Posts Tagged Erik Karlsson

Late morning rumors involving: Karlsson, Parise, Moore, Grabovski, MacArthur, Gleason, Mason, Subban, Thomas and Morrow

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2012

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators will start serious talks with defenseman Erik Karlsson’s agent next week.

    “We do have to talk,” Murray said Saturday. “In the next week or so, we either have to make a phone call or they have to make a phone call to at least initiate some discussion.” Murray said

    Don’t expect the Devils to trade Zach Parise. He’s a UFA on July 1st and there haven’t been any talks. The Kings and Wild will be interested in Parise on July 1st. Lightning Dominic Moore is getting interest, and the Sens may make a pitch. The Maple Leafs have been tossing Mikhael Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur’s names in trade talks.

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks could have interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason, as would half a dozen other teams. The Blue Jackets are trying to move Steve Mason but are not finding takers with his $3.2 million salary. They may have to put him on re-entry to see if someone would take him at half price. Don’t expect the Canadiens to move P.K. Subban. Tim Thomas’s no trade clause expires July 1st. Thomas would be in the last year of his deal, and will have a $3 million salary with a $5 million cap hit. Matheson thinks that Brenden Morrow could be a good fit with the Sharks, Canucks or Red Wings.

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Could the Leafs be looking at Clowe? Rutherford wants a ton … No serious talks with Karlson … Peckham, Sutton getting interest … A Miller for Hiller swap?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

  • Only a few GM’s are in Ottawa, Brian Burke is one of them, and everyone is waiting for him to make a move.

    “He’s trying. He’s trying hard. He definitely wants to get bigger,” a league executive said Thursday.

    The Leafs would love to bring in a hard-nosed forward. A guy they could look at is Sharks winger Ryane Clowe. Clowe has 1 year left at a $3.625 million cap hit. There is word that he might be someone the Sharks could look at moving. It might take more than the Leafs want to offer San Jose to get him though. The Leafs would likely have interest in Tuomo Ruutu. The Hurricanes have talked to Ruutu about a contract extension but it’s believed he’s asking for too much on a long-term deal, so he’ll likely be traded.

  • League sources are saying that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is asking a ton for his UFA defenseman. A league source said that Hurricanes are asking for 2 1st round picks or a 1st round pick and an ‘A’ prospect for one of Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. The asking price will come down.
  • The Blue Jackets would move center Antoine Vermette. He’s been available all season.
  • The Senators and defenseman Erik Karlsson’s camp haven’t had any serious contract talks. It will likely wait until after the season.
  • The Oilers are getting interest in defenseman Theo Peckham and Andy Sutton. Sutton will be a UFA at the end of the year. Peckham will be an RFA, and there are plenty of teams looking for help on the blueline.
  • The Ducks, Blackhawks and Lightning could be looking for goaltending help, so keep an eye on Ryan Miller. The Sabres aren’t shopping him, but they’ll have to decide soon if they are in the playoff hunt or not. A Miller for Jonas Hiller trade could be possible.

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No truth to Doan rumors … Possible Sens targets … Wild looking for scoring … Karlsson back … Dubinsky GTD … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2012

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 5 forwards who might be of interest to the Senators: Ales Hemsky, Tuomo Ruutu, Jordin Tootoo, Olli Jokinen, and Frans Nielsen.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher on acquiring some offensive help:

    “We have a lot of cap space. That’s fortunate,” he said. “If we can add some skill … and it’s not a crazy short-term deal where you’re giving up a lot of assets for a rental, then I think we’ll look at anything at this point.”

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach MacLean confirms that Erik Karlsson will be back in the lineup. Matt Carkner will be a healthy scratch.
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Muller wants forward Jeff Skinner to have a few more practices before he returns to the lineup, possibly on the weekend.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers coach Tortorella said yesterday that forward Brandon Dubinsky will be a game-time decision.
  • John Vogl via twitter: Sabres lines: Vanek-Hecht-Pominville; Gerbe-Roy-Stafford; Adam-Boyes-Leino; Ellis-Gaustad-Kaleta/McCormick.
  • Scott MacArthur via twitter: Leafs lines: Lupul-Connolly-Kessel, Crabb-Grabovski-Kulemin, MacArthur-Lombardi-Kadri, Boyce-Steckel-Crabb (Rosehill)

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Flyers – Leafs rumors … Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter … Backstrom to IR … Zajac shut down … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2012

  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers Don Luce (Director of Player Development) was seen scouting the Maple Leafs for the 3rd time in as many weeks. Cue the trade speculation. The Flyers are in the market for a defenseman, a position the Leafs have some depth. Luke Schenn has seen his minutes decrease this year to 16:36 from 22:22 last year. Luke carries a $3.6 million cap hit and has 4 years remaining after this season. Cody Franson would also be an option, and would be cheaper. Chirs Botta via twitter: Botta mentions Brayden to Toronto. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed doesn’t see a Schenn for Schenn deal happening.
  • Pierre LeBruna and Scott Burnside of ESPN: Senators GM Bryan Murray said this morning that he’d look to add at the trade deadline if they continue to play well. “Yes, if we continue to get wins over the next month or so, you want to give your players the best chance you can,” Murray said. They will still focus on the long-term stability and building through youth. “We’d probably be looking for a forward,” Murray said. LeBrun spoke with Predators defenseman Ryan Suter’s agent yesterday who said things are status quo. The Flyers have Suter as their #1 target if he becomes available.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: The Capitals have put Nicklas Backstrom on the IR to make room for call-up Tomas Kundratek. Backstrom can be taken off the IR at any point. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: Capitals coach Dale Hunter said there is no timetable on Backstrom and Mike Green.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan will be out for 4 to 6 weeks with a left shoulder injury.
  • Allen Panzeri via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators against the Rangers. Erik Karlsson didn’t practice today but is expected to play.

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Ducks GM on a scouting trip … Blue Jackets to move some UFAs … Brodeur may not retire … Vanek has UBI or food poisoning or flu … Karlsson a late scratch

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2012

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Ducks GM Bob Murray will have to decide by the trade deadline if this year is just a “hiccup or if there’s something fundamentally wrong with the core of the team.” Coach Bruce Boudreau doesn’t think they need a total blowup. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson: “At this point, we anticipate trading away some of our players, particularly the unrestricted ones.” Their UFAs are Kristian Huselius, Sammy Pahlsson, Vinny Prospal and Radek Martinek.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The 39 year old Martin Brodeur may not be thinking of retirement just yet.

    “It’s funny, because I’ve asked a lot of players, and a lot of who are enjoying their retirement, but you know what? They all say they wish they could have maybe played another season. That makes me think, maybe I can stick around, if they still want me. So we’ll see.”

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres winger Thomas Vanek left last night’s game after taking a hit from Dion Phaneuf. The Sabres initially said it was an upper-body injury but later …

    “He’s either got food poisoning, some type of virus, flu,” Ruff said after the game. “He wasn’t feeling well in warm-up. … If you watch his first three shifts, you could tell. That was part of the issue. That line didn’t get anything going. He had nothing. He emptied his tank in between periods and couldn’t go.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars center Mike Ribeiro has some knee issues that he wants to play through.

    “He may fly in tomorrow,” Gulutzan added. “He has an MCL (tear) there, but there’s an old MCL (scar) there, so that pollutes the water (of the MRI) of what’s actually there. He has it and he’s limping around, but Ribs thinks he can play. But for his sake, we have to make sure that he’s stable enough and doesn’t get an injury there. He really wanted to come on the trip, we had to make him stay at home.”

  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avs forward Matt Duchene is walking around fine, and is probable to return later this month. He’s been out since Dec. 29th with a knee injury.
  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom will have minor knee surgery today. If it ends up being just a ‘scope,’ then it will be at least 3-4 weeks. This will be Markstrom’s 2nd surgery on his knee in the last 10 months. Jose Theodore could practice later this week.

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Staal to skate with AHL team … Lombardi could play this weekend … Notes on Komisarek, Rundblad, Brunnstrom, Jackman, Foster and Stalberg

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 30th, 2011

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal will skate with Rangers AHL team in Connecticut today. Staal has been suffering from intermittent headaches this summer, stemming from a Jan. 22nd concussion after taking a hit from his brother. It’s still not known if he’ll be able to join the Rangers in Europe for their season opener, or in their 2nd game.
  • Lance Hornby and Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: It’s looking like Matthew Lombardi will get into an exhibition game this weekend.

    “If I’m feeling 100% and confident, there’s a good chance I could play,” Lombardi said of facing the Detroit Red Wings in the coming home-and-home pre-season games. “But if we’re not sure and maybe things aren’t going as well, then we’ll make a decision. I don’t think it’s a negative either way. The progress has been great (far ahead of off-season projections). Whether I get in this week or on the next little while (Toronto opens the regular season on Oct. 6), it’s great.”

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek is in better shape this year, and may have cemented his spot in the top 6. Koshan mentions there has been speculation from the outside that Komisarek and his $4.5 million salary could be sent to the Marlies. (Problem is it sounds like he has a no-movement and limited trade clause, so he would probably have to agree to be sent down, which he wouldn’t do.)
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: David Rundblad is close to making the Senators, but if he doesn’t, he has made noise about heading back to Sweden for the season. Defenseman Erik Karlsson can relate and had this to say:

    “It’s up to (Rundblad) and management to see how close he is to making the team and if it’s worth it for him to go down there or to go back to Sweden and come back next year. If you want to make the team, you’ve got to stay here.”

    “If you go home, you’ve got to wait until next year to make the team and even then you may have to go down (to the AHL) anyways,” said Karlsson. “It’s just a personal thing — what’s best for you and what you think is best for you.”

  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland on Fabian Brunnstrom:

    “Right now, he looks like he’s playing his way into a contract. We’ll determine if he’s played his way onto the roster. There’s no rush to do anything now, so we’ll address the situation on Monday. But he has stated a pretty darn good case for a contract and for the roster, especially considering the injury to Jan Mursak.”

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Lemieux speaks with Jagr … Kings maybe looking for a LWer … Smyth to CAL or EDM … Kings may go after the other Richards … Leafs looking to deal

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 24th, 2011

We will continue to post rumors and trades all day long, so check back often for more Draft and Trade rumblings.

  • Josh Yole of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Mario Lemieux came away encourage from his talk with Jaromir Jagr. The Pens haven’t made an offer to Jagr, and are unsure if he’d take less money then he may get elsewhere. Detroit could offer more money. Jagr can’t sign anywhere until July 1st as it’s a “blackout period” now as stipulated in the CBA. Sources are saying Pens GM Ray Shero may not want to pay more than $1 million for Jagr.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The LA Kings left wing wish list could line up like: Eric Cole, Simon Gagne, Ryan Malone, Alex Tanguay, and Cory Stillman.
  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames are interested in trading for Ryan Smyth, though their level of interest isn’t known. If they don’t think they can get Alex Tanguay signed, they would have a hole on the left wing and would have a “net presence on the powerplay.” Maybe the Kings would take Ales Kotalik and his $3 million, could bury him in the minors.
  • Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Ryan Smyth asked to be moved close to home. Kings GM Lombardi is down to 2 teams, started with 3. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Kings had more trade talks with the Flames and Oilers yesterday about Smyth, he’s going to end up in Alberta.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: A high draft pick will likely be packaged with Ryan Smyth in any trade to accommodate taking on his contract.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t look like the Ottawa Senators will be able to move up from the #6 spot in tonight’s draft.

    “We’ve been asked if we’d be willing to move a player with a pick rather than two picks,” Murray told The Team 1200. “It depends on the player. I think one team did ask about a little Swedish defenceman (Erik Karlsson) and the sixth overall and it was politely declined. There are lots of ideas out there that we don’t agree with and there will be lots of offers. You just have to pick the right one.

    “I can see us moving two picks for sure, if not three, but I believe the price for moving up for one pick is usually two picks, not three picks. That’s what it has been in the past. I could see us moving a couple of picks. We could be talking about (keeping) eight or nine picks, but we could be talking 11. I would guess that we would probably trade two picks.”

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Brian Burke,

    “I’ve got lots of lines in the water,” the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager said. “But I have no idea what’s going to happen.”

    The Maple Leafs are trying to land a #1 center or move up in the draft. They have the #25, #30, and #39 picks but they are not enough to get close to the top 5 picks. He may not be that interested in moving the #25 pick to get “to the teens” as picks from #10 to around #26 are not much different in quality. Burke couldn’t answer questions regarding whether he was in on Mike Richards and/or Jeff Carter as it would violate NHL tampering rules. Darren Dreger reported that the Flyers called about Nazem Kadri and Nikolai Kulemin but never got to Burke (see one of yesterday’s posts for a little more info on it).

  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke wants to see if winger Clarke MacArthur is a one year wonder before giving him a long-term deal, “The problem is I’m not prepared to commit to a long-term contract for a player who really had one productive year.”It would seem that negotiations for the RFA have come to a halt.

    “Putting a value on that is not easy either. That’s why we haven’t been able to sign him. It’s not that he’s being unreasonable, it’s just ‘What is he?’

    “Is he a 70-point player or is he a 35-point player where he has been most of his career, so I’m not surprised we’re having a difficult time arriving at a value.”

    Burke on RFA Luke Schenn,

    “There doesn’t appear to be any urgency on that one from their side,” Burke said of negotiations with Schenn’s camp. “They’ll probably wait and see if other teams sign contracts that they think might help them.”

  • CP in the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed Andrei Markov to a 3 year, $17.25 million deal, a $5.75 million cap hit.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov’s contract breakdown: “$10M, $6.5M, $8M, $6M, $6M,, $5.5M, $5.5M $2.25M, $1.25M.”
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Robyn Regehr was going to sleep on the proposed trade that would send him to Buffalo. He’s already spoken with Darcy Regier and Terry Pegula.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Max Talbot rejected a 3 year offer from the Penguins last week. It’s believed to be a “slight” decrease in pay from his previous $1.05 million salary, possibly in the $800,000 range. If Talbot is going to take a reduction in pay, he may be wanting a 4 year deal.

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Perry was almost traded to Oilers … Injury notes on Spacek, Lecavalier, Clowe, Green, Hamhuis, Miller, Havlat and 3 Senators

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 5th, 2011

  • Randy Youngman of the OC Register: In 2003-04, the Anaheim Ducks almost traded Corey Perry to the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks were prepared to send Perry and a 2004 1st round pick to the Oilers for center Mike Comrie. Comrie was holding out, and the Oilers were wanting Comrie to repay $2.5 million of his original signing bonus. When he didn’t repay the signing bonus, the deal fell through, and he was later traded to Philly. The Ducks used the 2004 1st round pick to select Ladislav Smid.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Roman Hamrlik, a UFA at season’s end, hinted that it could be his last year in a Canadiens uniform. After the media named him the “Jacques Beauchamp Trophy” winner (goes to the unsung hero), “I’ve been doing this a long and especially (since) this is my last year, it’s an honour.” … “I know I’ve been playing with lots of good players this season. You guys had a choice and it’s a big honour for me.” P.K. Subban and Jaroslav Spacek are the only defenseman under contract for next year. Hamrlik, Andrei Markov, James Wisniewski, Hal Gill, Brent Sopel and Paul Mara are all UFA’s.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Quote of the Year: Jaroslav Spacek on how he knew his March 4th knee surgery was a success, “I woke up with two knees and no big boobs.”A decision if he’ll play tonight won’t be made until a couple hours before the game.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe left last night’s game after 3 shifts with what coach Todd McLellan called a lower body tweak after the game. He was being evaluated after the game and more could be known today.
  • Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green and Tom Poti didn’t travel with the team to Toronto for tonight’s game. Green took part in full practice yesterday but didn’t take any contact. He hasn’t ruled out getting into a game before the playoffs start. Alex Semin had a maintenance day yesterday to help heal some nagging injuries. Boudreau said there is a “chance” he could miss 1 of the team’s 3 remaining games.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Taylor Hall was asked to join Team Canada for the World Championships, but won’t be good enough shape to go. Sense around New Jersey is that they will do all they can to re-sign Zach Parise, but will he want to stay?
  • AP on NHL.com: Sabres goalie Ryan Miller took some shots yesterday at practice. He still thinks he’s day-to-day and hopes to play on Saturday against the Blue Jackets. Jhonas Enroth will start tonight against the Lightning.
  • Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Vincent Lecavalier said he will have no choice and will wear a visor when he returns. He may continue to wear it next year if he can adjust to it. TB Lightning via twitter: There was no structural damage to Lecavalier’s eye, and he’ll be a game time decision today.
  • Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said that Martin Havlat is doubtful to play in the final 3 games, as he has an upper body injury.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators winger Daniel Alfredsson and defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson are all done for the season.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: It’s sounding like Oilers center Shawn Horcoff is done for the year after having a setback last week.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs will have about $15 million in salary cap space next season after they re-sign RFA’s Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, James Reimer, and Luke Schenn. The Leafs are more than one player away, so spending a lot money on Brad Richards may not be the right move. It’s unlikely the Leafs will trade some of their young talent for expensive veterans. If Richards (31) is looking for a 3  year deal, he might be a fit for the Leafs, but he’ll be looking for longer term. Paul Stastny, if made available, could be a player the Leafs would be interested in. Cox wonders if Burke could try to package his 2 1st round picks and a Kulemin or Gunnarson to move up in the draft and grab a top prospect (top 4), but that would tough.

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Devils may not be for sale … Sabres sold … Blues-Avs postponed … Beauchemin gave list to Burke, Kaberle could be next

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2011

  • There was a report that the New Jersey Devils were for sale. Tom Gulitti via twitter: He isn’t sure if the story is accurate. Darren Dreger is hearing the same thing. Craig Custance has been told by multiple sources that the story isn’t accurate. Update from Rich Chere: The Devils will release a statement shortly that the team is not for sale, and the Bloomberg report was wrong.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Buffalo Sabres are being sold for $189 million, $175 million cash and $14 million in liabilities.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Sabres will announce on Thursday that the team will be sold to Terrence Pegula. GM Darcy Regier said last week he plans on shipping some veterans out before the Feb. 28th trade deadline. Tim Connolly, Mike Grier, Rob Niedermayer, Craig Rivet and Steve Montador could be on their way out. The Senators would trade anyone not named Aldredsson, Spezza or Karlsson. Burke should hear this week if Kaberle would waive his no-trade clause and submit a list of teams he’d go to, which may only be 2 or 3 Eastern Conference teams. It’s unlikely Burke could move him to San Jose for under-achieving Devin Setoguchi. Burke is said to have a list of 12 teams Francois Beauchemin wouldn’t mind playing for.
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will be in net tonight for the Lightning, and expect Roloson to go on Friday against the Capitals as well.

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Anaheim Ducks trade option … Why Giguere won’t be traded … Alfie not going anywhere … White to have MRI

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 24th, 2011

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: If the Anaheim Ducks continue to hold on to their playoff spot, GM Bob Murray hopes to be a buyer at the trade deadline. Though he’s not saying, it’s likely he’d like to add to the blueline. Kevin Bieksa doesn’t appear to be heading to the trade block as the Canucks may be looking to move Mikael Samuelsson and Raffi Torres, both of who could fit on the 3rd line, especially if they move forward with putting Bobby Ryan in the 3rd line center spot. If the Ducks look at defenseman, they could be interested in Bryan McCabe, Francois Beauchemin, Tomas Kaberle, Robyn Regehr, Chris Phillips, and Joni Pitkanen.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Don’t be surprised if JS Giguere isn’t traded. Ideally they’d like to move him now but “a) he hasn’t played great; b) he’s been injured; c) no one would be willing to pay him $2.85 million, which would be tomorrow’s figure on what’s left on his deal.” At the deadline he’ll be owed $1.54 million, and not many contenders will be looking for a backup goalie.
  • Chris Stevenson via twitter: Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray said Daniel Alfredsson is one of two untouchables. Erik Karlsson likley the other.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: NJ Devils defenseman Colin White will be having an MRI on his ‘lower-body’ injury.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Cory Crawford will be in the net for the Blackhawks tomorrow night against the Wild.
  • Katie Carrera via twitter: Alexander Semin, Matt Bradley, Michal Neuvirth, and Tom Poti likely not back before the All-Star break.

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Torres or Samuelsson out in Van.? Senators troubles … Burke still working the phones … Would the Rangers trade Gaborik?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2011

  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: If/when Sami Salo returns to the Canucks lineup, a forward could be moved instead of a much rumored defenseman. One train of thought is the Canucks can’t risk losing Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff to free agency this summer. 3rd liners Raffi Torres ($1 million) or Mikael Samuelsson ($2.5 million) could find themselves being moved if Salo returns. 3rd pair defenseman Keith Ballard ($4.2 million) could be a candidate to be moved as well as he hasn’t lived up to his billing, but has 4 years and almost $17 million remaining, which could be difficult to move. Another option could be to have Salo not play a regular game and return in the playoffs.
  • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Robin Lehner will get the start for the Senators tonight against the NY Islanders, and Corey Locke will be on a line with Nick Foligno and Ryan Shannon. Erik Karlsson may not be in the lineup after blocking a shot on the right foot against Boston.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside is surprised that Senators owner Eugene Melnyk hasn’t demanded someone’s head on a platter for the teams continued struggles. LeBrun thinks that GM Murray will make a couple deals before the trade deadline (he’s been rumored to be working the phones for months with no luck) and that coach Clouston and players are not on the same page. Burnside adds their goaltending has been a “blackhole” and the Kovalev and Gonchar acquisitions have been disasters. If Murray and Clouston are not in the plans to rebuild/retool this team, time to replace them. LeBrun adds that Murray may go behind the bench again, and there were rumors that Melnyk nixed a coaching change earlier in the year. Bruce Garrioch emailed the below to LeBrun,

    “I’m not sure they need to blow this up, but they need changes,” … “The first thing that has to happen is Melnyk needs to make some sort of announcement here. He needs to let people know what the plan is going forward.

    “If Bryan Murray is going to be the guy, then what action is he going to take? They really need a goalie in a bad way and they have to get another forward. They should house-clean at the deadline and try to get draft picks.”

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Marian Gaborik has a limited no-trade clause, but if a team came calling that he could be dealt to before the February 28th trade deadline, the Rangers would listen. The Rangers don’t want to trade him, and are not shopping him but … He’s only scored 7 goals in his last 30 games, and has shown an inability to mesh with a variety of linemates. The Rangers badly need a point man (someone with a shot for the PP), but they also need Gaborik to start producing.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Despite being on mini roll, Brian Burke continues to looks for deals, “My phone bill the last couple of weeks could feed a small country.” Since the team has been playing better recently, the trade proposals haven’t been as outlandish, and not as frequent. Burke reiterated: “We’re trying to add, not looking to dump. I’m getting fewer calls, better offers and our goal is to keep getting better.”
  • Jonas Siegel of AM640: The Maple Leafs don’t have any imminent deals, and their looking to add talent over draft picks. “As we get closer to the deadline we’re gonna try to add,” [Burke] said “If we get a pick as part of a bigger deal that’s fine, but we’re not looking to dump here, we’re looking to add.” Burke added he hasn’t talked to the agents for Luke Schenn and Clarke MacArthur.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Logan Couture is doubtful for tonight after taking the brunt of a knee-on-knee hit from Colton Orr on Tuesday. “Did he blow out his knee? No, if that ‘ll help you,” Todd McLellan said. “Surgery? I’ve never  heard that word used with it at all.” Couture was at the rink yesterday walking around with no brace, and is day-to-day.
  • Joe Yerdon via twitter: Chris Pronger will practice with the Flyers tomorrow, and could be back in the lineup next week.

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3 groups of Flames that could be traded… Getzlaf out 4-6 weeks … Karlsson only safe Senator … Commodore asks for trade … plus more

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 5th, 2011

  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Sportak lists 3 groups of Calgary Flames that could be traded 1. The UFA’s: Curtis Glencross, Brendan Morrison, Anton Babchuk, Steve Staios, Adam Pardy and Alex Tanguay. 2. Not playing up to Snuff: Niklas Hagman or Matt Stajan. 3. Core players: Jarome Iginla, Robyn Regehr and Miikka Kiprusoff.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger has been cleared to resume light skating tomorrow. Pronger is recovering from a broken foot he suffered on Dec. 15th. He’ll be re-evaluated on Jan. 12th.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: According to sources, Mike Commodore has asked the Columbus Blue Jackets for a trade because he doesn’t think he’s in coach Arniel’s game plans. He’s been a healthy scratch 7 of the last 8 games. Commodore signed a 5 year, $18.75 million deal in 2008 ($3.5 million next year, $3.35 million the year after), so it could be difficult to move him. Portzline notes “His inability to crack the top six spots on the Blue Jackets’ blue line — considered one of the worst in the NHL — will also set off alarms.” From coach Scott Arniel, “I don’t have him in our top 6. He feels he should be, which is why he asked for the trade. I understand that.” Arniel also added, “This isn’t personal. This has to do with hockey skills.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It looks like Erik Karlsson may be the only Ottawa Senator that GM Bryan Murray wouldn’t trade, and he isn’t finding any buyers for the rest of his players. If a trade can’t be made, don’t be surprised if Murray goes back behind the bench. Mike Fisher has 2 years left on his contract, might get some interest, but doubtful to move. Chris Phillips is a UFA at seasons end, but would like to stay, no negotiations have taken place. Jarrko Ruutu has been a healthy scratch and is a UFA at the end of the year.
  • Ian Walker via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start for the Canucks. Andrew Alberts will also be in the lineup.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jed Ortmeyer (Min) and JD Watt (Cgy) cleared waivers today. Whitfield (Bos), Marc-Andre Bergeron (TB) and Kyle Wilson (CBJ) were placed on waivers today.

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