Posts Tagged David Krejci

Will Southeast be buyers or sellers … Bruins could be looking for help … ‘Hawks still search for Dmen … Horton skates … Laich injured

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2012

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts looks at the Southeast Division and if teams will be buyers or sellers. GMs of Capitals, Panthers and Lightning are under pressure to make the playoffs. The Panthers are 1st in the division and have the 3rd slot, but their point total would have them in 8th. The Jets sit 6 points out are looking for scoring help. They have 7 UFAs including goalie Chris Mason and Dman Johnny Oduya. The Lightning are 9 points out, and could use a goaltender. Teams are calling about Ryan Malone and Dominic Moore. They wouldn’t mind moving Vinny Lecavalier, but he has a $7.27 million cap hit through 2020. The Wild are looking to be buyers, and could target Tuomo Ruutu. Though the asking price including a 1st round pick is likely too high for them. The Wild are also looking for a top 4 Dman.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The cost for Tuomo Ruutu will be high. The Bruins may not want to disrupt their chemistry with a trade. Nathon Horton’s health will play a part in what they do. The Sabres could use a #1 center. The Panthers may look to re-sign Jason Garrison, and to find defenseman to replace the injured Ed Jovanovski. The Canadiens have rental Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Travis Moen. The Devils are expected to hold on to Zach Parise. The Islanders have Mark Eaton and Steve Staios available, and possibly Evengi Nabokov. The Isles will look to re-sign P.A. Parenteau. The Rangers are looking for offensive help and may look at Ryan Smyth. The Senators are looking for offensive help with Tuomo Ruutu their top target. The Flyers could use a veteran defenseman, and they’ll probably be interested in Hal Gill. The Lightning may be offering up Ryan Malone, Dominic Moore, and Adam Hall. They will look at a goaltender at some point and will consider Cory Schneider, Ben Bishop, Andres Lindback and Josh Harding. The Leafs could be looking at Ruutu, Carter and Getzlaf. Though deals involving guys like Getzlaf usually happen in the summer. The Capitals could use a culture change, and could look at moving Alex Semin rather than lose him for nothing. The Jets will look to get some young assets for veterans like Johnny Oduya and possibly Ron Hainsey.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli could have a busy 3 weeks leading up to the deadline. Ray Whitney would be a perfect fit, but the Coyotes are not sellers yet. Vinny Prospal could be an option for Jordan Caron or a 2nd round pick. Tuomo Ruutu or Drew Stafford could be options as well. Along the blueline, they could look at Hal Gill, Jaroslav Spacek, Steve Staios or Milan Jurcina. Some team may take a flyer on Kings Dustin Penner
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been out since Jan. 22nd with a concussion skated yesterday. “When you see him in full practice with us, that’s going to be the next sign. Until then that’s basically all I can tell you,” Claude Julien said. “You take steps and he’s got to stay symptom-free. You go from the bike, to the ice, to contact. You’ve just got to make sure the next day, or the next few days, there’s no setbacks.”
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins shook up their lines yesterday, dropping David Krejci to center Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Caron. Chris Kelly centered Peverley and Lucic.
  • TSN: Capitals forward Brooks Laich left last night’s game and was seen after with crutches and a brace on his left knee. “I’m not a doctor, but these things sometimes there’s some swelling and you’ve got to wait to see what happens,” Laich said. “I don’t think it’s anything serious. In the past I’ve been a fast healer, so we’ll see when I wake up.”
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets made forward Eric Fehr a healthy scratch for the 1st time this season. Fehr has only 2 points in 29 games this year.

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Crosby out 2 games … Brassard will eventually be traded … Kings injury update … Booth out 4-6 weeks … Will Sutton get suspended?

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2011

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins sent a news release out yesterday that Sidney Crosby will miss the next 2 games. He didn’t feel good after taking a hit on Monday against the Bruins.

    “He saw Dr. Micky Collins of UPMC today and took an ImPACT test, which showed no problems. However, we all think it’s best that he sits out the next two games as a precaution,” Pens GM Ray Shero said in a release.

    “We’re being cautious and keeping in mind he was off for a long time,’’ Shero later told ESPN.com via text message before a flight Wednesday evening. “Take a step back here and see how he feels in a few days.’’

    Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will probably trade Derick Brassard at some point. His career has stalled in Columbus and his agent sounded off on the coaching staff. Brassard has been a healthy scratch for 8 of the last 12 games. His trade value is not high at the moment. His $3.2 million cap hit may look better as the season goes on.

  • Pierre LeBrun chat on ESPN: LeBrun thinks if/when the NHL does decide to expand, another Toronto team, Quebec City and Seattle could work. Devils winger Zach Parise is not available for trade at the moment, but that could change later. Bobby Ryan could go back on the trade market if the Ducks continue to struggle. If Parise does become available, the Kings would be interested. Flames GM Jay Feaster wants to blow up the team but he has a dozen no-trade clauses to deal with.
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Alec Martinez is fully cleared and is able to return to the lineup when ever the coaches decide to insert him. Winger Justin Williams status for today is not known, he took a shot off his hand. Willie Mitchell’s status for tonight could be decided this morning. Murray did say that both Martinez and Mitchell won’t return tonight. Center Mike Richards hasn’t skated since last Thursday: Murray said: “Richards is progressing. That’s all I can say. That’s all I know, really. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self.’’
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger David Booth sprained his MCL on a knee-on-knee hit from the Avs Kevin Porter, and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Vigneault confirmed that Roberto Luongo will start in net tonight in Montreal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Porter has a hearing with Brendan Shanahan today for the hit.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is about a week away from returning from his high ankle sprain. “I had no clue what it would take,” said Armstrong. “It’s a battle. It’s a lingering bitch of an injury. But as soon as they let me go, I can’t wait to get out.”
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius will be out weeks with a groin injury. He’s been out 68 of the last 92 Blue Jackets games.
  • Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton could be looking at another suspension after his hit on Hurricanes Alexei Ponikarovsky. Do you think he’ll get suspended? How many games?

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Afternoon notes on Iginla, Sarich, Giordano, Krejci, Richards, Walker, Hamrlik, Huselius, Brown, Franson, Reimer and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 2nd, 2011

  • Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster denies the rumors that Jarome Iginla has been asked to waive his no-trade clause. David Amber via twitter: Since the Flames are at the bottom of the standings and Mark Giordano is out indefinitely, IF Amber was the GM, he’d ask Iginla to waive his no-trade and do a rebuild.
  • Jermain Franklin via twitter: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano is out indefinitely with ruptured tendons in his leg. He’ll be re-evaluated in 3 weeks, where he’ll get another MRI.
  • James Murphy via twitter: Murphy notes that just because David Krejci has signed for 3 years, doesn’t mean that he won’t be traded by the end of the deal.
  • Mark Masters via twitter: Leafs coach Ron Wilson thinks that defenseman Cody Franson will be in the lineup on Saturday.
  • Brian McNally via twitter: Lines at Capitals practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer. Semin-JOhansson-Knuble/Eakin. Chimera-Laich-Ward. Hendricks-Perreault-Halpern.
  • David Alter via twitter: Lines at Maple Leafs practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Frattin-Connolly-MacArthur, Crabb-Grabovski-Kulemin, Dupuis-Colborne-Steckel, extras, Orr, Rosehhill.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils tonight. Johan Hedberg will start on Saturday.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubynk will start in net for the Oilers tonight. Nikolai Khabibulin will start tomorrow against the Flames.

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Bobby Ryan trade rumors likely over … Ryan off the market

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 1st, 2011

So with the Ducks firing Randy Carlyle and hiring Bruce Boudreau, the Bobby Ryan trade rumors are likely over. Unless they get blown away by an offer, he’s likely staying in Anaheim.

Dec. 2nd

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers never reached the stage in negotiations where they made the Ducks an offer for Bobby Ryan. The Ducks never identified the players they wanted from the Rangers. Rangers GM never gave a concrete proposal, though he established the “general parameters” of what they could be willing to send to Anaheim. If the Ducks decide to later this season that they want to trade Ryan and they are looking for 2 prime roster players, a prospect and draft pick, the Rangers won’t be interested.

Dec. 1st

4:10 PM:

Nick Kypreos via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray has told Bobby Ryan he’s off the trade market today. Ryan’s desire to be moved is no longer an issue.

2:10 PM:

Larry Brooks via twitter: Brooks was told Anaheim didn’t make specific requests to Rangers/teams but asked for trade offers, then for better ones.

Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson can’t understand why the Ducks would want to part with Ryan. Every team is looking for a player like Ryan, and they have the real Ryan.

1:10 PM:

Chris Botta via twitter: Despite the coaching change, the Ducks are considering trading Ryan and others.

Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside: Both Burnside and LeBrun would be surprised if Ryan is moved in the short term. The coaching change has bought Murray some time. LeBrun thinks there is a chance he could be moved at some point if Murray gets the deal he wants for him.

10:00 AM – most of the notes mentioned for today were made before Carlyle was fired.

  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bob McKenzie said on TSN last night the Sabres, Predators, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Canucks and Capitals COULD be interested in Ryan.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: A team that was interested in Ryan said last night that based on the asking price, a coaching change was more likely.
  • John Boruk via twitter: Don’t assume that the Rangers or any other team would have to “unload the farm” for Ryan. Someone willing to give up 1st round picks could get him.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins forward David Krejci on Ryan trade rumors: “I love the city. I love the team. Everybody gets along. Were winning. I want to stay here”
  • Luke DeCock via twitter: The Hurricanes may not have the ammo to make a deal for Ryan if they do want to move him.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t see how the Rangers are the front-runners Ryan if Staal, McDonagh, Girardi and Sauer are untouchable.

Nov. 30th

7:45 PM:

  • John Boruk via twitter: Source close to Anaheim situation is saying that a Bobby Ryan trade is imminent, with talks having been ongoing for weeks. The Flyers are not involved, and the Rangers may be the front runners. A trade “could” be done by the end of the week. Tampa Bay is also showing interest.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ryan practiced with the 3rd line today, and is expected to start there tonight.

    “We’ve talked about moving Bobby and not moving Bobby off of that line,” Carlyle explained. “We still think that that group is going to have to play together for an extended period of time. Because you make a change for one game or two games, there’s nothing etched in stone.”

    Randy Carlyle talked to Ryan this morning and later said:

    “He has to find that inner peace in himself to deal with it,” Carlyle said. “When you go through situations in which we’re going through right now, these are the things that do come up.”

2:40 PM:

  • Chris Botta via twitter: It may not be a Bobby Ryan deal, but the Ducks and Sabres are discussing a possible trade.

10:15 AM:

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Bobby Ryan is aware of the trade rumors surrounding him, and that he could be on his way out. “I wouldn’t be surprised,” Ryan told the Register on Tuesday. “That’s all I’ll say about that.” Ducks GM Bob Murray added: “at any time if we get offered a deal on any player that makes this team better, we would have to take a long, hard look at that.” Ryan added: “If they feel like the Ducks are going to get better and I’m going to get chance to play somewhere else, I guess I would. But I’m certainly not thinking about it day in and day out.”
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: A sources confirms the Ducks are listening to offer for Bobby Ryan. Another source added: “they’re listening on a lot of guys. They have to at this point.” It’s not that the Ducks are shopping Ryan, but teams are calling about him. The Hurricanes and Ducks have talked about Ryan. A deal with anyone would likely involve a young defenseman, young forward and a high draft pick.
  • Sportsnet.ca: 6 teams that need Bobby Ryan: Maple Leafs, Rangers, Flames, Flyers, Devils and Panthers.

Nov. 29th – 8:13 PM:

  • Brian Huddle via twitter: Huddle made note that Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 said that Anaheim would be looking for a #2 center, Top 4 defenseman, and a 1st/prospect for Bobby Ryan.
  • TSN 1050 Audio: Bob McKenzie talks about the Bobby Ryan rumours, the Burke era in Toronto, the Max Pacioretty suspension.
  • TSN 1050 Audio: Darren Dreger talks with possible Ron Wilson contract extension, rumours surrounding Bobby Ryan, Randy Carlyle and Jarome Iginla.

2:36 PM:

  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Bobby Ryan is skating at the Ducks practice and has been told there is absolutely nothing imminent with him.
  • Gus Katsaros via twitter: A Ryan trade would likely fetch a Kessel type return, 2 first round picks ++. Katsaros adds “There’s also something strange about moving a player of Ryan’s ability to build depth. Especially mid-season. #doesntmakesense.”
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: A source has said the Rangers have had preliminary talks with the Ducks about Ryan. Their level of interest or ability to make a deal is unclear. It could just be “tire-kicking” or it could be more. The Rangers wouldn’t trade Derek Stepan or Ryan McDonagh, among others. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: To fit Ryan in, the Rangers would have to clear $5 million. The Ducks aren’t taking Wojtek Wolski back. Bernstein doesn’t think they have the assets, and not a good match.
  • BD Galiof via twitter: If Ryan is for sale, can guarantee that Islanders GM Garth Snow has had a conversation.
  • Dustin Leed via twitter: When talking to people, it’s all about a defenseman for the Flyers. ‘Interest’ in Ryan has always been there for the Flyers though.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Leafs and every other team should be interested in Ryan. He thinks it would take a young defenseman, maybe one of Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarson or Cody Franson. Stuart Percy is a young blueliner they may like. Nazem Kadri could be included. Nikolai Kulemin might make sense despite his off year. A 2012 1st round pick could also come into play. Cox then packages Kulemin and Franson for Ryan or Schenn and Kadri for Ryan.

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David Krejci signs a 3 year extension with the Bruins

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on December 1st, 2011

The Boston Bruins have locked up center David Krejci for 3 years at $15.75 million, a salary cap hit of $5.25 million. Krejci was set to be a RFA after the season. He was in the last season of a deal that carried a $3.75 million cap hit.

Krejci was drafted by the Bruins in the 2nd round (63rd overall) in the 2004 draft.

He has struggled at times this season, so this deal is a little surprising that it happened this early in the season. It also seems like a lot of money for a player who may be their 3rd best center behind Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin.

Darren Dreger via twitter: Krejci gets a modified no-trade clause in the last 2 years of the deal, a 6 team no trade list.

Joe Haggerty via twitter: Krejci’s contract was signed yesterday afternoon.

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Hall out 2-4 weeks … Rask likely staying, Bruins could explore Krejci’s value … Ducks shopping Ryan … Gauthier scouting LA-SJ … injury updates

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 29th, 2011

  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Taylor Hall will be out 2 to 4 weeks with a left shoulder injury.

    “I thought I was going to be out for a shorter period of time,” he said, “but two to four weeks isn’t bad. It’s not like I’m missing a huge chunk of games, where it would take me three to four games to really get back into the swing of things.

    “I want to get back as quick as I can, obviously. I just have to try and rehab it as quick as possible .. make it as strong as possible.”

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Other coaching situations to watch are in Calgary, Anaheim and Colorado. Eric Francis reported over the weekend that there won’t any changes in Calgary. The Ducks budget is stretched, which may may be evident in them passing up on Blake Comeau and his pro-rated $2.5 million salary. Flames GM Jay Feaster on Jarome Iginla: “He is part of the solution…We are not trading him.” The Wild and Predators made claims on Comeau, who the Flames ended up getting. The Islanders didn’t want to take on any salary in a Comeau trade, so they put him on waivers.
  • James Murphy of ESPN: Murphy doesn’t think the Bruins are considering trading Tuukka Rask now or in the near future. He is their future starting goalie. David Krejci will be a UFA at seasons end, but he may not able to expect “big money.” Murphy thinks that if Krejci continues to be average, they could explore what his trade value is, though he doesn’t think they’ll give up on him yet. Murphy doesn’t know if the Bruins have held contract talks with Chris Kelly.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Bobby Ryan found himself practicing with the 3rd line yesterday along with Ben Maxwell and Niklas Hagman. Matt Beleskey was on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Ducks backup Dan Ellis had an ultrasound yesterday on his groin injury.
  • Luke DeCock: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford acknowledged that their budget woes cost them the ability to get/keep veteran leadership. He mentioned Eric Cole and Ray Whitney.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Even with the possible return of Penner on Thursday, Terry Murray’s comments sounded like Dustin Brown could see more time at left wing.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defensemen Tobias Enstrom and Randy Jones are back skating. Enstrom is expected to be out until after Christmas. Jones could be 8 or 9 days away. Brett Festerling and Derek Meech are out indefinitely. Ron Hainsey hasn’t been able to go since last Wednesday.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: With Cory Schneider starting for the Canucks tonight, it makes a strong statement that he could be the number 1 goalie in Vancouver.

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Trade groundwork has been laid … Time running short for Turris … Devils and Kings talking … Krejci odd man out … Filatov on his way out

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 17th, 2011

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams are closing in on the point where they know what they have and what they may need. Blue GM Doug Armstrong:

    “A lot of groundwork has been laid and (Tuesday) was more putting fertilizer on some of those seeds you planted to see what happens. You get more work done when you’re in the room with 30 people than trying to pick up the phone 30 different times.”

    Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster:

    “We have a lot of work to do,” Flames GM Jay Feaster said. “We’re not happy where we are. We need to improve in a lot of areas. This isn’t acceptable to be where we are right now.”

    The Hurricanes are 1-5-0 in their last 6 and are in need of a shakeup. The Islanders have dropped to last in the Eastern Conference. The Jets may be thinking long-term and have 2 UFA’s in Chris Mason and Johnny Oduya. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff:

    “I’m not a big believer on putting deadlines on anything,” he said. “You make decisions based on what the right timing is for you. The league puts a lot of deadlines on you for signing guys or trading deadlines, so you certainly have parameters. But I’m not going to put any deadlines on it.”

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The NHL board of governors will vote on realignment at the Dec. 5th-6th meetings. The Wings would like to move to the Eastern Conference, or at least play home-and-homes with the other Conference. Western Conference teams don’t want to see the Red Wings move to the East. Coyotes GM Don Maloney reiterated his stance with Kyle Turris.

    “For the 15-hundredth time, we have no intention of trading him, regardless of the offer, at all whatsoever,” Maloney told ESPN.com.

    Turris has 1 and 2 year offers from the Coyotes sitting on the table. The Blue Jackets have intensified their efforts to get a goalie. Antero Niittymaki won’t be back for another 3-4 weeks, but could be on the move at some point. Teams have inquired to see if he’s available.

  • The Fourth Period: The LA Kings and NJ Devils maybe talking trade, they are both scouting each other. The Devils have been interested in Jonathan Bernier in the past, but sources close to the Kings have said they are not interested in trading Bernier at this moment, unless blown away by an offer. The Devils may also be looking for some scoring help, but that help likely isn’t coming from the Kings, unless they are interested in Dustin Penner. Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson could be trade candidates as well.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson notes the Predators have positioned themselves well to retain both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. They may be able to get Suter in the 7 years for $49 million range and Weber for 6 or 5 years at $7.5 million. Matheson doesn’t see them trading either defenseman and wouldn’t be surprised if Alexander Radulov returns to Nashville next season. Matheson also thinks that if Linus Omark isn’t called up in the next month, he’ll head back to Europe.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Haggerty thinks that David Krejci could be the odd guy out in Boston with Bergeron and Seguin down the middle. The Bruins aren’t sure he’s a $5 million a year guy.
  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has said again that he is not interested in Marty Turco. Names on Burke’s radar could be Scott Clemmensen (FLA), Evgeni Nabokov (NYI) and Antero Niittymaki (SJ). Saturday will mark 4 weeks since James Reimer has hit by Brian Gionta. Ben Scrivens will start tonight, marking his 6th start in the last 7 games.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein wonders if it’s time for the Trent Hunter experiment in LA to end, and to bring up a young speedy forward.
  • Tim Sassone via twitter: If Blackhawks Rostislav Olesz is sent to the minors, they’ll have $6.95 million in cap space. Plenty of room for a center and/or a power play QB.

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Hitchcock replaces Payne in St. Louis … Wild free agent and trade notes … Reimer-Scrivens could be 1A-1B next year … What is Nash worth?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 7th, 2011

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Ken Hitchcock has been named the St. Louis Blues head coach after the team fired Davis Payne yesterday. Hitchcock agreed to a contract through the end of next season. The Blues assistant coaches are expected to remain. The Blues are off to a 6-7 start. John Shannon via twitter: Confirmed that Blues asked the Blue Jackets permission to speak with Hitchcock yesterday afternoon, so everything moved quickly. Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland notes that GM Armstrong wouldn’t make this decision on a whim and obviously had Hitchcock on his mind for awhile.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was injured in Friday’s game. He suffered an upper-body injury and was unable to go last night. Forward Ryan Malone left yesterday’s game in the 2nd period with an upper-body injury and his status for Wednesday is uncertain.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Russo thinks that with $9 million in cap space this season, the Wild have the trade deadline flexibility and flexibility for free agent signings. He thinks the Wild will pursue Zach Parise if he becomes a free agent. If the Wild are to trade a defenseman this year, it could be Greg Zanon. The Wild would like to be moved to the Central division when realignment takes place. If Josh Harding is the heir apparent to Backstrom (UFA after next season), they’ll re-sign Harding (RFA after this season), continue to develop Matt Hackett and Darcy Kuemper and trade one of them.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Follower thinks that Krejci, Knight and a 2nd rounder would be enough for Rick Nash. Dupont doesn’t think so, a “player, prospect, and pick won’t do it.”
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks the Maple Leafs may be moving towards a James Reimer and Ben Scrivens – 1A and 1B duo for next season. Jonas Gustavsson will be a UFA at the end of the season. Gustavsson is on a  1-way deal so he’ll likely be sticking around this season.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Lines at Kings practice yesterday: Gagne-Kopitar-Williams, Penner-Richards-Brown, Clifford-Stoll-Parse, Moreau-Lewis-Richardson

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Zibanejad going back to Sweden … Ducks holding pat … Connolly skates with Kessel-Lupul … Pacioretty could play tomorrow … Whitney out 1-2 weeks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 26th, 2011

  • Ken Warren via twitter: Senators 2011 1st round pick Mika Zibanejad will be heading back to Sweden for the season.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks GM Bob Murray doesn’t plan on making a move just yet. He doesn’t want to make a panic move 8 games into the season. They’ll continue to give some young guys a chance. “We’re going to give them time,” Murray said. “Seven or eight games is not fair. You wait until the 20-game mark and say, ‘OK, where are we with them and what’s going on.’”
  • Jonas Siegel via twitter: Tim Connolly is skating with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Bozak with Frattin and Lombardi. Steckel with Brown and Dupuis. James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs return Ben Scrivens to the AHL. They are still one player over the limit. Nazem Kadri appears to be the odd man out if Connolly returns tomorrow.
  • Randy Spotrak via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross said he’ll be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Avalanche.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that Matthew Hulsizer may have pulled his original offer to by the Blues off the table, but has not walked away from buying the team. He may not buy the team in the $185 million range that was reported earlier.

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Injury notes on Carter, Whitney, Kesler, Malkin, Hossa, Krejci, DiPietro, Gonchar, Penner, Kennedy, Havlat, McDonald and Neuvirth

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 17th, 2011

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Stars.

    “It’s a little hairline crack in his foot where he took a shot,” Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said. “It’s an old injury. We’ll see where it’s at. It’s on the top (of the foot). We’re hoping it won’t be too long here. He’s questionable for Tuesday, but we might get him back for the weekend (vs. Detroit, vs. Ottawa). The ones on top you can sometimes play through.”

  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will not be in the lineup tonight. It will be tomorrow or Thursday for sure.
  • NHL.com: Evgeni Malkin did not travel with the Penguins on their 2 game road trip as he has soreness in his surgically repaired right knee. He’ll be re-evaluated before Thursday’s game.
  • Brian Hedger via twitter: Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa is questionable for tomorrow night against Phoenix. He will make the trip with the team.
  • Joe McDonald of ESPN: Bruins forward David Krejci did not practice today due to his ‘core injury.’ Defensemen Adam McQuaid and Steven Kampfer practiced.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson is not at practice for personal reasons. He is expected back tomorrow. Sergei Gonchar is day-to-day with a bruised ankle. Bobby Butler may go on the IR with a groin injury.
  • David Pollak via twitter: Sharks forward Martin Havlat won’t talk to doctors until Wednesday for clearance, but McLellan expects him to be in the lineup on Friday.
  • Brian McNally of the Examiner: Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth only lasted 20 minutes at practice today. Neuvirth has been battling a right foot injury. “It’s big bruise and trying to ice it,” Neuvirth said. “It’s a lot of pain when I’m putting my skates on, and that’s the worst. I can’t really push on the ice or anything like that. I feel a lot of pain right now.” Lines at practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer, Semin-Johansson-Knuble, Chimera-Laich-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Halpern.
  • Slava Malamud via twitter: (answering some of my questions) Malamud would be surprised if Vladimir Tarasenko doesn’t leave the KHL to join the Blues next year, but you can’t rule out the SKA’s “fleet of cash trucks.” Alexander Radulov wants to play for SKA. If he doesn’t get traded/extended during the season, it will be an interested summer for him. He’s attracted to “Money, big city, glamour, the works” that SKA can offer.

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Krejci injured … Players who may be traded … Turris may want trade … Habs injuries … Kronwall-Wings talking … No date for Crosby

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 12th, 2011

  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins center David Krejci left practice yesterday with an apparent leg injury. Krejci was in the middle of a drill when he pulled up and hunched over in pain. He’ll miss tonight’s game and according to the team: “Krejci will continue to be evaluated by the team’s medical staff in Boston and his status for Saturday’s game in Chicago will be determined later in the week.” Tyler Seguin is likely to take his place between Lucic and Horton.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance creates a list of 10 players who he thinks may be traded sometime during the season, 1. Zach Parise, 2. Kyle Turris, 3. Cory Schneider, 4. Sergei Gonchar, 5. Filip Kuba, 6. Evgeni Nabokov, 7. Tyler Bozak, 8. Sam Gagner, 9. Ales Hemsky, 10. Ryan Suter.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Coyotes Don Maloney re-iterated that he won’t trade Kyle Turris, and that if he wants to play this year, he be playing in Phoenix. After Friedman talked to a few people, it sounds like “Turris wants to be traded.”  Another GM says he’d sign a reasonable contract with another team. The Coyotes would match any reasonable contracts. If Turris isn’t signed by Dec. 1st, he is ineligible to play this year. Maloney would like to follow the “Keith Yandle model. After his entry-level deal he signed for 2  year, $2.4 million contract before he got a big 5 year, $26 million deal. Calgary would be interested if Turris became available but they may not have the prospects to get it done. One GM on Nashville situation with needing to sign Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter: “David Poile plays his cards very tightly. I don’t know what he’s going to do. But I’m preparing as if one of those players is going to become available [by trade].”
  • Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild will know by noon if someone has claimed Eric Nystrom off re-entry waivers for half his $1.4 million salary. If he clears, they’ll have to make a roster move by before 4 today. They could make a trade, put someone on IR, or reassign someone who doesn’t require waivers. Players that don’t have to pass through waivers are Marco Scandella (not likely), Brett Bulmer, and Jared Spurgeon.
  • CP in the Globe and Mail: Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri will miss 10 to 14 days with a deep cut on his leg, no muscle or tendon was cut. Jaroslav Spacek will be out up to 3 weeks. They are also without forward Ryan White and defenseman Chris Campoli and Andrei Markov.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: JP Dumont will wait a couple more weeks to see if there is any interest from an NHL team. European teams are interested.
  • Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler skated for over an hour yesterday. There was no update but they are still looking at a 18th or 20th return date.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Red Wings and Niklas Kronwall continued negotiations yesterday, progress was made but it’s a slow moving process.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Ryan Whitney doesn’t know when he’ll play. He’s not pain free but it’s been manageable for about a week.
  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Sidney Crosby: “Closer than I was yesterday, I can’t give you a date, I’d love them to tell me a date I could come back and play, but right now it’s the same. … It’s never fun watching, it’s nice to be getting closer, it’s nice going out there and going hard and not have anything that’s really worried me (for the last couple of weeks).”

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Kane anxious for season … Bruins seeing what Marchand’s trade value is … Krejci and Bruins talking extension … Canucks have top 6 spot open

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 11th, 2011

  • Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane still has his cast on his left wrist, but is sure he’ll be ready for the season opener.

    ‘‘It’s been a long time, and I’m anxious to start the season,’’ Kane said Saturday as he and four teammates took part in Blackhawks Day at U.S. Cellular Field. ‘‘I think I’ll be ready right away. I think once I get this [cast] off, I’ll be able to do pretty much anything. I practiced with the guys the other day, just trying to keep up with skating. I think just strengthening it will be the only thing.’

  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: With the Bruins training camp approaching and with no contract for Brad Marchand, the Bruins are sniffing around to see what his trade value is. “For those doubting the Bruins shopping Marchand. Don’t.” Garrioch doesn’t think the gap is insurmoutable but the Bruins may want to see what they can get for him after 1 good year.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins and David Krejci had started contract extension talks. Krejci should be the teams number 1 center and is entering the final year of his 3 year, $11.25 million deal. He could see a deal similar to Patrice Bergeron’s 3 year, $15 million deal.
  • Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks will have a spot in their top 6 open due to Ryan Kesler’s offseason hip surgery and with Mason Raymond out still with his fractured vertebrae. Cody Hodgson, Chris Higgins, Marco Sturm and Bill Sweatt will be vying for a spot.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Cooper lists 5 prospects Predators fans should watch: Chet Prickard, Ryan Ellis, Craig Smith, Roman Josi and Austin Watson.
  • Katie Carrrera of the Washington Post: Though the Capitals have 7 defenseman on 1-way contracts, not including Tom Poti, prospect Dmitry Orlov may push those ahead of him on the depth chart. Other Capitals prospects to watch are forward Cody Eakin, Mattias Sjogren and Stanislav Galiev.

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