Posts Tagged Dan Hamhuis
Who is the #1 goalie in Ottawa? Vancouver defensive pairings … “Chihauhua leash” for some Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2010
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Friday is the Ottawa Senators 1st game of the season, and it’s not known who their starting goalie will be. Coach Cory Clouston knows, but isn’t telling until Friday morning. “Elliott played three games and had a 3.24 GAA to go along with a .882 save percentage, while Leclaire had a 4.43 GAA and an even uglier .856 GAA.”
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Minnesota Wild will not be putting in a claim for Michael Grabner, who was put on waivers yesterday by the Florida Panthers.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Miroslav Satan signs with a Slovakian team, but has an out clause if the NHL comes calling.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Kevin Bieksa, who was rumored to be traded for most of the summer, finds himself on the number one defensive unit with Dan Hamhuis. Christian Ehrhoff and Alex Edler on the 2nd pairing, and Keith Ballard (had off-season hip surgery) with Andrew Alberts.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: John Mitchell is on a “chihuahua leash” after remaining with the club due to past play and not pre-season play, as Luca Caputi and mainly Christian Hanson outplayed him. Mitchell would have to clear waivers, and could snatched by someone. The same leash may be around Jeff Finger’s neck, he’s currently the team’s 7th defenseman. That may change soon as Brett Lebda and Matt Lashoff are recovering from injury. Roman Hamrlik, who’s been recovering from an off-season knee injury, skated with the team yesterday, and could be a go on Thursday.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres currently have 26 players still in camp, and have until tomorrow to get down to 23. Marc-Andre Gragnani will be placed on IR, and if Patrick Lalime’s is over his groin injury, they’ll only need to make a decision on 1 player. Tomas Vanek should be ready for Friday’s opener, suffered a head/neck injury last week. Forward Matt Ellis is a likely candidate to be sent to Portland of the AHL, he’d have to clear through waivers first and there is a chance someone would claim him.
It’s a slow start to the morning so far, check back often as we’ll continue to bring updates all day long. You can also follow on twitter, receiving updates as to when new entries are posted.
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.
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.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers in the market for a backup goalie and their primary target is Johan Hedberg.
- 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.
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.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues have been talking with defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and Mike Weaver, but all sides don’t appear to be close and they will probably hit the open market.
- 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.
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.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: There hasn’t been much progress between Dan Hamhuis and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The sides continue to talk, but they may not get a deal done by tomorrow.
- 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.
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.
Twitter quick hit rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2010
1st round draft results at myNHLdraft.com
James Mirtle via Twitter: The Philadelphia Flyers trade the rights to Dan Hamhuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2011 3rd round pick.
Tim Panaccio via Twitter: 2 teams are in on Evgeni Nabokov`s rights. The Flyers are one team.
Chris Botta via Twitter: Islanders looking to acquire another 1st round pick.
Greg Wyshynski via Twitter: Bryan Murray said there is nothing new on Jason Spezza.
Mark Spector via Twitter: Vancouver gives up Steve Bernier, Michael Grabner and 25th pick for Keith Ballard and a prospect, Oreskovich. (If the player that Vancouver wants is still available at 25, it will be adjusted to a 2011 1st round pick.) ***Trade Official***
Mark Spector via Twitter: More confirmation that the #2 pick “is in play”, “Tambellini stalking”.
Andy Stricklan via Twitter: Edmonton would sent Hemsky to Boston for #2, but Boston would have move out Savard.
Andy Strickland via Twitter: Strickland hearing Ballard to Vancouver for 25th overall.
Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Looks like Keith Ballard is heading to Vancouver.
Mike Russo via Twitter: The Minnesota Wild are talking with the Boston Bruins. Possibily a Forward/Dman going to the Wild for a Dman.
NHL Sources Say via Twitter: Columbus and Oilers talking … about #4?
I’ll continue to add some rumors/notes during the draft when I can. I can’t wait for this Taylor or Tyler comparison to stop, I’ve heard enough of it.
1st Round Draft picks available … Hamhuis-Flyers talks not going well … Hamhuis to Vancouver?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2010
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: The Maple Leafs are to meet with Nikolai Kulemin’s agent this weekend. If he’s looking for $3 million or more, he won’t get it from the Leafs. The $2-2.5 million range may be what the Leafs are thinking.
- TSN: The list of available 1st round picks continues to grow. According to various sources, picks available are: #4 Columbus Blue Jackets, #5 New York Islanders, #8 Atlanta Thrashers, #15 Florida Panthers, and #22 Phoenix Coyotes (looking for a young player and a picks, or a package of picks). Toronto has multiple offers for Kaberle, but none are good enough yet. Ribeiro and his $5 million cap hit for the next 3 years can be had.
- Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Dan Hamhuis and the Philadelphia Flyers are not close on a deal, he could end up going to free agency.
- Darren Dregar via Twitter: The Flyers may trade rights to Dan Hamhuis to Vancouver.
- Frank Seravelli via Twitter: Seravelli talked with one of his sources who said the “Flyers are NOT testing waters for Hamhuis’ rights.” They are still hoping to get a deal done.
- Steve McFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Flames need to find some scoring help. They might have to use a Robyn Regehr or Ian White to get an offensive player like Marc Savard (I don’t know why they’d want to add Marc Savard as their #1 center when they have Matt Stajan for another 4 years at $14 million … evil grin). They are without a pick in the top 2 rounds, but do have next year’s 1st rounder, as well as 2 3rd round pick, and 2 4th round picks this year. They could package some picks to move up.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Trade talks with the Minnesota Wild have been player-for-player, as he’s not looking to trade roster players for draft picks. Trade bait the Wild have are Brent Burns, Nick Schultz and Josh Harding. The Wild don’t appear to have interest in Mark Savard, Jason Spezza or Mike Ribeiro.
Penguins in negotiations with Gonchar … Devils still hope to sign Kovalchuk and Martin after Arnott trade
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 20th, 2010
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Talks between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sergei Gonchar have now turned to negotiations. Both sides will meet again on Monday. Gonchar is looking or a multi-year deal, and may not consider taking a pay cut from the $5 million he made last season.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Even with the acquisition of Jason Arnott and his $4.5 million salary, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello still thinks it’s possible to re-sign Paul Martin and Ilya Kovalchuk.
“No. You have to do other things to make room,” the GM said. “We didn’t win. We’re going to have to make some changes. There are going to be some changes that might surprise some people.
“We definitely will do everything we can. The priority right now is to get David Clarkson signed and Paul Martin signed. And we’ll see what Ilya Kovalchuk’s thought process is.”
If they are able to re-sign Kovalchuk, they will have to make some deals to get rid of some contracts.
- Tim Panaccio of the CSN: Talks between the Flyers and newly acquired Dan Hamhuis are scheduled for Monday.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets are expecting to hold on to their 4th overall pick, but they are listening to offers. If they were to trade it, they’d like stay in the top 9. Two players they may target if they move down are Austin Watson and Jeff Skinner, both have had private meeting with the club.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: With the trading of Lars Eller, the probable departure of Paul Kariya and the retirement of Keith Tkachuk, the Blues may be lacking the depth upfront. The Blues will be looking for some scoring help.
- Jeremy Rutherord of St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Montreal Canadiens went right after Lars Eller when talks with St. Louis started about Halak. They project Eller to be a second line center, and he could be with the big club next season.
Dan Hamhuis traded to the Philadelphia Flyers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 19th, 2010
TSN: Well so much for the any interest the Maple Leafs had in signing Dan Hamhuis. The Nashville Predators have sent unrestricted free agent defenseman Dan Hamhuis to the Philadelphia Flyers, along with a conditional 2011 7th round pick, for defenseman Ryan Parent.
If Philadelphia doesn’t sign Hamhuis, the 7th round pick will be transferred to the Flyers. If Philadelphia isn’t able to sign him, and trades his rights, Nashville keeps the pick. Obviously, the Flyers have every intention to sign him. They showed interest in trading for him at the trade deadline.
Hamhuis recorded 24 points in 78 games, and will give the Flyers one of the better defensive corps in the league. In 483 games, he’s scored 32 goals and added 129 assists for 161 points.
Ryan Parent was originally drafted by the Predators in 2005, 18th overall, but went to Philadelphia along with Scottie Upshaw and a 1st and 3rd round pick in 2007 for Peter Forsberg.
Maple Leafs interested in Hamhuis? Kovalchuk update, well sort of …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins continue to shop Tim Thomas around in hope of freeing up some cash before July 1st. The Blues had shown some interest before they acquired Halak. Other teams that could be looking for a starting goalie are Philadelphia, Washington, San Jose and Tampa. Thomas is 36-years old with 3-years left at a $5 million cap hit. The Lightning made a run at Carey Price, but the Canadiens had already decided to keep him. The Capitals are rumored to be shopping Alexander Semin around the league, looking for 2 top prospects and a pick. The Florida Panthers are shopping Nathan Horton, Rostislav Olesz, Radek Dvorak, and Keith Ballard.
- Tom Gulitti of The Record: Gulitti runs through the Ilya Kovalchuk free agent situation. Kovalchuk won’t be signing with the KHL or the New Jersey Devils before the July 1st free agent date. The Devil’s and Kovalchuk continue to talk. There is still a possibility of signing with the Devils on July 1st. His opinion of the organization has increased over time. He wants to play for a winning team, and his first choice is to stay in the NHL, with the KHL as a fall back.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It’s been well documented that the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of many teams interested in Patrick Sharp and Nathan Horton, but Cox throws out the name Dan Hamhuis. Dan Hamhuis is a UFA, Sharp and Horton would would have to be acquired through trade. What the team does with Tomas Kaberle would influence any of the above move(s).
- Tim Panaccio of CSN: The Flyers had interest in trading for Carey Price before the Canadiens shipped Halak off to St. Louis. TSN reported that the Flyers, Lightning and San Jose were interested in Halak, though Flyers GM Paul Holmgren denied it. The Flyers are uncertain if Michael Leighton could be their #1 goalie next year.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: According to James Wisniewski’s agent, they are not in talks with Anaheim, and there is the possibility that the RFA is dealt. Wisniewski is coming off a 1-year deal at $2.75 million. He had 30 points last season in 69 games, and was in the top-20 in ice time (24.:20).
- Mike Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Minnesota Wild could be open to trading the 9th overall pick in this year’s NHL draft, but it would have to be for a young player that could give them 8-10 years of solid production. The Wild have varying degrees of interest for centers Patrick Sharp, Jeff Carter, and Stephen Weiss.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: After not having much success with the Penguins after he was acquired at the trade deadline for Luca Caputi, Alexei Ponikarovsky most likely won’t be re-signed. Jay McKee probably won’t be back either. The Pens are still considering bringing back Sergei Gonchar, Jordan Leopold, Mark Eaton, Matt Cooke and Bill Guerin.
- Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The 34-year old Chris Mason was asking the St. Louis Blues for 3 years, $11.25 million.
- Helene Elliot of the LA Times: Former coach of Flyers, John Stevens, has been offered an assistant coach position from the LA Kings.
Win the Cup, get a kick to the gut …Kulemin wants to be a Maple Leaf, a $1 million apart … Broken record in Philly …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 11th, 2010
- James Duthie via Twitter: So the ‘Hawks win the cup, everyone is happy, in the back of the minds of management, they start shaking their heads …. Their salary cap issue already a problem, and now it just got worse. Jonathan Toews received a $1.3 million bonus for winning the Conn Smythe, and since they are already at this years salary cap, it gets applied to next seasons cap number.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek writes the 6,784th article on the Blackhawks cap issues for next season, with at least another 6,201 to come.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are reportedly looking in to Tomas Kaberle, and possibly Dan Hamhuis. Paul Martin is a UFA for them, but could be on his way out after making $4.5 million. Burke may be looking for a solid young player and a draft pick. New Jersey doesn’t have a 1st round pick this year (sent to Atlanta, along with one of their top prospects), their first pick is at #38.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: UFA Dan Hamhuis said there are pros and cons in playing a market like Vancouver. Hamhuis makes his off-season home in his hometown of Smithers, BC. He’s the type of player they would covet this off-season, but may have priced himself out their range. The Canucks made a pitch for him at the deadline, but wouldn’t meet the demands of the Predators. The Preds were after Cody Hodgson and a 1st round pick.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Nikolai Kulemin wants to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf, and Maple Leafs are ‘musing’ the idea of signing Tomas Kaberle to a contract extension. The 24-year old Kulemin had 36 points (mostly from playing on the “Top Line” of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak [quiet laugh]), and led the Leaf forwards hits (136) and blocked shots (41). It’s thought that Kulemin is looking for $3.5 million, the Leafs are more in the $2.5 million range. “Nikolai would like to stay in Toronto. But right now it’s between me and the general manager,” said Greenstin [Kulemin's agent]. “He’s the best two-way player right now in Maple Leafs organization. He definitely is a top-6 forward. He has a great attitude and he is leading team in blocking shots and hits.” Though an offer sheet is possible, I don’t see anyone offering $3.5 million. Offer Sheet Compensation for 2010 Restricted Free Agents.
- Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News: Broken record in Philly, though they made the finals, they need to improve their goaltending this off-season. Leighton was pulled twice in six final games, and let in the winning on a weak wrister from the dot. Hofmann thinks that only Richards, Giroux and Pronger would be untouchable, and use their other assets to get a goalie.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks Molinari if the Penguins will bring back Bill Guerin. Molinari doesn’t really answer the question, but points out the lack of scoring depth in this year’s free agent market (lame Top-25 list), and that a deal for Guerin would be short term, it might be a possibility. Another reader asks about Eric Tangradi, who Molinari says will be given every opportunity to make the club in training camp.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been given the go ahead to start light workouts. Bouchard still feels some symptoms from a concussion, and puts himself at about 85%, but hopes to be ready for training camp.
Kovalchuk to KHL? Marleau talk … Blues to go after a D-man?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Reports are floating around that Ilya Kovalchuk is signing with St. Petersburg of the KHL, but … “Don’t jump to conclusions,” warned the source at the World Championships in Germany.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: It’s unsure if the San Jose Sharks will want to bring Patrick Marleau back, but it sounds like he’d like to stay. “There’s lots of time to think about that,” Marleau said. “We love San Jose. We’ll see how every thing works out.”
- Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle: Ratto thinks the LA Kings and Calgary Flames could have an interest in Patrick Marleau. The Kings we’ve heard before, and the Flames might have trouble fitting his salary under their cap. Rob Blake could retire.
- Scott Cullen of TSN: The Blues say they are not in the market for a big free agent scorer (they tried acquiring Kovalchuk at the trade deadline), but they could look to a spend some money on a top defenseman free agent, with Cullen naming Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis as possibilities. They’ll also have to decide what they want to do between the pipes as last years starter, Chris Mason, is a UFA.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Panthers new GM, Dale Tallon, may look to his old team (Blackhawks) to help improve his new club. The ‘Hawks will be the center of plenty of rumors this summer as they will be forced to trade some of their higher price players to get under next seasons cap. Matheson thinks Tallon will go after Kris Versteeg, and possibily Dustin Byfuglien and Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks currently have 14 players under contract for $55 million next season.
- QMI Agency, Toronto Sun: The Globe and Mail reported that if the NHL can not find a new owner to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale by Dec. 31st, the league has a ‘bona-fide offer’ to purchase the club and move it Winnipeg. The city of Glendale agreed on Friday that they would cover up to $25 million in team losses during the 2011-12 season if a new owner can’t be found before hand. True North Sports and Entertainment is the name of the group that is interested in moving the team to Winnipeg.
Extension for Backstrom today? Kicking tires on Miller? yeah right … Time to trade Malkin? Tim Tomas for Brian Campbell?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2010
- TSN: There is a good chance that Nicklas Backstrom will be signing a long term contract extension with Washington Capitals this morning. The Capitals are only saying, “significant player-related announcement” is coming on Monday.
- George Malik of MLive: Rob Parker of WDIV’s Sports Final Edition did a terrible job trying to create a rumor involving the Red Wings, saying they will kick tires on acquiring Ryan Miller. Okay Rob. I don’t know what say about this other than; is Rob Parker, Eklund ‘the anonymous hockey blogger’?
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM, Ken Holland will begin working towards signing some of their free agents. Tomas Holmstrom is slam dunk to re-sign with the Red Wings, Todd Bertuzzi is a good possibiliy. They also have an interest in re-signing Andreas Lilja at a lower salary from the $1.25 million he made this past season. Don’t count on seeing Jason Williams, Brad May and Brett Lebda back in a Wings uniform next season.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi thinks the Penguins should look at moving Geno Malkin, and it would have to include a top-line winger, top 2 defenseman, 2 roster players and either 2 prospects or 2 1st round picks. He thinks re-signing Gonchar to anything more than $4 million on a multi-year deal is a risk. Mark Eaton should be re-sign at around $2 million a season. Ben Lovejoy should be re-signed. Rossi also thinks the Penguins should go after Dan Hamhuis, offering a 4 year deal at a cap hit around $3.25 million. I think it would take more the $3.25 million to get Hamhuis
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont thinks the Bruins and Blackhawks could work on a Brian Campbell – Tim Thomas deal this off-season. Thomas has 3 years and $15 million left on his deal, Campbell has 6 years left with a cap hit of $7.14 million. Mark Recchi will most likely play another season for the Bruins.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Conroy wonders if the Bruins are able to trade Tim Thomas this off-season, is Rask ready to take the reins without a safety net? If they can deal Thomas, I’m sure they’ll bring in someone to help Rask along, he’s only 23-years old.
- Adrian Date of the Denver Post: With 12 players locked up for about $28.2 million (cap number), the Colorado Avalanche have the cap room to add some significant pieces. Dater lists 3 possibilities: Ilya Kovalchuk, Dan Hamhuis, and Brian McGrattan.
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