Posts Tagged Edmonton Oilers
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.
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.
Morning notes: Sedin, Hall, Horcoff, Sutton, Gagne, Parise, Harding, Spurgeon, Backstrom, Vokoun, Zuccarello and Keith suspension video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 24th, 2012
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Henrik Sedin said Daniel suffered his first concussion.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall has been off the ice for the last 2 days. He won’t play on Sunday. Captain Shawn Horcoff left last night’s game with a sore back. Defenseman Andy Sutton has a minor knee issue.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings Simon Gagne has been out since December 26th with a concussion, continues to skate but hasn’t practiced and won’t travel with the team on their 4 game road trip. If he’s not cleared for practice soon, the chances of him playing this year are not high. When asked if Gagne will play again this year, GM Dean Lombardi said “Doubt it.”
- The Fouth Period: It’s believed the Wild will try to sign Zach Parise this offseason if he’s not re-signed by the Devils before July 1st. Goalie Josh Harding is expected to test the open market and is not likely back with the Wild. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Senators could take a look at Harding.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild Jared Spurgeon is out with a concussion. Niklas Backstrom and Matt Kassian didn’t travel with the team.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun skated yesterday for 30 minutes and took some shots.
“Hopefully it stays the same and I can do a little bit more tomorrow,” Vokoun said after an extremely sparsely attending morning skate. “Then we’ll see, maybe shoot for some time next week.”
- Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News: Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello fractured his left wrist last night.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight.
- Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended for 5 games for his elbow on Canucks Daniel Sedin.
Afternoon notes: Sedin, Keith, Radulov, Maple Leafs, Hall, Zajac, Toews, Lupul … Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 22nd, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Daniel Sedin won’t play tonight. He’s flying home today to see a specialist in Vancouver.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blackhawks don’t play until Sunday so there is no rush for Duncan Keith’s disciplinary hearing. Likely to happen tomorrow. It’s expected to be a phone hearing, so if there is a suspension it will be 5 games or less.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Alexander Radulov will be in the lineup for the Predators tonight.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs will add 3 forwards (1 top 6 and 2 depth guys) plus a goalie this summer. Burke can’t mortgage the future to get them.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Taylor Hall didn’t skate this morning. Coach Tom Renney, “Not sure it’s a setback. It’s a concussion.”
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Capitals Alexander Semin is a game-time decision.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Travis Zajac is under the impression that he won’t play on Friday but added, “closer, but not close enough.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
- Kevin McGran via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul admits it’s “a bit of a stretch” for him to return this year.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Rick Nash on a line with Vinny Prospal and Mark Letestu. Atkinson was with Umberger and Brassard.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Ashton-Bozak-Kessel. MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin. Crabb-Steckel-Connolly. Rosehill-Lombardi-Armstrong.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole,Eller-Plekanec-Bourque,White-Leblanc-Blunden, Staubitz-Geoffrion-Palushaj.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Dowell-Wandell-Burish. Defensive pairings and goalie: Souray-Robidas. Goligoski-Larsen. Pardy-Daley, with Kari Lehtonen starting.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay Stajan Iginla-Comeau Jones Stempniak- Glencross Jokinen Moss-Bouma Kostopoulos jackman. Defensive pairing and goalie: Butler Bouwmeester-Hannan Giordano-Smith Babchuk-Kiprusoff.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Cory Schneider will be in net for the Canucks.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick is the first off the ice and likely starter.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tomorrow.
Radulov to have physical and presser this morning … Teams worried about drafting Russians … Howard day-to-day … Doan has hearing for elbow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 21st, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov will take part in the Predators morning skate [today]. Radulov will take his physical this morning as he was too tired to do it last night. GM David Poile and Radulov will have a press conference at 9:30 CT [today].
- Elliotte Friendman of CBC: The Russian factor may play a role in rumors that the Blue Jackets and Oilers could consider trading their high first round pick. Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Mikhail Grigorenko are expected to be high 1st round picks, and all play in the CHL. Teams are concerned that some players may pull a Radulov and bolt back to Russia during their entry level contract to make more money in the KHL.
- QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Patrick Roy denies rumors that he would be the next coach of the Canadiens. “It makes me laugh and I’m flattered that my name is circulating, but at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Molson, who will make decisions about who is going to be his coach and general manager,” Roy told the Journal de Quebec.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Canadiens Scott Gomez tells Stubbs that the buyout/Devils talk is news to him: “I’m just trying to get healthy & get back. Buyout’s never been brought up”
- Steve Buffery of hte Toronto Sun: With James Reimer’s and Jonas Gustavsson’s play this year, the Maple Leafs will have to go out and get a goalie through free agency or trade. Either way, it may take away assets (money/players) that may have been used in attempt to land a number 1 center. If Burke did try to trade away Phil Kessel, there is no way he would get back what he gave up.
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard will be day-to-day with a groin issue. Ty Conklin was recalled but he has to clear re-entry waivers.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock hopes that Nicklas Lidstrom will be ready for Saturday, but Lidstrom is not as sure.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall (concussion) took part in yesterday’s morning skate.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown is expected to skate this week. Joffrey Lupul will start skating in about 10 days.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Shane Doan will have a disciplinary hearing at 5 PM for his elbow on Stars Jamie Benn.
Afternoon notes involving: Radulov, Perry, Sbisa, MacDonald, Markov, Kaberle, Sekera, and Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 16th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s agent tells @plysenkov that he’s “not expecting any news today or even tomorrow.” Salavat is wanting Radulov to buyout is his deal. Salavat will somehow keep his rights if Radulov buys himself out. Radulov would have to pay Salavat 2/3 of his deal if he wants to return to Nashville now. KHL contract numbers are not required to be disclosed to public.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ducks Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa both said they will be game-time decisions.
- Norm Sanders via twitter: Blues Andy MacDonald will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Andrei Markov is out with an upper-body injury.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Tomas Kaberle is out with an upper-body injury.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: Sabres Andrej Sekera might play tomorrow. Nathan Gerbe traveled with the team, but his status is unknown.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers tonight.
- Frozen Royalty via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Brian Boucher will start in net for the Hurricanes against the Wild.
Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Duchene, Perry, Sbisa, Datsyuk, Letang, Backstrom, Eager and Wings starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 14th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent said there is no meeting with the KHL today. A decision is expected tomorrow.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene will return to the lineup on Thursday. He will miss only 9 days instead of the expected 3 to 4 weeks for the ankle injury.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Both Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa are questionable for tonight. Perry injured his shoulder on Saturday and Sbisa developed back spasms on Monday.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Pavel Datsyuk skated again today and hopes to be back on Saturday.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang could return tomorrow.
- Dave Lozo via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 2 days in a row and said there’s “no problems at all.”
- Jason Gregor via twitter: Oilers Ben Eager is out with back spasms, Teemu Hartikainen has been recalled.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Joey MacDonald will start for the Red Wings tonight. Jimmy Howard will start on Saturday.
Afternoon notes on: Crosby to return, Radulov, Avery, Letang, NHL rules, Bergeron, Parenteau, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 13th, 2012
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby will return on Thursday against the Rangers.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports out of Russia are that Alexander Radulov is leaning towards returning to the NHL, but the KHL leaders are doing their best to dissuade him.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Sean Avery tells the NY Post: “No, that wasn’t a joke, yes I’m retiring at end of season and its ok”
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is a maybe for Thursday. He said he wasn’t diagnosed with another concussion.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there is little support for removing the trapezoid or returning the red line.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Hearing there is support of hybrid icing, but he GMs want to refine the wording/interpretation before their formal vote.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Bruins Patrice Bergeron’s x-rays on his left leg came back negative.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Islanders forward P.A. Parenteau is out with an upper-body injury tonight.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Wellwood-Briere-Voracek, Read-Schenn-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Rinaldo.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Daniel-Henrik-Raymond Higgins-Kesler-Booth Burrows-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Lapierre-Kassian.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-Gagner-Hemsky, Jones-RNH-Eberle, Smyth-Horcoff-Omark, Hordichuk-Belanger-Petrell.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Burish. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start for the Red Wings tonight.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Marty Turco will start in net for the Bruins.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders.
- David Alter via twitter: Looks like James Reimer will start in net for the Leafs.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Ben Bishop will start in net for the Senators tomorrow. Craig Anderson won’t play in the 3 games this week.
Was Grabovski’s deal delayed? Canucks targeted teams for Hodgson deal … Injury notes on Duchene, Lupul, Armstrong, Dubinsky, Jagr, Jackman and Nikitin
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 7th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks the Mikhail Grabovski’s deal could have been done a week or 2 ago but Burke may have wanted to see if he would get a crazy offer at the deadline. It’s rumored that the Stars wanted Cody Hodgson for Steve Ott. The Leafs tried to get Hodgson as well. The Canucks ‘targeted” a few clubs that they thought had the match they wanted. Friedman thinks they liked Brandon Sutter from the Hurricanes and John Carlson of the Capitals. Former Oilers Tom Gilbert said he didn’t demand a trade.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene injured his right ankle in the 3rd period of last night’s game. He’ll be re-evaluated today.
- Lance Hornby via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul has an upper-body injury and Colby Armstrong has a broken nose.
- Andrew Gross of the Bergon Record: Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky left last night’s game in the first period after getting into a fight with Ryan Carter.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers Jakub Voracek got rocked by Niklas Kronwall last night. There was no injury update after the game as he was still be evaluated by doctors. Jaromir Jagr also left the game with a lower body injury.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames forward Tim Jackman left after 1 shift after taking a big hit from Alexei Emelin.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Nikita Nikitin blocked a shot off the foot in the 1st period and did not return.
Afternoon notes on: Parise, Red Wings injuries, Hall, Vokoun, Markov, Rask, Hedman, Pens top PP unit, and Leafs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 5th, 2012
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise’s x-rays on his hand showed no broken bones, and GM Lou Lamoriello expects him to play tomorrow.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard’s ultrasound showed no real damage, and he’s hoping for Friday. Detroit Red Wings via twitter: Todd Bertuzzi, Dan Cleary, Jakub Kindle, Nicklas Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard are not skating today. Brian Hedger via twitter: Out for Wings tomorrow: “Howard, Kindl, Bertuzzi, Ericsson, Datsyuk, Eaves and likely Lidstrom; Cleary, Quincey, Hank also hurting.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall injured his left shoulder again and didn’t practice yesterday. Coach Tom Renney won’t rule Hall out for tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals Tomas Vokoun aggravated a lower-body injury he suffered 10 days ago. Feeling better today.
- Arpon Basu via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov has been cleared for contact.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins Tuukka Rask is out tomorrow. He’ll be evaluated today.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman could play tomorrow.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins PP unit at practice: “Kennedy, Kunitz & Neal up front, Malkin & Sullivan at points”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: One pro scout on Dany Heatley: “That’s a long way from those 50-goal seasons. I don’t know if the game’s too fast for him now or he’s become a comfortable player.”
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Armstrong-Steckel-Kulemin, Brown-Lombardi-Crabb-Rosehill-Connolly.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Leafs Jay Rosehill clears re-entry waivers.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Mike Smith appears to be the starting goalie for the Coyotes.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Senators.
Simmons says there will be coaching change in Toronto … Karlsson will get a big deal … No contract talks for Jets … Should Nystrom be suspended for Letang hit?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on March 1st, 2012
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons looks at the Leafs under Burke’s reign. Next year will be his 5th season managing the teams. Simmons notes that it is clear now that there will be a coaching change. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Many people would be shocked to see Burke fire Ron Wilson. Garrioch notes it would make no sense to have Scott Gordon as an interim coach, Rick Dudley would lighten up the room.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators Erik Karlsson will be a RFA at the end of the season, and will be in line for a big, long-term contract. Karlsson may be in the same situation like Steven Stamkos was, with rumblings of teams sniffing around with possible offer sheets.
- Greg Brady via twitter: Brady is hearing that it’s very likely that Mikhail Grabovski’s contract extension will be done by the end of March.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said that they’ll get to contract talks for their 7 UFAs (Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Tim Stapleton, Randy Jones and Mark Flood) in due time, but right now they are focusing on getting to the payoffs.
- Adam Jahns of the Sun-Times: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews did some physical activity yesterday, but there is still no timetable for his return.
- Peter Pupello of NHL.com: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is out with an upper-body injury, but it may not be a concussion. The injury hasn’t been diagnosed, and he’ll see more doctors in the next few days. Vincent Lecavalier could be back in 10 days. Marc-Andre Bergeron is still being bothered by a bad back and it’s possible he’s done for the year.
- Jason Gregor via twitter: The Oilers have returned Yann Danis back to the AHL. Nikolai Khbabibulin will be ready to return on Friday.
- Shelly Anderson Pittsurgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy (high ankle sprain) has been cleared to practice. Kennedy has missed the last 10 games.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kris Letang left last night’s game with a head injury after taking a hit from Eric Nystrom. Coach Dan Bylsma said Letang is day-to-day. Video below has the hit. Do you think Nystrom should be suspended?
Koivu shutdown for 2 weeks … Versteeg out a week … Crosby travels with Pens … Rick Nash press conference video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 29th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu has been shut down without contact for 2 weeks after he aggravated his left shoulder again. Koivu has missed their last 6 games, and was out 8 games before that. Koivu initially injured his shoulder on Jan 14th. GM Chuck Fletcher on if he’ll be shut down for good: “It’ll be up to the doctors. I don’t even know if I want to speculate.”
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers forward Kris Versteeg will be out this week with a lower-body injury. Versteeg’s been bothered by the injury for about a week, and wanted to play through it.
- Chris Harlan of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby will travel with the team on this road trip, but his status is still unknown. “(Crosby) would blow away any other acquisition that any team made at the deadline,” Bylsma said. “We like our team. We like our players. Our team is on the floor.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: There was little interest in Canadiens defenseman Chris Campoli at the deadline.
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: There was no interest in Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin at the deadline.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Rick Nash:“I was informed by management (in January) that there was a (planned) rebuild, a reshape, of the team, and I personally felt I could be a huge part of that, toward bringing assets in,” Nash said. “I think that was … in my view, what was the best thing for me, the organization and, personally, for my career.”
- Rick Nash Press Conference
GM Press Conferences after the deadline – Video and Audio
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades, NHL Videos on February 27th, 2012
We’ve put together some press conferences held by some teams GMs.
Audio files
New Jersey Devils – Audio Lou Lamoreillo
Phoenix Coyotes – Audio Dave Tippett
Due to the overall size that the post would be with all the videos, you’ll have to click on the below link to see Press Conference Videos for Boston Bruins – Peter Chiarelli, Calgary Flames – Jay Feaster, Carolina Hurricanes – Jim Rutherford, Columbus Blue Jackets – Scott Howson, Dallas Stars – Joe Nieuwendyk, Detroit Red Wings – Ken Holland, Edmonton Oilers – Steve Tambellini, Tampa Bay Lightning – Steve Yzerman, Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke, Washington Capitals – George McPhee and Winnipeg Jets – Kevin Cheveldayoff
State of the Phoenix Coyotes: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2012
Written by Jordan Gluck of dylanswisdom.com, and can be found at @dylanswisdom
When looking at the Coyotes at the start of the season, I and probably most of you think the same thing. Which players are going to be in there fire sale at the deadline? To the surprise of many they Dave Tippets team stays competitive and makes the playoffs as they’ve done the past 2 seasons and are on pace to again this season. Although they have no owner, GM Don Maloney have put a competitive team on the ice with a budget payroll.
With 73 points on top of the pacific division they will be looking to add but on a budget. They have already acquired Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets. One big area of concern is they’re last ranked power play. Radim Vrbata has had a tremendous season already reaching the 30 goal plateau. All star Keith Yandle has also had a very impressive season, so has coyotes points leader Ray Whitney and captain Shane Doan. I also look at how goalie Mike Smith is performing and who needs Bryzgolov (enjoy Philly only 8 years left). If not for Panthers coach Kevin Dineen and Blues coach Ken Hitchcock, Dave Tippet would be favored for the Jack Adams award.
Flyers looking for a goalie? Wings would like a forward … Burke won’t fire Wilson … Leafs one team interested in Roy … Bruins looking for top 9, and Dman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 26th, 2012
- The Fourth Period: A source is saying the Flyers are actively looking for a number 1 goalie. The source is saying they could package Sergei Bobrovsky and possibly James van Riemsdyk for the right goaltender. The Flyers could be looking at Nikolai Khabibulin, JS Giguere and Ondrej Pavelec. It’s unclear if the Jets would part with Pavelec, who’ll be a RFA at the end of the year.
- Helene St. James via twitter: The Red Wings would like to add a forward, but there’s not a lot teams selling, and the prices are high.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Brian Burke on calls for Ron Wilson’s firing, “I’m not contemplating a coaching change.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Many teams are intersted in Avs UFAs David Jones and Daniel Winnik, and RFA T.J. Galiardi.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams like the Stars and Avalanche are thinking about getting into the playoffs, but they are also thinking about how to build a team that can contend in the future.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Islanders GM Garth Snow is acting like the Islanders are still pushing for the playoffs, people saying his asking prices are huge.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Sabres Derek Roy is getting interest from the Maple Leafs and others.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins hope to add someone that can play on one of their top 3 lines. and a defenseman that can log some minutes.
”I think those deals are there to do,” said Chiarelli. ”You’re never sure, but….I’d like to be further along in some of these discussions, down to the short strokes, but yes, right now, I think we are getting closer and there are one or two deals we could close.”
One player the Bruins could be looking at is Sammy Pahlsson. Jaroslav Spacek could be an option along the blueline.
”My motivating factors are, first of all, depth,” said Chiarelli, when asked his target areas. ”And then injury, especially to our forwards. Both Nathan (Horton) and (Rich Peverley) remain out, and though we expect both are going to be back, you have to make sure you are covered.”
Leaf notes on Grabovski, goalies, Armstrong, Gustavsson … Ott a hot commodity … Isles-Nabokov still talking … ‘Canes trying to re-sign Allen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on February 25th, 2012
- Eric Francis via twitter: Source told Francis this morning that the Maple Leafs could be sellers if they don’t play well tonight.
- Eric Francis via twitter: The Leafs have been offered a 1st round pick for Mikhail Grabovski.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Glenn Healy thinks the Maple Leafs should pursue Andres Lindback or Evgeni Nabokov.
- Daren Millard via twitter: The Kings, Canucks and Sharks may have interest in Maple Leafs Colby Armstrong.
- Eric Francis via twitter: The Leafs haven’t ruled out re-signing Jonas Gustavsson this summer.
- Eric Francis via twitter: The Leafs talked to the Oilers about Nikolai Khabibulin, but it was a short conversation. They don’t have an interest in Tomas Vokoun.
- Eric Francis via twitter: The most sought after player out there right now is Stars Steve Ott. Francis thinks the Canucks will get him.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Bob McKenzie reported that Canucks are getting into the trade market. May have interest in Steve Ott, Dustin Brown and Rick Nash.
- Daren Millard via twitter: The Islanders and Evgeni Nabokov had contact talks again today. Agent said they’ll talk again tomorrow which should determine if he’ll become available on Monday or not.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Hurricanes are attempting to re-sign Bryan Allen, but it isn’t going well. He could be in play again.
- Ryan Leslie via twitter: Leslie spoke with Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff who said he’s a buyer if it doesn’t hurt the teams future.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: The Stars owner said they are willing to move out veteran players to get younger.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is out a month with a fractured wrist.
Dustin Brown Trade Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 25th, 2012
With Kings forward Dustin Brown apparently hitting the trade market, I’ve created post just for him. Will update this entry with rumors from now until he’s traded or the deadline passes.
Feb. 25th
- The Fourth Period: The Leafs are interested in Brown, but the Kings are looking for immediate help and could want Clarke MacArthur and Nikolai Kulemin.
Feb. 25th
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: From what he’s been told, a Dustin Brown trade has nothing to do with leadership issues, and everything to do with one teams need. Bernstein thinks it’s 50-50 that Brown is traded.
Feb. 24th 5:10 PM:
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi is telling inquiring GMs that Dustin Brown is not available. It is possible that Kings are backtracking after Brown’s name was leaked? Friedman thinks that Brown was made available to at least 2 teams, it got out and then snowballed. If those teams step up, Friedman wonders if a deal could still go down.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: If the Kings are seeking a NHL ready defenseman for Brown, Brooks doesn’t think it’s a match with the Rangers.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Brown fits the Maple Leafs thirst for a power forward. Brown has a cap friendly $3.2 million for the next 2 years. The Bruins, Rangers and Flyers are among the interested.
10:30 AM:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: It may take a quality young defenseman and a solid secondary scorer to get Brown.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams with high levels of interest for Brown: Bruins, Sabres, Oilers, Devils, Rangers, Flyers, Maple Leafs and Canucks.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: “Why trade Brown? IMO, LAK like Brown as “player,” not as enthused about Brown as captain. IMO, only matter of time til Mike Richards gets C”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks the Maple Leafs would deal Luke Schenn straight up for Brown, but the Kings will want more. The Kings would probably do a Schenn and Matt Frattin for Brown deal, but that would likely be too much for the Leafs.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Bruins Brad Marchand is only $800,000 cheaper than Dustin Brown. If the Kings are looking to shed salary in a Brown deal, it make take a Jared Knight/Ryan Spooner and a 1st.
Feb 23rd:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Kings forward Dustin Brown may now be available, which puts more heat on the Blue Jackets to make a decision on Nash. The Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Flyers are just a few teams that would be interested. Jim Matheson via twitter: If Brown is available, Matheson thinks Eastern Conference teams will be all over him even with the 2 remaining years. The Bruins and Capitals could be interested. Tim Panaccio via twitter: A source said that the Flyers can’t get serious on Brown because of salary cap issues. Andy Strickland via twitter: “In a salary cap world where every GM wants value for the $ why would LA trade Dustin Brown? Has maybe the best contract in the NHL.”
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