Posts Tagged Jason Spezza
No movement on Doughty … Spezza’s family thinks he’ll be a Leaf … Raymond doesn’t know if he’ll play again … New proposal of Isles arena
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 23rd, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: There has been zero movement on the LA Kings – Drew Doughty front. Doughty’s agent may try to generate an offer sheet but that isn’t easy. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein responds to a question on whether it’s more of Doughty’s or Meehan’s wishes to still be unsigned … the agent and player are united.
- Dave Hodge via twitter: Some members of Jason Spezza’s family expect him to be a Maple Leaf. Hodge doesn’t believe it.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Three months after Mason Raymond suffered a broken vertebrae in the Stanley Cup final, he’s still not sure if he’ll play again.
“At the end of the day, it could have been worse,” Raymond said. “I’m lucky to be standing here today with arms and legs moving. I’m still having some discomfort with some soft tissue, but it’s coming along well and I’m happy with the process.
“Whenever you have something in that [spinal] area, you have a serous risk of having additional problems. So, yeah, I feel lucky.”
Raymond has worked on his conditioning but hasn’t done any heavy lifting, and he hasn’t skated yet.
- Randi Marshall of Newsday: A $346.5 million proposal was unveiled yesterday to renovate the Nassau Coliseum and make a sports-entertainment complex on the 77 acres surrounding the arena. The builder does still have some noncommittal responses from some key players in the deal. The private developer would spend $100 million to upgrade the Coliseum and raise the roof to increase seating. The plan also includes a ballpark, parking garage, an indoor rink, 70,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks goalie Antero Niittymaki is considering surgery to fix his lingering pain from his lower-body injury. If he does, he’ll be out for 12 weeks. Martin Havlat is still not taking contact after his shoulder surgery in May. He’s been skating with Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers coach John Tortorella likes the chemistry of the Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan line, and it’s very likely they will start the season together.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks that Devan Dubnyk has the edge over Nikolai Khabibulin for the Oilers opening night starter.
- Terry Koshan and Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs prospect Joe Colborne will likely start the season with the Marlies.
“He is still learning,” Leafs coach Ron Wilson said Thursday. “One thing to me is, obviously, he needs to get a little stronger, but he knows that.
“We’re going to be patient with him. He’s learning the game and has tremendous hockey sense. (The NHL) is a man’s game. Everybody is stronger and quicker.”
The Leafs don’t know when Mike Brown will be able to return to practice. He has a lower-body injury.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have a tough decision on 2011 1st round pick Mika Zibanejad.
“He’s big and strong. He’s a man now. He’s not a kid. So, the learning curve could be very short for him. The way he played (Wednesday), he is showing us he’s close, he is showing us that he may be ready to play.”
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: The Ducks have sent Rickard Rakell, goalies John Gibson, Igor Bobkov and center Joseph Cramarossa back to junior.
- Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins cut 13 players yesterday: Brandon DeFazio, Brian Gibbons, Tom Kuhnhackl, Ben Street, Paul Thompson, Dominik Uher, Geoff Walker, defensemen Simon Despres, Alex Grant, Joey Mormina, Philip Samuelsson, Carl Sneep and goaltender Patrick Killeen.
Another interested party for Stars … Pacioretty cleared for contact … Canucks top 6 options and Schneider … Foster out 2-4 weeks … Doughty practicing video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on September 20th, 2011
- Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News: Chuck Greenberg is interested in buying the Dallas Stars, and he would have 30 days to submit an offer. Tom Gaglardi has already submitted a bid of $267 million to buy the team. Greenberg has been studying the team for months, and has already been approved by the NHL as a bidder for the team. Greenberg was a part owner of the Texas Rangers along with Nolan Ryan, but he sold his share and stepped down as CEO in March due to the differences he had with Ryan.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty, who was turn-buckled by Chara last year, has been cleared for full contact but said there are some steps remaining before he considers himself recovered. He had a severe concussion and a cracked vertebra. “Obviously, there still is an injury there and I’ll have to deal with it probably for the rest of my life, but it’s been a lot better than I thought it would be.”
- Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: The next two weeks will determine who’ll play on the 2nd line while Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond are recovering. Cody Hodgson has been given the first opportunity. Mikael Samuelsson will be a top 6 forward according to coach Vigneault. If healthy, Marco Sturm could be on the 2nd line. Chris Higgins could also get a shot. Jannik Hansen, PTO Owen Nolan and point-a-game AHLer Andrew Ebbett could be possibilities.
- Cam Cole of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks goalie Cory Schneider will again be the backup for Roberto Luongo if the Canucks don’t get what they want for him.
“I signed a two-year contract, so I’m bound to my contract, and I’m going to fulfil it, and show up and work hard, and do what I agreed to do,” he said Monday.
“You can’t sign a two-year deal assuming you’re going to be moved or want to get out of it in the middle of it. I was coming off my rookie deal where I had almost no game experience, so a two-year contract sounded like some good security and a good chance to establish myself in this league, so I don’t regret the decision and I’d do it again. It’s just how it’s played out.”
Cole thinks the Oilers could be a team that would be interested in Schneider.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks defenseman Kurtis Foster will be out 2-4 weeks as he needs surgery to remove a small metal wire from his thigh. The wire was inserted into his thigh to hold a rod that was part of the surgery in March 2008 to repair his broken femur. He’ll miss the first couple weeks of the regular season.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: The longer the Doughty contract situation drags on, the more of a problem it becomes for the Kings. Lombardi completely shot down the trade route for Doughty on Sunday. There is some concern how the process is impacting Doughty’s psyche. In August Logan Couture talked about the Doughty talks, “It’s been tough on him, he’s getting frustrated,” Couture said. “It’s definitely been tough on him to be waiting so long.” Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller could see some playing time as early as today, doctor’s still don’t know what caused his vertigo bouts last year. Nikita Filatov will see some exhibition time on the top line with Jason Spezza.
- Drew Doughty practicing ….
2011-12 Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Center
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 25th, 2011
List below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers for centers 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 | Sidney Crosby | PIT | $8,700,000 | $9,000,000 |
| Evgeni Malkin | PIT | $8,700,000 | $9,000,000 | |
| 3 | Eric Staal | CAR | $8,250,000 | $7,750,000 |
| 4 | Vincent Lecavalier | TBL | $7,727,000 | $10,000,000 |
| 5 | Steven Stamkos | TBL | $7,500,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 6 | Scott Gomez | MTL | $7,357,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 7 | Jason Spezza | OTT | $7,000,000 | $8,000,000 |
| Joe Thornton | SJS | $7,000,000 | $8,000,000 | |
| 9 | Patrick Marleau | SJS | $6,900,000 | $6,900,000 |
| 10 | Anze Kopitar | LAK | $6,800,000 | $6,400,000 |
| 11 | Mikko Koivu | MIN | $6,750,000 | $7,290,000 |
| 12 | Pavel Datsyuk | DET | $6,700,000 | $6,700,000 |
| 13 | Nicklas Backstrom | WAS | $6,700,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 14 | Brad Richards | NYR | $6,667,000 | $12,000,000 |
| 15 | Paul Stastny | COL | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 16 | Daniel Briere | PHI | $6,500,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 17 | Jonathan Toews | CHI | $6,300,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 18 | Henrik Sedin | VAN | $6,100,000 | $6,100,000 |
| 19 | Mike Richards | LAK | $5,750,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 20 | Shawn Horcoff | EDM | $5,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| 21 | Ryan Getzlaf | ANA | $5,325,000 | $5,750,000 |
| 22 | Jeff Carter | CLB | $5,273,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 23 | Ryan Kesler | VAN | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Tomas Plekanec | MTL | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| Patrice Bergeron | BOS | $5,000,000 | $5,900,000 | |
| Mike Ribeiro | DAL | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| 27 | Tim Connolly | TOR | $4,750,000 | $5,500,000 |
| 28 | Andy McDonald | STL | $4,700,000 | $4,200,000 |
| 29 | Daymond Langkow | CGY | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
| David Legwand | NAS | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| David Backes | STL | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Brooks Laich | WAS | $4,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
| Tomas Fleischmann | FLA | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
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.”
Blues may be shutout for UFA’s … Jackets dangling #8 … Richards rumors … Flyers should go after Thomas again … Leafs were in on Erixon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2011
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Jeremy Rutherford notes that until the Blues are sold or new investors are brought in, they can’t afford a “legitimate” free agent goal scorer. With the free agent crop a little week, Blues fans shouldn’t expect them to be as active as they may like. Dan O’Neill doesn’t think a goal scorer is the Blues biggest off-season need. Andy Strickland thinks the Blues could explore the trade market. They would have to shed some salary if they were to take on a player like Paul Stastny.
- Larry Brooks of USA Today: Brad Richards will likely be looking for a long term deal at $7+ million a season, which may be more than the Rangers want to do. Richards may take less to return to Tampa. The Rangers could look at Jason Spezza who has 3 years at a $7 million cap hit, though he has a no-trade clause and the Sens may want too much in return. Stephen Weiss will also draw the Rangers interest. The Rangers were interested in Patrick Sharp last year, but he may not be available and/or would require a lot. Brandon Dubinsky wants a multi-year deal at $4.5 million per season.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The scouting department for the Columbus Blues Jackets is likely to be completely reconfigured after the draft at the end of the month. Most of their scouts contracts expire at the end of the month, and their contracts haven’t been renewed. If the Blues Jackets are going to trade their 8th overall pick at this year’s draft, don’t rule out the Flyers as an interested partner. Both GM’s have talked on and off since early last year.
- Chuck Gormley of the Delco Times: Gormley thinks the Flyers should go after Tim Thomas again this off-season. Over a year ago the Bruins wanted Jeff Carter in return for Thomas. Both teams don’t have a lot of free cap space. The Flyers could send Matt Carle and his $3.4 million salary but it would take more. They don’t have a 1st or 2nd round pick this year. Gormley thinks Carle and Kris Versteeg could get the deal done.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Could the Tampa Bay Lightning fit Brad Richards in even though they need to re-sign RFA Steven Stamkos and possibly UFA Eric Brewer? The Lightning have $38.37 million tied up in 11 players and buyouts. Free agents they may want to re-sign are Sean Bergenheim, Teddy Purcell, Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith. Yzerman could also make some trades to free up some salary. If Simon Gagne would take a nice pay cut from the $5.25 million he made last season, they may be more willing to re-sign him. If they don’t re-sign Gagne, they could use that money towards Richards.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: If the dollar amount and term get out of hand for Brad Richards, Stephen Weiss could be plan B for the NY Rangers. The Red Wings could be an option for Richards if he’s interested in a short-term, cap friendly number. The Rangers, Kings and Leafs will likely be offering more.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Herald: According to Maple Leafs source, they were in on Tim Erixon trade talks with the Flames before he was traded to the NY Rangers. Francis thinks the Sharks should go after UFA Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa is “most apt” to take a hometown discount to remain with the Canucks. Christian Ehrhoff will likely go after the most money, and it’s unlikely the Bruins will want to re-sign Tomas Kaberle.
Crosby progressing … Parise possible for next week, Devils could offer arbitration … Varlamov to KHL? Audio of Recchi’s comments about Pacioretty’s injury
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 24th, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby has increased his intensity at practice, but management is taking the cautious approach. Teammates have said he has looked “mentally and physically sharp”. Crosby still needs to get medical clearance to take part in full practices. “Again, there’s no timetable for a progression from that standpoint,” Bylsma said. “He’s always in contact with the doctors, and his daily schedule is set in the morning.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is expected to ask for medical clearance this week, with a possible return to the lineup late next week if all goes well. Parise will be a RFA after this season and a it’s likely the Devils will offer arbitration, which would eliminate the option a team signing him to an offer sheet. If he signed a one year deal, he’ll be a UFA after next season.
- Dmity Chesnokov via twitter: Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov’s Russian agent said that Varlamov (a RFA) is considering offers from the KHL, “a few elite KHL clubs are interested in Semyon” and that he’s “is considering the possibility.”
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Mark Recchi on 98.5 Sports Hub, “I believe they were trying to get Zdeno suspended & they embellished (Paciorettys concussion) a little bit”. Audio of Mark Recchi’s interview.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The NHL reportedly asked the KHL for $2-3 million to have the Washington Capitals and NY Rangers play 2 exhibitions in Russia next year, the KHL said nyet. KHL president Alexander Medvedev said it was too much for them.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Eric Tangradi, out since Feb. 11th with a concussion, practiced with the teams yesterday for the first time since the injury.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller was activated off the IR yesterday and backed up Ray Emery last night. There is a chance he starts tonight against Nashville.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: With all the changes and influx of young players in Ottawa, Cory Clouston might be auditioning still for next year, “I’m just trying to win hockey games,” he said Wednesday. “I’m trying to improve our team.” “I’m trying to help these young guys get better. I’m trying to help the older guys get better. I’m trying to create a team environment, to create a team atmosphere that’s conducive to moving the team forward.” Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, Marek Svatos, Craig Anderson and Milan Michalek should all be ready to go tonight.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Anton Stralman is out for tonight’s game with a knee injury.
The Rumors keep coming
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 28th, 2011
- Nick Kypreos: Kypreos thinks it’s unlikely that Richards gets moved to Rangers. Roster players need to back to the Stars in deal.
- Kevin Allen: Thrashers are close on a 3 year deal with Mark Stuart.
- Bruce Garrioch: If Jason Spezza stays, the Senators may show some interest in Ales Hemsky.
- Pierre LeBrun: Toronto hasn’t phoned Atlanta today about Bogosian, could change.
- Howard Berger: Source, “Kadri possibly in play, but only as part of package for true No. 1 centre. Same with first-rounders.”
- Howard Berger: Source tells Berger that the Panthers are telling teams they aren’t moving Stephen Weiss today.
- Nick Kypreos: Canadiens were interested in Chris Higgins before he broke is thumb. Would they still consider trading for him?
- Gord Miller: Islanders center Zenon Konopka is getting a lot of interest, #5 in faceoff percentage. Darren Dreger: Isles taking calls on Martinek and Konopka, with Ducks and Canucks most interested in Konopka.
- Pierre LeBrun: Thrashers are getting calls on Johnny Oduya and some tire kicking on Ron Hainsey.
Forsberg to retire today … NY Rangers rumors … Kings have 5 scouts at FLA last night … Plus more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 14th, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Peter Forsberg will be retiring from hockey today after 2 games with the Avalanche. A 2:30 MT press conference has been called.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers will be looking for defenseman with a heavy shot or a PP QB and a center for Marian Gaborik. The Rangers may look at Bryan McCabe but won’t give up a top pick and top prospect to get him. Same goes for Tomas Kaberle who “is a poor defender hardly worth the price it would cost to get him” according to Brooks. The Rangers won’t be interested in Jason Spezza and Stephen Weiss as they are under contract beyond this season, and they will likely target Brad Richards if he becomes a UFA. They have Washington’s 2nd round pick, and may be interested in sending to New Jersey for Jason Arnott.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Look for there to be a couple deals this week, teams want to make some moves before the deadline.
- George Richards via twitter: Teams scouting the Panthers-Sharks game last night: Kings had 5 scouts, and 1 for Hurricanes, Devils, Senators, Penguins, Canadiens and Blackhawks.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers GM Dale Tallon will not talk contract extensions with any of their UFA’s until after the season, but would consider talking to their RFAs, Keaton Ellerby, Mike Santorelli, Steve Bernier, and Jack Skille. UFA’sChris Higgins, Marty Reasoner, Darcy Hordichuk and Radek Dvorak could get some interest but don’t have a lot of value. Tomas Vokoun, Cory Stillman, and Bryan McCabe are also UFA’s that could bring back higher return.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer likely to get the start against the Bruins, JS Giguere will go against the Sabres on Wednesday.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: The Maple Leafs discussed picking up Michael Grabner (24 goals, 33 points, +10 in 52 games) off waivers back in October, decided against. Grabner was a 1st round pick by Dave Nonis and took some heat for it.
What the Senators failed to mention about Fisher trade … Blackhawks looking for D, not shopping Seabrook … Roster notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2011
- Wayne Scanlan via twitter: “In their Fisher trade release, Senators failed to mention if the Preds don’t win a playoff round, there is NO additional draft pick to Ott.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he’s looking for a defenseman. Bowman, “If we don’t get a defenseman then we’re confident with the guys that we have.” Bowman also shoots down rumors that he’s trading Brent Seabrook, they’re still working on a deal. Bowman adds that talks are “going along amicably.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Talk about the LA Kings and Jason Spezza is legit, but not likely to happen.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Brian Burke is going to be at the Boston Bruins game tonight versus the Red Wings.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start in net for the Thrashers tonight vs. the Rangers.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Tobias Enstrom has been activated from the IR and will be in the Thrashers lineup.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg will be in the lineup tonight for the Avalanche.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Colby Armstrong will be out at least a week after suffering blurry vision last night.
No response from Phillips yet, Spezza hasn’t been asked to waive no-trade … Flyers scouting Leafs and Panthers … Versteeg could be next … Anderson leaves Avs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2011
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Philadelphia Flyers are still interested in Erik Cole, but the Hurricanes are holding on to the 8th spot, and likely wouldn’t move him if they are still in the playoff hunt.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray has asked Chris Phillips if he’d waive his no-trade clause or not,
“I have talked to (Phillips) about what he would like to have happen for him, but Chris has not come back to me,” said Murray. “The door is open, ‘Come in and tell me what you want me to do and what you would like to do.’
“I think he wants to stay in Ottawa. I’m not quite sure how that will work.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Sens GM Murray hasn’t asked Jason Spezza if he’d waive his no-trade clause. Spezza says he wants to stay and help turn things around, and that it should be a short rebuilding process.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Marty Turco will get the start for the Blackhawks tonight against his former team, the Dallas Stars.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Craig Anderson has left the Avalanche and returned to Denver for personal reasons. John Grahame has been called up to be the backup. Dater believes it is a day-to-day thing.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: TJ Galiardi (wrist injury) and Kyle Cumiskey (head) have flown back to Denver for further evaluation. Forsberg will be at practice today and could play tonight.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Jamieson wonders that if the Avalanche continue to fall out of the playoff race, would they look to trade Peter Forsberg? Forsberg has a no-trade and no-movement clause, but did he come back this year to play for a team not going to the playoffs? Jamieson wonders if the Canucks would be interested if this scenario.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Kris Versteeg could be the next one moved by the Maple Leafs. The Leafs have denied a report that Versteeg is unhappy in Toronto, and wants to be traded. Burke is likely looking to get a center with size. Versteeg hasn’t filled the top-line role in which they had hoped (um, when is the last time he got a shot on a top line? He’s been playing for the 3rd line for as long as I can remember). “I’ve been through a lot already in my career,” Versteeg said. “Just another thing. Now it’s just you’re going to have to deal with until trade deadline. Who knows what happens? I’ve liked it here, I’ve had fun here and I guess whatever happens, happens.”
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Talk going on between the Maple Leafs and Flyers, and between the Flyers and Panthers. Philly scouting the Leafs and Panthers, Panthers scouting the Flyers.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouts at the Maple Leafs-Devils game last night: Bruins, Canadiens, Predators, Flyers, Blues, Capitals, and 2 from the Penguins.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins have lost center Dustin Jeffrey to a lower-body injury. Jeffrey is the 4th Penguin center to hurt.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The Brent Seabrook trade rumors are laughable.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy thinks that if the Bruins want to get the guy he wants at the right price, he been do it now.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Blackhawks exec Scotty Bowman on the Fan 590, “A couple weeks ago, we were looking at Calgary. We were maybe going to move some players. There was talk they might move a (Curtis) Glencross or (David) Moss. But I doubt now with them solidifying a playoff spot . . . .”
- Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun: The Blackhawks may not be done dealing, and may still be looking to add a defenseman.
“We’ll keep an eye on things,” Bowman said Wednesday night. “We’re certainly out there looking to improve our team. That’s probably common to every team. [But] we’re not going to shy away from making another trade if it’s there to be made.
“A one time thing” for Beauchemin benching … Mike Smith to waivers … Flyers and Canes could be looking to add … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 2nd, 2011
- James Mirtle via twitter: Ron Wilson said it was “A one game thing,” for Beauchemin as he was a little banged up and other were playing better. (Francois Beauchemin sat the last half of the 3rd period and OT last night)
- Chris Johnston via twitter: Mike Brown signed a 3 year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $2.215 million. He’ll get $765,000 next year, and $725,000 in each of the following 2 years.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The TB Lightning have put Mike Smith on waivers.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin will get the start for the Oilers.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Alex Auld will get the start for the Canadiens.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Robin Lehner will get the start for the Senators. Pascal Leclaire’s lower body injury hasn’t improved that much in the last 2 weeks, and if he returns this season is up in the air.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Jason Spezza could be in the Senators lineup this weekend.
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes have plenty of cap space but will they look to add a player at the trade deadline. If Canes owner would be willing to a $1 million in payroll, that would be a $4.5 million player. The Canes would likely need to give up one of their young forwards. If they go the sellers route, they have 9 UFAs.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers are debating if they need to add someone before the deadline, and Carolina’s Erik Cole could be one of those players. “We don’t know if we want to disrupt the chemistry,” said a club source. “That’s the question.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Mueller skated for about 10 minutes before Avalanche practice. It’s likely the first time he’s skated since September.
Devils may not be for sale … Sabres sold … Blues-Avs postponed … Beauchemin gave list to Burke, Kaberle could be next
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2011
- There was a report that the New Jersey Devils were for sale. Tom Gulitti via twitter: He isn’t sure if the story is accurate. Darren Dreger is hearing the same thing. Craig Custance has been told by multiple sources that the story isn’t accurate. Update from Rich Chere: The Devils will release a statement shortly that the team is not for sale, and the Bloomberg report was wrong.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Buffalo Sabres are being sold for $189 million, $175 million cash and $14 million in liabilities.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Sabres will announce on Thursday that the team will be sold to Terrence Pegula. GM Darcy Regier said last week he plans on shipping some veterans out before the Feb. 28th trade deadline. Tim Connolly, Mike Grier, Rob Niedermayer, Craig Rivet and Steve Montador could be on their way out. The Senators would trade anyone not named Aldredsson, Spezza or Karlsson. Burke should hear this week if Kaberle would waive his no-trade clause and submit a list of teams he’d go to, which may only be 2 or 3 Eastern Conference teams. It’s unlikely Burke could move him to San Jose for under-achieving Devin Setoguchi. Burke is said to have a list of 12 teams Francois Beauchemin wouldn’t mind playing for.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: The St. Louis – Colorado game is postponed due to bad weather.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will be in net tonight for the Lightning, and expect Roloson to go on Friday against the Capitals as well.
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Zach Stortini has put on waivers by the Oilers today.
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