Posts Tagged Filip Kuba
Kings and Canadiens coaching situation … Ruutu ignore rumors … Injury notes on Boyle, Little, Lehtonen, Giroux, Couturier, Armstrong and Michalek
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 20th, 2011
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings are expected to announce the hiring of new head coach Darryl Sutter sometime today. He’s expected to make his Kings coaching debut on Thursday against the Ducks.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Canadiens CEO Molson said that the “ability to express himself in both French and English” will be “very” important when they are looking to pick their next head coach.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu will be an UFA at the end of the season, and is trying to ignore the trade rumors. “I just live my life day by day,” he said, smiling again. “I don’t think I’m the only player with my name out there.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Flyers have made plenty of trades with the Hurricanes in the past, so they could target Bryan Allen or Tim Gleason. The Oilers could use a puck moving defenseman. The Oilers could move Ales Hemsky at the deadline if they decide not to re-sign him. They could get a prospect defenseman and a draft pick. Matheson wouldn’t be surprised if the Oilers were looking at Slava Voynov of the Kings.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikita Filatov has signed with CSKA for the remainder of the season. Will play his first game on Thursday.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle said he’s been playing with a broken foot since Nov. 10th. “My game is skating and I was definitely a step behind for many of those games and a little slower out there. I didn’t have the energy to get into every play,” he said. “It’s a factor. I don’t want to sit here and make excuses.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets center Bryan Little blocked a shot off his foot on Saturday and his day-to-day. They will see today if he is able to go. Antti Miettinen skated with Tanner Glass and Jim Slater and should get into to his first Jets game.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen has missed 9 games with a groin injury, but is targeting to return after Christmas. “First I have to have a couple more days just with the goalie coach,” Lehtonen said. “Then I need to start skating with the team and have a couple of those days, and then after that, we’ll see when I play. We haven’t talked about any dates, but probably sometime around Christmas.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: A source has said that Flyers forward Sean Couturier is only sore, and not concussed after taking a Kimmo Timonen shot off the head.
- Anthony San Filppo via twitter: Flyers center Claude Giroux practiced without a no contact jersey. San Filippo thinks we’ll be back this week.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks defenseman Aaron Rome will be out 3-4 weeks with a broken thumb.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is out with a concussion that he suffered on Saturday after a collision with Ryan Kesler.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Senators Milan Michalek is still listed as day-to-day. It is possible that he skates today, but not definite. Ian Mendes via twitter: Filip Kuba and Sergei Gonchar are both expected to play tonight against the Sabres.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Jordan Staal and Craig Adams are day-to-day but will skate today.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal on contact drills: “Close, in a few days if everything goes well.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rangers Steve Eminger is out 8 weeks. Jeff Woywitka is questionable for tonight. Tim Erixon will be recalled as insurance.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: There were 15 scouts from 15 teams at the Maple Leafs-Kings game last night.
Panthers say Turris rumors not true … Flyers options … Milbury charged for assaulting 12 year old … Paajarvi to AHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 17th, 2011
- George Richards via twitter: Any trade rumors involving the Panthers and Kyle Turris are not true. GM Dale Tallon has said he’s done, Christmas roster freeze is set.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren confirms that Chris Pronger’s concussion started with the high stick to the eye he got against Toronto.
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Flyers will gain almost $5 million in salary cap space when Pronger is put on the LTIR. Custance provides some options for the Flyers. 1. Increase the workload for the top four: Kimmo Timonen, Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn and Andrej Meszaros all average over 20 minutes (3 over 22 min.). “They take turns now, one of them usually ends up with 27 or 28 (minutes) every night,” Holmgren said. 2. Start leaning more on youth: They’ve like the way Kevin Marshall and Marc-Andre Bourdon have played, and Erik Gustafsson is about 10 days away. 3. A trade to add depth on defense: As the trade deadline gets closer, the market will clear up. GM Holmgren could call the Hurricanes to see about Joni Pitkanen, Jaroslav Spacek or Tim Gleason. The Senators could move Sergei Gonchar or Filip Kuba. Cody Franson of the Maple Leafs could be an option if he is available. 4. A Blockbuster: Holmgren could be in the mix if the Predators decide to trade one of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. Brayden Schenn could be part of big deal if it were to happen.
- TSN: Mike Milbury has been charged with assaulting a 12 year old hockey player. Milbury is an assistant coach on his son’s team and “allegedly grabbed, threatened and shook the opposing player .” He has been charge with assault and battery and threats to commit a crime and disorderly conduct. Milbury denies the charges and his lawyer released a statement:
“He simply intervened in an altercation between his son and an opposing player,” the statement said. “No one was struck, no one was injured and no one was threatened.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Answering readers questions, Dater notes that Paul Stastny could bring back a 1st round pick if they were to deal him. But do the Avs give up on him, and how hard would it be to move his $6.6 million cap hit (2 years left)? He also thinks David Jones could possibly bring back a 1st rounder.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Mike Richards was to join the team in Detroit and is likely to practice with them on Sunday in Toronto.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have sent forward Magnus Paajarvi to Oklahoma City of the AHL.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: The 3 games Flyers forward Matt Read missed in November were due to a concussion.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Michal Neuvirth is expected to start in net for the Capitals tonight against the Avalanche. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: It’s likely that Semyon Varlamov gets the start for the Avalanche.
Koivu out … Are the Lightning looking for a goalie? No major overhaul for Burke … Gomez has setback and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 16th, 2011
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu will miss at least Saturday’s game against the Islanders with a leg injury. GM Chuck Fletcher hopes to have Koivu back before Christmas. Devin Setoguchi, Guillaume Latendresse and P-M Bouchard are not at practice as well.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Do the Lightning look for a goalie like Evgeni Nabokov to improve their goalie situation, or do they go after a goalie prospect? Jonathan Bernier could be an option. The Capitals may choose to move Michal Neuvirth to open a spot for Braden Holtby. The Wild could move Josh Harding to open a spot for Matt Hackett.
- Vinay Menon of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t planning on a major overhaul, “We’re looking at fine-tuning now.” Burke added:
“The top-six, bottom-six model is already dead in less than five years. Now it’s a top-eight or top-nine, and bottom-three or four. And speed rules now. It’s all about foot speed.”
“I still think a big team that can skate is going to prevail over a smaller team that can skate. I think the Bruins proved that last year. So I don’t think toughness will ever go out of the game. I don’t think the physical element will ever be diminished.”
- Brian Wilde via twitter: Canadiens center Scott Gomez suffered a setback on Monday. He’ll remain off-ice and there is no timetable on his return.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba could be ready for Tuesday. No change on Milan Michalek.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta “wasn’t feeling well” this morning, missed the morning skate and is questionable for tonight.
- David Alter via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs against the Sabres. Jonas Gustavsson will start in net tomorrow.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Richard Bachman will start in net for the Stars against Johan Hedberg and the Devils.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Alex Auld will start in net for the Senators tonight against the Penguins.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Flames.
Fallout from the Kaberle trade … Pronger has concussion-like symptoms, Schenn mild concussion … Ryan to center … Gonchar doubtful
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 10th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: One GM told LeBrun that he was absolutely shocked that the Hurricanes were able to move Tomas Kaberle’s contract.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford on the signing of Kaberle: “I should have known better.” Rutherford added that he would have “preferred” to have dealt Kaberle for a forward but “there was not a deal out there.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey doesn’t think the Kaberle trade “doesn’t make sense on any level. ” The Canadiens now have $43 million tied into 12 players and have Carey Price, P.K. Subban, Josh Gorges, Raphael Diaz, Alexei Emelin and Lars Eller as RFAs.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger has “concussion-like” symptoms, and forward Brayden Schenn has a mild concussion. Pronger will be further evaluated on Wednesday by the same doctors who treated Sidney Crosby. GM Paul Holmgren on Schenn “We’ll keep him shut down through the weekend and see how he is Monday.”
- M Whicker of the OC Register: With Saku Koivu injured, the Ducks are shifting Bobby Ryan to center Teemu Selanne and Andrew Cogliano. Bruce Boudreau hopes to have defenseman Lubomir Visnovksy back “within a week to 10 days.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar is doubtful for tonight. He left Thursday’s game with an upper body injury. Filip Kuba is at least 3 weeks away from returning from his upper body injury.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Flames forward David Moss will return to the lineup next week.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings have placed forward Ethan Moreau on waivers.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Richard Bachman may get his first NHL start against the Kings tonight.
Afternoon notes involving the Coyotes future, Gagner, Brassard, Maple Leafs, Devils, Kuba, Schenn, Stars injures, Karlsson, Oilers and Bryzgalov
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 7th, 2011
- Nick Ctsonika via twitter: Bill Daley said they continue to talk with 2 prospective buyers for the Phoenix Coyotes. As long as it’s progressing, they’ll continue to work towards keeping the team there. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The NHL says that there are multiple groups that are interested in putting a team in Quebec City. Craig Custance of ESPN: In the long term, the new conference are set up to easily add expansion teams.
“Yes, you could do that. Depending on where they’re located, you might have to do some reshuffling,” commissioner Gary Bettman said following the conclusion of the board of governors meetings. “But there was no discussion of expansion.”
The NHL can’t shop for a new city for the Coyotes until after Dec. 31st. It’s unlikely they would do another 1 year deal with the City of Glendale if they can’t find a buyer for the team. Custance lists the 5 most attractive cities for the NHL: 1. Quebec City 2. Southern Ontario 3. Seattle 4. Kansas City 5. Las Vegas.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: It doesn’t make any sense for the Oilers to trade Sam Gagner right now. If the right package is put together, anyone is tradable though. He’s willing to take the right pay package to remain an Oiler.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline sensed from Blue Jackets GM that nothing is imminent with Derick Brassard, or that there is even anything on the table for him.
- Terry Koshan via twitter: Brian Burke’s self imposed Christmas roster freeze goes into effect on Friday the 9th, 10 days before the NHL roster freeze.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Today marked the first full practice for Devils forward Travis Zajac. He’s expected back before Christmas. Can Janssen is not practicing today due to a chest contusion. Lines and defensive pairings: Forwards; Zach Parise-Adam Henrique-Ilya Kovalchuk; Mattias Tedenby-Patrik Elias-Petr Sykora; Dainius Zubrus-Ryan Carter-David Clarkson; Eric Boulton-Tim Sestito-Nick Palmieri; Rod Pelley-Travis Zajac. Defensemen: Henrik Tallinder, Mark Fanye; Andy Greene, Anton Volchenkov, Bryce Salvador-Adam Larsson; Mark Fraser.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators defenseman Filip Kuba was put on the IR with a left shoulder injury. He’ll be out 3 to 4 weeks.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers forward Brayden Schenn is not on the trip. GM Paul Holmgren said he’s day-to-day with an upper body injury. Sam Carchidi via twitter: The Flyers said yesterday that Schenn was healthy, but apparently he still has a foot issue. they are hopeful he can play on Thursday. Carchidi added that apparently Schenn is bothered by both an upper and lower body injury.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars Trevor Daley and Alex Goligoski will be in the lineup tomorrow. Brenden Morrow is likely in as well.
- Stephen Whyno of the Washington: Capitals Mike Green and Jay Beagle both skated on Monday and Tuesday, but there is no timetable for their return. Roman Hamrlik is skating as well and is day-to-day.
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames Goalie Henrik Karlsson has MCL tear and is out 6 to 8 weeks.
- 630Ched.com: Devan Debnyk will start in net for the Oilers. Forward lines: Ryan Smyth – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle, Sam Gagner – Shawn Horcoff – Ales Hemsky, Magnus Paajarvi – Eric Belanger – Ryan Jones, Ben Eager – Anton Lander – Lennart Petrell. Defensive Pairings: Ladislav Smid – Tom Gilbert, Ryan Whitney – Jeff Petry, Theo Peckham – Andy Sutton.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers tonight.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak is expected to start for the Blues tomorrow against the Ducks.
Wings could look at Ruutu … Stars called about Iginla … Luongo dangled … Brassard getting interest … NHL realignment option
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 4th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Red Wings will look to add a veteran forward by the trade deadline, and don’t be surprised if they go after Tuomo Ruutu. The Stars have asked the Flames about Jarome Iginla but were told he’s not available. The Canucks may still look to acquire Kyle Turris. Expect the Flames to call the Senators about Filip Kuba since Mark Giordano is out for an extended period. The Rangers, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs and Flyers all looked into adding Bobby Ryan. The Ducks wanted a high-end young guy that’s already in the NHL, a top prospect and a 1st round pick. Talk is the Canucks dangled Roberto Luongo around the league but haven’t found anyone interested in his $5.3 million cap hit until 2021-22. Cory Schneider will traded at some point. Blue Jackets forward Derick Brassard is getting interest from the Kings, Senators, Canadiens, Coyotes, Panthers, Lightning and Rangers.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Cory Sarich denies that the made a trade request:
“We discussed a wide variety of topics,” Sarich said. “It was initiated by me, because I just wanted to be open and honest with him. I really wanted to express to him that I want to contribute to this team. I want to be part of this team.“I definitely did not demand to be traded,” he said. “As long as I’m in Calgary, I want to be here. I want to contribute…
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks it would be foolish for the Maple Leafs to sign Ron Wilson to contract extension until after the season. Simmons notes if the Leafs make the playoffs he gets an extension, if he doesn’t, he’s gone.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: (from several days ago) Anaheim is believed to have some interest in Drew Stafford.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks.
- HNIC Hotstove video link: One realignment options is 4 conferences.
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Injury updates on Leopold, Miller, Kaleta, Letang, Michalek, Kulikov, Filatov and Kuba
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 30th, 2011
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Jordan Leopold left night’s game after the 1st period with an upper-body injury. “He’s hurting,” said coach Lindy Ruff. “I don’t know if he’ll miss time or not.” The Sabres are already without defenseman Tyler Myers and Mike Weber. TJ Brennan, who was just returned on Monday, could be recalled. They may also give Drew Schiestel or Joe Finley a shot. Patrick Kaleta took part in yesterday’s morning skate, but his groin injury wasn’t healed enough for him to go. Ryan Miller should take part in practice today. Cody McCormick skated for the yesterday for the first time.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Kris Letang and Zbynek Michalek return to Pittsburgh yesterday for further evaluation. No word on Michalek’s issue.
- Steve Gorten of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov suffered a deep cut to his lower leg in the 2nd period last night and didn’t return. He’ll be evaluated today.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Senators forward Nikita Filatov left last night’s game after he suffered a broken nose. Defenseman Filip Kuba left with an upper body injury.
Brassard getting interest … Lucic escapes suspension … Tyutin the translator … Not a lot of interest in Nabokov … NHL won’t own Coyotes much longer
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 15th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators might be mildly interested in Blue Jackets center Derick Brassard, who could fit in as their 2nd line center. Cost could be a concern for the Senators, as he carries a $3.2 million cap hit through 2013-14. The Islanders are also believed to be interested. Another option could be Kyle Turris, who needs to sign a deal by December 1st. Flames center Matt Stajan and his $3.5 million for 3 years is available. Though teams are looking for defenseman, Filip Kuba and Brian Lee are not getting much interest.
- Dan Rose of NHL.com: Milan Lucic escaped punishment from Brendan Shanahan.
“I had the hearing because I did make an initial assessment of the play as I do with all plays, but I did have some questions for Milan and I wanted to hear directly from him,” Shanahan told NHL.com. “They were regarding his intent; at what point did he know there was going to be a collision; and whether or not he felt he had the time to avoid the collision. I was satisfied with his answers.”
“The minor penalty called on the ice was the correct call,” Shanahan said. “And, while it’s unfortunate that Miller was hurt I saw nothing egregious about this hit that would elevate it to supplemental discipline.”
- Elliotte Freidman of CBC: Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin, who was rumored to be traded for Evgeni Nabokov, is part of the teams solution. Speculation started as he was asked to stay behind after their game with Kris Russell, Russell was traded to the Blues, so someone assumed Tyutin was being traded as well. Tyutin was asked to hang around in case they needed someone to talk to Nikita Nikitin, who doesn’t speak much English. Islanders GM Garth Snow told Eric Francis that there isn’t much interest in Evgeni Nabokov. One GM: “There are a lot of us who don’t like our teams.” Kyle Turris’ agent met with Coyotes GM Don Maloney on November 2nd when the Coyotes were in Colorado, neither side is saying anything.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Senior league sources are saying that this will be the last year the NHL owns the Phoenix Coyotes. There are 2 groups that have been approved to buy an NHL team, but neither has consummated a sale. There is an estimated 50/50 chance the team will remain in Glendale. Quebec City is at the top of the list for possible relocation. A 2nd southern Ontario team is an option.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers chairman Ed Snider spoke about realignment. The Flyers and Penguins will remain in the same division. Eastern Conference clubs want traditional rivalries to remain. A realignment suggestion of having the Penguins and Flyers in different conferences didn’t get enough votes.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green has a strained groin according to sources. He won’t travel with the team to Nashville.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Brent Seabrook, who was injured over the weekend, traveled with the team to Vancouver. If Seabrook can’t go, Sean O’Donnell or Sami Lepisto would step in.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Talk that the Flames are swamped with interest in Rene Bourque is manufactured according to a source within the club. Flames GM Jay Feaster wouldn’t talk specifically about Bourque, but did say it’s getting harder to find trading partners.
“In the post-lockout world, it just isn’t about whether you like a player or not,” Feaster said.
“It’s also about the term (years) of the contract, the current cash requirement and the AAV (average annual value or cap hit), and that’s before you ever start talking about what you want or need in return for the player.”
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are finally getting healthy. Only Radek Martinek, Mark Dekanich and Kristian Huselius remain out. Huselius could be back in two weeks.
- BD Galiof via twitter: Galiof thinks the Islanders should make an addition by subtraction deal to send a message and to create room for more kids.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start for the Devils on Wednesday.
Krejci injured … Players who may be traded … Turris may want trade … Habs injuries … Kronwall-Wings talking … No date for Crosby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 12th, 2011
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins center David Krejci left practice yesterday with an apparent leg injury. Krejci was in the middle of a drill when he pulled up and hunched over in pain. He’ll miss tonight’s game and according to the team: “Krejci will continue to be evaluated by the team’s medical staff in Boston and his status for Saturday’s game in Chicago will be determined later in the week.” Tyler Seguin is likely to take his place between Lucic and Horton.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance creates a list of 10 players who he thinks may be traded sometime during the season, 1. Zach Parise, 2. Kyle Turris, 3. Cory Schneider, 4. Sergei Gonchar, 5. Filip Kuba, 6. Evgeni Nabokov, 7. Tyler Bozak, 8. Sam Gagner, 9. Ales Hemsky, 10. Ryan Suter.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Coyotes Don Maloney re-iterated that he won’t trade Kyle Turris, and that if he wants to play this year, he be playing in Phoenix. After Friedman talked to a few people, it sounds like “Turris wants to be traded.” Another GM says he’d sign a reasonable contract with another team. The Coyotes would match any reasonable contracts. If Turris isn’t signed by Dec. 1st, he is ineligible to play this year. Maloney would like to follow the “Keith Yandle model. After his entry-level deal he signed for 2 year, $2.4 million contract before he got a big 5 year, $26 million deal. Calgary would be interested if Turris became available but they may not have the prospects to get it done. One GM on Nashville situation with needing to sign Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter: “David Poile plays his cards very tightly. I don’t know what he’s going to do. But I’m preparing as if one of those players is going to become available [by trade].”
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild will know by noon if someone has claimed Eric Nystrom off re-entry waivers for half his $1.4 million salary. If he clears, they’ll have to make a roster move by before 4 today. They could make a trade, put someone on IR, or reassign someone who doesn’t require waivers. Players that don’t have to pass through waivers are Marco Scandella (not likely), Brett Bulmer, and Jared Spurgeon.
- CP in the Globe and Mail: Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri will miss 10 to 14 days with a deep cut on his leg, no muscle or tendon was cut. Jaroslav Spacek will be out up to 3 weeks. They are also without forward Ryan White and defenseman Chris Campoli and Andrei Markov.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: JP Dumont will wait a couple more weeks to see if there is any interest from an NHL team. European teams are interested.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler skated for over an hour yesterday. There was no update but they are still looking at a 18th or 20th return date.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Red Wings and Niklas Kronwall continued negotiations yesterday, progress was made but it’s a slow moving process.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Ryan Whitney doesn’t know when he’ll play. He’s not pain free but it’s been manageable for about a week.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Sidney Crosby: “Closer than I was yesterday, I can’t give you a date, I’d love them to tell me a date I could come back and play, but right now it’s the same. … It’s never fun watching, it’s nice to be getting closer, it’s nice going out there and going hard and not have anything that’s really worried me (for the last couple of weeks).”
Flames depth allowed them to move Langkow … What if Couturier makes Flyers? Isles looking for D, Kuba? Whitney, Malone expect to be ready for camp
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 30th, 2011
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Jay Feaster cited the Flames depth where it matters most as one of the reasons he sent center Daymond Langkow to the Coyotes for winger Lee Stempniak. The Flames are going to see if Mikael Backlund can center the top line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. The Flames also have Brendan Morrison, Olli Jokinen and Matt Stajan down the middle. Langkow carries a $4.5 million cap hit this year, Stempniak carries a $1.9 million hit. Niklas Hagman’s time as a Flame could be running short and he may find himself making $3 million in the AHL.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Some think that 2011 1st round pick Sean Couturier could make the Flyers roster, which could create a logjam at center. Down the middle they have Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, Blair Betts, Brayden Schenn and Ben Holmstrom. Michael Nylander is also heading to camp on a tryout.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank suggests that the Islanders could be looking for a veteran defenseman. Warren wonders if the Isles would be interested in Filip Kuba. The Isles are $2.3 million below the salary cap floor. Chris Campoli and Bryan McCabe are free agent defenseman still available.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney injured his surgically repaired right ankle skating earlier this month, but hopes to be ready for the start of training camp. “I rolled over on the foot … caught a rut in the ice. Minor sprain, I think,” said Whitney, “I’ll be back in Edmonton on Saturday. I don’t think it’s serious.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Pat Morris, the agent for former Oilers defenseman Steve Staios:
“He’s been training with all the young players at Matt Nichols’ camp in Toronto. I really think Steve could help a young team like the Islanders or Colorado (Avalanche). He played 23 of the last 27 games for Calgary last season, was an even-or plus-player in 18 of those games and had eight points.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning winger Ryan Malone had surgery in July to repair some damage from the shoulder separation he suffered in first round of the playoffs.
“It was just kind of nagging, so I went to get it looked at it and it was still kind of separated so we had to go get it fixed,” Malone said. “After the season there was still all the swelling so after everything went down, that’s when we found some other stuff that had to be taken care of.”
Initial reports were saying he would miss up to 6 months, but Malone said he expects to be ready for the season opener on Oct. 7th. Malone hasn’t been cleared for contact and likely won’t before the start of camp.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun wants to go out and enjoy playing hockey. He was disappointed with the offers he got in early July, including the 3 year offer from the Panthers.
“It was something I was looking at as, you know, I want to enjoy hockey. I want to play in playoffs,” Vokoun said Monday. “It’s been really tough for me. I lost four years. I’ve been sitting every summer here in South Florida, which I love, in the afternoons swimming in the pool, and by 7:30 at night I put on the TV and watch playoff hockey every single year. If you care and love playing hockey, it’s not an easy thing to do.”
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Mikael Samuelsson, who had surgery last May, is back on the ice and is feeling stronger in the groin and hip area. He had abductor-tendon and sports hernia surgery, and began training in July.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “I don’t know about you, but if I had Drew Doughty on my team, I’d do everything to make sure he was signed, happy, and ready to lead my Los Angeles Kings team. The last thing I’d want is to drag my franchise player through the negotiating mud all summer with no contract agreed to with three weeks until training camp.”
- George Malik via twitter: According to Sport-Express, Metallurg of the KHL is trying to sign Jarkko Ruutu.
A quiet Leafs summer … Hulsizer candidate to by Blues … Possible retirees this year and next
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 22nd, 2011
- George Popalis of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs have been quiet this summer with regards to the free agent market, not doing anything since Tim Connolly, and it’s probably a good thing. Over paying for someone and talking away a roster spot for a someone in their young core may not be the best for the team. Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo, Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker are all in their early 20′s and deserve a good look at camp.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Matthew Hulsizer is one of the candidates attempting to buy the St. Louis Blues. It’s expected that Hulsizer will submit a bid to buy the Blues. The deadline to submit a bid is today. Current minority owner Tom Stillman is also expected to make a bid.
- Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: Spector lists some players who could retire this year or next: Teemu Selanne, Mike Modano, Cory Stillman, Marty Turco, John Madden, Sergei Samsonov, Mike Grier. Possible candidates for retiring next summer: Martin Brodeur, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sheldon Souray, Jason Blake, Saku Koivu, Sean Avery, Jaroslav Spacek, Filip Kuba, Willie Mitchell, Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney and Steve Sullivan.
Nothing new on Marchand, Schenn contract talks … Some want out of Winnipeg … top 2012 free agents … Sens have 9 Dman for 7 spots
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 14th, 2011
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: There hasn’t been much movement on RFA Brad Marchand’s contract talks with the Bruins. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and Marchand’s agent wouldn’t comment on the situation.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Fan 590 radio host Bob McCown said that at least 3 members of the Winnipeg Jets are actively trying to get out of Winnipeg.
“Guys are not going to want to play there,” said McCown.
“I have first-hand knowledge of no less than three members of the Atlanta Thrashers, no fewer than three, who are now Winnipeg Jets, who are actively pursuing alternatives. Not the least of the problems, there’s no place to live, in the style that an NHL player has become accustomed to. Are there upscale homes? I’m sure there are. But they’re not available and they’re not for rent.”
Captain Andrew Ladd, who signed a 5 year deal with the team, had this to say in response:
“I haven’t heard that, but if there are guys that don’t want to be in Winnipeg then we don’t want them anyway,” said Ladd. “We want people that want to be part of a good hockey organization that’s going to create a winning culture. From everyone I’ve talked to — I haven’t heard any of that.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen lists his top 10 2012 free agents. 1. Ryan Suter 2. Zach Parise 3. Niklas Kronwall 4. Alexander Semin 5. R.J. Umberger 6. Ales Hemsky 7. Brad Stuart 8. Chris Kunitz 9. Shane Doan 10. Mikhail Grabovski
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have 9 defenseman under contract and expect at least 1 to be dealt. 6 are on 1-way contracts and Jared Cowen and David Rundblad have a good shot at making the club. They reportedly were shopping Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba at the draft but found no takers. Gonchar has 2 years at $5.5 million, Kuba has 1 year at $3.7 million. “They can’t afford to just give Kuba away if they are going to trade him,” said a league executive. “They’re going to have to be willing to take some salary back.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There are still some veteran UFAs out there who could be looking for a tryout. “We haven’t ruled out an invitation,” Burke told Sun Media. “But most likely we will give the kids a look.” Some of their young players include Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo and defencemen Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker. Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross and Greg McKegg are at least a year away. Agent Don Meehan said there is “Nothing new” on contract talks between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Michel Nylander says he wants to return to the NHL after his playing his first game since he broke his neck.
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