Posts Tagged Jonathan Bernier
State of the New Jersey Devils: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 3rd, 2012
Written by Todd Cordell of The Hockey Guys and can be found on twitter at @ToddCordell
We’re just a few weeks away from the NHL Trade Deadline, the Devils find themselves right in the midst of the playoff race; something they weren’t in until it was too late last season. As always, there are a lot of rumors and pieces speculating as to what Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello may do at or before the February 27th Deadline. Before I examine what they may do, attempt to do or anything else I will first look at what they will not to.
There’s a lot to get to in this piece so I figure it’s best to break everything up.
First, what New Jersey is NOT going to do at the deadline.
State of the Los Angeles Kings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2012
Here is the 2nd 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 Dennis Bernstein of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @DennisTFP
Needs: Nothing but a scorer will do. Although ranked last in offense, Los Angeles is in the top eight in the West due to the stellar work by goaltender Jonathan Quick, the team’s clear cut MVP. With 20 of the Kings final 32 games on the road, their margin for error is miniscule and they must deal for a top six finishing forward in order to qualify for the post season. With the heat on GM Dean Lombardi from ownership to win now, he will likely have to broker a blockbuster along the line of the Mike Richards trade to overcome the lack of production from Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll, a natural center shuttled to the wing on the second line but unproductive.
In order to bring back a player of that caliber, the Kings will have to deal from their strength, defense and goaltending with Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier the assets being offered to the market. While they’d take a producer on either wing, the gaping hole that exists on the left side has not been filled since the departure of Ryan Smyth over the summer. They have over $ 3 million of cap space availability, so to bring in a high priced player for half a season is doable even without a roster player departing. Injured Simon Gagne is not close to being ready and there is increasing talk that he will be landing on Long Term Injured Reserve prior to the deadline for further cap relief. There is some chatter of interest in New Jersey’s Zach Parise given the Devils reported precarious financial standing but the cost of Dustin Brown and Bernier may only occur if Kings drop out of the top eight in the next month.
Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2012
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: More will be known about Jonathan Toews injury after practice today. The Blackhawks have only 1 game before the All-Star break.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.
Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
- Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
- Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames winger Curtis Glencross has an MCL injury and will be out at least 6 weeks.
Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter and Schenn … Red Wings eye Parise … Oils like Ellis … Green out 4-6 weeks … Ribeiro to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2012
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk:
“If we continue on our road and we’re healthy, we’ll certainly look at doing something prior to the trade deadline and, at the very least, we’ll be looking at doing something.
“But a lot also has to do with not screwing around with a good thing,” he said, noting the players are pleased with their current situation.
“But if they are behind it, this is the one time you let the players speak and they’ll tell you in a heartbeat, yeah, we need this and we need that and that’s it.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: (mailbag) Oilers forward Ben Eager could get some interest at the trade deadline. He has 2 years left on his deal at $1.1 million.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Frustrated Sabres goalie Ryan Miller: “We’ve got to find it from in here. We can’t sit and wait for somebody else to (bleeping) do it.” and “Do you guys really think there’s any kind of trade made … that’s going to affect this team any more than we can affect it … ?”
- Sportsnet.ca: According to a report from Bruce Garrioch, if the Blue Jackets decide to replace GM Scott Howson, former Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is a possible replacement.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Flyers continue to monitor Predators defenseman Ryan Suter. James van Riemsdyk could have been a piece, but he is currently out with a concussion. He has a muscle tear in his abdomen and has a hip that will require surgery this offseason. Would the Flyers consider moving Brayden Schenn as Sean Couturier may have passed him on the depth chart? They have their 1st round pick in play and possibly blueline prospect Marc-Andre Bourdon. A condition on a Suter deal would be for him to sign a long-term deal before July 1st. The Flyers like a Luke Schenn for James van Riemsdyk deal if they can’t land Suter. His concussion could put things on hold for now. The Lightning won’t be buyers at the deadline, but they’ll be taking offers on UFAs like Dominic Moore. GM Yzerman won’t look for a goalie now, and may wait for the offseaon and look at Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier or Cory Schneider. Matheson says the Red Wings could be interested in Zach Parise this summer. They have the cap space to offer him a 5 year deal at a $8.25 million cap hit. The Penguins could use a guy like Tuomu Ruutu. The Oilers would love to get Predators dman Ryan Ellis. The Preds would be willing to move Jonathan Blue as he’s fallen out of favor.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman will be out 4 to 6 weeks as he will undergo abdominal surgery. He’ll have the surgery today to hopefully repair damage from his now-chronic groin issue.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby said late last week that he is still experiencing some trouble with motion and balance, will see a concussion specialist in chiropractic neurology. Crosby didn’t suffer any setbacks after skating on Friday and Saturday.
- Dallas Morning News: The Stars have put center Mike Ribeiro on the IR with a lower body injury.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: There is no update on Kings winger Simon Gagne. He’s been out since Dec. 26th with a concussion. He is not doing any hockey activity, nor is he with the team.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore should be back this week on the road.
Sunday morning rumors and injuries: the Lightning, Canadiens, Weber, van Riemsdyk, Koivu, Skinner, DiPietro and NHL Sources Say Video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 15th, 2012
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning goalies Dwayne Roloson and Mathieu Garon have a combined GAA of 3.37. Some want the Lightning to trade for Evgeni Nabokov or Antero Niittymaki, or any other goalie who’ll be a UFA at the end of the year. Minor league goalie Dustin Tokarski is playing well in the AHL, but he’s not the answer right now. Trading for guys like Cory Schneider or Jonathan Bernier usually don’t happen during the season, and would cost a significant player/prospect and a high draft pick. In the offseason they could also look at free agent goalies like Brian Elliott and Josh Harding.
- Toronto Sun: The Canadiens may not be done dealing. Defenseman Hal Gill has seen his ice time decrease as of late and may interest a cup contender who is looking for a big stay at home Dman. Forwards Travis Moen and Andrei Kostitsyn will be UFAs at the end of the season. Defenseman Yannick Weber may get some interest someone who is looking to boost their PP.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Miller thinks it may cost the Flyers James van Riemsdyk, Sean Couturier and a top pick for Predators defenseman Shea Weber. The Preds would be aiming for that.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk is out with a concussion. “James was hit in the head in each of our last two games,” Holmgren said in a statement. “He reported yesterday not feeling like himself. He will be out indefinitely with a concussion.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu left last night’s game in the 1st period after taking a hit from Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka. Koivu appears to have a left shoulder injury. He left the arena with a sling on.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is likely to return today against the Capitals.
- Brian Compton via twitter: Islanders Rick DiPietro is expected to miss 10 weeks after his sports hernia surgery. His knee also has swelling.
- HNIC Hotstove link: The panel talks about the Cammalleri trade and Sidney Crosby.
- NHL Sources Say: Talk on next year’s Winter Classic, All-Star game captains and fantasy draft, Blues ownership situation, the Oilers rink situation, and Zach Parise.
Nash talks his no-movement … Possible Wing trade targets … Yzerman watches Wild … ‘Hawks wants … Quick’s contract key for future Bernier deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 5th, 2012
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash was asked a hypothetical question about waiving his no-movement clause:
“That’s a tough question to answer in a situation like this,” Nash said. “I love Columbus. I love being here. I love being a Blue Jacket.
“The city of Columbus deserves a winner and deserves a good product on the ice. If it comes to that — like you said, all speculation — but if they don’t want me here, they want to move me? I’m not going to do something where it’s going to hurt the franchise just because I have that in my contract.”
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings have some salary cap room to make a move at the trade deadline. They could be interested in forwards like Tuomo Ruutu or Ales Hemsky, a defenseman like Bryan Allen or a backup goalie like Evgeni Nabokov. Ty Conklin has struggled in a limited backup role, 1-4-0 with a 3.23 GAA and .889 SV%.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman took in a Wild game in which Josh Harding started. The Lightning could be after a goalie, but could also use some help along the blueline. The Wild are carrying 9 defensemen.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein responds to my question if the Kings and Jonathan Quick have talked contract extension yet (UFA after next season) saying that there is no reason from Quick’s side just yet, the summer at the earliest. Bernstein has noted several times that the Kings may not move Bernier until they have a better handle on Quick’s long term future. In any Bernier deal, the Kings would have to get a dependable backup in return. A Quick contract leverages everything.
- The Fourth Period: The Blackhawks haven’t hidden the fact that they’d like to add another defenseman and top 6 forward. They’d like either a power forward to play with Patrick Kane or a 2nd line center.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Rangers coach John Tortorella was fined $30,000 for his comments regarding officiating at the Winter Classic.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said there is no truth to the rumor that he’s pulling Brett Connolly from Canada’s bronze medal game.
Koivu out … Are the Lightning looking for a goalie? No major overhaul for Burke … Gomez has setback and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 16th, 2011
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu will miss at least Saturday’s game against the Islanders with a leg injury. GM Chuck Fletcher hopes to have Koivu back before Christmas. Devin Setoguchi, Guillaume Latendresse and P-M Bouchard are not at practice as well.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Do the Lightning look for a goalie like Evgeni Nabokov to improve their goalie situation, or do they go after a goalie prospect? Jonathan Bernier could be an option. The Capitals may choose to move Michal Neuvirth to open a spot for Braden Holtby. The Wild could move Josh Harding to open a spot for Matt Hackett.
- Vinay Menon of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t planning on a major overhaul, “We’re looking at fine-tuning now.” Burke added:
“The top-six, bottom-six model is already dead in less than five years. Now it’s a top-eight or top-nine, and bottom-three or four. And speed rules now. It’s all about foot speed.”
“I still think a big team that can skate is going to prevail over a smaller team that can skate. I think the Bruins proved that last year. So I don’t think toughness will ever go out of the game. I don’t think the physical element will ever be diminished.”
- Brian Wilde via twitter: Canadiens center Scott Gomez suffered a setback on Monday. He’ll remain off-ice and there is no timetable on his return.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba could be ready for Tuesday. No change on Milan Michalek.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta “wasn’t feeling well” this morning, missed the morning skate and is questionable for tonight.
- David Alter via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs against the Sabres. Jonas Gustavsson will start in net tomorrow.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Richard Bachman will start in net for the Stars against Johan Hedberg and the Devils.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Alex Auld will start in net for the Senators tonight against the Penguins.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Flames.
Sunday morning rumor update … D-day for Filatov coming … Injuries to Hall, Edler, Lehtonen, Daley, and Eaves
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 27th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Garrioch wouldn’t be surprised if the Stars showed interest in Jarome Iginla to help put the team back on the hockey map. If the Flames and Iginla (NTC) decide to move on, there will be plenty of teams interested. New Stars owner Tom Gaglardi is believed to be giving GM Joe Nieuwendyk the resources to add some salary.
- Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has interest in a goaltending and defensemen. Yzerman isn’t offering anything up that teams are interested in for a defenseman. He’d move Mattias Ohlund, but no one is interested in his remaining 3 years with a $3.607 million cap hit. Yzerman could be targeting Jonathan Bernier.
- The Blue Jackets are trying to get Bernier as well.
- Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been trying to trade Keith Ballard, and would like to get a defenseman in return. They may try to get Matt Carle from the Flyers.
- Don’t look for Islanders Kyle Okposo to get traded, he is wearing an “A”. Isles GM Garth Snow is looking for some forward help.
- Avalanche coach Joe Sacco is on the hotseat. Avs GM Greg Sherman may look to make a deal to shake things up. Center Paul Stastny’s name has come up. Many don’t think they’d move Stastny, but anything is possible in Colorado according to one league executive.
- The Flames could be interested in Oilers center Sam Gagner.
- The Hurricanes aren’t thrilled with Tomas Kaberle and have checked around to see if there is any interest.
- The Blackhawks would like to add a defenseman.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Adding a goalie will likely be the main goal for Lightning GM Steve Yzerman this summer. Erlendsson doesn’t think they’ll make a change during the season. Dustin Tokarski and Jaroslav Janus are unknown projects who haven’t shown if they can play in the NHL. Cory Schneider and Jonathan Bernier could become trade options. The Lightning scouted the Kings late last year. A Vancouver scout was said to be scouting the Lightning’s AHL affiliate. Wild backup, Josh Harding, will be a UFA at the end of the year. A long shot could be 28 year old Vasily Koshechkin, a 2002 draft pick playing in Russia.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Kyle Turris was originally going to be sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint, but will now remain with the Coyotes.
“Kyle has returned in phenomenal condition,” Maloney said. “We skated him hard two days in a row, and he looks strong and in shape, so we’ve decided to keep him with us. We still have the option to send him to Portland for a couple games next weekend, which we may, but it’s not in stone. We’re going to assess where he is in practice and potentially play him as early as next week.”
- Darren Millard via twitter: Millard wonders if last night will be the last straw in Washington. Will management make a coaching change?
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray told Nikita Filatov that he’d make a decision on his playing future by November 30th. Filatov has said he’d rather go play in the KHL if there isn’t a roster spot in Ottawa. He has 6 points in his last 2 games, 12 points total in 14 games (not including last night’s game).
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall left last night’s game with a shoulder injury.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Alex Edler suffered what looked to be a shoulder injury in the 2nd period last night.
- Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen took a shot off his right knee, just above the goalie pad. He left right after and didn’t return. (it also looked like he could have injured his groin.)
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars defenseman Trevor Daley left last night’s game with an upper-body injury.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs put defenseman Erik Johnson on the IR with a groin injury.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove link: Talk on the Flames and Iginla. Iginla may be thinking about moving on.
- Mike Brudenell of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings forward Patrick Eaves was taken off the ice on a stretcher after taking a shot off the side of the head/face. He was taken to a hospital, and was diagnosed with a fractured jaw.
Lightning looking for top 4 Dman … Plenty of goalies could be on the market … Avs Sacco and Sherman may be on hotseats
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on November 9th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun would like to see what the Blue Jackets can do when Jeff Carter returns, and adds that Steve Mason won’t be the starting goalie next season. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is working the phones trying to find a deal to help out his struggling team. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is looking to add a top 4 type defenseman. Blues GM Doug Armstrong won’t hesitate to make a trade or two if Hitchcock can’t lead them to a quick turnaround.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Panthers backup goalie Scott Clemmensen is in the final year of his deal and making $1.2 million. The Panthers may look to move to clear room for rookie Jacob Markstrom.
“You never know,” Tallon said. “There are things that can come into play moving forward. We’ll see what happens. I think we have good depth in our organization in goaltending. I’d rather err on the side of caution.”
If a team wanted to part with considerable assets, they may be able to pry Cory Schneider out of Vancouver or Jonathan Bernier out of LA. Evgeni Nabokov is being showcased by the Islanders. Nabokov is only earning $570,000 which may interest the Blue Jackets. Chris Botta is saying the asking price for Nabokov is a 2nd round pick, which may be a bit steep. Wild’s Josh Harding could be an option for some teams, but the Wild may not be actively looking to deal. He makes $750,000 and will be a UFA at the end of the season.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Despite being 7-7-1, the Avalanche have been struggling and “things are going to get serious” if it continues. Pressure is starting to mount on coach Joe Sacco and GM Greg Sherman. There have been ‘whisperings’ around the league about their job status. Dater wonders if Sacco is juggling lines too much? Puts guys in the doghouse too fast? Lose confidence in guys to fast?
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The NY Rangers acquired 23 year old winger Francois Bouchard from the Capitals for 21 year defenseman Tomas Kundratek. Both will remain in the AHL. Anton Stralman has been medically cleared and will join team his teammates for practice today.
Gagner may not be worth a 1st … Teams told Nash won’t be traded … Injury updates on Hemsky, Wolski, Parros, Gomez, Kostitsyn, Jokinen and Huselius
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 8th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Reader asks if the Oilers could get a 1st round pick for Sam Gagner from the Islanders? Matheson doesn’t think Gagner could get them a 1st round pick. He’s not a true playmaker or scorer. If they decide to move Gagner, they may package him with a defenseman to sweeten the pot. The Flames need a center but they wouldn’t trade him there. The Senators, Devils and Islanders could use a centerman. The Oilers have too many forwards and possibly too many defenseman. The Oilers want to see Ales Hemsky playing healthy before deciding to offer him a long-term contract. He could be looking for a 3 or 4 year deal, possibly around $5 million a season.
- Elliotte Freidman of CBC: If the St. Louis Blues are paying Ken Hitchcock less than $1.3 million, the Blue Jackets will make up the difference. When asked about why the Blues just don’t offer a million or less, Freidman found out that: there is a formula the NHL uses for situations like this where coaches receive an average salary of coaches that have similar experience. Rick Nash has a full no-trade clause for the next 3 seasons. Teams that have called about Nash have been told “He has not asked to be traded and will not be traded.” Martin Brodeur has indicated he wants to play next year.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky could return tonight. Coach Tom Renney said he’s thinking about it. Hemsky said: “I think I’m ready, but it’s not in my hands.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski will be out for a month as he requires surgery to repair a sports hernia. Wolski was placed on the IR on Friday.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks forward George Parros will be out a month after undergoing laser surgery on his left eye to correct a torn retina. Parros has hit with a deflected puck at Friday’s practice.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens center Scott Gomez is getting closer to returning to their lineup. When he returns it will put them with 5 centers, so 1 will have to move to the wing. It will have to be one of Gomez, Lars Eller or David Desharnais. Gomez is a better faceoff man and will likely center the 2nd or 3rd line. Eller found himself on the wing at yesterday’s practice. Gomez is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Coyotes.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Sergei Kostitsyn practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision for tonight. Kevin Klein didn’t practice but is a game time decision as well.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen may return to the lineup this week. He won’t play tonight but could go on Friday against the Rangers.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Kristian Huselius is still 2-3 weeks away from returning to the Blue Jackets lineup.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: If Kings coach Terry Murray sticks with the plan he laid out on Sunday, Jonathan Bernier should get the start tonight against the Predators.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight against the Blues.
Turris hurting his development … Moves could be happening in Columbus Monday … Lightning had interest in Bernier … Pronger video … Sutton hit
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 30th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Kyle Turris’ agent remains hopeful that he will get an offer sheet. Some league execs believe Turris and his agent Overhardt misplayed the situation. “The only one being hurt by this is the player because it’s hurting his development,” said a league executive speaking on the condition of anonymity. “I don’t know what has gone on there, but I don’t see (Turris) winning.” There were rumors that the Canucks may sign him to an offer sheet, but sources say that isn’t happening.
“Turris hasn’t been shopped around at all,” said the executive. “Any team that has spoken to Maloney has been told he’s not going to be dealt.”
Many believe that Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier could be the next to go. Bob Gainey could be his replacement, Lightning assistant GM Julien Brisebois is another option. The Blue Jackets have been trying to make a trade without much luck. GM Howson has refused to fire coach Scott Arniel, but he may have no choice soon. They are getting calls for defenseman Kris Russell and center Derick Brassard. The Lightning tried to trade for Jonathan Bernier at the draft and there is talk that the Kings may look to move him at some point. The Kings are trying to trade Dustin Penner and his $4.5 million salary. He may get more interest once his salary number goes down.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Flames: The NHL and NHLPA are looking at some prototype shoulder pads that are more form fitting and not made of hard plastic. The league is also looking into “neck guards, cut-proof underwear, Kevlar socks, longer gloves and wrist guard.” NHL realignment is becoming more complicated than a simple swap of the Jets and a Western Conference team. “The movement now revolves around having teams in four divisions with the playoff playdowns in each division first. Each team would play home and home games against each team outside its division.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Sources are saying that Blue Jackets president Mike Priest has contacted Ken Hitchcock about coming back to coach the team. Former GM Craig Button has also been contacted. GM Scott Howson and/or coach Scott Arniel could be fired on Monday. Other potential coaches/GMs may have been contacted. Button and Hitchcock worked together with the Stars in the 90′s.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Garrioch wonders when the heat will be turned up on Rangers coach John Tortorella.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer is “doubtful” for Ottawa.
- Tim Panaccio of the CSN Philly: Flyers center Danny Briere missed last night’s game due to an upper body injury. It’s not expected that he’ll miss more time.
- AP in the Globe and Mail: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger is suffering from some blurred vision from the eye drops and doesn’t know when he’ll return.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton will meet with Brendan Shanahan on Monday regarding his hit on Avs Gabriel Landeskog on Friday, and has been suspended for at least tonight’s game.
Brodeur and Hemsky injured … Gardiner to sit for Franson? Jackets may look for goalie … 7 teams interested in Turris … Asham KOs Beagle video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 14th, 2011
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur left last night’s game after the 1st period. Brodeur injured his right shoulder at 11:30 while diving for a puck. “It should be fine, just a matter of a couple days until the swelling goes down,” Brodeur said. “I was fully extended and just fell on it.” Brodeur hopes to travel with the team today.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner basically confirmed that he’ll be a healthy scratch on Saturday to make room for Cody Franson’s Leaf debut.
“They told me they were going to take me slow and ease me into playing time and stuff like that, so I kind of expected this,” Gardiner, 21, said. “It’s not the end of the world. I’m just going to play my best in practice and keep going.
“We have a lot of games coming up, and I’m looking forward to that. I’m sure I will play in a couple of those games at least.”
Gardiner has average 12 minutes in his first 2 games, is a -2 with no points or penalty minutes
- Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Former Flyer Mike Richards and the LA Kings will visit Philly on Saturday. “I try not to think about it as much as possible,” Richards said after Thursday’s morning skate at the Prudential Center. “It will be an exciting night once I get there.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: With this being an important season for the Blue Jackets and GM Scott Howson, Custance wonders how long they will stick with goalie Steve Mason if he struggles again. Howson opted against bringing in a veteran backup goalie as none of them have shown they can do it for 40-50 games. Howson may look to acquire goalie if Mason doesn’t work out. Cory Schneider could be an option but the Canucks are in no hurry to move him. Al Montoya of the Islanders played well last year. Jonathan Bernier is stuck behind Jonathan Quick.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky injured his shoulder in the 1st period of last night’s game versus the Wild. Renny said that Hemsky’s shoulder that “It’s sore. It’s not fatal. He’ll be back.” It is the right shoulder that he had surgery on in March.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Defenseman Paul Mara is still without a team. He’s talking to teams and looking for the right fit.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: As many as 7 teams have sent offers to Coyotes GM Don Maloney for RFA holdout Kyle Turris. Many of the offers have been “very strong” and likely that they included a quality roster player and a prospect. Maloney has recently indicated to other teams that he may be willing to move Turris for the right deal.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ducks defenseman Kurtis Foster will do a 2 game AHL conditioning assignment over the weekend.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators CEO says the NHL takes close to 50% of playoff revenue. If the Predators decide during to take on a salary like they did last year with Mike Fisher, GM Poile believes that ownership would allow him.
- In case you missed Arron Asham KOing Jay Beagle. Asham did say after the game that his post fight actions were classless.
Twitter notes involving the Maple Leafs and Gagner, Sabres, Jets, Rangers, Wild, Kings and Panthers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 6th, 2011
- Damien Cox via twitter: Persistant chatter that the Maple Leafs are interested in Sam Gagner of the Oilers. A defenseman would head to Edmonton.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: DeCock wonders that if Gagner his available, would he fit in Carolina, and what would it cost them?
- James Mirtle via twitter: Tim Connolly said his injury shouldn’t turn out to be anything long term. He’ll probably be ready for Game 3. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Connolly is out tonight but there’s a chance he goes Saturday.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: If Connolly comes off the IR on Saturday, the Leafs will need to clear a roster spot. Matt Frattin and Jake Gardiner don’t need to clear waivers. Dupuis needs to clear waivers. Waivers or a trade coming for the Leafs?
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Sabres have named Jason Pominville team captain.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Jets have claimed Brett MacLean off waivers. The Rangers have claimed Jeff Woywitka.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Wild have put Eric Nystrom on waivers.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings forward Dustin Penner is likely out for tomorrow’s game. Shawn Roarke via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings on Friday. Saturday’s starter is still undecided.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Answering my question on whether Jonathan Bernier will start somewhere this year, he gave a multiple choice answer: 1) next season 2) traded at deadline 3) Quick has unforeseen slump. He sees Quick starting 56 games and Bernier 36 games.
- George Richards via twitter: The Panthers will start Jose Theodore against the Islanders on Saturday.
Plenty of teams want to deal as NHL draft approaches … Doughty gets “major” offer … Bryzgalov deal could be done by Wednesday
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 20th, 2011
Update 9:49 am: Brian Compton via twitter: Niklas Lidstrom has agreed to a 1 year contract with the Red Wings,
Update 9:25 am: Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Red Wings have called an 11:00 am media conference call with Nicklas Lidstrom and Ken Holland.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo lists some trade scuttlebutt. Colorado: Would trade the 11th overall, looking for a goaltender, maybe Jonathan Bernier or Cory Schneider. The Avs want to keep the 2nd overall pick. Columbus: Could trade the 8th overall pick for an impact center or puck moving defenseman. Have talked with Philadelphia and Edmonton. Detroit: Could be offering up Jiri Hudler and/or Valtteri Filppula for a puck moving defenseman. Edmonton: Would like to get another pick in the top 10. Possible players they are shopping are Ales Hemsky, Tom Gilbert, Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano. New Jersey: Looking for a puck moving defenseman, rumored to have talked to Wild about Brent Burns. Wouldn’t mind moving the big contract of Brian Rolston and Dainius Zubrus. Philadelphia: Need to trade at least $5 million to be able to sign Ilya Bryzgalov, would like to get a top 10 pick in the draft. Matt Carle, Scott Hartnell and Kris Versteeg are available. Phoenix: Looking for a young goalie. Tampa Bay: Shopping Ryan Malone.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has said anyone is available except Mikko Koivu. Brent Burns might be being offered up for an impact forward. Fletcher has had preliminary talks with Burns’ agent. Burns will be a free agent after next year.
“Whether we make anything happen on the trade front, whether we add players or move up or down in the first round, you never know,” Fletcher said. “But I can guarantee you, whatever we do or don’t do, there will be an awful lot of conversations about an awful lot of things that may or may not make sense to us or the team we’re speaking with.
“Ninety percent of things discussed around the draft don’t happen, but there will be a lot of activity and we’ll be busy. What that means at end of day, we’ll find out.”
It’s likely the Wild will keep the 10th overall pick outright unless a “special scenario” presents itself. Niklas Backstrom, Martin Havlat, Marek Zidlicky and Matt Cullen have no-trade clauses. Teams might be interested in Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Nick Schultz and Greg Zanon. Cal Clutterbuck and AHL dman Marco Scandella may draw some interest, but the Wild may want to keep them. They’ve been trying to trade Cam Barker, but might end up buying him out. The Wild may be interested in moving up in the draft, but more likely, trading down to acquire another 1st or 2nd round pick.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Ilya Bryzgalov said the ball is in the Flyers court now. “Tuesday or Wednesday everything will be [done]. We are waiting for [Philadelphia].” Though a deal could be completed soon, they won’t be able to announce it until cap room is cleared.
- James Murphy via twitter: Tomas Kaberle would prefer to re-sign with the Bruins, and will be meeting with his agent and Peter Chiarelli in the next few days.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: The Kings may be looking to get back into the 1st round, but only if the deal makes sense. The Kings have made a “major” offer to Drew Doughty. Kings GM Dean Lombardi has made 2 trips in 4 weeks to Doughty’s agent (Don Meehan) office in Toronto. Lombardi would like to get a contract done before the draft, and isn’t overly concerned about an offer sheet. The Kings are still looking for a top-level forward through trade or free agency.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: The Lightning may be looking to trade up from 27th overall at this Friday’s draft. Head scout Al Murray, “There are eight to 10 players who are sort of the consensus top guys. … That next group of probably 40 players is all over the place, depending on individual team needs and individual preferences.” Talks involving a new contract for Sean Bergenheim may not be going great, and he could become a free agent on July 1st. His agent Todd Diamond on if a deal could get done before July 1st, “It’s not going to be easy, but stranger things can happen.” Steve Yzerman wants to get a deal done with Steven Stamkos by July 1st so no team could set the parameters on a new deal.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Tomas Vokoun’s agent, Michael C. Deutsch, “At this point it looks like he’ll hit the open market on July 1,” and “He’s keeping all his options open, including going back to Florida.” Panthers GM Dale Tallon didn’t rule out trying to re-sign Vokoun,
“We’ll see. It depends what happens between now and July 1. We’re not done yet,” Tallon told ESPN.com on Saturday. “There’s still lots of time. It’s hard to say what’s going to happen.”
It was reported a few days ago that Vokoun told a Czech newspaper that he might be interested in going to Colorado. His agent said those weren’t Vokoun’s quotes.
- Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators GM Bryan Murray said he’s spoken with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini about the 1st overall pick, but doubts the Oilers will move it. “I can imagine who they’d want from us,” Murray said, “our little right-shot defenceman I would think.” He was referring to Erik Karlsson, Murray said he’s not doing that.
Rangers should offer pick for Richards … Avs goalie options … Penguins start negotiations … Flames hope to re-sign Tanguay … Gunnarson could be trade bait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 24th, 2011
- Greg Brady via twitter: Sources tell Brady the earliest the Stanley Cup Finals would start would be next Monday. There will be no games on this Saturday regardless.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the Rangers wait until July 1st to go after Brad Richards, they’ll have steep competition in Toronto and Los Angeles, and the price may go up. Brooks thinks the Rangers should make an offer to the Stars before July 1st, so Richards an get acquainted with the organization, and they could get full info on his concussion this past season. Brooks thinks the Rangers should offer the Stars a 2nd round pick (#57) for Richards.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Dater doesn’t think the Avalanche will offer any a goalie a contract in the $5-6 million per season range. Free agent goalies in that range are Ilya Bryzgalov and Tomas Vokoun. Other possible goalies could be: Josh Harding – risky, JS Giguere – too many miles, Marty Turco – no thanks, Chris Osgood – pass. The trade route could be an option but comes with a price: Jonathan Quick, Jonathan Bernier, or Cory Schneider – all expensive. If they go after Vokoun, Dater would only offer a 3 year deal worth $10 million. Peter Budaj won’t be back, and they can’t go into the season hoping Brian Elliott is the answer.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Penguins have started negotiations with free agents Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp. Dupuis, 32, had a cap hit of $1.4 million last year. Rupp, 31, had a $825,000.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have begun talks with Craig Adams. Nothing is imminent but it’s possible that they could get a deal done this week.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames GM Jay Feaster said on the radio yesterday that he has confidence the Flames will re-sign winger Alex Tanguay. “We believe we can,” the general manager said on NHL Live. “We do want to get him signed.” Tanguay signed a 1 year deal worth $1.7 million last year, and recorded 22 goals and 69 points. The Flames have 17 players under contract for next year with a cap hit of $55.8 million with an expected cap around $62.2 million. Ales Kotalik and his $3 million salary could be off to the minors next season. The future of Niklas Hagman and his $3 million is also in doubt. The Flames hope to re-sign backup goalie Henrik Karlsson. They have 4 UFA defenseman, Anton Babchuk ($1.4 million), Adam Pardy ($700,000), Steve Staios ($2.7 million) and Brett Carson ($500,000). Brendan Mikkelson ($687,500) is a RFA.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: With the strong play of Maple Leafs prospects Jesse Blacker (Owen Sound) and Jake Gardiner, Carl Gunnarson could be vulnerable as Brian Burke continue to look for a number 1 center.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: St. Louis Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko has decided to spend another year in the KHL. Update: “Sibir GM tells SovSport the Blues made an “exclusive offer” to Tarasenko “like no other…guaranteeing he’d play.” “Sibir GM to Sovsport about the Blues’ offer to Tarasenko: “We had no idea the Blues wanted [Tarasenko] to come so bad. But it’d be better for him to play 1 more year in Russia before moving to the NHL.”
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Doug Weight is expected to announce his retirement today.
Bergeron has a mild concussion, Seguin could fill his spot … Flyers could use Bryzgalov … Pronger and Richards may need surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 8th, 2011
- Matt Kalman of the Boston Herald: Bruins center Patrice Bergeron has a “mild concussion” from a Claude Giroux hit in Game 4. He likely won’t be available for the start of their series with Tampa Bay. This is Bergeron’s 3rd publicized concussion, he missed almost an entire year from his 1st concussion (2007-08 season), over a month from his second (Dec. 2008). Tyler Seguin is expected to replace Bergeron if he can’t go. Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chirarelli all but said Seguin would in the lineup if Bergeron isn’t able to play, Seguin “certainly deserves a chance.” Seguin was a healthy scratch down the stretch and hasn’t played in any of their 11 playoff games.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Carchidi thinks that Ilya Bryzgalov would be the “perfect complement” to Sergei Bobrovsky. If they were to sign Bryzgalov, they likely wouldn’t be able to re-sign Ville Leino, and would have to move out a high paid defenseman. They could also look at trading for one of Jonathan Bernier or Cory Schneider.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers will find out tomorrow if Chris Pronger and Mike Richards require off-season surgery. Pronger has a back issue, and Richards finished out the season with an injured wrist. Andreas Nodl’s upper-body injury was a concussion.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: NY Rangers prospect Chris Kreider probably won’t be suiting up for team next year. “I don’t feel like I’m ready for the NHL ,” said Kreider “Another year [at Boston College ] can’t hurt.”
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