Posts Tagged Derek Boogaard
Friday morning notes on Boogaard, Turris, Doan, Fisher, Havlat, Connolly, Campoli, Erixon, Hanzal and Kesler
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 7th, 2011
- Abby Simons of the Star-Tribune: A judge has thrown the charge of felony third-degree sale of a controlled substance against Derek Boogaard’s brother Aaron. Aaron didn’t buy the painkillers for Derek, he was only holding onto them. He’s still being charged with interfering with a death stance. Aaron admitted that he flushed painkillers down the toilet before paramedics had arrived at Derek’s.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: There is still no progress between Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes. “We continue to have discussions with the Coyotes and are positive that over time Kyle will be playing,” his agent, Kurt Overhardt, told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “Kyle is in great shape and training hard in B.C.” The Coyotes are hoping to sign Shane Doan to a contract extension before he becomes a UFA at season’s end. Predators Mike Fisher will likely miss the first 2 games of the season. Marty Turco still hopes to catch on with a team.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat won’t be in the lineup for their season opener.
- Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: On injured Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly: “I’m not anticipating him playing Saturday, if he does it’s a bonus,” coach Ron Wilson said Thursday morning. “But if he comes to me and says he wants to play Saturday, if he thinks he’s ready, then he’ll probably play.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Chris Campoli left in the 2nd period last night, he’ll be re-examined today. Mike Cammalleri was sounding like it’s serious.
- Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: Defenseman Tim Erixon will make his debut with the Rangers. Recently acquired Jeff Woywitka may not play at all in Europe. Mats Zuccarello will start on a line with Derek Stepan and Wojtek Wolski.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Coyotes signed Martin Hanzal to a 5 year, $18.5 million contract extension.
- TSN via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler could be back in 5-6 games according to GM Mike Gillis.
Umberger signs 5 year extension … Richards has groin issue … Couturier signs entry level … Isles captain options … An NHL tribute video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on September 21st, 2011
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed RJ Umberger to a 5 year, $23 million contract extension. Umberger will get $5 million next year, with $4.5 million for the remaining 4 years. A $4.6 million cap hit. The first 2 years of the deal contain a no-trade clause, then a modified no-trade for the final 3 years. (Umberger stats at the bottom of the entry.)
- Katie Strang of ESPN: Rangers center Brad Richards may have a ‘minor’ groin injury, missing part of yesterday’s practice and is not skating today with his group.
- Philadlephia Flyers via twitter: The Flyers have signed 2011 8th overall pick, Sean Couturier, to an entry level contract.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Rosen thinks that John Tavares has to be the next captain of the Islanders. BD Gallof doesn’t think that Tavares is the type to be a captain, that Mark Streit makes the most sense, followed by Kyle Okposo.
KHL’s Lokomotiv plane crashes … Bolland considers himself lucky … Vokoun had similar offer from the Red Wings … Alfredsson skating … Boogaard’s battle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 7th, 2011
12:29 pm:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports are that Alexander Galimov may still be alive. (I’m not going to make any more notes on him for the time being, many mixed reports)
11:51 am:
- Sean Leahy via twitter: KHL Statement:
“We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy. “We know that there are many in the KHL family who will be grieving with us. As the investigation of this tragedy progresses we will work closely with investigators, government officials, club executives and the Yaroslavl community. We are working to find an appropriate way to honor this club and begin the healing process from the deep loss so many of us feel today. “We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape.”
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Viktor Tikhonov suggests that every KHL team send at least one player to Lokomotiv so that the team can continue this season.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof provided a link to a wikipedia page about the crash that is being updated.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Reports coming in that Alexander Galimov, who originally survived the crash, has passed away.
10:48 am:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Belarusian news agencies are saying that Ruslan Salei was on the plane.
10:30 am:
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: 45 people including crew may have been on board. The only player to survive may be Alexander Galimov.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: It’s being reported that Ruslan Salei was awating the team in Minsk.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: There is at least one report that Salei was on the plane.
9:30 am:
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: A charter plane carrying Lokomotiv of the KHL has crashed. Reports are that there were 37 people on board. The number of people that died is unconfirmed (reports saying 36 died). Former NHLers on the team include Vasyunov, Rachunek, Demitra, Salei, Skrastins. Brad McCrimmon was the teams head coach. A link to Lokomotiv’s roster or here if the site is down.. Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: “Officials of Russia Aviation confirm 34 dies in plane crash.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland considers himself lucky with the concussion he sustained last March. He missed the last 14 regular season games and the first 3 of the playoffs. He’ll be ready to go for training camp.
“It does get scary. If you look at Sidney Crosby right now, he’s still out. It’s never fun seeing another player out and a star player out of the lineup.
“It is scary how long these things can take. I remember I was sitting there with mine and you never knew when it was going to come out. I would have dinner with friends and it would be like they were talking to a wall.”
Chris Campoli still remains unsigned. The Ottawa Sun reported a while ago that 5 teams were interested. Jordan Hendry will be on a tryout with Minnesota.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun said that Detroit offered him a deal similar to the one he received from the Capitals, 1 year at $1.5 million.
“Looking at Washington’s lineup compared to Detroit, they are comparable teams,” Vokoun said. “But Detroit in last 10 years won three times Stanley Cup. And Washington never won it. But that’s a lot better challenge for me and the team, to be able to do something special.”
and later added
“My belief is this team has a better chance to win than Detroit does. And they showed a lot more interest, so that was the key for me, too.”
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Alexei Yashin skated at the Islanders practice facility yesterday but it remains “unlikely” that he re-signs with the team.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson skated yesterday for 70 minutes, taking part in every drill and full scrimmage. Alfredsson only played in 54 games last year and had surgery this summer.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo writes a very good piece about Derek Boogaard and his battle with painkillers. You should read it rather than me summarizing parts of it.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland considers himself lucky with the concussion he sustained last March. He missed the last 14 regular season games and the first 3 of the playoffs. He’ll be ready to go for training camp.
Caps look for cap relief from Poti, Poti hopes to be ready … Boogaard’s brother faces charges … Goalie tandems set … Flyers interested in Drury
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 22nd, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Washington Capitals aren’t expecting Tom Poti to be ready for training camp, and his $2.875 million cap hit could be placed on LTIR. Poti may be thinking differently, in an email from his agent, “He is working with his trainers throughout the summer with the intention that he will be ready to fully participate once training camp begins.”
- Matt McKinney, Paul Walsh and Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The brother of deceased Derek Boogaard faces charges of “suspicion of prescription fraud/possession of prescription pills.” The date of the alleged crime is the day they found Derek’s dead body. Aaron is expected to be arrested today.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: With the Sabres signing backup Jhonas Enroth yesterday, it basically gives have team their goalie tandem for next year. Still without a team are Ray Emery, Marty Turco, Evgeni Nabokov and Pascal Leclaire.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The hiring of Pete DeBoer won’t affect Zach Parise’s whether to sign a long-term deal or not.
“I made up my mind before the coach was hired that it wasn’t going to impact that decision,” Parise said. “I was anxious to see who was going to be the coach, but not for contract purposes.”
If the Devils and Parise go to arbitration, we’ll get a 1 year deal and become a UFA after next season.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: St. Louis Blues Chairman Dave Checketts thinks a deal to sell the Blues will be completed by the start of the season. 100% of the team is for sale. Game Plan LLC is expected to set a deadline date for groups interested in making a bid. Once all offers are submitted, Game Plan, Checketts and the NHL will go through them picking the best option. The purchase price could be around $200 million and would include the Scottrade Center.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Erlendsson doesn’t buy that Ryan Malone is on the trading block, but wouldn’t rule it out.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed believes the Flyers are still interested in Chris Drury.
Boogaard’s death deemed accidental … Blackhawks sign a backup … Red Wings won’t be spenders … No talks yet for Parise
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2011
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: It has been determined that Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard died accidentally from a toxic mix of alcohol and oxycodone. His family acknowledged he had an addiction and “repeated courageous attempts at rehabilitation.” “Derek had been showing tremendous improvement but was ultimately unable to beat this opponent,” the message from Boogaard’s parents, Len and Joanne, and brothers and sister said. “While he played and lived with pain for many years, his passion for the game, his teammates and his community work was unstoppable.” Boogaard had voluntarily admitted himself into rehab 3 times since 2009.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks have reportedly signed goal Alexander Salak to a 2 year, one way contract. Salak was acquired along with Michael Frolik for Jack Skille and prospects. He played in the Swedish Elite league this past season, appearing in 32 games with a 1.97 GAA and .926 SV%. He’ll make about $600,000 and is in the mix for the backup job. Marty Truco is likely gone.
- Gord Miller via twitter: Winnipeg mayor says it’s only a “matter of time” before a deal to move the Thrashers to Winnipeg is done, it’s not done yet. Darren Dreger via twitter: “Assuming ASG and TNSE reach agreement, NHL board approval may not happen until the end of June B of G mtng. No push to expedite that mtng.” Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “Re-alignment would very likely wait another season; Winnipeg would play in Southeast for one year”
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Don’t look for the Red Wings to be big spenders this off-season. They currently have 15 players locked up for $46.8 million. So they have about $16 million open for 8 players and have 4 free agents; Nicklas Lidstrom, Jonathan Ericsson, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller that they’d like to bring back.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers will have to decide if Matt Gilroy is worth a $2.1 million qualifying offer. It may be more than they want to pay the 27 year old who has made a limited impact so far. They have depth along the blueline, prospects waiting a limited cap space.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: There have been no talks so far between the Penguins and RFA Dustin Jeffrey.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: There is nothing to report on Zach Parise talks with the Devils. “(Lamoriello) said they were going to have their internal (end of season) meetings and he was awaiting some direction on the whole ownership situation and once he had that he would reach out to us,” Wade Arnott said. “So, that’s where we stand.”
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: The Panthers have received permission to talk to Thrashers assistant John Torchetti. They may also seek permission to talk with Blackhawks assistant Mike Haviland. Kirk Muller is a potential candidate for the Dallas Stars coaching position. Joe Nieuwendyk has also reportedly contacted Guy Carbonneau, Cory Clouston and Ken Hitchcock.
Glencross re-signs with Flames … Boogaard receiving counseling before death … Brygalov would relish to be Flyer … Jagr’s 3 team NHL wishlist
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 16th, 2011
- Vicki Hall via twitter: The Calgary Flames has re-signed Curtis Glencross to a multi-year deal.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the NY Islanders arena project doesn’t take shape, it could be difficult to lock John Tavares up long-term as he may not want to re-sign with a team with a cloudy future. It would also be hard to bring in free agents as they would unsure as to where the team could be playing in 4 years after the Coliseum lease is up.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Derek Boogaard was receiving counseling from the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program in the days before his death. His brain has been donated by his parents to the Boston University Medical School who are doing research on brain disease in athletes.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: People close to Jaromir Jagr think he’ll return to the KHL next season, though Jagr speculated about 3 NHL teams that could be on his wishlist. Team sources at the World Championship indicated that the Montreal Canadiens are at the top of his wishlist, followed by his former teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Regarding Jagr, a source has said that Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier hasn’t closed the door as completely as rumored since May.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: A league source has said that Ilya Bryzgalov would be a perfect fit in Philadelphia. The source is close to Bryzgalov and added he would relish becoming a Flyer.
“He would love the adulation he’d get in Philadelphia,” the source said. “This is a big guy, who plays back in the net and can play a lot of games for the Flyers. Phoenix and the Flyers have had some talks this season about trades, including Jeff Carter.
“Phoenix needs some significant help up the middle with Kyle Turris. They’ve talked to Philadelphia about trading for Carter to achieve that. Maybe they do that. Philadelphia has to move salary. You need to clear about $5.5 million to bring Bryzgalov to Philly, if he’s their guy.”
Tomas Vokoun and Evgeni Nabokov are UFA’s and might interest the Flyers. Miikka Kiprusoff and Niklas Backstrom may also be of interest, but they would have to be acquired through trade.
Injured Canucks … Giguere could waive no-trade … Stars dangling Neal for Dman? Would Sharks consider Souray? Surgery for Whitney
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2011
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: It looks like Canucks defenseman Andrew Alberts could miss some time as the team recalled Chris Tanev from Manitoba.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks 4th line center Alec Bolduc will have an MRI done later this week to determine the extend of his injury, but he’s expected to miss a month. His shoulder popped out on a face-off on Friday, this is his 3rd separation in the last 2 years. They’ll need to recall a forward this week, maybe Sergei Shirokov, Viktor Oreskovich, or possibly Cody Hodgson. If they look at a trade to replace him, Islanders center Zenon Konopka could be of interest.
- Mike Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: JS Giguere has a no-trade clause but has made it known that he could be open to waiving it. Tomas Kaberle, François Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek also have no-trade clauses but haven’t said publicly if they’d be open to waiving it. Trade talks in past weeks have involved Kris Versteeg, Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski. Trading Versteeg for prospects seems odd since they gave up prospects to get before the season. MacArthur and Grabovski have been a couple of their best players this year. Kaberle for Blake Wheeler continues to float out there, though the Bruins have 7 Dman locked up for next year.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jarrko Ruutu knows his days in Ottawa are likely numbered. The Kings, Sharks and Penguins could possibly be interested in him.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks the Penguins should trade Evgeni Malkin and move Jordan Staal up to the #2 center, and proposes a Malkin-Rick Nash trade, though admits will likely never happen. Matheson wonders if the Sharks have considered Sheldon Souray. Flyers are looking for right winger who’ll be a UFA at season end, currently have about $1.9 million in cap room. Some think the Stars will dangle James Neal for an offensive defenseman.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will be heading to N.C. to see his foot specialist (will be his 3rd procedure there) to repair a dislocated tendon in his right ankle. A time frame may be better known today when it gets examined, but “All we know is it’s going to be a good amount of time,” Tambellini said. “He’s dealt with this surgeon before, so he’s very comfortable with him.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Derek Boogaard could be done for the season after suffering a concussion in a fight with Matt Carkner. Don’t look for a Mike Commodore-Brian Rolston deal, Rolston makes too much money for the Blue Jackets. Best Bets for Senators defenseman Chris Phillips are the Capitals and Sharks. If Patrick Eaves keeps up his scoring, Jiri Hudler could find himself an odd man out, would someone take his $2.8 million contract?
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames turned down the idea of starting next season in Europe, “We need to focus on what’s important and get ourselves back on track,” said team president and CEO Ken King. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is kicking tires, but “the marketplace is a tough one” as many teams are looking for centers and defenseman. Ilya Bryzgalov’s agent, Don Meehan, is heading to Phoenix today to discuss contract extension with the Coyotes. “We’ve been told that signing Ilya is a priority,” said Meehan.
Rangers call about Tyutin, Jackets call about Del Zotto … Starting Goalies … Giguere out with groin injury … Lebda a winger?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 20th, 2010
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: When the Columbus Blue Jackets made Fedor Tyutin a healthy scratch last week, Rangers GM Glen Sather inquired. When NY Rangers made Michael Del Zotto a healthy scratch, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson inquired. No Tyutin and Filatov for Del Zotto was discussed.
- George Richards via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start for the Panthers tonight against the Flyers.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins forward Brad Marchand is out tonight. Daniel Paille will be on a line with Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Vinny Prospal practiced with the NY Rangers today in a non-contact jersey.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start in net for the Thrashers tonight versus the Leafs. Chris Mason will likely go tomorrow night versus the Blues.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight against the Thrashers.
- James Mirtle via twitter: JS Giguere will be out a week or 2 with a groin injury. He’ll see a specialist in the next couple of days.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Brett Lebda will play left wing on the 4th line tonight. Nazem Kadri will be a healthy scratch again. Coach Ron Wilson will continue to work with Kadri to build strength in practice and off ice, doesn’t want to send him down to the Marlies.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Chris Kunitz will be back in the lineup for the Penguins tonight.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Mike Comrie may need hip surgery, will see a doctor on the 27th.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Former goalie Darren Pang thinks the Blue Jackets should send Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason back to the minors to help build his confidence. Mathieu Garon will likely start for the Blue Jackets tomorrow night against the Flames.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils tomorrow night versus the Capitals.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Derek Boogaard may have concussion from a fight with Matt Carkner of Dec. 9th.
Wednesday afternoon NHL lineup and injury notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 10th, 2010
- Jonas Siegel of AM640: The Maple Leafs had a players only meeting this morning, everyone spoke during the meeting. “What they found was a lacking enthusiasm and a work ethic in need of some spark.” Well no #$@%, anyone who has watched them play the couple weeks could have told them that.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Brian Rolston said he’ll play on Friday versus Edmonton.
- Washington Capitals site: The Capitals have assigned Semyon Varlamov to the Hershey Bears.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Patrick Lalime will be the Sabres backup tonight, appendicitis was a false alarm.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Brian Little passed his concussion test, needs to get into game shape before returning to the Thrashers lineup.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Kristian Huselius has been out almost 3 weeks with a sprained ankle suffered a set back after skating a couple times. The pain and swelling have returned and he’ll be out indefinitely.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start for the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday against the Wild.
- Rory Boylen via twitter: Steve Mason will start for the Blue Jackets against the Blues and Avalanche.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur won’t be in the lineup for the Devils.
- Greg Brady via twitter: MLSE will be replacing Richard Peddie as its President and CEO.
- Derek Boogaard scores his first goal in 234 games.
Rangers still interested in Souray? Pens looking for Dman? Some Devils demoted could be recalled by Friday
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2010
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers currently have 5 right-handed defensemen on the roster, and may be on the lookout to add a lefty. Sheldon Souray’s name continues to float around, but even if the Rangers could add some salary to the deal (Steve Eminger, Todd White and Derek Boogaard), Souray’s $5.4 cap hit would hurt next year’s budget when Wade Redden’s deal pops up again. The Rangers will search the waiver wire for left-handed defenseman. Vinny Prospal may require knee surgery that could end his season, possibly his career. More will known after a 2 week rest period. Brandon Dubinsky may move in the #1 center spot between Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman prospect, Simon Despres, has a good chance of at least starting the year with the club. GM Ray Shero may be looking for a #6 defenseman on the waiver wire. If they add one defenseman, it could mean that one of Ben Lovejoy, Deryk Engelland and Andrew Hutchinson could go on waivers. They are $1.2 million below the cap, and Jordan Staal could be placed on LTIR to create more room.
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Minnesota Wild have put Matt Kassian and Drew Bagnall on waivers. Basically meaning that Casey Wellman and Justin Falk have made the team.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello didn’t rule out recalling any of yesterday’s demoted players (G-Mike McKenna. D- Matt Corrente, C- Jacob Josefson, RW-Mattias Tedenby) by Friday after their cap situation becomes clearer. Lou also added that no decision has been made if Bryce Salvador will be placed on LTIR or not.
- Ben Wright via twitter: Alex Burmistrov, Anthony Stewart and Freddy Meyer all have good chance of making the Atlanta Thrashers final roster.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Peter Schaefer is still on tryout with the Vancouver Canucks, and it could be down to him and Jeff Tambellini for the final roster spot. If Schaefer gets the spot, he’ll likely get a 2-way contract worth the minimum $550,000.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Andres Lilja was released by the San Jose Sharks today.
Ryan to Leafs unlikely … Volchenkov and Spezza update … Bruins how to trade Thomas this week
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2010
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Despite some wishes from Leaf Nation, it’s unlikely that Bobby Ryan will end up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs have made no contact with the Ducks, but have been monitoring the situation. Ryan has been a little worried about the lack of progress on contract talks. He also denied reports that he’s looking for Corey Perry/Ryan Getzlaf money, $5.325 million. “I don’t want to force (management’s) hand and I don’t want them to force mine,” Ryan said. “I want to get it closed out before hand. There hasn’t been anything that’s gone in the right direction. But there’s no hostility.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If Anton Volchenkov and the Ottawa Senators can’t come to an agreement soon, the Senators may deal his negotiating rights. Volchenkov is looking for $4.5-5 million per season. If they don’t re-sign him, they will look to bring in a more mobile defenseman, possibly Sheldon Souray who they’ve shown a little interest in. The Sens hope to bring back Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton. It’s unlikely the Senators will move up from their 16th draft slot.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Senators are going to trade Jason Spezza, they’ll be hoping to get something done before July 1st, as Spezza is owed $4 million on Canada Day. I’m sure other teams know this and will look to make a deal afterwards. The Senators may find there are limited teams interested in taking on his remaining 5 years and $33 million, and that willing give back a fair return for him. Teams that could be in the market for a center; Panthers, Sharks, Flames, Bruins, Oilers, Kings, and Wild.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Bryan Murray isn’t going to trade Jason Spezza just for the sake of trading him. “He’s a player that we’re counting on being an important part of our hockey team, but like every player, there’s a possibility I get an offer that I can’t refuse,” Murray said Monday.
- Joe Haggery of CSNNE: One of the Bruins top priorities heading in to this weekends draft is finding a trade partner for Tim Thomas. The San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning are said to have some discussions, and if the Flyers are able to shed some salary, they could enter the mix. Thomas had hip surgery after the playoffs, is owed $15 million over the next 3 years, and has a no-trade clause in 2 of the 3 years.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: The Washington Capitals and Tomas Fleischmann don’t appear to be close on a deal for the RFA. The Capitals sent him a qualifying offer, a 5% increase on his 2009-10 salary of $725,000. Fleischmann is looking for a multi-year deal. Fleischmann may be using Tomas Plekanec as a comparable, he made $2.75 million last year, but is looking in the $5 million range on a new deal.
- Richard Durrett of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN radio that if he decides to return to play another season, he hasn’t ruled out signing with someone other than the Dallas Stars if the team has a legitimate shot at the Cup.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland may look to add an enforcer through trade or free agency. The Wings currently sit at $54.2 million for 18 players, with several RFAs to re-sign, so it would have to be an enforcer/agitator willing to work for cheap. Possible players could be Kryotopher Barch, Derek Boogaard, Cody McCormick, Jody Shelley, and Georges Laraque (after he’s bought out).
- Kevin Allen via Twitter: Dustin Byfuglien is definitely available. I think the ‘Hawks will capitalize on Byfuglien’s strong playoff performance.



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