Posts Tagged Drew Stafford
Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2012
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: More will be known about Jonathan Toews injury after practice today. The Blackhawks have only 1 game before the All-Star break.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.
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.
NHL rumors involving Sabres, Predators, Penguins, Jets, Blackhawks, and Parise … Injury notes on Markstrom, Giordano and Morrison
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2012
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: If the struggling Sabres make a trade, center Derek Roy is leading the rumor mill.
“It’s fine. It’s whatever people say,” Roy said. “You can’t worry about it and do anything about it. You have to go out and play your game. Everyone here is trying to do their job, whether it’s stopping the puck, playing defense and scoring goals. We all have to do our part.
The Ducks were said to be looking at Roy and Drew Stafford back in November when GM Bob Murray was in town. Roy has one more year at $5.5 million but a $4 million cap hit. Roy is currently battling a shoulder injury, that originally happened in training camp. Sabres GM Darcy Regier said last Friday that no deal was imminent, but he is talking to teams. On the injury side, Andrej Sekera skated for the 1st time since his Dec. 28th upper-body injury. Tyler Ennis and his ankle injury remain off ice.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile on Ryan Suter:
“Our first and foremost goal is to sign Ryan. We’ve been trying to do that all season long. I’ve not accomplished that to this point, but we’re hoping to continue discussions and get that done at some point. We’ll be prepared, if we feel that we weren’t going to be able to sign Ryan, and if we thought we were in a position that we had to or should trade him. I’m certainly hoping that doesn’t happen, I don’t want that to happen, but I want to be prepared for that.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: With all the injuries the Penguins have, they could turn to the Ducks. It wouldn’t take much to get Niklas Hagman. Jason Blake is in the final year of his $4 million deal and could be dealt, though it may not be the best use of cap space for the Pens. The Oilers are looking for a young defenesman in return for Ales Hemsky. Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu may be the best option for the Penguins.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff:
“We’re in the same situation as many teams,” Cheveldayoff said after 41 games have yielded a record of 20-16-5 for his team. “We’re always looking to see what’s available out there.
“We’re always having conversations but to the extent that someone’s ready to pull the trigger, those things really aren’t planned. They evolve.
“Sometimes the opportunities present themselves and you feel you have to act. But there haven’t been any of those come up yet. To say when and where, that’s hard to speculate.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Sam Gagner’s name has come up involving the Blackhawks, but Matheson thinks they are looking for a bigger #2 center.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils winger Zach Parise said that money is definitely important but the most important thing for him is a chance to win.
- Harry Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom’s knee injury may be more serious that originally thought, and he’ll be getting a 2nd opinion today. “It’s not great news. We’ll have more information tomorrow,” he said. “It’s going to be a little while before he’s back in the swing of things. Unfortunately, my own prognosis yesterday was inaccurate.”
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano practiced yesterday for the 1st time since tearing his hamstring on Nov. 29th. Giordano said: “pretty close to normal, if not normal.” “I’d still like to see Gio get into some practices here over the week,” said coach Brent Sutter. “I think we’ll be closer with him come (Thursday) and see where he is at that point in time and, if not, you’d think by the weekend.” Brendan Morrison also practiced yesterday. D Derek Smith, D Scott Hannan, C Matt Stajan, LW Alex Tanguay, C/W David Moss and G Henrik Karlsson are on the IR.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: It will be Jaroslav Halak against Carey Price in Montreal.
Ducks in the rumor mill … Subban-Plekanec drop the gloves … RNH injures shoulder … Carcillo could face suspension
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on January 3rd, 2012
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Talk about what Teemu Selanne will do has already surfaced as the Ducks have struggled with a 10-21-6 record.
“I’ve read some stories in the papers too about what the situation could be,” said Selanne, who took the day off for maintenance. ”To be honest, I haven’t really thought about that too much. I still believe that we can make the playoffs. I don’t want to think about that thing before we’re out.
“So right now, I just think I’m going to be here. That’s the only goal I have right now. Right now, I can’t see that happening. The focus is still do the job here now and see how it goes. A lot of work to do. It’s a big challenge right now.”
Ducks GM Bob Murray may look to see what he can get for the few tradable assets he has. Bobby Ryan has already been on the trade block and Ryan Getzlaf’s name has crept into the rumor mill lately. GM Murray has already said that Selanne is retiring a Duck.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: It’s sounding like the Sabres could be shopping some players in effort to turn their season around. Coach Lindy Ruff’s job is safe. The Sabres sit in 11th spot, but they don’t need to blow up their roster. Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, Paul Gaustad and Ryan Miller haven’t lived up to expectations or their contracts.
- TSN: Canadiens P.K. Subban and Tomas Plekanec dropped the gloves at yesterday’s practice. No big bombs were landed and both players resumed practicing afterwards. “It’s nothing personal between me and P.K., it’s about the team and to realize we have to start playing as a team,” said Plekanec. “Those things happen.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins left last night’s game. There is no news on the severity of the shoulder injury. He’ll be out today against the Sabres. Mark Spector via twitter: The Oilers have recalled center Josh Green and Dman Colten Teubert to replace RNH and Tom Gilbert (see video below).
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers winger Jaromir Jagr took himself out of yesterday’s Winter Classic after he was speared in the calf. “It was swelling and getting worse and worse in my leg,” Jagr said. “I just couldn’t skate hard and I didn’t want to just be [on the ice] to be there. I knew at that point I couldn’t help my teammates.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance list 10 candidates for next year’s Winter Classic and beyond: 1. Detroit 2. Washington 3. New York 4. Minnesota 5. Toronto 6. Chicago 7. Colorado 8 Columbus 9. Green Bay 10. Las Vegas
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward David Booth hopes to return to the lineup by Jan. 9th against the Panthers. Booth has skated for 3 straight days, but only for 15 minutes. Booth has been out with a sprained knee ligament since Dec. 6th. Defenseman Aaron Rome also skated but is still a ways from returning.
- Blackshawks Dan Carcillo’s hit on Oilers Tom Gilbert. This will definitely be looked by the league, and a suspension is likely. What do you think?
Sunday morning rumor roundup … Giroux and Bryzgalov leave last night’s game early … Richards updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 11th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Canadiens made a desperate move in acquiring Tomas Kaberle, and if doesn’t work, it could cost GM Pierre Gauthier his job. Capitals GM George McPhee has been trying to make a move to shake up their team. They’d love to move Alexander Semin but “there is no market for a struggling, underachieving winger making too much money these days.” Don’t expect the Martin Brodeur to be a rental player. If the Bruins don’t re-sign Chris Kelly, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end, the Senators could be interested. After Brian Burke’s extended Christmas roster freeze, the Maple Leafs could be looking for help down the middle as Tim Connolly has been struggling with injuries. Blue Jackets Derick Brassard could interest them, and GM Scott Howson was spotted at Marlies game. The Kings are working the phones trying to make a move, and they’d love to move Dustin Penner.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers forward Claude Giroux was held out of the 3rd period last on precautionary measure after taking a hit to the head. Giroux was examined by a doctor last night and was feeling better. He’ll be re-evaluated this morning. GM Paul Holmgren on if Giroux has headaches: “not really headaches. This was really just precautionary at this stage.” Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov left the game with 13:01 left in the 3rd. “It was starting to bother me more and more during the game and we decided to be safe,” he said. Holmgren and Bryzgalov don’t think he’ll be sidelined.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: With Avalanche struggling, coach Joe Sacco and GM Greg Sherman could be on their way out if things don’t improve. Gleason thinks the Sabres should call about center Paul Stastny. They could offer up a Derek Roy or Drew Stafford and Andrej Sekera in a package for Stastny. Oilers have had Sam Gagner available all year, and they’re willing to listen to offers for Ales Hemsky, but teams aren’t lining up for either.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Red Wings have about $5.6 million in salary cap space, and could use another Top 6-9 forward, as well as a veteran defenseman. Wings GM Ken Holland has been a Ales Hemsky fan, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings center Mike Richards might join the Kings at some point on their 9 game road trip. He skated briefly on Friday, and continues off-ice workouts.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight against the Sharks.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove Link: Discussing the plight of concussions in hockey.
Wings could look at Ruutu … Stars called about Iginla … Luongo dangled … Brassard getting interest … NHL realignment option
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 4th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Red Wings will look to add a veteran forward by the trade deadline, and don’t be surprised if they go after Tuomo Ruutu. The Stars have asked the Flames about Jarome Iginla but were told he’s not available. The Canucks may still look to acquire Kyle Turris. Expect the Flames to call the Senators about Filip Kuba since Mark Giordano is out for an extended period. The Rangers, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs and Flyers all looked into adding Bobby Ryan. The Ducks wanted a high-end young guy that’s already in the NHL, a top prospect and a 1st round pick. Talk is the Canucks dangled Roberto Luongo around the league but haven’t found anyone interested in his $5.3 million cap hit until 2021-22. Cory Schneider will traded at some point. Blue Jackets forward Derick Brassard is getting interest from the Kings, Senators, Canadiens, Coyotes, Panthers, Lightning and Rangers.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Cory Sarich denies that the made a trade request:
“We discussed a wide variety of topics,” Sarich said. “It was initiated by me, because I just wanted to be open and honest with him. I really wanted to express to him that I want to contribute to this team. I want to be part of this team.“I definitely did not demand to be traded,” he said. “As long as I’m in Calgary, I want to be here. I want to contribute…
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks it would be foolish for the Maple Leafs to sign Ron Wilson to contract extension until after the season. Simmons notes if the Leafs make the playoffs he gets an extension, if he doesn’t, he’s gone.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: (from several days ago) Anaheim is believed to have some interest in Drew Stafford.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks.
- HNIC Hotstove video link: One realignment options is 4 conferences.
KingsRed WingsCanadiensFlyersDucksBlackhawksMaple LeafsPenguinsSharksBluesSenatorsRangersCanucksWildBruinsIslandersFlamesPredatorsSabresDevilsOilersBlue JacketsPanthersCapitalsAvalancheJetsLightningHurricanesCoyotesStars
2011 NHL Restricted Free Agents by Team
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on April 15th, 2011
Here is a list of potential 2011 Restricted Free Agents by Team. We will update the NHL restricted free agent list throughout the off-season. Also check out potential 2011 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents and Top 25 NHL Free Agents.
Restricted Free Agents: ANA | ATL | BOS | BUF | CAR | CAL | CHI | CBJ | COL | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA | LA | MIN | MON | NASH | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PHO | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS
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Crosby cleared for light workouts … Healing Rangers … Roundup of names mentioned in trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
“There hasn’t been much real talk,” Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com this week. “Teams are saying ‘We’ll talk later, we’ll talk later.’ But that’s fine.”
“There’s been lots of talk going on, but it’s hard to jar anything loose right now,” Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said this week.
“Most of us have players that we would make available even right now for a trade, either because they’re underperforming and/or overpaid,” Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier told us this week. “But it’s impossible right now to get an agreement on values. We’re all hoping that we’re going to be able to just charge a cost without taking anything back, and that’s not reality. So I think, yes, we’re all sitting around to the last day or two again [before the trade deadline].”
The Maple Leafs and Senators have been trying to make trades (not with each other) for some time but haven’t had any luck. It doesn’t look like the Senators will move Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza. The Leafs may be ready to take draft picks and prospects as ‘traditional hockey deals’ are harder to do nowadays. There’s the Tomas Kaberle and his no-trade clause question that will be brought up again. Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg will continue get interest. Sheldon Souray is still available. Dustin Penner should draw some interest. Future UFA’s the Sabres have are Tim Connolly, Mike Grier, Rob Niedermayer, Craig Rivet and Steve Montador.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby has been cleared by doctors to begin light workouts. He’s been out since Jan. 5th with a mild concussion. Crosby will have to be symptom free from the workout before he’ll be able to practice with the team.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources are saying that the Ottawa Senators are trying to move Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar has 2 year and $11 million left on his deal. The Sharks, Bruins, and Blue Jackets are teams that have shown interest in adding a defenseman. “You could deal him, but you’re going to have to take somebody back,” said one NHL insider. “It’s going to have to be a dollar-for-dollar, which means they’ll have to take someone’s big contract back. “This is going to be a really tough deal for (the Senators) to make.” Chris Phillips and Jarkko Ruutu have been the most talked about names.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: A list of players who’s names have come up the most in trade rumors: Mike Fisher (OTT), Tim Connolly (BUF), Daniel Alfredsson (OTT), Sergei Gonchar (OTT), Chris Phillips (OTT), Robyn Regehr (CAL), Bryan McCabe (FLA), Stephen Weiss (FLA), Tomas Vokoun (FLA), Cory Stillman (FLA), Drew Stafford (BUF), Tomas Kaberle (TOR), Francois Beauchemin (TOR), JS Giguere (TOR), Jason Arnott (NJ), Brad Richards (DAL), and Devin Setoguchi (SJ).
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Post-Dispatch: If the Columbus Blue Jackets fall out of the playoff race, they could look to move Jan Hejda, Kristian Huselius, Sammy Pahlsson, and Chris Clark.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers should get Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi back on Tuesday. Vinnie Prospal is close to returning, and before the trade deadline they’ll also get Erik Christensen, Brandon Dubinsky and Ruslan Fedotenko back. Spector polled fans to see what they wanted to the Rangers to do, the results: Stand pat: 36% Defenseman: 23% Center: 13% Trade a veteran: 11% Address a weakness only if the market price is good: 7% Any power play help: 5% Jason Strudwick-type defenseman who can also spell a forward: 3% Jarome Iginla: 2%. Specific defenseman named: Anton Babchuk (Flames), Brent Burns (Wild), Brian McCabe (Panthers), Steve Montador (Sabres) and Tomas Kaberle (Maple Leafs).
- Lisa Wallace of the Globe and Mail: Ray Emery is hoping to get a contract in the next couple of weeks, as he continues he comeback attempt. Last April he had bone grafted from his leg and inserted “into the ball of the hip.” He was on the ice in Ottawa with goaltending coach Eli Wilson. “I’m ready to go and start training in the American Hockey League and know that my body can take that kind of exertion,” Emery said. “The hockey’s not all the way there. I feel like a player at the end of the summer who needs some training and some games to get a feeling for the game again.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are looking to add another defenseman and a center. Players they might be offering as trade bait are Victor Stalberg, Jack Skille, and Nick Boynton. Defenseman that Sassone thinks they could look at are Bryan McCabe, Roman Hamrlik, Joni Pitkanen, and Chris Phillips.
Wisniewski would like to stay in Montreal … Stafford out 2 games, Fedotenko to miss 2-4 weeks … Spezza could be back in 2 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on January 20th, 2011
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: James Wisniewski is hoping the Canadiens will be interested in signing him after the season. The 26-year old will be a UFA at seasons end, and the Canadiens currently only have 3 defenseman under contract. He was told on the Island that he was expendable as they were going with a youth movement (from the sentence above, he’s only 26).
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres winger Drew Stafford will miss at least the next 2 games with a groin injury. “It is a relief,” Ruff said after practice in HSBC Arena. “He’s walking fine, and his strength is pretty good. It all bodes well for coming back quickly.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Robin Lehner could be recalled by the Ottawa Senators from the AHL, and get the start against the Flyers or on Friday against the Canadiens. Warren also reports reports the Senators had over $27 million in salary has absent from practice with various injuries. Daniel Alfredsson, Sergei Gonchar and Brian Elliott are ailing but expected to play. Jason Spezza is ahead of schedule as he recovers from his Dec. 26th shoulder separation, and could be back in 2 weeks. Alex Kovalev could return early next week.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Ruslan Fedotenko will out of the Rangers lineup for 2-4 weeks with a left shoulder separation.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Jimmy Howard was back with the Red Wings after only missing 2 games. Howard took a hard shot near his knee cap, and was inches away from possibly being a lot more serious.
Nabokov to Lightning may not be a no-brainer … Lease passes Glendale vote … Sabres get trio back … Phaneuf-Iginla feud? Difference in Oilers-Leafs rebuilds
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 15th, 2010
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman confirms that he spoke with Evgeni Nabokov’s agent but wouldn’t say anything more. He did say that their goaltending needs to improve and he’s not ruling out that improvement comes from Dan Ellis and Mike Smith. The Washington Capitals are also mentioned a team that may be interested in Nabokov but Bruce Boudreau offered this, “We’ve got two great young goaltenders,” Boudreau said. “Not good, but great young goaltenders. We’re not going after anybody else.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: It seems like a no brainer for the Lightning to sign Evgeni Nabokov but there a few things that Yzerman has to consider. 1) He’s 35 so if you sign him to multi-year deal he’ll count against the cap even if he stops playing. He struggle at the Olympics last year (and through parts of the season) and in the KHL this year. 2) If they sign him, he still has to clear waivers. 3) How much does he expect to make? Is he looking for something in the $4 million range? If the Lightning decide to go another route the could inquire about Dwayne Roloson and Johan Hedberg as upgrades to their current tandem.
- The Globe and Mail: It looks like Matt Hulsizer is getting closer to owning the Arizona Phoenix Coyotes as the Glendale City Council approved the new lease in a 5-2 vote. The new deal will cost the city $197 million over 6 years, Hulsizer is expected to buy the team for $170 million.
“This is the resolution we sought,” Bettman said after the meeting ended near midnight. “The action taken by the council is successful and conclusive.”
“My reservation here is the city would be left with huge bills and no income from this transaction if Mr. Hulsizer defaults on any of his payments to the city,” said council member Joyce Clark, who voted against the lease. “If, for some reason, he relinquishes control of the Coyotes franchise, the cost to the city would be enormous.”
The Coyotes have not made money since they left Winnipeg in 1996, Hulsizer added,
“It will take some time to turn this around,” he said. “It will not happen in the short term. We’re looking 10, 15 years possibly, I don’t know. We hope the economy will start to turn around, and the Coyotes can win.”
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Though not official yet, Dean McAmmond plans on retiring. McAmmond’s agent said he received a couple opportunities to continue playing but he had already stopped skating.
- The Detroit News: Jimmy Howard will start in the net for the Red Wings tonight against the Blues. Chris Osgood is likely to a get a shot at his 400th career win on either Friday or Saturday.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford are expected back in the Sabres lineup tonight versus the Bruins. Rob Niedermayer is likely to return as well. Mark Mancari was sent to the AHL Monday and Luke Adam was sent back yesterday. Nathan Gerbe hasn’t scored in 20 games could be a healthy scratch.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks Douglas Murray, Devin Setoguchi and Kent Huskins all skated yesterday before the team left on a 3 game road trip.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The rebuilding process between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton is quite different. From Brian Burke,
“We’re trying to do this without the draft picks. That’s why we signed Phil Kessel. We just have a different model, a different blue-print than Edmonton. We’re trying to rebuild without finishing dead last … although we almost did last year,” said Burke, who traded away his first-round draft pick last June and next summer to the Boston Bruins — who selected Tyler Seguin No. 2 overall behind Hall — for Kessel.
“I think you can rebuild without doing the Ottawa model or the Chicago model, where you finish last or dead-last or close to dead-last for two or three years and reload. I think you can add assets in a (salary) cap system. I build all my teams the same way — from the blue-line out. That’s where I spend my cap dollars. We’re different from Edmonton here. They’re building up front, first (Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Sam Gagner).
“I won’t change my blue-print. It worked in Vancouver. It worked in Anaheim.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf shot down rumors that they feuded in Calgary. There were rumors that the 2 had fought, and that Phaneuf was having an affair with a teammates wife/girlfriend.
“Yes, Dion and I had a scrap,” Iginla admitted to the Toronto Sun.
“Ask Dion about our wrestling match,” Iginla said with a wink.
“It was at the hotel one time and we were just fooling around,” Phaneuf confirmed Tuesday.
“I was aware of the rumours. One of them suggested we got into it and one of us ended up with a black eye. I really don’t know where this stuff comes from.”
“Dion and I have been friends for a long time. And we will be long after our respective hockey careers have ended.”
Blues dangling D for Scoring, also inquiring about Bergeron … No contract talks yet for Parise … Blues look into Kovalev … Laperriere clears room for Leighton
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 14th, 2010
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues continue to look for scoring help and could be moving out a defenseman. The Blues have also inquired about Marc-Andre Bergeron, and could bring in the power play specialist if they move a Dman out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergeron Record: Zach Parise has shed is immobilizing leg cast that he’s had on for 6 weeks. It will still be some time before he’s able to begin skating. Early February is when he might be able to return. The Devils have yet to approach Parise about a new contract.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: The LA Kings have activated Willie Mitchell and placed Brad Richardson on the IR.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues have looked into Senators forward Alexei Kovalev, and are not the only team. Ottawa isn’t looking for a contract that goes beyond this year. Kovalev has a no-movement clause. Still no word on when David Perron could return from his concussion. Tim Kennedy has been given permission to seek a trade by Glen Sather. The Penguins will be looking to sign Mark Letestu to an extension soon. Mike Modano is still hoping to return in March, but there is no guarantee, and the Red Wings may have concerns on the shape he’ll be in as he didn’t arrive at training camp in great shape.
- Adam JahnNo via twitter: Marian Hossa and Fernando Pisani skated yesterday, Patrick Kane could skate today.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont wonders if teams will call Panthers GM Dale Tallon about Erik Gudbranson. Florida was unable to come to terms with him before this season. Teams, such as the Bruins, may offer a roster player and swapping first round picks. Gudbranson isn’t going anywhere in my opinion.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn appears to be fine after taking a puck on the “unpadded part of the inside of his knee.” Mike Komisarek took part in the full practice and could play tonight if Ron Wilson chooses to insert him back in. Mike Brown will be out at least another 2 weeks.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Philadelphia Flyers placed Ian Laperriere on LTIR yesterday. Laperriere hasn’t played a game this season due to post-concussion symptoms. Matt Walker could be added to the IR as he was injured over the weekend. The Flyers had about $550,000 in cap space as of yesterday, and by placing Laperriere’s $1.166 million on LTIR, they’ll be able to add Michael Leighton’s $1.55 cap hit.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks coach Todd McLellan said that Douglas Murray will skate today and will accompany the team to Nashville. Pollak also notes, as speculated in many places, that Evgeni Nabokov could end up in Washington or Tampa.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Ben Eager and Niclas Bergfors were both healthy scratches again last night, it was their second consecutive game. Freddy Modin and Tim Stapleton replaced them.
- Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford practiced yesterday and could go on Wednesday night versus the Bruins.
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