Posts Tagged Jonathan Toews
Win the Cup, get a kick to the gut …Kulemin wants to be a Maple Leaf, a $1 million apart … Broken record in Philly …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 11th, 2010
- James Duthie via Twitter: So the ‘Hawks win the cup, everyone is happy, in the back of the minds of management, they start shaking their heads …. Their salary cap issue already a problem, and now it just got worse. Jonathan Toews received a $1.3 million bonus for winning the Conn Smythe, and since they are already at this years salary cap, it gets applied to next seasons cap number.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek writes the 6,784th article on the Blackhawks cap issues for next season, with at least another 6,201 to come.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are reportedly looking in to Tomas Kaberle, and possibly Dan Hamhuis. Paul Martin is a UFA for them, but could be on his way out after making $4.5 million. Burke may be looking for a solid young player and a draft pick. New Jersey doesn’t have a 1st round pick this year (sent to Atlanta, along with one of their top prospects), their first pick is at #38.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: UFA Dan Hamhuis said there are pros and cons in playing a market like Vancouver. Hamhuis makes his off-season home in his hometown of Smithers, BC. He’s the type of player they would covet this off-season, but may have priced himself out their range. The Canucks made a pitch for him at the deadline, but wouldn’t meet the demands of the Predators. The Preds were after Cody Hodgson and a 1st round pick.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Nikolai Kulemin wants to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf, and Maple Leafs are ‘musing’ the idea of signing Tomas Kaberle to a contract extension. The 24-year old Kulemin had 36 points (mostly from playing on the “Top Line” of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak [quiet laugh]), and led the Leaf forwards hits (136) and blocked shots (41). It’s thought that Kulemin is looking for $3.5 million, the Leafs are more in the $2.5 million range. “Nikolai would like to stay in Toronto. But right now it’s between me and the general manager,” said Greenstin [Kulemin's agent]. “He’s the best two-way player right now in Maple Leafs organization. He definitely is a top-6 forward. He has a great attitude and he is leading team in blocking shots and hits.” Though an offer sheet is possible, I don’t see anyone offering $3.5 million. Offer Sheet Compensation for 2010 Restricted Free Agents.
- Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News: Broken record in Philly, though they made the finals, they need to improve their goaltending this off-season. Leighton was pulled twice in six final games, and let in the winning on a weak wrister from the dot. Hofmann thinks that only Richards, Giroux and Pronger would be untouchable, and use their other assets to get a goalie.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks Molinari if the Penguins will bring back Bill Guerin. Molinari doesn’t really answer the question, but points out the lack of scoring depth in this year’s free agent market (lame Top-25 list), and that a deal for Guerin would be short term, it might be a possibility. Another reader asks about Eric Tangradi, who Molinari says will be given every opportunity to make the club in training camp.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been given the go ahead to start light workouts. Bouchard still feels some symptoms from a concussion, and puts himself at about 85%, but hopes to be ready for training camp.
Keith, Kane and Toews Signing on Thursday
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 2nd, 2009
According to TSN and Chicago Now, the Chicago Blackhawks will announce the signings of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith. Kane and Toews receiving 5 year extensions, with Keith signing a 13 year deal. Press conference called for 2:00 pm CST.
As everyone knows, the ‘tagging’ rule applies here, and the ‘Hawks will have to cut some salary cap room. Brent Sopel and Cam Barker are 2 names that have appeared over the weeks as to players who could be moved. Last week the Leafs and ‘Hawks were rumored on a Sopel and a 2nd round pick for Jiri Tlusty.
The ‘Tagging’ Rule facing the Chicago Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 19th, 2009
So it’s been reported here and everywhere that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane (5 years) and Duncan Keith (up to 13 years) are about to re-sign with the Blackhawks. There has been so much talk about the inevitable signings and cap issues that the Blackhawks have, that I didn’t really want to bring them up again. Pretty much every sports site and blog dating back to last July have touched on their issues on numerous instances (from mynhltraderumors - Capoligist needed in Chicago July 8th, and Hossa’s Contract Investigation July 31st). We all know that they are going to have to make a trade or 2 to free up cap room for next season, and that Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet are 2 contracts that they’d probably like to remove, rather than a Patrick Sharp or Kris Versteeg.
But why am I writing about them then? This blame lies with Tab Bamford of the BleacherReport commenting on an ESPN article. Before the Blackhawks are able to officially sign the big 3, they must makes some moves that effects next years salary cap, the ‘Tagging’ rule.
“Tagging” is a rule in the CBA that prohibits a team from having more money committed to the following season than the current year’s salary cap. Essentially, if this year’s salary cap is roughly $56 million, the Hawks wouldn’t be allowed to have the projected $61 million committed to next year’s payroll after these three deals were completed.
I had never heard of this rule before, and it raises a few questions. Were the ‘Hawks aware of this ‘tagging’ rule? Will the Hawks’ become more active in trying to dump salary so they can announce the 3 signings asap, or will they hold on to the signed contracts and file them later on in the season? At what cost will the ‘Hawks go to, to move out salary (packaging a contract and a good draft pick/prospect for a lower salary)?
Around the Boards: The 3 Hawks’, Savard returning, Filatov gone, Gionta out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 18th, 2009
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are reportedly getting 5 year contract extensions, in excess of $6 million per year. Duncan Keith’s deal could be for up to 13 years.
- Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: It looks as though Marc Savard could return to the Bruins lineup tomorrow night against the Thrashers. He plans to take part in the full practice today, and if all goes well, he’ll be back.
- Aaron Portzline and Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov got his wish and is heading back to Russia for this season. Both sides are saying that he’ll be back in the NHL next season, but that is not guaranteed. GM Howson said he had no plans to trade him.
- TSN and RDS: It was revealed the Canadiens winger Brian Gionta will be out indefinitely with a fractured bone in his left foot.
- Michael Obernauer of the NY Daily News: Although Obernauer doesn’t state there is interest, the article provides the below quote. The Rangers might be looking to deal, especially if Drury’s injury keeps him out for a significant time. Dubinsky is out. Kotalik, Avery, Callahan and Lisin are struggling of late.
“Obviously our biggest weakness is we’re not getting any secondary scoring,” John Tortorella said. “We can’t keep on going one or two goals and expect to win some hockey games.”
- Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues find themselves a unique situation, they have 8 healthy NHL calibre defenceman on their roster. One of the main decisions the Blues will need to make is what to do with Alex Pietrangelo; do they keep him up, send him back to the OHL (to young for the AHL) or allow him to play for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship in Dec.-Jan.
Around the Boards: Forsberg staying in Sweden, Toews-Kane-Keith signing today? Filatov back to KHL?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 17th, 2009
- Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Canucks GM Mike Gillis informed reporters that Peter Forsberg won’t be coming Canucks, or any other NHL club, instead opting to with Modo for the remainder of the season.
- Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Tuesday could be a big day for the Chicago Blackhawks as they might be announcing that they have signed all 3 of their big restricted free agents. Its been out there for a couple days that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were close to resigning, but it appears that Duncan Keith is close as well. I’m definitely interested in these contracts, and to see how they’ll manage the cap next season. Next years cap is expected to be slightly lower than the $56.8 million this year, but without including these 3, their 2010-11 cap number is around $43 million for 13 players.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Penguins: The hockey gods are punishing the Penguins now for winning the Cup last season, as they’ve lost another defenceman to injury. Alex Goligoski will be out for 2 to 3 weeks with an undisclosed injury. Goligoski joins defenceman Gonchar, Letang and Orpik, and forwards Kennedy, Kunitz and Talbot. Some good news should be coming soon as several players are close to returning.
- Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Unhappy with playing and being a healthy scratch, Nikita Filatov of the Blue Jackets could be on his way to the CSKA Moscow of the KHL. The Blue Jackets and Filatov are expected to meet today to discuss him staying with the club. The former 6th overall pick in 2008 has been in the doghouse for his lack of competitive play, and is averaging about 8 minutes on the 4th line.
- Corey Masisak of the Washington Times: Alex Ovechkin practiced yesterday and is expected to return tonight against the New York Rangers.
Around the Boards: Savard extension soon, Rangers-Habs talking? Keith odd man out?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 16th, 2009
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins and Marc Savard are getting closer on a long term extension, in the $6-6.5 million range for 4 or 5 seasons.
- Stephan Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins are getting healthier, with Milan Lucic expected to return this week, and Marc Savard could be back next week.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Jonas Gustavsson will be an RFA at the end of the season, and there might be teams that would sign him to a $5 million offer sheet. Burke can’t negotiate with ‘The Monster’ until January.
- The Predators are trying to unload RWer Ryan Jones and his $975,000 contract.
- The Rangers and Canadiens have had talks involving Sergei and Andrei Kostitsyn.
- The Oilers have inquired about Sergei Kostitsyn, a junior linemate of Sam Gagne.
- The Islanders will most likely trade Martin Biron once Rick DiPietro returns. The Kings or Sabres are possible destinations. I’d also think the Wings might be monitoring his play.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Hearld: The Blackhawks could be looking to trade for a 2nd line center to replace the injured David Bolland (out 3-4 months with back injury). Patrick Sharp could be moved into that role if a trade can’t be worked out. Hurricanes’ Matt Cullen and his $2.875 cap hit might be a fit if Bolland was placed on LTIR.
- Jay Zawaski of Chicago Now: With Toews and Kane possibly close to signing contract extensions; if they sign with a hometown discount, they might be able to keep Duncan Keith. If they re-sign for fair market value, Keith is probably gone.
Around the Boards: Forsberg, Malkin returns but Kunitz out,
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 15th, 2009
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: It must a Swedish thing. Peter Forsberg seems to be as indecisive as Mats Sundin. Forsberg still isn’t sure if he’ll return to the NHL and may opt to stay in Sweden and play with Modo.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Good news for the Penguins, Evgeni Malkin returned to the lineup. Bad news for the Penguins, Chris Kunitz will miss 2 weeks with a nagging lower body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
- Scott Niedermayer doesn`t want to be traded, nor do the Ducks want to trade him. They`d like him to retire a Duck.
- The Coyotes scouted Chris Chelios but have decided not move any further with it.
- Contract talks with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are going well and are both are close to re-signing.
- Teams have inquired about Fabian Brunnstrom, but the Stars are not trying to trade him.
- Hockey Night in Canada`s `Hotstove`
Around the Boards: Phil Kessel, Sam Gagne, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Elias Updates, Wisniewski Suspended
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 3rd, 2009
- Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: Phil Kessel is expected to receive clearance from doctors this morning to make his Toronto Maple Leafs debut tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kessel has been skating with Jason Blake and Matt Stajan. The problem I see with this line is that both Blake and Kessel like to shoot the puck a lot. It will be interesting to see how Stajan handles both shooters.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Sam Gagne will be out of the Flyers lineup for 6-8 weeks after his hernia and abdominal surgery today. Though he definitely will be missed, it creates an opportunity for some of the Flyers younger kids to step up. Also, Daniel Briere hope to practice tomorrow, with the goal of playing on Friday.
- Corey Masisak of the Washington Times: Alexander Ovechkin is listed as wee-to-week with an upper body strain. Brooks Laich take Ovechkin’s spot on the line with Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Jonathan Toews is still not allowed to skate, no timetable on his return has been set. There’s a chance that Marian Hossa returns before November 25th.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Struggling Canadiens winger Andrei Kostitsyn has been demoted to 4th line. Kostitsyn has only 1 goal and 3 assists in 14 games, and received only 7:32 minutes of ice time on Saturday.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenceman James Wisniewski was suspended for 2 games for his elbow on Shane Doan.
- Rich Chere of The Star-Ledger: Patrick Elias for the first time this season with the Devils and is eying a weekend return the lineup. He’ll give the Devils a much needed offensive jolt.
- Brian Mullen of the Nashville Tennessean: Shea Weber will be out the Nashville Predators lineup for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Matt Pettinger signed on for his second stint with the Vancouver Canucks after inking a 1 year, 2-way, $500k contract.
Around the Boards: Mon. Oct. 26th
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 26th, 2009
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It will be a battle of the Jonas’s tonight in Anaheim. The J.S. Giguere out with a groin injury, Jonas Hillier will be starting, and Jonas Gustavsson will be returning from his groin injury. Can the Monster help bring the Leafs their first victory of the season.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Patrick Elias could return to practice sometime this week. Paul Martin might have a broken left arm. Jay Pandolfo dislocated his shoulder on Saturday.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Wednesday will be decision day for the Buffalo Sabres on if Tyler Myers will stay with the club or return him to junior. Odds are he’ll be staying.
- Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews and Brett Seabrook continue to miss practices/games but, “There’s a possibility they could play (Monday),” coach Joel Quenneville said. “We’re seeing some progress.”
- David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: Devin Setoguchi and Ryan Vesce both missed last night’s game, and are both day-to-day.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: David Booth of the Panthers is out at least a week with a concussion after being hammered by Mike Richards, who won’t be suspended. Booth was caught admiring his pass, and did not see the shoulder check by Richards.
Around the Boards: Fri. Oct. 23rd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 23rd, 2009
- If The Globe and Mail isn`t on your daily list of sites to read, you should add it. Aside from excellent hockey coverage, they also have a weekly podcast, done every Thursday I think. Here is yesterday`s podcast.
- James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail: Ron Wilson has his fingers crossed that Jonas Gustavsson can go Saturday against the Canucks, but Monday against Anaheim is more likely. Struggling blueliner, Luke Schenn, found himself without a defensive partner at practice. Could he be the odd man out on Saturday?
- Kevin Dupont of the Boston Globe: It doesn`t look like Brendan Shanahan is on the Boston Bruins radar to fill the roster spot, though 1 team is apparently considering him. But Shanahan agent, Rick Curran said “You know, roster limits, salary-cap restrictions. It’s just a matter of remaining patient and ready.’’
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers have juggled their top 2 lines with Bryan Little joining Todd White and Slava Kozlov. Their 1st line now consists of Ilya Kovalchuk, Nik Antropov and Max Afinogenov.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Ryan Kesler is in the final year of his contract, earning $1.75 million this year, and is looking for a contract extension, and potentially a lot more money. Kesler`s agent has already met with Canucks management on several occassions.
- Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register: Anaheim Ducks forward, Evgeny Artyukhin, was suspended for 3 games for slew footing Dallas Stars defenceman, Matt Niskanen in Wednesday nights game. This is Artyukhin`s 3rd time being suspended. Nishanen left the game, and did not play last night.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook, both injured on Wednesday, did not practice yesterday. Coach Joel Quenneville said both are progressing and could play Saturday.
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