Posts Tagged Edmonton Oilers
Coaches Corner: Hunter, Wilson, Richards, Renney, McLellan, Leafs, Canadiens and Flames … Conditions on Dudley leaving Leafs for Habs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Dale Hunter made the tough decision of leaving the Capitals to go back to the London Knight after talking with his family. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: “It was a tough decision. But it was the right one for me and my family.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee is in no hurry to hire a new head coach, he could wait until July or August to find Hunter’s replacement. McKenzie wouldn’t hold his breath waiting for Ron Wilson to be named coach.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards gets a 2 year deal, no longer the interim coach. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the Richards extension is a vote of confidence from ownership for GM Scott Howson.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Leafs assistants Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin are expected back. The Canadiens are in the process of touching base with some head coaching candidates, such as: Michel Therrien, Guy Carbonneau, Marc Crawford, and Bob Hartley. The Flames are planning on narrowing their 10-12 head coaching list down to 5 or 6 for interviews. Bob Harley and Troy Ward are prominent. Nothing to report on Tom Renney’s expiring contract. GM Steve Tambellini’s contract is expired too, but many believe he has an extension in place,
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks that Todd McLellan will be back coaching the Sharks next season, but not surprised if they brought in an experienced or veteran assistant coach.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames AHL head coach Troy Ward is the leading candidate for the head coaching position according to Bodog’s prop (7/4 odds). Bob Hartley (5/2) is a close friend GM Jay Feaster is also a candidate. Craig MacTavish is listed at 6/1.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Dudley could leave the Maple Leafs for the Canadiens by the end of the month. It would be conditional on him not helping the Canadiens with the draft. Pending negotiations with the Canadiens, Dudley has the Leafs blessing to move on as long as he isn’t involved with the draft.
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
Questions for Predators … Sens should have some interest Penner … Extension for Gillis, Vigneault next? ‘Hawks, Oilers coaching notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 8th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Questions now turn to the Predators free agents. Will Shea Weber and Ryan Suter be back? Will Radulov be re-signed? Does he even want to stay in the NHL? Predators GM David Poile brought in players at the deadline to improve the teams chances, and to show Weber and Sutur they want win. Did they make to many changes at the deadline which changed the chemistry:
“I think we had a great group in here, just as good as we’ve had in the past,” Weber said, disagreeing with that notion. “It definitely wasn’t the case [of the additions hurting the team]. We didn’t accomplish what we thought we could have. It’s due in part to a great team in Phoenix, and don’t discredit them at all. They deserve to be going on and they’re going to do well.”
Suter will be a UFA, Weber will be a RFA. Alexander and Andrei Kostitsyn won’t likely be back.
“We’ll have to see,” Poile said. “There’s certain things that the club has rights to under the CBA and there’s certain things that we don’t. It’s a free world for some players. We have to hope and believe that what we’ve done this year and the growth of our franchise, whether it’s a player like Suter who’s an unrestricted free agent, that he sees that commitment and he wants to play with us and play for us. That he wants to play with Shea Weber as his partner and Shea wants to play [for the Predators] in the future. That’s why we signed Pekka Rinne and that’s why we’ve been trying to sign these guys. We’re going to have to see what we can do.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It shouldn’t come as a shock if the Senators show some interest in Kings UFA Dustin Penner. Penner will likely have to take a pay cut to the $1.5 million range, down from his $4.25 million. Penner had only 7 goals and 10 assists in 65 regular season games this past season, but has added 2 goals and 5 assists in 9 playoff games.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis received a contract extension yestreday and he hopes that one will be coming soon for coach Alain Vigneault.
“I feel very comfortable with Alain as the coach, I told everybody that at my season-ending press conference,” Gillis said. “I think he has done an excellent job and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want somebody back who has done an excellent job and has the results to show for it.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: There is some friction between the Blackhawks and their coac Joel Quenneville, and there is speculation that they wouldn’t stand in the Canadiens way if they came calling. Quenneville is a close ally of new GM Marc Bergevin.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The perception is the Oilers are looking for a new head coach, though they haven’t informed their current head coach, Tom Renney, of anything. Brent Sutter could one option they are considering.
A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 7th, 2012
- John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
- Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
- The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?
Grossman not cleared yet … 2 or 3 weeks for Habs GM? Alfie to take some time … Could Bruins trade Thomas? Seguin needs surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 27th, 2012
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman said he hasn’t been cleared yet. Hopes to play on Sunday.
- Stu Hackel of Hockey Inisde/Out: Renaud Lavoie wrote that it’s possible that the Canadiens could have a new GM in place in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson will take some time deciding his future:
“I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off.”
“This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause will expire on July 1st. Thomas has 1 year left on his 4 year, $20 million contract. Tuukka Rask will be a RFA on July 1st as well. If the Bruins were to move Thomas, Anton Khudobin would backup Rask if/when they re-sign him. If they moved Thomas’s $5 million cap hit, they could use the money elsewhere. Zach Parise will be a UFA, has played for Julien before, but may be looking for $7 million plus. Toronto, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Florida, Edmonton, and Columbus may be looking for goaltending help this summer. The Bruins may not get much return for Thomas due to age and contract, but would give the B’s cap relief.
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins Tyler Seguin needs surgery, likely on his left hand.
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.
Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 19th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad will likely replace injured Marian Hossa for Game 4.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
- Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.
Sedin heading to LA … Smith didn’t skate yesterday … Oils would like to hit HR if move pick … CBJ may be competitive, not rebuilding
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 17th, 2012
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Canucks Daniel Sedin will be travelling to Los Angeles to join the team for a full practice today, with hopes of being able to return to the lineup tomorrow. Coach Alain Vigneault can’t say for sure if Sedin will get in the lineup:
“That won’t be my decision, that’s a medical decision,” said Vigneault. “He’s been skating now for quite a few days. They feel he’s progressed real well and he’s cleared to practice with the team. Exactly what that means, we’ll have a better indication in the next couple of days.”
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes Mike Smith, Martin Hanzal and Lauri Korpikoski didn’t skate yesterday. “We have everybody under evaluation,” Tippett said. “That’s where we’re at. That’s not a concern of ours.”
- QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: According to the Star Tribune, the Canadiens have received permission from the Wild to talk with Blair Mackasey about their GM position. Mackasey is the Wild’s director of player personnel.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: (mailbag) Don’t expect to see Yann Danis as the Oilers backup next season. Danis was voted the best AHL goalie this season. He’s a UFA and could get some interest from other teams. The Oilers sending the top pick to the Devils for Adam Larsson is an interesting idea, but they would look to hit a home run if they trade the pick, a top guy like Shea Weber.
- Chris Johnston via twitter: Zenon Konoka has fined $2,500 and the Senators $10,000 for Konopka chirping a Rangers player who was doing an interview prior to Game 2.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: There are indications that the Blue Jackets won’t go into a 3-4 year rebuilding mode and will make moves to be competitive next season.
“It’s the biggest summer since I’ve been here,” general manager Scott Howson said. “I see us being competitive next season, for sure. We have to be more competitive.“There are a lot of moving parts. It depends on where they fall, in terms of the impact we can make on the franchise.”
The Blue Jackets are almost certain to deal Rick Nash, and it could awkward/ugly if he remains with the club. They’ll likely have a choice of drafting Ryan Murray, Mikhail Grigorenko, Alex Galchenyuk or Filip Forsberg. They own the Kings pick this year if they chose, or they can defer it to next year. The pick currently stands as the 17th pick, but could go to 26-30 depending on how far the Kings go in the playoffs. They may look to move this pick. They’ll be looking to add a starting goalie, with the only way Steve Mason comes back is if he’s the backup. Goalie options for the Blue Jackets will be Cory Schneider, Anders Lindback, Jonathan Bernier and Tuukka Rask. If a trade can’t be worked out they could look at UFAs Josh Harding, Scott Clemmensen Martin Biron, Dan Ellis and Jonas Gustavsson. Trading Nash would likely bring them a combination of draft picks, prospects and established players. 2 of those players would likely be ready for the NHL. Not including Nash, their top 6 would include R.j. Umberger, Derick Brassard, Vinny Prospal and possibly Cam Atkinson, Ryan Johansen and their 2nd overall pick.
Yakupov wants to be an Oiler … Elliott to start … Sharks may add size … Allaire may retire … Suspension videos for Hagelin and Carkner
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 16th, 2012
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: Likely 1st overall draft pick Nail Yakupov said:
“I definitely want to go to Edmonton and play for the Oilers, for sure,”
“I’ve played in Canada, in Sarnia, for the last two years. I love the people. I very much want to play for a Canadian team like Edmonton. I want to play for those guys!
“If they draft me, I will work very hard to make the team, give it everything I’ve got to work hard and play for the Oilers.
“I want to be No. 1. No. 1 is No. 1. I don’t want to be second or third.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues. Jaroslav Halak suffered a lower-body injury on Saturday and will be out for tonight. The injury isn’t considered serious.
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks may be considering making a lineup change for Game 3. The Sharks may look to get bigger, with options being Michal Handzus Brad Winchester and Colin White. Dominic Moore’s broken nose was badly swollen yesterday but he’ll be able to go.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: According to Elliotte Friedman, Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allaire may resign and retire as an active goalie coach. Burke told the Star that he had not heard directly from Allaire regarding his retirement.
- Rangers Carl Hagelin gets a 3 game suspension for his head hit on Senators Daniel Alfredsson.
- Senators Matt Carkner gets a 1 game suspension for fighting Rangers Brian Boyle.
JVR could practice today … Lindback will get trade interest … Oilers looking for 1 or 2 top Dmen … CBJ unlikely to move 2nd overall
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 14th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Viemsdyk began skating on Sunday and could practice with the team today. He had surgery on March 6th on his fractured foot. His possible return for the 1st round is not known.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that are looking to add a goaltender this summer will be looking at RFAs, Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier and even Tuukka Rask. Predators Anders Lindback is another RFA goalie that could find himself playing on another team next year. Custance points out that if someone signed Lindback to an offer sheet, that Preds don’t have a lot of free money to match. A 2 year, $3 million offer would only cost a 3rd round pick in compensation. A trade is a more likely scenario, as they will look to recoup that picks they moved at the deadline. In the last 2 years the 6 foot 6 Lindback posted a 16-13-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .914 SV%. The Lightning have a stockpile of draft picks. The Blue Jackets are looking at upgrading their goaltending. The Maple Leafs are also said to be looking at adding a goalie, but they may be looking for a veteran goalie.
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): The Oilers would like to add 1 or 2 top-end defenseman, and the 1st overall pick will likely be brought up in several cases. He doesn’t see them interested in a Rick Nash or Jarome Iginla.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told that it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets trade the 2nd overall pick, but it’s not out of the question. They’d gladly move the pick they get from the Kings.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins will be in the running for the Flames head coaching position. Other possibilities for the Flames are Troy Ward, Mike Sullivan, Craig MacTavish, Bob Boughner and Bob Hartley.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Before the 2011 NHL Draft, an Eastern team scout said that a team is going to get a steal in Sean Couturier. The scout knew his team would not be in a position to draft him and added that Philadelphia would be a perfect fit as they have success with young French players.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins 2010 1st round pick Beau Bennett signed an entry level deal and will leave the University of Denver. Dave Molinari via twitter: He has a $900,000 cap hit. He has a $810,000 salary, $90,000 signing bonus and a minor league salary of $67,500.
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.
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. | ||||||
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.
Canadiens GM candidates … Howson on draft, Nash … McQuaid OK … Bryzgalov out this weekend … P.A. likely gone
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 31st, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun lists some potential candidates for the Canadiens GM: Julien BriseBois, Marc Bergevin, Francois Giguere, Vincent Damphousse, Claude Loiselle, Patrick Roy, Pat Brisson, Pierre McGuire, Andre Savard, Doug Risebrough and Pierre Lacroix.There has been talk that the Blue Jackets may want to move their top pick as the top 2 prospects are Russian, and they haven’t had much luck with Russians. GM Scott Howson thinks that is hogwash:
“What I will say to that speculation is that I think it would be close-minded of us, I think it would border on stupidity to not include any player just because they’re from Russia,” Howson told ESPN.com this week. “I think everybody is different. The fact that Zherdev and Filatov didn’t work out here will have no bearing on who we select in this upcoming draft.”
Howson knows they need to address their goaltending situation, and he lines their blueline. On Rick Nash:
“I’ll have a conversation with Rick after the year ends and see where he’s at, see where we’re at, and make a game plan moving forward,” said Howson.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid’s eye injury appears to only be minor, and no concussion was sustained. McQuaid was hit from behind by Jason Chimera the other night. He won’t play in either game this weekend, but should be back soon.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers likely won’t play Ilya Bryzgalov this weekend in either of their afternoon games against the Senators and Penguins. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start both games.
- BD Gallof via twitter: The more Gallof talks to people, the more likely it seems that P.A. Parenteau will sign somewhere else, cashing in on his first big payday. Parenteau will want to be paid like a top a line player, but the Islanders don’t include him there if their kids develop.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers tried to recall Magnus Paajarvi yesterday but the move was rejected as they’ve already used their 4 callups after the trade deadline. In February, Paajarvi was assigned to the AHL so that he’d be eligible from their playoffs, then immediately recalled. The Oilers also called up Linus Omark, Teemu Hartikainen and Chris VandeVelde.
“We believed we had confirmation to recall Magnus in one of our four call-ups after the trade deadline,” said Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini. “The league informed us today the only way he could be recalled was under an emergency recall basis.”
- Mark Master via twitter: Leafs coach Randy Carlyle is not sure if Jonas Gustavsson will be able to go today.
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.
Could change be coming for the Flames? Parenteau talks to start … Time running out for Hejduk, Morrow? Should Oils trade pick? Burke staying
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun thinks the Flames need to re-tool, if not a total rebuild. Flames GM Jay Feaster is giving this group one last chance. If it doesn’t work, changes are coming. They will have 6 UFA s and 3 RFA at the end of the season. Jarome Iginla will have one more year at $7 million, and would he want to be around for another rebuild? They may need to have a “heart to heart” with Iginla after the season.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Pending Islanders free agent P.A. Parenteau wants to remain with the club. Talks are likely to begin this week. Parenteau could be looking a deal in the $4 million per season range.
“I’ve said all along that I want to be here, and nothing’s changed,” he said. “I love these guys and I want to be here for when we turn it around.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk’s production has been non-existent in the 2nd half, and it could be the “the end of the line for the classy Avs captain.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars captiain Brenden Morrow has been moved down to the 4th line, and his minutes have been reduced. He’s been dealing with injuries all year, and it’s affecting his play. Heika asks the question if Morrow’s time in Dallas is coming to an end? He doesn’t think so.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Former Lightning GM Brian Lawton said the Oilers should trade down in the draft.
“The time has come for the Edmonton Oilers to look to create another asset and if they do, in fact, end up with the number 2 pick, they should look to trade down. There are so many quality defencemen that are available. Morgan Reilly’s been injured this year but he’s out there. Mathew Dumba, very intriguing player. Ryan Murray, probably the top-rated guy in that group and, of course, the very last guy Griffin Reinhart.”
Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:
“Go out and draft the best player. … You can always make trades. You need assets, you need commodities within your organization.”
Fan voting: (as of 8:55 am on the 28th) 41.46 % – Draft the best player available, even if that’s a Russian forward. 35.79% – Trade it for as good a veteran defenseman as the team can get. 22.75% – Trade down a few spaces, then draft the best defenseman available.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Buccigross is hearing that college free agent J.T. Brown (UMD) is down to the Flyers, Bruins and Lightning.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Someone within MLSE doesn’t expect any of the new ownership to demand that Brian Burke be fired as the Leafs GM before the end of the 2013-14 season.
“You have two choices: you can trust your general manager or you can fire your general manager,” the insider said. “At the end of the day, you can criticize [MLSE] for not hiring the right GM. But the decisions are made by the general manager. They really are. Brian Burke is running the show.”
“[Burke] can do pretty well what he wants. Brian has no shackles of any consequence at all.”
Injury notes on Bryzgalov, Backstrom, Ehrhoff and Timonen … Some starting goalies for tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has a small chip fracture in his right foot. An MRI showed the fracture after 2 x-rays revealed nothing. He won’t require surgery and could be back playing by the weekend.
“We don’t think this is a serious injury,” Holmgren said. “It’s a chip off a weight-bearing bone, and the doctor has said it’ll be absorbed back into his system, and there’s no real risk here at all [to play]. It’s just he’s in a little bit of pain right now.”
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom passed his baseline test “with flying colors.” Backstrom has been out since Jan. 3rd, and has skated 14 of the past 15 days.
“We’ll see where it goes from here,” McPhee said. “We’re making sure he’s in good shape and he’s comfortable. It’s going to be his decision.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff left last night’s game in the 1st period with a knee injury.
“We’ll have our doctors evaluate him but it looks like he’s going to miss a little bit of time,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “It’s something we’ll get evaluated [today] and get a better idea.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timomen is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Iain MacIntyre via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net tonight against the Avalanche.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the for the Oilers tonight against the Stars.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net on Thursday for the Blues.
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