Posts Tagged Jonathan Ericsson
Stamkos talks continue, unfounded twitter trade rumor … Semin being shopped … Doughty talks moving slowly … Leafs re-sign Bozak
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 6th, 2011
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: The Lightning and Steven Stamkos continued negotiating yesterday. It’s “A work in progress” according to GM Steve Yzerman. Stamkos’ agent Mark Guy in a text, “Still working on it.” There was an unfounded twitter rumor that Stamkos’ rights would be sent to the Maple Leafs, and Evgeni Malkin would end up in Tampa Bay.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Capitals are rumored to be shopping Alex Semin around the league with the Canadiens, Predators, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Penguins and Sharks possibly interested. Jets Dman Zach Bogosian’s name has been linked to Semin.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that if Alexander Semin is traded, McPhee would ship him West.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Negotiations between Drew Doughty and the LA Kings aren’t moving along quickly. Kings GM Dean Lombardi,
“I am getting the feeling on Drew that unfortunately this could take a while. As we just saw this past week free agency produces a frenzy for players at all levels. We must be judicious about not getting into this market for our own players. Therefore it is critical with Drew that the dollars reflect a fair rate of return regarding the term of the contract. We must be prepared to do what it takes to get it right.”
Lombardi added that they’d match any offer sheet. The Kings may be waiting to see what kind of deal the Predators and Shea Weber come too. Doughty’s agent Don Meehan in an email, “There is nothing new to report concerning any further discussions concerning Drew Doughty.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Tyler Bozak re-signs with the Maple Leafs for 2 years, $3 million. (Last night there were reports that he signed for 2 years, $1.9 million)
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Capitals are about $545,000 under the salary cap with RFAs Troy Brouwer and Karl Alzner still unsigned. They are able to go over the cap by 10% during the summer, and in the fall they might put Tom Poti and Eric Fehr on LTIR if they are not fully healed. The Capitals could also look at some trades to create some flexibility. Ted Leonsis wrote, “We will look to make some trades in the off season maybe even sign another free agent. We will continue to look at all of our options. We may not be able to get anything done. We may be able to do something. Time will tell.”
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: After locking up Andrew Ladd yesterday, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is hopeful to get a deal done with Blake Wheeler soon,
“We had great conversations with his representative (Tuesday) and those will be ongoing,” said Cheveldayoff. “The fact he filed for salary arbitration doesn’t mean much at this time. We have a lot of time to get a deal done.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dipatch: The Blue Jackets are still looking to add a defenseman to play with newly re-signed Marc Methot on the 2nd pairing. They are talking with Bryan McCabe, Brent Sopel, Scott Hannan and some others.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Ales Hemsky will be in the last year of his deal and will make $4.1 million. It’s sounding like he’d like to re-sign with Oilers.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent has said that Varlamov has signed a deal with the Avalanche, and that talk about door being open to the KHL are lies.
NHL free agent rumors | NHL rumors and notes involving Hudler, Vokoun, Kings, Ducks, Jagr, Penguins, Avs, Coyotes, Kennedy, Jets, and Varlamov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2011
- Greg Brady via twitter: The Red Wings were offering Jiri Hudler to many teams at the draft.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs signed Jay Rosehill late Wednesday and he could fill Colton Orr’s role, who could be in doubt. Luke Schenn won’t be going anywhere. The Leafs aren’t a in hurry to get a deal done, and Schenn’s side may want to wait to see what comparables sign for. They won’t overpay Clarke MacArthur after 1 good season and appear fine with going to arbitration.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings will be focusing on ‘mid-range’ wingers during free agency. The Ducks will be looking at 3rd and 4th line players. The Kings have $16 million in cap space, but that will decrease with Drew Doughty’s deal. The Kings are unlikely to re-sign Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Ducks won’t re-sign Jarkko Ruutu, Brad Winchester, Andreas Lilja and Ray Emery. Teemu Selanne had arthroscopic surgery last week and won’t decide until later this summer if he’ll play or not.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche are sitting about $15 million below the salary floor. Their biggest need is between the pipes as they don’t have a starter or backup. Tomas Vokoun is likely the best option. The Coyotes could also be in the bidding for Vokoun. Other possibilities for the Avs are: Jose Theodore, Ray Emery, Pascal LeClaire, Mike Smith, Chris Osgood, Marty Turco, Ty Conklin, Josh Harding and Brian Boucher. The Avs could also look at adding a position player, possibly Ville Leino, Sean Bergenheim, and Joel Ward. They could be tempted to make an offer to Ed Jovanovski.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes will look at adding a goalie. Tomas Vokoun could be an option, he could be seeking a 3 year deal worth $9.5 million from Florida. “We’re having conversations with Fiddler’s agent, Vrbata’s agent,” Maloney said. “We’d like to retain (them) if the contracts make sense.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues don’t plan on making any major acquisitions today. They will look at adding a couple complimentary players. “The teams are making their decisions on their players, signing them and not letting them get to free agency,” Armstrong said. “If you’re trying to create your team on July 1st, I think that’s a very slippery slope.”
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jaromir Jagr’s “heart is in Pittsburgh.” according to his agent. Penguins GM Ray Shero spoke with Jagr’s agent again yesterday, and continue to wait on a decision if he’ll accept a 1 year deal in the $2 million range. Shero is making progress on a Tyler Kennedy deal. Reports are saying the Flyers could be interested in Jagr, but no offer has been made. The Canadiens could be a wild-card team.
- Brian Wilde via twitter: ESPN is reporting that Jagr’s agent was in Montreal last night, and Jagr has expressed in playing with the Canadiens.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins should hear back from Tyler Kennedy this morning on a possible 2 year deal.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: As of yesterday afternoon the Jets weren’t close to re-signing Andrew Ladd or Zach Bogosian.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Lou Lamoriello has spoken with Andy Greene’s agent the last 2 days, and plans to do so again today.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent said that he won’t play for Lokomotiv of the KHL. If he can’t work out a deal to play for SKA, he will head back to the NHL.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jonathan Ericsson signed a 3 year deal worth $9.75 million with Red Wings.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that Ed Jovanovski or James Wisniewski are more likely than Tomas Kaberle in Detroit.
Morning news and rumors involving Ehrhoff, Montador, Oshie, Maple Leafs, Wisniewski, Penguins, Canadiens, Jets and Sens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2011
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: After the Sabres acquired the rights to Christian Ehrhoff, they sent the rights to Steve Montador to the Blackhawks for a conditional 2012 or 2013 7th round draft pick.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Islanders reportedly offered Christian Ehrhoff a 6 year deal worth close to $33 million before his rights were moved on.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: An official announce should come later this morning, but the Blues and TJ Oshie have reached an agreement on a deal, possibly for 1 year.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs have shown interest in UFAs, Brad Richards, Christian Ehrhoff, Scottie Upshall, and Max Talbot.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: On James Wisniewski’s rights being sent to Columbus.
“I called James and his response was ‘Let’s go. We’re going,’” Zito said. “His level of enthusiasm for (Columbus) was pretty high.
“I grabbed a shirt and shoes and flew to Detroit (from Chicago) to meet him last night. Then we flew together to Columbus and got here around midnight. So here we are. I look forward to meeting with the guys and seeing what they’re thinking.”
Both sides are expected to meet around 8:30 this morning. Zito wouldn’t say the term and money they are seeking.
- Rob Rossi and Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sources are saying the Penguins have offered Jaromir Jagr a 1 year deal worth $2 million. As of last night they still hadn’t heard back from him. The Red Wings and Canadiens have made offers to Jagr as well. Jagr was to land in the US late yesterday afternoon, but after 6 pm, Jagr’s agent Petr Svoboda was not returning messages. The Penguins are about $6 million below the cap, but would like to keep $1.5 million free for in-season moves. Aaron Asham signed last night for 1 year, $775,000. GM Ray Shero still hopes to re-sign Tyler Kennedy and Michael Rupp by Friday.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens will have some extra cash to spend tomorrow as Roman Hamrlik rejected their 1 year offer, and James Wisniewski rights were sent to Columbus. After Yannick Weber signed a 2 year deal worth $1.7 million, the Canadiens have 17 players under contract with a cap hit of just over $50 million. They still need to sign Josh Gorges, Ryan White, another forward and a backup goalie. Players that could interest the Canadiens are: Michael Rupp, Tyler Kennedy, Aaron Asham, Ville Leino, Ben Eager, Michael Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Winnipeg Jets probably won’t be able to land a big name, but here is a list of players that could fit the mould of someone they might be interested in: Max Talbot, Joel Ward, Sean Bergenheim, Chris Higgins, Jonathan Ericsson, Cody McCormick, Vernon Fiddler, Rick Rypien, Shane Hnidy, Jason Jaffray.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators would like to sign a player who could play on their top 2 lines and a backup goalie.
“There will be a couple of guys we will discuss, and there might be the same type of situation that, after Day 1 or Day 2 or Day 3, the guy that we like hasn’t signed yet and is wondering what’s going to happen with himself, and may be very willing to come to a younger team, that he may feel he has a real good chance to get a good spot and produce.
“We need probably three goalies in the organization. we need a backup here, we need a backup in Binghamton, and we need a fifth guy. So right now, that’s been the talk here between our staff. But we’ve also looked at guys that are young and we think have Top 6 forward potential, but we have to see where it all plays out on Day 1 and Day 2.”
Richards update … Lightning have plenty of free agents to deal with … All quiet in Leafland … Jets, Wings, Sens, Hurricanes, Caps and Flyers rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times during this Entry Draft weekend in Minnesota: “[Brad] Richards told [X] he wants to come to New York.”
And this, too: “Slats [general manager Glen Sather] is going to blow his brains out to sign Richards.”
Brooks thinks a front loaded ($11 million) $32.5 million for 5 years should be enough. Richards is coming off a concussion, but is worth the risk.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will be busy this week. Steven Stamkos will be an RFA on July 1st if a deal isn’t struck by then. Speculation grows that Stamkos may not be back in with the Lightning, the longer remains unsigned, though it is an unlikely scenario. An offer sheet could cost 4 1st round draft picks. Yzerman did meet with Stamkos’s agent at the draft, and will talk again this week. Yzerman will also speak with Dwayne Roloson’s agent.
“I’ve been in touch with virtually everybody’s agent, everybody will travel (Sunday) and get settled in to their offices and we’ll get back on the phone this week,” Yzerman said. “I’m optimistic, I believe that we will get things accomplished. We were able to get Eric (Brewer’s) done this week and we’ll chip away at our restricted guys and go from there.”
The Lightning have 14 players that they could send qualifying offers to, which must be done today. They may look at goaltending during free agency if Roloson doesn’t re-sign. Sean Bergenheim may sign elsewhere. Simon Gagne and Adam Hall are unlikely to return. The Lightning may be looking for a top 6, possibly Brad Richards.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: All is quiet from Brian Burke and team management with regards to their interest in Brad Richards. The Rangers, Flyers and Leafs are all expected to take a long look at signing the 31 year old free agent. Richards suggested after the season that he might take a discount to head back to Tampa Bay. Richards is likely looking for an 8 year deal in the $7 million range, which may be more than Burke would want to go. Burke believes that winger Matt Frattin may be able to make Leafs next fall.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had a few trade discussions with his former boss Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, but nothing materialized.
“Stan and I chatted on a couple of things, but Stan had some big things on the go that were maybe a little bit not in the direction I was looking at at this point in time,” said Cheveldayoff. “We had some good conversations, they gave me some good support along the way and we had a good couple of laughs.
“We’ll have to wait for our first Chicago-Winnipeg deal.”
Cheveldayoff had some “feeling out” discussions with other teams. Cheveldayoff wouldn’t comment if they were one of the teams interested in Mike Richards. One report was saying the Flyers were looking at a package of Evander Kane, the 7th overall pick and possibly Alexander Burmistrov.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland would like to add a top 4 calibre defenseman and possibly a backup goalie. Jaromir Jagr remains a possibility for the Red Wings and Penguins, but neither team wants to give him a huge salary. Holland is “in the same ballpark” with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, and are getting closer to a deal. Negotiations with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller aren’t going as smoothly. Kris Draper and Chris Osgood’s days as a Red Wing could hinge on how the free agency period plays out.
- Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $20 million in cap space, but won’t be going after a Brad Richards or Kevin Bieksa or Dwayne Roloson. If the price is right, Baines thinks the Senators should go after Zenon Konopka. If Brooks Laich is wanting 4-5 years at $3.5 million, that may be too pricey.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford met with the agents for Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen in the past week, and that “I’m at the point now that I do have hope that we’re going to be able to sign both players,” he says.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks there is “definitely a shot” that the Flyers will try to sign Brooks Laich. The Flyers have interest in Brad Richards but he could get a bigger deal elsewhere. Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, and Eric Cole are just a few of the possible replacements if Ville Leino walks.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Capitals have placed Tyler Sloan on waivers.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals.
NHL rumors and notes on Richards, Jagr, Selanne, Kariya, Blue Jackets, Orlov … Draft notes on the Stars, Sens, Oilers and Avs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Brad Richards,
“You always keep an eye on that first day of July, you see what teams do and where players go. It’s always interesting,” Richards told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “There’s always something that surprises you. That’s why I want to keep everything open-minded. I’ve talked to people that have been through it and there’s always things that come out of nowhere and you want to be open-minded to receive all that stuff. It’s probably my last contract, so you want to set yourself up where you have a chance to win and feel comfortable.”
“Every day, it gets closer. I’m starting to think about it a lot,” Richards said. “It’s a very unique time, but also a little bit stressful. It’s going to be a very important decision. It’s exciting in a good way. It’s a big moment. It’s starting to hit me that it’s getting close, whereas a month ago, I would sit back and not really worry about it.”
Petr Svoboda, Jaromir Jagr’s agent,
“We had more discussion yesterday with Detroit and Pittsburgh,” Jagr’s agent, Petr Svoboda, told ESPN.com on Wednesday morning. “Jags may be talking with [Pens GM] Ray Shero and maybe [owner] Mario [Lemieux] today, so hopefully we’ll be further along after that. Hopefully we’ll have some news, one way or another, soon.”
On Jagr using NHL interest to get more money from KHL,
“It’s absolutely not true,” said Svoboda. “I’ve heard that, but it’s not true. I mean, there’s always that option if things don’t work out with [the NHL], but this is not about trying to get more money from [the KHL]. I know Jags wants to come back to the NHL and for the right reasons.”
On Teemu Selanne’s future,
“Teemu hasn’t decided whether he’s going to play or not,” Selanne’s veteran agent Don Baizley told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “If he plays, it’s going to be in Anaheim.”
Paul Kariya may play it safe and retire. Talks between Kevin Bieksa and the Canucks are progressing. The Coyotes and Bryzgalov don’t have a deal and are still far enough apart that a deal could go either way.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren “We are continuing to try and reach an agreement with Ilya, but it is safe to say that we are not close to achieving this.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have made their pitch to Jagr and are in a wait-and-see mode. GM Ken Holland would like to know by July 1st.
“We’re intrigued,” Holland said, “like we were with Dominik Hasek and Mike Modano. He was an elite player in his prime. He’s 39 years of age. If he decides to come back to the NHL, he’s coming back for all the right reasons. Whether he comes to Detroit or another destination, the great ones, even when Father Time is against them a little bit, they’re still pretty good players.”
Holland has made an offer to free agent Jonathan Ericsson of around $2 million a season. He’s in talks with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets hope to begin their offseason makeover at the draft this week. They are looking for a skilled defenseman, a top 6 forward, and a backup goalie. Howson has spoken with many teams about possible deals. Their 8th overall pick is up for grabs.
“I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of the team,” Howson said. “It may turn out that taking the pick is in the best interest of the team.
“I want to make changes. I want to add high-end skill guys who can make an immediate difference. But you can’t force people to do something that you want them to do. So we’ll see how it plays out.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said the odds of them trading up are slim, odds of trading down are pretty good.
“I think moving down is a more realistic possibility,” Nieuwendyk said. “Our guys feel that after a certain point in this draft there are a number of good players and you’d be happy with acquiring any one of them. We don’t have our third round pick, so trying to get an additional pick is something that will definitely be discussed.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Senators are able to move up in the draft, they could be looking to grab winger Gabriel Landeskog, who could be selected 2nd overall. Whoever they pick could end up playing in the NHL next season. The Sens haven’t ruled out packing their 21st overall pick with 1 of their 3 2nd round picks to move up in the draft.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Dmitri Orlov said that if he doesn’t make the Capitals next year, and they want him to go to the AHL, he’ll go there and not return to Russia.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Jagr says that he didn’t not reach out to the Rangers, “If Glen thought I could help he would have told me.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Rumors are circulating that the Oilers have “NOT firmly decided” on draft Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. If the Oilers don’t take him, Dater thinks the Avs should draft him. If they do get RNH, it could make Paul Stastny available. With the Avs not showing interest in re-signing Tomas Fleischmann, it might mean they are looking at draft Gabriel Landeskog or Jonathan Huberdeau, both can play on the left wing. If RNH is taken by the Oilers, Dater thinks the Avs should take Huberdeau.
Free agent updates involving Jagr, Doughty, Tanguay, Selanne, Bryzgalov, the Canadiens and Red Wings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 21st, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Multiple sources confirmed that Jaromir Jagr approached the Pittsburgh Penguins about a possible return. The Red Wings, Rangers, Capitals and Canadiens are also of interest to Jagr. The Penguins may be open to the idea, the Pens were waiting for Jagr to contact them. The Penguins have 17 players under contract at $55.5 million.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have 15 players under contract for next year after the signings of Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. Andrei Markov’s side and GM Pierre Gauthier are still working on a deal and will meet at the draft. The Canadiens will have about $20.3 million available with the cap going up to about $64 million. Yannick Weber’s signing should be announced soon. They should have plenty of space available after Markov and Josh Gorges are signed to add a top 6 forward.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they continue to negotiate with Jonathan Ericsson. They will decide in the next 10 days whether to offer a contract to Ruslan Salei. Rookie Brendan Smith will be given every opportunity to make the team. On trade talks, “We’ve received a few calls over the last week or so,” Holland said of potential trade opportunities. “Teams out there know we have a need on defense and we have cap space.” Jiri Hudler and Valtteri Filppula could be dangled. If they go the free agent route, Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Sami Salo, James Wisniewski, Joni Pitkanen and Ed Jovanovski could be options.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames would like to bring winger Alex Tanguay back, but there are large difference between the two sides, “it’s money” according to GM Jay Feaster. He’s likely looking for a big raise from the $1.7 million he made last year.
“Well, I’d like to think we can (sign him). But we’re not where we need to be, and there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Feaster said. “We’ll have to see where it goes.
“I think the fact we’re talking is a good thing.”
Feaster has talked with other teams about moving up or down in the draft.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne is still silent on whether he’ll return next season or retire. He’s said for months that he’ll decide by July 1st.
- Tim Rohan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren on Ilya Bryzgalov talks,
“Well, we would like that to get resolved at some point,” Holmgren said Monday on a conference call. “There is still enough time after the draft to get a deal done. The important thing is that there was progress made when Ilya [Bryzgalov] and his agent, Ritch Winter, were in town. I don’t see any reason why that’s not going to continue.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, so I can’t really give you a definitive answer. There is enough progress, which kind of gives me hope, anyway, that we can make a deal at some point.”
Holmgren added that at some point there needs to be a compromise on years and amount. TSN is reporting that the salary cap will be set at $64 million with the floor being $48 million. After July 1st, teams are able to go over the salary cap by 10%. Holmgren would also like to re-sign Ville Leino.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Drew Doughty’s contract negotiations,
I went up there (to Toronto) four weeks ago and opened up the dialogue (with agent Don Meehan). It was very clear, at that time, where it looked like it was headed. We came back and did our planning, looked at our options and what we could offer him, looked at the market, went to the GM meetings and then I flew up to Toronto from those meetings for another meeting (with Meehan). When you have the first meeting, you’re kind of laying the ground rules or whatever. This one was a little more focused. Things become clearer and we say, `OK, if this is going to get done, this is probably where it needs to be.’ Then I think we made a very serious offer to him this past week. I’m hoping to really push this forward at the draft.”
Bettman’s press conference break down … Bettman contacted True North about Coyotes … Giguere an option for Leafs … Blues, Wings notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun breaks down Gary Bettman’s press conference. Re-alignment will wait another year, and they will look at all kinds of possibilities. The NHL may more towards a more balanced schedule, each team playing each other at least twice. Though Bettman wouldn’t confirm, re-alignment may have been delayed to see how the Phoenix situation unfolds. 2011-12 NHL schedule should come out at the end of June. Bettman said that if the True North and Atlanta sale didn’t happen on Tuesday morning, it may not have happened. In the next collective bargaining talks, drug testing may get tougher. NHLPA’s exectutive director, Donald Fehr, expects CBA talks to begin next winter. Bettman says it makes sense to wait until the NFL, NBA, and MLB have ironed out there CBA’s before the NHL talks about theirs. Bill Daly said that next year’s salary cap could be as high as $63.3 million. Rule 48 could get expanded, will be discussed at next weeks GMs meetings. No update on participation in the 2014 Sochi Olympics or a return of the World Cup. Bettman on Phoenix,
“The city of Glendale stepped up and said they want the team to stay another year while they try to complete the sales process with us and will be funding the losses,” Bettman said. “Any suggestion that the league is funding this club or carrying the burden is not true. Last season, the city of Glendale did it. … Hopefully the club will be sold in due course, and there will be a new owner in there to start turning things around.
“You have a city in Glendale that built the building and has invested in it and wanting the club to stay there. As long as they’re prepared to carry the burden of doing this while we try to effectuate a solution, there’s no reason to move.”
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Gary Bettman approached True North about buying the Phoenix Coyotes before the 2009-10 season. “It was too late in the year to consider it for the fall of 2009,” Chipman told the Winnipeg Sun. “Pulling together in that time frame was not realistic.” The NHL bought the Coyotes that fall. “Now they owned the team and were looking for a solution in Glendale, and would we consider it?” Chipman recalled the league asking. “The answer was yes.” In May 2010 they met again. Chipman figured out the new NHL economics could work in Winnipeg. They had an agreement in principle but were the backup plan. If Glendale hadn’t decided to agree to pay $25 million in loses before last season, the Coyotes might have moved north.
- Chris Johnston in the Globe and Mail: J.S. Giguere has moved out of his Toronto home, and isn’t sure if he’ll be back. Six weeks ago he had his 2nd sports hernia surgery. Burke confirmed in an email that Giguere still remains an option for the Maple Leafs. Giguere would love to return to be re-signed by the Leafs,
“I would love to, but I don’t know what the management have in mind,” said Giguere. “I feel like I could be a good fit in Toronto working with (James Reimer). It’s going to be a tough season for him next year having that pressure of coming back to Toronto. We all know that all the journalists when we go back to camp are going to be after him — asking him questions and stuff like that.
“I think I can be helpful to him. I have no doubt that he can handle it himself, but I think a veteran presence might help him a little bit.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: If the Devils are interested in having Ken Hitchcock coach the team, they should contact the guy. “I haven’t heard anything from New Jersey,” said Hitchcock. “I don’t know what’s going on with New Jersey.” Minnesota and Dallas have already asked the Blue Jackets for permission to speak with Hitchcock. Hitchcock has let it be known his interest in hearing from Lou Lamoriello. “I’ve said that before,” Hitchcock said. “I know the people that coached for him very well. I knew Pat (Burns), obviously, very well. I know Brent (Sutter) very well and I know Jacques very well. Coaches talk.”
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators assistant coach Peter Horachek confirmed that he interviewed with the Dallas Stars this week.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: With Patrik Berglund locked up for 2 years, the Blues are expected to turn their attention to T.J. Oshie. Strickland thinks they will sign Oshie to a 1 or 2 year deal and around $500,000 less than Berglund (Berglund signed a 2 year for $4.5 million). Strickland also mentions he expects the Blues to re-sign Matt D’Agostini to a 1 year deal. Roman Polak could get a raise to $2 million from the $1.1 million he made last year. The Blues may be forced to give Nikita Nikitin a one-way deal to keep him from heading to the KHL. Talks with Ben Bishop should begin in a few weeks.
- Bill Roose of DetoritRedWings.com: Red Wings GM Ken Holland indicated that he would like to re-sign both Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have met with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, “a step in a long process. We’ll talk again, but negotiating a contract takes time.” They would like to sign him to a multi-year deal, Ericsson rejected one around Christmas time. He’ll be looking for a raise from the $1.25 million he made last season.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Sovetsky Sport is reporting that Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov signed a 1 year deal with Traktor of the KHL and remain in Russia for another year. The Capitals are “fine” with the decision as they felt after they drafted him that he’d need 2 years of development before he’d be ready for the NHL.
Roloson to start … Thornton played with separated shoulder … Red Wings options … Leafs and Richards … A Souray buyout coming?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 25th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Sorry Wpg, it’s inching closer, but there still is no firm deal with ASG and there will not be an announcement today. From a key source.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: “As for WPG, principals still grinding out detail work. Hearing Thurs as earliest possible date for announcement, perhaps Fri or later.”
- Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: Dwayne Roloson will be between the pipes for Tampa Bay in Game 6.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Joe Thornton played last night with a separated shoulder.
- Brian Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Brian Rafalski will retire at an 11 am press conference. The Wings now have an extra $6 million to work with this summer. Possible free agent defenseman the Red Wings could look at are Canucks Kevin Bieksa, Sami Salo and Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen (Car), Tomas Kaberle (Bos), Ed Jovanovski (Pho), Eric Brewer (TB) and Scott Hannan (Was). RFA’s that would require multiple 1st round picks in an offer are Drew Doughty and Shea Weber.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If Nicklas Lidstrom returns to the Red Wings, he’ll join Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart, and Jakub Kindl. Jonathan Ericsson might be brought back as they have a bit more financial flexibility with Rafalski retiring, but they won’t overpay for him. Ruslan Salei is likely done with the Wings. 2007 1st round pick Brendan Smith has a shot at making the team. They could bring in 35 year old Ed Jovanovski to eat up minutes. Kevin Bieksa could be another option, as well as Joni Pitkanen, Sami Salo, Eric Brewer, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe and Roman Hamrlik.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Lidstom will let the Red Wings know of his plan to retire or to come back again likely before the NHL draft.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs want to be in the Brad Richards sweepstakes. It has been suggested that Burke could possibly offer a deal in the 7 or 8 year range, which goes against his usual philosophy. Richards could get more than $7 million, possibly up to $8 million. The Rangers or Kings might consider offering more. Without having an owner and coach in place, it would be difficult for Nieuwendyk to re-sign Richards. The Leafs could look to acquire his rights before July 1st, but not if it requires them to send Nazem Kadri the other way.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are considering options again with regards to defenseman Sheldon Souray. He’s still owed $4.5 million with a $5.4 million cap hit. They could buy him out after June 15th for 2/3′s salary, cap hit spread out over 2 years. He could also be sent to the minors. The Oilers are still pursuing Swedish goalie Viktor Fasth and are interested in Finnish Dman Ville Lajunen. Zach Stortini could be traded by the entry draft.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have yet to contact Arron Asham about a possible contract.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward David Perron is making some progress with his post-concussion syndromes.
“We’ve talked to David, and he’s feeling better, but he’s not at the point where he’s coming back to St. Louis to take the necessary tests before he can train,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “He’s taking small steps ahead, but not to the point where he has passed his tests to begin his summer training program.”
Armstrong had said that if Perron still have symptoms in July, they would have to plan to start the season without him.
Blackhawks sign Crawford … Werek and Etem sign entry level deals … Button has trade ideas for Capitals … Panthers want to bring Vokoun back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 20th, 2011
- Elliott Pap of hte Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger Mikael Samuelsson will be out for the remainder of the season after adductor tendon and sports hernia surgery.
- Chicago Breaking Sports: The Blackhawks have signed Corey Crawford to a 3 year deal worth $8 million, a $2.6 million cap hit. “It means a lot,” Crawford said. “I want to be a part of the Blackhawks and I think the management and everyone there wanted me back too. It’s great to get it done early. Now I can just focus on workouts and getting prepared for next season.”
- Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have signed recently acquired prospect Ethan Werek to an entry level deal. Werek scored 24 goals and added 28 assists in 47 games with Kington of the OHL. He was acquired earlier this month from the Rangers for Oscar Linberg.
- Eric Stephens of hte OC Register: The Ducks have signed 2010 1st round (29th overall) draft pick Emerson Etem to an entry level deal. His NHL deal is for $900,000 with $90,000 in bonuses, $67,500 AHL salary. Etem scored 45 goals with 35 assists in 65 games with Medicine Hat of the WHL.
- Craig Button of ESPN: Button offers some trade options for the Capitals this off-season. They have 3 capable goalies in Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov and Braden Holtby. The Flyers could be one option, and have rugged winger Scott Hartnell. Could expand the deal to include Jeff Schultz and Braydon Coburn. Button thinks the Caps should target Valtteri Filppula and could offer up Mike Green. Jonathan Ericsson could also be a target of Washington. Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr would also look good in a Caps uniform. If the Caps offered up prospect Cody Eakin, it might open up discussions for Rene Bourque or David Moss. Button offers up a blockbuster proposal: one of Washington’s three goalies, Mike Green, and Alexander Semin to Anaheim for Francois Beauchemin and Bobby Ryan.
- The Fourth Period: The Panthers are very interested in bringing goalie Tomas Vokoun back next season. The 35 year old had a cap hit of $5.7 million last year.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: With Corey Crawford locked up, the Blackhawks will now focus on Michael Frolik and Chris Campoli. They will also have decide what they are going to do with RFAs Viktor Stalberg, Troy Brouwer and Jake Dowell.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have received permission for the Blue Jakets to speak with Ken Hitchcock. GM Chuck Fletcher has apparently interviewed Michel Therrien and Craig MacTavish already. Sources say Fletcher has talked to Kirk Muller, but he has not been ‘interviewed.’
- Katie Strang of the Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov plans on reporting to the Islanders training this fall. (If he’s not traded before)
Bergeron could be back for Game 2 … Red Wings off-season notes … Jagr talking to KHL teams … Oilers interested in Lajunen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2011
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Indications Haggerty got from Bruins players is that Patrice Bergeron is going to play in Game 2.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings internally talked about acquiring Zach Bogosian at the trade deadline but they didn’t want to breakup the core of a contending team. Jiri Hudler could be a trade candidate this summer, but his $2.875 million salary could be tough to move unless they take back another contract. Khan wonders if the Wings would consider trading Valtteri Filppula? He’s talented but inconsistent and may not ever become the 70 point guy they think he could be.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings Kris Draper and Chris Osgood will both ponder retirement this off-season. Mike Modano is 75% on leaning to retirement. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is a UFA but would like to re-sign. “I might make more money somewhere else, but I want to stay,” Ericsson said. Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves are also UFA’s and woulds like to stay. Pavel Datsyuk won’t need surgery on his injured wrist.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jaromir Jagr has had contract talks with SKA St. Petersburg and other KHL teams. Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp’s agent Allan Walsh hasn’t had talks with the Penguins yet but expects “to begin discussions in the near future.”
- Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers are one of a few teams that are interested in Finnish defenseman Ville Lajunen, and have had preliminary discussions with the Oilers. “They told me they must first have their pro (scouting) meetings and then they will make a decision, but there are other teams too,” said Pulliainen.
Will offer sheets start to come? Rumors surrounding Kovalchuk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 5th, 2010
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: With the lack of depth in the NHL Free Agent market, teams may send out an offer sheets to improve their club. Some possible restricted free agents are Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal, Steve Downie, Sam Gagne, and David Perron. The Boston Bruins are now able to negotiate contract extensions for Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, both are entering the last year of their contract. Chara is making $7.5 million and would probably be looking for something similar. The Bruins could offer him a front loaded deal to bring down the cap number. Bergeron has a cap number of $4.7 million, and probably would get a deal with a similar number.
- Helene Elliot of the LA Times: The LA Kings could still use a productive winger, and an experienced top 4 defenseman, but with not much remaining in the free agent group, the Kings could turn to trades or possibly an offer sheet.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello continues to pursue Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk would probably reject any offer below $8 million, and Kings may not have wanted to go over that number. The Devils may not want to go over $8 million as well. The Isles could be offering $10 million for 10 years.
- Tom Gulitti of NorthJersey.com: A report out of Russia said that the Flyers offered Kovalchuk a deal, his Russian agent denied the report that he said that.
- Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The Kings made their biggest offer to Kovalchuk without jeopardizing Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson extensions.
- Larry Brooks via Twitter: “Kings rule out Kovalchuk. In other news, Yanks refuse to sign A-Rod after he opts out. Oh. Wait.”
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins are thinking about shifting Jordan Staal or Evgeni Malkin over to the wing. The Pens would then need to add a 3rd line center. Potential candidates could be: Rob Niedermayer, Dominic Moore, Jeff Halpern, John Madden, and Ryan Johnson.
- Ryan Rishaug via Twitter: Oilers have inquired about Rob Niedermayer, he’d consider them if offered a contract.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings are in the market for an inexpensive defenseman to play along side Jonathan Ericsson.
Around the Boards: Niedermayer Retiring a Duck, Sens looking for a Center, Wings continue to get healthier, New center for Kessel
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2010
- Helene Elliot of the Los Angeles Times: Scott Niedermayer is going retire an Anaheim Duck, and not get traded at the deadline. According to Ducks GM Bob Murray “No. Scotty and I have been talking and he’s going to retire an Anaheim Duck. And that’s the way it’s going to be unless he tells me different. I have an agreement with Scotty and it’s my word. “We’ve talked about this. I see him staying here. Who knows, he might play next year.”
- Bruce Harrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray is looking to add a center, but no much is available at the moment.
- Dan Martin of the NY Post: Islanders GM Garth Snow is in no rush to trade his 3rd goalie, Martin Biron. That’s a smart move considering DiPietro’s history, he could get hurt in practice and be out for a year.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Happier times in Detroit with the all the potential returnees to their lineup lately. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson could be back on Thrusday against the Hurricanes. Tomas Holmstrom is hoping to return on the 25th or 27th. Both Johan Franzen and Jason Williams are back skating.
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Phil Kessel has been in a 12 game scoring slump, and now the Maple Leafs have called up Tyler Bozak from the Marlies in an attempt to jump start Kessel. I think Bozak has the skill, speed and IQ to be a good center for Kessel, though I’m not sure if he’s ready just yet, time will tell. Bozak had 20 points in 32 game in the AHL, and battled the swine flu earlier in the season.
Recent Comments