Posts Tagged Ilya Kovalchuk
Souray hurts hand in AHL scrap … Bruins interested in Yandle, others … New Jersey Devils notes … plus lots of other updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 26th, 2010
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Sheldon Souray will be out for 2 weeks after hurting his hand in a fight. Video at bottom of post, about 40 seconds in..
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater thinks the Colorado Avalanche could be a possible trade partner for the Boston Bruins as they could use some help on defense and have the lowest payroll. Joe Haggerty thinks the Bruins could be interested in Phoenix Coyotes prospects such as Mikkel Boedker and Viktor Tikhonov. The Bruins also like some Coyotes roster players, such as Keith Yandle. Source just told Jimmy Murphy that Yandle is available, and the Bruins are interested.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ilya Kovalchuk prefers to play left wing, and may have “chuffed” at playing on the right side.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Anton Volchenkov has skated the last couple days. Volchenkov could join the team for tomorrow’s game, he was originally set to return on Nov. 5th. Brian Rolston has begun light skating after his sports hernia surgery. Bryce Salvador is not cleared for exercising yet. Mark Fraser is also not allowed to exercise yet.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have begun contract extension talks with Christian Ehrhoff.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Looks like Mike Smith will be in the net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Penguins. Erlendsson also reports it’s unlikely that Gagne and Moore will playing.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Marian Gaborik’s injured left shoulder is progressing, no timetable is set, hopes to start skating next week.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers will be without Bogosian and Meyer against the Rangers, will need to recall someone.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Scott Clemmensen will be in net for the Florida Panthers tonight against the Leafs.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals defenseman Tom Poti won’t travel with the team to Carolina, could join the team later this week.
Kovalchuk missed a team meeting? More injury and practice updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 25th, 2010
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Indications are pointing to Ilya Kovalchuk missing a team meeting on Saturday. I personally don’t get why they would try to keep that such a secret, they had to figure it would come out eventually (if McKenzie is correct). Pierre LeBrun on ESPN: “I am totally supportive,” Lamoriello said. “Without question I was aware of it … and without question I was supportive. So enough said.”
Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Budaj will start in net for Colorado tomorrow night against Vancouver.
Joe Haggerty via twitter: Sources are telling Haggerty that Blake Wheeler could be one of the players are trying to trade for when Marco Strum and Marc Savard return from LTIR.
Ian Mendes via twitter: Jason Spezza is doubtful for tomorrow, hoping to play on Thursday versus Florida.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty skated on Sunday, but had a set back on Saturday. He will skate again today. He must have 2 straight days without symptoms before he can take a baseline test.
Corey Masisak via twitter: Mike Green is expected to be available for ‘full-time duty’ for Wednesday’s game according to Bruce Boudreau.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Rick Nash was fined $2,500 for high-sticking Mark Giordano on Friday.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Wayne Simmonds won’t be suspended or fined by the NHL for his butt-end in Colorado.
Joe Haggerty via twitter: David Krejci missed practice today to get his wisdom teeth pulled.
Eric Engels of CTV: Andrei Markov feels he could be ready for tonight. Jacques Martin says that Markov will get clearance by this weekend.
Erik Erlendsson via twitter: It doesn’t look like Simon Gagne will be ready for Wednesday. Clark and Moore are questionable, Ohlund is possible, and Smaby is unknown.
Chris Botta via twitter: Josh Bailey joined the NY Islanders at practice today.
Chris Botta via twitter: New York Islanders forward Michael Grabner is day-to-day with a groin injury.
Will facts come out in Kovalchuk benching today? Plenty of players not at practice today … New #1 line in Toronto?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 25th, 2010
- Greg Brady via twitter: From a Devils insider, Kovalchuk’s benching had nothing to do with his on-ice play. Brady speculates that it might come out today what the real reason was, theory is the he skipped or was late for special teams meeting.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: David Krejci was absent for the Bruins practice today. Andrew Ference moved up to the #1 defensive pairing with Zdeno Chara now that Johnny Boychuk is out. Dennis Seidenberg is with Mark Stuart. Matt Hunwick is with Adam McQuaid.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: In December when Marc Savard and Marco Sturm come off LTIR ($7.5 million combined), the Bruins will have to move out a couple bodies. They currently have $1.8 million in cap space with the 2 on LTIR. It’s been mentioned for awhile that Michael Ryder and his $4 million salary could be on his way out, but they’ll have to move more than that. Marco Strum hasn’t been approached about waiving his no movement clause, and it’s unlikely that he would. Blake Wheeler ($2.2 million) and Matt Hunwich ($1.4 million) are possible trade candidates.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Kristian Huselius will not play tonight against the Flyers due to a foot/ankle injury.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Pittsburgh Penguins have assigned Eric Tangradi and Andrew Hutchinson to the AHL. So it looks like Aaron Asham and Zbynek Michalek are ready to go.
- Ben Wright via twitter: Peter Mannino has been assigned to the AHL, Ondrej Pavelec has been activated from IR.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Nikolai Kulemin was skating with Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel at Maple Leafs practice today. Versteeg was with Grabovski and MacArthur.
- Corey Masisak via twitter: Mike Green and Tom Poti are practicing today, Karl Alzner and John Carlson are not. Masisak reports that Poti lasted only 10 minutes at the Capitals practice. Katie Carrera reports that Alzner was excused for personal reasons. Masisak reports that Brooks Laich is playing defense at practice today.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Jason Spezza, Filip Kuba, and Pascal Leclaire are not at the Senators practice today.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Missing from the Lightning’s practice today: Simon Gagne (neck), Dominic Moore (lower-body), Brett Clark (wrist), Matt Smaby (illness) and Mattias Ohlund (rest).
- Kevin Oklobzija of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Michael Nylander will undergo surgery today for an injury to one of his vertebra in his neck. Nylander was checked into the boards with what appeared to be a legal hit. It could be career ending.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Eugeni Artiukin is close to joining SKA.
Sens still trying to make a deal, tight against the cap … Boychuk out a month … Kovalchuk plays, scores only goal … plus more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 25th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray hasn’t been able to find a trade partner yet in his attempt to shake up his team. They are tight against the salary cap, which could be marking it harder to pull off a deal. Capgeek is showing that they are only $75,000 under the cap. The Sens are trying to move Brian Lee and his $875,000 salary since the summer, but he hasn’t played well. Teams are willing to take Nick Foligno or Erik Karlsson, but Murray isn’t interested in moving them. Filip Kuba should be practicing with the team early this week.
- Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk will be out for about a month after a ‘slight’ fracture in his left forearm. It won’t require surgery. Boychuk took a slash from Brandon Dubinsky.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils rank last in scoring and in points, and have benched their $100 million man. Everson thinks they need to stop juggling their lines and let them find a way to work together. Kovalchuk scored the teams only goal last night after his one game banishment to the press box. Kovalchuk added this about his healthy scratch,”The coach decided to give me a little rest and that’s about it. That’s his decision. It’s going to stay between me and him. I’m just a player so I’m going to show up so I can play.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Other reactions about Kovalchuk’s first game back.“I’m hungry night when I’m playing because that’s my job and we’re all professionals,” Kovalchuk said. “We all have to realize when we step on the ice, you have to do your best.”“I thought Kovy was fine,” Maclean said. “He played hard, skated hard. He got a goal there and some other chances.” “He was playing with some energy,” Langenbrunner said. “He’s as frustrated as anybody with the way things have gone and he wants to do his part to get us going back in the right direction. He did that scoring a goal again. He has a knack for putting himself in those positions and it was a great pass by (Dainius Zubrus). We’re going to need more of that, just battle and get pucks to the net. That was all created by cycling pucks off the net.”
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: RW Aaron Asham will likely be healthy enough to go on Wednesday. LW Eric Tangardi doesn’t have to clear waivers so he could be sent down. Zbynek Michalek had a full practice yesterday. Dman Andrew Hutchinson could also be sent down, as the Pens have 8 defenseman practicing.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks winger Dan Sexton has a broken nose after taking a shot in the face from Ruslan Salei on Saturday night. It’s not known yet how long Sexton will be out. He could return to Anaheim today for further tests.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars are still unsure if Jamie Benn is better served as a winger or a centerman. The last 2 games he’s played on the wing with Steve Ott and Ton Wandell. Last year was the first year he’s ever played center. Marc Crawford said it’s a game-by-game decision on where he plays.
Ilya Kovalchuk a healthy scratch … Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove video … Ducks talking to Senators and Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 24th, 2010
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: The decision to scratch Ilya Kovalchuk from the New Jersey Devils lineup was made mid-day, and it was John MacLean’s decision and not managements. MacLean later added, “I’m not discussing it. It was my decision. I made it. He (Kovy) knows. I spoke to him and that’s where it’s going to stay.” EJ Hradek is not buying that MacLean didn’t run this by Lou Lamorielle before making the decision. Andy Strickland tweeted that since New Jersey is one of most secretive organizations, Kovalchuk either violated a team rule or is injured. Gulitti tweeted that MacLean wouldn’t give the reason why he sat him, and wouldn’t answer if it was because of his play.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Ottawa Senators would like Anaheim Ducks to take Brian Lee off their hands, the Ducks may be more interested Chris Campoli, though there may not be a fit between the 2 teams. The Ducks have also been talking to the Sabres. Erik Ersberg cleared waivers and his contract was terminated. Ersberg originally reported to the AHL, but he left the team on Thursday, therefore the Kings were able to terminate the contact due to breach of contract. Jimmy Howard is a UFA at seasons end, there haven’t been any contract talks between him and the Red Wings yet.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Jason Spezza missed his 3rd game of the season with a groin injury. “We’re going to sit him until he’s 100 per cent confident that he can go out and play at the top of his game,” coach Cory Clouston said Saturday morning. “We have to trust that he knows his body and when he goes in and talks to the doctors and trainers, it’s not going to be 70 per cent or 60 per cent. It has got to be 95 per cent or 100 per cent.” Pascal Leclaire is also out with a groin injury, is practicing on his own is could be back within a week.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: St. Louis Blues defenseman Roman Polak sliced his right wrist on Sidney Crosby’s skate last night. Full extent of injury isn’t known yet, but Strickland was told it’s likely he avoided serious ligament or tendon damage.
- Jeff Klein of the NY Times: Brandon Prust who was clipped in the eye by a high stick has been cleared by doctors, flew home with the team.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove – The Hotstove with Ron MacLean. Glenn Healy, Eric Francis & Pierre Lebrun. They talk about Kovalchuk’s benching and who’s decision it was to sign him, Roberto Luongo playing less, Rick Rypien’s suspension, cap issues in Boston with Chiarelli looking at potential moves
Drury out 4 weeks … A worthwhile risk for Jackets? Ilya to the right side … Lupul get clearance to skate
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 21st, 2010
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Chris Drury broke his left index finger blocking a shot yesterday and will be out 4 weeks. After starting camp centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov, Derek Stepan skated between Evgeny Grachev and Mats Zuccarello yesterday.
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There is a deal that works for both the Oilers and Blue Jackets. Even though Sheldon Souray has missed 102 games in the past 2 seasons, and has a cap hit of $5.4 million the next 2 years, he may be worth the risk for the Blue Jackets. GM Scott Howson has declined to comment on the rumors, the same for Oilers GM Steve Tambellini. The Oilers could waive Souray on Saturday and hope someone claims him on re-entry waivers, but then they’d be on the hook for 1/2 his salary. Arace thinks Souray would be worth the risk for the Blue Jackets, and could arguably become the best defenseman they’ve ever had. Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Mike Commodore isn’t that bothered with all the trade talk, he’s been dealt before and has played with 6 organizations in 11 years. He’s been aware of Sheldon Souray rumor since June.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Ilya Kovalchuk has moved over to right wing to start camp. Top line to start is Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Kovalchuk, a solid 2nd line of Patrik Elias, Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Joffery Lupul received medical clearance to start skating after 10 months. Lupul suffered a blood infection stemming from back surgery last December. It will take him a couple months to get back into game shape. “It’s a starting point. I’ve been cleared to do a little more in the weight room and I can skate, albeit by myself. I’m not allowed to get out there with the guys. But just to get in the weight room and start bringing my strength back up and just being out there with the guys is a good thing. I’m going to be under a watchful eye.”
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Cody Hodgson has been cleared for contact.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: New York Rangers GM Glen Sather says that John Tortorella is the right coach for the team. My question is … Is Sather the right GM for the team? As I’ve said before, I’m still surprised that he’s still there.
- George Malik via twitter: Kris Draper will head back to Detroit and will be re-evaluated on Wednesday. Suffered a groin injury and is done for training camp.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks defenseman Niclas Wallin is battling an infection from a July surgery on his ankle that was cleaning out scare tissue. He’s been able to take part in scrimmages but only after the training staff cut a whole in his skate that allows him to get his foot in and out. He’s having Bauer create a custom boot for him.
Gionta Habs new Captain? Neal and Niskanen close with Stars … Redden to AHL?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2010
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: La Presse is reporting that Brian Gionta will be named as the new Montreal Canadiens captain.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars feel they have made solid offers to James Neal and Matt Niskanen, and GM Joe Nieuwendyk thinks they are close. They are trying to Neal on a 2 year deal, and Niskanen on a 1 year deal. The team has an internal budget of $45 million.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Agent Don Meehan expects the Dallas Stars and James Neal to reach a deal by the start of training camp.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: Jordan Staal is likely to miss the start of the season after having an operation to cure the infection in his foot.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers may looking into trading for Sheldon Souray. It’s an extreme longshot that Wade Redden makes the club, he’s expected to be put on waivers, removing his $6.5 million cap hit.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Unless Wade Redden has an excellent camp/pre-season, he’ll likely be sent to the AHL, giving the Rangers the cap relief they need.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Jakub Voracek will be a RFA at seasons end. It is not known if there have been any talks, but Voracek’s side may want to hold off until after the season in hope that he has a big year. Portzline thinks they will get a deal done sooner than later.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Marco Sturm is on track to return to the Bruins in mid-November after having surgery on his left knee 6 months ago. Sturm will be put on LTIR and save the club a $3.5 million cap hit, but once he comes back they’ll need to clear space, with Michael Ryder being demoted to the AHL a possibility.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Patrick Elias will start the season on left wing according to coach John MacLean. That would make a 3rd line left winger, or MacLean will move one of Ilya Kovalchuk or Zach Parise, who are ahead of him on the LW depth chart.
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Majority Carolina Hurricanes owner, Peter Karmanos, is still trying to sell the minority share of the late Thomas Thewes. He’s been trying for 4 months, and there’s still a “for sale” on the club. He has looking for an investor to by the 49% share, but will look at a group of investors.
NHL fines the Devils $3 million and loss of draft picks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 13th, 2010
- TSN: The NHL has come down hard on the New Jersey Devils for attempting to circumvent the salary cap on the first Ilya Kovalchuk contract.
The Devils were fined $3 million and the forfeit of their 2011 3rd round pick, and a 1st round pick in one of the next 4 seasons. The Devils will have the choice in what year they will forfeit the pick, and must do so the day after the Stanley Cup is awarded.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: From a Lou Lamoriello statement “We disagree with the decision. We acted in good faith and did nothing wrong. We will have no further comment.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: There is no salary cap penalty to the Devils, McKenzie believes that option was eliminated when the CBA was re-written.
Ribeiro staying in Dallas … Neal-Stars continue to talk … Bergfors-Thrashers close … Spot on Kings D open for Hickey? Keeping Parise happy
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 13th, 2010
- Mark Stepneski of the ESPN Dallas: Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has put center Mike Ribeiro’s mind at ease, telling him that the plan is for him to be in Dallas this season. “I reassured him that I have no intentions of moving him. I think he was worried about it. There was speculation out there that he was going to be moved any day,” Nieuwendyk said. Ribeiro’s name has been mentioned all summer as a player they may give up to acquire a puck moving defenseman.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: James Neal and the Dallas Stars continue to talk, but nothing is imminent. Nieuwendyk wants to get a deal done before the start of training camp, but realizes it may not happen.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun is hearing the Atlanta Thrashers are close to re-signing RFA Niclas Bergfors. Update 11:05 am: LeBrun via twitter: Confirms that Bergfors signs for 1 year, $900,000.
- Helene Elliott of the the LA Times: With the departures of Sean O’Donnell and Randy Jones, and the injury to Matt Greene, 2007 4th overall pick Tomas Hickey might be ready to make the jump to the big club. Last season Hickey was limited to 23 regular season and playoff games due to shoulder and ankle injuries. “Going forward I want to make this team and that’s the only thing on my mind,” he said Sunday. His hockey IQ makes up for his lack of size. 2008 13th overall pick, Colten Teubert is still recovering from wrist surgery and won’t visit the doctors until early October.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise will be an RFA after this season, and an UFA the year after. Parise wants to win, and if Kovalchuk’s re-signing helps that, it will help in his re-signing. “But if any of the repercussions of re-signing Kovalchuk – delaying starting negotiations, cap trouble, the impact on the roster, etc. – leads directly or indirectly to Parise leaving in two years, it will be it difficult to say this Summer of Kovy was worth it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have until October 6th to shed at least $3-3.5 million to get under the cap, and will be looking at their prospects closely to fill the roster spot(s), paying close attention to the likes of Jacob Josefson, Mattias Tedenby, Alexander Urbom, Tyler Eckford, Matt Corrente, Adam Henrique, Nick Palmeri and Vladimir Zharkov.
Kozlov talking to 3 KHL teams … Spezza or others to Kings? Ottawa to get 2012 All-Star Game
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 7th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Slava Kozlov is talking to 3 KHL teams, with CSKA the front runner.
- NHL Sources Say: Senators and Kings are talking. Kings looking for a top forward, Senators looking for 2 roster players and a pick. Spezza/Fisher/Michalek have been discussed, no knowledge of what Kings are offering.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: On Spezza to the Kings … hasn’t heard anything, and would be shocked if it happened.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will be in Ottawa next week, and could announce that Ottawa will host the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. More than 25 teams put in bids to host the 2011-12 All-Star game.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Kovalchuk plans to play all 15 years, and doesn’t exclude that can play in the KHL if there is an NHL lockout.
Modin signing with the Thrashers … Cheechoo gets tryout from Stars … Kozlov still wants to play in NHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 5th, 2010
- TSN: A Swedish website is reporting that the Atlanta Thrashers have signed winger Fredrik Modin. Modin struggled last season, recording only 11 points in 44 games.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Slava Kozlov’s agent, Scott Lites, told the Sporting News that his client hasn’t given up playing in the NHL. He has been offered a couple tryouts, but is unlikely to accept that option.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Owen Nolan passed on the Minnesota Wild in hopes that he could land a contract from the San Jose Sharks, but the team is looking to go younger. The Wild went out and signed 3 free agents, leaving no room for Nolan. Nolan still hopes to land somewhere.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have invited Jonathan Cheechoo to camp.
Notes on the new CBA amendment … How it would have affected Kovalchuk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 4th, 2010
- NHLPA: Press Release: NHL, NHLPA Reach Agreement Governing Long-Term Contracts; Kovalchuk Contract Registered; Four Circumvention Investigations Dropped.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Dreger explains the 2 amendments that were made concerning long-term contracts.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: The Devils could still be fined by the NHL as the first contract was ruled as ‘circumvention’, not wiped out by the new agreement.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “35 yr old player signs 7 yr deal, the first 5 yrs of determine aav. Cap hit in year 6 + 7 would be actual value of his deal in those yrs.”
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: The players age is taken on June 30th, at the end of that season.
The new amendments don’t affect Kovalchuk’s deal, but if they did:
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Kovalchuk’s cap hit for the first 14 years would be $6,857,143 (instead of $6,666,667), 15th year would have been $4 million. Devils saved less than $200,000 against the cap for the first 14 years. Devil would have saved $2,666,667 in the 15 year if under the new rules.
NHL-NHLPA reach agreement … Kovalchuk deal to be approved
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 3rd, 2010
3:45 pm: Chris Stevenson via twitter: “will grandfather in other deals for limits on new contracts.”
3:41: Tom Gulitti via twitter: “CBA amendment would involve stipulations on cap hit for deals going past age 35 and age 40.”
3:40 pm: Nick Kypreos via twitter: “All that’s happened is clubs can no longer use age 41 and over to reduce the cap hit.”
3:10 pm: Darren Dreger of TSN: Sources are telling TSN (various other confirmation on twitter) that the NHL and NHLPA have reached agreement regarding amending the rules that govern long term contracts. They are working on the paperwork to finalize the deal before the 5 pm deadline they set on Wednesday.
The agreement between the 2 sides means that the Kovalchuk deal will be approved.
Will it end today? Devils could be punished … Savard’s agent goes off
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 3rd, 2010
9:23 am: David Pagnotta via twitter: Rumor that Kovalchuk deal was rejected, but the both sides (NHL and NHLPA) are trying to make it fit. A decision is not expected today.
8:38 am:
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy was informed that the New Jersey Devils could receive a $1-3 million fine, and loss of 2 1st round draft picks.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: The ‘ultimatum’ on the NHLPA from the NHL is “100% off the mark. Absolutely no truth to it” according to a source. The source also added, “It looks like we are close and I can honestly tell you everybody comes out lookin’ good on this one.”
- James Mirtle via twitter: If the NHL and NHLPA can find common ground, Kovalchuk’s contract will likely be accepted, and would likely be the last of the ‘cap-bending’ contracts.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: Marek expects to see another extension through the weekend.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: A source told the Sporting News that “It’s possible both sides are going to come out looking good.” (Unfortunately this situation has looked bad for at least the last month). The NHLPA declined to vote on installing Donald Fehr as their executive director on Wednesday night over concerns of his demands (from a Nick Kypreos tweet, Fehr is looking for $7.5 million through 2012).
- TSN: Marc Savard’s agent, Larry Kelly on the Team 1200 in Ottawa,
“I’d really like to see a true commissioner style, someone who has the best interest of the game in mind rather than the situation they have now,” Kelly told the TEAM. “Bettman is (like) the president of the league and he clearly is on the owners’ side on every issue. I really think it should be a commissioner. With a commissioner you have somebody who is totally independent and I think it would be a much less acrimonious situation.”
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Larry Kelly also went on to say that if Marc Savard’s contract voided and he became a free agent, he wouldn’t receive a fair offer as many teams are up against the cap and training camp starts in 2 weeks. Kelly also added in the Team 1200 interview that if Savard’s contract was rejected, “You can imagine the lawsuit that would ensue”.
- Team 1200 Facebook page: The Larry Kelly Team 1200 interview. Starts about the 2 minute mark.
Some longterm contract notes … Savard staying … Ranger not attending Lightning camp
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov thinks that if Kovalchuk’s Friday extension get extended again, he may leave for the KHL.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The VP of the KHL doesn’t think that Kovalchuk will end up in the KHL, means to much to the NHL, but added “if Kovalchuk decides to come over, he can sign any contract; SKA will pay the luxury tax; it’s democratic and free here”
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Just to repeat, Chris Pronger’s deal with Ed Snider’s Philadelphia Flyers has been approved. He’ll be 42 in the final season, and will make a combined $1.05 million in the final 2 seasons of his 7 year, $34.45 million deal.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchard writes that the League is not likely to void Roberto Luongo’s contract with the Canucks.
- Jack Edwards of NESN: Edwards shoots down any rumors that the Bruins are looking to trade Marc Savard. He lists many different reasons as to why he’ll be staying.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said that Paul Ranger won’t be attending training camp. Ranger has been away from the team since last October with personal reasons.
- Will DePaoli of InsidePittsburghSports: Word from Jordan Staal’s camp is that he won’t be full strength by training camp. His tendon injury may not be fully healed.
It has to end today
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 1st, 2010
- Tom Gulitti of the Record: The NHL has until 5:00 pm today to reach their decision to either accept or reject the contract between Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils. The contract would be deemed acceptable and registered if the league doesn’t make a ruling by then, but Bill Daley emailed “the deadline will not pass without the league communicating its determination.” If league accepts the deal, the Devils will have to clear over $3 million in contracts. If the NHL rejects, Kovalchuk and the NHLPA have 5 days to make an appeal.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: If Kovalchuk’s contract is rejected by the NHL, he’s likely to go to SKA St. Petersberg of the KHL.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: One GM thinks the league will reject the latest contract proposal, and said the Devils and Kovalchuk were trying to “disguise circumvention,” adding, “trying to hide the crime, makes this even worse.” Sources are saying other teams are expecting a penalty, either a reduction of cap or loss of draft pick.
- Damien Cox via twitter: Teams are demanding that the New Jersey Devils be penalized for the first contract given to Kovalchuk.
- Nick Kyreos of Sportsnet: Kyreos reveals the contract details from Kovalchuk’s second contract. We’ve listed them along side the rejected deal.
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Season
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1st Contract
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2nd Contract
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2010-11
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$6 million
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$6 million
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2011-12
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$6 million
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$6 million
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2012-13
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$11.5 million
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$11 million
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2013-14
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$11.5 million
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$11.3 million
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2014-15
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$11.5 million
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$11.3 million
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2015-16
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$11.5 million
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$11.6 million
|
|
2016-17
|
$11.5 million
|
$11.8 million
|
|
2017-18
|
$10.5 million
|
$10 million
|
|
2018-19
|
$8.5 million
|
$7 million
|
|
2019-20
|
$6.5 million
|
$4 million
|
|
2020-21
|
$3.5 million
|
$1 million
|
|
2021-22
|
$750,000
|
$1 million
|
|
2022-23
|
$550,000
|
$1 million
|
|
2023-24
|
$550,000
|
$3 million
|
|
2024-25
|
$550,000
|
$4 million
|
|
2025-26
|
$550,000
|
|
|
2026-27
|
$550,000
|
Kovalchuk decision today … New player in Phoenix ownership … Niemi close to new home
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 31st, 2010
- Tom Gulitti of the Record: The NHL spent Monday reviewing Ilya Kovalchuk’s 15 year, $100 million contract, with an announcement likely coming today. It is not known if the league has already let the Devils know their decision, before it would released to the public. The NHL must rule before 5:00 pm on Wednesday or the contract would deemed approved and registered. According to tweets by Nick Kypreos, Kovalchuk would be paid $90 million over the first 10 seasons, and $10 million over the last 5. In the last year of the deal he is scheduled to have a base salary of $4 million, with the average salary over the final 3 seasons being $2.6 million.
- Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal: An undisclosed wealthy person is interested in purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes from the NHL, and keeping the team in Glendale. Details are limited, but could be made public soon, they have asked to keep the negotiations private. The Ice Edge Holdings group have taken a backseat and they have been focusing on bringing an ECHL team to Thunder Bay, Ontario. If a deal is not in place by December 31st to keep the team Phoenix, they will look to sell the team to someone, and move them Canada.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Bill Guerin is trying to get a contract with the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: According to a source of Murphy, the Bruins are still “actively shopping” Marc Savard. His contract investigations have hampered talks. The Bruins are still over the salary cap ceiling and need to get under before the start of the season.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli originally told Steve Begin that they wouldn’t be bringing him back, but according to Begin they are still interested, but currently sit $3 million over the cap. Begin told RDS that the Bruins are trying to do some things, but the market is slow.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: Source telling Rogers that Antti Niemi is close to deciding where he’ll play next season, with a decision possibly coming in the next 48 hours. He has offers from multiple teams.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke says there is some progress being made with RFA, Christian Hanson, and he expects it to be done by training camp.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: According to RDS, Andre Markov is back skating. Markov had off-season knee surgery.
- Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas: There is still no decision by Jere Lehtinen on if he’ll play next season, but according to a Finnish paper, Lehtinen is giving serious consideration into not playing next season. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said that he hasn’t been working out as much as he normally does when preparing for the season.
Thornton-Sharks talking extension … On why Kovalchuk deal should be accepted … Devils moving Zajac?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 30th, 2010
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Joe Thornton is having preliminary talks with the San Jose Sharks about a contract extension. The 31-year old Thornton will be a UFA at seasons end. Thornton has a cap hit of $7.2 million this season according to capgeek.com.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: On why the new Kovalchuk deal should get approved. Rejected deal had $2.75 million over the last 5 years. New deal, $10 million over the last 5 years.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Rumors are out there that Travis Zajac could be one of the players the New Jersey Devils move to make room for Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils could be looking to move Bryce Salvador and Dainius Zubrus. The 25-year old Zajac is the teams number 1 center, and has a cap hit of $3.89 million for the next 3 years. Zajac had 25 goals and totalled 67 last year.
- Mike Hume of ESPN: Trading Zajac would be a serious hit to the Devils. Jason Arnott would then be the teams top center. Zajac could bring back a decent return in prospects and/or draft picks. The Washington Capitals have been looking for a 2nd line center and have a deep farm system. 2009 draft pick, Jacob Josefson, would be a possible internal replacement.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Sources are telling Murphy that nothing will most likely come from the Marc Savard contract investigations. The investigation is hampering trade talks.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy thinks that the Edmonton Oilers should throw an offer sheet to Carey Price.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby’s agent said they are negotiating with the Detroit Red Wings, and that a deal could be finalized this week. The deal will most likely be a 2-way deal. Maltby did talk with other teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Kovalchuk decision by Wednesday … Staal not looking for offer sheet … 5 teams interested in Kennedy … Penner to Kings?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 29th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL has until Wednesday to decide if they are going to reject or accept the latest Ilya Kovalchuk contract. The contract is said to be 15 years and $100 million, a $6.67 million cap hit. The Devils will then have to shed more than $3 million in salary, plus an extra couple million for injury call-ups. Some say Lou has some deals ready to go if the contract is accepted. Dallas could be interested in Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) could be moved.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Kovalchuk saga could be coming to an end soon (thank god). Kovalchuk may have received some interest throughout this process from the Kings, Islanders, Stars, Blues and KHL SKA St. Petersburg. During Monday’s meeting with the league, Kovalchuk reportedly gave a weekend deadline for the leagues approval and threatened that the KHL could be possible.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tim Kennedy is still one of the unsigned forwards looking for an NHL contract. 5 teams have shown interest in Kennedy, possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers. He thinks he can get a one-way contract but realizes he might have to take two-way deal.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: Getting an offer sheet isn’t being focused on by Marc Staal’s agent, Paul Krepelka. Krepelka said there is no truth to the rumor that they were hoping to get one.
- Matthew Barry (hockeybuzz) via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers are shopping Dustin Penner and the Los Angeles Kings are very interested.
Kovalchuk saga coming to a close soon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 27th, 2010
3:15 pm: EJ Hradek via twitter: “As of 3:02 pm ET, NHL Deputy Commish Bill Daly says the league has not yet signed off on concepts for new Kovy-Devils deal.”
2:33 pm: Tom Gulitti is tweeting that there might not be an announcement from the Devils until Saturday.
Will DePaoli is reporting that the deal could be in the $84-$91 million, 12-13 year range.
Gulitti gets another confirmation on the deal being approved. Dmitry Chesnokov is confirming as well.
2:11 pm: According to Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter, the latest and possibly the last Ilya Kovalchuk proposal was sent to the league several hours ago. Tom Gulitti says it’s looking like the Devils-Kovalchuk got the thumbs up from the league. Greg Wyshynski, a source told Dmitry that the NHL will approved the proposal.
It was reported earlier through Chesnokov by Pavel Lysenkov who spoke with Kovalchuk’s Russian agent, that if he were to sign a KHL contract, he would spend the entire season there. There were reports earlier that Kovalchuk could start the season in the KHL, and return to the NHL once a contract was finalized.
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