Posts Tagged Ken Hitchcock

Gagner may not be worth a 1st … Teams told Nash won’t be traded … Injury updates on Hemsky, Wolski, Parros, Gomez, Kostitsyn, Jokinen and Huselius

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 8th, 2011

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Reader asks if the Oilers could get a 1st round pick for Sam Gagner from the Islanders? Matheson doesn’t think Gagner could get them a 1st round pick. He’s not a true playmaker or scorer. If they decide to move Gagner, they may package him with a defenseman to sweeten the pot. The Flames need a center but they wouldn’t trade him there. The Senators, Devils and Islanders could use a centerman. The Oilers have too many forwards and possibly too many defenseman. The Oilers want to see Ales Hemsky playing healthy before deciding to offer him a long-term contract. He could be looking for a 3 or 4 year deal, possibly around $5 million a season.
  • Elliotte Freidman of CBC: If the St. Louis Blues are paying Ken Hitchcock less than $1.3 million, the Blue Jackets will make up the difference. When asked about why the Blues just don’t offer a million or less, Freidman found out that: there is a formula the NHL uses for situations like this where coaches receive an average salary of coaches that have similar experience. Rick Nash has a full no-trade clause for the next 3 seasons. Teams that have called about Nash have been told “He has not asked to be traded and will not be traded.” Martin Brodeur has indicated he wants to play next year.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky could return tonight. Coach Tom Renney said he’s thinking about it. Hemsky said: “I think I’m ready, but it’s not in my hands.”
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski will be out for a month as he requires surgery to repair a sports hernia. Wolski was placed on the IR on Friday.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks forward George Parros will be out a month after undergoing laser surgery on his left eye to correct a torn retina. Parros has hit with a deflected puck at Friday’s practice.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens center Scott Gomez is getting closer to returning to their lineup. When he returns it will put them with 5 centers, so 1 will have to move to the wing. It will have to be one of Gomez, Lars Eller or David Desharnais. Gomez is a better faceoff man and will likely center the 2nd or 3rd line. Eller found himself on the wing at yesterday’s practice. Gomez is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Coyotes.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Sergei Kostitsyn practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision for tonight. Kevin Klein didn’t practice but is a game time decision as well.
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: If Kings coach Terry Murray sticks with the plan he laid out on Sunday, Jonathan Bernier should get the start tonight against the Predators.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment

Afternoon notes involving Crosby, Connolly, Markstrom, Alfredsson, Keith, Hemsky, Hurricanes, Blues and Devils

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 7th, 2011

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Sidney Crosby didn’t rule a Friday return date, but he didn’t suggest it’s any more likely that any other upcoming games.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes Gm Jim Rutherford said they won’t be shaking up their coaching staff but changes need to done to “strengthen our team.” The Canes are off to a 5-6-3 start. Eric Staal has just 6 points in 14 games, and is not injured according to Rutherford.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: If the Blues continue their struggling ways under new coach Ken Hitchcock, trades could be coming.

    “You’re going to see guys moved out of there,” the source said. “Those are the guys that you’re going to find out that they weren’t ready to buy into his program. He’s going to move them. Doug Armstrong is going to move them out and bring in people.”

  • Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Ken Hitchcock said he was offer the Blues head coaching position at 3 pm, and was heading to St. Louis in his car by 6:30 pm.
  • Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Oilers coach Tom Renney said that there is a “reasonable chance” that Ales Hemsky will get back in the lineup later this week.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines at practice: Parise-Henrique-Clarkson; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Carter-Palmieri; Pelley-Mills-Janssen. Rich Chere via twitter: Kovalchuk isn’t practicing today. Defenseman Andy Greene is practicing. Devils coach Peter Deboer said that Kovalchuk won’t play tomorrow unless there is a dramatic recovery overnight.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson is expected to start tomorrow against the Panthers. Luke Schenn will return to the lineup.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Hitchcock replaces Payne in St. Louis … Wild free agent and trade notes … Reimer-Scrivens could be 1A-1B next year … What is Nash worth?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 7th, 2011

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Ken Hitchcock has been named the St. Louis Blues head coach after the team fired Davis Payne yesterday. Hitchcock agreed to a contract through the end of next season. The Blues assistant coaches are expected to remain. The Blues are off to a 6-7 start. John Shannon via twitter: Confirmed that Blues asked the Blue Jackets permission to speak with Hitchcock yesterday afternoon, so everything moved quickly. Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland notes that GM Armstrong wouldn’t make this decision on a whim and obviously had Hitchcock on his mind for awhile.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was injured in Friday’s game. He suffered an upper-body injury and was unable to go last night. Forward Ryan Malone left yesterday’s game in the 2nd period with an upper-body injury and his status for Wednesday is uncertain.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Russo thinks that with $9 million in cap space this season, the Wild have the trade deadline flexibility and flexibility for free agent signings. He thinks the Wild will pursue Zach Parise if he becomes a free agent. If the Wild are to trade a defenseman this year, it could be Greg Zanon. The Wild would like to be moved to the Central division when realignment takes place. If Josh Harding is the heir apparent to Backstrom (UFA after next season), they’ll re-sign Harding (RFA after this season), continue to develop Matt Hackett and Darcy Kuemper and trade one of them.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Follower thinks that Krejci, Knight and a 2nd rounder would be enough for Rick Nash. Dupont doesn’t think so, a “player, prospect, and pick won’t do it.”
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks the Maple Leafs may be moving towards a James Reimer and Ben Scrivens – 1A and 1B duo for next season. Jonas Gustavsson will be a UFA at the end of the season. Gustavsson is on a  1-way deal so he’ll likely be sticking around this season.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Lines at Kings practice yesterday: Gagne-Kopitar-Williams, Penner-Richards-Brown, Clifford-Stoll-Parse, Moreau-Lewis-Richardson

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Jackets president denies coaching/GM reports … Avery could be on re-entry today … Brodeur injury update … Markstrom may be Panthers #1 goalie

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 31st, 2011

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets president Mike Priest “vehemently denied reports” that he had spoken with Ken Hitchcock about the possibility of returning to coach the team, or that he reached out to Craig Button about the GM position. Priest noted that any change would be spearheaded by owner John P. McConnell. Hitchcock and Button denied the report as well.
  • Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: The Rangers are expected to place Sean Avery on re-entry waivers today according to reports. Last Thursday against the Leafs, fans were chanting his name. If he clears re-entry, he could be in the lineup on Thursday.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils Martin Brodeur is still bothered by his sore shoulder, and he doesn’t think it will ever be 100%. It’s something that has bothered him for years, but he was able to play through it. Brodeur noted, “Even if I had it scoped (arthroscopic surgery) and they went in there and cleaned it up, it would be four months (recovery) after that.” Depending how practice goes the next couple days, he could be back in uniform on Wednesday at the earliest against the Maple Leafs.
  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins are off to a 3-7 start, and have scored 2 or less goals in 8 of their 10 games. GM Peter Chiarelli has been working the trade front, but it’s not known if he thinks now is the time to make a move. He, and the players think they can turn it around. Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Dupont hasn’t heard anything on the trade front.
  • George Richards Miami Herald: Jacob Markstrom may have taken the Panthers starting job away from Jose Theodore. “I was so happy to see Jacob get in there and do so well,’’ he said. “One of my jobs here is to help him and try to mentor him the best I can. I was really excited to see him do so well. It was great to see. He played great under some tough circumstances.’’
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets management and coaches will meet to today to decide the future of Ryan Johansen who played his 9th game last night.

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

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

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 25th, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

6 Comments

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.”
  • 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.
  • 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.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment

Waddell not heading to Winnipeg with team … Re-alignment battle coming … Panthers to hire Dineen … Sens, Stars interviewing coaches

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 1st, 2011

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg president Don Waddell will manage the team until the Board of Governors approves the sale on June 21st, he will not be heading north with the team. “When we hand our keys over to Winnipeg, I want to make sure it’s in the best condition possible,” said Waddell. Waddell was trying to get people together to keep the team in Atlanta, “We tried to marry up people, some willing to put up $5 million, $10 million, up to $20 million, I tried it with multiple groups, but we couldn’t make it work,” he said. “We couldn’t raise enough capital to buy it and to operate it.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There will be a battle off-ice to see which team moves to the Eastern Conference after next season. The Red Wings, Blue Jackets and Predators all want to switch conferences. “This is going to be a huge fight,” said a league executive. The Wings have wanted to move for over a decade.

    “The only problem for the Wings is they are a huge draw for a lot of the teams in the Western Conference,” said another NHL executive. “They’re not going to want to give up those dates when the Wings come to town.

    “The Predators and Jackets don’t draw nearly as many fans for a lot of those teams as Detroit does. There’s going to be a lot of Western teams that won’t want to see Detroit moved to the East.”

  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Ottawa Senators have started interviewing head coaches. Red Wings assistant Paul MacLean and Canadiens Kirk Muller have both held talks already. Sources are saying that MacLean was in Ottawa on Monday and Muller spoke with management in the last 48 hours. It’s beleived that Sens GM Bryan Murray will speak with 5 potential candidates. After the Calder Cup the Sens will interview Kurt Kleinendorst.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steven Stamkos, his agent Mark Guy and Lightning GM Steve Yzerman don’t see any reason why a deal can’t get done.

    “Both sides have a good relationship,” Guy said Monday. “Steven likes Tampa Bay, and he likes the environment. I don’t see any reason why once we get down to it, we won’t get something done.”

    Stamkos is expected to sign for atleast $7 million a season.

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has interviewed 3 possible head coaches and plans for at least 1 more. He has talked to Glen Gulutzan (Texas AHL), Ken Hitchcock and Peter Horachek (Nashville assistant). Nieuwendyk also plans to talk to Kirk Muller and possibly someone else. They would like to have coach in place before the end of June.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: There could be some news regarding the sale of the Dallas Stars by the end of the week according to interim president Tony Tavares.

    “There has been a lot of progress made in the past week, and we’re very confident about things moving forward,” Tavares said.

    Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi is moving forward and received an extension on his exclusive 30-day negotiating window according to 2 sources. The process is complicated deal as it has to go through court proceedings and may not be official until July or August. Dallas businessmen Dough Miller and Billy Quinn are also interested in the team. Detroit businessman Christopher T. Charlton may also be interested.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

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.’

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments

Bergeron’s status still unknown … Hurricanes off-season notes … Devils coaching candidates … Some Flyers goalie options

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2011

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Patrice Bergeron skated with the Bruins strength and conditioning coach yesterday before practice. He did some work with the team, so there may be hope that he can go tonight. He took part in some power play and penalty killing drills, and took a few shifts with linemates Recchi and Marchand. When asked if Bergeron was ruled out for Game 2, Julien said, “No comments.” Then he added, “I don’t know. Is that better?”
  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Tyler Seguin practiced on the 1st power play unit with Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton, and later on the 2nd unit with Mark Recchi and Michael Ryder. “We’ve got different looks, we’ve got different players. We want to make the power play work. And it’s never a bad thing to have those guys go through it, and if at one point you need him, you need him,” Julien said. “And what I said (Sunday) was exactly what we wanted to do with Tyler. I mean he hadn’t played a playoff game yet, and you give him a little bit to chew and then you give him maybe opportunities if need be in other areas.”
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: “IF, and I said IF, ATL moves to WPG, conventional wisdom is WPG to Northwest, MIN to Central and NSH to Southeast. But…” “…due to time issues, notion of WPG playing 1 season in Southeast not out of question. Realignment would come 1 yr later. Still lotsa ifs.”
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Though there is no offical work, Paul Maurice is expected to return as the Hurricanes head coach next season. Ron Francis is expected to move to assistant GM from his assistant coaching position. Erik Cole could possibly re-sign with the Canes before July 1st, and Brandon Sutter could get a long term deal. Cory Stillman could also re-sign with the Hurricanes, and then move to the front office after he’s done playing. The Canes will look to re-sign Chad LaRose. Re-signing Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen will be tougher. If they are unable to re-sign Pitkanen, they will look at bringing in another defenseman. They will also look signing an experienced backup and 4th line center.
  • Chris Botta of the NY Times: The New Jersey Devils head coaching search will now start as all candidates are available to talk. Likely to get a call from Lou are Ken Hitchcock, Michel Therrien, Kirk Muller, Scott Gordon, Mike Haviland and Larry Robinson. They should have a head coach picked before the draft on June 24th.
  • Chuck Gormley of the Deleware New Journal: There are whispers that the Flyers may make a pitch for Ryan Miller, Henrik Lundqvist, Miikka Kiprusoff, Niklas Backstrom or Martin Brodeur. The only way to pull off a Miller, Lundqvist or Brodeur deal would be to involve a 3rd team. Kiprusoff will be 35 in October and makes $5.833 million. Backstrom has a $6 million cap hit and would require them to shed at least $3 million. They could trade Jeff Carter to the Wild. Gormley adds they could send Kris Versteeg and Matt Carle for Backstrom and perhaps Brent Burns (It would take a lot more than Versteeg and Carle to get Backstrom and Burns IMO).

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Boogaard passes away … Barnaby arrested … Osgood likely to retire … Why Radulov could be back with the Preds

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 14th, 2011

New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard passed away last night at the age 28. He was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment by his brothers. Michael Russo of the Star Tribune writes and excellent piece about the Boogeyman and is a must read. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the his family and friends.

  • T.J. Pignataro of the Buffalo News: Former Buffalo Sabres and current ESPN/TSN analyst will be arraigned this morning on multiple charges from a domestic violence incident. He’s being charged with criminal mischief, criminal trespass, harassment, criminal contempt and aggravated harassment.
  • Chris Johnston of the Globe and Mail: Ken Hitchcock is ready to coach in the NHL again. 5 teams are currently looking for a new head coach. He has been linked to the New Jersey devils. Also looking for a head coach are Ottawa, Minnesota, Dallas and Florida.
  • Greg Krupa of the Detroit News: Krupa thinks the biggest need for the Red Wings this off-season is add some scoring. The best UFA fits may be Marco Sturm, Radim Vrbata and Brooks Laich, with Laich probably being the best fit.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports: Whether or not Alexander Radulov returns to the NHL next season is still unknown. Chesnokov thinks it’s a real possibility that he’ll be back with the Predators next year. He was the KHL MVP last year, and won the championship this year. He plays for Salavat Yulaev, and the team has been backed by the local government in the oil rich region of the Republic of Bashkortostan. But the financial backing “will be cut considerably.” KHL teams rely on sponsorship and other fundings as gate receipts don’t generate a lot. KHL contracts are not guaranteed, both the player or team can terminate at any time. “KHL contracts don’t contain “out” clauses.” With the financial situation in Salavat, it’s likely both sides could reach a mutual agreement to terminate the contact. 11 other players won’t be returning to the team.

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment

Pronger has back, hamstring injury? Video of Adam McQuaid crashing into boards … Penguins off-season … Lou wants Hitch? Stars sale getting closer

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 3rd, 2011

  • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Chris Pronger missed last night’s game with an ‘undisclosed injury’, sources say he hurt his back at the end of Round 1 against the Sabres or before the start of Round 2. He may also have a hamstring injury. Pronger left Game 1 against the Bruins with about 2 minutes left in the 3rd period.
  • Matt Kalman of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid crashed heavily into the boards late in the 1st period last night (video at bottom of this entry). He was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Coach Claude Julien said that he would join the team for their trip back to Boston.
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings have both Jonathan Bernier and Jonathan Quick under contract for the next 2 years. Quick will make $1.8 million, and Bernier will get $1.25 million next season, so they could keep them as a cheap 1-2 punch. Hammond wonders is now is the time to move one. The Kings could use a “big-time scorer.”
  • Ron Cook pf the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Will the Penguins continue with their plan of playing Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal on the same line next season? Injuries basically derailed the plan this past season. Or will they play James Neal with Malkin and have Staal as the 3rd line center with Matt Cooke and Tyler Kennedy? Will Crosby center the successful line of Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis, who is a UFA? Craig Adams and Mike Rupp are UFAs. Dupuis and Max Talbot could be gone because of salary constraints. To bring up some of their young kids on a full-time basis, they might have to let some UFA’s walk. The Pens have 7 defenseman under contract for next season, do they consider moving one of them for a winger for Crosby or Malkin?
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: It was originally rumored that Tom Gaglardi was offering around $250 million to by the Dallas Stars and 1/2 interest in American Airlines Center. A source said that may be incorrect, and it could be closer to $125 million. The $125 million would be the cash part of the deal, and Gaglardi would assume debt from the Stars and the arena, which would make the total sale price to be higher. The price and terms of the deal have basically been agreed upon, and once complete they will take it to the US Bankruptcy Court. Mark Cuban showed some interest, but would not pay more than $80 for the Stars and that he would cover losses for up to 3 years and $75 million. The team could have lost $25 million this past season, another report was $15 million.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Saturday morning NHL rumors and notes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 18th, 2010

  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: To start training camp, the Sharks have split up Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley. Thornton is centering Ryan Clowe and Devin Setoguchi, while Joe Pavelski is centering Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau.
  • Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Andrei Markov is still recovering from late season knee surgery, but it’s progressing. “In my dreams, I want to come back tomorrow, but I can’t. Maybe another month, I don’t know, maybe more, maybe less,” he said.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The 25 year old Brent Seabrook might be the next player GM Stan Bowman tries to lock up long term. Seabrook will be a RFA at seasons end, and is making $3.5 million this year.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: If the Columbus Blue Jackets defensive corps has some struggles during training camp/pre-season, don’t be surprised if Sheldon Souray talks heat up. The Oilers want a defenseman or 2 in return, and have cap space to take on more contract.
  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Ken Hitchcock will be attending the Red Wings training camp. “Hitch said, ‘I want to learn, can I come to camp?’ ” Babcock said. “He wants to learn, but I want to learn, too.” “If he can get something from us and we can get something from him, that’s a bonus.”
  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: The bringing in the versatile Adam Mair on a tryout means the Devils won’t be bringing back Dean McAmmond. Lou said the door isn’t closed in bringing back defenseman Mike Mottau. Mottau’s fate with the Devils depends on if they move out defenseman as they attempt to get under the cap.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson and defenseman Tomas Kaberle have had they private meeting to smooth things out regarding their alleged feud. “I know (a feud) is a nice story for you guys to hang your hats on,” he said added with a smile, “but there really isn’t an issue. I just wanted to get that out there and be on the offensive and give you the information so you aren’t running around thinking (he’s benched) and there is something else going on.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have received calls to see if they would be interested in bringing in any of Robert Lang, Bill Guerin and Petr Sykora on a tryout, but they declined. They don’t have much room under the cap so they don’t want to bring anyone else in.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

4 Comments