Posts Tagged Kevin Bieksa

Bieksa returns … Eriksson could go tonight … Shelly out 4 weeks … Maple Leafs notes … Fleischmann skates

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 23rd, 2011

  • Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun: Cancucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa will return after missing 15 games with a broken foot. He’ll likely be paired with Dan Hamhuis. Aaron Rome or Chris Tanev will be a healthy scratch. Their 2nd to 4th lines could look like this tonight: Mason Raymond-Ryan Kesler-Chris Higgins, Raffi Torres-Maxim Lapierre-Jannik Hansen,  Jeff Tambellini-Alex Bolduc-Victor Oreskovich.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars forward Loui Eriksson made it through a full practice yesterday, and hopes to play tonight against Anaheim. Coach Marc Crawford is a little more cautious as Eriksson has been out with a concussion, a decision should be made after this mornings skate. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman has an MCL sprain, and will be out for “a bit” according to Crawford. Karlis Skrastins is doubtful with a lacerated thigh. Adam Burish is still not skating with a lower body injury. Kari Lehtonen will be in net tonight.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers tough guy Jody Shelly will be out 4 weeks with a fractured orbital bone after being struck by a deflected puck. He’ll have surgery tomorrow to repair the broken bone.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke said their was “No chance” when asked if the Leafs would consider buying out the remaining 3 years of Mike Komisarek’s contract. It would have carried a $1.38 million cap hit for the next 6 years. Komisarek is finishing up his 2nd  year of a 5  year, $22.5 million deal.
  • Damian Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that if the Maple Leafs don’t go after Ilya Bryzgalov this summer, they’ll still need to bring in an experienced goalie in case James Reimer can’t repeat this year’s play.
  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Koshan wonders if Brett Lebda will be next seasons Jeff Finger, buried in the minors. Lebda has 1 more year at $1.4 million and has been a big disappointment this year for the Maple Leafs.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Tomas Fleischmann has been out with a pulmonary emboli since Jan. 18th skated for the first time, though he won’t play again this season. It’s looks like he’ll be able to play next year, but he’s a UFA on July 1st. Dater thinks they should re-sign him.

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Brassard to IR … Leino puts contract talks on hold for Versteeg … Bieksa out with broken foot … Klesla close

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on February 17th, 2011

  • Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets have placed Derick Brassard on IR, and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Tom Reed via twitter: The first MRI didn’t reveal a break, will have a second one this afternoon.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Ville Leino was in the middle of contract extension talks with the Flyers when GM Paul Holmgren approached Leino with the option to either get a deal done now or wait until after the season so that they could trade for Kris Versteeg. They don’t have enough ‘tag room’ to do a deal now.
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Rostislav Klesla should begin skating later this week or early next week, he’s been out with a bruised knee.

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Blues likely to be sellers … Only 2 viable players worth Leafs 1st rounder … Brodeur has MCL sprain … Flames looking for Top 6 and D depth

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Rumors on February 14th, 2011

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues will need to go on a nice run if they hope to get back into the playoff race. It’s looking more and more likely they will be sellers and not buyers, “We’re not in a position where we can give assets away for a short-term fix,” Armstrong said. Eric Brewer, Ty Conklin, Brad Winchester and Cam Janssen will be UFA’s at the end of the season.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: If the Bruins were to trade the Maple Leafs 1st round pick, Brad Richards and Zach Bogosian are the only 2 viable players possibly available right now that would be worth it. It would be a surprise if Mark Stuart is still with the Bruins after the deadline. Tomas Kaberle could fit in well with the Bruins, especially on the power play were Mark Recchi has found himself recently.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Kevin Bieksa has been subject to lots of rumors this season, but his play this year may have the Canucks thinking of re-signing him. “His high-percentage plays, work ethic and attitude have been team-oriented and he’s been a great model for the younger guys,” said Canucks coach Alain Vigneault. “When he was telling people he wasn’t paying attention to what was going on [trade rumours], I think he really meant it. That’s why he could focus.”
  • Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Scouts at the Thrasher-Hurricanes game yesterday were 2 from the Flames, and 1 from the Islanders and Red Wings.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur has confirmed he has a MCL sprain. “I think if I wasn’t a goalie it’d be different to get back.” Tom Gulitti via twitter: There is no timetable set for his return. He had a MCL sprain in 2005-06 and missed 6 games.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Flames GM Jay Feaster said he’d like to add some a top 6 forward and some defensive depth. Oilers GM Steve Tambellini won’t discuss players but Dustin Penner and Ales Hemsky are rumored to be on move if the price is right. Brian Burke said he doesn’t have any plans to trade Kris Versteeg, but sources say his mind could be changed with the right offer. Kaberle has yet to waive his no-trade clause. Andrei Kostitsyn could be the only roster player the Montreal Canadiens would trade. They are looking for a veteran blueliner and some size upfront. Mikael Samuelsson and Mason Raymond’s play has improved of late so they may stand pat on that front, though if they start struggling again they may look to add a 2nd line winger. 3rd liners Raffi Torres and Manny Malhotra are in big slumps.

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Leino and Flyers working on a deal … Moving Senators … Callahan, Prospal activated … Cox’s plan for Leafs … Weber options

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2011

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Philadelphia Flyers and Ville Leino continue talks and agent, Bill Zito texted, “I am optimistic we’ll get a deal done.” The Flyers have about $4.1 million in ‘tagging’ space for next season. Leino is making $825,000 this season and could be looking for a deal in the $2.3 million range. Other Flyers UFA’s are Brian Boucher, Sean O’Donnell, and Nik Zherdev. RFA’s are Dan Carcillo, Andreas Nodl, and Darroll Powe. James van Riemsdyk is nursing a groin injury but should be ready to go after the break.
  • Ottawa Sun: Garrioch was originally surprised the Senators didn’t put a waiver claim on Evgeni Nabokov. They contacted his agent and found out he wouldn’t go to Ottawa. Brennan thinks they can find someone who’d be interested in Sergei Gonchar, and points out that if they find a team to take Filip Kube, that GM should be fired.  Garrioch thinks Jarrko Ruutu will be traded, and that the Bruins should take a run at Chris Phillips. They’ll listen to offers for Mike Fisher.
  • Darren Dreger via twtter: Dreger talked to Fisher’s agent who said he hasn’t submitted a list of teams that he’d okay/not okay a trade to, and won’t until he’s asked.
  • Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers activated Ryan Callahan and Vinny Prospal from the IR and sent Michael Del Zotto, Brodie Dupont, Evgeny Grachev, Chad Kolarik and Kris Newbury back to the AHL.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Heading into the all-star break Cox makes 2 points (1) That James Reimer is the teams best goalie at the moment and should continue to play for the big club. (2) “this notion that the Leafs will be looking to add talent by next month’s trade deadline for some kind of late-season playoff run is at best fanciful and at worst incomprehensible.” They should sell off and acquire futures. The team should look to improve for next fall, acquiring prospects or draft picks.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Kevin Bieksa is putting together a solid season, and may force the Canucks into deciding to either re-sign him or Christian Ehrhoff, both will be UFA’s after the season. “I’ve got more,” Bieksa said. “I’d love to be here. Love to finish my career here. Maybe the feeling is mutual.”
  • Ed Willis of the Vancouver Province: Shea Weber will be a RFA at the end of the season, and may start thinking at a change of scenery may be good after not getting past the 1st round of the playoffs in 5 years (4 times in the playoffs). Many pieces have been traded off, and the team has trouble getting to the next level.  He could  tell the team (could, not has), “Look, I’ve given you six good seasons. I’m going to be unrestricted in another season and I’d like to win. Why don’t you move me while you can still get something for me?” The Predators would likely want to lock him up long-term at a reasonable number.

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Kings ask about Gaborik … Panthers shopping Weiss and others … Savard hit hard … Nabokov says no to Isles … Leafs shopping Dmen

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2011

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: A league executive told Garrioch that teams are calling about Senators center Mike Fisher, but acknowledges that he’s not having a good year along with many other Sens. “I just don’t think they can get enough for him to warrant that kind of move,” said another executive. “That’s a drastic move and they’ve got to play (well) next year. They need to have some players.” Kings GM Dean Lombardi is looking for scoring, and even called the Rangers about Marian Gaborik. The Sharks are still looking for a defenseman and could dangle winger Devin Setoguchi, who’s a RFA at seasons end and is making $1.8 million this year. Garrioch thinks the Senators should make a pitch for Canucks goalie Cory Schneider. Sources are saying Brian Burke continues try attempt to move Francois Beauchemin and/or Mike Komisarek for younger players, and there is always Tomas Kaberle and his no-trade clause. Sharks, Bruins, Predators and Avalanche are looking for defenseman. The Panthers are looking to clean house, offering up G Tomas Vokoun, LW Cory Stillman, and RWs Radek Dvorak and Rostislav Olesz. Stephen Weiss is also being shopped and is getting interest. Philadelphia could have an interest in Tomas Vokoun.
  • Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa left the game part way through the first period after a fight with Tom Kostopoulos. Coach Vigneault said he didn’t receive  a concussion, but his eye was swelling shut. The Canucks have also been without Aaron Rome who’s been out the last 4 games with a knee injury.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg will take the next couple days and weeks to determine if he’ll feel good enough to return to the NHL. Yesterday he skated with injured Ryan O’Reilly and their assistant coach.

    “I want to be sure this time if I am going to be good enough. I don’t know how long it’s going to take,” Forsberg said. “I’m going to try to do it as soon as possible, but I think it’s going to take some time at least.”

  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins center Marc Savard had to be helped off the ice after he was hit into the boards by former Bruin Matt Hunwick.

    “Marc is going to be heading back home (today),” said B’s coach Claude Julien. “He got shook up, obviously, on that hit. He’s going to be re-evaluated. We don’t have anything concrete, other than that we’re going to be cautious and send him back home to get checked out.”

  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: Evgeni Nabokov has said he doesn’t want to report to the Islanders who claimed him on waivers yesterday. The Isles could suspend him and not have to pay him anything. “The Islanders could appeal to the NHL to “toll” the contract, which essentially means push it to next year. In that case, Nabokov would then “owe” the Islanders a year and Nabokov would not necessarily become a free agent on July 1.” They could look to trade him but he’d have to go through waivers for only the teams that put a claim on him. They could also just place him on full waivers without intent to trade. Nabokov also has a no-movement clause.<
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: The Devils may have started Johan Hedberg against the Flyers to ‘showcase’ him to other teams.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said that GM Bryan Murray and coach Cory Clouston won’t fired before the end of the season, and that there is a plan in place to put the team back on track.

    “There is no one, no one, on this planet that bleeds more than I do for this team, as a fan and as an owner,” said Melnyk. “I am more disappointed in the performance of the team than any fan could imagine. The time has come to make some of the most difficult decisions that an owner can make. Do we need a game-changer? I believe we do. I’ve lost sleep. Bryan Murray loses sleep. Cory Clouston loses sleep. Everybody who loves this team doesn’t sleep well at night.”

  • Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Rangers Brandon Prust left after the 2nd period after blocking a shot in the foot in the 1st period. Dan Girardi also left last night’s game after hurting his ribs in a fight. The Rangers recalled Michael Del Zotto and Evgeny Grachev after the game.

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Sharks targeting defenseman, could they ask about Vokoun? Markov hopes to stay in Montreal … Panthers have plenty that might draw some interest

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 16th, 2011

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The San Jose Sharks continue to look for defenseman, and they might be interested in Chris Phillips. They could also be interested in Francois Beauchemin and Tomas Kaberle. Though Florida is in contract extension talks with Tomas Vokoun, the Sharks might come calling. Brad Richards isn’t going anywhere for now. Players being shopped by the NJ Devils include Jason Arnott, Dainius Zubrus, and Colin White. If the Devils can’t get a deal done with RFA Zach Parise, he could get an offer sheet by someone after July 1st. The Capitals may be interested in Arnott. The Blue Jackets may still be interested in Sheldon Souray. Kevin Bieksa likely won’t be moved by the Canucks, but they could look to move Mikael Samuelsson and his $2.5 million salary.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Andrei Markov hopes that he’s able to re-sign with the Canadiens. Markov is in the final year of 4 year, $23 million deal. There haven’t been any talks yet but Markov’s agent, Don Meehan, isn’t concerned.
  • Mike Berardino of the Sun-Sentinel: The Florida Panthers have some pieces that may intrigue other teams. Tomas Vokoun in net, tough guy Darcy Hordichuk, defenseman Bryan McCabe, and forwards Marty Reasoner, Cory Stillman, Radek Dvorak, and Chris Higgins. If anyone wants Rostislav Olesz, he could be had ($11 million for 3 more years).
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Kyle Wellwood could be practicing with the St. Louis Blues on Monday. Confirmation of his KHL buyout should be received soon, and he would be put on waivers shortly after. If he clears, and everything goes as planned, he could be in the lineup on Tuesday. Carlo Colaiacovo took a puck in the face, but isn’t expected to miss much time.

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Yzerman won’t trade top draft picks … Canucks Dman update … Salary dump in Ottawa … Semin out 2 games

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2011

  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: As the trade deadline approaches, don’t expect Lightning GM Steve Yzerman to include any 1st to 3rd round 2011 or 2012 draft picks to in bring some additional help. Yzerman added “I don’t want to hold myself up to say we’re not going to do anything. But I think it would be very difficult to add without giving something up of great value I wouldn’t want to give up.”
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Though he’s back practicing, there is no guarantee that Sami Salo will play again this year. Canucks GM Gillis told the Sun, “I think people are really jumping the gun,” “For some reason, people want to discount the type of injury he had. He suffered a 95% rupture of his Achilles tendon. There are people who never walk after something like that. We don’t know if he’s going to play. He’s three practices in and it’s going OK, but it’s still a long ways off.” Gillis also said he won’t talk about contract extensions for Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff until the season is over.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 sources have told the Sun that the Senators GM Bryan Murray is trying to dump salary. Trade candidates could be Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Alex Kovalev, Peter Regin, and Milan Michalek.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Senators winger Alex Kovalev will miss at least a week with his ongoing knee injury. Mike Fisher is expected to be able to go against the Bruins, he blocked a shot with his knee over the weekend.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks center Ryan Kesler has an injured thumb, but is expecting to play tomorrow.

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Parise not wanting to stay in New Jersey pure speculation … Smith odd may out in TB … Should Canucks move Ballard instead of Bieksa?

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

  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont writes that Zach Parise “has no aspirations to remain in New Jersey” and that if Lamoriello looks to trade him, he might look for “three first-round picks, a roster player, and a prospect”
  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Gulitti talked to Parise about the above comments,

    “I don’t know where they get that info.”

    “Who is talking, I have no idea. I’ve never told anyone one way or another. It’s all speculation.”

    When asked about re-signing with the Devils,

    “Of course, you play in a place and you get drafted by them and you play there your whole career and you’d love to play in one spot for your whole career,” he said. “So, we’ll see what happens, I guess. I do like playing here and I like living here and everything. We’ll see how all that stuff turns out, but ideally you’d like to stay.”

    No talks have taken place yet.

  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Lightning felt trading for Dwayne Roloson was safer than signing Evgeni Nabokov. The Lightning currently have 3 goalies in Roloson, Dan Ellis and Mike Smith. Once Smith recovers from his knee injury, he could be likely candidate to be traded has he’s in the last year of his deal.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Rumors continue that Kevin Bieksa will be traded once Sami Salo returns, but Matheson wonders if the Canucks should be shopping Keith Ballard instead. Ballard is making $4 million a year on the 3rd pairing and Bieksa is having a good year.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Mike Commodore has been a healthy scratch for the Blue Jackets for 6 of the last 7 games. He’s their highest paid defenseman, and has only played in 20 of the teams 39 games this season.

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Burke talks music and Leafs (audio) … Leafs trade assets … Would Devils trade Brodeur? Staal skates … DiPietro to IR … Video of Cooke hit on Yandle

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 22nd, 2010

  • Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke was on the morning show yesterday morning talking about music and the Maple Leafs.
  • 98.5 The Sports Hub Audio: Bruins President Cam Neely joined Felger and Mazz to break down the team’s recent slump. Is Neely happy with the job head coach Claude Julien is doing? Will any moves be made? Neely gives us the answers.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs have some trade assets that could help the future. Names that might come up at the trade deadline or before are Francois Beauchemin, Clarke MacArthur, Mikhail Grabovski and Tomas Kaberle.
  • Scott Burnside of ESPN: The New Jersey Devils season is all but over, 18 points out with no signs of things turning around. Could they look at trading Martin Brodeur to a contender? He has another year left at $5.2 million. Would the Washington Capitals or Tampa Bay Lightning be interested? The LA Kings may look into adding another defenseman before the trade deadline, as Willie Mitchell’s has been unable to remain healthy. He’s played only 15 games and is week-to-week with a knee injury.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Vancouver might trade Kevin Bieksa when Sami Salo returns (it’s still not known exactly when he’ll return). Rick Rypien, who left the Canucks for personal reasons, isn’t expected to be back with the team this season, and it’s possible that he may never return. Former NHLer, current AHLer, Jonathan Cheechoo has a bruised kidney and some internal bleeding. The Islanders may look to trade winger Matt Moulson if he wants more money than they want to give him. The Isles may offer Doug Weight one more kick at the can and send him to a contender if he wants too.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jordan Staal skated for 30 minutes yesterday with their strength and conditioning coach. He didn’t wear a glove over his surgically repaired hand, nor did he do any stick handling drills. It’s been 50 days since the surgery.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Even though the NY Islanders 3rd sting goal, Nathan Lawson, got the start of Dwayne Roloson, a trade of Roloson is not imminent. Botta thinks the Isles would ask for a 2nd round pick for Roloson if they decide to trade him.
  • The Globe and Mail: The New York Islanders have put Rick DiPietro and defenceman Mike Mottau on injured reserve. DiPietro will be eligible to return in 7 days. Mottau will have surgery on his hip and will be out the remainder of the season.
  • Mike Vogel via twitter: Washington Capitals winger Matt Bradley has a broken finger and will miss 2-4 weeks.
  • Yesterday @jimbalsillie tweeted “Hi again, social friends! Very early morning. Nashville bound today! And not to learn how to write a country song. Stay tuned.” Later on Bob McKenzie let the world know it was a fake account and to get back to Christmas shopping.
  • Matt Cooke’s elbow to Keith Yandle from Sunday night. Yandle called for a 5 game suspension. What do you think of it?

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Connolly out a week … Garon CBJ #1 goalie … Rinne could start Wed. … Preliminary talks for Ehrhoff … Another Waffle tossing video

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Trades on December 21st, 2010

  • Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Tim Connolly will be out at least a week after having reconstructive surgery on his nose. Connolly was hit into the boards on Satruday, he returned to the game with full face shield. Sabres captain Craig Rivet has been a healthy scratch, and Lindy Ruff left the press conference when asked about it.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Mathieu Garon has taken over the title of the Columbus Blue Jackets number one goalie. Steve Mason has struggled and is looking to regain his confidence.

    “I told Matty (Garon) I don’t know how long this is going to last,” Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said. “But don’t worry about Vancouver (Thursday’s opponent) until we get done with Calgary. Don’t worry about Chicago (Dec. 26) until we’re done with Vancouver. Just focus on what we need to do. Just focus on beating Calgary tonight.”

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Marco Sturm will make his debut with the LA Kings tonight, but he’ll be eased back into action. Sturm will skate on the 4th line with Trevor Lewis and Alexei Ponikarovsky. Brad Richardson will be on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. Justin Williams will be with Jarret Stoll and Ryan Smyth. Kyle Clifford will be with Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmonds. Oscar Moller was returned to Manchester. Jonathan Quick will start in net.
  • Bryan Mullen via twitter: Pekka Rinne says he’s ready to return and could start on Wednesday against the Blackhawks if coach Trotz makes the call.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: There have been preliminary talks between the Canucks and defenseman Christian Ehrhoff. Ehrhoff is making $3.1 million this season, and will be one of four UFA defenseman for the Canucks, Kevin Bieksa, Sami Salo and Andrew Alberts are the others.

    “I definitely want to stay, but there are two sides involved in that,” said Ehrhoff. “I stopped thinking about it [contract] and just try to do my best to help the team. That’s my main focus right now and everything else isn’t. There’s not much I can do other than play good hockey and try not to get distracted by it.”
  • Ron MacGregor of the Globe and Mail: In the past few weeks there may have been several teams who might have considered replacing their coach:  New Jersey (John MacLean), Calgary (Brent Sutter), Minnesota (Todd Richards), Toronto (Ron Wilson), Ottawa (Cory Clouston), Washington (Bruce Boudreau), Anaheim (Randy Carlyle) and Buffalo (Lindy Ruff).
  • Another waffle tossing incident in Toronto last night. Waffle tossing during play isn’t cool.

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Hotstove and NHL Sources Say videos … DiPietro and Leclaire hurt, there’s a shocker … Staal still hasn’t received clearance

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 19th, 2010

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks that Darryl Sutter didn’t  make a mistake in trading Dion Phaneuf, mistake was not shopping him around or getting 1 decent player in return. Simmons asks a couple good questions about the Leafs power play; “Why does Phil Kessel play so high? With his quick hands, shouldn’t he be down low camped out on one side of the net?” (My answer would be coaching, they are the one’s who design the systems)
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: John MacLean hasn’t received any assurance about his coaching job from Lou Lamoriello in the last couple weeks.
  • The Globe and Mail: Penguins center Jordan Staal’s return is still up in the air as he has yet to receive clearance to begin practicing.
  • The Globe and Mail: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is out again with swelling in his left knee, but appears to only be minor.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Christmas roster freeze is in effect tonight at midnight. The Senators are interested in trading for Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa but he isn’t available yet.
  • Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove
  • NHL Sources Say – Donald Fehr’s new role with the NHLPA as well as Pascal Leclaire’s future with the Senators.

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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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Leafs shopping Beauchemin and Komisarek … Habs want to get bigger up front … Sens interested in Bieksa? Plus more injuries and rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 5th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ray Emery is working hard on his rehab from hip surgery and is hope to be back this season. In the next couple weeks he’ll likely begin skating with a OHL, then work his way up to the AHL on a 25 game pro tryout before a team is likely to take a chance on him. The Dallas Stars lenders are unlikely to grant the team the money to re-sign Brad Richards. With the Rangers being the top team to have interest in Richards since the Leafs are falling out of playoff contention. The Atlanta Thrashers will start working on a long term contract for their captain, Andrew Ladd. The Phoenix Coyotes still haven’t talked to Ilya Bryzgalov about a contact extension. Matthew Hulsizer will meet with the Board of Governors tomorrow regarding his potential purchase of the Coyotes. Francois Beauchemin ($3.8-million cap hit) and  Mike Komisarek ($4.5-million cap hit) have been mentioned around the league, but their contracts makes them extremely difficult to move. The Montreal Canadiens would like to get bigger up front, and move Scott Gomez but his $7.34 cap hit makes it almost impossible (I still can’t believe Glen Sather was able to move him). Could the Habs be interested in Alex Kovalev? The Buffalo Sabres are trying to move captain Craig Rivet ($3.5 million) who’s been a healthy scratch 6 times this year.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks that Kevin Bieksa would be a good fit with the Ottawa Senators, who have liked him for awhile. Garrioch thinks the St. Louis Blues should be interested in Brian Lee, he could be a reclamation project like Carlo Colaiacovo.
  • Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne had his knee scoped and he’ll be out 2-4 weeks. “Obviously it’s a big loss. Peks is not only our No. 1 goal­ten­der, but he’s been pla­ying terri­fic. Unfor­tu­na­tely, when they did the MRI and found out what they found out, they went in and sco­ped him. It’s unfor­tu­nate because he’s pla­ying so well and we were sort of get­ting healthy. It would be nice to have some health, and then he goes down.” The Preds will roll with Anders Lind­back.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Chris Drury is likely a week to 10 days away from returning to the NY Rangers lineup. Drury can make passes but isn’t shooting yet. Vinny Prospal has begun skating without equipment, no ETA on his return yet.
  • Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Joffery Lupul returns to Anaheim but as of yesterday afternoon he hadn’t been given clearance to return just yet. He’s expected to meet with them this weekend, and could be in the lineup this afternoon.

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Bruins need to clear about $3.2 million more … Line changes for the Blues … Chris Stewart out 4-6 weeks … Slewfoot by Crosby (video)?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on November 30th, 2010

  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: After trading Matt Hunwick yesterday, the Bruins now have $300,000 in extra cap space (after Marc Savard returns for LTIR), and will need to clear about $3.2 million more when Marco Sturm is ready to return. According to Murphy’s sources the Bruins have been unable to trade Michael Ryder and his $4 million cap hit the last couple weeks. Daniel Paille and his $1 million cap hit have also been offered around with no takers.

    “The trade market in general is slow, but we’ve seen a few deals,” Chiarelli said. “It’s relatively early from that perspective. But what happens too is that there seems to be even more parity this year, so some teams are proactive and they get on it early rather than waiting to the very end. So there’s some teams that are proactive — and I’m not saying whether it’s right or wrong — but it’s my job to identify those teams and try and get the best fit and best return.”

    • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche leading goal scorer Chris Stewart will be out 4-6 weeks after having surgery to repair his broken left hand. Stewart broke his hand in a fight on Saturday with Wild’s Kyle Brodziak. Stewart had 11 goals and 25 points in 25 games.
    • Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson should be ready to return between the pipes on Friday versus the Hurricanes.
    • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues have moved Alex Steen to the top line with Andy MacDonald and Brad Boyes. David Backes was dropped to the 2nd line with Patrik Berglund and Vladimir Sobotka.
    • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Marc-Andre Bergeron is considering offers from as many as 4 teams, with a deal expected to be done by the end of the week. The Washington Capitals aren’t going to trade Alexander Semin. The Dallas Stars won’t move Brad Richards while they are in the playoff hunt. The Ottawa Senators would trade Chris Campoli in the right deal.
    • Ben Kuzma via twitter: Despite battling pneumonia and losing 8 pounds, Kevin Bieksa is planning on playing Wednesday against the Flames.
    • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is happy with his team so far. He doesn’t plan on sending struggling forward Nikita Filatov to the minors, has no trades imminent for an offensive defenseman, and will not go after a trade specialist.
    • Dan Tencer via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers won’t be sending Magnus Paajarvi to the World Junior tournament in Buffalo. Tencer thinks it might not be a bad idea to send him, he has no points in his last 13 games and could use a confidence boost.
    • Was it a Slewfoot by Sidney Crosby?

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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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More starting goalies and Chelios likely not going to the KHL

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 26th, 2010

  • Dan Murphy via twitter: “Its highly unlikely the Canucks would trade Bieksa before Salo is healthy, and that is mid December at BEST. The more D-men the merrier IMO.”
  • Dan Murphy via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start for the Canucks. Defenseman Ryan Parent was sent to Manitoba on a conditioning stint.

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Parise visits doctors today … Ballard to return tonight? 10 teams looking for Dmen … New Leaf lines … Langkow’s return 50-50?

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

  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise will see a doctor today to find out how serious his lower body injury is. Parise said he originally suffered the injury in his summer training while skating. “It’s been bothering me,” he told me. “I know exactly when I hurt it. I hurt it in August and it’s been bothering me. It hasn’t gone away. I kind of hurt it every game.”
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Keith Ballard made it through weekend practices with the Vancouver Canucks and could return Monday night. He will likely be a game time decision according to Vigneault. Dan Hamhuis skated for 20 minutes yesterday but still felt some discomfort in his foot. Ryan Parent left yesterday’s practice early with a groin strain.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Daniel Briere has a hearing via conference call scheduled for today at 10am regarding his stick work to the head on Saturday night (video of incident can be seen in yesterday’s post). Briere has 8 instances since 2005 where he received a warning, fine or suspension according to John Shannon.
  • Bruce Garrioch in the Toronto Sun: There may be as many as 10 teams looking for defenseman, including the Senators, Lightning, Kings and Sharks. The Senators are dangling Brian Lee. The Ducks have said they’d trade Paul Mara. The Oilers have Sheldon Souray and his broken hand. Kevin Bieksa will likely become available by the Canucks at some point when their defensive corps gets healthy. The city of Glendale and Matthew Hulsizer are still working on the details of the lease. Glendale will cover some of the losses from the Coyotes but only if he won’t move the team. If he moves the team within 5 years, they’ll want their money back. The Dallas Stars are averaging under 14,000 fans a game and may have to deal Brad Richards before the deadline; “They might have to do it to save cash, but that just doesn’t make sense to me,” said one league executive. “They’ve got a chance to have a pretty good team. They should be trying to add, not subtract.” The New Jersey Devils have been fielding calls regarding Patrick Elias, but he has a no-movement clause with 2 years left on his contract and would likely want to stay with the Devils. The Phoenix Coyotes are trying to move Petr Prucha and his $1.1 million salary.
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: It may be 50-50 chance that Calgary Flames center Daymond Langkow is able to return from a neck injury he sustained last year. He was shut down last week after feeling numbness below the waist during an intensive workout.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs are looking for some more scoring from the lineup, have juggled the lines yesterday at practice. Mike Brown – Kris Versteeg – Tim Brent, Luca Caputi – Phil Kessel – Tyler Bozak, Mikhail  and Nikolai Kulemin – Clarke MacArthur – Grabovski, and Fredrik Sjostrom  – Colton Orr – Christian Hanson.
  • Eric Francis in the Toronto Sun: The Calgary Flames could move Ian White at some point this season. White will be a UFA at season’s end, with the signing of Mark Giordano to a long term deal and the emergence of TJ Brodie, White could be expendable if they are out of the playoff race.
  • Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Carlo Colaiacovo’s return to the Blues lineup is not known after taking a hit from Jordan Tootoo last week. He’s still experience neck spasms and will have to undergo further tests.

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Doughty to IR … Bruins-Maple Leafs rumors … Canadiens interested in Bieksa? Sabres to get 3 back by weekend?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 26th, 2010

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Los Angeles Kings have placed defenseman Drew Doughty on the IR retroactive to October 21st, and have recalled Jake Muzzin from the AHL. The Kings won’t be rushing Doughty back. It looks like the Kings will be keeping Brayden Schenn and Kyle Clifford on the roster this year, both could be returned to Junior, but not to the AHL. “My plan is to have them contribute as we get into February and March,” Murray said.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Pierre-Marc Bouchard is getting closer to returning to game action as he’s taking contact now during practice. Bouchard has been recovering from post-concussion syndrome, having played only 1 game since March 2009. He could be sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint before returning to the NHL. Bouchard’s big test will be when he takes a big hit,  “Why wait?” “They should throw him a suicide pass at center ice and I’ll see if he’s ready,” Clutterbuck [teammate] joked.
  • Darren Dreger of TSN (video link): It’s a little to early for Brad Richards rumors, but after Christmas things could heat up. The Rangers and Dallas did talk about the possibility last season. The Canadiens are reportedly interested in adding some depth on the blueline, maybe Kevin Bieksa once the Canucks injured players are all ready to return.
  • Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Jason Pominville (concussion) and defensemen Craig Rivet (shoulder) and Shaone Morrisonn (groin) could return to the Buffalo Sabres lineup this weekend. Pominville had a neurological-psychological exam yesterday and is awaiting clearance for contact.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: In July, Shane Doan and his brother Brook shot an episode of ‘Mantracker’ back in July. They spent a week in the mountains by Whistler BC, with the point of show being not to be caught by the ‘mantracker’ over a 36 hour period.
  • Doug MacLean of Sportsnet: Maple Leafs, Bruins and Coyotes

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Drew Doughty may have concussion? Gretzky not going to KHL … Canucks keeping all Dmen? Lupul skating

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 21st, 2010

  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: LA Kings defenseman Drew Doughty suffered an upper-body injury in the 1st period of last night’s game. He played almost 7 minutes in the 1st period, was on the last in the final minute, but didn’t return for the 2nd. Helene Elliott says that the upper-body injury could be a possible concussion from a hit by Hurricanes forward, Eric Cole. JP Hoornstra reports that Doughty won’t accompany the team to Phoenix for tonight’s game. The NHL could review the hit as it might have been from the blind-side, and a little late.

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Kevin Bieksa had been on the rumor trade block for most of the summer, and it’s still possible that he could be moved once Sami Salo comes back, but … “We went into last year with nine defensemen, and at the end of the season, we didn’t have enough,” Gillis told ESPN.com in late September. “There’s a lot of time, and a lot of things can happen between now and when Sami is able to return.” Keith Ballard and Dan Hamhuis are both out and have missed 6 games combined.
  • Eric Stephen via twitter: Anaheim Ducks forward Joffrey Lupul has begun light skating. He still has a long ways to go before he can return to game action.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Owen Nolan had been skating in San Jose, but now he’s headed to Switzerland to join Zurich. Nolan is going to show people that he can still play, and hopes to get a call from the NHL.
  • Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Ethan Moreau suffered a broken hand when he blocked a shot from Paul Mara in the 2nd period last night. Mike Commodore’s left thumb is sprained and not broken as the fracture revealed in last week’s x-ray was an old one. He has been placed on the IR retroactive to Oct. 16th. Winger Jared Boll is at least a week away as he slowly recovers from back spasms.

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Who is the #1 goalie in Ottawa? Vancouver defensive pairings … “Chihauhua leash” for some Leafs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2010

  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Friday is the Ottawa Senators 1st game of the season, and it’s not known who their starting goalie will be. Coach Cory Clouston knows, but isn’t telling until Friday morning. “Elliott played three games and had a 3.24 GAA to go along with a .882 save percentage, while Leclaire had a 4.43 GAA and an even uglier .856 GAA.”
  • Michael Russo via twitter: The Minnesota Wild will not be putting in a claim for Michael Grabner, who was put on waivers yesterday by the Florida Panthers.
  • Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Kevin Bieksa, who was rumored to be traded for most of the summer, finds himself on the number one defensive unit with Dan Hamhuis. Christian Ehrhoff and Alex Edler on the 2nd pairing, and Keith Ballard (had off-season hip surgery) with Andrew Alberts.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: John Mitchell is on a “chihuahua leash” after remaining with the club due to past play and not pre-season play, as Luca Caputi and mainly Christian Hanson outplayed him. Mitchell would have to clear waivers, and could snatched by someone. The same leash may be around Jeff Finger’s neck, he’s currently the team’s 7th defenseman. That may change soon as Brett Lebda and Matt Lashoff are recovering from injury. Roman Hamrlik, who’s been recovering from an off-season knee injury, skated with the team yesterday, and could be a go on Thursday.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres currently have 26 players still in camp, and have until tomorrow to get down to 23. Marc-Andre Gragnani will be placed on IR, and if Patrick Lalime’s is over his groin injury, they’ll only need to make a decision on 1 player. Tomas Vanek should be ready for Friday’s opener, suffered a head/neck injury last week. Forward Matt Ellis is a likely candidate to be sent to Portland of the AHL, he’d have to clear through waivers first and there is a chance someone would claim him.

It’s a slow start to the morning so far, check back often as we’ll continue to bring updates all day long. You can also follow on twitter, receiving updates as to when new entries are posted.

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