Posts Tagged John Mitchell
State of the New York Rangers: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
Here is the 3rd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Patrick Kearns of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @PatrickKearns
In an era of armchair video game General Managers, it’s hard not to pick through every trade rumor with a fine-toothed comb to improve your team’s “overall” rating by lobbying for any player you believe would be an upgrade. This of course does not take chemistry into consideration, and with the New York Rangers building towards contention, it may be best to leave the roster alone. At the all-star break the team sits atop the Eastern Conference in points, and has the highest winning percentage in the NHL.
When the New York Rangers’ CEO James Dolan appeared at the podium before reporters after a win against the Nashville Predators a short time ago, he explained that he and General Manager Glen Sather’s plan was finally coming to fruition.
“In 2004, things weren’t going so well,” Dolan explained hitting the nail on the obvious head. “We decided to re-do the strategy… It’s all about the system that [Glen Sather] built. It’s about the farm system, and the scouting system and development. It’s about going with the kids, and sticking with that philosophy.”
Needless to say, when the man signing the paychecks starts buying into the team philosophy, it seems like an awful idea to betray what has gotten the team this far.
NHL trades keep rolling in
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 28th, 2011
- Canadiens acquire goalie Drew McIntyre from the Thrashers for defenseman Brett Festerling.
- Capitals acquire Jason Arnott from the NJ Devils for David Steckel and a 2nd round pick.
- Canucks acquire Maxim Lapierre and MacGregor Sharp from the Anaheim Ducks for Joel Perrault and a 2011 3rd round pick.
- Canucks acquire Chris Higgins from the Panthers for a 2011 3rd round pick and defenseman Evan Oberg.
- Philadelphia Flyers acquire Tom Sestito from the the Blue Jackets for Greg Moore and Michael Chapot.
- Flames acquire Freddy Modin from the Thrashers for a 7th round pick.
- NY Rangers acquire John Mitchell from the Maple Leafs for a 2012 7th round pick.
- Ducks acquire Brad Winchester from the Blues for a 2012 3rd round pick.
- Hurricanes acquire Bryan Allen from the Panthers for Sergei Samsonov.
- Oilers acquire Kevin Montgomery from the Avalanche for Shawn Belle.
Quick afternoon news and rumor hits
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 9th, 2011
Updated: Darren Dreger via twitter: Leafs not expected to announce another trade today.
Brian Huddle via twitter: The Fan 590 just said that the Maple Leafs will be announcing a 2nd deal at Brian Burke’s 4:30 press conference. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Leafs are working on another deal, not clear if they can pull it off.
James Mirtle via twitter: Evgeni Malkin will have surgery tomorrow on his torn ACL and MCL and will be out 6 months.
Arthur Staple via twitter: Rangers forward Chris Drury out 6 weeks after having knee scoped
Brian Compton via twitter: Compton thinks that Michael Leighton makes sense for the Islanders. Katie Strang via twitter: The Islanders are not interested in Mike Smith of the Lightning.
Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg still has some immigration issues and won’t be in the Avs lineup.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Islanders GM Garth Snow is trying to make a ‘soft’ deal for a goalie. Not involving a high draft pick or top prospect.
Darren Dreger of TSN: The Rangers aren’t shopping Marian Gaborik, but he might be drawing some interest.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Maple Leafs have put John Mitchell on waivers. Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blues have put Tyson Strachan on waivers. Anaheim’s Voros and TBay’s Ritola cleared waivers.
Darren Dreger audio on AM 640 (Monday): Around 8:40 remaining Dreger talks about Tomas Kaberle, and says the Leafs should be able to get a 2nd round pick plus a prospect.
Peter Chiarelli audio WEEI: Audio where Chiarelli said he’d consider trading the Maple Leafs 1st round pick. Also talks about Savard’s concussion, Dan Paille’s hit, the 2011 draft, that he’ll make a trade before the deadline.
Injury notes for Leclaire, Oshie, Eager, Brown, Mitchell and Smith
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on January 6th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Pascal Leclaire practiced yesterday, limiting to 25 minutes of lower-body work, could be the backup on Friday.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward T.J. Oshie is taking part in practice but not “battle drills” as he recovers from his ankle injury, is getting closer to returning. He did travel with the team to Toronto, but they are still saying a return could be around the all-star break.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Ben Eager has been put on the IR by the Atlanta Thrashers with a lower-body injury.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mike Brown practiced with the Leafs again yesterday and is likely to play during the teams 4 game road trip which begins Friday. John Mitchell will be out 4-6 weeks after suffering a knee injury in practice on Sunday. Audio from Ron Wilson after Leafs practice yesterday.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning goalie Mike Smith could be healthy to return next week, which will would give them 3 healthy goalies on their roster. Smith and Dan Ellis will battle to be the backup for Roloson.
Tallon would like ‘Coaches Challenge’ … Hossa out 2 weeks … Doughty hopefully to return Saturday … El Nino back to Junior
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 28th, 2010
- Darren Dreger of TSN: At November’s General Managers meetings, GM Dale Tallon is considering proposing a ‘Coaches Challenge’. TSN polled some NHL coaches (“Would you support a coaches challenge for certain plays, like goalie interference?”), 14 were in agreement. Limits to what could be challenged would have to be in place. 7 coaches voted against the idea.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Joel Quenneville is saying Marian Hossa will be out “two weeks”.
- James Duthie via twitter: The Los Angeles Kings are hopeful that Drew Doughty will be back in the lineup this weekend.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The New York Islanders have sent Nino Niedereitter back to Portland (WHL).
- James Mirtle via twitter: The Boston Bruins will start Tim Thomas tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs will start Jonas Gustavsson. Jonas Siegel via twitter: If Kris Versteeg (back) can’t go tonight, John Mitchell will likely take his spot on the 2nd line.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Tampa Bay Lightning have put Michael Vernace on waivers.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: If Blake Wheeler is moved by the Boston Bruins, Tyler Seguin could move into the top 2 lines. There still is the possibility that Seguin is sent back to Junior. An announcement could be made in the next 24-72 hours on Seguin’s future this year.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: New Jersey Devils defenseman Matt Corrente broke his hand last night.
Who is the #1 goalie in Ottawa? Vancouver defensive pairings … “Chihauhua leash” for some Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2010
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Friday is the Ottawa Senators 1st game of the season, and it’s not known who their starting goalie will be. Coach Cory Clouston knows, but isn’t telling until Friday morning. “Elliott played three games and had a 3.24 GAA to go along with a .882 save percentage, while Leclaire had a 4.43 GAA and an even uglier .856 GAA.”
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Minnesota Wild will not be putting in a claim for Michael Grabner, who was put on waivers yesterday by the Florida Panthers.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Miroslav Satan signs with a Slovakian team, but has an out clause if the NHL comes calling.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Kevin Bieksa, who was rumored to be traded for most of the summer, finds himself on the number one defensive unit with Dan Hamhuis. Christian Ehrhoff and Alex Edler on the 2nd pairing, and Keith Ballard (had off-season hip surgery) with Andrew Alberts.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: John Mitchell is on a “chihuahua leash” after remaining with the club due to past play and not pre-season play, as Luca Caputi and mainly Christian Hanson outplayed him. Mitchell would have to clear waivers, and could snatched by someone. The same leash may be around Jeff Finger’s neck, he’s currently the team’s 7th defenseman. That may change soon as Brett Lebda and Matt Lashoff are recovering from injury. Roman Hamrlik, who’s been recovering from an off-season knee injury, skated with the team yesterday, and could be a go on Thursday.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres currently have 26 players still in camp, and have until tomorrow to get down to 23. Marc-Andre Gragnani will be placed on IR, and if Patrick Lalime’s is over his groin injury, they’ll only need to make a decision on 1 player. Tomas Vanek should be ready for Friday’s opener, suffered a head/neck injury last week. Forward Matt Ellis is a likely candidate to be sent to Portland of the AHL, he’d have to clear through waivers first and there is a chance someone would claim him.
It’s a slow start to the morning so far, check back often as we’ll continue to bring updates all day long. You can also follow on twitter, receiving updates as to when new entries are posted.
Lots of Roster movement today … 3 teams interested in Morrison … NHL-KHL to play nice
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 4th, 2010
- Jonas Seigel of AM640: The Toronto Maple Leafs have assigned Nazem Kadri, Luca Caputi, Christian Hanson, and Jussi Rynnas to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. John Mitchell was kept over Christian Hanson, who probably had a better camp than Mitchell. From Brian Burke,
“If you go based on the way training camp went, I think Luca and Christian could both make a real good argument that this isn’t a fair result. They both played well, but again Luca had to knock out an incumbent—so whether that’s Freddie Sjostrom or whatever—didn’t do it in our estimation and Christian Hanson is not a guy we want playing six minutes a night. We want him to go down and play. He’s a young player, he needs to play. Same with Luca. Those two guys I think can make an argument this isn’t fair.”
Mike Zigomanis was put on waivers as well today.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: The Los Angeles Kings have put Erik Ersberg and Richard Clune on waivers.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Bill Guerin was released from his tryout with the Philadelphia Flyers. Eric Duhatschek via twitter: Bill Guerin can still be a useful player. Could/would he head back to the Islanders?
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: The Flyers have sent Johan Backlund, Bourdon, Gustafsson, Kalinski, Testwuide, Laliberte and Holmstrom to the AHL Phantoms.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: 3 teams have contacted Brendan Morrison since he was released by the Vancouver Canucks.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Viktor Stalberg beat out Jeremy Morin for one of the last Chicago Blackhawks roster spots, Morin was sent to the AHL.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers have released Fredrik Pettersson, Patrick Rissmiller, Arturs Kulda and Andrey Zubarev.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: The NHL and KHL have agreed to play nice, and have signed an agreement to honor contracts in each league, ie. no more Radulov cases. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: KHL president Medvedev hopes that the NHL will one day play regular season games in Russia. Medvedev may also see KHL clubs touring North America.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Anaheim Ducks have sent Maxime Macenauer to Syracuse of the AHL. Left winger Josh Green was put on waivers, and will be sent to Syracuse if he clears.
Kadri will be sent down to the Marlies … Ryan back on LW … O’Brien odd man out? Fowler makes Ducks, for now?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 1st, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: According to Shoalts, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the decision awhile ago that Nazem Kadri will be heading to the Marlies. Kadri’s 3 point night against the Senators didn’t change anything, nor would a solid effort tonight. Kadri has been outplayed by Tyler Bozak and Mikhail Grabovsky, and is not suited for the 3rd line roll. Tim Brent holds the upper hand over John Mitchell for the 3rd line center position, with Christian Hanson locked in on the 4th line.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: By the end of the weekend, the Maple Leafs roster will be down to 23. Kadri looks to be in for an AHL-NHL season.
- Jonas Siegel of AM640 Toronto: Jonas Gustavsson was back at practice yesterday after leaving Tuesday’s practice with a minor groin issue.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Columbus GM Scott Howson and Oilers GM Steve Tambellini haven’t talked since a week before training camp started. Portzline still thinks something could happen as the roster deadline gets closer.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Shane O’Brien will make $1.6 million this season, and because Andrew Alberts will $1.05 million, he may get the nod over O’Brien. The Vancouver Canucks are $3 million over the cap, and if they decide to carry 7 defenseman, one will be on the move. When Sami Salo returns mid way through the season, another D will have to be moved. O’Brien, Alberts and Aaron Rome are battling for 6th spot. Rome makes $750,000, so most likely isn’t going anywhere. Coach Vigneault complimented Alberts play so far, and was luke warm towards O’Brien.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that they are still unsure if they will carry 21 or 22 players to start the season (23 is the max).
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Mikael Samuelsson will start the season along side the Sedin’s while Alex Burrows is out.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: The Bobby Ryan experiment at center may be over as coach Randy Carlyle had him back on left wing with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne yesterday at practice. For the time being he’ll play on the left side.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: After waiving 2 more defenseman yesterday, the Anaheim Ducks are down to 7 healthy defenseman. So it appears, for at least the time being, that 2010 1st round draft pick Cam Fowler will start the year with the team. It looks like he’ll be with the team for at least the first 9 games of the season.
- Michael Russo via twitter: If the Minnesota Wild put in a claim on Martin Gerber (will know today), he’ll earn $500,000 in the NHL, $200,000 in the AHL and a $15,000 claiming fee.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Andres Lilja is making the trip with the San Jose Sharks to Europe, but is still on a pro try out.
- QMI Agency, Toronto Sun: Quebec City is moving ahead with their $400 million arena project, despite only have commitment for 55% of the funding. The Federal government haven’t said yet if they’ll contribute the remaining 45%.
Dallas Stars sale could drag on … Theodore interested in Minny but are they intersted in him? Parise open to talks during season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 28th, 2010
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The sale of the Dallas Stars may drag on for months as the lenders may wait for a deal they deem worthy. Monarch Investment Group and Galatioto Sports Group are the leading lenders involved, and are in control of the team. They have not gotten into serious negotiations, as potential buyers are not interested in purchasing the team at the current asking price. The longer this drags on, the harder it will be to sign Brad Richards to a contract extension. If they don’t have him signed by the trade deadline, they could look at dealing him, rather than losing him for nothing. Forbes valued the team at $246 million last year. The Tampa Bay Lightning were sold for between $110-170 million this year, after being sold for $206 million in 2008.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen will not play in Tuesday’s pre-season game as he has an groin injury. It sounds like it’s minor as he may play in Thursday game.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Jose Theodore’s agent has said his client would be interested in being the backup in Minnesota if the team decides to go that route.
“I told Chuck to keep me in mind. I think they’ll probably get their staff together and assess where they go from here, but I’d say, ‘It’s a consideration for them, yes, and Jose would be intrigued by Minnesota.’”
Theodore, who was the NHL’s 2002 winner of the Hart (MVP) and Vezina (best goaltender) trophies, is training every day as he waits for an opportunity. Meehan said Theodore, 34, hasn’t ruled out playing in Europe.
GM Cliff Fletcher said he’s received several calls from teams that could be interested in sending them their 2nd or 3rd goalies. Pierre-Marc Bouchard practiced for the first time in a year. He hopes to be ready for the start of the year, but that is doubtful.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise has said he’s open to contract talks with the New Jersey Devils during the season, if the team is open to doing that. Parise will be a RFA on July 1st 2011, a UFA in 2012. He currently doesn’t have an agent, but could hire one quickly if needed.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: At some point the New York Rangers will buyout Wade Redden, as he’s not going to play 4 years in the AHL.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Vancouver Canucks winger Sergei Shirokov may have lost his chance to make the opening day roster because of poor conditioning. Shirokov was held out of practice and worked with their fitness and skills coaches. The 24 year old turned down more money from the KHL for a chance to play in the NHL.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs winger Fredrik Sjostrom will play his 1st pre-season game this weekend. Sjostrom has been recovering from shoulder surgery. The battle for the 3rd line center position has comes down to John Mitchell, Tim Brent, or Nazem Kadri.
- John Wawrow (AP) on The Globe and Mail: The Buffalo Sabres have resumed talks with 2009 1st round pick, Zack Kassian. The Sabres had suspended talks after Kassian was charged with assault for punching a man at a bar in Windsor. He’s close to reaching an out-of-court settlement in that matter. I’ve seen him play a couple pre-season games this year, he looks like he can be a solid NHLer, and might be ready this year.
Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Calgary Flames may also be interested in trading for Marc Savard. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be looking at free agents Dan Hamhuis and Zbynek Michalek, possibly exploring a trade for Jeff Carter before they move on to Marc Savard. Michalek may be more interested in heading to Ottawa to play with his brother. The Flames will buy out Alex Kotalik, and will cost them $1 million against the cap the for the next 4 years. If the Leafs were to deal for Savard, it probably wouldn’t happen until next week. The Leafs did not qualify John Mitchell.
- TSN: Brian Burke was on the Fan 590 radio station yesterday. Fan 590 Audio. The Leafs have some trade options but none involve Marc Savard. They have 4 offers for Kaberle but one is “a joke”. They are not going to trade him for the best offer, but one that gives them what they need, a top 6 forward.
- Damien Cox via Twitter: “So funny there are actual news stories saying the Leafs aren’t talking to Boston about Marc Savard. Seriously folks? Cmon.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have place Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out. Cheechoo would then be a salary cap hit of $1.165 million over the next 2 seasons. The Sens are still negotiating with Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen. They would also like to add a forward and a Dman. Shean Donovan may end up going to Europe.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dan Hamhuis spoke directly but numbers weren’t discussed. Shero discussed why he’d be a good fit, what they have, and why they’d like to have him. He told Hamhuis that “if over the next day or so he wants to move forward with that – well, let’s talk.” Shero has the option of signing him to a long term deal. Gonchar is looking for a 3 year deal at no leass than $5 million.
- William DePaoli (InsidePittsburghSports.com) via Twitter: Colby Armstrong agent, Don Meehan, expects a stong market for his client, and is seeking a 4 year deal from a ‘hockey market’.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN (Insider registration): Joyce runs through this years draft class and when they may be in the NHL.
This year: Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Erik Gudbranson, Nino Niederreither, Mikael Granlund.
Second rounders that could make it this year: John McFarland, Alexander Petrovic, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
Maybe this year: Brett Connolly, Jeff Skinner
Next year: Ryan Johansen, Alexander Burmistrov, Cam Fowler, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Dylan McIlrath
2012-13: Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarsenk, Joey Hishon, Beau Bennett, Quinton Howden, Austin Watson,
2013 and beyond: Jack Campbell, Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Jarred Tinordi, Mark Pysyk, Kevin Hayes, Mark Visentin, Charlie Coyle, Emerson Etem, and Brock Nelson.
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