Posts Tagged Jarome Iginla
Could Rangers be interested in Leafs Dmen? Iginla practicing … Halvat needing clearence … Orpik may not be ready … Saad makes ‘Hawks … Schenn’s contract notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 5th, 2011
- Ron Wilson via twitter: Wilson says: “Steckel immediately improves our PK. Size is a huge bonus. Faceoffs are going to help bigtime in all areas. Can also help on the wing!”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Maple Leafs are still working the phones after the Steckel trade. They have a surplus of defenseman. Nothing is imminent.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: The Rangers need another defenseman, and could they be looking at Carl Gunnarsson or Mike Komisarek? Cody Franson could be another, he’s not happy being a 7th Dman.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames captain Jarome Iginla was back skating with teammates after taking 2 weeks off with a bad back. Iginla said: “We definitely took more time to make sure (it’s 100%) and everything’s been really positive. Hopefully, it’s just a one-off and not an issue down the road.” Iginla is 16 goals away from 500.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat headed to Cleveland yesterday to have his shoulder examined by his surgeon. If all goes well he’ll get clearance for Saturday’s opener. Tommy Wingels and Jamie McGinn are battling for the last forward spot on the 3rd line with Michal Handzus and Torrey Mitchell.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers have split up the defensive pairing of Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn, who have been together since 2007-08. Timonen is paired with Andrej Meszaros, Coburn with Andeas Lilja. Chris Pronger skates with Matt Carle.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik practiced yesterday but he doesn’t know when he’ll be able to go. The Pens open up at Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: 2011 2nd round pick, Brandon Saad, signed a 3 year entry level deal, and made the Blackhawks opening roster. He also made the ‘Hawks top line, along side Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Islanders signed Jay Pandolfo to a 1 year, $600,000 deal.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: There is zero chance the Blues make a claim on Sean Avery.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils forward Travis Zajac is out of his walking boot and has begun physical therapy. GM Lou Lamoriello said the “worst-case scenario” would have Zajac return “some time after New Year’s.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that Brayden Schenn needs to play some game in the AHL but could be back fairly soon. Schenn has a “B” bonus of $1.265 million this year if he played 25 or more in all 82 games. Dustin Leed via twitter: Capgeek confirms that Schenn’s contract will dip to a $1.7 million cap hit from $3.1 million after 1 day in the minors. Darren Dreger via twitter: 1 AHL game makes his cap hit $1.75 million. He’ll get a $900,000 salary and $850,000 in bonuses. He has a similar “B” bonus next year with a $1.405 payout for all 82 NHL games.
Players on waivers today … Canes assign 12 … Notes on Connolly, Pronger, Zibanjad, Frattin, Iginla, Whitney and Perron
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 29th, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: On waivers today: Leighton (PHI); Plante (FLA); Danis (EDM); Rodney (ANA), Durno, Matsumoto, Roy, Sanguinetti, Peters, Samson, Brett Sutter (all CAR); Bourque, Collins, McNeill (all WSH).
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Wild claim Nick Johnson off waivers from the Penguins.
- George Richards via twitter: With Panthers goalie Tyler Plante on waivers and likely being sent to the AHL, Jacob Markstrom looks to be the backup for Jose Theodore to start the year.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: The Hurricanes asign 12 to Charlotte of the AHL: Bowman, Boychuk, Durno, Matsumoto, Samson, B.Sutter, Terry, Krueger, Roy and Sanguinetti, Gs Murphy and Peters.
- David Alter via twitter: Malpe Leafs Tim Connolly said he’s out for this weekend’s pre-season games, but hope to be ready for the opener.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Chris Pronger will get into his first pre-season game tonight.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals sign Jason Chimera to a 2 year deal with a $1.75 million cap hit.
- James Gordon via twitter: It’s sounding like Mika Zibanejad has all but been guaranteed a roster a spot.
- Ottawa Citizen Audio: Senators coach Paul MacLean on player development.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have until Tuesday to make a decision on 2011 1st round pick Joe Morrow. He’ll see some time on the top pairing with Kris Letang.
- James Mirtle via twitter: With Leafs Nazem Kadri out up to a month, Matt Frattin will likely make the team now.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Flames are being cautious with Jarome Iginla, unlikely he plays before the season opener.
- Rob Tychkowski via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney said he won’t play in the teams final two pre-season games and is unsure about the opener.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Jamie Langenbrunner could find himself on the right wing with David Backes at center and Andy McDonald on the left side. David Perron passed his baseline test and is cleared for training but is not expected to practice with the team yet.
Predators talking to Rinne and Suter … Maple Leafs working phones … Wings-Kronwall talking … Kadri out 3-4 weeks … Another headshot
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on September 29th, 2011
- PIerre LeBrun of ESPN: A Western Conference team was interested in defenseman Bryan McCabe but he wasn’t interested. The Rangers are looking for a defenseman, but not McCabe. Predators GM David Poile met with the agents for both Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter last week about a contract extension. They are aggressively trying to sign both. Weber can’t do an extension until January 1st. There haven’t been any talks between Drew Doughty and the Kings. LeBrun thinks the Kings will reach out to Newport Sports soon. The Leafs have been working the phones, Carl Gunnarsson and Tyler Bozak have been discussed but nothing is close as of last night. Talks between Niklas Kronwall the Red Wings are underway regarding a contract extension. Dreger is reporting that Kronwall is looking for a long-term, front loaded deal similar to Christian Ehrhoff’s. On front-loaded deals the Sabres have been handing out: “I’m sorry, but that’s killing this industry,” one NHL GM, requesting anonymity, told ESPN.com. “We have to stop those front-loaded contracts in the next system.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Herald: Flames captain Jarome Iginla missed practice again but GM Jay Feaster “anticipate he’ll be on the ice by the end of the week.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri will be out 3-4 weeks with a knee injury.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: Jason Arnott is expected to miss 7 days following eye surgery.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have been working on their power play, trying to find someone to replace Andrei Markov. “In the absence of Markov, we’re trying to find someone to quarterback our power play on the first unit (and) we’re experimenting with a forward in that position.” Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban were on the first unit yesterday. Andrei Kostitsyn and Yannick Weber (switching with Raphael Diaz) were on the second unit.
- Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo! Sports: Christopher Moorhouse was taken into custody by the London Police as the suspect in throwing a banana at Wayne Simmonds during an exhibition game. London’s Police Chief said that Moorhouse “has been charged with engaging in a prohibited activity on a premises under the trespass to property act.” It’s a provincial statute that could result in a fine of “not more than $2,000.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Ben Smith took a shoulder to the head from Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith. Ben Smith will undergo more concussion tests today. Viktor Stalberg left the game with a leg injury and Quenneville added it’s “probably not good, either.”
Afternoon notes involving Hemsky and the Oilers, Niittymaki, Blues, Komisarek, Rangers, Rolston and Iginla
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 23rd, 2011
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky was been cleared for full contact, and hopes to get into 2 pre-season games.
- JoAnne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers assigned 7 players to Oklahoma City: David LeNeveu (G), Cameron Abney (F), Mark Archbello (C), Johan Motin (D), and Hunter Tremblay (F). They are down to 48 players in camp.
- David Pollak via twitter: Antero Niittymaki is back from his hip surgery, walking around on crutches.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Pietrangelo-Huskins is a defensive combo you may see along the Blues blueline during the regular season.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle answers my question, he thinks that Mike Komisarek will be the Maple Leafs 7th defenseman. He reminded me that Komisarek has a no-movement clause and can’t be sent to the AHL Marlies.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: The Rangers will be cutting 20-25 players tomorrow.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Sidney Crosby still hasn’t been cleared for contact but he isn’t being shy in practice. He’s getting bumped a little and looking comfortable.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets are likely to make some cuts late today or early tomorrow.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Brian Rolston has been bothered by a groin injury the last couple days.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Flames coach Brent Sutter is telling fans not to worry about Jarome Iginla and his back spasms that has kept him from practicing.
“At this point in time, there’s nothing to worry about. He has some back spasms and a bit of muscle issues, and it got aggravated in practice the other day and just needs to settle down. That happens.”
“He’s getting close, but there’s no need for him to be out there aggravating anything. We need him to be obviously ready at the start of the season. We’ll see where he’s at the next couple days, and if he can get on the ice, he will. If not, we’ll give it another day.”
Sunday notes involving Crosby, Doughty, Whitney, Iginla, Parise, Markov, and Poti
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 18th, 2011
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced for an hour yesterday and “worked as hard as I possibly could out there.” He didn’t have any symptoms immediately after practice, and plans on practicing again today.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott notes that Drew Doughty would have gained more by taking part in camp and “sometime soon they must recognize that it’s more important for Doughty to score points on the ice than make points at the bargaining table.” The $6.8 million cap hit on the Kings offer would make Doughty the 4th highest paid defenseman, and ahead of Nicklas Lidstrom.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Some defensive pairing for the Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom with Ian White and Niklas Kronwall with Brad Stuart. Jonathan Ericsson is starting out with Jakub Kindl, and Brendan Smith with Mike Commodore.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney has been cleared to practice, but is still dealing with some pain from the surgery he had on his right ankle. He skated for half of his session yesterday, and his shortened work days will continue. “I could have stayed out there today, but for the first seven days I’m sure it’ll just be 30-40 minutes, then hopefully after that, I’ll be ready to go.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Flames: Flames winger Jarome Iginla only lasted 20 minutes at yesterday’s morning camp session before he had to leave with back spasms. “I thought it was better to be safe,” said Iginla. “Take care of it, and hopefully, it’ll settle down and be good tomorrow.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is the logical choice for the Devils next captain, but the one issue is that he’s only on a 1 year deal.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Wojtek Wolski is on a line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards at today’s scrimmage.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Andrei Markov to SovSport: “The doctor told me that probably will take more time to recover. It’s a re-injury of the same knee”
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Tom Poti failed his physical on Friday and will be placed on LTIR. John Erskine had shoulder surgery in May won’t be taking contact yet.
2011-12 Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Right Wing
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 27th, 2011
List below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers for Right Wingers heading into the 2011-12 NHL season. Due to front-loading contracts (back-loaded in some cases), and teams having to deal with the salary cap, a players cap number takes precedence over their actual salary.
| Rk. | Player | Team | 2011-12 Cap Number | 2011-12 Salary |
| 1 | Jarome Iginla | CGY | $7,000,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 2 | Patrick Kane | CHI | $6,300,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 3 | Martin St. Louis | TBL | $5,625,000 | $5,500,000 |
| 4 | Phil Kessel | TOR | $5,400,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 5 | Corey Perry | ANA | $5,325,000 | $5,375,000 |
| 6 | Jason Pominville | BUF | $5,300,000 | $5,500,000 |
| 7 | Marian Hossa | CHI | $5,233,000 | $7,900,000 |
| 8 | Brian Rolston | NYI | $5,062,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 9 | Brian Gionta | MTL | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 10 | Daniel Alfredsson | OTT | $4,875,000 | $4,500,000 |
| 11 | Shane Doan | PHX | $4,550,000 | $4,550,000 |
| 12 | Ryan Callahan | NYR | $4,292,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 13 | Joffrey Lupul | TOR | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 |
| 14 | Ales Hemsky | EDM | $4,100,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 15 | Drew Stafford | BUF | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
| 16 | Justin Williams | LAK | $3,650,000 | $3,900,000 |
| 17 | Ryane Clowe | SJS | $3,625,000 | $3,500,000 |
| 18 | Michael Ryder | DAL | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Scottie Upshall | FLA | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 | |
| 20 | Dainius Zubrus | NJD | $3,400,000 | $3,400,000 |
| 21 | Jaromir Jagr | PHI | $3,300,000 | $3,300,000 |
| 22 | Dustin Brown | LAK | $3,175,000 | $3,500,000 |
| 23 | Patric Hornqvist | NAS | $3,083,000 | $3,000,000 |
| 24 | Kris Versteeg | FLA | $3,083,000 | $3,083,000 |
| 25 | Radim Vrbata | PHX | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
| Devin Setoguchi | MIN | $3,000,000 | $2,750,000 | |
| Joel Ward | WAS | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| Colby Armstrong | TOR | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| Michael Grabner | NYI | $3,000,000 | $1,000,000 | |
| Ales Kotalik | BUF | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 |
2 groups interested in Coyotes … 10 players who could be in rumor mill … Aebischer gets tryout … Maloney wants to talk contract with Doan
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 20th, 2011
Lisa Halverstadt of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have 2 qualified buyers who are interested in purchasing the team. Former Sharks president and chief executive Greg Jamison is one of them.
“As indicated in June, the City of Glendale has identified two qualified buyers for the Coyotes team and is looking forward to finalizing documents with qualified buyers,” spokeswoman Julie Frisoni said in a Friday statement. “No bonds will be sold by the city as part of these proposed concepts.”
Lyle Richardson in the Hockey News: Spector looks at 10 Western Conference players who could be in the rumor mill this year: Shea Weber, Jarome Iginla, Ales Hemsky, RJ Umberger, Paul Stastny, Dustin Penner, Ray Whitney, Jiri Hudler, TJ Oshie and Cory Schneider.
Anaheim Ducks via twitter: Jonas Hiller has been skating in Switzerland for the past month, is symptom free, and should be ready for training camp.
Todd Cordell via twitter: The Jets have given former Avs and Canadiens goalie David Aebischer a pro tryout.
Andy Strickland via twitter: There was speculation that Chris Drury met with Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke a couple weeks ago, but it is a 100% not true.
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Coyotes GM Don Maloney wants to sit down with Shane Doan and discuss a new contract before training camp begins. Doan is in the last year of his deal.
“I would like to start dialogue to see where he is at, and what he is thinking,” Maloney said. “He is certainly a guy we would like to re-sign, and I would rather do it now and not next June 30.”
“Shane is in his mid-30s, but he still has that cowboy body,” Maloney said. “I think he could play another three or four years no problem and still play at a good, to very good, level.”
Isles could be interested in trading 5th overall pick … More on Flyers-Jackets trade discussions … New coaches coming to Ottawa and Dallas … Rule 48 tweaks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 14th, 2011
- Chris Botta of the NYI Point Blank: If the right player was offered up for the Islanders 1st round pick (5th overall), they wouldn’t hesitate. Flyers Jeff Carter could be that type of player in terms of age and talent, but his cap hit of $5.2 million for 11 years and his sometimes pouty temperament might rule him out. The Islanders have trouble convincing top free agents to come, so looking at the trade route makes sense. They are unwilling to move any of their top prospects. The Islanders won’t be interested in trading their 5th overall pick just to give a cap team a break or for an overpaid aging player, will want equal value. In all likelihood, the Isles will end up keeping the pick.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders pre-draft visits: Huberdeau yetserday, Couturier and Hamilton today, Ryana Murphy tomorrow.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Despite the rumors, discussions earlier between Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson weren’t about Jeff Carter or the Jackets 8th overall pick. At the time (draft combine, before Bryzgalov trade) the 2 sides were discussing goalie Steve Mason. Now the sides have talked about the pick in a “lesser deal” according to sources. The Flyers don’t want to move Carter. The Flyers would rather move other pieces worth at least $5 million. Matt Carle could interest the Blue Jackets who are looking for a power-play defenseman, but it would take more than that to get the 8th pick. Howson may not be interseted in Scott Hartnell ($4.2 million) or Kris Versteeg ($3.083 million) as he may be looking for an impact centerman. Sergei Bobrovsky would likely be traded as well if they are able to sign Bryzgalov to a long-term deal.
- Pavel Lysenkov of SovSport.ru: The closer it gets to July 1st, the more likely that Jaromir Jagr won’t sign in the KHL, and he could head back to the NHL. SKA has already rejected Jagr. Vanguard isn’t offering much.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Sources are saying that the Dallas Stars could name Glen Gulutzan as their next head coach by the end of this week. Gulutzan is the head coach of their AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators will announce that former Detroit Red Wings assistant Paul MacLean will be the teams 9th head coach, and 4th coach under GM Bryan Murray’s watch. Ottawa Senators via twitter: Sens TV will be streaming the 11 am press conference live, Murray will be making the announcement.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Brunside of ESPN: The NHL competition committee is getting closer to approving the rewording of Rule 48.
“We’re definitely headed down the right path in expanding Rule 48,” Schneider said after Monday’s six-hour meeting. “What it’s coming down to is getting the wording down on paper properly and Brendan and I will continue to talk over the next few days and try to nail something down.”
According to the new Rule 48, any hit that targets the head and where the head is the principal point of contact will be illegal. Under terms of Rule 48 this season, only blindside hits to the head were illegal. “It’s very similar to what we talked about at the GMs meeting in the sense of broadening the rule,” league executive Rob Blake said Monday after the meeting. “The exact interpretation will go forward. But we had a good understanding that the union, the players and the NHL together want to go forward for the safety of the players.”
- Darren Millard via twitter: Winnipeg won’t release logo/name on Thursday, but will happen soon.
Afternoon notes on Leafs, Flames, Crosby, Green, Ducks goalie situation, Pacioretty and Clowe
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 12th, 2011
- James Mirtle via twitter: Brian Burke, “We have a ton of cap room and intend to be active on July 1.”
- Calgary Flames via twitter: Jay Feaster, “Jarome isn’t going anywhere”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Sidney Crosby is making progress but doctors are not giving a timeline for his return.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Bruce Boudreau said that Mike Green would be ready to go for Game 1.
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Ray Emery is still being bothered by a lower body injury and may not be ready to go. Jonas Hiller is still dealing with vertigo symptoms. Dan Ellis is likely to be the start for Game 1. “You go with the hot hand. Dan has been very strong in the nets for us. He’s been a great guy as far as his work ethic and hasn’t wavered in is support of his teammates,” Carlyle said.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Despite skating on his own, Max Pacioretty “isn’t close to returning” according to coach Jacques Martin.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercry News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe should be ready for their playoff opener. “Clowe’s fine,” the coach said. “I talked to him after practice. He felt really good. He was smiling. I asked him about his legs and his lungs and he said everything felt good. Like I said before, we expect him to be playing and I think he expects himself to play.”
Sens fire 3 coaches, list of possible replacements … Flames could do a rebuild … Seguin could be a scratch for playoffs … Leafs to sign 7th round pick
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on April 10th, 2011
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators have fired coaches Cory Clouston and assistants Greg Carvel and Brad Lauer. GM Murray said he’s been evaluating the staff for months.
“Based on the performance over the course of the year, we felt a change was necessary,” he said.
“It’s always difficult. Coaches get the finger pointed at them maybe more than they should.
“But we felt in this case – all of us, coaching staff and management – that at training camp we had a competitive hockey team and for whatever reason we didn’t play to the level we thought and expected, and as a result changes had to be made.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch mentions potential coaches for the Senators. Lindy Ruff, John Tortorella, Dave Cameron, Kurt Kleindorst, Alain Vigneault, Kevin Dineen, Randy Cunneyworth, and Bob Hartley.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Sportak wonders if the Flames should trade their stars, Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff, and rebuild. They don’t have many top-6 forwards/top-4 D on entry level contracts, building blocks for the future. Iginla will be 34 this summer, Kiprusoff will be 35 in October. If going for a complete rebuild, Robyn Regehr could be traded.
- Eric Francis in the Ottawa Sun: Francis doesn’t think the Flames should consider trading Jarome Iginla, “anyone who thinks an organization should do anything in a player’s best interest obviously doesn’t have the slightest clue how to run a business, let alone a hockey team.”
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks backup Cory Schneider posted a 16-4-2 record this season. He’ll make $900,000 and he could be on the move this summer. Columubus has shown some interest. “I’ve proved that I can play in this league and that I belong,” he said. “It’s not an adventure every single night. I can be consistent and win games and know what’s going to happen if I have to handle a bigger work load.”
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Hurricanes missed the playoffs again, and DeCock thinks coach Paul Maurice could be fired, it might be time for a change. They’ve missed the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive season.
- Barbara Matson of the Boston Globe: Bruins forward Tyler Seguin played in 72 games this season, but has found himself a healthy scratch of late, and that could continue in to the playoffs.
“That’s a lot of speculation that he’s fighting for [a position], whether he’s in, he’s out,’’ Julien said. “Understandably. I’m just saying, for me, those are tough questions to answer because you guys are all looking for what is my possible scenario. I’m going back to the same thing — we don’t know what’s going to happen until Monday. We’ll find out Monday where he stands and where the rest of the team stands. Lots of things can happen from here until then.’’
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: The Blue Jackets need to make the playoffs next year, and could trade their 1st round pick this year for immediate help. GM Scott Howson, “Yeah, we would look at trading the pick if it was something that could make an immediate impact on the team,”
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets defenseman Jan Hejda will be a UFA and he hopes to sign a 3-4 year deal with Columbus. He’s unsure if the Blue Jackets want him back as there haven’t been any talks. Defenseman Craig Rivet could retire.
- Damian Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs could sign 2006 7th round pick Leo Komarov (KHL) soon.
Wideman has hematoma … Pronger out till playoffs … Sid practices … Flames off-season options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 1st, 2011
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman is out indefinitely with a leg hematoma. Wideman was hit in the leg by Tuomo Ruutu on Tuesday, muscle damage appears limited.
Blood was drained from his leg to alleviate pressure, he’s been sending pictures to teammates. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks from a broken blood vessel, artery or capillary into tissue where it doesn’t belong, such as a muscle. It can result in compartment syndrome, which involves increased pressure in a muscle compartment that can lead to permanent muscle or nerve damage.
Mike Knuble said Wideman could be out 2 weeks or more. John Erskine left last night’s game and is day-to-day.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger’s broken right hand is not healing as fast as they thought, and he probably won’t get into another regular season game. They had hoped to get him into a game next week. Jody Shelley is healing quickly and could return next week. Brian Boucher is expected to start today against the Devils.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames quest for the playoffs this year are likely over. Ales Kotalik and Niklas Hagman are not likely to be back next year. Alex Tanguay and Curtis Glencross will be UFA’s at seasons end. If Glencross is looking for a 5 year deal, he may have to look elsewhere. Jarome Iginla has 2 more year left on his contract, and hasn’t given any indication he “wants to seek greener pastures.” Miikka Kiprusoff has 3 years left at a $5.833 cap hit, so he’s not that attractive to other teams, especially if they’d want a good return.Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Ales Kotalik was sent back to the minors yesterday afternoon. He has 1 more year left at $3 million. Daymond Langkow could play tonight, a year since he suffered broken vertebrae.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced with teammates yesterday. There is no timetable for his return, and GM Ray Shero doesn’t see that he’ll be given clearance to return before the end of the regular season.
“Whether you’re coming back from injury going into the playoffs or it’s the regular season, you’ve got to make sure that you’re healthy,” Crosby said. “It’s a matter for me of making sure that I’m healthy. If that takes two months, then it takes two months. If it doesn’t, great. I can’t really control that.
“I’ve just got to do the right things to try to feel good and get back to where I need to be. I’m not looking too far ahead at all. I’m just trying to look at these little opportunities as a good chance to get back with the guys. At the same time, it’s a small step with a lot to go.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers are planning on alternating goalies down the stretch. Chris Mason started last night, Ondrej Pavelec could start Saturday and back with Mason next week versus Nashville.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche should know next week if Adam Foote is able to get back in the lineup before he retires from the NHL. Peter Budaj will start in net for the Avs tonight.
Savard to LTIR … Brodeur to have MRI … Kessel Audio … Red Wings looking at Conklin … Blackhawks-Thrashers scouting each other
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 7th, 2011
- Boston Bruins: Announced that Marc Savard will be put on LTIR and is out for the rest of the season.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will have an MRI today on his right knee. Rich Chere via twitter: “Lemaire on brodeur: I don’t think we’ll have him tomorrow”
- The Fourth Period: The Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers have been heavily scouting each other this year, and might be setting something up for a future deal. The ‘Hawks could be looking for a Dman, and Brent Sopel could be an option. The Thrashers may like Jack Skille.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Red Wings aren’t looking at expensive goalies, such as JS Giguere. Chris Phillips will be easier to move than Sergei Gonchar as the later has 2 years remaining. The Calgary Flames aren’t trading Robyn Regehr or Jarome Iginla. Allen thinks Alex Kovalev could end up in Pittsburgh. The Predators are looking for scoring help.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: The LA Kings are looking for some scoring help, and Gleason thinks that Tim Connolly could be a fit. He mentions Kyle Clifford as a ‘prospect’ that could head to other way to Buffalo. Mark Stuart and Blake Wheeler could be trade bait for the Bruins.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues have already decided they won’t be re-signing goalie Ty Conklin, and have had discussions with the Detroit Red Wings. Ben Bishop would become the backup if Conklin is moved.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ray Emery signed with the Anaheim Ducks and was put on waivers at noon. Any team can claim but he’d have to stay in the NHL. If the claiming team wants to send him to the minors, he’d have to go on waivers again, and the Ducks could claim him.
- Mark Spector via twitter: The Rangers have been scouting Sheldon Souray and haven’t liked what they’ve seen. He’s too slow for AHL, let alone the NHL.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: Phil Kessel responds to comments he made yesterday, “Obviously, I love Toronto, I want to be here,” Kessel said, smiling. “I love this city. I love the fans. I love this team. The guys are great here. I don’t want any trade or anything like that. I want to be here for a very long time.”
- Phil Kessel Audio from The Globe and Mail:
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Pavel Datsyuk will be back in the Red Wings lineup tonight. Tomas Holmstrom is hoping to return on Wednesday.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ryan Getzlaf is back practicing with the Ducks and working with the 1st PP unit. Could be getting for their game against the Canucks.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start for the Lightning tonight against the Sabres. Ryan Malone will return to the lineup. Nate Thompson will not play tonight, may have suffered a concussion last yesterday. Malone practicing on top power play unit.
- Joshua Copper via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Oilers.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Roberto Luongo will be starting for the Canucks.
Sunday morning Rumor roundup part one
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 6th, 2011
- Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: There are rumors that the NHL is looking into buying the Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg. They would raise $160 million, putting $35 million towards running the team, and offer $125 million to buy the team. It’s not know how far this idea has gone, or if it’s just in the tire kicking stages.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat, and possibly the same for Darcy Regier if the new owner wants to start fresh.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins should announce this week if Marc Savard is shut down for the season or not. The Bruins could be looking for forward help and Jackets, Senators, Oilers and Panthers have forwards available for trade. With Evgeni Malkin done for the year it’s likely the Penguins will look at add some scoring. The Thrashers are looking to move Nik Antropov, Ron Hainsey and Freddy Modin.The only way Florida brings back Tomas Vokoun is if it’s on a 1 year deal. The Predators, Kings, and Lightning are looking at Mike Fisher, but the Senators are unlikely to move him. The Sens are looking for 2 top prospects and a high pick. The Canadiens, Sharks, Bruins and Capitals could be interested in Chris Phillips.
- David Kalan of NHL.com: What might the Penguins do with Malkin now done. Jason Arnott might be of interest to the Penguins. The Pens will be able to bring in $8.1 million in salary cap at the deadline. The Pens now have the salary space to add an Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner, and if shooting for the moon, Jarome Iginla. Malkin’s number comes back on the books next year, so bringing in some help that is under contract next year could be difficult to do.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he won’t discuss contract extensions with any of his 5 UFA’s, so they may become trade bait. Jan Hejda, Mathieu Garon, Ethan Moreau and Chris Clark and Andrew Murray will all be UFAs. Mike Commodore could be bought out in the summer if they can’t find a team to take him.
- Can’t find embed code for last night’s Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove yet, but here is a link to it.
- NHL Sources Say: The Hockeycentral panel discuss what the Penguins might do to replace Evgeni Malkin (Alex Kovalev an option) as well as a potential trade between Edmonton and Ottawa (Penner and Phillips as key pieces of the deal). Yzerman may be looking to improve along the blueline, possibly Beachemin and Phillips. Senators are looking for a goaltender.
Iginla rumors persist … Trouble with Coyotes sale? Gustavsson would OK trip to Marlies … What if’s regarding Forsberg
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2011
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster has come out and said that he not interested in trade captain Jarome Iginla, but the rumors keep appearing, with the Flyers as a potential team interested now. “Certainly, nothing stops a team from saying, ‘Hey, if you ever …,’ Feaster said. “All I say to those is, ‘Thanks. I’ll note your interest.’ ”
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: (article written under protest by Friesen) Bob McCown on the Fan 590 reported that the $100 million bond that the Phoenix Coyotes were going to give Matthew Hulsizer to help pay for the team has failed. NHL deputy commish Bill Daly said the report was inaccurate and added “It continues to move toward closing,” Daly said. “I don’t anticipate time will become an issue, but if it does, we’ll address it then.” The Phoenix Business Journal also added that the True North Sports (could be the leading candidates to get the team if relocation becomes the option) are working behind the scenes trying to get the Goldwater Institute to files a lawsuit against the agreement. A TNS spokesperson answer this accusation with “That is 100%, unequivocally, patently false,” … “True North Sports and Entertainment has NEVER had any contact whatsoever with the Goldwater Institute in any way, shape or form.” Friesen’s advise “don’t take it too seriously, Jets fans.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson would agree to a conditioning stint with the AHL Marlies. It has been rumored that the Leafs could ask him (they haven’t yet) in hope that he could regain some of his confidence, while they go with James Reimer and JS Giguere. Gustavsson has only played twice since the last week of December.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Dater brings up the possibility that if Peter Forsberg signs with the Avalanche, but they drop out of the playoff race, they could trade him to a contender. Dater thinks you could get a 1st round pick or more for him (don’t agree with that but…), and the Penguins and Bruins could be 2 teams that might interested, especially the Bruins after Savard went down. Savard could be put in LTIR, freeing up some cap space for the Bruins. Dater also wonders what if another team jumps the gun on the Avs and offers Forsberg a contract. Dater uses the LA Kings as an example, and a 2 year deal worth $13 million. It could be hard for Forsberg to say no to, though he seems loyal to the Avalanche.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that if the Kings are a couple spots out of 8th spot at the trade deadline, the Kings could still be a buyer and might go after Mike Fisher. Fisher hasn’t been asked by the Senators to submit his no trade list.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza is eying a February 5th return to the Ottawa Senators lineup against the Islanders. The Senators have gone 1-8-4 while Spezza recovers from his shoulder injury.
- Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun: Senators prospect Jason Bailey is suing the Anaheim Ducks and it’s ECHL team (Bailey was with the organization before being traded to Ottawa) for alleged anti-Semitic remarks made by their coaches and for wrongful dismissal. It’s alleged that the coach said “only care about money and who’s who,” and that he “never wanted his son to be raised Jewish or to wear a yarmulke” and that Bailey couldn’t be trusted because “he’s Jewish.”
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: NJ Devils coach Jacques Lemaire has once again said he won’t coach the team after the season is done.
Savard has concussion … Iginla-Rangers rumors nonsense … Fisher has limited no-trade … Sidney speaks video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 25th, 2011
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: “After being examined by the Bruins medical staff, Marc has been diagnosed with a moderate concussion,” said GM Peter Chiarelli in a statement posted at the team’s media site this evening. “There is no timetable for his return and there will be no further updates at this time.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Trade rumors that Jarome Iginla could be heading to the NY Rangers are “utter nonsense.” David Pagnotta via twitter: Hadn’t heard the Iginla-Rangers rumors, and people he asked are balking at it.
- Andy Stickland via twitter: Local St. Louis talk of Erik Johnson being traded is “nonsense.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe should be back in the lineup Wednesday after missing 4 games. Antero Niittymaki can come off the IR on Thursday, though they don’t play again until after the all-star break.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Mike Fisher has a limited no trade clause, he provides a list of teams he doesn’t want to go to.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby has missed 9 games with a concussion so far, he’s making progress, but is still experiencing symptoms and won’t be attending the all-star game.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The LA Kings are desperate for scoring and could look to deal for a big time right winger. They would likely have to include Wayne Simmonds or not re-sign Justin Willians.
- Sidney Crosby speaks about his concussion.
Trades harder to make … CBJ interested in Fisher … B. Schenn not going anywhere … Will Kings make a move?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 14th, 2011
- Nicholas Cotsonika of Yahoo! Sports: Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster said he won’t deal Jarome Iginla. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk probably won’t move Brad Richards. The Devils could move out Jason Arnott. The Feb. 28th trade deadline may not be as busy as fans hope as there are more buyers than sellers, teams are close to their budget or cap numbers, and teams are more reluctant to part with their prospects and draft picks.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy has been told that the Blue Jackets are interested in Mike Fisher.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi told Pagnotta that he won’t move Brayden Schenn.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein wonders if back to back ‘stinkers’ to the Maple Leafs and Blues will finally force Kings GM Lombardi into making a move, and if not, what will? Bernstein also doesn’t think they should fire coach Terry Murray.
- Steve Marcus of Newsday: Kyle Okposo (torn labrum in Sept,) has begun practicing with the NY Islanders, and vows he’ll be able to return this year, “I don’t believe there is any chance that I won’t play this year.”‘
- Vicky Hall of the Calgary Herald: Craig Conroy has found himself a healthy scratch numerous times this season, and realizes his NHL days are likely coming to an end. “I guess this year will probably be it,” Conroy said “This is it.”
- Joe MacDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference has an undisclosed injury that caused him to miss the majority of the 3rd period last night. “Obviously, I can’t tell you much about it,” Julien said. “He’s being evaluated. I don’t have the whole details right now, and tomorrow for sure we’ll update you guys on that.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks have put Torrey Mitchell on IR with a lower-body/groin injury. Joe Pavelski, who had missed the last 8 games, was activated for last nights game. Logan Courture is still listed as day-to-day.
NHL trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Kings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 12th, 2011
So yesterday Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, went on a twitter tear, answering Los Angeles Kings trade questions all day and night. Some of the questions may have come from trade rumors, others were of the speculating type. Since I couldn’t convince Dennis to write up a nice summary for us to read, I’ve decided to attempt to breakdown his twitter account. Now I normally give you links to each ‘tweet’, but that would take up more time, so if you want direct links, you can get them from his account here (and is a good ‘follow’). I’ll also adjust the order posted and will try to lump specific player questions/mentions together, and combine the question and answer hopefully into one sentence. The Kings are looking for scoring help and a top 4 defenseman, so let’s begin …..
- If the Kings fall out of contention in February, look for them to move from buyers to sellers. They have a 10 game road trip that may determine their course of action.
- See’s a trade first before they make a change behind the bench.
- The Kings have plenty of of 20 goal guys, need a 35+ guy.
- Doesn’t see the Kings looking to deal goalie Jonathan Bernier. He wouldn’t bring back the forward the Kings need.
- The Kings could use a 2nd line center, but trading for a long term guy would create a log jam for Brayden Schenn next year, Stoll would replace Handzus as 3rd line center.
- See’s Wayne Simmonds as a solid 3rd line for years to come.
- Thomas Hickey doesn’t have much trade value, has a shoulder injury, could be wasted 4th overall pick.
- Kings looking at Francois Beauchemin and Robyn Regehr on defense, Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner on the wing.
Ottawa Senators
- Jimmy Murphy reported that Kings GM Lombardi was scouting the Senators-Bruins game.
- Here goes the Mike Fisher chatter.
- Fisher could be a target. Jason Spezza is still out for another month so he may be too late, need immediate boost.
- Fisher would fit as a #2 center but is not putting up good numbers and has a $4 million cap hit.
- Milan Michalek is a $4.3 million cap hit with 8 goals in 43 games, so not a likely target.
Calgary Flames
- Robyn Regehr may be the best defenseman option.
- Kicking tires on Alex Tanguay.
- If the Kings were to go after Regehr and Niklas Hagman, the Flames would want a Dman prospect included, Teubert or Voynov. It would take a big deal to get both.
- Simmonds would likely be in a deal for Regehr. Tanguay will be a UFA at end of year, has no-trade clause, so there wouldn’t be a high price.
- Jarome Iginla for Brayden Schenn doesn’t make sense. 2 years at $7 million each, with Drew Doughty contract still to do, not Lombardi’s style.
- The Kings would have less than zero interest in Olli Jokinen.
Edmonton Oilers
- Simmonds has been dangled by the Kings for Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner.
- They are looking at Hemsky or Penner, but their February road trip could determine if they want to pay the price.
- Shawn Horcoff not a great fit. He doesn’t put the puck in the net enough.
Toronto Maple Leafs
- There was talk of a Kris Versteeg, Francois Beauchemin and high prospect for Brayden Schenn. Brian Burke really wants Schenn, but Lombardi won’t move him.
- A Versteeg for Simmonds deal is not an upgrade.
Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers
- Since Jason Pominville has a cap hit of $5.3 million, has a NMC and has only 8 goals, so likely not a target of the Kings.
- David Booth and Tomas Vanek are possible but not likely.
- Booth has a long term deal with a limited no-trade clause.
One offs
- Andrei Kostitsyn likely not an option, Canadiens need goals too, so if he’s that good offensively, he’d stay. If they would move him, would want more than Simmonds.
- If Capitals decided to move Semin, they’d want full rental value, a lot more than Jarret Stoll. Ovechkin won’t allow the Capitals to trade him anyways.
- Niclas Bergfors is a right winger and has been a healthy scratch in December, so likely not interested.
- Kings never targeted Patrick Elias, 2 years left at $6 million.
- Martin Havlat’s salary doesn’t make sense.
- Tomas Kopecky to the Kings is as likely as Semin to Chicago for him.
- Scouts at Monday’s game were from the Lightning, Flyers, Canadiens, Boston, and Penguins.
Burke looking for a power forward … Time to Blowup the Flames? Svatos and Avangard split
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 24th, 2010
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Is the patience of Brian Burke running thin in Toronto? They are currently 28th with 28 points, 3 points fewer than they had last year at the same point.
“Inexcusable lapses have cost them too many games and too many points. A putrid start here, a late goal to blow a lead there and the Leafs have squandered opportunities to ease their way into a respectable spot in the standings.”
At the top of Burke’s wishlist is big power forward with some offensive talent. Finding a trade partner has been difficult but, “The tightness of the (Western Conference) probably helps us right now,” Poulin said. “There are teams that won’t wait until the trade deadline because they will want to make a push much earlier.”
- Vinay Menon of the Toronto Star: Change is coming according to Brian Burke. He’s been working the phones looking for size and scoring.
“We need a big forward,” Burke says, as a couple of suits stroll past and nod hello. “Everyone points to the center position. But I think if we had a Top 6 forward with size, center or wing, it would help us. Right now we’re not getting to enough loose pucks in front of the net. We’re not creating enough traffic in front of the net. So that to me is our biggest need.”
“I think Ron brushes some people the wrong way with his mannerisms when in fact he’s a great guy and a great teacher and a great coach,” says Burke. “But I think his mannerisms with the media – which, by the way, have been developed over a very frustrating period of time – have led some people to turn on Ron unfairly.
“That doesn’t change my thinking. We are not looking at a coaching change.”
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Is it time to blowup the Calgary Flames? LeBrun would blowup the Flames, putting Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff on the market. The Kings would be interested in Iginla, the Canadiens might be too. Would he waive his no-trade though? He has another 2 years left at $7 million. Burnside wonders if a team would part with a 1st round pick, a top prospect or “tidy little package” for Iginla? Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay might get some interest, though both have a no-movement clause. To quote Burnside “how does that happen, by the way?”, referring to Jokinen and Tanguay’s no-movement clause. It may be time to replace management as well.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Marek Svatos and KHL’s Avangard have mutually agreed to terminate Svatos’s contract. Chesnokov hears that he may stay in the KHL with Dinamo Riga.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Zach Bogosian missed last night’s game with multiple nagging injuries. The Thrashers play 4 games in 6 days after Christmas, so he was given some extra time to heal. Niclas Bergfor was scratched again, along with Nic Antropov.
- James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk: The race to get the rink built in Pittsburgh is on.
I may be able to sneak in an update later on today. Traveling begins shortly, will be on the road for the majority of the day so I may not get a chance. If not, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers. No posting tomorrow, and we’ll see about boxing day.
Nabokov to Lightning may not be a no-brainer … Lease passes Glendale vote … Sabres get trio back … Phaneuf-Iginla feud? Difference in Oilers-Leafs rebuilds
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 15th, 2010
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman confirms that he spoke with Evgeni Nabokov’s agent but wouldn’t say anything more. He did say that their goaltending needs to improve and he’s not ruling out that improvement comes from Dan Ellis and Mike Smith. The Washington Capitals are also mentioned a team that may be interested in Nabokov but Bruce Boudreau offered this, “We’ve got two great young goaltenders,” Boudreau said. “Not good, but great young goaltenders. We’re not going after anybody else.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: It seems like a no brainer for the Lightning to sign Evgeni Nabokov but there a few things that Yzerman has to consider. 1) He’s 35 so if you sign him to multi-year deal he’ll count against the cap even if he stops playing. He struggle at the Olympics last year (and through parts of the season) and in the KHL this year. 2) If they sign him, he still has to clear waivers. 3) How much does he expect to make? Is he looking for something in the $4 million range? If the Lightning decide to go another route the could inquire about Dwayne Roloson and Johan Hedberg as upgrades to their current tandem.
- The Globe and Mail: It looks like Matt Hulsizer is getting closer to owning the Arizona Phoenix Coyotes as the Glendale City Council approved the new lease in a 5-2 vote. The new deal will cost the city $197 million over 6 years, Hulsizer is expected to buy the team for $170 million.
“This is the resolution we sought,” Bettman said after the meeting ended near midnight. “The action taken by the council is successful and conclusive.”
“My reservation here is the city would be left with huge bills and no income from this transaction if Mr. Hulsizer defaults on any of his payments to the city,” said council member Joyce Clark, who voted against the lease. “If, for some reason, he relinquishes control of the Coyotes franchise, the cost to the city would be enormous.”
The Coyotes have not made money since they left Winnipeg in 1996, Hulsizer added,
“It will take some time to turn this around,” he said. “It will not happen in the short term. We’re looking 10, 15 years possibly, I don’t know. We hope the economy will start to turn around, and the Coyotes can win.”
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Though not official yet, Dean McAmmond plans on retiring. McAmmond’s agent said he received a couple opportunities to continue playing but he had already stopped skating.
- The Detroit News: Jimmy Howard will start in the net for the Red Wings tonight against the Blues. Chris Osgood is likely to a get a shot at his 400th career win on either Friday or Saturday.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford are expected back in the Sabres lineup tonight versus the Bruins. Rob Niedermayer is likely to return as well. Mark Mancari was sent to the AHL Monday and Luke Adam was sent back yesterday. Nathan Gerbe hasn’t scored in 20 games could be a healthy scratch.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: San Jose Sharks Douglas Murray, Devin Setoguchi and Kent Huskins all skated yesterday before the team left on a 3 game road trip.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The rebuilding process between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton is quite different. From Brian Burke,
“We’re trying to do this without the draft picks. That’s why we signed Phil Kessel. We just have a different model, a different blue-print than Edmonton. We’re trying to rebuild without finishing dead last … although we almost did last year,” said Burke, who traded away his first-round draft pick last June and next summer to the Boston Bruins — who selected Tyler Seguin No. 2 overall behind Hall — for Kessel.
“I think you can rebuild without doing the Ottawa model or the Chicago model, where you finish last or dead-last or close to dead-last for two or three years and reload. I think you can add assets in a (salary) cap system. I build all my teams the same way — from the blue-line out. That’s where I spend my cap dollars. We’re different from Edmonton here. They’re building up front, first (Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Sam Gagner).
“I won’t change my blue-print. It worked in Vancouver. It worked in Anaheim.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf shot down rumors that they feuded in Calgary. There were rumors that the 2 had fought, and that Phaneuf was having an affair with a teammates wife/girlfriend.
“Yes, Dion and I had a scrap,” Iginla admitted to the Toronto Sun.
“Ask Dion about our wrestling match,” Iginla said with a wink.
“It was at the hotel one time and we were just fooling around,” Phaneuf confirmed Tuesday.
“I was aware of the rumours. One of them suggested we got into it and one of us ended up with a black eye. I really don’t know where this stuff comes from.”
“Dion and I have been friends for a long time. And we will be long after our respective hockey careers have ended.”
More on non-Marco Sturm trade … Poni returning next week … Time to Fire GM Sutter? Mueller’s slow recovery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 3rd, 2010
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Marco Sturm is scheduled to practice with the Bruins today. The trade that would have sent Sturm to the LA Kings has fallen through, but it could still happen in a couple weeks.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: A source wondered to LeBrun if the LA Kings found out that Sturm injury will keep him out longer than they originally thought (rumored to be 2-3 weeks away). Deal could be re-visited later. Rich Hammond via twitter: “Sturm’s medical history probably comes into play here.”
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky (broken finger) skated yesterday and could return to the Kings lineup next Thursday against the Flames. Willie Mitchell, out with a broken wrist, also skated yesterday.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Sportak wonders if it’s time for the Calgary Flames to remove Darryl Sutter as the teams GM if they are going to rebuild (though they don’t have a 2nd or 3rd pick this year).
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov has been scratched by the Columbus Blue Jackets for the last 3 games. “I understand everything about what the coach wants and what the coach says,” Filatov said. “Right now I agree with everything that’s going on.” He could get into a either tonight or tomorrow.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Mueller’s recovery from his concussion is not progressing as they had hoped. He hasn’t had any setbacks, but progression has been slow. Mueller will seek other medical opinions “to find the root cause of the post-concussion symptoms.” He’s in Boston meeting with the doctors who dealt with Patrice Bergeron.
- The Globe and Mail Podcast (Dec. 2nd): “ESPN.com hockey columnist Pierre LeBrun, Globe and Mail hockey columnist Eric Duhatschek and Globe Leafs beat reporter James Mirtle join host Darren Yourk this week to talk about the NHL market heating up, Jarome Iginla’s frustration in Calgary, Dany Heatley’s return to Ottawa and the progress of the young Edmonton Oilers.”
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