Posts Tagged Derek Meech
Some quick afternoon hits involving: Crosby, Blues sale, Cooke, waivers, McDonald, Bishop, Devils lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on January 20th, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Sounds like Sid is doing well in Atlanta. Daily treatments. Skating everyday. Making progress.”
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Sources are saying Blues minority owner Tom Sillman has signed a purchase agreement to buy the St. Louis Blues.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Matt Cooke won’t face any supplementary disciple for his ‘slew foot’ on Richards.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Jets have put Derek Meech on waivers. The Sharks have put Frazer McLaren on waivers. The Flames Brett Carson and the Panthers Michal Repik clear waivers.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Andy McDonald has been out since Oct. 13th, but is getting close to removing his no-contact practice jersey.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: It’s looking like the Blues will be trading AHL goalie Ben Bishop before the trade deadline. He’ll be a group VI unrestricted free agent at the end of the year if he doesn’t play in 15 more games. If he does play in 15 games, he’ll be a group II free agent a the team would retain his rights.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Zalewski-Josefson-Clarkson; Boulton-Mills-Carter.
- Dave Randorf via twitter: Looks like Peter Budaj will start in net for the Canadiens against the Penguins.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Blackhawks.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Flyers.
The Wild aren’t the only ones wanting to improve Top 6 … Jets could deal UFAs … Possible Habs GM candidates … Letang could return … Glencross week-to-week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 19th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild have dropped out of the top 8 in the West after losing 14 of 16.
“We’ll keep looking to upgrade the talent. We’ll move whatever we have to move if it makes sense. Not everybody’s untouchable. And certainly we have a lot of prospects we’re not going to move, but there’s assets we have that we can move to make our team better if we can find the right fit.”
They’ve been hit with injuries to their top 6. They would like to improve their top 6, but they aren’t the only ones. The Ducks have dangled Bobby Ryan. The Sabres have Drew Stafford, Derek Roy and Brad Boyes. The Rangers have Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets have Vaclav Prospal. The Oilers have Ales Hemsky. The Hurricanes have Tuomo Ruutu.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets could be looking to move some of their future UFAs, which includes: Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Johnny Oduya, Randy Jones, Mark Flood and Derek Meech. Though some of their UFAs could receive contract extensions or possibly brought back in the summer.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: A list of possible candidates for the Canadiens GM position if they decide to replace Pierre Gauthier: “J.Martin (owed $3mil), J.Brisebois, Risebrough, Ferguson, Loiselle, McGuire, Bergevin.”
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer is hearing that Taylor Hall could be out for the year. Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Rumors at this point are untrue, at this point that hasn’t been decided. Taylor Hall via twitter: “The reports that I’m out for the season aren’t true. I am going to be back as soon as possible. “
- Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang could return to the lineup for the 1st time in 2 months tonight. “It’s coach’s decision,” Letang said of his return. “I know I am ready to go. I have been resting. I have been doing some treatment. I am comfortable. Otherwise I wouldn’t be on the ice.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu still hopes he’ll be able to participate in the All-Star game, and the NHL has agreed to hold off on naming a replacement.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross is week-to-week with a knee injury.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe has facial fractures, but is not feeling any concussion-like symptoms.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: There isn’t much optimism from Capitals when it comes to defenseman Tom Poti being able to return to the NHL. “Tom’s been working at it and improving but I don’t know if he’ll ever get to the point where he can play again,” McPhee told reporters Tuesday. “As I said in the summer, we weren’t counting on it.”
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start in net tonight for the Flyers against the Islanders.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs against the Wild.
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.
- Darren Millard via twitter: Nick Kypreos was told by an NHL executive that the Ducks are shopping Bobby Ryan.
- 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: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier was patrolling the press box during the Kings-Sharks game last night.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Dustin Penner missed his 8th straight game last night, but he could return on Thursday. Alec Martinez is at least a week away from returning. Scott Parse will have season ending hip surgery. He had hip surgery last year as well.
- 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.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight against the Canucks.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tonight against the Jets.
Injury notes on Ryan Miller, IlyaKovalchuk, Brent Seabrook, Dustin Penner, Ian White, Chris Neal and Derek Meech
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 14th, 2011
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres goalie Ryan Miller will be out for an undetermined amount of time after he suffered a concussion after being hit by Milan Lucic. This is Miller’s 2nd concussion in 8 months.
“If this hit and other types of hits like this are not suspended, we are opening up the possibility of losing goaltenders to injury. And not just injury, but concussion,” Regier said. “… When I look at the position of goaltending, in a lot of ways it’s not unlike quarterback in football. I feel very strongly the protection has to be provided and players committing these types of action should be punished.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk’s lower-body injury falls into the “wide category of groin injuries.” Kovalchuk played since Nov. 3rd.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook crashed into the board during the 2nd period of last night’s game. Coach Joel Quenneville said he’s day-to-day and that they’ll know more about the injury by Tuesday morning. Center David Bolland missed his 3rd straight game, but is expected to play soon. He’ll travel with the team to Vancouver.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings have put Dustin Penner on the IR with a hand injury. It is retroactive to Nov. 10th, so he’ll be out for at least the next 2 games.
- Detroit Red Wings via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Ian White has a fractured cheek bone and won’t play on their upcoming road trip.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Senators: The Senators have placed winger Chris Neil on the IR after he suffered an ankle injury last Wednesday.
- CP in the Globe and Mail: Jets defenseman Derek Meech is expected to be out at least 6 weeks after having surgery to repair a lower-body injury.
Canucks trade O’Brien to Nashville … Isles grab Grabner … More players on waivers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on October 5th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Vancouver Canucks have traded Shane O’Brien and Dan Gendur to the Nashville Predators for Ryan Parent and Jonas Andersson.
- Michael Traikos via twitter: Matt Lashoff is on the ice with the Maple Leafs as the 7th defenseman. Jeff Finger was on the ice earlier but is not with the main group.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: New York Rangers coach John Tortorella confirms that Erik Christiansen will start the season centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: At the Calgary Flames practice, Brendan Morrison centering Hagman and Bourque. Backlund centering Glencross and Jackman.
- George Richards via twitter: Dale Tallon is confident that the Panthers can sign Erik Gudbranson by today’s 5:00 pm deadline.
- Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: The New York Islanders have claimed Michael Grabner off waivers from the Florida Panthers.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The New York Rangers have placed Todd White and Tim Kennedy on waivers. The Detroit Red Wings have placed Derek Meech and Kirk Maltby on waivers. Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers GM Glen Sather said that putting White and Kennedy on waivers creates some cap flexibility in case they want to take on a contract at a later date.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The St. Louis Blues have assigned Ian Cole to Peoria.
Potential Stars owner backs out … Injury updates on Crosby, Franzen and Stajan … Teams losing money … and more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 23rd, 2010
- Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: Sources told Pierre LeBrun yesterday that Calgary Oil man Bill Gallacher has pulled out of buying the Dallas Stars. In the past few months, it was rumored that he was close to a deal with current Stars owner Tom Hicks. Canadian businessman Tom Gaglardi still remains interested, and other groups may get back into it. The team is operating on a low internal budget which is limited what the team could do in terms of free agents and trades.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Matt Stajan separated his shoulder during the first period of Tuesday night’s game versus the Canucks, and will be out indefinitely. The Flames are already without Daymond Langkow who has a fractured vertebrae at the base of his neck. Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Stajan’s injury opens the door for Mikael Backlund to step up into the 2nd line roll. Backlund collected 10 points in 23 games last season, and welcomes the opportunity. Stajan could be out for a month if they’re lucky.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby sat out the 3rd period of last night’s game with a sore hip flexor. Crosby ‘tweaked’ it a bit, but doesn’t see it as a long term problem.
- George Sipple and Kirkland Crawford of the Detroit Free Press: Johan Franzen suffered a charley horse after being kneed by Brooks Orpik. Derek Meech also left the game with head injury.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Right now there doesn’t seem to be any urgency for the Vancouver Canucks to trade Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks did have 3 scouts watching the Columbus Blue Jackets in Traverse City, where the Jackets prospects were playing.
- Doug MacLean via twitter: Minnesota Wild owner said yesterday they lost money last year, joining the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks. The Washington Capitals got revenue sharing.
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Martin Hanzal and Vern Fiddler will be the Coyotes top 2 centerman, with the other 2 spots up for grabs. Eric Belanger, Kyle Turris, Kyle Wellwood, and Wojtek Wolski are vying for the spots. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If either Kyle Turris or Kyle Wellwood make the Coyotes, Wojtek Wolski would likely shift back to the wing, he’s been playing center at camp.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Vancouver Canucks prospect Cody Hodgson had no pain/symptoms after first full contact practice.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks the Edmonton Oilers captaincy is down to Ryan Whitney and Shawn Horcoff, if the team goes with one this year.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said that if Matt Beleskey continues to get the puck to Cory Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, he might have a spot on that line.
RFAs still looking to finalize contracts … Regehr admits he’s been shopped … Some UFAs hope to get deals soon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 9th, 2010
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars had talks with the agents for James Neal and Matt Niskanen on Tuesday. The team hopes to have them signed before the start of camp.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau expects Tomas Fleischmann to have a breakout season with the team. “Oh yeah. Those trade rumors, I think you can faithfully put all of them to bed,” Boudreau told Sporting News. “We laugh at so many of them that have no substance. I don’t know who makes them up. Some people have very vivid imaginations.”
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: There has been lots of ‘chatter’ between the Rangers and Marc Staal side, but there’s no word on a forthcoming deal.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: No deal between the Anaheim Ducks and Bobby Ryan yet, continuing to talk.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr has been linked to trade rumors this summer, and didn’t deny it. “Have I been approached about (a trade)?” repeated Regehr yesterday during a suddenly awkward exchange. “Ahhhhh, I can’t really … I’m not going to get into that. “It’s part of sports. That’s the way it is.” The Flames are over the salary cap, and Regehr’s $4 million salary (3 more years) could be one salary they might move out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Mike Mottau’s agent thinks the UFA will have a contract by the start of training camp. They don’t have any offers they are considering, but have been in touch with teams over the summer. It’s still possible that Mottau could return to the Devils, once they clear out a bunch of cap space. Jay Pandolfo is still looking for a contract, and has talked to a few teams according to his agent.
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke talks with Bob McCown on Prime Time Sports about the Kovalchuk contract and the Michael Liambas rookie camp invite.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have an agreement with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League, in which the teams an loan players to each other. Will the Bruins bury a contact in Europe to reduce their cap number?
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Bill Guerin is still skating with some Flyers, and is still hopeful something can be worked out with the team.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Marcus Nilson has reportedly been invited to the New Jersey Devils training camp.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers. The 26-year old Meech has played 126 games in the last 4 years.
- Sherri Zickefoose of the Calgary Herald: Former NHLer Jason Smith has been arrested for domestic assault. Smith is being charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement against his wife and teenaged daughter.
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.
Are the Kings interested in Gagne and others? Modano has 4 options … Not much going on for Frolov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 6th, 2010
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: One report is saying the Los Angeles Kings are out of the running for Simon Gagne, and another says they are still interested. Things were quiet involving Tomas Kaberle over the weekend, but should pick up this week.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott wonders how the Kings can become more attractive to free agents. Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds will be free agents soon, and will they want to re-sign with a team that can’t draw top free agents? The Kings may have to go the trade route to fill some holes in their roster. If the Devils sign Kovalchuk, they’ll have to clear out some salary. Brian Rolston could be available, but he’s 37 and has a $5.062 cap hit. Tomas Kaberle is an option but the Leafs probably want prospects and picks (nope … they’d like a top 6 forward, maybe a Wayne Simmonds or Dustin Brown). The Kings like Simon Gagne, and the Flames may deal Robyn Regehr. Marc Savard could fit but the Kings may not be on the 5 team list Savard has.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Alexander Frolov hasn’t received much interest, other than the Rangers doing some brief tire kicking.
Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: A “good-faith” move by Jaroslav Halak by not filing for salary arbitration.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Evgeni Nabokov couldn’t agree on a contract with SKA St. Petersburgh.
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Detroit Red Wings are close to signing 3 of their restricted free agents to 1 year contracts: Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller and Derek Meech. GM Ken Holland isn’t close to signing Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, both could get long-term deals later on in the summer though.
John Shannon via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings and 3 other teams are interested in Mike Modano.
David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune: Mike Modano hasn’t heard from the Chicago Blackhawks, but they could be an option for him as they are looking for some 3rd/4th line depth (cost friendly depth). “I’d like to see what kind of wiggle room they have left under the salary cap, if they can fill that third- or fourth-line void and see how I would fit in with those guys,” said Modano. “They have a great nucleus of kids. So there is a lot of interest there. Obviously, coming off the type of year they’ve had there’s a lot of excitement for anybody who has Chicago on their list of options.”
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Blake Wheeler filed for arbitration yesterday, but Wheeler’s agent plans on working hard to get a deal done. They haven’t had much discussion with GM Peter Chiarelli as he’s been busy with the draft and free agency. Mark Stuart didn’t file for arbitration as he and Bruins are close to a 1-year extension. Boston re-signed both Nathan McIver and Nolan Schaefer.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski filed for salary arbitration yesterday, but after the meeting his agent and GM Bob Murray last week, they appear to be on the “same page”. More discussions should take place before their arbitration meeting which would be between July 20th and August 5th.
News and Rumors involving the Red Wings – June 3rd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2010
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: With Nicklas Lidstrom returning next season at a friendly $6.2 million, the Detroit Red Wings can now turn their attention to the other free agents. They have just under $9 million (that’s saying the cap will increase $2 million), and are expected to re-sign both UFAs Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi, and RFAs Darren Hel, Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves. That won’t leave much for any other free agents. They could re-sign Andreas Lilja or a 3rd pairing free agent defenseman. GM Ken Holland also proposed at the GM meetings to extented overtime past the current 5 minutes in an attempt to lower the amount of shootouts.
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Lidstrom’s signing at $6.2 million may mean that UFA Kirk Maltby and RFA Derek Meech might be re-signed. One must not forget that they’ve already added Jiri Hudler to their roster for next season. The Wings won’t be bringing Brett Lebda and Jason Williams back.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Red Wings GM Holland told the media in Detroit that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has asked permission to speak with the Wings director of hockey administration, Ryan Martin, about an assistant GM position. Martin was responsible for managing the Wings salary cap.
Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 25th, 2010
- George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can’t re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has told the them he’ll let them know in a couple weeks. It doesn’t look like Brett Lebda, Jason Williams, and Doug Janik will be back. Derek Meech should get a qualifying offer from them.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Panthers GM Dale Tallon isn’t a fan of players who aren’t willing to pay the price, which means that Nathan Horton could be on his way out, as he known to not have a good work ethic. A Bruin, who has friends on the Panthers has been told that Norton has “No heartbeat”. “We weeded out people who didn’t want to pay the price,” Tallon said. “If you don’t want to pay the price and you don’t want to be involved here, you’re not going to be here.” The Bruins have limited funds available to sign free agents, but could target Flyers winger, Aaron Asham.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The Montreal Canadiens currently have 14 players locked up for about $45.7 million. Tomas Plekanec is a UFA and it might take around $5 million to re-sign him. Their biggest off-season situation is obviously what to do with Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price. Halak has shown that he can the #1, but Price could be the future star. RFAs Maxim Lapierre, Tom Pyatt, and Benoit Pouliot should be back. Glen Metropolit, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Paul Mara probably won’t be back. Halak playoff performance may get himself a contract offer from the Canadiens, maybe in the $3 million range. To clear up some salary space, they may try to get rid of Andrei Kostitsyn (1 year, $3.25 million) and Roman Hamrlik (1 year, $5.5 million), but that could be difficult. One option would be for the Canadiens to package one of them with Carey Price. Buying George Laraque out will free up $1 million. Andrei Markov will be a free agent after next year, and could be shopped around if they think he’ll be out of their price range ($7 million?) or not in their long term plans.
- Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: It is possible that the Sharks could re-sign both Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov, but odds are they will only go after 1. Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi will be getting pay increases, and cap space will be disappearing. If they let Nabokov go, they could go with Thomas Greiss and minor leaguer Alex Stalock, or look to bring in a less expensive goalie to challenge for the #1 spot.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Peter Karmanos Jr. has hired a New York investment firm to help him find a local buyer for a 49% stake in the team. Karmanos former co-owner, Thomas Thewes, passed away a few years ago, he owned the 49% of the team.
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