Posts Tagged Jordan Staal

Veteran for Tavares … Vokoun on the Block … Blues interested in Kovalev? Sturm to LA again … 3 Coaches on the hotseat

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 12th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The New York Islanders are looking to add a veteran winger for John Tavares before the Christmas roster freeze next Sunday, Tampa’s Simon Gagne could be one option. Kevin Bieksa will likely be dealt before the trade deadline, and the San Jose Sharks are looking for a defenseman (I don’t see how the Canucks could send Bieksa to the Sharks when it’s very possible they could face each other in the Conference finals). Still whispers that Bruce Boudreau’s job may not be safe despite being 2nd in the conference.  Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun could be traded for draft picks, Dale Tallon will be looking for a 1st round pick, the Lightning could be interested. The NY Rangers are looking to move Alexander Frolov to anyone. The Atlanta Thrashers were also interested in Marco Sturm. The Canadiens and Leafs could be interested in Jamie Langenbrunner.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The St. Louis Blues may have an interest in Ottawa Senators forward Alexei Kovalev. The Blues are without David Perron, Andy McDonald and TJ Oshie, but can’t make a move until their ownership situation is settled, may not be until the new year.
  • Boston Herald: Marco Sturm has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations, contingent on him passing a physical.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy could see the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins making a trade, as the Blues have some defenseman to offer.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: There could be more validity to the report that Jordan Staal re-broke his hand. Bob McKenzie via twitter: More should be known on Monday if there was a setback on Staal’s hand, there were denials of the re-break and talk of “calcification” issues.
  • Renaud Lavoie of the RDS: With Andrei Markov being out for the season, the Canadiens will now have some extra cash, and could look to Brad Richards. Richard’s first choice is to remain in Dallas but he may have to look elsewhere. He is from nearby Prince Edward Island.
  • Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Calgary Flames coach Brett Sutter is on the hot seat. “But, make no mistake, it’s coming. It has to, doesn’t it? And perhaps the Flames will end up making the right move.”  The Herald did a poll last week in a live chat asking who was to blame, Brett didn’t receive one vote, GM Darryl Sutter had 84% of the votes. Team president Ken King and their scouts each had 8%.
  • Dave Hutchinson of the Star-Ledger: John MacLean’s tenure as the New Jersey Devils coach could be coming to end soon. They are 8-19-2 and have lost 9 of 12. “At this rate, it’ll be tough for MacLean to hold onto his job, although general manager Lou Lamoriello seems to be giving him every opportunity to lead his team out of this debilitating slump, one that could crush the Devils’ playoff hopes before Christmas.”

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Poor Kovalev getting picked on … Hulsizer and Glendale reach agreement, await vote … Staal doesn’t have another broken bone

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on December 11th, 2010

  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Alexei Kovalev feels that coach he’s being picked on by coach Cory Clouston with his demotion to the 4th line,

    “That’s the way it looks right now,” he said. I’m not the only one not playing well, so nothing I can do about it. He decides to pick me. It has been happening all my career.”

    He’s not sure why he’s being criticized for his play,

    “I just don’t understand, because sometimes when you start playing well and everything goes well and then starts the brain-picking again. I don’t know why it keeps happening. Why don’t they just let me play the way I can? I don’t know if it’s some kind of jealousy or something else, I have no idea. I’ve been asking that question all my career and it just keeps happening.”

  • Rebekah Sanders of the Arizona Republic: The city of Glendale and Matthew Hulsizer have reached an agreement, and it will go to City Council vote on Tuesday. Glendale would give $197 million of 5 years (the arena cost less than $197 million to build), $100 would be upfront and Hulsizer would use it to off-set the $170 million cost to buy the team. Glendale will take over the 5,500 parking spots around the arena and charge a fee to help (along with other things) cover  the remaining $97 million over 5 years. There are several ‘agrees to’ for both sides that are worth checking out, such as to attempt to rename to Arizona Coyotes and to keep the team there for 23 years.
  • Spector’s Hockey: He’s hearing that Marco Sturm could be dealt to the LA Kings today.
  • Sam Kasan of NHL.com: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma had this to say about the report that Jordan Staal had another broken bone in his hand,

    “If you’re referencing an internet report that said there was another break, then that is not true,” Bylsma said. “He’s continuing on the same course. He has the pin out. There is calcification and we have another scheduled x-ray. We hope to continue seeing the healing that is taken place. He’s on that rehab program.”

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Milan Hejduk scored that game winning goal last night, but left shortly after with a groin pull. They’ll no more on the extent of the injury today as groin injuries usually worse after the first 24 hours.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: NJ Devils Gionta and Magnan cleared waivers yesterday. The Blues put Chris Porter on waivers.
  • Linus Omark shootout goal is his first NHL game. Reactions from Damian Cristodero’s article: “A … joke,” left wing Ryan Malone said. Asked if it was disrespectful, defenseman Mattias Ohlund said, “Absolutely.” “It’s embarrassing for him,” Ellis said. “You come into a league, a respectful league like this, and you try a little move like that. It’s not a very classy thing. That’s just the kind of person he is.”

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Brodeur back in tonight … Time to fire MacLean? Staal has setback? Bruins make 2 minor trades

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on December 10th, 2010

  • John Buccigross via twitter: Martin Brodeur is expected to make his first start since November 18th for the NJ Devils tonight against the Senators.
  • Steve Politi of the Star-Ledger: It may not be fair due to the amount of injuries the Devils have had so far this season, “But the GM has to protect his franchise. Firing the coach might solve absolutely nothing, but if the team continues spiraling toward oblivion, and if losing becomes an expectation, Lamoriello will have no other choice.”
  • Chris Botta of FanHouse: The Devils won’t trade their younger players for older players in attempt to turn their season around,

    “Lou has told everyone — agents, the other GMs, his own staff — that one thing he has no interest in is adding veterans on the back end of their primes,” an NHL executive tells FanHouse. “Believe me, plenty of people have poked around. There are still a few free agents who could help them the rest of this season. There’s a trade or two he can make. But, as you’d expect from Lou, he’s not going to go away from what he believes in.”

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jordan Staal’s mid-December return has been pushed back as he still recovers from surgery on his broken right hand. According to coach Dan Bylsma, “He’s been working out hard and skating hard, but he just started the process of putting motion and movement into rehab with his hand.”
  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Marco Sturm said there were a couple teams interested in his services before the LA Kings deal fell through. Nobody with the Bruins has said anything about being sent to the AHL.
  • Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins made a couple minor league deals yesterday. The Bruins traded Levi Nelson to the Lightning for Juraj Simek. They also sent Jeff LoVecchio and Jordan Knackstedt to the Panthers for Sean Zimmerman and a 7th round pick.
  • Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau calls out his star players:

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Jere Lehtinen retires … Staal still weeks away … Malkin out tonight … Phaneuf could return on Thursday

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 8th, 2010

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: The Dallas Stars have announced that Jere Lehtinen has officially retired from the NHL.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Evgeny Malkin is out of the Penguins lineup tonight. Mike Comrie is out another week. Staal is making progress but not close.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: “Sturm trade unlikely unless team trading for him has definite return date. But still unlikely.”
  • Tim Sassone via twitter: Andrew Raycroft will start for the Stars tonight. Kari Lehtonen has tightness in his leg.
  • Fan 960 Audio: Matt Stajan talks with Rob as the Flames get set for a two game road trip.

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Fleischmann to Cancucks? Kings? Would the Pens trade Malkin? Would the Devils trade Brodeur? Perron close to be symptom free

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 29th, 2010

  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Rumors are heating up that the Washington Capitals are looking to move Tomas Fleischmann for a defenseman. Fleischmann has 4 goals in 22 games, was a healthy scratch mid November against the Sabres, and is a UFA at seasons end. The Capitals were interested in Kevin Bieksa in the off-season. There was a late night rumor last night that Fleischmann could be heading to the LA Kings.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Dispatch: David Perron has missed his 12th straight game will post-concussion symptoms. He’s now able to at least play video games, before he was only able to rest. Perron was hit [24] days ago by Joe Thornton (I guess those people calling him a faker were completely wrong, and no I’m not referring to Gary Bettman), and feels he’s getting ‘close’ to being symptom free. Perron said this about Thornton, “Obviously he’s not trying to hurt me there. He doesn’t know it’s going to go on this long and I’m going to miss this many games, so obviously he wouldn’t do that.”
  • Chris Zupke of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne said he’ll be ready to return to the Ducks lineup tonight. Lubomir Visnovsky will see today how his back is feeling before declaring if he will/won’t play tonight. Joffery Lupul could rejoin the team today after playing a few games with Syracuse of the AHL.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Sami Salo continues to rehab from his ruptured Achilles, with reports of him beginning skating in 3 weeks, with a possible January return. No timetable has been set.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Avalanche defenseman Kyle Cumiskey could be trade bait, they are looking to add some grit and leadership. Evgeni Malkin is having another ‘average’ season, and the Penguins might consider dealing him for a heavy ransom, and go with Jordan Staal as their #2 center. The Oilers may have an interest in Dallas Stars Dman Mark Fistric. The Stars may not be interested in giving Brad Richards a deal in the 6-8 year range as they may be worried about his foot speed as he gets older. The Stars may prefer a 3 year deal. The Kings will be interested if the Stars are thinking of dealing him.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks wonders if the Devils would consider trading Martin Brodeur. Lou would likely never approach Brodeur about this, Brodeur would have to bring it up with Lou. The Capitals would have to be interested if he were to become available. The Capitals could send a young goaltenders, “John Carlson or Karl Alzner — Mike Green? as well as young center.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Ron Wilson continues to juggle his lines looking for some sort of offense. Tyler Bozak who was/is the teams number 1 center was dropped to the 3rd and 4th lines in Saturday’s loss to the Senators. The Leafs are on a 0-7-1 road streak and having only scored 16 goals on the road in 10 games.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs aren’t considering sending Tyler Bozak to the Marlies, but Simmons thinks they should reconsider as he’s “He is 316th in the NHL in scoring, 394th in scoring at even strength, 153rd in power-play points. He is on pace for a terrible 23-point season.” Simmons wonders what the trade value for Mikhail Grabovski would be if Burke through his name out there, his value may not get higher than it is now.

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Staal breaks hand … Doughty to have ‘baseline’ test today … Pominville to return tomorrow … Burrows back today

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 2nd, 2010

  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jordan Staal was getting ready to return to the Penguins lineup this week, but will now be out 6 weeks. Staal took a puck to the hand, breaking it, and will undergo surgery today.
  • Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Jason Pominville appears to be ready to go for Wednesday game against the Bruins. Pominville’s return will be a welcome for the 3-7-2 Sabres. Ryan Miller missed practiced yesterday with a none serious, lower-body injury.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Jason Arnott feels he did nothing wrong to deserve the benching, “Not in my mind. It’s been a little weird this season.” Arnott leads the team in scoring with 6 points and has the second worst team +/- at -9.
  • David Goricki of the Detroit News: Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood is day-to-day with a groin injury, he left practice yesterday after 10 minutes. Jimmy Howard was back on the ice and will start on Wednesday. Brian Rafalski left with the team on their road trip, he might return next Monday when they return home.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman doesn’t think he needs to acquire another player anytime soon, “If anything, I don’t know if it’s anything personnel-wise we have to change,” Bowman said.  “It’s just getting acclimated to the new group we have here, and bringing in another new face really wouldn’t be the answer. The 2012 NHL draft may be held at the United Center.
  • The Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks activated Brian Campbell yesterday and placed David Bolland on IR. Bolland had 3 points in 12 games this season.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs are sticking by their guns with regards to letting Nazem Kadri develop in the AHL for now. The offensively challenged called up Christian Hansen and Luca Caputi last week, and left the Marlies leading scorer (4 goals, 4 assists in 8 games) to continue to work in his game in the minors. “It’s exactly the right situation,” Marlies coach Dallas Eakins said. “You know what, he has enough skill and creativity right now to play in the NHL. The problem is, that skill and creativity will be just greatly exposed [when he makes mistakes] and he would be the goat in the NHL.” Don Cherry doesn’t agree and let his feeling be known on Coaches’ Corner on Saturday.
  • Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: Alex Burrows will return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup tonight versus the Oilers. Burrows has been recovering for the last 5 months from shoulder surgery.
  • Fan 590 Audio: Wendel Clarke was on Hockey Central at Noon with Nick Kypreos yesterday, talking about playing careers, today’s Toronto Maple Leafs, and the current state of the NHL.
  • Fan 590 Audio: Don Cherry was on with Andrew Krystal and Jeremy Roenick yesterday morning, talking Leafs, the current NHL and to tell a few stories.
  • Fan 590 Audio: Full 2 hours with Jeremy Roenick on the Andrew Krystal show.
  • Fan 960 Audio: Craig Conroy talks with Rob Kerr about the Calgary Flames of late.

If you know a sports radio station that breaks down interviews rather giving links to entire show/podcast, please send me a note. Address can be found in the ‘contact’ tab at the top of the page. Thanks

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Some want Jarome out? Staal injured at practice, Malkin and Letang missing … Kuba, Leclaire almost ready … plus more

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 1st, 2010

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Some people in the Calgary Flames organization want Jarome Iginla to be traded. Friedman was told in the summer that “Iginla will not agree to a trade unless the Flames make it public that any move is the team’s choice, not his.” Mark Giordano had a 3-way contract six years ago, one for each of the NHL, AHL, and ECHL.
  • Allen Panzeri via twitter: Pascal Leclaire could be the backup for the Senators tomorrow night against the Leafs, survived the entire practice today. Filip Kuba also lasted entire practice, could be back on Thursday.
  • Ben Wright via twitter: Bryan Little (concussion) is still awaiting his test results and isn’t at practice. Freddy Meyer also didn’t practice.
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: It’s looking like Cam Fowler will be in the lineup on Wednesday, the Anaheim Ducks should decide this week if he’ll remain with the club or be sent back to Junior.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Marian Gaborik says that his shoulder still isn’t pain free, took a couple wrist shots, no slap shots. Darren Dreger via twitter: Gaborik skated on his own today for the first time since his shoulder injury, still weeks away.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Vinny Prospal isn’t doing any leg exercises, doing hand-bike exercises. Chris Drury doing off-ice exercises.

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Injury notes on Sheldon Souray, Craig Anderson, Dan Sexton and Jordan Staal

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Videos on October 27th, 2010

Updated 10:15 am

8:04 am:

  • Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Sheldon Souray tells LeBrun there’s a small break in his hand, and will be out 10-14 days. (See video of the fight in a post from yesterday)
  • Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson hurts his knee during warm-ups last night. He’ll be evaluated this morning by team doctors, after flying back to Denver. It looks like it could be serious. Dater notes there are worries about torn ACL.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Although Jordan Staal has been looking good in practice, he’s still a ways away, he’ll miss his 10th straight game tonight. “He looks good, but there’s still a ways to go before he gets close to that 100-percent number,” coach Dan Bylsma.

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Rypien suspended indefinitely, hearing Friday … Green still out … Richards off top PP unit … Burke and Lamoriello audio

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 20th, 2010

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Canucks Rick Rypien has been suspended by the NHL, pending a hearing. Pierre LeBrun, hearing is ‘in-person’, which is required under the CBA to suspend a player for 5 games or more, but doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll get 5 games or more.Dreger says it’s likely that Rypien’s hearing will be on Friday. ESPN posts an article on other instances where NHL players and fans have been involved.
  • Tim Panaccio via twitter: Mike Richards has been replaced on the top power play unit during practice. Top unit Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell, Daniel Briere , Kimmo Timonen & Chris Pronger.
  • John Buccigross of ESPN: If the Dallas Stars decide to trade Brad Richards, Buccigross thinks they could get a 1st round pick, a prospect and a roster player for him. He also thinks the Leafs, Kings and Rangers would be interested, and could offer him right away a 5 to 7 year deal worth $30-40 million. The Blues might be a good fit for Richards.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers forward Nik Antropov is still not a 100% from off-season hip surgery. He’s struggled out of the gate with 1 assist in 5 games so far. Coach Craig Ramsey has tried to limit his minutes (averaging 13:31 per game) and could sit him out for a time, they are going game-by-game with him.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Lines at the Edmonton Oilers practice today: Penner/Gagner/Hemsky, Paajarvi/Horcoff/Eberle & Hall/Cogliano/Brule.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: It’s looking more and more like Bill Guerin will be retiring from the NHL. No announcement has been made, but one could be coming in the next 2-3 weeks.
  • Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke was on the Andrew Krystal show this morning talking about the Maple Leafs and answering some fan questions.
  • Fan 590 Audio: Lou Lamoriello on Prime Time Sports yesterday with Bob McCown talking about roster concerns and the current salary cap system.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Jordan Staal practiced for the 2nd straight day. He feels he’s ready and could travel with the team on the upcoming road trip. Brooks Oprik could return against St. Louis.

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Savard to undergo physical exertion test soon … Staal and Tavares skate … Rafalski out 3-4 weeks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 13th, 2010

  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com: Marc Savard will undergo a physical exertion test in the next few days. He’s been doing low-intensity workouts, and has been making slow, steady progress. If/when he passes the test, it would be at least 4-6 before he’d return to the Bruins lineup.
  • Rob Longley via twitter: Jordan Staal skated today by himself, but don’t read into it too much, he’s still a-ways-away.
  • Helene Elliot via twitter: Andres Lilja is unlikely to play with the Anaheim Ducks this weekend as he has to leave the US to get the proper visa/paperwork.

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Oilers place Sheldon Souray on waivers … J. Staal out 10 weeks? Waiting for Salvador results

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 30th, 2010

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Others who were placed on waivers today: Brett Festerling and Danny Syvret in Anaheim; Brent Krahn in Dallas; Staffan Kronwall in Calgary; Tim Conboy, Derek Whitmore, and Colin Stuart in Buffalo.

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Gionta Habs new Captain? Neal and Niskanen close with Stars … Redden to AHL?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2010

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: La Presse is reporting that Brian Gionta will be named as the new Montreal Canadiens captain.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars feel they have made solid offers to James Neal and Matt Niskanen, and GM Joe Nieuwendyk thinks they are close. They are trying to Neal on a 2 year deal, and Niskanen on a 1 year deal. The team has an internal budget of $45 million.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: Agent Don Meehan expects the Dallas Stars and James Neal to reach a deal by the start of training camp.
  • Jeff Marek via twitter: Jordan Staal is likely to miss the start of the season after having an operation to cure the infection in his foot.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers may looking into trading for Sheldon Souray. It’s an extreme longshot that Wade Redden makes the club, he’s expected to be put on waivers, removing his $6.5 million cap hit.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Unless Wade Redden has an excellent camp/pre-season, he’ll likely be sent to the AHL, giving the Rangers the cap relief they need.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Jakub Voracek will be a RFA at seasons end. It is not known if there have been any talks, but Voracek’s side may want to hold off until after the season in hope that he has a big year. Portzline thinks they will get a deal done sooner than later.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Marco Sturm is on track to return to the Bruins in mid-November after having surgery on his left knee 6 months ago. Sturm will be put on LTIR and save the club a $3.5 million cap hit, but once he comes back they’ll need to clear space, with Michael Ryder being demoted to the AHL a possibility.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Patrick Elias will start the season on left wing according to coach John MacLean. That would make a 3rd line left winger, or MacLean will move one of Ilya Kovalchuk or Zach Parise, who are ahead of him on the LW depth chart.
  • Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Majority Carolina Hurricanes owner, Peter Karmanos, is still trying to sell the minority share of the late Thomas Thewes. He’s been trying for 4 months, and there’s still a “for sale” on the club. He has looking for an investor to by the 49% share, but will look at a group of investors.

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Staal to center Malkin? Quebec City building an arena to lure NHL back … A healthy Hemsky?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 6th, 2010

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Recently signed Mike Comrie could be the 3rd line center for the Penguins, with Jordan Staal (when his foot heals) moving up to center the 2nd line. Evgeni Malkin could find himself on right wing beside Staal. Coach Dan Bylsma won’t give a definitive answer, but it’s something the team is seriously considering.
  • Karine Gagnon QMI Agency, Toronto Sun: Quebec Premier Jean Charest will meet with the mayor of Quebec City next Tuesday to discuss the possibility of $400 million of provincial funds to build a new arena. This could be the first step in the possible return of the NHL to Quebec City, former home of the Nordiques.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Many are predicting Ales Hemsky to bounce back this season, posting close to a point a game. Hemsky remains a health risk as he drives into traffic areas, and is not a big forward. He only played in 22 games last season due to shoulder surgery.

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Kozlov to KHL … 3 NHL caliber goalies in SJ … Fehr wants $7.5 mill through 2012 … More on Staal, Savard and Maltby

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 3rd, 2010

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Fehr’s price tag for being the NHLPA executive director is $7.5 million through 2012, players start to “hmm and haw”.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks now have 3 NHL caliber goalies after signing Antti Niemi. Antero Niittymaki (signed this off-season for $2 million a year, 2 years) and Thomas Greiss were expected to battle for the starting position before the Niemi signing. Niittymaki doesn’t feel that concerned, but Greiss was more disappointed, as he’s probably the #3 goalie now. Greiss has talked to GM Doug Wilson about the situation, which might involve a change of scenery.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Antti Niemi’s agent said that he had “four or five offers” before he decided to sign with the Sharks.
  • Steve Zipay of Newsday: Speculation, not a rumor. The Bruins could send Marc Savard to the Rangers for possibly Matt Gilroy, Sean Avery and a 2nd round pick.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland met with Kirk Maltby on Wednesday, and is waiting to hear back from him. Maltby would have to earn a spot on the roster, and it might take an injury or 2 to get a spot.
  • Terry Frei of the Denver Post: RFA Chris Stewart signed a 2 year contract worth $5.75 million, $2.5 million this year, $3.25 million next year. Peter Mueller still remains unsigned by the Avalanche. The Avs currently sit $950,000 below the cap floor.

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Some longterm contract notes … Savard staying … Ranger not attending Lightning camp

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The VP of the KHL doesn’t think that Kovalchuk will end up in the KHL, means to much to the NHL, but added “if Kovalchuk decides to come over, he can sign any contract; SKA will pay the luxury tax; it’s democratic and free here”
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Just to repeat, Chris Pronger’s deal with Ed Snider’s Philadelphia Flyers has been approved. He’ll be 42 in the final season, and will make a combined $1.05 million in the final 2 seasons of his 7 year, $34.45 million deal.
  • Jack Edwards of NESN: Edwards shoots down any rumors that the Bruins are looking to trade Marc Savard. He lists many different reasons as to why he’ll be staying.

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Staal’s return delayed … Ducks looking for D depth … Bergfors-Thrashers not close … Pens not talking to Kariya or Svatos

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 27th, 2010

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal has “experienced a couple of setbacks” from the torn tendon is his foot. They will take it easy with him and there is no need for concern if he misses a couple days or weeks.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are looking to add some ‘low cost depth options’ on the point, but it’s possible they enter camp with what they have. The Ducks have considered trading for Kevin Bieksa, but the Canucks aren’t in a rush to move him any more.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Jiri Lehtinen isn’t ready to make a decision yet if he’ll return to the Stars or retire. Mike Ribeiro’s no-trade clause stipulates that he can name 10 that he doesn’t want to be traded to (that doesn’t sound like much of a ‘no-trade’ clause to me if you name teams you don’t want to be traded to).  The Stars want to sign RFA James Neal to a 2 year deal, Neal is fine with a 1 or 2 year deal.
  • Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens have yet to talk to Andre Markov about a contract extension. Markov is a UFA after the season, GM Pierre Gauthier told Markov’s agent “(Gauthier) wants to wait until the right time”.
  • Eric Engels via twitter: Engels thinks the Canadiens would be foolish if they weren’t interested in Bill Guerin.
  • Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley says that they remain ways apart with RFA Niclas Bergfors, not close on “value of player.”
  • The Hockey Writers: Marek Svatos’ agent Richard Evans, “Marek would certainly be able to provide offence for a team like Pittsburgh,” Evans told THW Tuesday.  “Pittsburgh is a team that Marek would be very interested in joining…on paper it looks like a good fit — but ultimately that is up to Ray [Shero].”

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Kovalchuk and Kings close … Market to open up soon? Malkin to the wing with Crosby

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 16th, 2010

  • Nick Kyperos via Twitter: 8:40 AM Post – “A big swing in the Ilya/Kings talks. Major stumbling blocks have been rectified. A source now described it to me as “close but not done”
  • Mike Russo via Twitter: Lockout protection has been a ‘sticky part’ in the Ilya Kovalchuk – Los Angeles Kings talks.
  • Tom Gulitti via Twitter: (last night). Devil’s GM Lou Lamoriello said they will be patient while Kovalchuk makes up his mind. “I think we have to understand what he’s going through.”  Waiting for Kovalchuk won’t interrupt any other potential transactions. If there is a deal to make them better, they’ll do it.
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thinks that once Kovalchuk signs, the markets will open up again. He’s been shopping Marc Savard and Tim Thomas for awhile, but things have come to a halt. “I think once a player of that caliber moves, there’s probably a couple of other players just under him who might move in a couple of deals” Chiarelli said. The Bruins signed Gregory Campbell and Adam McQuaid to 2 year deals, Jeff LoVecchio and Andrew Bodnarchuk received 1 year deals.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN there is no truth to the rumor linking him to the Blackhawks. Former Predator, Denis Grebeshkov has been getting some interest, but nothing concrete. Some of the interest is coming from the KHL, but he’d prefer to stay in the NHL. LeBrun thinks that if the Sharks think Kaberle’s price is too high, Grebeshkov could be an option.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There is nothing going between the Anaheim Ducks, James Wisniewski and Bobby Ryan, but they’ve been talking with Teemu Selanne.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguin management has concluded it might be time to move Malkin to the wing on Crosby’s line, bumping Staal to the 2nd line center. If the move doesn’t work, they can easily go back to having all 3 of them at the center position.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Derek Meech was re-signed by the Red Wings for $500,000 yesterday, but he may not get much playing time as a 7th or 8th defenseman, and may find himself with a different club by the start of the season. If he makes it to camp, he’ll be battling Jakub Lindl, Brandon Smith and Doug Janik for the 6th spot. GM Ken Holland was scheduled to talk to Mike Modano late yesterday afternoon, a decision wasn’t expected to be made. They’ve also had talks with Kirk Maltby regarding a 1-way and 2-way contracts.
  • Ralph Strangis of the Dallas Morning News: If the Stars make any acquisitions, it would have to be at least dollar-for-dollar. Unless they would consider moving Benn or Neal, there isn’t much interest in any of their players. Once the new ownership is in place, they may be able to add some players/contracts.

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Hawks still shopping Versteeg … Jordan Staal not going anywhere … Filatov back to the NHL next year? “we’ll see”

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 24th, 2010

  • Michael Russo via Twitter: Russo talked to the few NHL Executives and they confirmed that the Stan Bowman and the Blackhawks are still shopping Kris Versteeg.
  • EJ Hradek of ESPN: The Senators will listen to offers for Jason Spezza. Though he may not be a top 10 center, teams will still be inquiring. Columbus should consider it as they need a center for Rick Nash. They could also consider looking at Mike Ribeiro. Hradek wonders if the Bruins and Panthers would consider flip-flopping draft picks (#2 and #3). Several teams should have an interest in Sheldon Souray. He has a $5.4 cap hit, but makes $4.5 million in salary the next 2 seasons.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Dmitry provides a link to Filatov’s forum (if it’s really him), and you can ask him questions. Someone asked if he’ll be returning to the NHL next season, he responded “we’ll see”.

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Would the Penguins trade Malkin? Can the Senators trade Kovalev?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Trades on May 16th, 2010

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if it’s time the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Evgeni Malkin for a couple wingers, and maybe a young gun or draft pick. 2 Top 6 wingers could combine for $8 million, to go along with Crosby and Staal. The knock on the Penguins all season long was the lack of scoring from the wings. The free agent market for wingers isn’t great, and maybe Eric Tangradi is ready. Matheson does the hometown plug offering a package of Ales Hemsky, Dustin Penner, and Andrew Cogliano.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There’s a good chance the Senators will try to move Alex Kovalev this summer, but they might have trouble finding a dance partner. Kovalev has $5 million left on his deal, and is coming off ACL surgery and a subpar season. “I don’t think anybody is going to want him,” a league executive said Saturday. “Sure, they could try to see if anybody wants to take him, but he’s a high-risk, low-reward player. There’s not a big market for those types of players.” TSN analyst Pierre McGuire is now the leading candidate to the vacant Lightning GM job. Steve Yzerman has only shown mild interest in the position. The Lightning have also talked to Ron Hextall (Kings asst. GM) and Paul Fenton (Predators asst. GM)
  • TSN: There is a good chance that the Vancouver Canucks will not be trading goalie prospect, Cory Schneider. GM Mike Gillis says that Roberto Luongo’s workload needs to be reduced and he expects Schneider to be the backup. Luongo’s captancy will be under review.

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Markov has Torn ACL … Jordan Staal Skating … NHL Draft rumors involving the Islanders

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 5th, 2010

  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: It was leaked the Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andre Markov has a torn ACL. Markov suffered the injury in Game 1 last Friday after taking a hit from Matt Cooke. Markov missed 37 games this season, the Canadiens were 14-20-3 without him, 25-13-7 with him in the lineup.
  • Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Four days after having surgery to fix a severed tendon on his foot, Jordan Staal took a brief skate yesterday morning. Dan Bylsman continues to say Staal is ‘day-to-day’ and also noted … “We would not be risking anything, in terms of his health or the procedure that he had. He just has to heal from a surgical wound and get back in his boot and be comfortable doing that, so there’s not a risk in terms of weighing if he should play or shouldn’t play.”
  • Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: Tim Connolly will probably find himself on the trade block this summer, but it could be a difficult move as he’s under contract for 1 more year at $4.5 million, and has a serious injury history. He did put up some decent numbers during the regular season, but did not have a good playoff.
  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: More talk on the Blues wondering who will be their ‘goalie of the future’. It appears that it’s not Ben Bishop, maybe it will be 2008 2nd round draft pick, Jake Allen. Gordon thinks that if the Blues don’t think it’s Allen, then they need to go after someone this summer. I don’t see how they would give up on Allen already, he was a high pick only 2 years ago. I think they should re-sign Mason, who has played pretty well for them the last couple years, wait out on Allen, and maybe draft another goalie in the first couple rounds this year.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Options for the Islanders with the 5th overall pick in this years NHL Draft. They could trade down collecting a 2nd and/or 3rd round pick, but staying within the top 10. They could try moving up to the top 3 or 4 if they want Cam Fowler or Erik Gudbranson, but that may not be cost effective. No chance of them moving in to the 1 or 2 spots. Brett Connolly should be available at #5 but there are plenty of questionmarks on him surrounding an injury that caused him to miss the majority of the season. Brandon Gormley is also a strong possibility if Gudbranson and Fowler are off the board.
  • Gare Joyce of ESPN: Joyce thinks there is a 50-50  chance of Islanders trading their 1st round pick this year. If they do use it, it would most likely be on a defenseman. There is also rumors that Oilers will be selecting Tyler Seguin. Scouts have told Joyce that a scout in Boston was talking about “knowing” that Edmonton was taking Seguin … but one has to wonder if this rumor, was a generated rumor by the Oilers to throw people off.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Andrei Kostitsyn may be wearing out his welcome in Montreal. His ice time has been drastically cut, seeing 4th line duty. If they find a taker for his $3.25 million salary, they might be inclined to move him, freeing up some much needed cap space, though it’s earier said than done.

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