Posts Tagged Gary Bettman
Coyotes 3-pronged goalie stategy … Hiller to skate in July … Callahan talks “just begining” … Balsillie could get team if he’s good
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 10th, 2011
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Not re-signing Ilya Bryzgalov opens up some new windows for the Coyotes.
“It’s an opportunity to potentially spend less, hopefully find a way to be as good and use that excess resource in other ways to put a better team in front of our goaltending,” Maloney said. “So this to me isn’t something that we’re staring into our lemonade and going, ‘Woe is us.’ “
Coyotes GM Don Maloney has a 3-pronged strategy for his goaltending search. 1. Acquire top young goalie by trade: “There’s three or four in other organizations that may be available in a trade that would cost a good asset but may potentially solidify your goaltending for a long time; that’s one obvious way to look at it.” 2. Sign a UFA: “There’s two or three players in that grouping that we like. We think in our system with (goaltending coach) Sean Burke would be good fits for us.” Tomas Vokoun’s price may be too high. 3. Bring in a veteran goalie: “I’ve had a couple conversations (this week) regarding some very good established goaltenders on other clubs that for financial reasons they might be looking to make some changes.” The Coyotes expect to re-sign RFA Keith Yandle, and expect to pay a high price. Re-signing Vernon Fiddler, Radim Vrbata and Lauri Korpikoski are also on the Coyotes wish-list. Ed Jovanovski’s return is doubtful, Maloney hasn’t spoken with Jovo or his agent.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The decision has been made by the Rangers to buyout Chris Drury, a source added “He’s gone.” The buyout will save the Rangers $3.3 million, he was scheduled to have a $7.05 million cap hit. Ryan Callahan contract talks are “just beginning”
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller will resume skating in July. Hiller has been bother by vertigo since Feb.
“He’s fine,” Murray said. “He’s in good spirits. We talked about a couple of things. He’ll be skating on the ice sometime around the middle of July. “He’ll be doing a camp early in the week and then skate with some pros after that.”
Ducks GM Bob Murray hasn’t spoken with UFA goalie Ray Emery. “I haven’t really thought about it at this time,” Murray said when asked about re-signing Emery. “We have Jonas and Dan Ellis. Until something tells me we don’t have that, then I’ll deal with that.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini has been ‘talking out loud’ about the possibility of trading the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft. “I’ve had a few calls of people kicking the tires of how they can help me make the Oilers a better team,” Tambellini told reporters. “For me to move the No. 1 pick would have to be something exceptional. This is a huge building block again.” Staples thinks that if they were to trade the 1st pick, they would still need to pick in the top 5 or 6. The Oilers top scout sees Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Larsson as a cut above the rest (Jonathan Huberdeau, Dougie Hamilton, Gabriel Landeskog or possibly Sean Couturier).
- TSN: Forbes magazine is reporting that Gary Bettman has told Jim Balsillie that he could get an NHL team if he does not “create any more spectacles or bad publicity for the league”.
Bettman’s press conference break down … Bettman contacted True North about Coyotes … Giguere an option for Leafs … Blues, Wings notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun breaks down Gary Bettman’s press conference. Re-alignment will wait another year, and they will look at all kinds of possibilities. The NHL may more towards a more balanced schedule, each team playing each other at least twice. Though Bettman wouldn’t confirm, re-alignment may have been delayed to see how the Phoenix situation unfolds. 2011-12 NHL schedule should come out at the end of June. Bettman said that if the True North and Atlanta sale didn’t happen on Tuesday morning, it may not have happened. In the next collective bargaining talks, drug testing may get tougher. NHLPA’s exectutive director, Donald Fehr, expects CBA talks to begin next winter. Bettman says it makes sense to wait until the NFL, NBA, and MLB have ironed out there CBA’s before the NHL talks about theirs. Bill Daly said that next year’s salary cap could be as high as $63.3 million. Rule 48 could get expanded, will be discussed at next weeks GMs meetings. No update on participation in the 2014 Sochi Olympics or a return of the World Cup. Bettman on Phoenix,
“The city of Glendale stepped up and said they want the team to stay another year while they try to complete the sales process with us and will be funding the losses,” Bettman said. “Any suggestion that the league is funding this club or carrying the burden is not true. Last season, the city of Glendale did it. … Hopefully the club will be sold in due course, and there will be a new owner in there to start turning things around.
“You have a city in Glendale that built the building and has invested in it and wanting the club to stay there. As long as they’re prepared to carry the burden of doing this while we try to effectuate a solution, there’s no reason to move.”
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Gary Bettman approached True North about buying the Phoenix Coyotes before the 2009-10 season. “It was too late in the year to consider it for the fall of 2009,” Chipman told the Winnipeg Sun. “Pulling together in that time frame was not realistic.” The NHL bought the Coyotes that fall. “Now they owned the team and were looking for a solution in Glendale, and would we consider it?” Chipman recalled the league asking. “The answer was yes.” In May 2010 they met again. Chipman figured out the new NHL economics could work in Winnipeg. They had an agreement in principle but were the backup plan. If Glendale hadn’t decided to agree to pay $25 million in loses before last season, the Coyotes might have moved north.
- Chris Johnston in the Globe and Mail: J.S. Giguere has moved out of his Toronto home, and isn’t sure if he’ll be back. Six weeks ago he had his 2nd sports hernia surgery. Burke confirmed in an email that Giguere still remains an option for the Maple Leafs. Giguere would love to return to be re-signed by the Leafs,
“I would love to, but I don’t know what the management have in mind,” said Giguere. “I feel like I could be a good fit in Toronto working with (James Reimer). It’s going to be a tough season for him next year having that pressure of coming back to Toronto. We all know that all the journalists when we go back to camp are going to be after him — asking him questions and stuff like that.
“I think I can be helpful to him. I have no doubt that he can handle it himself, but I think a veteran presence might help him a little bit.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: If the Devils are interested in having Ken Hitchcock coach the team, they should contact the guy. “I haven’t heard anything from New Jersey,” said Hitchcock. “I don’t know what’s going on with New Jersey.” Minnesota and Dallas have already asked the Blue Jackets for permission to speak with Hitchcock. Hitchcock has let it be known his interest in hearing from Lou Lamoriello. “I’ve said that before,” Hitchcock said. “I know the people that coached for him very well. I knew Pat (Burns), obviously, very well. I know Brent (Sutter) very well and I know Jacques very well. Coaches talk.”
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators assistant coach Peter Horachek confirmed that he interviewed with the Dallas Stars this week.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: With Patrik Berglund locked up for 2 years, the Blues are expected to turn their attention to T.J. Oshie. Strickland thinks they will sign Oshie to a 1 or 2 year deal and around $500,000 less than Berglund (Berglund signed a 2 year for $4.5 million). Strickland also mentions he expects the Blues to re-sign Matt D’Agostini to a 1 year deal. Roman Polak could get a raise to $2 million from the $1.1 million he made last year. The Blues may be forced to give Nikita Nikitin a one-way deal to keep him from heading to the KHL. Talks with Ben Bishop should begin in a few weeks.
- Bill Roose of DetoritRedWings.com: Red Wings GM Ken Holland indicated that he would like to re-sign both Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have met with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, “a step in a long process. We’ll talk again, but negotiating a contract takes time.” They would like to sign him to a multi-year deal, Ericsson rejected one around Christmas time. He’ll be looking for a raise from the $1.25 million he made last season.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Sovetsky Sport is reporting that Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov signed a 1 year deal with Traktor of the KHL and remain in Russia for another year. The Capitals are “fine” with the decision as they felt after they drafted him that he’d need 2 years of development before he’d be ready for the NHL.
Waffle thrower revealed … Datsyuk breaks hand … Miller going for win #200 …. Gaborik out tonight.
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 23rd, 2010
- Jennifer Pagliaro of the Globe and Mail: Waffles have been a hot topic around the Toronto Maple Leafs recently, with the 2nd waffle throwing incident taking place on Monday. But this time the culprit was caught. Joe Robb was charged with mischief after he thew a box of Eggo’s over the boards during play. Joe is a ‘diehard’ fan, but is frustrated with the team. “I didn’t intend for it to hurt nobody and maybe I shouldn’t have done it while the play was going on,” the 31-year-old Oakville resident told The Globe and Mail Wednesday. “I totally love the Leafs and that’s pretty much my hobby, to watch the team play.” He’s been banned “indefinitely” from the ACC and other MLSE venues. In case you haven’t seen the video, it’s at the bottom of this post. Keep your eye on just above the Rogers sign to see Joe in action.
- John Niyo of the Detroit News: Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk will be out for at least a month after breaking a bone in his right hand last night. Datsyuk tripped over Mikael Samuelsson and fell awkwardly with less than 2 minutes left in the first.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger wonders what kind of trade interested there would be in Islanders goalie Dwayne Roloson
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller will go for career win number 200. He would be the 67th goalie to reach 200 wins. The 30 year old Miller has posted a career 199-114-37 record.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Keith Yandle is the Coyotes leading scorer and will be an RFA at season’s end. He’s currently making $1.3 million and will be looking for a nice raise. GM Don Maloney can’t do anything until the new owner takes over. Both sides will be paying attention to other RFAs Shea Weber, Jack Johnson, and Drew Doughty.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Marian Gaborik was unable to practice yesterday and will not be in the lineup for the NY Rangers tonight. Gaborik could return on Monday. Michael Del Zotto is out with the flue. The Norwegian Hobbit Mats Zuccarello was called up to yesterday. Ryan Callahan will be out until February with a broken left hand.
- Ken B|elson of the NY Times: Practically every team has inquired about hosting or participating in the 2012 Winter Classic, the Commish Gary Bettman, said it’s too early to say where it will be held next New Year’s Day. The league had hoped to hold a game at Yankee stadium but the “Pinstripe Bowl” is held a few days before New Year’s Day.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: SJ Sharks Douglas Murray skated yesterday but it’s still not known if he’ll return tonight. Antero Nittymaki (12-3-3, 2.31 GAA) may have the upper hand over Antti Niemi (6-8-2, 3.15 GAA). Coach Todd McLellan will still continue to use both goalies, but my go with the hotter goalie more often.
- Don O’Neill of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis Blues injured forward TJ Oshie skated for 45 minutes before yesterday’s optional skate. Oshie broke his left ankle on Nov. 10th and is projected to be re-evaluated in mid-February. Patrick Berglund left Tuesday’s game early but will be in the lineup tonight.
- James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk (NBC Sports): Cam Ward is likely to play tonight despite having an infection on his forehead that swelled up so bad it almost closed his left eye. Matt Bradley will be out for 2-4 weeks with a broken finger. Patrick Kaleta is listed as day-to-day after only playing 1 period on Tuesday.
Kovalchuk’s agent calls KHL … Why Mitchell didn’t sign with the Sharks, Canucks … Fehr in as NHLPA leader?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 26th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: According to @plysenkov and their mutual sources, the league is looking for a 13 year contract for Kovalchuk.
- Craig Custance via twitter: KHL president Alexander Medvedev said that he received a call from Jay Grossman, Kovalchuk’s agent, and he remains hopeful that the KHL is still an option.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Medvedev is still hopeful that his club, SKA St. Petersberg can sign Kovalchuk. “Ilya knows that our proposal is still on the table,” Medvedev said. “Actually, I got a call from his agent. I will call (him back) after I finishing the discussion with you.” Gary Bettman said yesterday that the NHL did not reject a second contract between the Devils and Kovalchuk (reports were that the ‘framework’ had been rejected). Bill Daly said he thinks that Kovalchuk will stay but league will stand by their rejection of the contract even if Kovalchuk leaves for Russia.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars and Nicklas Grossman are close on a 2 year deal around $2 million a season.
- David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks, and at least 2 other teams were unwilling to offer Willie Mitchell a multi-year deal, money wasn’t the issue. A front-office source says the Sharks won’t be bringing back Owen Nolan. Sources also tell Pollack that the team isn’t interested in Antti Niemi.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: With the Canucks over the salary cap by around $3 million, they couldn’t offer Mitchell a lot. They were offered him a one-year deal in the $1.8-$2 million range.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources are saying that Donald Fehr will be taking over as the executive director of the NHLPA. Fehr stepped down from the MLBPA last year, and has been link to the NHLPA for months. The NHL 30 player reps will put it to a vote, which may not be completed until after the season starts.
Notes and Videos from the NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on August 19th, 2010
NHL.com – An explanation of some of the rule changes being tested on day 1:
NHL.com: Full description and rational for all the rules they will be testing out.
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Several GMs have said they like the hybrid icing rule, probably the only one that will one day be implemented.
Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Brian Burke may not be a fan of many of the proposed changes, but … “To me this is very innovative and creative on the part of the NHL,” Burke said. “I think we should always be looking at how we play the game and how we can make it better. I think too many rule changes confuse fans, but in general we should be looking at how we play the game to see if there is a way we can make it better for the fans.”
James Mirtle via twitter: Few of these radical ideas will be implemented, no need to be too concerned.
Gary Bettman talks about the NHL Research, Development and Orientation Camp:
Some rumors involving the Bruins … 2 better offers for Kaberle … Kovalchuk hearing begins today
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 4th, 2010
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Bruins are now over the cap (after signing Tyler Seguin) but after they put Marco Sturm on LTIR, they’ll be under.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said that he’s in talks with Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron regarding contract extensions, though nothing is imminent at the moment.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Chiarelli also said that if no more roster moves are made, Tyler Seguin would probably start the season on the wing.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Chances look slim that the Bruins will be able to trade Tim Thomas. The Bruins have gotten some inquiries for Marc Savard. They are asking for a roster player, but may settle for prospects or draft picks. Michael Ryder could be assigned to the AHL. Chiarelli doesn’t have to make an roster moves before the season.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Niemi’s agent, Bill Zito, said he had 5 calls on Monday and 2 more inquiries on Tuesday, regarding Niemi. No offers where made, but he expects to get more than 2, and that it wouldn’t be long before he signed somewhere. Brian Burke has received 2 better offers for Tomas Kaberle, and expects the offers to improve next week (as the Kovalchuk saga should be settled, and the August 15th deadline date getting closer).
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon County Record: Ilya Kovalchuk’s hearing begins today, but Gary Bettman won’t be there, he’ll be in Calgary promoting the Heritage Classic (he could be there tomorrow). A ruling may come on Friday, but more likely on Monday.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Ilya Kovalchuk is expected to win his case versus the NHL, and if/when that happens, the Devils will have until the beginning of the season to shed about $5-6 million in cap space. Possible players to be either traded/waived/demoted are Bryce Salvador, Colin White and Dainius Zubrus. If the NHL wins and Kovalchuk becomes a free agent again, the Kings, Devils and Rangers could be interested.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There are no discussions going on between Bobby Ryan and the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan wants 3 years, the Ducks want longer. The Ducks may have to budge, or consider trading him.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Says the Blue Jackets are not interested in Antti Niemi, they’re set with Mason and Garon.
- Rick Carpiniello of LoHud.com: Recently acquired Todd White, who could be a versatile player for the Rangers, could also be a cap casualty and find himself in the minors if they are looking lower their cap number.
- San Jose Mercury News: According to the Sharks website, they are close to signing Jamal Mayers.
League to look at other long-term deals? More ‘Hawks Options … Turco to decide in 7-10 days
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2010
- William DePoali via twitter: Gary Bettman said yesterday that if the league wins its case against Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look in to other long-term deals.
- Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: According to his agent, Marty Turco is going to play for a contending team next season. He has 3 potential landing spots, and will make a decision in the next 7 to 10 days.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks and Antti Niemi have submitted their written briefs before their Thursday arbitration hearing. The ‘Hawks would like to keep Niemi but it all comes down to the price. One option to save cap space would be to go with a 21 man roster (2 below the max, which most carry), with the 21st player being able to play both forward and defense. If Niemi’s salary is below $2.5 million (and Victor Stalberg is sent to minors, saving $300K) they could do that (they’d also have a $1 million cushion for injuries). If the number is between $2.5 and $3 million, they’d have to make another move. If it’s over $3 million, he may not be their starting goalie next season. Marty Turco could be an option if they lose Niemi, they might be able to get him between $2 and $2.5 million.
- Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Niemi is likely seeking between $3 and $4 million a season, the ‘Hawks probably closer to $2 million. The ‘Hawks could accept any ruling either way, and look to trade him, or someone else.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Boston Bruins are talking to Bill Guerin, but would need to make a roster move first. Penguins are still interested in him.
- Michael Arace of the Colubus Dispatch: (written before the Blue Jackets and Anton Stralman settled before their arbitration, 1 year, $1.95 million.) The Blue Jackets will look to improve their defense, and will look via trades and not free agency. 3 options could be Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray. Arace believes the Blue Jackets have made a pitch for Kaberle, inquired about Bieksa, and made a ‘token’ call about Souray. Nikita Filatov’s name probably would come up.
- Tim Benz of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero hasn’t completely ruled out bringing Bill Guerin back next season, and is still in touch with him. But at the moment they are looking at young kids to fill the holes.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a 1 year deal with the Kings (for $3.2 million cap hit). He wanted a 4 year from the Leafs on a ‘big ticket’ when he was with them.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Willie Mitchell could be a possibility for the Wild, but he’s not looking to take physicals just yet.
- William DePoali via twitter: Raffi Torres is getting some interest lately according to his agent.
Ilya Kovalchuk update #624 … Chicago may now have to move Patrick Sharp
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 13th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk and his agent met with Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi yesterday. Club executives didn’t say much, and there is no indication if they were any closer on a deal. Kovalchuk toured the practice facility and looked around the area to see if it would be comfortable for his family. The Kings still need Kovalchuk to come down from his 10 year, $100 million asking price. Kovalchuk met several Kings players, Dustin Brown, Jarret Stoll and Matt Green at the practice facility.
- EJ Hradek via Twitter: The Chicago Blackhawks could move Reasoner and/or Kopecky to save some cap space. If Niemi is looking to sign for too much, there are other goalies on the market.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago believes Patrick Sharp may be available now, and he’ll be easier to move.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: So now that the Blackhawks will be matching the 4 year, $14 million offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson, they may now have to shed some more salary. The Hawks have been trying to move Brian Campbell and his $7.14 million cap hit for months with no luck. Patrick Sharp and his $3.9 million cap hit is more likely. Teemu Selanne will meet with Ducks GM Bob Murray next week. If Alexander Frolov doesn’t sign with an NHL club this week, he may head to the KHL where there are interested teams. Alexei Ponikarovsky is getting some interest, but those teams need to clear cap space first.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks are still looking for a defenseman after the Chicago Blackhawks matched their offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson. Signing his own free agents is also a priority for Wilson now, with Devin Setoguchi and Jason Demers at the top of the list.
- The Toronto Sun: 2008-09 NHL executive salaries:
- Commissioner Gary Bettman $7,230,783
- Deputy commissioner Bill Daly $1,910,402
- Director of hockey operations Colin Campbell $1,389,142
- Chief financial officer Craig Harnett $938,367
- Chief operating officer John Collins $878,226
- Strategist Ed Horne, who is no longer with the league, $794,238
- General counsel David Zimmerman $577,394
- EVP, finance, Joseph DeSousa $520,299
- Director of officiating Stephen Walkom, who is no longer with the league, $488,736
- SVP, hockey operations, Mike Murphy, $440,317
Quebec Looking for New Arena
Posted by Derek in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 16th, 2009
“ Quebec City has announced its intention to build a modern arena in the hope of bringing back an NHL team, a decade and a half after the city lost its beloved Nordiques.
Mayor Regis Labeaume told a news conference Friday that the city’s longstanding dream of hosting an Olympic Games is also a pipe dream without a new arena.
He said he’s hired engineering firm SNC Lavalin to conduct a feasibility study, and hopes to see the arena built from 2010 to 2012.
Labeaume said he expects the arena to cost about $400 million — and that the city would put up $50 million.”(source-TSN)
15 years after watching their beloved Nordiques go south to Colorado, and win the Stanley Cup the 1st season there, Quebecers might have something to look forward to. This is the proper first step to getting an NHL franchise to relocate to Quebec, and we all know there will be no shortage of candidate franchises in the coming years.
Despite all of Jim Balsillie’s efforts to strong-arm the NHL into selling him a team to relocate to southern Ontario, it makes much more sense to actually build the infrastructure necessary to facilitate an NHL team before trying to get the NHL to allow such a move.
The Nordic fans were always loyal, despite limited success, and as Mayor Regis Labeaume stated “hockey is a religion to Quebecers”.
Hmmm, I wonder what reasons Gary Bettman can conjure up to deny this hockey market. You know he’s looking at Kansas City and Las Vegas. It’s understandable to want to build the game in a huge market like Vegas but how about having a few more self-sufficient cities under your belt before spreading the game even thinner in the southern USA.
Maybe he’ll just repeat what happened to Quebec last time, allowing Quebec fans to nurture the Nordiques through all the growing years and then ripping the franchise away when it finally became competitive.
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