Posts Tagged James Neal
Afternoon waiver notes, injury updates, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on January 10th, 2012
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Coyotes have claimed Gilbert Brule off re-entry waivers.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Clearing waivers today: Tim Sestito (NJ), Brodie Dupont (NASH) and Mark Fraser (ANA).
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Jordan Eberle will be out 2 to 3 weeks with a knee injury.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: James Neal is skating in his usual spot with Evgeni Malkin and Chris Kunitz at the Penguins practice this morning. Dave Molinari via twitter: Penguins Craig Adams says he plans on playing tonight.
- Detroit Red Wings via twitter: Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk is day-to-day and won’t be in the lineup tonight. Ansar Khan via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start on Thursday, Ty Conklin starts tonight.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Connolly-Kessel, Crabb-Grabovski-Kulemin, MacArthur-Lombardi-Kadri, Boyce-Steckel-Brown. James Mirtle via twitter: Looking like Jake Gardiner is the odd man out on the Leafs blueline tonight. Sabres lines: Vanek-Hecht-Pominville, Boyes-Leino-Stafford, Ellis-Adam-McCormick, Gerbe-Gaustad-Kaleta. Sabres defensive pairings and starting goalie: McNabb-Myers, Leopold-Regehr, Gragnani-Weber. G: Miller (Enroth backs up.) Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Derek Roy will be a game-time decision.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-Gagner-Hemsky, Smyth-Horcoff-Jones, Paajarvi-Belanger-Lander, Hordichuk-O’Marra-Eager.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov will play tonight, center Travis Zajac is out.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks called up Jeff Deslauriers. Jonas Hiller is not on the ice, lower body injury.
- Minnesota Wild via twitter: The Wild have put Pierre-Marc Bouchard on the IR with concussion like symptoms.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Curtis Sanford will start for the Blue Jackets against Corey Crawford and the Blackhawks.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start in net for the Flyers.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Cory Schneider will start for the Canucks against Dwayne Roloson and the Lightning.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Brent Johnson is expected to start for the Penguins.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders against the Red Wings.
What Do Recent Injuries Mean For Penguins Trade Gameplan?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Opinion on January 9th, 2012
From time to time we may begin featuring an article from other sources. Today’s entry comes from Mike Colligan of TheHockeyWriters.com.
Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma announced that James Neal and Jordan Staal are the latest injury victims during his ‘State of the IR’ report on Sunday. Staal suffered a left knee injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, while Neal broke his foot blocking a shot on Saturday night against New Jersey and will miss “weeks, not days,” according to Bylsma.
The Penguins were already without the services of Sidney Crosby (concussion-like symptoms), Kris Letang (concussion), Arron Asham (upper body), and Dustin Jeffrey (knee), before penalty-killing specialist Craig Adams also had to be helped off the ice on Sunday with a lower-body injury.
Losing Neal and Staal simultaneously is even more difficult to swallow given their contributions on special teams for the Penguins. Neal leads the entire NHL with 10 powerplay goals and Staal is widely regarded as one of the league’s best penalty-killing and shutdown centers.
Following a 2010-11 season that saw Pittsburgh lose 350 man-games due to injury, it was hard to envision a tougher scenario for the team to overcome. With Neal and Staal now out of the lineup for an extended period of time and no timetables available for Crosby and Letang’s return, the Penguins, who currently sit in 8th in the Eastern Conference, could be facing disaster. The team is already on pace for 431 man-games lost due to injury this year.
Ryan more likely than Getzlaf to be traded … Ruutu will draw interest … Carter separates shoulder … Penguins lose Staal, Neal and Adams
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 9th, 2012
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson doesn’t see the Ducks trading Ryan Getzlaf. A league executive said that Bobby Ryan is the most likely to be moved. Philadelphia seems like a logical bet for Ryan. Matheson can see James van Riemsdyk in a package. The Ducks might ask for Brayden Schenn and may ask for a defenseman like Braydon Coburn. Sean Couturier is off-limits. The Maple Leafs would love Getzlaf but Burke may not have the pieces to get him. What would he offer: Lupul, Gardiner or Kadri? The Oilers would be interested. Nugent-Hopkins, Hall and Eberle are untouchable which would leave players like: Sam Gagner, Ladislav Smid, Tom Gilbert, Magnus Paajarvi, Oscar Klefbom, Tyler Pitlick, Teemu Hartikainen, Jeff Petry. The Blackhawks are looking for another defenseman with Hurricanes Tim Gleason or Bryan Allen making sense. They’d like Lubomir Visnovsky, but he under contract for next year with a $3 million salary but a $5.6 million cap hit. The Capitals, Penguins and Sharks could be interested in Hurricanes winger Tuomo Ruutu as a rental.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Oilers are actively looking for a defenseman and there is an outside chance they shut Ryan Whitney down for the season. Winger Ales Hemsky’s time in Edmonton could be coming to an end.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Bruins Brad Marchand will have his hearing today at noon with Brendan Shanahan. Ducks J.F. Jacques will likely have a hearing at some point for his hit on R.J. Umberger.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko was traded to Dynamo Moscow, which likely means he’ll be joining the St. Louis Blues over the summer.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter suffered a separated shoulder last night. “We’ll see where he’s at and we’ll get more detail tomorrow,” coach Scott Arniel said. He suffered the injury on a blindsided hit by Francois Beauchemin. Winger Cody Bass won’t have shoulder surgery, he’ll rehab it and hopes to play again this season. Forward Mark Letestu will have surgery today on a broken pinky finger metacarpal and will be out 6 weeks.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins have lost Jordan Staal for 4 to 6 weeks with a knee injury. He has damage to his MCL and it won’t require surgery. Winger James Neal broke his foot on Saturday. “In the next few days we’ll see what that timetable looks like, but it’s weeks, not days,” Bylsma said. Craig Adams injured his knee during practice after a collision in yesterday’s practice.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller pulled himself in the 1st period of last night’s game. Iiro Tarkki filled in for Hiller. The Ducks usual backup Dan Ellis re-injured his groin on Saturday and will be out for 4 weeks. Kyle Palmieri and Jean-Francois Jacques were recalled. Andrew Gorden was assigned to the AHL and George Parros was put on the IR.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp suffered an upper-body injury in the 1st and didn’t return. “We’re going to have some tests with him (and we’ll) know more (Monday),” Quenneville said.
- Katie Carrera of the OC Register: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green didn’t practice yesterday. Though no update was given other than being day-to-day, it seems they are bracing for not having either in the lineup against the Kings, and possibly longer. Lines at practice: Semin-Johansson-Knuble, Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Chimera-Halpern-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Beagle. Defensive pairings: Alzner-Carlson, Hamrlik-Wideman, Erskine-Orlov, Schultz.
Hurricanes claim Nodl … Interest in Bobrovsky, but Flyers don’t want to trade him … Neal fined … Staal skates … Reimer back Saturday
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 29th, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Hurricanes have claimed Andreas Nodl off waivers from the Flyers. The Avalanche put Joakim Lindstrom on waivers. The Devils put Brad Mills on waivers. Panthers Mark Cullen clears re-entry waivers.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: There is interested in Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky but the Flyers don’t want to move him.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: James Neal was fined $2,500 by the NHL for his high stick on P.K. Subban.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal has been symptom free for the last 5 weeks and has begun the next step in his recovery, skating on his own. He skated yesterday and today.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: David Bolland, Dan Carcillo and Brent Seabrook will be back in the Blackhawks lineup.
- Chris Johnston via twitter: James Reimer will likely be the Maple Leafs backup on Saturday.
- Mark Masters via twitter: Injured Leafs forward Colby Armstrong skated this morning by himself.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals against the Blues.
- NY Islanders via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders tonight. Reasoner and Nino are in. Haley is a scratch.
Mystery trade suggestion … No talks yet for Neal-Penguins … Samuelsson sore … Armstrong out weeks … Stars-Ducks starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 21st, 2011
- Vancouver Province: (Editorial, no name attached) The mystery writer suggests the Canucks trade Roberto Luongo straight up for Vincent Lecavalier. Luongo signed a 12 year, $64 million deal in 2009. Lecavalier is on a 11 year, $85 million deal. The Lightning need goaltending and the Canucks need a power forward.
- Rob Rossi and Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero said there is no rush for them to sign winger James Neal to a contract extension.
“We’ll likely wait a little bit,” Shero said of potential extension talks with Neal’s agent, Pat Morris. “He has an agent I’ve dealt with well over the years. When the time comes, we’ll get something done. There’s no doubt in that.”
There have been no talks so far. Neal has a cap hit of $2.875 million. Sidney Crosby skated yesterday but remains uncertain when he’ll return.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are off to a disappointing 0-5-1 start, partly due to injuries and suspension. Team president Mike Priest have GM Scott Howson and coach Scott Arniel a vote of confidence. James Wisniewski is suspended. Kristian Huselius is out for another month or 2. Jared Boll and his broken thumb are a month away. Jeff Carter is out indefinitely with a broken foot.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets have shown interest in hosting the 2014 Heritage Classic.
- Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Mikael Samuelsson missed last night’s game due to soreness from an off-season hernia/abductor surgery.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche winger Peter Mueller has been ruled out for Saturday’s game with a head injury. He’s missed the last 3 games. “He’s not feeling well,” Sacco said. “After (Wednesday’s) practice he notified us he wasn’t feeling well. When we get back from our game in Chicago, we’ll see how he is the next day.” Mueller missed last season with post-concussion symptoms.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Colby Armstrong is out with a sprained ankle. There is no timetable, but looking at weeks and not months.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Nolan Baumgartner (Van) and Scott Jackson (TB) were put on waivers yesterday. Ivanans (CGY) and Bagnall (MIN) cleared waivers. Baumgartner was on the IR and is healthy, needs to clear waivers to be sent to the AHL.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray missed practiced yesterday but is expected to play tonight. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Morrow-Ribeiro-Ryder, Ott-Benn-Eriksson, Burish-Fiddler-Dvorak/Wandell, Nystrom/Barch-Dowell-Petersen. Defensive pairings: Goligoski-Pardy, Fistric-Robidas, Grossman-Daley.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: ESPNDallas is reporting that Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight. Jonas Hiller will start for the Ducks.
Penguins and Oilers injury and lineup notes … Sens and Devils lines … Perron practicing … More starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 20th, 2011
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Brooks Orpik, Sidney Crosby and Dustin Jeffrey are on the ice at Penguins morning practice. James Neal, Evgeni Malkin, Tyler Kennedy, and Brian Strait are not on the ice. Josh Yohe via twitter: Brooks Orpik will be in the Penguins lineup tonight. Jeffrey said he’s close to getting in the lineup, Yohe guesses in the next week or 2. Shelly Anderson via twitter: Evgeni Malkin is still day-to-day but out for tonight. Josh Yole via twitter: James Neal is expected to play tonight. Kennedy has officially been diagnosed with a concussion.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Taylor Hall missed Tuesday’s game with the flu, but should be ready for tonight. Jordan Eberle was seen with a walking boot on, but will be in the lineup tonight. Sam Gagner, who has been out with a sprained ankle, might be ready for tonight but Saturday against the Rangers is more likely.
- Sylvain St-Laurent via twitter: Senators lines: Foligno-Regin-Alfredsson, Greening-Spezza-Michalek, Smith-Zibanejad-Neil, Konopka-Da Costa-Condra. Defensive pairings: Phillips-Rundblad, Kuba-Karlsson, Gonchar-Cowen. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Jesse Winchester will return from his shoulder injury tonight against the Jets.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Zubrus; Kovalchuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Sykora-Clarkson; Boulton/Pelley-Mills-Janssen. Defensive pairings and goalies: Greene-Larsson; Tallinder-Fayne; Salvador-Volchenkov; Fraser. Goalies: Hedberg, Kinkaid.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward David Perron is practicing today in a no-contact jersey.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins tonight against the Canadiens.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders. Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning. NY Islanders via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will backup Montoya.
- James Gordon via twitter: Craig Anderson will be in net for the Senators. Ondrej Pavelec will be in net for the Jets.
- Lance Hornby via twitter: Tim Thomas will likely be starting for the Bruins tonight.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit Red Wings: Jimmy Howard will start for the Red Wings against the Blue Jackets on Friday. Ty Conklin will start on Saturday against the Capitals.
Malkin may be ready … Lines for Habs and Senators … Starting goalies for Sens, Oilers, Islanders, Blackhawks, Caps and Pens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 13th, 2011
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Evgeni Malkin could be ready for tonight, he’s been skating with linemates Steve Sullivan and James Neal.
- John Lu via twitter: Canadiens Lines: Pacioretty – Gomez – Gionta; Moen – Plekanec – Cole; Darche – Desharnais – Kostitsyn; Eller – Engqvist – Palushaj. Defensive pairings: Gill – Subban; Gorges – Diaz; Emelin – Weber.
- James Gordon via twitter: Senators lines: Michalek-DaCosta-Alfredsson, Greening-Spezza-MZ, Foligno-Regin-Neil, Smith-Konopka-Butler.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Craig Anderson will be starting for the Senators tonight. Butler and Lee are in, Condra and Konopka are out.
- Rob Tychkowski via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin will start in net for the Oilers tonight.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders tonight. Evgeni Nabokov will back him up. Rick DiPietro is being evaluated. Niederreiter and Jurcina are out. Gillies likely to come off the IR.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight.
- Mike Vogl via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will be net for the Capitals tonight, Brent Johnson will go for the Penguins.
Galimov passes away … Drew Doughty contract update … The Penguins lineup could look like … Huberdeau trying to make Panthers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 12th, 2011
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Alexander Galimov, the lone player survivor from Lokomotiv, passed away in hospital last night.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Drew Doughty didn’t attend the teams Hockey Fest yesterday. GM Dean Lombardi will meet with Tim Leiwede who will then talk to owner Philip Anschutz on how far they will go to sign Doughty. Training camp opens on Saturday. “I still have hope he’ll be here Friday. I don’t know if I expect it but I have hope,” Lombardi said after fielding questions from a crowd of about 3,000. “It’s better than no hope.” Lombardi said that he spoke with Don Meehan 3 times last week.
“You can figure out the problem. It’s how much and length,” he said. “That’s the two issues. … There’s a couple of variables.”
The sides haven’t discussed a no-trade or no-movement clause. Lombardi may try to speak with Doughty directly to convey his winning commitment and that he wants Doughty to be paid fairly. The 9 year deal worth $61.2 million that was rejected was proposed early in negotiations.
Colin Fraser had is protective boot removed 10 days ago and might begin skating this week. He won’t be ready for camp. Fraser added, “I’m going to need a few skates to learn how to play hockey again. It’s been six months since I’ve even looked at my skates.” As for the grievance, it should be settled in the next few weeks.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: The rejection of the 9 year, $61.2 million deal by Doughty took place 2 months ago and not recently.
“I intend to talk to ownership today and update Tim (Leiweke),” Lombardi said. “Anything we do, I have to have their approval or have them be on board. It’s fair to say that in the next 24 hours I’ll be talking to Tim and he will be talking to Mr. Anschutz. There has to be some finality in our approach.”
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said there will only be 2 or 3 spots open this year. He has James Neal pencilled in along side Sidney Crosby (when healthy) and Chris Kunitz. Evgeni Malkin will center Steve Sullivan and Tyler Kennedy. Their top power play unit will feature 4 forwards and 1 defenseman. Sullivan could be used on the point on the first unit. Jordan Staal will likely center Matt Cooke and Pascal Dupuis on the 3rd line, Dupuis and Kennedy could be interchanged on the 2nd and 3rd lines. Aaron Asham and Craig Adams are likely wingers on the 4th line. That leaves Mark Letestu, Dustin Jeffrey, Richard Park, Joe Vitale and Jason Williams battling for the a center spot. Eric Tangradi, Steve MacIntyre and Nick Johnson will also be vying for a roster spot.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: The Panthers say they are done with rushing prospects to the NHL, but Jonathan Huberdeau is still hoping to make the team. If Huberdeau signs an entry level contract, he could make the team and play for 9 games before they decide if he’s ready to for the NHL or to send him back to junior.
“He’s a special player, can play any forward position,’’ Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. “He is unselfish and makes other players better. He’s responsible defensively and competes each shift. He never takes one off. And he’s a wonderful kid. We’re in this for the long haul.’’
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.
Pronger has back, hamstring injury? Video of Adam McQuaid crashing into boards … Penguins off-season … Lou wants Hitch? Stars sale getting closer
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 3rd, 2011
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Chris Pronger missed last night’s game with an ‘undisclosed injury’, sources say he hurt his back at the end of Round 1 against the Sabres or before the start of Round 2. He may also have a hamstring injury. Pronger left Game 1 against the Bruins with about 2 minutes left in the 3rd period.
- Matt Kalman of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid crashed heavily into the boards late in the 1st period last night (video at bottom of this entry). He was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Coach Claude Julien said that he would join the team for their trip back to Boston.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings have both Jonathan Bernier and Jonathan Quick under contract for the next 2 years. Quick will make $1.8 million, and Bernier will get $1.25 million next season, so they could keep them as a cheap 1-2 punch. Hammond wonders is now is the time to move one. The Kings could use a “big-time scorer.”
- Ron Cook pf the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Will the Penguins continue with their plan of playing Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal on the same line next season? Injuries basically derailed the plan this past season. Or will they play James Neal with Malkin and have Staal as the 3rd line center with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy? Will Crosby center the successful line of Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis, who is a UFA? Craig Adams and Mike Rupp are UFAs. Dupuis and Max Talbot could be gone because of salary constraints. To bring up some of their young kids on a full-time basis, they might have to let some UFA’s walk. The Pens have 7 defenseman under contract for next season, do they consider moving one of them for a winger for Crosby or Malkin?
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Lou Lamoriello may be looking to bring in Ken Hitchcock as the next head coach of the NJ Devils. Aaron Portzline via twitter: As of yesterday no NHL team had contacted Ken Hitchcock.
- Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Ex-NHLer Mike Danton told ESPN that his ‘Murder-for-hire’ plot was to kill his dad and and not his agent, David Frost.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: It was originally rumored that Tom Gaglardi was offering around $250 million to by the Dallas Stars and 1/2 interest in American Airlines Center. A source said that may be incorrect, and it could be closer to $125 million. The $125 million would be the cash part of the deal, and Gaglardi would assume debt from the Stars and the arena, which would make the total sale price to be higher. The price and terms of the deal have basically been agreed upon, and once complete they will take it to the US Bankruptcy Court. Mark Cuban showed some interest, but would not pay more than $80 for the Stars and that he would cover losses for up to 3 years and $75 million. The team could have lost $25 million this past season, another report was $15 million.
3 or 4 days left to save Coyotes? Bryzgalov isn’t a fan of Winnipeg … Pronger Game 5 decision this morning … Bruins expected more of Kaberle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 22nd, 2011
- Damian Cox via twitter: The Major of Glendale may have “let the cat out of the bag by saying” that there could only be 3 or 4 days left to get a deal done to save the Coyotes.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: If the Phoenix Coyotes move to Winnipeg, goalie Ilya Bryzgalov likely won’t be heading there with them,
“You don’t want to go to Winnipeg, right?” Bryzgalov said after the Coyotes lost to Detroit, Wednesday night. “Not many people live there, not many Russian people there. Plus it’s cold. There’s no excitement except the hockey. No park, no entertaining for the families, for the kids. It’s going to be tough life for your family.”
“I’ve been there for just once, maybe twice, when I play in minors. It was really cold,” Bryzgalov said. “I used the tunnels between the buildings to get to the arena. Because it was minus 40-something. Real cold.”
He likely won’t even listen to contract offers from a new owner,
“Probably not. I better go to somewhere in Russia, KHL, to be honest. Because KHL is Russian people, it’s family, friends. Even as a cold place, I can speak to people in Russian language.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: If Chris Pronger is able to go for Game 5, it will be made at the morning skate today. He would play a limited role if he were to get back into the lineup. He’s been out since March 8th. Jeff Carter is out for Game 5.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: Coach Vigneault said that Roberto Luongo will start in net for Game 6 for the Canucks.
- Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby was not on the ice yesterday after 2 days on, “Some days, those (doctor-prescribed activities) are on the ice, some days they are off, and some days they are both,” Bylsma said. “He continues to keep going, but we need to see him progress further down the road before any kind of timetable (for a return) is talked about.” Bylsma won’t say won’t type of injury James Neal is dealing with.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: A group including St. Louis Blues minority owner Tom Stillman are still trying to purchase the team despite having their bid rejected in April. The NHL and Blues chairman Dave Checketts rejected the bid. Sources say the offer was for slighty more than $100 million. Stillman has a 10% stake int he Blues, TowerBrook Capital Partners have 70% and SCP have 20%.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: After yesterday’s morning skate the Blackhawks found out that Brent Seabrook couldn’t play in Game 5. Noted by Sassone, “Judging from Quenneville’s comment and tone it sounded as if Seabrook didn’t pass the NHL-mandated baseline testing for players returning from concussions.”
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: It’s unknown when Capitals Mike Knuble will get back in the lineup. He practiced for 40 minutes yesterday and said afterwords he wasn’t sure if he could go for Game 5. He took a puck off the right hand in Game 3, and didn’t do much shooting at the practice.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman hopes to be able to begin practicing with the team by the end of next week.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins GM PeterChiarelli didn’t hold back on his assessment of Tomas Kaberle (comments made Wednesday),
“Has he been a disappointment? He hasn’t played up to the level that we expected,” said Chiarelli during a radio interview with 98.5 the Sports Hub’s Toucher and Rich Show. “There have been parts of his game where he hasn’t played in the playoffs for a while, and some of those [bad] habits have stuck with him. We expected better.”
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The Bruins power play is 7 for 77 in 27 games since acquiring Tomas Kaberle. The Maple Leafs would get a 2nd round pick if he re-signs with the Bruins, but he’s not worried about where he’ll play next year. “That’s obviously up to management after the season,” said Kaberle. “I’m just focusing on the games right now. I don’t even have it on my mind right now whether I sign here or where I’m going to sign July 1.”
Nieuwendyk comments on Brad Richards … Peter Stastny Audio … Emery recalled, Hiller may practice tomorrow … Zherdev, Rivet, Svatos hit the waiver wire … plus plenty more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2011
- Peter Stastny Audio posted from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Paul Stastny’s dad is not happy about the Avs-Blues trade from last week.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “Nieuwendyk was asked on NHL Live ! about possibly trading Richards”:
“I’ve discussed it with some teams. All options are in play here. It’s certainly not my first choice, I’ve maintained all along that we’d like to keep Brad as a Dallas Star for a long period of time. There’s a lot of uncertainty with our side as far as ownership that are a concern for them. But, all options are open. It’s certainly going to have to be a good type of deal in order to pry him away from us because we are sitting tied for eighth right now and have a lot of home games coming up in March.”
Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Nieuwendyk added that all is quiet on the trade front right now.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Nieuwendyk also said that Richards is feeling better but there is no timetable on his return.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN: LeBrun notes that if Richards does become available, the Kings will definitely be talking with the Stars. The Rangers and Leafs would be interested in him if/when he becomes a free agent, and may need him to sign an extension before they made a trade for him. The Dallas wanted Jack Johnson from the Kings in a deal for James Neal. Ales Hemsky and David Booth are on the Kings wish list. Everyone seems to ask for Brayden Schenn. LeBrun thinks only a sign and trade that nets Richards would include Schenn. Burnside wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Stastny is being shopped around the league. LeBrun adds there has been no talks between the Kings and Avalanche regarding Stastny (as of Tuesday night). Toronto has kicked the tires on John-Michael Lieles. The Rangers are interested in Bryan McCabe but not at a high price. Atlanta may be interested in moving Ron Hainsey, but he has a limited no-trade and 2 years left with a cap hit $4.5 million. Johnny Oduya may also become available if the Thrashers continue to fall out of it. The Hurricanes aren’t shopping Joni Pitkanen, but teams are calling about him.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said they hope to have Jonas Hiller cleared for practice tomorrow. Helene Elliott via twitter: Ray Emery was called up by the Ducks today, and is expected to be the backup. Anaheim Ducks via twitter: GM Murray, “We hope to have Jonas by the weekend, but [now] is a good time [for Emery] to come up and work with our coaches and shooters.”
- Kevin Allen via twitter: On waivers today are Nikolai Zherdev, Craig Rivet, Marek Svatos, Ales Kotalik (re-entry) and Jeremy Colliton. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun doesn’t think the Blackhawks would be interested in Rivet.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is looking to add a defenseman who can kill penalties, and it would be a bonus if he was physical. “I think some teams are going to try to hold their guys close to the deadline,” Bowman said. “We don’t necessarily want to wait that long. If we find a guy we’re comfortable with, we’ll make it work.”
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Other teams have initiated trade talks with the Blue Jackets about Steve Mason, and those inquiries may be been made when the team was struggling last month.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning against the Coyotes.
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