Posts Tagged KHL
Letang gets 2 games … Whitney returns … Hall and Hossa may be game time decisions … Brodeur sees doctor … KHL top 10 hits
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on October 18th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Kris Letang gets a 2 game suspension from his hit on Alex Burmistrov.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackahwks Marian Hossa will see in a couple hours if he’ll go tonight or not. Hossa added, “I feel the best I’ve felt in the last four days so that’s a great sign. I really hope I’m going to play tonight.”
- Jason Gregor via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will play tonight.
- Jason Gregor via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall is a game time decision do to having the flu.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings Dustin Penner will play tonight despite his sore knee.
- New York Rangers via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will see doctors today about his injured shoulder.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs Nazem Kadri will not travel with the team on their road trip. Tim Connolly may be back. Jonas Gustavsson will play in one of the back-to-back games. James Mirtle via twitter: It’s sounding like Jake Gardiner may play tomorrow. Wilson will decide tomorrow.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: The Ducks assign Nate Guenin and Patrick Maroon to Syracuse of the AHL.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Jeff Carter won’t be playing tonight and is doubtful for this weekend’s games at Detroit and Ottawa.
- KHL Top 10 hits of the week
Kings want to avoid 5 year deal with Doughty … Flyers again deny why they Carter and Richards … Byfuglien charged … Crosby video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on September 21st, 2011
- Helene Elliot of the LA Times: Kings GM Dean Lombardi said again that “there’s no way” he’s trading Drew Doughty. Doughty remains in London, Ontario after rejecting offers in the 6 to 9 year range. The Kings want avoid a 5 year deal (which would be a reasonable compr0mise) as they want to avoid having Doughty and Anze Kopitar a UFA at the same time.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren denies that he traded Mike Richards and Jeff Carter during the offseason due to off-ice issues.
“That (off-ice behavior) had nothing to do with it, nothing to do it,” said Holmgren, the Flyers general manager. “They were young guys with a lot of money who enjoyed their life. And a lot was made of that. And why wouldn’t they? Wouldn’t you?
“A lot of has been said about this, too much really. There have been all kinds of stuff out there, and it’s untrue. Because they were quiet kids and weren’t good with the media, I think some of that came back to them. I think they paid for that. I don’t think it’s been fair. I think the world of both those kids. They gave their hearts and souls to our team.”
- Paul Walsh of the Star-Tribune: Dustin Byfuglien has been charged with boating while intoxicated. His blood alcohol level was 0.031%, with the legal limit 0.08%. Byfuglien was subject to drug-recognition testing and it was determined he was “under the influence of a controlled substance.” He told police that he takes supplements from “16 or 17″ bottles but could not recall the names of them. Byfuglien was charged with gross-misdemeanor refusal to submit to blood or alcohol testing, boating while intoxicated, no navigational lights illuminated and insufficient number of personal flotation devices available. The charges may give him trouble entering Canada.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mark Cuban no longer has interest in buying the Dallas Stars. Doug Miller of Allen Americans may have interest in offering more than Tom Gaglardi’s $267 million offer to buy the team. Local sports entrepreneur Chuck Greenberg said on Monday that he’s interested in the team.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: The Islanders will announce a new captain today and it could be defenseman Mark Streit.
- Szymon Szemberg via twitter: Russian media is reporting that Alexei Yashin is about to sign with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Despite some reports, Vityaz did not offer Yashin a 1 year, $1 million deal.
- Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail: The job appears to be open for Mikael Backlund and he just needs to pick up where he left off last season. The top line job between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay is his for the taking. Other centers on their depth chart are Brendan Morrison, Matt Stajan and Olli Jokinen.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Re-alignment was discussed “at length” by the Board of Governors. Darren Dreger via twitter: Expect a decision on NHL re-alignment during the December Board of Governors meetings. Greg Brady via twitter: There are lots of options for re-alignment, including 3 conferences of 10 teams.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Brian Elliott and Ben Bishop will battle to backup Jaroslav Halak. Both signed the same contract, $600,000 in the NHL and $105,000 in the AHL. Halak is projected to start 60 games this year.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators tough guy Francis Lessard got a talking to from Matt Carkner and coach Paul MacLean after he took a blindsided run at Nikita Filatov during a scrimmage. “To be fair to Francis, he’s here to show the coach what he can do for the team,” said MacLean.
Galimov passes away … Drew Doughty contract update … The Penguins lineup could look like … Huberdeau trying to make Panthers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 12th, 2011
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Alexander Galimov, the lone player survivor from Lokomotiv, passed away in hospital last night.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Drew Doughty didn’t attend the teams Hockey Fest yesterday. GM Dean Lombardi will meet with Tim Leiwede who will then talk to owner Philip Anschutz on how far they will go to sign Doughty. Training camp opens on Saturday. “I still have hope he’ll be here Friday. I don’t know if I expect it but I have hope,” Lombardi said after fielding questions from a crowd of about 3,000. “It’s better than no hope.” Lombardi said that he spoke with Don Meehan 3 times last week.
“You can figure out the problem. It’s how much and length,” he said. “That’s the two issues. … There’s a couple of variables.”
The sides haven’t discussed a no-trade or no-movement clause. Lombardi may try to speak with Doughty directly to convey his winning commitment and that he wants Doughty to be paid fairly. The 9 year deal worth $61.2 million that was rejected was proposed early in negotiations.
Colin Fraser had is protective boot removed 10 days ago and might begin skating this week. He won’t be ready for camp. Fraser added, “I’m going to need a few skates to learn how to play hockey again. It’s been six months since I’ve even looked at my skates.” As for the grievance, it should be settled in the next few weeks.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: The rejection of the 9 year, $61.2 million deal by Doughty took place 2 months ago and not recently.
“I intend to talk to ownership today and update Tim (Leiweke),” Lombardi said. “Anything we do, I have to have their approval or have them be on board. It’s fair to say that in the next 24 hours I’ll be talking to Tim and he will be talking to Mr. Anschutz. There has to be some finality in our approach.”
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said there will only be 2 or 3 spots open this year. He has James Neal pencilled in along side Sidney Crosby (when healthy) and Chris Kunitz. Evgeni Malkin will center Steve Sullivan and Tyler Kennedy. Their top power play unit will feature 4 forwards and 1 defenseman. Sullivan could be used on the point on the first unit. Jordan Staal will likely center Matt Cooke and Pascal Dupuis on the 3rd line, Dupuis and Kennedy could be interchanged on the 2nd and 3rd lines. Aaron Asham and Craig Adams are likely wingers on the 4th line. That leaves Mark Letestu, Dustin Jeffrey, Richard Park, Joe Vitale and Jason Williams battling for the a center spot. Eric Tangradi, Steve MacIntyre and Nick Johnson will also be vying for a roster spot.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: The Panthers say they are done with rushing prospects to the NHL, but Jonathan Huberdeau is still hoping to make the team. If Huberdeau signs an entry level contract, he could make the team and play for 9 games before they decide if he’s ready to for the NHL or to send him back to junior.
“He’s a special player, can play any forward position,’’ Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. “He is unselfish and makes other players better. He’s responsible defensively and competes each shift. He never takes one off. And he’s a wonderful kid. We’re in this for the long haul.’’
Lokomotiv suspends operations for year … 6 prominent RFAs remain … Selanne decision may not come this week … Pronger and Kesler may not be ready start of season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 10th, 2011
- Slava Malamud via twitter: The team president, regional government and sponsors have decided that Lokomotiv won’t play this year. “Inability to assemble a competitive team (with not only players, but “chemistry” and a game plan) on a short notice cited as the reason.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn’s agent, Don Meehan, said in an email that they have a meeting with the Maple Leafs early next week.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: There are 6 prominent RFAs still unsigned: Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn, Zach Bogosian, Brad Marchand, Kyle Turris and Josh Bailey. Doughty has reportedly turned down a 9 year, $61.2 million deal and Turris may be looking for more than $4 million a season. One agent said, “Luke Schenn isn’t going to sign before Drew Doughty unless someone blinks.” Training camp starts next week, will there be any holdouts?
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Islanders forward Josh Bailey still remains unsigned, but both sides are working to get something done. “No question,” Bailey said. “I don’t even consider the other side of things. My focus is here. I’m an Islander and that’s the way I want it to stay.”
- Tim Campbell and Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The line of communication between RFA Zach Bogosian and the Jets are open but no deal is imminent. “Things are pretty much status quo,” the GM said. “There are conversations as we go. Time will play itself out.” Jets camp opens next Saturday.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne may put off his decision to play or not until after training camp opens next week.
“I might even go (into) the first week of training camp and just go as a tryout for starters,” Selanne said. “I know I’ve got to sign something to get into camp. But I think there would be benefits for the team and myself. I don’t want to just try it and say, ‘Sorry, I can’t do it.’”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Lou Lamoriello said that Travis Zajac would miss 3 months after he had surgery to repair Achilles tendon. Zajac has talked to some people who have had the same injury, for some it took 3 months, but for some others it took 4 to 6 months. He suffered the injury on Aug. 17th.
“It depends on the athlete and the person, but from guys I’ve talked to with the injury that (three months) seems like a reasonable timeframe for some guys and some guys were a little longer,” Zajac said. “Hopefully, if things progress well (he’ll be back in three months). I was told it’s the rehab that is the key part that’s going to get you back the quickest.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger had a positive step in his rehab, but it’s still a long shot that he’s ready for their Oct. 6th opener.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler doesn’t think he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kesler said his hip is still on 100%.
- Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks have acquired Jonathan Toews brother, David, from the New York Islanders for future considerations. David scored 20 goals and added 28 assists with Brandon of the WHL last year.
KHL’s Lokomotiv plane crashes … Bolland considers himself lucky … Vokoun had similar offer from the Red Wings … Alfredsson skating … Boogaard’s battle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 7th, 2011
12:29 pm:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports are that Alexander Galimov may still be alive. (I’m not going to make any more notes on him for the time being, many mixed reports)
11:51 am:
- Sean Leahy via twitter: KHL Statement:
“We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy. “We know that there are many in the KHL family who will be grieving with us. As the investigation of this tragedy progresses we will work closely with investigators, government officials, club executives and the Yaroslavl community. We are working to find an appropriate way to honor this club and begin the healing process from the deep loss so many of us feel today. “We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape.”
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Viktor Tikhonov suggests that every KHL team send at least one player to Lokomotiv so that the team can continue this season.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof provided a link to a wikipedia page about the crash that is being updated.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Reports coming in that Alexander Galimov, who originally survived the crash, has passed away.
10:48 am:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Belarusian news agencies are saying that Ruslan Salei was on the plane.
10:30 am:
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: 45 people including crew may have been on board. The only player to survive may be Alexander Galimov.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: It’s being reported that Ruslan Salei was awating the team in Minsk.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: There is at least one report that Salei was on the plane.
9:30 am:
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: A charter plane carrying Lokomotiv of the KHL has crashed. Reports are that there were 37 people on board. The number of people that died is unconfirmed (reports saying 36 died). Former NHLers on the team include Vasyunov, Rachunek, Demitra, Salei, Skrastins. Brad McCrimmon was the teams head coach. A link to Lokomotiv’s roster or here if the site is down.. Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: “Officials of Russia Aviation confirm 34 dies in plane crash.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland considers himself lucky with the concussion he sustained last March. He missed the last 14 regular season games and the first 3 of the playoffs. He’ll be ready to go for training camp.
“It does get scary. If you look at Sidney Crosby right now, he’s still out. It’s never fun seeing another player out and a star player out of the lineup.
“It is scary how long these things can take. I remember I was sitting there with mine and you never knew when it was going to come out. I would have dinner with friends and it would be like they were talking to a wall.”
Chris Campoli still remains unsigned. The Ottawa Sun reported a while ago that 5 teams were interested. Jordan Hendry will be on a tryout with Minnesota.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun said that Detroit offered him a deal similar to the one he received from the Capitals, 1 year at $1.5 million.
“Looking at Washington’s lineup compared to Detroit, they are comparable teams,” Vokoun said. “But Detroit in last 10 years won three times Stanley Cup. And Washington never won it. But that’s a lot better challenge for me and the team, to be able to do something special.”
and later added
“My belief is this team has a better chance to win than Detroit does. And they showed a lot more interest, so that was the key for me, too.”
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Alexei Yashin skated at the Islanders practice facility yesterday but it remains “unlikely” that he re-signs with the team.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson skated yesterday for 70 minutes, taking part in every drill and full scrimmage. Alfredsson only played in 54 games last year and had surgery this summer.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo writes a very good piece about Derek Boogaard and his battle with painkillers. You should read it rather than me summarizing parts of it.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland considers himself lucky with the concussion he sustained last March. He missed the last 14 regular season games and the first 3 of the playoffs. He’ll be ready to go for training camp.
Flames depth allowed them to move Langkow … What if Couturier makes Flyers? Isles looking for D, Kuba? Whitney, Malone expect to be ready for camp
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 30th, 2011
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Jay Feaster cited the Flames depth where it matters most as one of the reasons he sent center Daymond Langkow to the Coyotes for winger Lee Stempniak. The Flames are going to see if Mikael Backlund can center the top line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. The Flames also have Brendan Morrison, Olli Jokinen and Matt Stajan down the middle. Langkow carries a $4.5 million cap hit this year, Stempniak carries a $1.9 million hit. Niklas Hagman’s time as a Flame could be running short and he may find himself making $3 million in the AHL.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Some think that 2011 1st round pick Sean Couturier could make the Flyers roster, which could create a logjam at center. Down the middle they have Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, Blair Betts, Brayden Schenn and Ben Holmstrom. Michael Nylander is also heading to camp on a tryout.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank suggests that the Islanders could be looking for a veteran defenseman. Warren wonders if the Isles would be interested in Filip Kuba. The Isles are $2.3 million below the salary cap floor. Chris Campoli and Bryan McCabe are free agent defenseman still available.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney injured his surgically repaired right ankle skating earlier this month, but hopes to be ready for the start of training camp. “I rolled over on the foot … caught a rut in the ice. Minor sprain, I think,” said Whitney, “I’ll be back in Edmonton on Saturday. I don’t think it’s serious.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Pat Morris, the agent for former Oilers defenseman Steve Staios:
“He’s been training with all the young players at Matt Nichols’ camp in Toronto. I really think Steve could help a young team like the Islanders or Colorado (Avalanche). He played 23 of the last 27 games for Calgary last season, was an even-or plus-player in 18 of those games and had eight points.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning winger Ryan Malone had surgery in July to repair some damage from the shoulder separation he suffered in first round of the playoffs.
“It was just kind of nagging, so I went to get it looked at it and it was still kind of separated so we had to go get it fixed,” Malone said. “After the season there was still all the swelling so after everything went down, that’s when we found some other stuff that had to be taken care of.”
Initial reports were saying he would miss up to 6 months, but Malone said he expects to be ready for the season opener on Oct. 7th. Malone hasn’t been cleared for contact and likely won’t before the start of camp.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun wants to go out and enjoy playing hockey. He was disappointed with the offers he got in early July, including the 3 year offer from the Panthers.
“It was something I was looking at as, you know, I want to enjoy hockey. I want to play in playoffs,” Vokoun said Monday. “It’s been really tough for me. I lost four years. I’ve been sitting every summer here in South Florida, which I love, in the afternoons swimming in the pool, and by 7:30 at night I put on the TV and watch playoff hockey every single year. If you care and love playing hockey, it’s not an easy thing to do.”
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Mikael Samuelsson, who had surgery last May, is back on the ice and is feeling stronger in the groin and hip area. He had abductor-tendon and sports hernia surgery, and began training in July.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “I don’t know about you, but if I had Drew Doughty on my team, I’d do everything to make sure he was signed, happy, and ready to lead my Los Angeles Kings team. The last thing I’d want is to drag my franchise player through the negotiating mud all summer with no contract agreed to with three weeks until training camp.”
- George Malik via twitter: According to Sport-Express, Metallurg of the KHL is trying to sign Jarkko Ruutu.
Bradley has some words about Semin … Doughty – Kings haven’t talked in weeks … Nylander gets Flyers PTO … Yashin has KHL offer … Redden “unaffordable”
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 18th, 2011
- ESPN: Former Capital, and current Florida Panthers forward Matt Bradley had some words to say about Alexander Semin and lack of playoff success in Washington on an Ottawa radio station.
“I don’t mind saying Alexander Semin’s name, because he’s one guy who has so much talent, he could easily be the best player in the league, and just for whatever reason, just doesn’t care,” Bradley said on Ottawa’s TEAM 1200 radio show.
“When you’ve got a guy like that, you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn’t show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia.”
“We had some guys who didn’t show up in the playoffs,” Bradley said on the show.
“I think our locker room was maybe a little bit too nonchalant, and guys weren’t disciplined the way they should have been. Those two things are big things. It wasn’t that guys were going out the night before a game, but not being ready to practice or missing practice with questionable injuries and not being focused.”
“I mean, there were a lot of guys who played well that didn’t probably play as much as they needed to, but I love Bruce [Boudreau] and Bruce is a great coach and he was in a very tough position there, because in Washington our top guys are definitely the stars and the guys that people want to see on the ice, so I totally understand,” Bradley said. “That just doesn’t happen on our team, it happens on a lot of teams.
“When you’re paying your top guys a lot of money and those guys carry you through the whole season, and if one of them isn’t going, it’s very hard not to play them, and I understand that that’s tough. But I think in the end, if you want to win, sometimes you have to sit some of those guys down and maybe send a message and try to get them going.”
Bradley had only good things to say about Alex Ovechkin: “I never worry about Ovi,” he said. “He’s an all-in guy. He’s young, he makes his mistakes, the same as anyone would. I often try to put myself in his position. And you’ve got to remember, he’s 25 years old, he’s got a guaranteed $120 million, he’s on top of the world, and he still for the most part makes the right decisions.”
- Greg Wyshynski via twitter: Wyshynski talked spoke to Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau about Bradley’s comments about how he overplays his stars: “Oh yeah? Oh well … it’s his opinion.” and he wouldn’t give further comment after that.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: According to one source, the LA Kings and Drew Doughty haven’t talked in weeks.
- Philadelphia Daily News: Michael Nylander will be at the Flyers training camp on a tryout. Nylander last played in 2008-09 with the Capitals.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: KHL’s Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg have made an offer to Alexei Yashin and are awaiting an answer.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Dustin Jeffrey has been cleared for light skating following his knee surgery.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Zipay says that Wade Redden is “unaffordable” for the Rangers this year. (I wonder how many teams would be interested in him if he didn’t carry a $6.5 million cap hit for 3 more years? I’m sure he’d get some interest.)
- Marc Antoine Godin of Cyberpresse.ca: Canadiens forward Lars Eller, who had surgery on his dislocated right shoulder, will be at training camp, but
“There is no set date for my return, but it is possible that I am ready for the first game of the season.
I could also miss the first week of the calendar. The doctors will evaluate it during training camp.”
“Certainly I will be there from the start of camp. I will participate in some exercises, but I must take things as they come.”
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Brophy lists some coaches who could be on the hotseat this year: Ron Wilson (TOR), Todd McLellan (SJ), Alain Vigneault (VAN), and Terry Murray (LA).
Rypien didn’t have alcohol/drug issues … Alfie skates … Nothing new on Yashin … Hiller hopes to be ready for camp … Jackets and Flames notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 17th, 2011
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis said that when he was with the Canucks, Rick Rypien’s issues were never alcohol or drug related and that he was even reluctant to take anything prescribed.
- Rob Brodie of OttawaSenators.com: Daniel Alfredsson skated yesterday for the 1st times since having back surgery in June.
“It felt good to be back on the ice today,” he said afterward. “I was on for maybe an hour, an hour and 20 (minutes), did some drills and played a little bit of a scrimmage. It was fun. I was tired, but everything held up well and the back felt fine.”
Alfredsson hasn’t played in a game since February 7th. He hopes to be ready for the start of training camp in September. He’ll be back out skating on Thursday.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov spoke with Alexei Yashin’s agent and said there is nothing new to report on negotiations.
- James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk: Jonas Hiller hopes to be ready to the start of training camp.
“Of course I know I still have to get some ice-training and I have to work hard towards it. But that is something that you do every year. And for that I am here in Switzerland. This is what I’m working towards. And then, I believe, that I’m going to be ready come training camp and the season. And the All-Star game is certainly a goal again.”
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Antti Mietinen (Wild) has finally signed with AK Bars Kazan of the KHL.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson likes to award contract extensions to players leading up to the season. Think Antoine Vermette, Derek Dorsett, and Steve Mason. (He mentions Rostislav Klesla, but he was traded to Phoenix last year).
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames GM on Daymond Langkow after he missed 78 games with a fractured vertebra:
“One of the guys who has consistently been at the training sessions is Daymond,” Feaster said. “He was fully cleared at the end of the season. He’s been fully training. No restrictions whatsoever
“He’s ready to go when camp opens.”
Feaster on Brendan Morrison who had surgery in April to repair a torn ACL:
“The big thing we’re going to have to do with him is to make sure he doesn’t overdo it,” Feaster said. “He’s pushing to be ready for camp, and our point to him is to follow what the doctors are telling him and make sure he’s fully healed.
“But he’s progressing very, very nicely. He’s very happy and so is the medical staff.”
Shero on Crosby … Flyers goalie and team captaincy situation … Hunter, Kostitsyn, Zyuzin and Frolov notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 15th, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune: From Rossi’s conversation with Penguins GM Ray Shero:
– On reoccurrence of concussion symptoms during Crosby’s offseason training:
“I’ve been in touch with Sid’s doctors… (and) Sid this weekend. He’s progressed well this summer. Had some symptoms at different points, depending on how hard he’s pushed himself at different points. Never had to be shut down this summer.”
– On reports that Crosby will not be ready for start of 2011-12 season:
“There’s never been a situation where he’s needed to be cleared to play.”
– On Crosby’s state of mind these days:
“I think he’s been good. Talking to him this weekend it seemed that way. Beside dealing with this injury he’s our captain, so whenever we’ve signed a player I’ve been in touch with him. That’s been a lot of it in term s of contact with Sid. I haven’t gone to him too much, ‘How you feeling?’”
“It’s been on an off at this point. He’s happy with his progress. We’re happy with his progress. Training camp is a month away. He’ll be evaluated before then.”
– On if anything has changed regarding Crosby’s recovery/status/whatnot:
“No,” Shero said.
“There are going to be some symptoms with this injury, but nothing where he’s had to shut it down or anything. The main thing with him, or any player, is that he’s not going to be pushed, prodded until he’s 100 percent ready. My concern isn’t with Sept. 16, Oct. 6 or whenever; it’s making sure he’s comfortable when he returns to play, end of story. I’m about the bigger picture with this thing.”
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: On where Flyers goalie Michael Leighton will play next year:
“It’s August,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. “I don’t have to answer that. Training camp is a process you go through, and we’re going to do what’s right for the organization.”
It’s rumored that Holmgren checked out Sergei Bobrovsky’s trade value before the draft, which could be high. The Capitals got a 1st and 2nd round pick for Semyon Varlamov.
Leighton added:
“If there’s a trade somewhere or there’s going to be two veteran guys (Leighton and Bacashihua) in the minors, I don’t know. I just want to come to camp, work hard, and wherever it gets me I’ll accept it.
“I don’t think it’s worth asking for (a trade). I’m sure (Holmgren) has an idea, but he’s not going to tell me where I’ll be. I just need to get healthy and hope it works out that I get to stay here, play another year and go from there.”
- Frank Seravalli of hte Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette on team captaincy:
“At this point we’re not in any rush to name the captain,” he said. “Once training camp starts and we get everybody back in here (there’s not a lot of accessibility of the players during the summer). Once everybody gets back in here myself and Paul Holmgren will start having discussions and talk about the options that we have in front of us. Then we start talking to the players. I think we’ll get to that point where we do name a captain, but at this point it’s not on the radar in immediate, near future.”
- Edmonton Journal: Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin finished serving his 15 days in Arizona’s tent city jail for drunk driving. He still has 15 days to serve under house arrest with a electronic monitoring bracelet.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The agent of Trent Hunter said “a number of teams showing interest” but he’s still undecided on where he’ll play this year. Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell wouldn’t be surprised if Hunter signed with the Ducks who may be looking for 3rd/4th line depth.
- Marc Antonine Godin via twitter: Godin thinks that Andrei Kostitsyn could end up in Anaheim who need depth and have the cap space.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Andrei Zyuzin’s agent has told the SovSport that they have received 2 offers from NHL teams, he wouldn’t name them.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Alexander Frolov isn’t contemplating NHL options, determined to return to Russia. Boguslavski thinks Frolov didn’t even try to get an NHL deal.
Notes on Sharp, Weber, Doughty, Schenn, Parise, Perron and Zherdev
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 3rd, 2011
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Patrick Sharp’s new deal contains a modified no-trade clause.
- John Buccigross via twitter: If the Predators and Shea Weber can’t/won’t do a 5 year, $31 mill-ish or 7 year, $45 mill-ish deal, they should look to trade him.
- PredsOddManRush via twitter: The CBA says the Preds and Weber can negotiate a new contract, but it cannot be signed/announced until Jan. 1, 2012.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Drew Doughty may not be out of line to ask for $7 million after Weber was awarded $7.5 million.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: Contract talks between the Maple Leafs and RFA Luke Schenn have begun.
“We had a discussion with Claude Loiselle today, and we’re going to have another one tomorrow,” Meehan said Wednesday. “So our discussions are ongoing.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: One NHL insider doesn’t think Zach Parise will get a long-term contract done with the Devils. The Devils gave Parise a “path to UFA” with the one year contract.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: St. Louis Blues forward David Perron is still suffering from post-concussion symptoms, and won’t be ready for training camp. Perron, his agent, trainer and GM Doug Armstrong met on Monday and decided that he needs more time. The Blues think he’ll he’ll be able to play at some point this season.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikolai Zherdev couldn’t get an NHL offer he was looking for, so he signed with Atlant of the KHL. Zherdev did get some interest but the offers were low, some were under a $1 million.
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