Posts Tagged Denis Grebeshkov
Frolov getting interest from Rangers and Kings … Other Russian FA’s … Tampa Bay Lightning talk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Videos on July 26th, 2010
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: The New York Rangers have talked to Alexander Frolov’s agent.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Frolov’s agent has said the Rangers are very interested, and the LA Kings have shown interest in the last couple days.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: SKA of the KHL are interested in Alexander Frolov, Maxim Afinogenov, Denis Grebeskov and Ilya Kovalchuk according KHL President Medvedev (who owns the team).
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Medvedev to Kovalchuk, “Listen to a woman and do completely the opposite.”
- The Hockey News video: Ryan Dixon, Ryan Kennedy, and Adam Proteau talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning. How Yzerman will fill out the roster, Victor Hedman’s development, Vinny Lecavalier, and Brett Connolly.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The St. Louis Blues and Eric Johnson are getting close on an extension.
Kovalchuk and Kings close … Market to open up soon? Malkin to the wing with Crosby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 16th, 2010
- Nick Kyperos via Twitter: 8:40 AM Post - “A big swing in the Ilya/Kings talks. Major stumbling blocks have been rectified. A source now described it to me as “close but not done”
- Mike Russo via Twitter: Lockout protection has been a ’sticky part’ in the Ilya Kovalchuk - Los Angeles Kings talks.
- Tom Gulitti via Twitter: (last night). Devil’s GM Lou Lamoriello said they will be patient while Kovalchuk makes up his mind. “I think we have to understand what he’s going through.” Waiting for Kovalchuk won’t interrupt any other potential transactions. If there is a deal to make them better, they’ll do it.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thinks that once Kovalchuk signs, the markets will open up again. He’s been shopping Marc Savard and Tim Thomas for awhile, but things have come to a halt. “I think once a player of that caliber moves, there’s probably a couple of other players just under him who might move in a couple of deals” Chiarelli said. The Bruins signed Gregory Campbell and Adam McQuaid to 2 year deals, Jeff LoVecchio and Andrew Bodnarchuk received 1 year deals.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN there is no truth to the rumor linking him to the Blackhawks. Former Predator, Denis Grebeshkov has been getting some interest, but nothing concrete. Some of the interest is coming from the KHL, but he’d prefer to stay in the NHL. LeBrun thinks that if the Sharks think Kaberle’s price is too high, Grebeshkov could be an option.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There is nothing going between the Anaheim Ducks, James Wisniewski and Bobby Ryan, but they’ve been talking with Teemu Selanne.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguin management has concluded it might be time to move Malkin to the wing on Crosby’s line, bumping Staal to the 2nd line center. If the move doesn’t work, they can easily go back to having all 3 of them at the center position.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Derek Meech was re-signed by the Red Wings for $500,000 yesterday, but he may not get much playing time as a 7th or 8th defenseman, and may find himself with a different club by the start of the season. If he makes it to camp, he’ll be battling Jakub Lindl, Brandon Smith and Doug Janik for the 6th spot. GM Ken Holland was scheduled to talk to Mike Modano late yesterday afternoon, a decision wasn’t expected to be made. They’ve also had talks with Kirk Maltby regarding a 1-way and 2-way contracts.
- Ralph Strangis of the Dallas Morning News: If the Stars make any acquisitions, it would have to be at least dollar-for-dollar. Unless they would consider moving Benn or Neal, there isn’t much interest in any of their players. Once the new ownership is in place, they may be able to add some players/contracts.
Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd, both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
- Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
- Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes and Derek Morris are still talking, but are far apart.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Flyers have permission to speak to both Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco (who did receive an offer, but wants to test free agency).
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: ESPN reported that Marty Turco turned down a 3 year deal worth over $6 million.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.
Kaberle trade talk heating up … Spezza for the 4th pick? New GMs looking to make moves?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 9th, 2010
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Columbus Blue Jackets may be making a stronger push next season to make the playoffs, and could be kicking around the idea of trading their 4th overall draft pick. The Blue Jackets still need to find a center for Rick Nash, and Friedman wonders if they’d consider taking on Jason Spezza’s contract. Michael Leighton may be getting a 3 year contract offer from the Flyers, Friedman doesn’t think it would be for more than $1.5 million. The Florida Panthers may take a crack at Tomas Kaberle, Nathan Horton is a Burke type player.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Reiger did not want to talk about the rumor that they may be interested in Tomas Kaberle. The Sabres could use a power-play quarterback, and the Leafs could use some scoring. Two players that have to mentioned because of their subpar playoff performances are Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford. There are a few things that instantly pop in to my mind on this; would Burke trade his ‘all star’ dman to a division rival? Both are not ‘Burke’ type players (no toughness). Connolly is making $4.5 million in the last year of his contract and is one hit away from his carrier being over, Stafford hasn’t lived up to his offensive talents the past 2 seasons (34 pts in 71 games this past season, 45 pts in 79 games in 2008-09).
- Michael Traikos in the Montreal Gazette: Even though he loses his no-trade clause for the summer (starting at the Draft) his agent Rick Curran believes Tomas Kaberle still has a clout on where he could end up. “As of the draft, we don’t have a no-trade (clause),” agent Rick Curran said. “But it’s almost effectively a no-trade, because unless Tomas wants to go there most general managers that I’m familiar with are not giving up asset value for a one-year player who may not even want to come to my team. Especially with what Brian wants in return.” It’s being reported that at least 4 teams have inquired about Kaberle; Anaheim, Buffalo, Columbus, and New Jersey.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: With such a weak free agent class, GMs have been more involved with trade talks (salary cap issues also play a big part). Teams with new GMs may be looking to make an early impression as well. Dale Tallon in Florida would like to make some moves, possibly trading Nathan Horton ($4 million cap hit until 2013) and Rostislav Olesz ($3.125 through 2014), but teams would rather have Stephen Weiss and Keith Ballard. Steve Yzerman may make a pitch for Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak. The Oilers would like to move Shawn Horcoff ($5.5 million through 2015) and Sheldon Souray ($5.4 through 2012).
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile thinks it’s going to really tough to re-sign Dan Hamhuis, “I think it’s going to be very difficult,” Poile said. “But I’d like to continue having conversations this week and possibly reach out to Dan next week before we take our final position.” Hamhuis’ agent has said that talks have been positive and ongoing. If they are not able to re-sign Hamhuis, they may look to re-sign Denis Grebeshkov and/or UFA Francis Bouillon. Jonathon Blum or Ryan Ellis may be rushed a little a quicker than they originally wanted. The Predators are trying to lock up Patrick Hornqvist, but salary is hard to determine after 2 goals in 08-09, and 30 last season.
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: The Washington Capitals and Eric Fehr are talking a multi-year deal.
- Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News: 2010 NHL Draft prospect, Kiril Kabanov, is better known for his off-ice antics than his on-ice talent has seen is stock plummet into the 2nd or 3rd round instead of top 5-10 pick. He’s had issues with the KHL, his QMJHL junior team (Moncton) and the Russian U-18 team, and now must find a new agent, 2 weeks before the draft. JP Barry has decided to move as “It just wasn’t a fit”. George Malik of MLive: Malik notes that Neate Sager of Yahoo, and Bruce Ciski of Fanhouse, think that Red Wings could still be interested in Kabanov, but not in the 1st round.
Cooke’s hit a ’shoulder to the head’ according to Colin Campbell … GMs talking Headshots in Florida … Injury Updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 9th, 2010
- Some Canadian-based GMs think Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier jacked up the price of rentals when he gave up a 2nd round pick for Dominic Moore. I’d have to agree with them, I don’t know what Gauthier was thinking.
- Other teams may not be pleased with Darryl Sutter giving Matt Stajan 4 years and $14 million. I agree with this as well, I was (and am still) shaking my head over this one. $3.5 million for a 3rd line center? But I guess for now he’s the #1 center in Calgary.
- Dan Hamhuis wasn’t dealt at the deadline as nobody wanted to give up a 1st rounder for the UFA.
- Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli may not have wanted to give up a high draft pick or top prospect to acquire a scorer at the deadline, as he may not think they are legitamate contenders.
- 2 teams (at least one) would have taken Cristobal Huet from the Blackhawks for a 1st rounder and an established player.
- Some GMs believe now that the Canucks will hold on to Cody Hodgson.
- Brian Burke has said it’s more likely that Tomas Kaberle is signed to an extension, rather than being traded.
- Raffi Torres may want to return home to Toronto next year, but will Burke want him?
- One of the reason’s Alexei Ponikarovsky was traded was that he asked for a 4 year contract extension.
Around the Boards: Thurs. Oct. 29th
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 29th, 2009
- From the RDS, through translation: Ilya Kovalchuk could be close to signing a 9 year deal with the Thrashers for more than $100 million, averaging $11.3 million per season. We’ll write a separate blog to comment on this.
- James Murphy of NESN: If the Thrashers are unable to sign Kovalchuk, the Bruins might be a fit. The trading of Kobasew and the with Lucic and Savard on the IR, it has saved the club some much valued cap space. They also have lot of draft picks to dangle.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBCSports.ca: Has Jaroslav Halak taken over the goalie of the future for the Canadiens? Are the Canadiens playing Halak more lately in an attempt to motivate Price.
- A quote mentioned in the Friedman’s blog (link above) … Ilya Bryzgalov on being named NHL first star of the week. “I don’t care,” according to the Arizona Republic. “I don’t like to run in front of the train because the train at some point can run over you.”
- Jason Hendricks of HendricksHockey.com: From one the Hockey Insiders sources, the Canadiens and Oilers could be looking a trade. The Oilers like Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Kyle Chipchura. The Canadiens like Tom Gilbert, Denis Grebeshkov, & J.F. Jacques.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: There is a chance the Maple Leafs may look to trade Tomas Kaberle again. Dallas and Boston will be mentioned again as possible destinations.
- Wayne Fish of the Bucks County Courier Times (via Phillyburbs): Surgery was recommended for Simon Gagne’s 2 sports hernias, so he’s seeking a second opinion, though it sounds like surgery is the only option to fix the problem.
- Tampa Bay Tribune: A potential buyer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Greene, is no longer interested in buying the club. So this leaves 2 Florida franchises that are having trouble finding an owner.
Some Numbers Just Don’t Add Up
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 22nd, 2009
Every free agent period there are always going to be some head scratchers, either for dollar value, length of contract or both. There’s not need to go over Hossa’s, Gionta’s, Cammallari’s or Antropov’s contact again, but let’s take a look at 2 recent signings that I don’t understand. Before I get to these signings let me make a couple quick points.
NHL GMs are falling into the trap of giving higher dollar figures to young players based on potential. They are overpaying players knowing that they won’t get true value yet. Players don’t earn contracts like they use to. With having a salary cap, (especially next season when it is suppose to down a lot) it’s going to cause problems for a lot of teams. Also, a young players salary/contract does not seem to decrease if they don’t produce but there is some potential. This brings us to 2 signings I’d like to comment on. Tomas Plekanec and Denis Grebeshkov.
Tomas Plekanec just re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens for 1 year at $2.75. Now $2.75 million isn’t a huge number, and Tomas can be a decent player, but the problem I have is that he received almost a $1 million raise. Last year he made $1.8 million. Here’s a quick look at his numbers the last 4 years, and will someone then please justify why he received a big raise after he recorded 30 less points:
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | |
| 2008-09 | 80 | 20 | 19 | 39 | -9 |
| 2007-08 | 81 | 29 | 40 | 69 | +15 |
| 2006-07 | 81 | 20 | 47 | 47 | +10 |
| 2005-06 | 67 | 9 | 29 | 29 | +4 |
Denis Grebeshkov re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers, a 1 year deal worth $3.15 million, a nice healthy raise from the $1.5 million he made in 2008-09. Grebeshkov had a solid season in 2008-09, recording 39 points (7 goals and 32 assists) and was +12 in 72 games. The 25 year old now has 63 points in 176 games, that’s 24 points in 104 games entering last season. I just don’t see how 1 decent season should justify a jump up to $3.15 million.
How many years in the future will these guys (and countless others) be paid on what they might do, compared to what they do? If they put up numbers that are not as high has this past season, will they take a pay cut? I doubt it, the NHL doesn’t work that way. Maybe they’ll sign a 12 year deal, those are the new fad lately.
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