Posts Tagged Dan Hamhuis

Dan Hamhuis Signs With The Vancouver Canucks

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010

The Vancouver Canucks have signed the highly coveted free agent defencemen Dan Hamhuis.

The deal is worth $4.5 Million, terms of the deal not released yet. I will update as the terms are available.

UPDATE: The term is reportedly for 6 years. This is a great signing for the Canucks.

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Rangers targeting Johan Hedberg … Sens options may be limited … Lightning after Mason, Martin?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Sens have to be careful spending their money this off-season. They have almost $49 million committed to 13 players, with RFAs Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, and Jesse Winchester. Players they could target: Anton Volchenkov, Sergei Gonchar, Ray Whitney, Zbynek Michalek, Kurtis Foster, and Dan Hamhuis.
  • Craig Custance via Twitter: Johan Hedberg and the Thrashers are still talking. Other options for Hedberg are Rangers, Canadiens and Devils.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Steve Yzerman may not do anything on today. He’s looking for another goalie, possibly targeting Chris Mason. Yzerman still wants to re-sign Kurtis Foster, and might have an eye on Paul Martin.

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Rumors from Leafland

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

  • Domien Cox via Twitter: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs could look at Paul Martin, ahead of Dan Hamhuis, if the bidding isn’t crazy.
  • Mark Seidel via Twitter: Raffi Torres has been telling people that he’ll be signing the Maple Leafs on July 1st.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between Nikolai Kulemin and the Maple Leafs are progressing but ‘a deal is not imminent’. Those talks have been put on hold as Nonis and Burke prepare for today. Kulemin still thinks he should be paid like a first line winger, in the $3 million range. John Mitchell, Wayne Primeau and Jamie Lundmark will hit the free agent market. The Leafs may revisit them later on if they are not signed, and other Leaf options don’t work out.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Likely targets for Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs: Colby Armstrong, Raffi Torres, and Dan Hamhuis. ‘Next in Line’ for Leafs: Manny Malhotra, Paul Martin, Aaron Asham. ‘Longshot’ Ilya Kovalchuk.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: It could be a slow free agent day for the Leafs. It’s speculated that Burke has no interest in Kovalchuk, too much money for too long of term. With a weak free agent class, Burke and Nonis seem more focused on trades. Possible free agent targets could be Matthew Lombardi, Colby Armstrong, Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin.

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Maple Leafs looking at Free Agent market … Kaberle thinks he’ll be dealt … Coyotes focusing on Zbynek Michalek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010

  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will be active when the NHL free agency period opens up tomorrow. Burke may target Dan Hamhuis, if he can’t come to terms with the Penguins by tomorrow. He could then deal a Dman or 2 for a top forward. Matthew Lombardi could be a possibility down the middle. Colby Armstrong could bring some grit, but he could look at heading back to Pittsburgh (plus he will most likely want too much money). Burke has said again he isn’t interested in Kovalchuk.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: “It seems I will probably be dealt this time,” Kaberle told the Czech paper Dnes (Today). “You know, a trade may be good for me and may fill me with new energy and hunger. I do not oppose a trade. Although I love Toronto, a trade is not something I will go crazy about (if it happens.)” Kaberle went on to say he’d like to go to a team and win the Stanley Cup.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Boston Bruins won’t be that active in the free agent market, as they already have about $54 million in contracts for 2010-11. Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell, Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart, and Adam McQuaid are free agents. Paille wasn’t qualified, but continues to talk with Chiarelli. Wheeler and Stuart may be headed to arbitration, Wheeler made $2.5 million last year. The Bruins will look to trades to fill out their roster. They’re  looking for a #3 goalie (or #2 if they can move Tim Thomas) and some depth along the blueline. The Bruins inquired about a Marc Savard - Tomas Kaberle deal at the draft but were turned down.
  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: 3 potential players who may receive offer sheets: James Neal (Dal), Bobby Ryan (Ana), and Marc Staal (NYR). The Maple Leafs are said to have some interest in Marc Savard and Mike Ribeiro, but any trade may not happen for a couple weeks. The Leafs and Nikolai Kulemin are making some progress on a deal for the restricted free agent.
  • Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Phoenix Coyotes are focusing on re-signing defenseman Zbynek Michalek before the start of free agency. Michalek made $1.5 million last season, and will look to at least double it, possibly in the $4 million range. Matthew Lombardi and Lee Stempniak are other free agents for the Coyotes but it doesn’t look like they’ll be back.
  • Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: The Philadelphia Flyers could use a right winger to play on the top line with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne, or on the 3rd line with Claude Giroux and James vanRiemsdyk. The Flyers might bring back Arron Asham. Matthew Lombardi would be a good fit for the team, but he’d have to move from center to the wing. Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya could also fit, but money would play a part for them. The Flyers could have about $5-6 million to sign a goalie, dman and a forward.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: Big contracts that the Tampa Bay Lightning have may limit what they can do in the free agent market. Vinny Lecavalier, Ryan Malone, Mattias Ohlund, Andrej Meszaros and Matt Walker’s contract amount to $139.525 million  over 28 years. Each player underachieved last season. Yzerman doesn’t know his budget yet for next season (not a good thing when free agency starts tomorrow).

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Kings may look at Kovalchuk, Martin, and Hamhuis … Saku to Minny? Colaiacovo and Weaver may be done in St. Louis

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 30th, 2010

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are still the front runners to land Ilya Kovalchuk. The Kings may also look at signing Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis, if they are available. They will have to keep in mind that Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmons will be RFA next season, so they can’t let their salaries get out a whack.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are close re-signing tough guy Jody Shelley, possibly to a 2 year deal worth around $850,000 a season. Erik Christensen rejected a 2 year deal for about $1.5 million, and will become a UFA.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Despite acquiring Keith Ballard at the draft, the Vancouver Canucks are still on the lookout for defenseman. The Canucks had a terrible time last season with injuries to the blueline, so they’ll be looking for inexpensive, non-injury prone Dmen. Kevin Bieksa is a $3.75 million cap hit, is projected as their 5th defenseman, and could be moved for a ‘battle-tested forward’.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: If Saku Koivu wants to join his brother Mikko in Minnesota, it’s probably his choice. Last season the Wild offered Saku a 2-year deal worth $8 million and 3-year for $10 million, instead he took 1-year at $3.25 million. He turned down the offer because “I wanted him to have his own privacy … and make his own name and career”. The Wild could use another centerman and may talk Saku again this year.
  • Vicki hall of the Calgary Herald: Though Ales Kotalik was placed on waivers by the Calgary Flames, he may not be bought out, but the team still has the option to do so.

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10 teams after Volchenkov? Isles have a big wish list … Coburn could be a tough sign … No progress with Hamhuis

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Anton Volchenkov could have as many as 10 teams checking in with him when the free agent market opens up tomorrow. Likely suitors could be Washington, San Jose, Atlanta, Anaheim, St. Louis, and the NY Rangers. He could get a contract in the $4.5-5 million range.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks may look at some free agents for their 3rd-4th lines and a cheap, depth defenseman. They need to add some size and toughness, but the most important factor will that they are inexpensive. The ‘Hawks may end up dealing Andrew Ladd, who they’ve sent a qualifying offer too already. Possible defenseman targets could be: Sean O’Donnell, Jay McKee, Brett Lebda, Brett Clark, John Scott, and Garnet Exelby.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: The NY Islanders have about $6-8 million to spend to reach the salary cap floor. They’d like to add: a top-4 defenseman, a tough experienced 5th - 6th defenseman, a potential top-6 forward, a reliable-penalty killing bottom-6 forward, and a backup goalie.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers spent much of yesterday talking with their restricted free agents. Darroll Powe and Dan Carcillo have already been qualified. Braydon Coburn may be a trickier signing. The 25-year old made $1.3 million last season, and put up similar numbers to Kris Letang, who signed a 4 year deal with the Penguins for $3.5 million a season. One concern Dan Hamhuis had when talking to the Flyers wasn’t about money but about his role with the club, minutes he’d get.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: It doesn’t look like Paul Martin will re-sign with the Devils before tomorrow, and will test free agency. It’s still possible the Martin signs with the Devils.

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Top 25 NHL Free Agents for 2010

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on June 30th, 2010

Here is our Top 25 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents list for 2010. It has been labelled a weak crop for this years NHL unrestricted free agents, especially if you’re looking for scoring help. There are a several defenseman that should draw plenty of interest. In putting together this list, we took into consideration age, position, and likelihood of signing with a new team (ie. Nicklas Lidstrom would only sign with Detroit, so we left him off the list). Check out a complete list of 2010 NHL free agents.

Rk. Player

2009-10 Team
Pos.
Age
09-10

Cap #

 Notes
1 Ilya Kovalchuk
NJ
LW
26
$7,500,000
 ??? New Jersey, reported 15 years, $100 million.
2 Patrick Marleau
SJ
C
29
$6,300,000
 Re-signed with the Sharks. 4 years, $27.6 million.
3 Anton Volchenkov
OTT
D
27
$3,200,000
 Signs with the Devils. 6 years, $25.5 million.
4 Paul Martin
NJ
D
28
$4,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $25 million.
5 Evgeni Nabokov
PHI
G
33
$6,000,000
 Signs with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 4 years, $6 million
6 Tomas Plekanec
MON
C
26
$2,750,000
 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 6 years, $30 million.
7 Dan Hamhuis
PIT
D
26
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Canucks. 6 years, $27 million.
8 Alexander Frolov
LA
LW
27
$4,000,000
 Signs with the Rangers. 1 year, $3 million.
9 Sergei Gonchar
PIT
D
35
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Ottawa Senators. 3 years, $16.5 million.
10 Marty Turco
DAL
G
33
$5,400,000
 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1.3 million.
11 Zbynek Michalek
PHO
D
26
$1,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $20 million.
12 Alexei Ponikarovsky
PIT
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Kings. 1 year, $3 million ($3.2 mill. cap hit)
13 Matthew Lombardi
PHO
C
27
$2,350,000
 Signed with the Predators. 3 years, $10.5 million.
14 Dan Ellis
MON
G
29
$2,000,000
 Signs with the Lightning. 2 years, $3 million.
15 Dennis Seidenberg
BOS
D
27
$2,250,000
 Re-signed with the Bruins. 4 years, $13 million.
16 Pavel Kubina
ATL
D
32
$5,000,000
 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $7.7 million.
17 Chris Mason
STL
G
33
$3,000,000
 Signs with the Thrashers. 2 years, $3.7 million
18 Henrik Tallinder
BUF
D
30
$3,250,000
 Signed with the Devils. 4 years, $13.5 million.
19 Maxim Afinogenov
ATL
RW
30
$800,000
 Signed in the KHL. 5 years.
20 Toni Lydman
BUF
D
31
$3,150,000
 Signed with the Ducks. 3 years, $9 million.
21 Lee Stempniak
PHO
RW
26
$3,500,000
 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $3.8 million.
22 Olli Jokinen
NYR
C
30
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Flames. 2 years, $6 million.
23 Alex Tanguay
TB
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.7 million.
24 Willie Mitchell
VAN
D
32
$3,500,000
 Signed with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million.
25 Michael Leighton
PHI
G
28
$600,000
 Re-signed with the Flyers. 2 years, $3.1 million.

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Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Calgary Flames may also be interested in trading for Marc Savard. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be looking at free agents Dan Hamhuis and Zbynek Michalek, possibly exploring a trade for Jeff Carter before they move on to Marc Savard. Michalek may be more interested in heading to Ottawa to play with his brother. The Flames will buy out Alex Kotalik, and will cost them $1 million against the cap the for the next 4 years. If the Leafs were to deal for Savard, it probably wouldn’t happen until next week. The Leafs did not qualify John Mitchell.
  • TSN: Brian Burke was on the Fan 590 radio station yesterday. Fan 590 Audio. The Leafs have some trade options but none involve Marc Savard. They have 4 offers for Kaberle but one is “a joke”. They are not going to trade him for the best offer, but one that gives them what they need, a top 6 forward.
  • Damien Cox via Twitter: “So funny there are actual news stories saying the Leafs aren’t talking to Boston about Marc Savard. Seriously folks? Cmon.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have place Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out. Cheechoo would then be a salary cap hit of $1.165 million over the next 2 seasons. The Sens are still negotiating with Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen. They would also like to add a forward and a Dman. Shean Donovan may end up going to Europe.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dan Hamhuis spoke directly but numbers weren’t discussed. Shero discussed why he’d be a good fit, what they have, and why they’d like to have him. He told Hamhuis that “if over the next day or so he wants to move forward with that - well, let’s talk.” Shero has the option of signing him to a long term deal. Gonchar is looking for a 3 year deal at no leass than $5 million.
  • William DePaoli (InsidePittsburghSports.com) via Twitter: Colby Armstrong agent, Don Meehan, expects a stong market for his client, and is seeking a 4 year deal from a ‘hockey market’.
  • Gare Joyce of ESPN (Insider registration): Joyce runs through this years draft class and when they may be in the NHL.
    This year: Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Erik Gudbranson, Nino Niederreither, Mikael Granlund.
    Second rounders that could make it this year: John McFarland, Alexander Petrovic, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
    Maybe this year: Brett Connolly, Jeff Skinner
    Next year: Ryan Johansen, Alexander Burmistrov, Cam Fowler, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Dylan McIlrath
    2012-13: Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarsenk, Joey Hishon, Beau Bennett, Quinton Howden, Austin Watson,
    2013 and beyond: Jack Campbell, Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Jarred Tinordi, Mark Pysyk, Kevin Hayes, Mark Visentin, Charlie Coyle, Emerson Etem, and Brock Nelson.

Complete Draft Results

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NHL Free Agency Rumors to heat up

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 28th, 2010

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping to sign both Dan Hamhuis and Sergei Gonchar, loading up on their blueline and sacrificing bringing in a winger or two. Along with Gonchar and Hamhuis, they would have Brooks Orpik, Kris Letand and Alex Goligoski in their top 5. This would give an opportunity to some of their young forward, giving them a chance at claiming spot with the big club. I think the Pens would have to get both at a reasonable number (or reasonable combined number) to make this a reality.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It appears the Washington Capitals won’t be able to afford Anton Volchenkov, so they may turn their eyes to Willie Mitchell. Mitchell made about $3.5 million last season with the Canucks, and has had concussion problems. If the Penguins can’t sign Dan Hamhuis before July 1st, the Canucks are rumored to be interested in him. The St. Louis Blues and Jaroslav Halak could be talking about a deal in the $4 million range. Marty Turco could end up in San Jose for $3 million.
  • Myfoxphilly.com: While the Flyers hope to sign Evgeni Nabokov before he hits free agency, the San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested in former Flyers goalie, Michael Leighton.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets don’t expect to do much on July 1st when the free agency period opens. GM Scott Howson has a few things in mind, but won’t overpay and inturn, hurting the team in the long run. They will look to sign a 4th line center, and may look at a trade or 2 to rebuild their blueline. 5 players they could look at, at a $1 million or less are: Adam Burish, Dominic Moore, Ryan Johnson, Krys Barch and Ryan Hollweg. It might take a couple months for them to make a trade for a defenseman. The Jackets have $47.6 million tied up in 18 players, not including Nikita Filatov who is expected to be back.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: With the salary cap increasing by $2.6 million to $59.4, teams have a little more room to sign their own free agents, or keep a player or 2 they may have had to trade due to cap restraints. The Sabres would like to bring back Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman, but both may believe there is more money for them in the open market. “They’d like to come back, we’d love to have them back, but you’ve got so much money to spend — it doesn’t matter what team you are, you make decisions.” The Sabres will also be looking at the trade route, and will be buyers instead of sellers.

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Not many trades at the draft, but that could change now … Savard to Leafs?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 28th, 2010

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It appears that the Toronto Maple leafs are considering trading for Marc Savard. Savard is willing to waive his no trade clause for either Toronto or Ottawa. Savard received a concussion from a Matt Cooke hit last season, and has a cap hit of about $4 million for 7 years. His contract is front end loaded. Cox thinks it could be a risky pick up for the Leafs but one the Leafs may not be able to resist. It is speculated that if the LA Kings don’t sign Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look at Tomas Kaberle. The Lightning also showed some interest in Kaberle, and could offer up Ryan Malone.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The price to acquire Marc Savard will be much cheaper than that for Tim Thomas. Savard may not be a ‘Burke-type’ player, but adding Phil Kessel’s old center is intriguing. Burke can’t say much due to tampering rules. Kaberle is not expected to be in any talks for Savard. McGran thinks the Bruins could be talked into Mikael Grabovski. Savard’s salary and his concussion last year could bring down the price.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs won’t do a Kaberle for Savard deal. Rumors are floating around that GM Peter Chiarelli has downgraded his demands for Savard, possibly prospects and/or draft picks. Longley thinks the Leafs could get Savard for Grabovski or Nikolai Kulemin and others. Things for Kaberle could pick on later on this week for Tomas Kaberle, to land another top forward.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Ottawa Senators are unable to re-sign Andy Sutton and Anton Volchenkov, they could take a look at Sheldon Souray. Jonathan Cheechoo could be included as they’d need the cap numbers to be similar, the Oilers could then buyout Cheechoo as they have the space to absorb the cap hit. Defensemen Brian Lee and Chris Campoli may also be on the trading block. The Senators may take a look at signing Dan Hamhuis or Sergei Gonchar if they become available.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Penguins are trying to sign recently acquired UFA, Dan Hamhuis. They are also still talking Sergei Gonchar, who wants a 3 year deal, which he won’t get from Pittsburgh. If they can’t reach an agreement soon, they’ll look to trade his rights. The Devils acquired Jason Arnott a couple weeks ago in hope of getting Patrick Elias going. The Buffalo Sabres were originally looking to draft a forward, but went with Mark Pysyk. The Minnesota Wild won’t be bring Owen Nolan back next season. He’d like to finish his career in San Jose but Pittsburgh and Washington would give him a better chance to win the cup. The Washington Capitals are looking for a number 2 center in the $3.5 million range or less (I think Matthew Lombardi could be an interesting fit, though in this weak free agent crop, he may get more than $3.5 mill).
  • Damian Cristero of the St. Petersberg Times: There was talk over the weekend that the Tampa Bay Lightning showed interest in trading for Tomas Kaberle, and the rights to Evgeni Nabokov and Chris Mason. It might take a Ryan Malone to get Kaberle, which may not make sense for them. Nabokov’s rights went to the Flyers. Yzerman doesn’t expect to make a big splash in free agency, though he will be looking at adding a goalie. Options could be: Mason, Marty Turco, Michael Leighton, Dan Ellis, Martin Biron and Jose Theodore.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: While most teams shied away from the Russians at the draft, the Capitals picked up 2 of the top Russians, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stanislav Galiev. GM George McPhee believes the lure of playing with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, while give some Russians a stronger desire to play in the NHL.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Columbus GM Scott Howson on how it can be hard to make a trade at the draft, “It’s very difficult to go to a team right at the draft table and say ‘Do you want this player?’ because they haven’t thought about it and haven’t done enough work on it, so they get uncomfortable with it. They’re focused on the draft.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Teams weren’t that focused on trading/unloading players at the draft, they were more concentrated on drafting players or trading for draft picks, moving up or down.

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