Posts Tagged Detroit Red Wings
Parise opens up a bit … 4 teams that make sense for a Staal deal … Carle deal has to wait … Nash’s name back in rumors … CF schedule
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 13th, 2012
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Pending Devils UFA Zach Parise opens up a bit:
“I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.
“It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: If Jordan Staal hits the open market after next season, he could get around $7 million. The Penguins already have $40 million committed to 10 players, not including Sidney Crosby who may get $10 million. Reports are that the Hurricanes and Oilers could be interested. Yohe offers up the most logical trade partners for the Penguins. 1. Carolina Hurricanes – have the cap room and assets. They could offer center Brandon Sutter. They have the 8th overall pick this year and some other strong prospects. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke is a big Staal fan, and Ray Shero and Burke are friends. The Leafs have Nazem Kadri and stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn, a type of Dman the Penguins need. 3. Edmonton Oilers – the Oilers could use and accomplished center. The Oilers have the 1st overall pick. 4. Minnesota Wild – the Wild are a “no-name squad looking for an identity” and could use a name like Jordan Staal. Cal Clutterbuck and Devin Setoguchi may be 2 players that would interest the Pens. The Wild also have the 7th pick in the draft.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Due to the salary-cap tagging rule, the Flyers won’t be able to sign Matt Carle before July 1st. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he wants to re-sign Carle. Carle earned $3.47 million this past year, and could get in the $5 million range on his next deal.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal,” Holmgren said. “His demands, when I spoke with him and his agent, nothing was ever out of line. Could we get him under market value? I would say that we probably could. I don’t see any issues there.”
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There are different reports on what was/wasn’t offered by the Rangers at the trade deadline for Blue Jackets Rick Nash. The Rangers weren’t willing to move Chris Kreider. The Jackets were asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Dreider and a 1st round pick. Another report was they wanted Dubinsky, another forward like Stepan, a prospect (not Kreider) and a 1st round pick, maybe 2. This offseason, teams will have move flexibility with their roster and salary cap. The Sharks and Bruins should be interested, possibly the Rangers again.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the next stop for Alexander Semin is the KHL. He had 3 goals and 1 assist in 14 playoff games. The Blue Jackets have quietly continued to try and trade Rick Nash, but it’s hard to fin serious interest now. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is rumored to be interested in revisiting talks. Wilson may have told the Jackets that they could sweeten the pot in June. Expect the Maple Leafs to make a pitch for the 1st overal pick. Expect the Flyers to make a pitch for Ryan Suter’s rights if he doesn’t re-sign with the Predators. The Wings and Wild will be interested as well.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: NHL release of Conference Finals Schedule:
2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Networks
Game 1: Monday, May 14 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 3: Saturday, May 19 1 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBC, CBC, RDS
Game 4: Monday, May 21 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 23 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Friday, May 25 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Sunday, May 27 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #8 Los Angeles Networks
Game 1: Sunday, May 13 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 2: Tuesday, May 15 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 3: Thursday, May 17 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 4: Sunday, May 20 3 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBC, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 22 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Thursday, May 24 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Saturday, May 26 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix TBD, CBC, RDS* If necessary
Suter-Weber notes … Wings waiting for Lidstrom and Stuart … Blues priorities … Flyers notes … Sens and Karlsson … Michalek surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2012
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said about Ryan Suter: “Based on yesterday, I really feel he wants to play in Nashville.” Darren Dreger via twitter: “Why wouldn’t Suter go to July 1? He’s earned right to consider his options. If deal with Preds isn’t best, Nashville will trade his rights.”
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: Shea Weber options: Sign a multi-year deal, sign an offer sheet after July 1st with the Preds having the right to match or take the draft picks, or go to salary arbitration for a 1 or 2 year deal.
“Right now, I really don’t think we’re thinking about that side of things,” Weber said. “It was tough (to lose to the Coyotes). … It’s not easy to be going home right now.”
When asked if the Preds multiple trade acquisitions at the deadline will play any role in his decision:
“Yeah, who knows? When the time (comes) to think about that, I’ll think about it. But obviously the team was committed and that’s what you want. Every year you want to fill in holes you have and I think we did a great effort in trying to make things better. It just didn’t work out.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said he doesn’t really need to know Nicklas Lidstrom’s decision until mid-June. Despite the talk that defenseman Brad Stuart could be looking to sign with a West Coast team to be closer to his family, the Wings are leaving the door open. Holland said he’d speak with Stuart’s agent before the draft.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: On what will be done to try and get the Blues to the next level. Jeremy Rutherfored – The Blues will get a budget soon and will likely be higher than in the past. They should look for a #2 defenseman to play beside Alex Pietrangelo. A scorer is one area that they could improve on, but Armstrong has said he believes in a scoring by committee approach. There is going to be some turnover with 7 UFAs (Arnott, Langenbrunner, Nichol, Porter, Colaiacovo, Jackman and Huskins). T.J. Oshie, David Perron and Chris Stewart will be RFAs. Jeff Gordon thinks bringing in Vladimir Tarasenko is the top priority of the Blues. Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz will bring in some needed skill. Tom Timmermann thinks they need to bring in an “experience high-quality goalscorer.” Dan O’Neill and Andy Strickland think stabilizing the teams financials is the top priority. Strickland then adds signing their own free agents, and it’s possible that one of the young core players is traded this summer to improve their roster.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed was told that numerous Flyers will be getting MRI’s and decisions on whether surgery will be needed or not will be determined after.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren isn’t sure if he needs address defense for next season as he expects Chris Pronger to return from his concussion, but he’s aware Pronger still has issues.
“He’s doing probably the same and any chance of returning, I would say your guess is as good as mine,” Holmgren said of Pronger. “ … at some point, I’ll sit down with Chris and see where he’s at. Probably prior to July 1st, we’ll make an assessment on where he’s at.”
The Flyers will be 1 of several teams that will be interested in Ryan Suter. If the Predators feel they can’t re-sign Suter, they’ll look to deal his rights before or at the draft. Holmgren on free agent Matt Carle:
“I’ve said that before, if Matt wants to be here, we’d like to have him back,” Holmgren said. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal. We’re in a position now where we can’t sign him because of tagging space, but this is something that could be done quickly, I think.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: As of early this week, there have been no formal talks between the Senators and Erik Karlsson. It may be in the best interest of the Sens to get something done as soon as possible so they can focus on other possible summer moves. Some league executives think don’t think anything will get done quickly unless they get to $7 million per season immediately.“People in Ottawa should be prepared for this to take until training camp,” said one league executive requesting anonymity. “It could happen if both sides decide to dig in their heels on this one.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek had hip surgery and it’s believed he’ll be ready for the start of next year.
Luongo to submit list … Thomas could hit market as well … Stars may look at Nash … Could Hawks gauge interest in Keith or Sharp?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 26th, 2012
- James Duthie via twitter: Sources are saying that Roberto Luongo will submit a short list of teams the he would waive his no-trade clause to go to next week. The Maple Leafs will be on it. Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Canucks didn’t even have to ask Luongo to waive his no-trade. He tells them during his exit meeting with he wants out of Vancouver. Dan Murphy via twitter: Murphy confirms that the Maple Leafs will be on Luongo’s list. Tampa Bay will also be on it. James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks that the Canucks and their fans should expect a homerun if they trade Luongo. There are not a lot of teams that will be interested, and he has 10 years left on his contract. Tim Thoams, Miikka Kiprusoff and others could become available. Mirtle thinks if the Canucks could get a late 1st rounder or a middling prospect, it could be a fair deal. They might even have to take back some salary. Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Buffery doesn’t think trading for Luongo is a good idea. “Besides the fact he’s 33 years old and has 10 more years in his deal, there is a reason why he is expendable in Vancouver … because he’s 33 years old and has 10 years left on his contract.”He notes that the Leafs aren’t close to a cup, so why not go with the youngsters – James Reimer, Ben Scrivens, Mark Owuya and Jussi Rynnas.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy predicts that Tim Thomas will be traded this offseason.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars may be open to the idea of trading for a player like Rick Nash due to the limited number of scores on the free agent market. One key point regarding Nash is whether is okay numbers are a result of being in a bad system in Columbus or if he could break out on a line with Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson. What the Blue Jackets would want is another question. Would the Stars be willing to part is a solid player, a top prospect or 2 and a high draft pick? The Stars may think higher of Zach Parise and may see what he’ll do if he hits the open market.
- David Haugh in the Chicago Tribune: Haugh thinks the Blackhawks should look at the trade interest in defenseman Duncan Keith or forward Patrick Sharp. Keith hasn’t been the same since 2010 and could bring more back than Brent Seabrook. Sharp is a more tradeable asset than Marian Hossa, and Toews and Kane remain untouchable.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom on whether his 39-year old body can handle another summer of training and long season:
“I love the game, I would love to play three, four more years,” Holmstrom said. “It’s so much fun to come to the rink and everything. It’s just if the body can take it one more year or two more years. There’s lots of wear and tear on the body. Mentally, the last couple of years, you’ve got to go through the soreness, aches and pain, and it can be pretty tough during the regular season.”
Possibly the only way that Holmstrom is in a Wings uniform next season is if Nicklas Lidstrom says he’d like to have him come back too.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: At the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs were given a choice between 24-year old Steve Downie (a RFA looking for more than $3 million) or 20-year old Carter Ashton for defenseman Keith Aulie.
- Toronto Sun: Reports are that Patrick Roy has met with Serge Savard at a restaurant recently, but Savard denied they met in-person, but spoke on the phone.
Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
- Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks there is an 80% chance that Jaromir Jagr returns to the Flyers next year.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman: “We’re not going to bring everybody back.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne, Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick are the Vezina finalists.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka were not at the Senators practice today.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Brian Boyle didn’t practice with the Rangers today.
Luongo would waive his NTC … Pens want to re-sign Crosby and Staal … Grabovski gets offer before Leafs deal … Kesler injury
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 24th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo tells reporters that he would waive his no trade clause if asked.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: It’s no secret the the Blue Jackets need a starting goalie, but due to Roberto Luongo’s age and contract, he would be a last resort.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero said that it is their goal to re-sign both Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby. Shero added that his is “not sure” if he can do it until he speaks with Staal and Crosby, and has a better idea of the landscape. The CBA will be a factor as well. Shelly Anderson via twitter: Shero on trading one of their 3 big centers: “We have to take a look over the next couple months.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero: “I think Dan Bylsma is the right coach for our team”
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom: “I want to take a few weeks and get over this. It’s hard when you’re just a few days away from losing.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maple Leafs Mikhail Grabovski tells goal.by that he had doubts about re-signing with the Leafs and that he had an offer from another club. Darren Dreger responds with how can he get an offer if he was still under contract with the Leafs, and that it might have come from the KHL. Chesnokov thinks it might have some from Minsk … or that he said too much.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler has a shoulder injury. Doctors will look at it further to determine if surgery is needed. He injured it in February.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Masterton finalists: Daniel Alfredsson, Joffrey Lupul and Max Pacioretty.
- James Mirtle via twitter: GM of the Year finalists: Doug Armstrong, David Poile and Dale Tallon.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Panthers Jose Thoedore wasn’t at their morning skate. Jacob Markstrom was on the ice with Scott Clemmensen. Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Theodore is with the team, and the injury is not serious. He had the injury before.
Morning notes on: Torres, Lidstrom, Alfredsson, Luongo, Red Wings, Roy, Emery, Clifford, Parse and Blues sale
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres suspension is likely to be announced late morning or early afternoon.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom reiterated last night that a decision on his future won’t be made for several weeks. He’ll eventually meet with GM Ken Holland to,
“go over things. So I’ll see what he wants to do and what time table he’ll give me to make a decision.”
Coach Mike Babcock,
“I think Nick Lidstrom retires when he thinks he’s not a good player any more. But I think he’s been a pretty darn good player. He’s too good to quit.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson won’t be returning for Game 5. He didn’t practice with the team yesterday, and didn’t fly with them to New York .
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo said he isn’t reading papers or listening to the radio about speculation surrounding his future. Luongo added that he’s 100% behind Cory Schneider.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Red Wings did have interest in Rick Nash at the trade deadline, but it wasn’t the right timing for the Wings. The cost financially and structurally was also too much for the Wings. If they hit the open marketing, the Wings will have interest in landing one or both of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
- Marianne White in the Montreal Gazette: Patrick Roy said yesterday that he hasn’t received a call from the Canadiens yet, “But my cellphone is always turned on.” Roy added,
“If I receive a phone call, I’m obviously going to listen,” he said.
“The NHL has been the best thing that’s happened to me in my life and I’m certainly not going to turn down calls from an NHL team. But am I going to make calls? No.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jahns wonders if the Blackhawks will go with Ray Emery for Game 5 over Corey Crawford.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kyle Clifford didn’t skate yesterday. Scott Parse took part in his first team practice since November. Parse is still weeks away from possibly playing.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gary Bettman said yesterday that the sale of the St. Louis Blues could be completed “soon.” Once the lawyers are finished, the NHL Board of Governors will meet with Tom Stillman to give their final approval.
“We remain singularly focused on Tom Stillman completing his proposed transaction to purchase the St. Louis Blues’ franchise. “The process is progressing positively, and we have no reason to think that it won’t get done in the relatively near future.”
Luongo a tough move … JVR ready … Halak still in boot … Could it be Lidstrom’s final game … Roy knows Habs will call
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: One GM laughed when asked if Roberto Luongo’s contract is movable, and another responded:
“No,” he answered. “Unless the trading team was allowed to subsidize the deal.”
Options for the Canucks this summer: 1. Pray for an amnesty clause – if he was bought out at the end of the season without the amnesty, Luongo would come off the books in 2031-32. 2. Trade him – he has a no-trade clause and tough contract to move. “There’s a limited amount of teams,” an NHL source said. “A very limited amount of teams.” The Lightning are looking for a goalie this summer. Luongo has ties to the state of Florida. The Panthers have Jacob Markstrom on the way. The Leafs are looking for a goalie as well, but Burke doesn’t like long contract, plus “Why would he want to go from one fishbowl to another?” one source said. 3. Keep him – this would be a tough sell and Luongo likely wouldn’t be happy being a backup. With Schneider needing a new contract, a lot of money would be tied up in the position.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts thinks the only teams that may need goaltending are the Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The Devils could be looking for a goalie due to Martin Brodeur’s age, but there financial situation would likely prevent bringing in Luongo.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Reimsdyk skated for the 4th straight day yesterday and appears ready to return to the lineup. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gustafsson or Brandon Manning would take Grossman’s place if he’s not ready to go.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak’s return to the lineup doesn’t appear to be imminent. He is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot, and missed his 2nd straight game. Halak tested it out on the ice on Tuesday, but it didn’t go that well.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Simon Gagne: “I don’t even know if he’s in North America.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings lose tonight, it’s possible that Nicklas Lidstrom has played his final NHL game. Lidstrom will be 42 in a week.
“I’ve been hearing that same story for about five years now,” Babcock said Thursday. “I haven’t thought much about Nick. I’d be shocked if he retires, but I’ve been shocked before.”
“It’s crossed my mind,” Jimmy Howard said, “but you try not to think about it. It’s been quite the honor to play with Nick, and I hope he comes back, but that’s up to him.”
Lidstrom has said he’ll take some time to relax after the season, then him and his wife will make a decision on next year.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts are out of the playoffs, and he knows a call from the Canadiens will be coming.
“Going there would definitely interest him. He thrives on challenges,” said the above friend. “Winning one or two Stanley Cups was not enough for him; he wanted more. And, when the Avalanche traded for Ray Bourque, it became his mission to win another one.”
Serge Savard told the Montreal Gazette mid season that he thought the Roy would coach the Canadiens under “certain conditions.” Guy Lafleur thinks Roy would be a better GM than coach.
- Martin Lunden via a Swedish site: (tweeted by Bruce McCurdy) Oilers 2011 1st round draft pick Oscar Klefbom is set to a sign a 3 year entry-level deal with the team.
Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Sedin, Gill, Krejci, Kubina, Rome, Ebbett, Preds and Wings lines, Halak starts
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 13th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Predators Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent: “Radulov will most likely spend the next season in Russia.”
- Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Daniel Sedin won’t be in the lineup tonight.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Predators Hal Gill won’t be in the lineup tonight but he’s making progress. He’ll travel with the team to Detroit. Josh Cooper via twitter: Gill: “I’m going to give it some more time. I don’t think at this point I can help the team.”
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Bruins David Krejci thinks he’ll be able to go for Game 2.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers defenseman Pavel Kubina will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch. He’ll replace Marc-Andre Bourdon who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: For Game 2 Aaron Rome will replace Keith Ballard, and Andrew Ebbett is in for the suspended Byron Bitz.
- ESPN: Predators lines: S. Kostitsyn – Fisher – Erat , A. Kostitsyn – Legwand – Radulov, Bourque – Spaling – Hornqvist , Yip – Gaustad – Halischuk. Defensive Pairings: Suter – Weber, Klein – Josi, Bouillon – Hillen/Ellis … Red Wings Lines: Franzen – Datsyuk – Bertuzzi , Filppula – Zetterberg – Hudler, Nyquist – Albdelkader – Cleary, Miller – Emmerton – Holmstrom. Defensive Pairings: Lidstrom – Ericsson, Kronwall – Stuart, Quincey – White.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start Game 2 for the Blues.
Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012
- Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
- Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8 unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Coyotes Radim Vrbata is day-to-day with an injury.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”
“I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.
“You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”
- Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.
Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 12th, 2012
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Shea Weber was fined $2,500 for hitting Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the glass.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Darren Helm had surgery to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm and will be out from the remainder of the playoffs.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Chris Neil will return to the lineup. Matt Gilroy is also in.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins lines: Kunitz-Malkin-Neal, Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis, Cooke-Staal-Kennedy, Asham-Vitale-Adams.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Anton Khudobin will backup Tim Thomas tonight.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blues goalie Brian Elliott took part in their morning skate.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke said he wouldn’t move his 1st round pick to bring a goalie like Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. Zeisberger wonders if the Blues would give up one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak. Even if the Canucks wanted to trade Roberto Luongo, the Canucks “organization despises the Leafs.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brenden Morrow’s future with the Stars is up in the air, and he has be hearing criticism from from fans.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough to hear,” said Morrow of speculation that the team might be better if it moved forward without him. “But at the same time, I saw it with franchise players, good friends. If it happened to Mike Modano, it can happen to anyone.
“I don’t like it; I’m uncomfortable with it. I want us to win, I want us to be better, but I also understand this is a business and some of the things are out of my control. So what I can control is to get myself as healthy as I can and work as hard as I can and hope I perform as well as I can.
“I’d love to be a part of the solution next year, and hopefully management agrees.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Canucks Byron Bitz’s disciplinary hearing is at 3:30 EST.
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.
15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.
| RK | TEAM |
2011-12
AVG |
%
Capacity |
2010-11
AVG |
2009-10
AVG |
2008-09
AVG |
| 1 | Chicago |
21,533
|
105
|
21,423
|
21,356
|
22,247
|
| 2 | Montreal |
21,273
|
100
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
| 3 | Philadelphia |
20,433
|
107.4
|
21,273
|
19,535
|
19,545
|
| 4 | Detroit |
20,114
|
100.7
|
19,680
|
19,546
|
19,865
|
| 5 | Toronto |
19,506
|
103.7
|
19,354
|
19,289
|
19,312
|
| 6 | Ottawa |
19,356
|
101.1
|
19,289
|
19,260
|
18,949
|
| 7 | Calgary |
19,289
|
100
|
18,378
|
18,269
|
19,289
|
| 8 | Vancouver |
18,884
|
102.5
|
18,860
|
18,810
|
18,630
|
| 9 | St. Louis |
18,809
|
98.2
|
19,150
|
18,883
|
18,554
|
| 10 | Pittsburgh |
18,566
|
102.7
|
18,240
|
17,078
|
16,975
|
| 11 | Buffalo |
18,550
|
99.9
|
18,452
|
18,529
|
18,531
|
| 12 | Washington |
18,506
|
101.3
|
18,397
|
18,277
|
18,097
|
| 13 | Tampa Bay |
18,468
|
96.2
|
17,268
|
15,497
|
16,497
|
| 14 | NY Rangers |
18,191
|
100
|
18,108
|
18,076
|
18,949
|
| 15 | Los Angeles |
17,920
|
100
|
18,083
|
17,313
|
16,488
|
| 16 | Minnesota |
17,772
|
98.4
|
17,565
|
17,388
|
17,039
|
| 17 | Boston |
17,564
|
100
|
17,562
|
17,558
|
17,039
|
| 18 | San Jose |
17,562
|
100
|
18,012
|
18,415
|
17,488
|
| 19 | Edmonton |
16,839
|
100
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
| 20 | Nashville |
16,690
|
97.5
|
16,142
|
14,979
|
15,010
|
| 21 | Florida |
16,628
|
86.6
|
15,685
|
15,146
|
15,621
|
| 22 | Carolina |
16,042
|
85.9
|
14,820
|
13,947
|
16,572
|
| 23 | Colorado |
15,498
|
86.1
|
14,775
|
15,535
|
15,429
|
| 24 | New Jersey |
15,396
|
87.4
|
16,415
|
15,240
|
15,790
|
| 25 | Winnipeg |
15,004
|
100
|
13,469
|
13,607
|
14,626
|
| 26 | Anaheim |
14,760
|
86.4
|
14,738
|
15,168
|
16,990
|
| 27 | Columbus |
14,660
|
80.8
|
13,658
|
15,416
|
15,543
|
| 28 | Dallas |
14,226
|
76.8
|
11,059
|
12,735
|
17,680
|
| 29 | NY Islanders |
13,191
|
81.3
|
15,073
|
17,215
|
13,733
|
| 30 | Phoenix |
12,420
|
72.5
|
12,188
|
11,989
|
14,875
|
| Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers. | ||||||
Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2012
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
- Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.
“It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”
Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Jacob Josefson broke his wrist last night and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed 2010 1st round pick Brock Nelson to an entry level deal.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.
“The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”
If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.
- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”
Price has headaches, concussion? Hall to have surgery today … Myers out … Wisniewski to return … Quincey suspendion video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 3rd, 2012
- Mike Boone of Hockey Inside/Out: Radio-Canada is reporting that Canadiens goalie Carey Price has a concussion, but as of last night the Canadiens were disputing that. The Canadiens say that he is having headaches, but hasn’t been diagnosed with a concussion just yet. He’ll go through some tests this week to see what is causing the headaches. Price collided with a teammate Thursday morning and hasn’t felt the same since. It is possible that his season could be over. A Radi0-Canada reporter apparently overhead the Canadiens doctor on his cell phone talking to their head athletic therapist.
- Taylor Hall via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall arrived in Cleveland yesterday and will have surgery today.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers is out tonight, but hasn’t been rule out for Thursday or Saturday. Christian Ehrhoff is out this week.
- LA Kings via twitter: Kings forward Jeff Carter had an MRI yesterday which revealed a deep bone bruise and no structural damage. He’ll be out day-to-day.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski is set to return to the lineup tonight.
- Dallas Morning News via twitter: Stars forward Eric Nystrom could return to the lineup tonight.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets center Kyle Wellwood is out with a broken ankle. Wellwood was hit in the foot by a Grant Clitsome’s shot. Wellwood set a career high with 47 points this season.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks tonight.
- Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey was suspended for elbowing.
Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”
“It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun suffered another groin injury and may have played his last game for the Capitals.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.
Morning notes on Sedin, Toews, Carter, McQuaid, Reimer, Gustavsson, McDonald, Hejduk, Mueller, Suter and Parise
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 30th, 2012
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks get some good news in that Daniel Sedin could be ready to return for the 1st round of the playoffs according to GM Mike Gillis.
“It’s risky to make projections with these things because one day the player just may not feel right, but he’s going in the right direction,” Gillis told The Vancouver Sun. “He’s feeling a little better each day. We’re hopeful if things keep going the way they are that he’ll be available [for the first round].”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is getting real close to returning.
“I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but probably,” Toews said. “If it’s not [Thursday], it will be soon, though.”
Defenseman Steve Montador’s concussion symptoms returned on Tuesday and he’s out indefinitely.
- Rich Hammond of LAKings NHL.com: Kings Jeff Carter is unlikely to play tonight due to an ankle injury.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid left last night’s game in the 1st period after being hit face-first into the boards by Jason Chimera. McQuaid has had concussion issues in the past. He was cut over the eye and was ‘woozy’ leaving the ice.
“We’ll probably learn more (today),” coach Claude Julien said. “But for the obvious reasons that the medical staff deals with those kind of things, the minute you don’t feel right, they pull you out. So hopefully we’ll get good news (today).”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs may shut James Reimer down for the season as a result of concussion-like symptoms returning.
“There will be probably a point that there’ll be a decision made if he’s going to return or not,” Carlyle said. “That’s in the medical people’s hands right now. We just have to wait for clearance from everybody involved to put the player back on the ice.”
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs pending UFA Jonas Gustavsson is trying to not think that far ahead. “What’s going to happen next year is going to wait for a while.” Gustavsson was injured in the warmups and was unable to make the start. The Leafs may look to bring in a veteran goalie next year to work with James Reimer.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald will return to the lineup on Saturday.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk is considering retiring after the season.
“It could be. I don’t want to analyze right now, but it definitely could be,” Hejduk said.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: (mailbag) Avs pending RFA Peter Mueller has been a healthy scratch for 2 games lately and would required a $2.2 million qualifying offer. Dater thinks they will likely qualify him, but it is possible they look to trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that the Red Wings have sent scouts to watch the remaining games of pending UFAs Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The Wings could be leaning more towards Suter since Nicklas Lidstrom could retire or play only one more season. B.J. Crombeen has been out with a hand injury. Roman Polak could return on Saturday.
Afternoon notes: Schultz, Selanne, Toews, Scrivens, D’Agostini, new Devils lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: If Ducks defensive prospect Justin Schultz decides not to sign the Ducks and become a UFA on July 1st, Bob McKenzie thinks the Oilers have the best chance at landing him. TSN’s Aaron Ward thinks the Red Wings are the best bet, with Marc Crawford picking the Maple Leafs.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ducks winger Teemu Selanne doesn’t know if he’ll return next year or not. He leads the team with 63 points in 76 games.
“I’m not going to think about it before the season is over and then give it a couple weeks and get a feel from there,” he said after the Ducks practiced in preparation for Wednesday’s game against Pacific division-leading San Jose.
“There are so many highs and lows during the season. I have to feel the situation.”
Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is expected to be cleared for contact today or tomorrow.
- James Mirtle via twitter: With Maple Leafs goalie Ben Scrivens just being called up for yesterday, he made an extra $2,800.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Josefson-Bernier.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues have activated Matt D’Agostini from the IR and he’ll play tonight.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals against the Bruins.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Leafs against the Flyers.
Ehrhoff day-to-day … Vinny returns … Price for Nash for Leafs would be steep …Isles sign Grahame … Howard out Friday
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was re-evaluated yesterday.
“He’ll miss some time,” said Ruff, who declined to elaborate whether it was day-to-day or week-to-week. “It’ll be a period of time.”
- Vincent Lecavalier via twitter: Vinny tweets he’s happy to get back in the lineup.
- Howard Berger via twitter: Given what the Blue Jackets wanted for Rick Nash at the trade deadline, it would cost the Leafs Jake Gardiner, Nazem Kadri and their 1st round pick in June.
- Steve Conroy of hte Boston Herald: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask is progressing well from his March 3rd, groin/abdomen strain.
“I’m doing exercising, biking, all kinds of stuff. It’s looking really good. I’m just trying to get the strength back and be ready to go,” Rask said yesterday. “I think we’re shooting for (a return for the playoffs) and it’s looking good now.”
“If everything goes well, I’ll go out there and maybe get some shots, not do much but just go by the feel,” Rask said. “You can’t rush these kind of injuries.”
- Islanders Point Blank: The Islanders have signed John Grahame for the rest of the year to back up Al Montoya. Arthur Staple of Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov left Tuesday’s game and is listed day-to-day with a lower-body injury, it looks like he may not play another game this season.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be in the lineup on Friday. Howard missed his 4th straight game on Wednesday with a groin issue.
“It’s Babs’ call and he’s the coach, he makes the decisions,” Howard said. “That (playing Friday) was the plan all along, but Coach has decided to go in a different direction, and as a player I have to respect that.
“I hope he changes his mind, but I don’t think it’ll happen.”
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens was recalled yesterday on a temporary basis and will be returned today. Jussi Rynnas will likely take his place. The Maple Leafs may have given Scrivens a day of NHL pay. He’s a big part of the Marlies AHL playoff run and they don’t want to disrupt that.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning have signed college free agent J.T. Brown from Minnesota-Duluth.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers tonight against the Wild.
Hall out 5-6 months … No contact yet for Toews … Roster notes for Pens, Devils, Preds, Wings … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 27th, 2012
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall will not return to this season as he’ll be having labral shoulder surgery. According to Steve Tambellini: “Recovery time will be between five and six months, so our hope is that Taylor will be ready for the start of next season.”
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Some college UFAs could be signing in the next day or 2. UMD’s J.T. Brown, Miami’s Cam Schilling, Maine’s Spencer Abbott and others. Washington has just signed Cam Schilling to an entry level contract.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Ben Lovejoy had knee surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins forward Steve Sullivan said he should be ready to get back in the lineup.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Devils rookie Adam Larsson will be a healthy scratch. Peter Harrold will be in the lineup.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said Martin Erat is out with an upper body injury.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Word is that Johan Franzen will return tomorrow night. Jonathan Ericsson is questionable. The plan is to have Jimmy Howard to return on Friday.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Martin Brodeur will face Corey Crawford tonight.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Bruins. Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Braden Holtby will start in net for the Capitals.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers Scott Clemmensen was the 1st off the ice and likely starter.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs.
Recent Comments