Posts Tagged Jonathan Quick
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.
Schneider safe at deadline … Preds claim Yip … Carson, Repik to waivers … Hall hopes to play Saturday … Steen out … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 19th, 2012
- Jason Botchford via twitter: From what Cory Schneider has been told regarding the trade deadline, he doesn’t have much to worry about.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Predators have claimed Brandon Yip off waivers from the Avalanche.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Flames have put Brett Carson on waivers. The Panthers have put Michal Repik on waivers.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall hopes to play on Saturday.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils goalie Johan Hedberg hasn’t made a definite decision, but is thinking he’ll likely play next year.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Penguins Kris Letang will be in the lineup tonight and in a top 4 role according to Bylsma.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen still isn’t 100% and won’t play tonight.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Zalewski-Josefson-Clarkson; Carter-Mills-Janssen.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders.
- Dave Lozo via twitter: Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Looks like Niklas Backstrom will be starting in net for the Wild tonight.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings.
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.
Afternoon notes on ‘Hawks signing draft picks, Hedman, Theodore, Setoguchi, Latendresse, Skinner, Dubnyk and Quick
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on January 2nd, 2012
- Chicago Blackhawks via twitter: The Blackhawks have signed their 2011 1st round picks, Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault, to 3-year entry level deals.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (concussion) is not traveling with the team and remains out indefinitely.
- George Richards via twitter: The Panthers don’t know the extent of Jose Theodore’s knee injury yet.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild forward Devin Setoguchi says there is a “definite chance” that he plays tomorrow. Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild forward Guillaume Latendresse is feeling post-concussion symptoms again and was shut down several days ago. He had been doing some light exercises and skating. “One day I feel good, one day I feel average, one day I feel horrible,” Latendresse said. “Every day is so different. I don’t know how I’m going to feel tomorrow.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is practicing with a no-contact jersey on.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Zajac-Clarkson; Boulton-Sestito/Carter-Janssen.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers against the Blackhawks.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick is the likely starter for the Kings.
Filatov having KHL issues … Flames weren’t 1 of 3 finalists for Turris … Suter/Weber update … Seabrook could have concussion … Team lines …
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 19th, 2011
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikita Filatov’s agent has asked for a trade from the CSKA of the KHL if the team doesn’t complete the paperwork by midnight. If CSKA doesn’t sign or trade him, Filatov will return to Ottawa.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Flames tried to trade for Kyle Turris before he was sent to the Senators for David Rundblad and a 2nd round pick, “But in the end, they weren’t one of the three finalists” according to Coyotes GM Don Maloney.
“We had eight to 10 teams that showed more than a passing interest in him, but three teams in the last couple of days made significant offers we could live with.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Predators David Poile responds, ”Ask me on February 27,” to the question about what he is going to do with Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota and Philadelphia all have the cap room to add one of the 2 defensemen. Poile still hopes to sign them.
“If he trades one or both in February, he is going to get a huge return,” said another GM. “If he waits until [after the playoffs], it’s going to be much less.”
Poile also made is sound like that if they were still in the playoff race, he may not deal either. Coyotes GM Maloney asked the Senators for Mika Zibanejad or the Senators 1st round pick in exchange for Turris.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: After taking a hit from Rene Bourque last night, Brent Seabrook left the game with what could be a concussion.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals Jay Beagle has been cleared for contact.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t see the Kings making a deal before tonight’s roster freeze.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets split up Jeff Carter and Rick Nash for the first time. Carter played with Vinny Prospal and Mark Letestu. Nash was with Derick Brassard and RJ Umberger.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly has moved up between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Tyler Bozak moves back between Matt Frattin and either Joey Crabb or Colby Armstrong. Mikhail Grabovski will center Clarke MacArthur and Nikolai Kulemin.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Moen-Plekanec-Cammalleri, Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole, AK46-Eller-Leblanc, Blunden-Nokelainen-Darche.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Zach Parise-Adam Henrique-Ilya Kovalchuk Sykora-Tim Sestito-Zubrus; Tedenby-Zajac-Clarkson;Boulton-Carter-Janssen.
- James Gordon via twitter: Senators lines: Greening-Spezza-Alfredsson, Condra-Turris-Foligno, Smith-Regin-Neil, Winchester-Konopka-Butler.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Rupp-Fedotenko-Prust, Hagelin-Boyle-Mitchell, Wolski-Christensen-Avery.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Benn-Ryder; Morrow-Ribeiro-Ott; Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak; Dowell-Wandell-Petersen. Defensive pairings: Souray-Robidas; Grossman-Daley; Goligoski-Fistric.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs against Jonathan Quick and the Kings.
10 teams looking for Dmen … Suter could become available … Turris notes … Flames have little patience … CBJ interested in Hextall? Gillis keeping Schneider for now
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 6th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: At least 10 teams have been looking for a defenseman, with league sources saying, “if you’ve got an extra defenceman, you might want to hold onto him.” The Canadiens, Rangers, Oilers, Canucks, Blues, Jets, Coyotes, Lightning, Jackets and Islanders have been looking for help. Garrioch thinks teams should be calling Predators GM David Poile as the belief is that he won’t be signing Ryan Suter to an extension and will become available. The Canucks and Flames have more interest than the Senators for Kyle Turris. Rene Bourque’s name pops up as trade bait, but the Coyotes are also looking for a 1st round pick as part of a deal. There are whispers that this could be the last season in Phoenix since no one has stepped up to by the team. Quebec City and Kansas City are the leading candidates. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau could be on a short leash. Islanders GM Garth Snow has been working the phones trying to move the pointless (8 games) Blake Comeau and his $2.5 million salary. He’ll be a RFA after the season. Comeau had 46 points last year. The Isles may be looking for a 2nd line center. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is willing to move defenseman Cody Franson. Garrioch wonders if it’s time for the Blue Jackets to consider trading Rick Nash.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Change may be coming in Calgary. Flames GM Jay Feaster:
“Every option that’s available and open to is going to be explored.”
“I’m not going to get into specifics on what my intent is, but I can assure you we don’t have a lot of patience organizationally right now. The goal is we expect to be a playoff team.
“My job is to improve the hockey team every day, and I’m going to avail myself with every possible means of doing that.”
“I have had some conversations with teams, that you’re kicking some ideas around and all of a sudden they reel off three or four straight wins and it’s, ‘We’re just going to sit for now,’ “ Feaster said. “That’s the reality of the business.
Feaster has no interest in trading draft picks. He won’t sacrifice long-term for a short-term fix.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline, “it’s hard to imagine there aren’t big changes coming” in Columbus. Word is that LA Kings assistant GM Ron Heztall could be headed to Columbus. Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi has said that no one has contacted him about Hextall. Teams would need permission to speak with Hextall. Ron Hextall on the Blue Jackets job: “I have not heard anything.” Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets may have to compensate a team with draft picks if they take a ‘high-ranking official’ part way through the season.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (Mailbag) There’s a market for Kyle Turris despite his limited success as he’s only 22 and still has potential. There is interest, but teams aren’t willing to overpay. Coyotes GM Don Maloney is still saying he won’t trade him until he signs, but some think he’s talking in code for not going to trade him for what he’s being offered. The Canucks aren’t putting Cory Schneider’s name out there as GM Mike Gillis likes the 1-1A theory. There may be a point in the season that Gillis deems he’s a movable asset, and teams will line up. The Blue Jackets and Devils will be in line. Moving Roberto Luongo would be more difficult task since his deal goes into his 40′s. He does have a couple of clauses in his deal that allows for a trade. There isn’t a sense in Edmonton that they need to acquire a defenseman right away. The Lightning could also be looking for a defenseman. The Maple Leafs and Hurricanes are willing to move a defenseman. The Flames aren’t shopping Rene Bourque but if the right deal came along for a young center they may consider. If the Canadiens were to consider buying out Scott Gomez it would cost them: 2012-13: $3,523,810, 2013-14: $4,523,810, 2014-15: $1,666,667, 2015-16: $1,666,667.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Look for Jonathan Quick to start on Monday.
Seguin has congenital hip condition … Turris interests Sens … Doughty expected to return tonight … Hulsizer signs purchase agreement … Scouting Wings-Sharks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 29th, 2011
- Fluto Shinzawa and michael Vega of the Boston Globe: According to an ESPNBoston report, Tyler Seguin was born with a congenital hip condition. It could make him more injury prone in the future if he doesn’t keep up strength in the hip area to a prevent repetitive stress injury. GM Peter Chiarelli said in an email that he is not concerned about the condition. Seguin is leading the Bruins in scoring with 9 points in 9 games, and found himself practicing on a line with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron. Coach Claude Julien put the David Krejci-Milan Lucic-Nathan Horton line back together. Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston: A source said that the condition could lead to an injury that could require surgery that may shorten his career. A hip expert who hasn’t examined Seguin, “The worst-case scenario is they start to develop recurring symptoms consistent of a groin pull, hip flexor strains, difficulty getting their hips in certain positions, reduced rotation, increase in pain and reduced levels of performance.”
“I’m not going to comment whether it’s congenital or not,” Chiarelli said. “I don’t want to get into details what we think it is or isn’t and I don’t want any alarm bells going off. Like I said, you can go through our roster and there are probably 12 or 13 guys with something similar or the same thing.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are reportedly one of the six or seven teams interested in Coyotes RFA Kyle Turris. The Flames and Canucks have shown interest as well but have been informed that he isn’t going anywhere. Doug MacLean said that Turris could be a 2nd line center.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is expected to be in the lineup tonight against the Coyotes. Slava Voynov could be the odd man out and assigned to the AHL. Jonathan Quick will get the start tonight, Sunday’s starter is yet to be determined.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer has signed a purchase agreement to buy the St. Louis Blues. The dollar amount is expected to be below the reported the $185 million.
- David Pollak via twitter: Scouts at the Sharks-Red Wings game: Senators, Flames, Capitals, Hurricanes, Predators, Lightning, Kings, Canucks and Maple Leafs.
- Jason Bothchord of the Vancouver Province: Cody Hodgson is moving to the wing on the 2nd line. Chris Higgins drops from the 2nd to 3rd line. Ryan Kesler and David Booth haven’t clicked yet, and there may be some questions if they are too similar as they both have a shoot-first mentality.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Wings shifted Justin Abdelkader to center last night. “Wherever the team needs me, I’ll go chip in and help,” Abdelkader said, “whether it’s fourth line, third line, wing or center, whatever it is. Whatever I can do to help the team win, I’ll do. Red Wings defenseman Mike Commodore is healthy enough now to return to game action, but will have to win a spot in the lineup. It’s unknown when he’ll make his debut.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice indicated that Brian Boucher would likely start against the Flyers.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Rick DiPietro seems ready to make his first start of the year for the Islanders tonight against the Sharks.
Kane’s agent denies trade demand … Doughty says he’s ready … Couturier could stick … Connolly ready … Lehtonen-Quick battle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 27th, 2011
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: There was a rumor going around that Evander Kane had demanded a trade from the Jets.
“I’ve spoken with Evander and this is completely untrue,” said agent Craig Oster. “Neither he nor us have talked about a trade. Evander is very excited to be in Winnipeg and about his future with Winnipeg.”
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Garrioch thinks that Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier should have been fired, and that he will be next.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Drew Doughty’s status for (tonight’s) game is still up in the air. If he doesn’t go, he’ll be returning soon. After Doughty took part in practice Terry Murray said, “I’ve got to talk to our medical staff and just get everything sorted out.’’ Doughty added:
“I was cleared to practice with the team and cleared to get some contact in practice. I feel really good. I feel ready to play and almost back to normal. Now it’s just kind of in the hands of the training staff and the coaching staff to put me in.”
“I hope so. I really want to play tomorrow, really badly. It sucks being out, obviously, but like I said I’m ready to play but at the same time, it’s really just in the training staff’s hands.”
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers 2011 1st round pick Sean Couturier could stick in the NHL this season due to his defensive instincts and awareness on the PK. As of yesterday, Courturier still hasn’t heard if he’ll remain with the team or be sent back to junior.
“He came in touted as a smart player defensively, someone who is as good in the defensive zone as he is in the offensive zone,” coach Peter Laviolette said. “We’ve put him in situations, 5-on-4, 5-on-3, against top players, to see how he’d respond, and he’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do and do it well. He’s been a nice addition.”
- Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Scanlan thinks that Mika Zibanejad contract may have been a big factor in the Senators sending him back to Sweden. If he played one more game his contract of $1.775,000 would have kicked in, and he’d be one year closer to free agency. “We think, for the long term development … this is the right step for him at this moment,” Murray said. “This is the best thing for him.”
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Though Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson wouldn’t make it official, Tim Connolly looks to be ready to make his Leafs debut tonight.
“They are really clicking right now and playing extremely well together,” Connolly said of Kessel and Lupul. “I’m just going to try to stay out of their way. Get them the puck as much as possible and just try do all the little things right.”
Goalie James Reimer is ready to return as well. Burke needs to make one roster move before the game as they are one player over the limit.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars coach Glen Gulutzan moved Adam Burish up to Mike Ribeiro’s top line in the 3rd period of their last game, but it appears that Michael Ryder will be back in his regular spot for tonight’s game. It’s looking like a Kari Lehtonen versus Jonathan Quick battle between the pipes.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals tonight against the Oilers.
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.
Allen’s 10 early projections … Nassau vote today, Kansas City and NJ Nets owner could be paying attention … Weber’s hearing tomorrow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 1st, 2011
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen offers 10 early projections for the upcoming season. 1. Jeff Carter and Rick Nash will score more than 75 combined goals this season. 2. Predicts the Oilers will be an “elite Pittsburgh Penguins-style contender by 2013-14.” 3. If Shane Doan isn’t re-signed during the season, he’ll be hot name at the trade deadline. 4. Ales Hemsky will lead the league in trade rumors again. 5. The Rangers and Sabres have improved and should move up the standings. Some think the Capitals and Penguins will drop, Allen doesn’t. 6. Best bargain goaltending: Tomas Vokoun ($1.5 million), Jonathan Quick ($1.8 million) and Jimmy Howard ($2.25 million). 7. The Predators will acquire a top 6 scoring forward. Cory Stillman and Sergei Samsonov are free agents, or they could go the trade route with teams looking so shed some salary. 8. The Lightning will give up 20 to 25 less goals due to having Dwayne Roloson for the entire season. 9. Predators Blake Geoffrion will be in the rookie of the year race. 10. Sabres owner Terry Pegula will be the teams MVP this year.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Nassau County referendum vote for a new arena is today. If they don’t get a positive vote for a new arena, the team could be up for sale. Would NJ Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov want to buy the club and bring it to Brooklyn? The new arena being built in Brooklyn will be ready for the 2012-13 season, and could fill 44-60 dates.
- Peter Grathoff of the Kansas City Star: If votes go in the way of not building the new arena in Nassau County, it could one day increase the chances of moving them to Kansas City. The Islanders lease expires at the Nassau Coliseum in 2015.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber’s arbitration hearing is tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., and both sides have filed their written briefs. After briefs are filed, it sometimes speeds up negotiations to get a deal done before the hearing.
- Kelly Friesen via twitter: Word is that the Blues would like Jaden Schwartz to play with the Tri-City Americans but he’d rather stay at Colorado College.
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.
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