Posts Tagged Jonathan Cheechoo

Markstrom looking good … Coaching change coming for CBJ? CAL, CBJ, TB, and MON need to make a move … Green to be a FA at end of season

  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers rookie goalie Jacob Markstrom looked good last night. Jose Theodore has a ‘core injury’ but looked fine at practice.

    “Sometimes you have to go on performance and Marky played so well in the third period [Saturday] and earned his place in net,’’ Dineen said. “Theo’s our starter and a great player. He’s going to get back in there soon. Jacob not only earned that start but earned that victory.’’

    Fialkov can’t see Markstrom not remaining with the team all season, even after Scott Clemmensen comes back from injury. George Richards via twitter: “Not right now he isn’t” was Richards response to whether Markstrom will be sent the minors when Clemmensen is healthy.

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: There are rumors that the Blue Jackets ownership are considering forcing a coaching change, possibly bringing back Ken Hitchcock. They are paying him $1.3 million already. Friedman sees this as a lose-lose for everyone. With Florida trading David Booth for contracts that expire after this season, it opens up top 6 positions for next year, possibly for Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad or Quinton Howden. Maple Leafs say they weren’t sniffing around Booth.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that shouldn’t wait long before making a move are the Flames, Blue Jackets, Lightning and Canadiens.Flames: “I am both making and receiving calls as it relates to possible deals, although there is nothing imminent, and for the most part the calls are more about finding out what fellow GMs are thinking,” Feaster wrote in an email. “We learned last year that we simply cannot dig a big hole for ourselves and then try to make a mad dash for the final playoff spot.”

    The Blue Jackets are winless and need to make a trade or coaching change before the season is completely lost.

    The Canadiens and Lightning need a defenseman. Andrei Markov is out until at least November. Mattias Ohlund is out longer than expected. Eric Brewer is playing with an injury. “According to an NHL source, both the Canadiens and Lightning have had conversations with the Toronto Maple Leafs about a deal involving one of Toronto’s defensemen.”

  • The Fourth Period: Capitals defenseman Mike Green will be a free agent after this season, and carries a $5.25 million salary cap hit. Green could be looking for a $6 million plus on a long term deal, especially if he puts together another good season. It’s uncertain when both sides will begin contract discussions.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Berstein answers a question about what the return for Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier would be with “More than anyone willing to give now.”
  • Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Teams scouting the Panthers-Canadiens game last night: Blues and Maple Leafs (2 of them), Avalanche, Red Wings, Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Kings, Penguins, Wild, Capitals, Senators and Coyotes.

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Roster cuts and notes for the Flyers, Maple Leafs, Ducks, Wild, Blues and Capitals

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers released Michael Nylander and Adam Mair. They have 29 players left in camp, and will likely open the season with 22 players. Still battling for a roster spot are Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, Matt Read, Zac Rinaldo and Tom Sestito.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs are down to 29 in camp after cutting 14 players yesterday.  They put Luca Caputi, Jeff Finger, Ryan Hamilton and Mike Zigomanis on waivers. Joe Colburne’s inconsistent play found him among the cuts. Veterans in Trouble: Tyler Bozak is tied to Kyle Turris trade rumors, and a healthy Matthew Lombardi could steal his spot. Mike Komisarek has a limited no-trade clause, is from Long Island, and they need a defenseman. Carl Gunnarsson could be their best overall Dman, but there is no hype about him, and he is a Ferguson draft pick. Matt Lashoff could be the odd man out. On the Bubble: Nazem Kadri chances lessened with Matthew Lombardi getting closer, but he has played well. Matt Frattin may benefit from starting with the Marlies. Jake Gardiner’s play is worthy of a roster spot but numbers may mean he starts with the Marlies. Keith Aulie hasn’t done anything wrong but doesn’t need to clear waivers to be sent to the Marlies. Ben Scrivens needs to play, so he may be better served with the Marlies than as James Reimer’s backup.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks cut 6 players yesterday, putting their camp roster down to 37. Emerson Etem was sent back to junior, with Mark Bell, Rick Schofield, Matt Kennedy, Jake Newton and Mathieu Carle going to Syracuse of the AHL. Bell and Carle need to clear waivers.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues cut their roster down to 29. Their likely is only 1 spot  available with Ryan Reaves possibly leading a group of Chris Porter, Evgeny Grachev, Adam Cracknell and Philip McRae. Jonathan Cheechoo was among the cuts. Strickland thinks that Brian Elliott’s experience gives him the nod over Ben Bishop. Scott Nichol, rehabbing from shoulder surgery, has yet to get into a pre-season game but could get into their remaining 3 games.
  • Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Capitals cut 6 players yesterday, putting them at 29: 17 forwards, 10 defensemen and 2 goaltenders. Braden Holtby, Matt Ford and Patrick Wellar were sent to the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Christian Hanson, Ryan Potulny and Danny Richmond need to clear waivers before they can be assigned to Hershey.

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Marchand still without deal … NHLPA should be polled on fighting … 2 spots open on Blues roster … Pandolfo gets PTO … No PTO for McCabe and Samsonov … Wild lines

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: There’s 12 days until the start of Bruins camp and Brad Marchand still hasn’t re-signed. GM Peter Chiarelli and agent Wade Arnott won’t comment. 3 comparables that will likely be used are: James van Riemsdyk’s 6 years and $25.5 million, Logan Couture 2 years at $5.75 million, and on the low end Nathan Gerbe 3 years at $4.3 million. Shinzawa thinks Marchand should come in just under Couture’s deal, possibly a 2 year deal at $5 million.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks the NHLPA should poll it’s members to see if they think fighting should stay in the NHL and the ones doing the fighting deserve to be heard.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues may have only 2 spots open on their 23 man roster heading into training camp which starts on the 16th. David Perron won’t be ready for camp. The Blues have 12 forwards and 5 defenseman (Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk are on 2-way deals but will be with the team) on 1-way contracts. Basically Chris Porter, Evgeny Grachev, Jonathan Cheechoo and Ryan Reaves will be battling for the final 2 spots.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Bryan McCabe and Sergei Samsonov are likely reluctant to accept a tryout invite and are hoping for a deal. They might wait and see if there are training camp injuries.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Wild’s lines could look like: Mikko Koivu-Devin Setoguchi-Dany Heatley, Matt Cullen-Guillaume Latendresse-P-M Bouchard. Darroll Powe-Kyle Brodziak-Cal Clutterbuck, Colton Gillies-Eric Nystrom-Brad Staubitz.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Eric Belanger signed a 3 year deal with the Oilers earlier this off-season, his 7th team since the lockout. It will be his oldest daughter (8 years old) 4th school in 4 years. “It’s the reality of the new NHL. You see lots of guys moving around. It’s not a bad thing. It means lots of teams want you. You’re doing something right. I actually was in one organization for 10 years, in Los Angeles. But since the lockout, I have moved around. Every place I’ve been has been nice,” he said.

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Burke talks music and Leafs (audio) … Leafs trade assets … Would Devils trade Brodeur? Staal skates … DiPietro to IR … Video of Cooke hit on Yandle

  • Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke was on the morning show yesterday morning talking about music and the Maple Leafs.
  • 98.5 The Sports Hub Audio: Bruins President Cam Neely joined Felger and Mazz to break down the team’s recent slump. Is Neely happy with the job head coach Claude Julien is doing? Will any moves be made? Neely gives us the answers.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs have some trade assets that could help the future. Names that might come up at the trade deadline or before are Francois Beauchemin, Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Tomas Kaberle.
  • Scott Burnside of ESPN: The New Jersey Devils season is all but over, 18 points out with no signs of things turning around. Could they look at trading Martin Brodeur to a contender? He has another year left at $5.2 million. Would the Washington Capitals or Tampa Bay Lightning be interested? The LA Kings may look into adding another defenseman before the trade deadline, as Willie Mitchell’s has been unable to remain healthy. He’s played only 15 games and is week-to-week with a knee injury.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Vancouver might trade Kevin Bieksa when Sami Salo returns (it’s still not known exactly when he’ll return). Rick Rypien, who left the Canucks for personal reasons, isn’t expected to be back with the team this season, and it’s possible that he may never return. Former NHLer, current AHLer, Jonathan Cheechoo has a bruised kidney and some internal bleeding. The Islanders may look to trade winger Matt Moulson if he wants more money than they want to give him. The Isles may offer Doug Weight one more kick at the can and send him to a contender if he wants too.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jordan Staal skated for 30 minutes yesterday with their strength and conditioning coach. He didn’t wear a glove over his surgically repaired hand, nor did he do any stick handling drills. It’s been 50 days since the surgery.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Even though the NY Islanders 3rd sting goal, Nathan Lawson, got the start of Dwayne Roloson, a trade of Roloson is not imminent. Botta thinks the Isles would ask for a 2nd round pick for Roloson if they decide to trade him.
  • The Globe and Mail: The New York Islanders have put Rick DiPietro and defenceman Mike Mottau on injured reserve. DiPietro will be eligible to return in 7 days. Mottau will have surgery on his hip and will be out the remainder of the season.
  • Mike Vogel via twitter: Washington Capitals winger Matt Bradley has a broken finger and will miss 2-4 weeks.
  • Yesterday @jimbalsillie tweeted “Hi again, social friends! Very early morning. Nashville bound today! And not to learn how to write a country song. Stay tuned.” Later on Bob McKenzie let the world know it was a fake account and to get back to Christmas shopping.
  • Matt Cooke’s elbow to Keith Yandle from Sunday night. Yandle called for a 5 game suspension. What do you think of it?

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Modin signing with the Thrashers … Cheechoo gets tryout from Stars … Kozlov still wants to play in NHL

  • TSN: A Swedish website is reporting that the Atlanta Thrashers have signed winger Fredrik Modin. Modin struggled last season, recording only 11 points in 44 games.
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Slava Kozlov’s agent, Scott Lites, told the Sporting News that his client hasn’t given up playing in the NHL. He has been offered a couple tryouts, but is unlikely to accept that option.
  • David Pollak  of the San Jose Mercury News: Owen Nolan passed on the Minnesota Wild in hopes that he could land a contract from the San Jose Sharks, but the team is looking to go younger. The Wild went out and signed 3 free agents, leaving no room for Nolan. Nolan still hopes to land somewhere.

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Are the Kings interested in Gagne and others? Modano has 4 options … Not much going on for Frolov

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:  One report is saying the Los Angeles Kings are out of the running for Simon Gagne, and another says they are still interested. Things were quiet involving Tomas Kaberle over the weekend, but should pick up this week.

Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott wonders how the Kings can become more attractive to free agents. Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds will be free agents soon, and will they want to re-sign with a team that can’t draw top free agents? The Kings may have to go the trade route to fill some holes in their roster. If the Devils sign Kovalchuk, they’ll have to clear out some salary. Brian Rolston could be available, but he’s 37 and has a $5.062 cap hit. Tomas Kaberle is an option but the Leafs probably want prospects and picks (nope … they’d like a top 6 forward, maybe a Wayne Simmonds or Dustin Brown). The Kings like Simon Gagne, and the Flames may deal Robyn Regehr. Marc Savard could fit but the Kings may not be on the 5 team list Savard has.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Alexander Frolov hasn’t received much interest, other than the Rangers doing some brief tire kicking.

Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: A “good-faith” move by Jaroslav Halak  by not filing for salary arbitration.

Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Evgeni Nabokov couldn’t agree on a contract with SKA St. Petersburgh.

Ansar Khan of MLive: The Detroit Red Wings are close to signing 3 of their restricted free agents to 1 year contracts: Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller and Derek Meech. GM Ken Holland isn’t close to signing Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, both could get long-term deals later on in the summer though.

John Shannon via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings and 3 other teams are interested in Mike Modano.

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune: Mike Modano hasn’t heard from the Chicago Blackhawks, but they could be an option for him as they are looking for some 3rd/4th line depth (cost friendly depth). “I’d like to see what kind of wiggle room they have left under the salary cap, if they can fill that third- or fourth-line void and see how I would fit in with those guys,” said Modano. “They have a great nucleus of kids. So there is a lot of interest there. Obviously, coming off the type of year they’ve had there’s a lot of excitement for anybody who has Chicago on their list of options.”

Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Blake Wheeler filed for arbitration yesterday, but Wheeler’s agent plans on working hard to get a deal done. They haven’t had much discussion with GM Peter Chiarelli as he’s been busy with the draft and free agency. Mark Stuart didn’t file for arbitration as he and Bruins are close to a 1-year extension. Boston re-signed both Nathan McIver and Nolan Schaefer.

Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski filed for salary arbitration yesterday, but after the meeting his agent and GM Bob Murray last week, they appear to be on the “same page”. More discussions should take place before their arbitration meeting which would be between July 20th and August 5th.

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No contract coming for Mike Modano from Dallas … More players placed on waivers today

  • TSN: Ethan Moreau, Robert Nilsson and Patrick O’Sullivan were all placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers with the purpose of buying out them out. Other players that have been placed on waivers are Nathan Oystric (Ana.), Todd Fedoruk (TB), Donald Brashear (NYR), Aaron Voros (NYR) and Patrick Rissmiller (NYR). Players who cleared waivers today and are now eligible to be bought out: Jonathan Cheechoo, Petteri Nokelainen, Ales Kotalik, Jim Vandermeer, and Ville Koistenen.
  • TSN: The Dallas Star will not be offering Mike Modano a contract for next season. Modano is an unrestricted free agent, but is still unsure if he will retire or not. They’d love to bring in back in a front office capacity.

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Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out

  • 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.

Complete Draft Results

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Not many trades at the draft, but that could change now … Savard to Leafs?

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It appears that the Toronto Maple leafs are considering trading for Marc Savard. Savard is willing to waive his no trade clause for either Toronto or Ottawa. Savard received a concussion from a Matt Cooke hit last season, and has a cap hit of about $4 million for 7 years. His contract is front end loaded. Cox thinks it could be a risky pick up for the Leafs but one the Leafs may not be able to resist. It is speculated that if the LA Kings don’t sign Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look at Tomas Kaberle. The Lightning also showed some interest in Kaberle, and could offer up Ryan Malone.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The price to acquire Marc Savard will be much cheaper than that for Tim Thomas. Savard may not be a ‘Burke-type’ player, but adding Phil Kessel’s old center is intriguing. Burke can’t say much due to tampering rules. Kaberle is not expected to be in any talks for Savard. McGran thinks the Bruins could be talked into Mikael Grabovski. Savard’s salary and his concussion last year could bring down the price.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs won’t do a Kaberle for Savard deal. Rumors are floating around that GM Peter Chiarelli has downgraded his demands for Savard, possibly prospects and/or draft picks. Longley thinks the Leafs could get Savard for Grabovski or Nikolai Kulemin and others. Things for Kaberle could pick on later on this week for Tomas Kaberle, to land another top forward.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Ottawa Senators are unable to re-sign Andy Sutton and Anton Volchenkov, they could take a look at Sheldon Souray. Jonathan Cheechoo could be included as they’d need the cap numbers to be similar, the Oilers could then buyout Cheechoo as they have the space to absorb the cap hit. Defensemen Brian Lee and Chris Campoli may also be on the trading block. The Senators may take a look at signing Dan Hamhuis or Sergei Gonchar if they become available.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Penguins are trying to sign recently acquired UFA, Dan Hamhuis. They are also still talking Sergei Gonchar, who wants a 3 year deal, which he won’t get from Pittsburgh. If they can’t reach an agreement soon, they’ll look to trade his rights. The Devils acquired Jason Arnott a couple weeks ago in hope of getting Patrick Elias going. The Buffalo Sabres were originally looking to draft a forward, but went with Mark Pysyk. The Minnesota Wild won’t be bring Owen Nolan back next season. He’d like to finish his career in San Jose but Pittsburgh and Washington would give him a better chance to win the cup. The Washington Capitals are looking for a number 2 center in the $3.5 million range or less (I think Matthew Lombardi could be an interesting fit, though in this weak free agent crop, he may get more than $3.5 mill).
  • Damian Cristero of the St. Petersberg Times: There was talk over the weekend that the Tampa Bay Lightning showed interest in trading for Tomas Kaberle, and the rights to Evgeni Nabokov and Chris Mason. It might take a Ryan Malone to get Kaberle, which may not make sense for them. Nabokov’s rights went to the Flyers. Yzerman doesn’t expect to make a big splash in free agency, though he will be looking at adding a goalie. Options could be: Mason, Marty Turco, Michael Leighton, Dan Ellis, Martin Biron and Jose Theodore.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: While most teams shied away from the Russians at the draft, the Capitals picked up 2 of the top Russians, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stanislav Galiev. GM George McPhee believes the lure of playing with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, while give some Russians a stronger desire to play in the NHL.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Columbus GM Scott Howson on how it can be hard to make a trade at the draft, “It’s very difficult to go to a team right at the draft table and say ‘Do you want this player?’ because they haven’t thought about it and haven’t done enough work on it, so they get uncomfortable with it. They’re focused on the draft.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Teams weren’t that focused on trading/unloading players at the draft, they were more concentrated on drafting players or trading for draft picks, moving up or down.

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More on the Flyers goalie situation … Leafs and Blue Jackets interested in Patrick Sharp …

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Carchidi thinks the Flyers should re-sign Leighton and go after a ‘more proven goalie’. Brian Boucher is still under contract for one more year (at a reasonable number), and they could try to get him through waivers, as injuries happen and he’s still a capable goalie if they need him. Jeff Carter’s name will continue to circulate the rumor mill as the Flyers are deep in capable centers (Richards, Danny Briere, and Giroux). LA’s Quick and Bernier are mentioned, with Bernier seeming to get the nod as the Kings ‘goalie of the future’. They could make a bid for Cory Schneider (for a defenseman), but he may be more for the future and not the ‘proven goalie’. They could ask Gagne if he’d waive his no trade to go to Montreal for Carey Price (would have to send more to Montreal in my opinion). The safest option might be to go after UFA Dan Ellis. The 30-year old Ellis posted a 2.69 GAA and .909 SV% last season with the Predators, where he made $2 million as mainly a backup to Pekka Rinne. If the Flyers want to spend more, they could look at Evgeny Nabokov or Marty Turco.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets have shown interest in the Blackhawks Patrick Sharp. Sharp has a cap hit of $3.9 million, with 2 years remaining on his contract. The ‘Hawks could interested in a high draft pick or top prospect. I think the Leafs could offer the option of also taking on another unwanted contract, but probably not one of the big ones as they don’t have a ton of salary room themselves (they are not going to bury 3-4 big contracts in the minors as per many Torontians wishes). Their is speculation that the Oilers could be interested in Kris Versteeg and his $3 million salary, 2 years remaining. UFA’s John Madden, Nick Boyton, and Kim Johnsson are as good as gone.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Jason Spezza appears to be available for trade before his ‘no-trade clause’ kicks in on July 1st. GMs are doing some tire-kicking with regards to trade talks according to Kings GM Dean Lombardi. Warren wonders if the Senators and Oilers would consider a similar trade as the Heatley offer, Spezza for Dustin Penner, Andrew Cogliano andLadislav Smid (suggested elsewhere in the past)? Would the Blue Jackets be interested in Spezza to center Rick Nash (I think the Sens would want the 4th overall pick)? Could the Florida Panthers do deal involving Spezza and Nathan Horton plus others?
  • Andrew Gross of The Record: Gross thinks that the Capitals will likely look at trading Alexander Semin and his $6 million cap hit (he signed a 1-year deal with the Caps during the season). I think this might be a good move for the Caps as if would shed $6 million and allow them to bring in some depth from trading Semin, as well as any other deals they could make. To get full value for Semin, the team acquiring him may want to get an extension in place before they make the deal, similar as to what has been talked about in a Tomas Kaberle trade. Now before Leafs fans start thinking of a Semin for Kaberle, I doubt it would happen. Sure, Semin is extremely skilled but he is really soft, more so than Phil Kessel. I don’t think Semin is what Burke is looking for, though I could be wrong. Kaberle would interest the Capitals (could you image that PP of Kaberle, Green, Ovechkin, Backstom and anyone else?). I could see Semin to someone, and a separate or 3 team deal with Kaberle heading to Washington.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: The Red Wings offered Todd Bertuzzi a 2 year contract, but it may not be more than the $1.5 million he made last season (probably closer to $1 million), so he may test the market to see what he can get elsewhere. After signing their RFAs, they’ll need find the best player possible who’ll sign for $1 million or less, on a short term contract. Several names that have been mentioned; Freddy Modin but he’ll probably want more money, same goes for Owen Nolan. Two front runners could be Mike Comrie if he could commit to a 2-way game, and Arron Asham.
  • TSN: Back on March 2nd, the Philadelphia Flyers offered Peter Forsberg a contract to join the team for the remainder of the season, but he rejected it do to injuries and “wasn’t in good enough shape to join.” As in typical Forsberg fashion, he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NHL but he still doesn’t “know if I can come back and play hockey again”.

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Cheechoo to be bought out … Red Wings news … Blues-Mason talking

  • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The writing is already on the wall that Jonathan Cheechoo will be bought out by the Ottawa Senators. The 2 week buyout period begins Tuesday, where teams can buyout the contracts at 2/3 their value, and payable over 2x the amount of years left on the contract. Cheechoo’s $3.5 million for next season would turn out to be $1,165,500 cap hit for the next 2 seasons.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland was on the “NHL Live” radio program, and said they are looking towards drafting a forward with their 21st overall pick at this years NHL Draft. “We’ve got some young defensemen coming,” Holland said. “Probably, ideally, you’d like to find some forwards with some scoring touch. Again, if there’s a defenseman there that we feel has fallen, we’ll take him.” Holland also talked about the Bertuzzi contract talks and he didn’t seem to optomistic as the numbers may not fit. “Obviously, in a cap world, the situation we’re in, we don’t have a ton of money. Todd had a great year for us, and I’m sure he’s gonna have some decisions to make come July 1. We’ll continue to talk to him. We’d like to have him back, but obviously, there’s gotta be a fit financially for the player and for us. Talks are ongoing. We’ll see where they go.”
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Wings re-signed Dman Doug Janik for 2 years (1st year is 2-way, 2nd year is 1-way). Jason Williams was informed yesterday that he won’t be back. The Wings still would like to add 1 more Dman, Andreas Lilja or another cheap Dman. They are still unsure if they are going to offer a contract to Kirk Maltby. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will get a qualifying offer.
  • The Calgary Herald: Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter confirmed on The Fan 960, that Vesa Toskala won’t be back the Flames, so they’ll be looking for a backup to lessen the load of Miikka Kiprusoff. Kiprusoff has played over 73 games in each of the last 5 seasons. The Flames are in preliminary negotiations with UFA Eric Nystrom and RFA Ian White.
  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Boston Bruins assistant coach Craig Ramsay was interviewed by the Atlanta Thrashers for the head coaching. The Thrashers are also interested in John Torchetti

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Kings to go after Kovalchuk or Marleau? Canadiens defense for Game 6 …

  • Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Maclean, LeBrun, Healy, and Mad Mike discuss the Phoenix situation, LA to go after Kovalchuk
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Los Angeles Kings plan A this off-season is to attempt to sign Ilya Kovalchuk, with plan B being Patrick Marleau if he isn’t re-signed by the Sharks. If the Kings miss out on both, they’ll look to bring in forward(s) through trade. The have plenty of assest and some extra cap room. Rumors are that Kovalchuk could get a $12 million offer from the KHL. Anton Volchenkov and Alexander Frolov are also expected to get offers from the KHL. Contract talks between Bobby Ryan’s camp and the Anaheim Ducks have started up this past week, and they are also considering moving Ryan to center. Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer are still undecided if they are going to play next season or not. Niedermayer is expected to decide by the Draft.
  • The Globe and Mail: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Hal Gill will be evaluated today after have the back of his leg accidently stepped on by Chris Kunitz in the 3rd period of last nights game. He did skate off by himself, but did not return.
  • Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The Canadiens are trying to find a knee brace for Andre Markov, who is out with a torn ACL, that would allow him to play in Game 6. Gauthier would not comment on the situation.
  • The Ottawa Sun: Results from a fan survey involving the Ottawa Senators. 92% want Jonathan Cheechoo gone, 71% would like to get rid of Alex Kovalev. 75% think the Sens should trade Brian Lee while they can. 44% think they should trade Jason Spezza. 74% of fans think they should keep Brian Elliot and 52% think Pascal Leclaire should be dealt.

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