Posts Tagged Dallas Stars
Modin signing with the Thrashers … Cheechoo gets tryout from Stars … Kozlov still wants to play in NHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 5th, 2010
- TSN: A Swedish website is reporting that the Atlanta Thrashers have signed winger Fredrik Modin. Modin struggled last season, recording only 11 points in 44 games.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Slava Kozlov’s agent, Scott Lites, told the Sporting News that his client hasn’t given up playing in the NHL. He has been offered a couple tryouts, but is unlikely to accept that option.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Owen Nolan passed on the Minnesota Wild in hopes that he could land a contract from the San Jose Sharks, but the team is looking to go younger. The Wild went out and signed 3 free agents, leaving no room for Nolan. Nolan still hopes to land somewhere.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have invited Jonathan Cheechoo to camp.
Kovalchuk decision today … New player in Phoenix ownership … Niemi close to new home
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 31st, 2010
- Tom Gulitti of the Record: The NHL spent Monday reviewing Ilya Kovalchuk’s 15 year, $100 million contract, with an announcement likely coming today. It is not known if the league has already let the Devils know their decision, before it would released to the public. The NHL must rule before 5:00 pm on Wednesday or the contract would deemed approved and registered. According to tweets by Nick Kypreos, Kovalchuk would be paid $90 million over the first 10 seasons, and $10 million over the last 5. In the last year of the deal he is scheduled to have a base salary of $4 million, with the average salary over the final 3 seasons being $2.6 million.
- Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal: An undisclosed wealthy person is interested in purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes from the NHL, and keeping the team in Glendale. Details are limited, but could be made public soon, they have asked to keep the negotiations private. The Ice Edge Holdings group have taken a backseat and they have been focusing on bringing an ECHL team to Thunder Bay, Ontario. If a deal is not in place by December 31st to keep the team Phoenix, they will look to sell the team to someone, and move them Canada.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Bill Guerin is trying to get a contract with the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: According to a source of Murphy, the Bruins are still “actively shopping” Marc Savard. His contract investigations have hampered talks. The Bruins are still over the salary cap ceiling and need to get under before the start of the season.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli originally told Steve Begin that they wouldn’t be bringing him back, but according to Begin they are still interested, but currently sit $3 million over the cap. Begin told RDS that the Bruins are trying to do some things, but the market is slow.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: Source telling Rogers that Antti Niemi is close to deciding where he’ll play next season, with a decision possibly coming in the next 48 hours. He has offers from multiple teams.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke says there is some progress being made with RFA, Christian Hanson, and he expects it to be done by training camp.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: According to RDS, Andre Markov is back skating. Markov had off-season knee surgery.
- Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas: There is still no decision by Jere Lehtinen on if he’ll play next season, but according to a Finnish paper, Lehtinen is giving serious consideration into not playing next season. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said that he hasn’t been working out as much as he normally does when preparing for the season.
Kovalchuk decision by Wednesday … Staal not looking for offer sheet … 5 teams interested in Kennedy … Penner to Kings?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 29th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL has until Wednesday to decide if they are going to reject or accept the latest Ilya Kovalchuk contract. The contract is said to be 15 years and $100 million, a $6.67 million cap hit. The Devils will then have to shed more than $3 million in salary, plus an extra couple million for injury call-ups. Some say Lou has some deals ready to go if the contract is accepted. Dallas could be interested in Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) could be moved.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Kovalchuk saga could be coming to an end soon (thank god). Kovalchuk may have received some interest throughout this process from the Kings, Islanders, Stars, Blues and KHL SKA St. Petersburg. During Monday’s meeting with the league, Kovalchuk reportedly gave a weekend deadline for the leagues approval and threatened that the KHL could be possible.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tim Kennedy is still one of the unsigned forwards looking for an NHL contract. 5 teams have shown interest in Kennedy, possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers. He thinks he can get a one-way contract but realizes he might have to take two-way deal.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: Getting an offer sheet isn’t being focused on by Marc Staal’s agent, Paul Krepelka. Krepelka said there is no truth to the rumor that they were hoping to get one.
- Matthew Barry (hockeybuzz) via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers are shopping Dustin Penner and the Los Angeles Kings are very interested.
Staal’s return delayed … Ducks looking for D depth … Bergfors-Thrashers not close … Pens not talking to Kariya or Svatos
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 27th, 2010
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal has “experienced a couple of setbacks” from the torn tendon is his foot. They will take it easy with him and there is no need for concern if he misses a couple days or weeks.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are looking to add some ‘low cost depth options’ on the point, but it’s possible they enter camp with what they have. The Ducks have considered trading for Kevin Bieksa, but the Canucks aren’t in a rush to move him any more.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Jiri Lehtinen isn’t ready to make a decision yet if he’ll return to the Stars or retire. Mike Ribeiro’s no-trade clause stipulates that he can name 10 that he doesn’t want to be traded to (that doesn’t sound like much of a ‘no-trade’ clause to me if you name teams you don’t want to be traded to). The Stars want to sign RFA James Neal to a 2 year deal, Neal is fine with a 1 or 2 year deal.
- Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens have yet to talk to Andre Markov about a contract extension. Markov is a UFA after the season, GM Pierre Gauthier told Markov’s agent “(Gauthier) wants to wait until the right time”.
- Eric Engels via twitter: Engels thinks the Canadiens would be foolish if they weren’t interested in Bill Guerin.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers could use Dustin Byfuglien on the point next season.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley says that they remain ways apart with RFA Niclas Bergfors, not close on “value of player.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: No truth to the Penguins talking/negotiating with Paul Kariya according to his agent.
- The Hockey Writers: Marek Svatos’ agent Richard Evans, “Marek would certainly be able to provide offence for a team like Pittsburgh,” Evans told THW Tuesday. “Pittsburgh is a team that Marek would be very interested in joining…on paper it looks like a good fit — but ultimately that is up to Ray [Shero].”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins haven’t contacted Marek Svatos, but ….
Kovalchuk’s agent calls KHL … Why Mitchell didn’t sign with the Sharks, Canucks … Fehr in as NHLPA leader?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 26th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: According to @plysenkov and their mutual sources, the league is looking for a 13 year contract for Kovalchuk.
- Craig Custance via twitter: KHL president Alexander Medvedev said that he received a call from Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk’s agent, and he remains hopeful that the KHL is still an option.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Medvedev is still hopeful that his club, SKA St. Petersberg can sign Kovalchuk. “Ilya knows that our proposal is still on the table,” Medvedev said. “Actually, I got a call from his agent. I will call (him back) after I finishing the discussion with you.” Gary Bettman said yesterday that the NHL did not reject a second contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk (reports were that the ‘framework’ had been rejected). Bill Daly said he thinks that Kovalchuk will stay but league will stand by their rejection of the contract even if Kovalchuk leaves for Russia.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars and Nicklas Grossman are close on a 2 year deal around $2 million a season.
- David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks, and at least 2 other teams were unwilling to offer Willie Mitchell a multi-year deal, money wasn’t the issue. A front-office source says the Sharks won’t be bringing back Owen Nolan. Sources also tell Pollack that the team isn’t interested in Antti Niemi.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: With the Canucks over the salary cap by around $3 million, they couldn’t offer Mitchell a lot. They were offered him a one-year deal in the $1.8-$2 million range.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources are saying that Donald Fehr will be taking over as the executive director of the NHLPA. Fehr stepped down from the MLBPA last year, and has been link to the NHLPA for months. The NHL 30 player reps will put it to a vote, which may not be completed until after the season starts.
Kovalchuk framework rejected … Staal hoping for offer sheet … Lehtinen undecided
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 25th, 2010
Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL criticized the framework of a contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk that was presented to them on Monday. This could jeopardize Kovalchuk staying in the NHL, as the frameworks of his contract(s) have taken weeks to formulate, and the start of the KHL is just around the corner (Sept. 8th). Lou may not want to go back to the ‘drawing board’ on another contract. Training camp starts on the 17th, and he’ll need to move out players to get under the cap if Kovalchuk is signed.
Tom Gulitti of the Record: The Devils and Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, have been working on the framework of deal for the last 16 days, and only to have it not approved. Monday’s framework was not the first they submitted to the league.
Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette doesn’t have a sense when Chris Pronger will return from knee surgery, but isn’t that concerned.
Arthur Staple via twitter: It’s not definite that Marc Staal will be a training camp holdout. He has no leverage, and is still hoping for an offer sheet.
CapGeek via twitter: After the Vancouver Canucks signed Raffi Torres (1 year, $1 million), they now have 24 players on one-way contracts and are $3.6 million over the salary cap.
Adam Proteau of the Hockey News: Leafs coach Ron Wilson wants to sit down with Tomas Kaberle and have a face-to-face to talk about the rumors that they don’t get along. Kaberle’s father told a Czech publication that Tomas isn’t likely to re-sign with the team as long as Wilson is still the coach.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars winger Jiri Lehtinen is still undecided about returning next season. Lehtinen and GM Joe Nieuwendyk are expected to meet today.
Ben Wright of Blueland Blog: The Atlanta Thrashers have invited Kyle McLaren to their training camp on a tryout.
Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: It makes some sense that the Thrashers are possibly interested in Lee Stempniak, as they are looking to replace goals lost by Maxim Afingenov who left for the KHL.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Neither Jose Theodore or Vesa Toskala was interested in signing with the KHL’s Traktor.
EJ Hradek and Richard Pollock of ESPN: Though the Florida Panthers have 6 NHL caliber defenseman, their 2010 3rd overall pick, Eric Gudbranson will be given a shot at making the roster.
Afternoon rumor updates for Kovalchuk, Salvador, Souray, Ryan and Guerin
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 24th, 2010
- Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Daniel Alfredsson talks at the World Hockey Summit about fighting and the NHL future in Europe.
Daniel Alfredsson and Uwe Krupp talk at World Hockey Summit from Greg Wyshynski on Vimeo.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: “Contract, framework, blank contract = technicalities. If the NHL OKs what was submitted to them, Kovalchuk will sign on the dotted line.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Devils and Kovalchuk’s agent ran a new contract structure past the NHL. It could be passed today. A source tells Everson that Lou is trying to deal Bryce Salvador and his $2.9 million contract. Dallas could be a destination for Salvador.
- Mike Mazzeo of the Star-Ledger: Bill Daly told ESPN that “There was no new contract submitted. We talked conceptually.” Lou Lamoriello wouldn’t comment on the situation.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Hearing that Kings are still in on Willie Mitchell, but not front runners.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have offered Bobby Ryan 5 years and $25 million, and 4 years and $18.6 million, both were turned down as he’s looking for 3 year deal.
“I don’t want a trade,” Ryan told the Register on Monday following a workout. “I’m not asking for a trade. I want to be here in Anaheim. This is where I want to be.
“If it comes to a situation where there’s heads butting, then I guess it would be best. But I am not looking for a trade. I have no intentions of being traded. I love it here and want to remain a Duck.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini is still trying hard to trade Sheldon Souray. Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano are both without a contract still. Souray cleared waivers weeks ago with no takers. There have been the Souray to Caps for Tomas Fleischmann rumors, but the Caps may be looking for more stay-at-home defenseman, Willie Mitchell. Cogliano and the Oilers are off on the dollar amount, and haven’t had extensive talks.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Pittsburgh should decide in the next couple of days if they’ll bring back Bill Guerin.
Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Owen Nolan has been skating with some players from the San Jose Sharks, and would like to play for another 2 years.
Tikhonov, did he or didn’t he request trade … Blues call Sweatt … Likely rule changes could be ….
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 19th, 2010
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Phoenix Coyotes forward Viktor Tikhonov has requested a trade according to his father, and 15 teams are interested.
Scott Burnside via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Malony says there is no truth to Tikhonov requesting a trade.
Andy Strickland via twitter: St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong spoke with Bill Sweatt in effort to bring the free agent forward to St. Louis.
The Hockey News via twitter: An NHL executive said the rule changes that are the likeliest to be approved are: 1. Modified icing 2. Shallower nets 3. 3-3 OT and 4. No line change on offsides.
Lyle ‘Spector’ Richardson of FoxSports: The length of contracts wanted by teams and remaining restricted free agents is making it harder for them to come to terms. Bobby Ryan is looking for 3 years, Ducks want 5. The Stars are offering 2 years to James Neal, he’d like a longer deal (and probably more money than the $2.5 a season they were offering). Carey Price is after 2 years, the Canadiens offered 5.
Mitchell and Bieksa rumors … Could Chara get 10 years? Blues interested in Sweatt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 17th, 2010
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Willie Mitchell has worked out for the Kings, Sharks, and Canucks. Capitals next. No confirmation on LA offer.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: No hometown discount for Mitchell and the Canucks, especially if the Kings may be offering a 2 year deal.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis would like to keep Mitchell, and he’d like to stay, but he may not get the best deal from Vancouver.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika is asked about the possibility of the Stars going after Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa will make $3.75 million this season, and the Canucks are close to the cap and may not want to take much salary back. The Stars are on a tight internal budget and it might not fit well, plus he’d on the last year of his deal. They would have up a good young prospect for him.
- Sports-Express: Alexander Shapiro is reporting that the Devils have offered Ilya Kovalchuk a contract for over 10 years. It could clear up in the next few days.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Kovalchuk contract rejection (and other investigations) could impact the contract extension for Zdeno Chara. The 33-year old Chara will be a free agent after this season, and given his dedication to fitness, it wouldn’t be a shock if he were able to sign a 10-year contract and play until he’s 43. A 10-year deal could be cap friendly with not a huge drop off at the end. Would the NHL go for it? The 2 sides have talked, and would like to get something done before the season, but it isn’t a necessity. The Flyers, Sharks and Capitals could be interested in Antti Niemi.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues interested in Bill Sweatt but won’t be meeting this week.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: As of mid yesterday afternoon, Penguins hadn’t connected Bill Sweatt.
- Andreas Liden of St.ru: Freddy Modin is heading back to his Columbus home, is still looking for a new team to play for this year.
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