Posts Tagged Jakub Voracek
More on Belak … Byfuglien arrested … Kugryshev back to Russia … H. Sedin has sore hip … 10 “under-the-radar” players
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2011
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Two people who knew Wade Belak said that he did suffer from depression and that he took medication to treat it. Belak’s widow released a statement asking “that everyone remember Wade’s infectious sense of humour, his caring spirit and the joy he brought to his friends, family and fans.”
- Mark Seidel via twitter: Seidel says that Belak did not kill himself and that “any suggestion to the contrary is simply wrong.” In time the truth will come out. He can’t say much about the death, but believes it will be “ruled a horrible accident” when all said and done. He apologizes for the vagueness.
- Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Special assistant with the NHLPA Mathieu Schneider said on the radio that people should stop jumping to conclusions regarding Wade Belak’s death. Schneider said it’s “dangerous and hurtful,” especially to his family, to speculate why he ended his life. Buffery lists a bunch of athletes (not just hockey players) who have taken their lives in the last year.
- Ed Tait and Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was arrested late Wednesday night on “probable cause for third degree boating while intoxicated and the refusal of a blood or urine test.” He was released from jail 2:23 Thursday morning. He was booked weighing 286 pounds, up from his approximate 245 pounds playing weight last year.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall is in the final year of his contact, has only played with the Wings, and would like to keep it that way. “Everyone knows I like it here a lot,” Kronwall said. “I want to stay. Hopefully, they want me to stay as well. So whenever they feel it’s the right time to start negotiating we’ll be ready for it.” The Wings will likely start contact talks with Kronwall soon.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Capitals prospect Dmitri Kugryshev is heading back to Russia after playing last year in the AHL. His deal is not the ‘rent’ type, he’ll be signing a valid contract with CSKA. The Capitals will retain his rights.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Andrei Zyuzin wanted to play in the NHL this year, but declined an offer from the Sharks. Zyuzin’s agent said that contact was for well less than a $1 million and he wanted more.
- Gord McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Cancucks forward Henrik Sedin’s status may be up in the air, more will be known when he skates next week. “I don’t think it [Henrik's sore hip] was too bad, but he felt he needed some time off.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Burnside mentions 10 “Under-the-radar” players who could make an impact this season: Alexei Ponikarovsky (CAR), JS Giguere (COL), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Anthony Stewart (CAR), Andrew Cogliano (ANA), Ian White (DET), James Neal (PIT), Niclas Bergfors (NASH), Mathieu Garon (TB) and Roman Hamrlik (WAS).
- James Mirtle via twitter: David Koci has been invited to the Jets training camp on a tryout.
- Martin Lunden of Swedish Oil by dohfOs: Oilers 2011 1st round pick Oscar Klefbom had his leg cut that required 10 stitches. When the stitches were removed, it was discovered that it was infected. He is on penicillin which prohibits him from playing.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said defenseman Francis Bouillon “will probably not be ready for camp.” Mike Fisher is still recovering from shoulder surgery. “I would say we’d probably go a little bit slower with (Fisher) going into training camp to make sure he’s ready and 100 percent going into the season,” Poile said.
Kevin Bieksa re-signs with Canucks … Nodl re-signs with Flyers … Qualifying Offers deadline day
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2011
- Farhan Lalji via twitter: Kevin Bieksa re-signs with the Canucks for 5 years, $23 million. It’s a $4.6 million cap hit.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Andreas Nodl re-signs with the Flyers for 2 years, at $845,000 per season.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Heard at the draft that Lightning and Steven Stamkos are not close on a deal. Teams can submit offer sheets July 1st.
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Flyers have traded Darroll Powe to the Wild for a 2013 3rd round pick.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Jonathon Kalinski, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek receive qualifying offers from the Flyers.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Alzner, Varlamov, Brouwer, Perreault and Bouchard receive qualifying offers from the Capitals.
- St. Louis Blues via twitter: TJ Oshie, Ben Bishop and Ryan Reaves receive qualifying offers from the Blues.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Jiri Tlusty and Troy Bodie were not given qualifying offers by the Hurricanes, but either or both could be re-signed.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Alexandre Picard wasn’t given a qualifying offer and will become a UFA.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Smaby, Lundin, Mahalik, Quick (signed AHL contract), Berry, Giliati, Levi Nelson and Szczechura were not given qualifying offers by the Lightning. Lundin talks continue, and a deal could be done by Friday.
Jeff Carter traded to Columbus a 1st and 3rd round pick and Jakub Voracek
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 23rd, 2011
NHL Draft and Trade rumors involving the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini is looking for someone “special” at the draft, and that could be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. They could also be looking to move their 19th and 31st pick.
“We have a couple of years to build and if we can get players to fill our needs, that’s what we want. If a player Stu (head scout MacGregor) feels passionately about is there earlier (than No. 19), we’ll be aggressive to get him.”
Tambellini on the Ryan Smyth situation,
“He’s a good person, but that’s Ryan’s business and (Kings GM) Dean Lombardi’s business. I respect that.” They wouldn’t give up much for him.
Tambellini on Ales Hemsky,
“I knows he’s going into the last year of his contract and I’m not worried. I don’t think Ales is worried, either. I think for the first time he feels he’s going to start a season really strong, with both shoulders good. He’s going to come back in early July (from the Czech Republic) and might take a couple of twirls at our prospects camp.”
Robert Tychkowski Edmonton Sun: Unless someone if offering a young, proven franchise player, Edmonton’s 1st overall pick isn’t for sale. Tambellini,
“You really need to present something that is a no-brainer for the organization.”
“Managers will say, ‘What are you looking for?’ I normally say, ‘That’s for you to tell me. Show me something that makes it worthwhile to bring to my organization to consider.’ “
- Terry Jones via twitter: It doesn’t sound like the Oilers have much interest in moving Ales Hemsky or any of their top young kids. Also looking like they will pick 19th.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators Will be looking for a 2nd line center. GM Murray could get one through trade or by free agency. Free agents possibilities (with injury risks and in the $3.5-4.5 million range) are Jason Arnott, Michal Handzus, Vinny Prospal and Tim Connolly. One problem for going the trade route is that teams that have good ones don’t want to move them. If they go the draft route, Jonathan Huberdeau, Sean Couturier, Ryan Strome and Mika Zibanejad are candidates. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be gone, and the same goes for Huberdeau.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson continues to work on moving the 8th overall pick to acquire an established player. There has been an “exchange of ideas”, with a few “available” players surfacing. He’s willing to listen to offers regarding anyone but Rick Nash.
“I’ve had a few surprise calls, players who might be available,” he said. “It’s not been specifically about the pick, but just, ‘Here’s what I’m thinking about doing’, and, ‘Here’s who might be available.’
“There’s a lot going on, more than normal. Teams realize we’re more open to trading a top-10 pick than we’ve been in the past for immediate help. That has generated some interest.”
The Blue Jackets are looking for in this order, a skilled Dman or 2, a top-six center, and a backup goaltender. Finding a center they deem worthy of a top 6 may be difficult,
“There’s a scarcity of centers available by trade, too, at least the kind that we would want,” Howson said. “I don’t think that changes what we’ll be thinking about when we get to the draft.
“Those are two areas of need. If something comes our way in one of those areas, we won’t question it. We’ll make the move as long as it makes sense to us and we’re excited about it.”
The Jackets are interested in Jeff Carter, but the Flyers may not want to trade him. Avalanche’s Paul Stastny and Senators Jason Spezza could be available if their organizations decide to shake things up. To get any of those players they would likely have to give up the 8th overall pick, a top 6 like Jake Voracek, and perhaps a prospect like Nikita Filatov or dman John Moore. Brent Burns could be being dangled by the Wild, but it would take more than the 8th pick to get him. Other Dmen that could be available are Mike Green, Jay Bouwmeester, John-Michael Liles, Johnny Oduya, Tom Gilbert and Keith Ballard.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: Brian Burke on his pre-draft strategy,
“We’ve made overtures to all the teams that have picks in the range that we’d like to get to. No takers yet. We would move those picks for players that help us now, as well. So we’re really looking at lots of different scenarios. This will sound funny to people because the draft is Friday night, but it’s still early. In our time, when you can make a deal in an hour or two, it’s still early. But right now, I got nothing. Lots of lines in the water, no bites.”
Burke on teams coming to him,
“Yeah. Yeah, we’ve made it clear to teams that, if we do keep the picks and get to our pick, that we’d trade down, too, if there’s not the exact fit we want. We’re working both sides of that fence.”
Burke on the Leafs RFAs and UFAs,
“We’ve budgeted a cap figure for all the guys that we intend to sign. We’ll come in at that range, and that allows us to plan for what else we do. There’s a possibility with an RFA that you get an offer sheet on a guy, but I don’t think that’s a realistic threat with any of our guys. And certainly, with our financial wherewithal, we’re prepared for something like that. But our intention is to sign these guys. There’s no urgency on any of these guys. No one’s hammering us to get a deal done. I think the strategy for a lot of agents is to wait and see if other guys sign, to see if it helps their position … the guy that you guys ask about the most is Clarke MacArthur. He’s got arbitration rights. And if Clarke MacArthur files for arbitration, then we’re going to arbitration. That’s in the CBA, that’s his right, and I’m certainly prepared for that, if that’s the way it goes. I don’t anticipate any surprises or any difficulty that we haven’t foreseen.”
Burke on draft day trades,
“I know there’s a lot of phone activity, a lot of radio chatter, but I can’t tell you if there’s going to be a lot of activity. If you’re picking, say, at 25 like we are, there’s a good chance you can get the same player at 25 that you’re going to get at 15. So the incentive is, ‘can you move up?’ Yeah. Would you pay a ransom to move up? No, I don’t think so. I can’t read it yet, on how much activity there’s going to be. Based on what we’ve got going, I’d say we’re not going to trade up. We’re either going to trade those picks for players, or we’re going to keep them.”
Rangers may not be able to buyout Drury now … Vokoun likes the Avs? Oilers trying to move up in 1st round … Bryzgalov meets with Flyers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Chris Drury has a degenerative condition in his left knee that won’t allow him to play next year. The NY Rangers were planning on buying him out but due to the condition they won’t be able to. Drury’s $7.05 million will count against the summer cap in which a team can’t exceed next year’s cap by more than 10%. If they were able to buy him out, it would have carried about $3.717 million of dead space this summer. Once the season starts they can put him on LTIR. It’s likely that Drury’s career is over.
- Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: Tomas Vokoun told a Czech newspaper that he’s not thinking about taking the offer from Avangard Omsk of the KHL as he wants to remain in the NHL. The paper is saying that Vokoun has heard from the Flyers and from the Coyotes.
“I would not be displeased if I got a good offer from Floria and accepted it,” the paper quotes Vokoun as saying. “But if I happen to get an offer from a team that might have a chance to challenge for the Stanley Cup, now, that might be irresistible.”
When asked which team, Vokoun said “Like Colorado.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Dater talked with Avs GM Greg Sherman several days ago, and he didn’t seemed worried about their goaltending situation. It seemed to Dater that he already knew what will happen regarding the goalie.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are trying hard to move from #19 in the NHL draft (pick acquired in the Dustin Penner trade) in to the top 10. They may not necessarily draft a forward and defenseman in the draft as next year there could be 15 dman worthy of a 1st round pick. There are lots of trade scenarios for the Oilers, most revolve around Ales Hemsky. Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Shawn Horcoff, and Ryan Whitney are pretty much untouchables. Prospects Anton Lander, Jeff Petry and Teemu Hartikainen may not be available either, everyone else could be available. Matheson offers some trade scenarios that are 99% certain not to happen. Hemsky, a prospect, the 19th and 31st pick to Colorado for the 2nd overall pick. Hemsky, the 19th and 31st, plus a 2012 2nd round pick to New Jersey for the 4th pick (suggested by someone else). Eberle, Sam Gagner and the 31st pick for the 5th overall pick, Kyle Okposo and Travis Hamonic. Columbus seems like an obvious trade partner, but it may be unlikely that they are interested in a player like Hemsky who would be a free agent after next year and has had shoulder issues. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson,
“We’ve had a little bit of interest in it so far and we’re willing to listen. Given where our franchise is now, we’d be more open to moving it for immediate help. We would be looking for a centre or a defenceman because we’re pretty strong on the wing with R.J. Umberger, (Rick) Nash, (Kristian) Huselius and (Jake) Voracek,”
If the Oilers don’t deal Hemsky, they’ll need to figure out if they want to re-sign him and committ around $5 million per season when they have the likes of Hall, Eberle, and Paajarvi who be looking for more money in a couple years. Would Winnipeg at #7 be interested? Could they look to move Sam Gagner?
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers and Ilya Bryzgalov have begun negotiations. Bryzgalov met with a variety of organizational members yesterday. If his demands aren’t crazy, they should be able to get a deal. Carchidi thinks a 5 year deal at $5.5 million could be a good number. They don’t want to move Jeff Carter to clear cap space, but may consider if the received a big offer. It would have to be move than the 8th overall pick and Jakub Voracek rumored deal. If they can’t get a deal with Bryzgalov done, Evgeni Nabokov could be an option.
Sunday Morning NHL Rumor Roundup – Part 2
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:The Kings are targeting in order: Brad Richards, Ales Hemsky, and David Booth. Richards is complicated deal as he is out with a concussion with no timetable, and has a no-trade clause. The Rangers are also interested in Richards. A source it would likely be a Monday deal, if at all. The Stars have made a contract offer to Richards yet, but could do so on Sunday night. The Oilers won’t move off of Brayden Schenn in a Hemsky deal.On Sidney Crosby: “Sidney is still not symptom-free,” his agent, Pat Brisson, told ESPN.com on Saturday. “We have to go a day at a time. Anyone in the media speculating that his season is over is jumping the gun. No one knows. That’s the truth. All we know is that we have to be extremely cautious.”
Chris Phillip’s name came up in a Canucks-Senators call but didn’t go very far.
The Avalanche may not be looking looking to move John-Michael Liles. Maple Leafs interested if they do. The Leafs and Clarke MacArthur have had contract talks but not close as of Saturday. Teams are calling about him.
The Predators and Shea Weber have had serious contract talks. They need to lock him up.
Detroit will not put a claim on Ty Conklin.
The Blackhawks looking at adding a Dman.
Capitals thought that picking up Marco Sturm for offensive help was a good idea as they didn’t have to give up anything.
The Coyotes are looking for defensive depth.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:New Buffalo Sabres owner, Terry Pegula, has given GM Darcy Regier the green light to spend to the salary cap, so don’t be surprised if they go after Brad Richards or Paul Stastny. Garrioch believes pretty much everyone on the the Avs roster is available, including Stastny despite what they are saying. Regier would have to compete with at least the Leafs and Kings on a top center. Stastny would likely cost 2 top prospects and a top pick.Kings GM Dean Lombardi (accused tire kicker) is under pressure to make a big move. Brayden Schenn is a non-starter in Ales Hemsky talks, and the Oilers don’t really want to trade Hemsky. Lombardi will either cave in an pay a big price for Brad Richards or Ales Hemsky, or will add to his reputation as being afraid to make a big deal.
The Dallas Stars are still unsure what the next move Brad Richards wants to take. The Rangers and Leafs are interested.
Joni Pitkanen is likely staying in Carolina as they’re still in the playoff race.
Canucks looking at Panthers Marty Reasoner.
The Avalanche will likely ask John-Michael Liles to waive his no-movement clause.
There was some talk that the Red Wings could look at Tomas Vokoun, but they don’t have the salary space. They appear confident that Chris Osgood will be back and okay.
The Blue Jackets are getting calls for Jakub Voracek and Derrick Brassard but they don’t really want to move them. They deny it, but apparently they have been shopping Steve Mason.
NHL rumors involving the several Senators, Canadiens, Kings, Panthers, Blue Jackets and more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2011
- Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: “We’ve stripped down and added a lot of young assets,” Burke told the crowd. “We’ve gone through, now, the selling part of this process. We are buyers now. We’re trying to add a defenceman right now.” Burke said he wanted to add a defenseman by the end of [today], and has a couple things going on. MacArthur could be moved before the deadline if contract talks don’t go well. Burke hopes to make some more moves before the 28th trade deadline.
- Brian Burke Audio from James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail:
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources told Strickland that the Panthers and Rangers had a deal almost done for Bryan McCabe several weeks ago but he broke his jaw. They may re-visit the deal. McCabe has a no-movement clause and he may be very selective as to where he’d go.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators and Chris Phillips have talked contract extension (possibly a 3 year deal), but if they can’t get a deal done, he could be moved. Chris Neil has apparently given the Senators a list of 10 teams he can’t be dealt too. The Rangers could be interested in Neil who has 2 years with a $2 million cap hit. The Rangers are said to be interested in Filip Kuba, who has another year left at a $3.7 million cap hit. There may only be 1 or 2 teams interested in Alexei Kovalev, and he wouldn’t cost much.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings were interested in James Neal before he was dealt yesterday but weren’t interested in giving up one of their top defenseman for him. They’ve looked David Booth and Ales Hemsky, but won’t move Brayden Schenn.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers could buyout Sheldon Souray after the season. Coach Tom Renney added, “Would the Oilers take him back next year? I would keep an open mind,” said Renney. The fact that Souray has 1 more year left on his deal is what likely scared teams off. Souray’s foot speed was also an issue.
- David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period: The Canadiens are looking for a top 6 forward and a shutdown defenseman. Dustin Penner, Rostislav Klesla, Kristian Huselius, Chris Phillips and Ryan Suter have been linked to the Canadiens. Canadiens GM Yannick Weber, Andrei Kostitsyn and Lars Eller, among others may be being used as trade bait.The Kings are after Ales Hemsky. Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn may be available for a ‘top-line player’. Brad Richards will also interest in the LA Kings. It’s being said that Richards will only waive his no-trade if GM Joe Nieuwendyk insists. The Rangers would love to get Richards, but may be in a better position to trade for Hemsky, McCabe and/or Brad Boyes. Michael Del Zotto might be moved for right player. Del Zotto may have been in discussion in a deal involving Tomas Kaberle before he was dealt to Boston. John-Michael Liles is being “shopped hard” by the Avalanche.Aside for Klesla and Huselius, the Blue Jackets may be shopping Jakub Voracek. GM Scott Howson didn’t like what the Penguins wanted for Alex Goligoski. The Flames can’t afford Huselius, and could be looking for a gritty 2nd-3rd liner, Chris Neil could be an option.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Teams like Pittsburgh, Washington or Los Angeles could be interested in Tim Connolly. Many people will be surprised if Connolly last the week. Matthew Barnaby adds via twitter: They can’t wait to get Connolly’s contract off the books.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators forward Peter Regin suffered a shoulder injury on Saturday in a game against the Leafs and could be done for the season. “We won’t know more until the test,” he said. “It could be worse (than we first thought).”
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Scott Nicol is out with an upper-body injury. Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic practiced yesterday and could be in the lineup tonight. Kent Huskins is not likely to play.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Mike Brown and Colby Armstrong should be back in the Leafs lineup tonight on a line with Darryl Boyce. Joey Crabb and Christian Hanson could be healthy scratches. The Leafs might have to call up a defenseman as Brett Lebda has a big bruise on his leg after being hit with a slapshot.
Kings planning something big? Flyers looking at Versteeg … Kovalev could fit in Pittsburgh … Anderson back Monday … NHL Sources Say Video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 13th, 2011
- It was noted on twitter last night that several LA Kings prospects were deleted from their website (prospects page) and later added back. Players mentioned were Braydon Schenn, Oscar Moller and Colten Teubert.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: The LA Kings are itching to make a move with Wayne Simmonds being possibly used as trade bait.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford believes his team will make the playoffs, becoming buyer and not sellers, which may take Erik Cole off the market for the Flyers. The Flyers will have about $3.5 million to add at the deadline, but may not want to tinker with the chemistry too much. One player who may be on their radar is Maple Leafs forward Kris Versteeg. It may cost them James van Riemsdyk though.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins now have plenty of cap space since Evgeni Malkin went down with his season ending injury. They have been looking for a goal scoring winger for a couple years, and may look at Alex Kovalev. The Penguins have come out and said they are interested in Kovalev but he fits what they could be after. He shouldn’t cost more than a late draft pick, and will be a UFA at the end of the year.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Bryan McCabe wants to stay with the Florida Panthers. “I have a no-move clause and I’m committed to staying here helping this team make the playoffs and build this team in the future,” said McCabe, 35. “I love being here with an organization heading in the right direction. I’m an older guy who I think can help out with leadership. My family loves it here.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Hurricanes make look to move soon-to-be UFA Joni Pitkanen regardless if they are in the playoffs or not.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Craig Anderson will return to the Avalanche on Monday. He left the teams road trip on Thursday with personal reasons.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson pulled R.J. Umberger aside and asked him about one or more Philadelphia Flyers (Umberger played for the Flyers a couple years ago). The Flyers are said to be interested in Jake Voracek, and Blue Jackets were shopping Steve Mason hard last month. Howson has been talking to Sens GM Bryan Murray often in the last couple weeks. The Blue Jackets have been looking for one or two puck moving defenseman.
- NHL Sources Say video – Panel looking at buyers and sellers.
Afternoon rumor roundup, roster notes and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 3rd, 2011
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Trade discussions are heating up. The Blue Jackets may be the closest to making a big deal. Steve Mason, Jakub Voracek and Rostislav Klesla are believed to be getting some interest. A top center and defenseman are of interest to the Jackets. Dale Tallon and Pierre Gauthier spent some time talking before last night’s game, though Tallon said no groundwork was laid. Ray Emery has drawn interest from 3 teams, with the Ducks and Flyers as 2 of them. Teams could make a move in the next 48 hours.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mike Smith has cleared waivers and is expected to be assigned to the AHL.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Ray Emery’s agent JP Barry, “We are now exploring all possibilities and will have to make a decision relatively soon.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Wherever Emery signs, he’s likely to start off in the AHL.
- Andy Strickland via True Hockey: The LA Kings and soon to be UFA, Justin Williams, have talked contract extension. Williams may be looking for a multi-year deal in the $4.5 million range, which might be out the Kings range.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg appeared to have had a rough practice yesterday, and it’s still unknown if his comeback will be successful. Forsberg hopes he can make a decision soon, maybe by the weekend.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Jason Spezza has been practicing on a line with Alfredsson and Foligno and appears to be ready to go for Saturday.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Pavel Datsyuk had hoped to return on Friday, but Babcock said it might not be until next week.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: It looks like it might be quiet trade deadline for the Minnesota Wild. From GM Chuck Fletcher, “trying to make the playoffs with this group.” There has been no talks of moving any of their potential UFAs. Though he wouldn’t mind giving his team a boost, he won’t mortgage their future. Marek Zidlicky is 2 weeks away from practicing.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals coach Bruce boudreau doesn’t know if Alex Semin will make the trip to Tampa.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Mike Brown will be out a couple weeks with an upper-body injury.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Tuuka Rask will be going for the Bruins against Andrew Raycroft and the Stars.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Andres Lindback will start for the Predators tonight.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Cam Ward will be net for the Hurricanes tonight against the Maple Leafs.
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.
The Guy who won’t sign … Elias hoping for Kaberle … Neal and Stars not close
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 14th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk left Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon, his agent stayed to have more talks with GM Dean Lombardi, but left last night without a deal in place. There were rumors that the talks were off yesterday, but also rumors that things were progressing. The Kings wouldn’t say anything. I can’t wait for all this to be over, I’m getting tired of reading/writing about it, sign for $8 million and be done with it.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: With the re-signing of Daniel Carcillo yesterday, and with the Darrol Powe still remaining, the Flyers could be about $2.75 million over the cap. Simon Gagne is most likely on his way out according to reports, the LA Kings, Maple Leafs and Rangers showing interest.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Patrick Elias throws out his 2-cents saying the Devils should trade for Tomas Kaberle. He also thinks that Petr Sykora should get a tryout with the team. He hasn’t heard from Kovalchuk, and doesn’t know his intentions.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Maple Leafs still listening to offers for Tomas Kaberle according to source in the front office.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika believes the Stars have offered James Neal a 2 year deal worth $2.5 million a season, but Neal wants more money and a longer term. He isn’t sure what the Stars want to sign Nicklas Grossman for. They’d probably like to keep Matt Niskanen at his $900,000 qualifying offer. Heika doesn’t think any will get an offer sheet, and they could let Neal sit out part of training if they have to as they have plenty of left wingers.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Nothing new regarding Marc Savard.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Blake Wheeler’s arbitration hearing is set for July 27th, but both sides would like to avoid it. They are expected to go to arbitration with recently acquired Gregory Campbell on the 22nd.
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: The Capitals and Tomas Fleischmann are “talking” according to GM George McPhee, but didn’t sound like anything was imminent.
- Aaron Portzline via Twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson hasn’t had any contract extension talks with the Steve Mason or Jakub Voracek, but hasn’t ruled it out for later in the summer.
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