Posts Tagged Joe Colborne

Morning Hits: Callahan, Hagelin, Eakins Canucks, Avs, Horton, Richards, Sharks, Leafs and the Hotstove video

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2013

  • TSN: Both Ryan Callahan and Carl Hagelin had shoulder surgeries on Friday to repair torn left labrums.
  • TSN: The Stars have been granted permission from the Maple Leafs to interview Marlies coach Dallas Eakins. Eakins has received head coaching interest from the Canucks and Rangers, and associate coaching interest from the Oilers.
  • Antti Raanta: “I’ve made my decision!” (I don’t think any NHL team/insider has made it be known that they are Raanta’s choice. The Wild, Jets and Oilers had expressed interest.)
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks will have a busy month: deadline for their AHL team, the draft, free agents and buyouts. The buyout period starts 48 hours after the Stanley Cup Final and Canucks candidates are Keith Ballard, Roberto Luongo and David Booth. Booth likely wouldn’t be medically cleared, so a buyout wouldn’t be possible. If the Canucks have any leverage left with the Luongo situation, it may be gone by July.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont wonders if Patrick Roy will push Joe Sakic to trade the first overall pick, possibly targeting Kings Jonathan Bernier. Highly unlikely that the Bruins will be able to retain Nathan Horton with the salary cap going down. Looking like the Rangers will amnesty Brad Richards. It could be an interesting summer in San Jose with Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dan Boyle all entering the last year of their deals. Not likely to happen, but Thornton may look good in Toronto with Joe Colborne as his understudy for the next 2 or 3 years. Thornton may be able to help Phil Kessel hit the 50 goal mark. If Ryane Clowe wants to remain with the Rangers, he might have to take a pay cut from the $3.625 million he made this season.
  • Cody Nickolet: Elliotte Friedman said that the Avalanche would consider trading down  but it would have to be an unbelievable offer to move out of the top 3.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments

Maple Leafs Notes: Komarov, Gunnarsson, Leafs RFAs, UFAs and Free Agent Fits

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 22nd, 2013

  • Dmitry Chesnokov: Maple Leafs RFA winger Leo Komarov: “Won’t hide it – I’ve held negotiations with Dynamo [KHL], but I’m waiting for an offer from Toronto.”
  • Luke Fox of SportsNet: Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarsson made $1.35 million last season and will be a RFA.

    “The ball is in their court right now, so they got to get it moving,” Gunnarsson says of the Leafs, who have seven unrestricted and seven restricted free agents to figure out this summer. “The four years I’ve had here have been great. We’ll see what they want from me next year. I haven’t thought about what I want.”

    Gunnarsson will meet with agent this week and go over their plan.

  • Jeff Simmons of SportsNet: The Leafs have a current projected cap room of $19,495,833 according to CapGeek.com. They have to decide if they want to re-sign UFA Tyler Bozak, and if so, how much do they want to commit to him. They need to re-sign RFAs Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson. Kadri could be a tough sign.

    UFAs: Clarke MacArthur future as a Leaf is up in the air after a disappointing regular season. Colton Orr showed improvement this season. Tim Connolly is gone. Ryan Hamilton could return with the Marlies. The Leafs will likely look for an upgrade on Ryan O’Bryne. Mike Kostka could be back as an No. 7 option.

    RFAs: Joe Colborne is still a project but could be an eventual Bozak fill-in. Leo Komarov is a nice bottom-six piece. Frazer McLaren is a Carlyle favorite but easily replaced. Reliable Carl Gunnarsson should be back. Mark Fraser performed well but future unclear.

    Free Agent Fits: Devils right winger David Clarkson would give the Leafs some size in their top-six. If the Leafs don’t re-sign Bozak, Mike Ribeiro could be a nice fit between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Defenseman Rob Scuderi would bring the Leafs blueline some toughness and experience.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

13 Comments

Maple Leafs Offseason Notes: Kessel, Phaneuf, Reimer, UFAs and RFAs, Buyouts, Bozak and Clarkson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2013

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs Phil Kessel will have a $5.4 million salary and cap hit. He can’t sign an extension until after July 5th, and Koshan thinks the Leafs would foolish to not extend him. Kessel’s agent indicated that he wants to remain with the Leafs.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Leafs GM Dave Nonis will have some offseason questions to consider. Do the Leafs look to extend Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf and James Reimer. Kessel could look for upwards of $7 million a season. Can the Leafs even ask their captain to take a pay cut from his $6.4 million salary? Reimer would be due for a big raise from his $1.8 million salary if he’s a No. 1 goalie.

    The Leafs UFA list includes: Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, Colton Orr, Ryan O’Byrne and Mike Kostka. Bozak could be looking for Mikhail Grabovski-type money. MacArthur didn’t have good regular season and the Leafs are deep on the wings. Orr will likely be back. O’Bryne will likely be gone. Kostka’s play declined as the season went on, but could be brought back for depth.

    The Leafs RFA list includes: Nazem Kadri, Cody Franson, Leo Komarov, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin, Carl Gunnarsson and Mark Fraser. The Leafs could play hardball with Kadri in attempt to keep his salary low. Franson led the Leafs defenseman in scoring. The others are likely to be back. Frattin could be MacArthur’s replacement on the third line. Colborne appears to be ready for the next step.

    Compliance Buyout Possibilities: Mikhail Grabovski, Mike Komisarek and John-Michael Liles. Komisarek may be no-brainer, freeing up his $4.5 million cap hit. Liles has 3 years at $3.875 million a season. Grabovski has 4 years left at $5.5 million a season. Nonis may look to trade both Liles and Grabovski.

  • Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger thinks the Leafs should save the money on Tyler Bozak, give Joe Colborne Bozak’s spot, and sign David Clarkson or make a trade.

    “Colborne has enviable skill,” an Eastern Conference scout told me this week. “If he can bring his emotional game to a similar level – even half the time – Leafs won’t have to worry about a No. 1 center. From what I hear, they like the kid, and I think he’s worthy of a long look in the NHL. There aren’t going to be a lot of centers with decent price-points on the market in July.”

    UFA center options are not that young: Patrick Elias (37), Andy MacDonald (35), Nik Antropov (35) and Mike Ribeiro (33). Stephen Weiss and Derek Roy are 30, and will want more money.

    The Leafs and Devils could talk about Clarkson before July 5th about obtaining his rights to discuss a long-term deal before he hit the open market.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Quick hits on: Luongo, Del Zotto, Red Wings and Rangers lines, camp invites, Whitney’s ankle and Armstrong extension coming

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2013

  • Bob Stauffer via twitter: Some media suggest the Oilers are interested in Luongo. Stauffer doesn’t see it as it’s Devan Dubnyk’s time.
  • Bob Stauffer via twitter: Would be surprised if the Rangers traded Michael Del Zotto. He’s a good puck-moving Dman. They need him.
  • Ansar Khan via twitter: Damien Brunner will start the season with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Valtteri Filppula will center Johan Franzen and Mikael Samuelsson. Darren Helm will center Daniel Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi. Justin Abdelkader will center Drew Miller and Jordin Tootoo. Patrick Eaves is out with a concussion and won’t be ready to start the season.
  • Andrew Gross of the Bergon Record: Early line combo’s for the Rangers: Nash-Richards-Gaborik, Carl Hagelin-Derek Stepan-Ryan Callahan, Chris Kreider-Brian Boyle-Taylor Pyatt, Arron Asham-Jeff Halpern-Mike Rupp.
  • Michael Traikos via twitter: Joe Colborne and Carter Ashton won’t be at the Maple Leafs camp. Could tell you a lot as to why the Bruins and Lightning were willing to part with the former 1st round picks.
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee on Tuesday: “There’s no sense bringing in the junior players … because they wouldn’t be able to make our team right now.” Capitals confirmed yesterday that Tom Wilson will be at training camp. He’ll play with Plymouth on Friday, then head to Washington on Saturday.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney said his troublesome right ankle is fine.

    “I feel very good (recovering from his foot injury). I did so much skating (since last April’s last game of 2012-13) and worked really hard with my trainer. I got to do sprints, things I couldn’t do for a while,” said Whitney.

  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: There is a chance that Blues GM Doug Armstrong will get 5 year contract extension. He is in the last year of his deal. Armstrong is currently making around $1.3 million. Top GMs are paid in the $2-$3 million range. Forward Chris Stewart has dropped 25 pounds from a year ago.

, , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Do the Leafs plan on moving a center? Luongo talks about moving on … Blues search for Dman, won’t break up core

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2012

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs plan on experimenting with James van Riemsdyk at center. Does it mean that they plan on moving making a trade or two involving one of their centers. Last season they used 5 centers: Tyler Bozak, David Steckel, Mikhail Grabovski, Tim Connolly and Matthew Lombardi. Newly signed Jay McClement should be their 3rd line center, with Steckel centering the 4th. Lombardi will see most of the time on the wing. Grabovski will be their 2nd line center. Connolly played some wing last year, and could be playing there this year. Joe Colborne didn’t progress as well as they had hoped last year. Nazem Kadri will likely spend the most time on the wing. Tyler Bozak may be the player who could be part a trade. He would be attractive to some teams as he’ll make $1.5 million season, and a UFA at the end of the year. Shane Doan’s agent said he hasn’t heard from the Maple Leafs. Roberto Luongo in a radio interview:

    “I’m okay with that,” Luongo said. “I had a great six years with Vancouver. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring a Stanley Cup, which is my biggest regret. Florida is definitely one of the spots I would be willing to go to. It’s my home in the off-season and makes sense for family reasons. (But) I have not made any decisions whatsoever. It has to be a place I am comfortable with.”

    Luongo didn’t discuss a trade to the Leafs, but seemed open to the idea of going to Chicago.

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues had some interest in Matt Carle and Jason Garrison. The Blues will now explore the trade market, and are thought to have some interest in Jay Bouwmeester and Keith Yandle. Teams could ask them for a package that could include a top 6 forward, but GM Armstrong said he wouldn’t move anyone from his core.

    “One of the things that this new system has created is you see after a while rob Peter pay Paul,” he said. “If you have a hole, you create another hole to do it. I would rather do it with draft picks if I could. That’s what I tried to do at the entry draft.”

    The Blues have assets like Jaden Schwartz and Ty Rattie, and an extra 2nd round pick this year.

    “I’d like to try that moving forward, try doing it with non-rostered players if possible because I like our group of forwards but I don’t think we have an excessive amount in any one position,” Armstrong said. “If we can do it with spending a little bit of our future, I think we’re in a spot to do that because of the great work by our amateur scouting staff and Larry Pleau and John Davidson of gaining all of these assets right now. I think our cupboard is fairly stocked that we could go a year if necessary without a pick or two.”

    Armstrong didn’t rule out the possibility of going with Barret Jackman, Kris Russel and Ian Cole on the left side.

    “Right now, we’re comfortable with Jackman, Russell (and) Cole,” Armstrong said. “If we can add to that group we will. We don’t believe it’s prudent to go out and do something just to add a player. We want to make sure it’s the right player. We think we have some depth in our organization. But that is one area that if we can improve it, more likely now will be a trade than anything, we’ll look at doing.

    “But if not, I am satisfied we can start with that group that we have back there and then if we do stub our toe or stumble, we’ll have to get very aggressive in the trading market if necessary. But right now, if this is the group we go to training camp with, this is the group we go to training camp with.”

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Afternoon notes on: Boychuk, Grossman, Penguins, Maple Leafs, Senators and bunch of starting goaltenders

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 5th, 2012

  • Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is wearing 2 knee braces and remains optimistic for the playoffs.
  • Paul Hendrick via twitter: The Maple Leafs have sent Joe Colborne back the Marlies. David Steckel will be back in the lineup. Mikhail Grabovski won’t play. Ben Scrivens will be starting in net. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Grabovski is not sure if he’ll be able to return on Saturday. He was cut around his knee by Brayden McNabb’s skate and required 20-30 stitches.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Filip Kuba and Erik Karlsson will play tonight. Matt Gilroy is out. Ben Bishop will start in net.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne has been battling an illness this week. He was the first off the ice and Barry Trotz said he’s “probably” the starter tonight.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Leafs have firm offers … Not much cooking for Wings … Custance list of trades he’d like to see

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2012

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs have a couple firm offers on a number of players. They are getting interest in their 2nd line but nothing is imminent.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Wings are looking to add a decent-sized forward. GM Ken Holland has had some talks but wasn’t close t a deal as of yesterday afternoon. Holland is not looking for a depth defenseman.

    “I’ve talked to a few managers today, but nothing’s really cooking,” Holland said. “There’s not a lot of players (available). Maybe things change in the next 18 or 24 hours. We’ll see. So many teams are in the playoff hunt.”

    Sabres Paul Gaustad and Canadiens Travis Moen could be options. Other players available are Sammy Pahlsson, Steve Ott, Mike Knuble, Mikael Samuelsson, David Jones, Daniel Winnik and T.J. Galiardi.

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Admits deals are long-shots, but lists 10 trades he’d like to see: 1. Ryan Getzlaf for Matt Frattin, Luke Schenn and a 1st round pick. 2. Roberto Luongo for Jacob Markstrom and a 1st round pick 3. James van Riemsdyk for Steve Ott and a 1st round pick. 4. Patrick Kane for Derek Roy and Andrej Sekera 5. Ryan Malone for Paul Martin 6. Rick Nash for Tyler Seguin and a 1st round pick 7. Alexander Semin for Ryan Ellis 8. Jonathan Bernier for Clark MacArthur and Joe Colborne 9. Lubomir Visnovsky for Andrew MacDonald and a 2nd round pick 10. Dustin Byfuglien for Erik Gudbranson and 1st round pick.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Comments

Rick Nash Trade Rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012

I’ll continue to add Rick Nash trade rumors to this post, bumping old ones to a jump page when it gets to long. Here are links to 2 previous entries HC Rick Nash Trade Tracker Videos and Rumors, and Blue Jackets put Rick Nash on the trade market.

Feb. 26th 8:15 PM

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Obviously possible Rick Nash could move by tomorrow but it were close in any way do you think CBJ would’ve played him today?”
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams that have the most interest in Nash don’t think he’ll be moved and are looking at other players.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Rangers weren’t willing to pay the price for Nash prior to today, and today the Blue Jackets asked for more than they initially asked for. Can’t really blame the Rangers for not wanting to blow up their team to make a Nash deal.

11:15 AM

  • David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: The Predators have made an offer Nash. It’s unlikely the Blue Jackets would want to trade within their division. The Preds offer could include: Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis or Jonathan Blum and multiple picks and/or prospects
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Blue Jackets haven’t spoken with the Maple Leafs in days. Leafs will keep trying, but Gardiner remains untouchable.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Belief before the Maple Leafs loss to the Capitals that the Leafs interest in Nash was minimal, and they they were driving up the price for the Rangers.
  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: The Flyers are still talking with Blue Jackets about Nash, but nothing serious has developed. The Jackets want several of the Flyers young players.

9:00 AM

  • The Fourth Period: The Rangers may include Carl Hagelin (Rangers want Stepan) to go along with Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and a 1st round pick. The Blue Jackets are asking the Maple Leafs for Jake Gardiner, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin and a 1st round pick.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Leafs, Rangers, and Sharks have offers in on Rick Nash, and have all said the offer could be better in the summer. The Rangers and Leafs are being aggressive as they have more parts to offer than the Sharks.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Sharks are still interested in Nash, but could probably make a better offer in the offseason. The Maple Leafs and Rangers are still in.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson should go after Derek Stepan over Brandon Dubinsky. Howson wants Chris Kreider, the Rangers best prospect. He also wants either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, but McDonagh isn’t going anywhere. Dylan McIlray or Tim Erixon are also options. After the Carter deal, defense is not a top priority for Howson. He could use some 1st round picks to take a run at Canucks Cory Schneider this offseason. They already have their own and the Kings.

Feb. 25th 9:50 PM:

  • Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Elliotte Friedman suggested on the Hotstove that the Blue Jackets might not move Nash by Monday. They’ve shifted their focus to forwards for Nash.
  • Chris Botta via twitter: Botta can see the Rangers best offer for Nash as Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, a 2012 1st round pick and a conditional pick based on Rangers success the next 2 years.
  • Todd Cordell via twitter: Bob McKenzie reported that the Canucks are jumping into the trade market, with Nash a possibility.

4:40 PM

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Nash’s agent spoke with TSN and said the following: “We’re hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets…” .. “However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date.”

2:05 PM

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Rangers remain firm that they aren’t going to trade Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh in a deal with Columbus for Nash.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Hearing that the Blue Jackets want Derek Stepan badly, but might settle for Carl Hagelin. Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider, Stepan or Hagelin, and a pick (may not be a 1st). There could be more coming from the Blue Jackets. May boil today to Stepan or Hagelin.

9:00 AM

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: “No guarantees #CBJ captain Rick Nash is traded by Monday’s deadline, but might be best for all parties to have a quick ending to this.” …”#CBJ have set the bar very high and are waiting for other teams to meet their requirements. So far, none of them have done so.” … “#CBJ approach is that they don’t have to trade Nash, but several possible suitors and the Nash camp are getting impatient w the process.” … “Might be best if #CBJ fans come to terms with the fact that Nash is likely going to be traded. Might not happen at deadline, but …” … “… chances of Nash being with the Blue Jackets at the start of next season are slim.”

Read the rest of this entry »

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

37 Comments

Cox thinks Burke is being squeezed … Peca thinks Leafs should go after Ribeiro or Getzlaf … Pang say Harding or Mason

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on February 25th, 2012

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: With the trade deadline just days away, Brian Burke is being squeezed. The teams is struggling (losing 7 of 8), and he’s hoping to make a deal at a reasonable price. Does he overpay for a Rick Nash or not given to the high prices for others? Columbus is squeezing Burke on Nash, same with demands for backup goalies, and what it would take for Dustin Brown. Burke has worked hard to accumulate prospects like Jake Gardiner, Matt Frattin, Joe Colborne, Keith Aulie, Nazem Kadri and Jesse Blacker, and it’s difficult to package them off for a big-name expensive player. Does Burke trade away future players for short-term solutions, or avoid it all costs? Some want Nash or Brown now. The smartest decision may be to trade Mikhail Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur, keep the young guys and regroup, and fire Wilson.
  • Randy Starkman of the Toronto Star: Former NHLer Mike Peca thinks the Maple Leafs should go after Mike Ribeiro or Ryan Getzlaf.

    “There’s so many spots where they can benefit from getting somebody. They’re waiting to see if Reimer will shake out to be a good goalie. I think the one thing they do need is a centre. Somebody who might be available is a guy like Mike Ribeiro from Dallas, who’s just a good guy with the puck and can move it around and seems to have a personality and a swagger that can hold up to the pressures of Toronto. I don’t know if (Ryan) Getzlaf will still be available. He’d be a guy that’d be a perfect fit in Toronto. But I think for them to get a guy who can be a No. 1 centre, play those minutes, distribute the puck is somebody the Leafs would love to get. They talk about Rick Nash, but then that’s adding another scoring winger without addressing what the need is: A bona fide No. 1 centre that’s going to anchor that top line for years to come.”

    Darren Pang thinks Josh Harding and Chris Mason may be good options for the Maple Leafs

    “You need a goaltender there that you’re not going to give up too much for … the guys that are unrestricted. Josh Harding would be a good fit there … He’s unrestricted at the end of the year, likely not to re-sign there, can win hockey games, can play the puck and I think he would be a good fit for Toronto. A guy like Chris Mason in Winnipeg, a veteran guy who’s been down the stretch and helped get the Blues in the playoffs a couple of years ago, he’s a great teammate. He would be a stabilizing force for those young goaltenders.”

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

8 Comments

State of the Columbus Blue Jackets: NHL Trade Deadline Edition

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 21st, 2012

Written by Austin Lutz

With only 23 games remaining in their season, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, a place that’s been their home for the majority of the season. That being said, the Jackets are the biggest sellers this trade deadline, and the only thing Scott Howson has to look forward to this June is the possibility of adding top prospect Nail Yakupov.

Columbus seems set for another few years of rebuild and that’s not something that 27-year-old captain Rick Nash wants to wait for. He has not openly admitted to wanting a trade, but when asked about being traded, he said “Right now I’m a Blue Jacket.” The words “right now” tell it all and whether Nash is traded before the deadline or at the draft, he seems to be on his way out of Columbus

Many different teams have been linked to Nash, who brings a yearly cap hit of $7.8 million until 2018, but most often it has been the first place Rangers, the Maple Leafs, the Kings, and as always the Philadelphia Flyers.

Read the rest of this entry »

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

Morning NHL rumors involving: Kings, Blue Jackets, Capitals, Senators, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Schneider and Stars

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 17th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Rumblings continue with the Kings possibly moving Jack Johnson if they can up their offense with a first-line forward. Jonathan Bernier’s name is out there as well. Any deal for Nash would likely included both Johnson and Bernier. LeBrun thinks the Kings and Blue Jackets talked about Jeff Carter before the Nash thing broke. The Capitals have looked at Blue Jackets Antoine Vermette, among others. The Capitals are waiting to see how Nicklas Backstrom is closer to the deadline before they make a move. Senators GM Bryan Murray is not looking for a short-term fix and won’t part with any of their top prospects to bring in some offensive help. They’d like a top 6 but only if the price is right.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings will look to add 1 or 2 veterans for their Cup run. Teemu Selanne would be ideal but he’s focused on getting the Ducks in. Rick Nash would be expensive. Tuomo Ruutu is out 3 weeks and the Hurricanes want to re-sign him. Ryan Smyth has said he wants to stay in Edmonton and Ales Hemsky isn’t gritty and is injury prone.
  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: To bring in Rick Nash, it may take Jake Gardiner, a 1st round pick, one of Joe Colborne or Nazem Kadri and maybe one of Clarke MacArthur or Nikolai Kulemin. If it isn’t Nash, the Leafs could use a forward. Koshan lists some players who the Maple Leafs might be interested in: James van Riemsdyk. Jeff Carter, Evgeni Nabokov, Nikolai Khabibulin, Ales Hemsky, Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, Ryan Malone, Dustin Penner, Brenden Morrow, Mike Knuble, and Alex Ovechkin.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Cory Schneider tries to take all trade rumors in stride:

    “It’s hard to avoid it, it’s always on somewhere,” said Schneider. “We tend to ignore most of the speculation but it’s interesting to see who is going to strengthen themselves — a contender or a team we’re directly competing against with a guy like Rick Nash. That obviously has implications on us. We don’t follow it obsessively or believe every rumour we hear, but guys keep an eye out and see if we’re going to be active.

    “For me, I just don’t think about it. I’ve got a job to do here and if I don’t do it, that probably eliminates possibilities of anything ever happening anyways. I enjoy it here. I’m not looking to get moved and I’m not asking for a trade by any means. If it’s a hockey decision, then it’s out of my control.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) Heika thinks the Stars have to shop Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott to see what interest there is. They can’t just give them away, but if you can get a good return for them, it might be something to do. If they could get a good offer for goalie prospect Jack Campbell, they could move him.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

9 Comments

Not so fast on Zidlicky to Devils … Lightning to be sellers … Holmgren talks rentals … Wild talk … Smyth and Ruutu off market

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 15th, 2012

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Wild haven’t asked Marek Zidlicky to waive his no-trade clause yet for New Jersey. He may not be traded until the summer says one source. Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher: “I haven’t made the decision to trade him for now for sure. … Different scenarios I’m contemplating”
  • Eric Erlendsson via twitter: A goalie and defense won’t help the Lightning get into the playoffs this year. They will be sellers and look to fill those positions in the summer.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers have made it no secret that they are looking a defenseman, but who isn’t. Holmgren will be cautious with rentals.

    “I don’t think that means we’re not looking around to try to improve ourselves,” Holmgren said. “I think you weigh what the cost is. I don’t really have any trouble making a deal that makes sense now and for the future. With those rental deals, you have to weigh the costs and make a call.

    “If we have opportunities to improve our hockey club, we’ll need to think seriously about that. Everyone is trying to load up.”

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild have held preliminary talks with pending UFA Kyle Brodziak. The Wild are also interested in extending defenseman Clayton Stoner. If the Wild become sellers, they may look to deal Greg Zanon, Mike Lundin and Josh Harding.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: You can take Ryan Smyth off the trade market. The Red Wings, Bruins and Rangers were interested.  LeBrun says you can offically take Tuomo Ruutu’s name off the trade market. Rutherford wants to re-sign him, and now he’ll be out for 3-4 weeks. A Hurricanes source said last night that Ruutu wouldn’t be going anywhere. Contract extension talks continue.
  • George Johnson of the Calgary Herald: The Flames could use a #1 center like Jeff Carter, but Johnson doesn’t think there a fit. They could use a playmaking center instead of shooting center. Carter deal also expires when he’s 37, with a yearly cap hit of $5.27 million.
  • Bill Watters via twitter: The Blue Jackets – Maple Leafs rumor mentioned a while ago (Watters mentioned Nash to Leafs) appears to be the Blue Jackets request and not a Maple Leafs offer.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments