in LA.

    “I feel a lot better. It’s getting better every single day,” he said. “Skated yesterday, skated today, took some shots. Hopefully, tomorrow, I’ll share a net. Then practice Monday in L.A.

    “We just want to take all the precautions and make sure everything is healed up, with it being so close to playoffs.”

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Several of the Blues injured players (Kent Huskins, Jamie Langenbrunner, Kris Russell, Matt D’Agostini and Alex Steen) are expected to return to their lineup sometime next week. Likely candidates to return are Huskins, Russell and Langenbrunner. D’Agostini and Steen don’t appear to be close to returning.
  • Capitals Mike Green was suspended for 3 games

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Afternoon notes involving: Toews, Hjalmarsson, Radulov, Vanek, Ruutu, Brown, Morrow, Desharnais, Leafs lines and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 9th, 2012

  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews: “No one else can tell me how I feel. It’s up to me to be honest with myself and be smart about it.” There is no timetable for Toews return. Niklas Hjalmarsson will be back in the lineup tonight.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s KHL team is out of the playoffs. Radulov wouldn’t comment on if he’s staying in Ufa.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres Tomas Vanek left last night’s game with an upper-body injury in the 3rd period. It’s not a head issue according to Lindy Ruff.
  • Terry Koshan via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown will be out 7-10 days with a thigh contusion. Colby Armstrong and Cody Franson are ready to go.
  • Montreal Gazette: Canadiens David Desharnais suffered a lower body injury in the 1st period, had one shift in the 2nd, and didn’t return for the 3rd.
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Connolly-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Kulemin, Ashton-Steckel-Crabb, Rosehill-Lombardi-Frattin-Armstrong.

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