Posts Tagged Luke Schenn
HC Rick Nash Trade Tracker Video … Plus other Rick Nash trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 15th, 2012
- John Shannon on where Nash could land: Rangers, Maple Leafs, Canucks, and Kings. Lawton lists: Rangers, Kings, Red Wings and Flyers. Both say they need to get a young starting goalie back.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Sure the Maple Leafs will be interested in Nash, but it would take a lot to pull it off, with the price getting higher with each passing day. Zeisberger lists some factors that will come into play: 1. Nash’s no-movement clause. He drives the bus. 2. Nash is in the 2nd year of a 8 year, $62.4 million deal, a $7.8 million cap hit. 3. The Blue Jackets are not actively shopping Nash, but will consider offers, and the price will be huge. Maple Leafs names you’ll hear will at least be Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri, James Reimer and Carl Gunnarsson.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Blue Jackets met last week to discuss Nash’s future, and decide to explore a trade. Apparently, they went to Nash a couple weeks ago about the idea, and were waiting for him to submit a list. Nash was willing to waive his no-movement as they were looking at another rebuild. The Blue Jackets currently have more than $50 million committed against the salary cap next year. 3 aspects that make a Nash deal complicated are: Nash must want to go there, that team has to pay the high asking price, and Nash has to fit into that teams cap structure and dressing room. On the surface the Canucks could be a perfect match with Cory Schneider, Cody Hodgson, Chris Tanev and maybe another piece, but don’t look for that to happen. The Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Flyers may not be scared of adding him. “The tough thing about trades like this one,” said another GM, “is that Columbus is starting in a bad position. Chances are, you’re giving up the best player.” The Maple Leafs may not have what GM Scott Howson wants, mainly goaltending. The Flyers and Kings may have the goalie the Blue Jackets need.
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets management came to Rick Nash, he did not request a trade. Nash had a feeling they might come asking. Nash did not want a trade, and until last week, they were telling teams he wasn’t going to be traded. There is a chance nothing happens at the deadline and they wait until the summer. Arace wonders that if president Mike Priest and GM Scott Howson put the team in this predicament, how can they be the ones to fix it?
- Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: G Scott Howson told the Columbus Dispatch:
“We’re open to all options to try to improve the team,” Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson told the newspaper this morning. “As far as rumors go, we’re just not going to comment.”
and Rick Nash said to the Dispatch:
“The last couple of weeks there have been so many rumors,” Nash told the newspaper following the team’s morning skate. “And when a team loses, more rumors keep on surfacing. That’s what it seems to be right now, is just rumors.
“I’m a Blue Jacket right now. I’ve played my whole career here and it’s a special place to me. So as of right now I’m a Blue Jacket.”
Scott Howson to NHL.com on Saturday:
“I’m not going to disclose what we’re going to do, but we certainly have a plan in place,” Howson told NHL.com. “We’re working on it, we’re talking to teams. We’ll see … it’s not just a pre-deadline plan. It’s a plan leading up to the draft and leading into next season. We’ll see what happens before the 27th and we expect to be active.”
- TSN Tradecenter video link: McKenzie notes it could be a 5 team list, and that they could be looking for a young goalie, defenseman and forward for Nash. Canucks, Maple Leafs, Kings, Rangers and Flyers could be the teams. Too many assets to give up, cap number, and how it affects the dressing room are concerns for teams. Brandon Dubinsky’s name has come up with the Rangers. James van Riemsdyk would have be in the mix for the Flyers. The Kings have pieces like Jonathan Bernier, Andrei Loktionov and Slava Voynov. Wild card teams could be the Bruins and Sharks.
Zidlicky waive no-trade for Devils … Caps working phones … Pens get cavity seach … Leaf notes … Ruutu out 3 weeks … Scouts for 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 15th, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Marek Zidlicky has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to go to the Devils. A deal isn’t done yet.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: No GM is burning up the phone more than Capitals GM George McPhee. After landing in Toronto part way through their back-to-back games on Jan. 31st, the Penguins got a full-body cavity search when they got off the plane. The Maple Leafs don’t want to go above $5 million for Mikhail Grabovski. Grabovski’s side are looking at something along the lines of Phil Kessel’s $5.4 million. A source said that the Canucks might be a landing spot for Jeff Carter. Years ago the Canucks and Flyers talked about a Carter-Kesler deal. Carter’s deal doesn’t fit into the Canucks pay structure now though.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Burke would love to Ryan Getzlaf, but it wouldn’t likely happen to the summer, if at all. The Leafs may not want to meet the asking price for Rick Nash. They’d like James van Riemsdyk, but he’s out with a concussion. A rival NHL executive on Burke:
“He’s a deal-maker. He likes to make deals if there’s a common fit. He’s very fair when you’re trying to make a deal. [Assistant GM Dave] Nonis does some of the groundwork, but Burkie likes to keep his nose in there. He’s famous for his texting and emailing.”
There are still no plans for the Leafs to trade for a goalie. They don’t have much interest in Jeff Carter. Ryan Malone could be an option, but he has a no-movement clause, the Lightning aren’t sellers yet, and he has 4 years left at $4.5 million. Malone could come cheap. For the right deal they could move one of their defenseman: Carl Gunnarsson, Luke Schenn, Keith Aulie or Cody Franson. They haven’t ruled out moving Mikhail Grabovski. One scout on the Leafs deadline strategy:
“Everyone wants to get bigger and skilled, and it’s hard to get. They’re not a dime a dozen. Personally, their goaltending and back end would be a bit of a concern for me. Their coach, Ron Wilson — and I’m not a big fan of him — seems to be getting the most out of his players. I didn’t think [Joffrey] Lupul would keep this pace; him and Kessel obviously have chemistry. That’s great for Toronto. [Grabovski] is trending up, but he’s not the biggest guy. In the playoffs, you have to be able to wear down teams. When you’re small and finishing checks, you’re still not making the D work that hard. I think Columbus would jump all over [a Jeff Carter trade], and I think they would take a little less [than] what Philadelphia got for him. I can see Toronto wanting more up front. I’m not 100 percent sold on their goaltending. I’m not sure they know who their No. 1 guy is. As a team, if you don’t know who you’re going to run with — you just want to have that confidence if you have a bad game your goalie is going to pull one out. I don’t know if Toronto has that.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Sources saying the Blackhawks don’t currently have anything going on in the trade front.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu will miss about 3 weeks with an upper body injury. Corey Masisak via twitter: Doesn’t think that this injury will scare off contenders. Maybe teams that are looking for a boost to get into the playoffs.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Travis Zajac will begin skating by the end of the week.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Scouting the Ducks-Wild game last night (teams on seating chart): Blackhawks, Coyotes, Jets, Sharks, Oilers and Canucks.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Scouting the Blues-Blue Jackets last night: Lightning, Stars, Avalanche, Hurricanes, Kings, Penguins and 2 from Washington.
State of the Philadelphia Flyers: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 14th, 2012
Written by Dustin Leed of The Hockey Guys and can be found on twitter at @D_LEED .
The NHL Trade Deadline is 14 days away and like always, the Philadelphia Flyers should be busy leading up to Feb. 27.
Following a weekend that saw Philadelphia lose their seventh straight game to the Atlantic Division rival New York Rangers and lose a tough game in Detroit, Philadelphia is 3-4-3 in their last ten games and has lost five of their last six.
But how much would a trade help this team and if so, what will they do?
Morning NHL rumors involving the Flyers, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Capitals and Lightning … Teams scouting last night
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on February 14th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is waiting for more teams to becomes sellers.
“There’s still a lot of teams that are deciding what to do, which way to go. You look at the standings, that’s easy to understand,” Holmgren said. “That doesn’t mean we’re not looking around trying to improve ourselves. I don’t think it’s any different than any other teams. You’re always looking to improve your team if you can, then you have to weigh the cost.”
The Flyers could use some help on the blueline, but their are not alone.
“Most teams in the league are,” he said. “Everybody’s looking for a defenseman right now. Even a team that has a lot of them kind of try to load up this time of year on defensemen.”
They’d love to get Ryan Suter, but they may have to wait till July 1st. Hurricanes Bryan Allen is an option, along with Canadiens Hal Gill. They are believed to be interested in Maple Leafs Luke Schenn.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs were lukewarm on Ducks Bobby Ryan due to his position and cap number, but if Blue Jackets Rick Nash is available, they’d view him very, very differently.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Dustin Penner to the Maple Leafs make 0 sense. They want a top 6 guy, and will likely get one.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson notes that if Nikolai Khabibulin didn’t another year left on his contract, he’d definitely be moved as a rental.
- Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Ales Hemsky’s agent and the Oilers have talked about a contract.
“We talked,” said Hemsky, who’s scheduled for unrestricted free agency this summer. “And I’m open to whatever happens (staying or going). I’ll see what kind of offers they will give me and we will take it from there.”“We talked,” said Hemsky, who’s scheduled for unrestricted free agency this summer. “And I’m open to whatever happens (staying or going). I’ll see what kind of offers they will give me and we will take it from there.”
- Kevin Kurz of CSN California: Capitals Mike Knuble has been a healthy scratch for 3 straight games. He shot down rumors that he’ll be joining the Sharks.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals GM George McPhee has some pieces he could move to help improve his team. He has 3 unhappy players in Mike Knuble, Jeff Schultz and John Erskine. They have 2 1st round picks, theirs and Colorado’s, and prospects Cody Eakin and Stanislav Galiev. They could also dangle Alex Semin. Nicklas Backstrom is likely out another month with his concussion.
- Sports.ru: Capitals prospect Evegeny Kuznetsov already knows if he’ll be heading to Washington next year or staying in the KHL, but he’s not telling anyone yet.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: It’s too soon to say that Lightning’s Mattias Ohlund’s career is over, but his season is most likely over.
- David Pollak via twitter: Scouting the Sharks-Capitals game last night were: Blue Jackets (2), Ducks, Stars, Canadiens, Canucks, Flyers, Lightning, Predators, Blues, Red Wings and Coyotes. Ben Raby via twitter: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier was at the Sharks-Caps game.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Scouting the Canadiens-Hurricanes last night were: Kings (2), Oilers, Canucks, Coyotes, Red Wings, Avalanche, Panthers, Ducks, Penguins, Capitals and Senators.
- Mike Zeisberger via twitter: Flames Mike Cammalleri will move from the wing to center tonight against the Maple Leafs. He’ll center Tom Kostopoulos and Blake Comeau.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard is out tonight and is questionable for Friday against the Predators.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight against the Predators.
Morning NHL rumors involving the Flyers, Sabres, Canadiens, Wild, Blackhawks, Islanders, Oilers and Rangers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 13th, 2012
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks the Flyers should go after Luke Schenn if the Predators won’t trade Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. He’d give up a 1st and 2nd round pick for Schenn. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Schenn isn’t going to the Flyers, not because of James van Riemsdyk’s concussion, but because they think he’s overrated. Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers could also go after Hurricanes Bryan Allen or Canadiens Hal Gill.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are 14th in the conference, but only 8 points out. GM Darcy Regier indicated that some moves could be for both short term (playoff run) and long term (future cap room). Brad Boyes, Jochen Hecht and Paul Gaustad are UFAs. Marc-Andre Gragnani (RFA) has had a disappointing season and could be moved. There has been rumors that Derek Roy has been available for most of the season. Robyn Regehr and Jordan Leopold have 1 year left on their deals. Regehr had waived his no-trade last year to come to Buffalo, and may not want to move again. Drew Stafford has 3 more years and might get some interest. The Oilers might have interest in Stafford. Andrej Sekera has 3 years left at $2.75 million per, and might interest some teams.
- The Fourth Period: The Canadiens could move pending UFAs Andrei Kostitsyn, Travis Moen, Mathieu Darche, Hal Gill and Chris Campoli. Moen may not be moved as his agent said “he’s been given every indication that he’s in their plans.” His agent did acknowledge that a trade is still possible.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher wants to make the playoffs, but he’s not going to give up the future to do so. “When you look at it historically, when you’re talking about the rental type of trades, the vast majority of time, the team trading the player with the expiring contract and picking up future considerations almost always wins,” Fletcher said.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Blackhawks could use a goaltender immediately, and unfortunately for them, Evgeni Nabokov is currently off the market. Nikolai Khabibulin may be the only goalie available, but he’s been inconsistent and has a 1 year left with a $3.75 million.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Islanders GM Garth Snow has confirmed that Evgeni Nabokov won’t be dealt. But if someone were to overpay …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have reportedly taken defenseman Andy Sutton off the trade market after signing him to a 1 year deal worth between $1.5 and $1.75 million. The Oilers could be dangling Cam Barker. They won’t give Ales Hemsky a new 4 or 5 year deal, but they might go 2 years. The Predators are looking for a top 6 forward, and have been dangling Jonathan Blum.
- Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News: Leonard lists Ray Whitney, Brad Boyes, Pavel Kubina and Hal Gill as pontential targets for the New York Rangers.
Morning Rumors involving the Coyotes, Islanders, Senators, Ducks, Lightning, Leafs, Flyers, Pens, Canadiens, Rangers, Kings, Wild, Stars and Blues
Posted by Neal Wright in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 10th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: If the Coyotes fall out of contention, Ray Whitney could become available. Whitney has a no-movement clause that lists 8 teams he’s willing to be traded to. The Bruins, Rangers and Sharks could be interested. Islanders GM Garth Snow on the trade front and re-signing of Evgeni Nabokov: “We have no intention of moving Evgeni,” Snow said. “He’s been great for us. His performance speaks for itself.” … on re-signing “Yeah, we’d consider all options, we’re just not at that point yet.” Snow has begun talks with P.A. Paranteau. Senators GM Bryan Murray: “We’ll see if there’s anything that makes sense, but in all likelihood it’s status quo at the moment, anyway.” If the Ducks are going to move one of their big players, it may happen in the offseason as opposed to the deadline. The Ducks could move Lubomir Visnovsky, but they aren’t going to give him away. Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina has a limited no-trade clause. Kubina submits a 5 team list, he hasn’t been asked yet. Mikhail Grabovski’s agent, who recently met with the Leafs:
“I spoke with Maple Leafs management a couple days ago and I believe they understand our position and we understand their position,” Greenstin told ESPN.com via email Wednesday. “Like I said before, Mikhail loves the city, organization and the fans, and we know the fans like him too. He would like to stay in Toronto and win the Stanley Cup with them, but he is in his prime years in his hockey career and this has to be right for Mikhail and it has to be right for the Maple Leafs.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: (Chat) LeBrun doesn’t think the Ducks will trade Getzlaf or Ryan at the deadline unless they get a crazy offer. The Flyers are trying to add a defenseman with experience. LeBrun also thinks the Flyers should add some depth at forward. It’s hard to tell if the Blue Jackets will be able to find a taker for Jeff Carter at this point. On the Penguins search list are Travis Moen and Dominic Moore. The Canadiens could move Hal Gill and Moen. The Blues may look to add a forward if one of Andy McDonald or Alex Steen doesn’t make it back or isn’t playing like their old self. LeBrun doesn’t think they’ll get their #1 center by the deadline. The Rangers are not interested in Marek Zidlicky. The Lightning could move defensemen Brett Clark and Pavel Kubina. The Kings are looking to upgrade their top 6.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said “It’s very quiet,” with regards to the trade front.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo thinks the Wild have a strong interest in Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu. The asking price is high as their are many teams interested in him. Rutherford hopes to have a decision made by the start of next week as to whether they will re-sign him or trade him. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Rutherford told ESPN: “So our priority now is to try and re-sign him.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika doesn’t think the Stars will be buyers at the deadline unless they win their next 6 or 7. They should have a better idea on Feb. 20th. Heika thinks they need to either sign Nicklas Grossman to a 4 or 5 year deal at $3 million a season or trade the pending UFA.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks it might be a good idea to keep Mike Ribeiro as opposed to trading him, especially if they bring in another top 6 to play with Jamie Benn. Riberio is being used in a #1 center role, but may be better suited as a #2 center.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Gordon doesn’t see why there are rumors that the Blues need to add a defenseman like Hal Gill or Andy Sutton. Their pairings are playing well and they have Kent Huskins in reserve.
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Luke and Brayden Schenn shrug off trade rumors:
“(The Luke-to-Philly rumour) has obviously been tossed around for the past month and a bit,” Brayden said. “It’s hard to go around naive and don’t read anything or hear anything or watch TV. You come to the rink the next day and there’s going to be someone talking about it. Obviously (Luke’s) name has been tossed out there over the past month and a bit. But those are just rumours and I guess we’ll see what happens.”
Said Luke: “One day it would be cool to play together down the road. But right now I’m happy in Toronto and would love to be a part of the Leafs organization. In saying that, you also can’t control what goes on as far as trades go and the trade deadline . . . Anyone can get traded.”
Watters drops a big Maple Leafs – Blue Jackets rumor
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
1:06 PM:
Darren Dreger via twitter: “A couple of sketchy trade rumours out there. Can tell you the Leafs, according to Burke have never discussed Nash trade…”Ever.”"
10:10 AM:
Bill Watters via twitter: Watters drops this NHL rumor today …. The Maple Leafs would get Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius from the Blue Jackets for Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Mike Komisarek.
I think a similar rumor was dropped a week ago by @Incarceratedbob
Nash carries a $7.8 million cap hit until 2017-18. Huselius carries a $4.75 million cap and will be a UFA at the end of the season. Combined total for this year is $12.55 million.
Grabovski carries a $2.9 million cap hit this year and will be a UFA at the end of the year. Schenn signed a 5 year contract with a $3.6 million cap hit before this season. Kadri will have one more season after this year with a $1.72 million cap hit. Komisarek has a $4.5 million hit for the next 2 years. Combined total for his year is $12.72 million.
Suter clears the air … Crosby has fractures to C1 and C2 vertebrae … Possible Flyers targets … A couple Bettman notes … NHL Sources Say video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on January 29th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ryan Suter wanted to clear the air a bit on comments he made Friday (see yesterday’s post). Suter contacted ESPN and his GM David Poile.
“I was watching TV this morning and one guy said I was definitely going to test the open market,” Suter told ESPN.com. “I never said that. So I just want people to know that I’m focused on helping our team win and I think that’s the most important thing right now.”
“It made it seem like I was giving up on my teammates and I don’t like the sound of that, because it’s not true at all,” Suter said.
“I hope I don’t get traded; I hope I can stay in Nashville,” Suter said. “Because we have a chance to win, we have a pretty good team.”
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins medical staff may have mis-diagnosed part of Sidney Crosby’s injury. Crosby appears to have fractured vertebrae that was missed by team doctors for weeks. Possible fractures to the C1 and C2 vertebrae may have been discovered, to go along with his concussion according to his agent Pat Brisson. Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: It is not a career-threatening injury, and there is a chance that he could be back this season if his concussion symptoms are resolved.
“The diagnosis of Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist based in Los Angeles, is that Sidney Crosby had suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Dr. Bray reports that the neck injury is fully healed. Those findings will be evaluated by independent specialists over the next few days. The most important goal all along has been Sidney’s return to full health, and we are encouraged that progress continues to be made.”
- Sam Carchdi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: There rumblings that Shea Weber or Ryan Suter could become available. Suter would be more likely to be traded before Weber. If the Flyers were to make a deal, they’d want assurance that he would sign a long term deal with them. Other potential blueline targets for the Flyers could be Tim Gleason and Bryan Allen (Car), Luke Schenn (Tor), Hal Gill (Mon), and Mark Eaton (NYI).
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Shinzawa goes through some players the Bruins could be interested in. Hurricanes Tim Gleason could be a good fit. The Bruins could use some bottom 6 depth. Coyotes Ray Whitney and Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu are possibilities.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Gary Bettman says the NHL isn’t subsidizing the New Jersey Devils. Spector adds: “That doesn’t mean the league isn’t providing cash advances or whatnot.”
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Bettman says the League is ready and waiting for the NHLPA to start CBA talks, he’s unsure on when they will begin.
- David Shoalts via twitter: Bettman added there have been no talks regarding the City of Glendale getting another $25 million extension for next season.
- Chris Botta via twitter: As far as Botta has heard, there is nothing major or even moderate going on with Islanders trade talks.
- HockeyCentral: NHL Sources Say: “news that next year’s all-star festivities will take place in Columbus, and talk the latest financials for St. Louis and New Jersey.”
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:
“Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
- Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
- John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.
“We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:
“The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter and Schenn … Red Wings eye Parise … Oils like Ellis … Green out 4-6 weeks … Ribeiro to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2012
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk:
“If we continue on our road and we’re healthy, we’ll certainly look at doing something prior to the trade deadline and, at the very least, we’ll be looking at doing something.
“But a lot also has to do with not screwing around with a good thing,” he said, noting the players are pleased with their current situation.
“But if they are behind it, this is the one time you let the players speak and they’ll tell you in a heartbeat, yeah, we need this and we need that and that’s it.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: (mailbag) Oilers forward Ben Eager could get some interest at the trade deadline. He has 2 years left on his deal at $1.1 million.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Frustrated Sabres goalie Ryan Miller: “We’ve got to find it from in here. We can’t sit and wait for somebody else to (bleeping) do it.” and “Do you guys really think there’s any kind of trade made … that’s going to affect this team any more than we can affect it … ?”
- Sportsnet.ca: According to a report from Bruce Garrioch, if the Blue Jackets decide to replace GM Scott Howson, former Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is a possible replacement.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Flyers continue to monitor Predators defenseman Ryan Suter. James van Riemsdyk could have been a piece, but he is currently out with a concussion. He has a muscle tear in his abdomen and has a hip that will require surgery this offseason. Would the Flyers consider moving Brayden Schenn as Sean Couturier may have passed him on the depth chart? They have their 1st round pick in play and possibly blueline prospect Marc-Andre Bourdon. A condition on a Suter deal would be for him to sign a long-term deal before July 1st. The Flyers like a Luke Schenn for James van Riemsdyk deal if they can’t land Suter. His concussion could put things on hold for now. The Lightning won’t be buyers at the deadline, but they’ll be taking offers on UFAs like Dominic Moore. GM Yzerman won’t look for a goalie now, and may wait for the offseaon and look at Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier or Cory Schneider. Matheson says the Red Wings could be interested in Zach Parise this summer. They have the cap space to offer him a 5 year deal at a $8.25 million cap hit. The Penguins could use a guy like Tuomu Ruutu. The Oilers would love to get Predators dman Ryan Ellis. The Preds would be willing to move Jonathan Blue as he’s fallen out of favor.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman will be out 4 to 6 weeks as he will undergo abdominal surgery. He’ll have the surgery today to hopefully repair damage from his now-chronic groin issue.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby said late last week that he is still experiencing some trouble with motion and balance, will see a concussion specialist in chiropractic neurology. Crosby didn’t suffer any setbacks after skating on Friday and Saturday.
- Dallas Morning News: The Stars have put center Mike Ribeiro on the IR with a lower body injury.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: There is no update on Kings winger Simon Gagne. He’s been out since Dec. 26th with a concussion. He is not doing any hockey activity, nor is he with the team.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore should be back this week on the road.
More on Maple Leafs – Flyers rumors … DiPietro season likely over … Carcillo done for year … Stars-Panthers trade
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on January 14th, 2012
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: A Flyers official shot down the rumor that James van Riemsdyk was being traded to the Maple Leafs for Luke Schenn. “Not happening,” he said. If the Flyers make a deal it will be closer to the trade deadline. They have lots of interest in Ryan Suter and are not looking at him as ‘rent-a-player.’ The Flyers have about $4.2 million in cap room. Hurricanes defenseman Bryan Allen and Tim Gleason are on their list but not at the top.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke:
“I told Luke it’s not a guarantee that he wouldn’t be traded if something materializes, but we’re not in trade discussions with any team about him right now,” Burke said. “We haven’t offered him to anybody. I don’t know where the rumours started. I told him that’s not happening.”
Burke’s phone is ringing more frequently of late.
“We’re getting a lot of calls and we’re listening,” Burke said. “But that’s very different than offering a player. Fielding a phone call on a player is very different than making a phone call on a player.”
- TSN 1050 Podcast: Brian Burke talks trade rumors. (you might have to search the archive to find it if they add more podcast to their loop.)
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: 2 organizational sources confirm that the Flyers and Leafs have spoken. Dreger reported that Schenn has not offered in a trade, and that nothing is imminent.
- Kelly Friesen via twitter: Someone close to the Flyers organization told him that the van Riemsdyk for Schenn rumor has legs. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed has been told that some discussion has taken place, but the Flyers would need Schenn + to move van Riemsdyk. Leed added that their first option is to keep him and seek a defenseman in another way.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro will have surgery on Tuesday to fix a sports hernia. His season is likely over.
- WGN Radio via twitter: Blackhawks Daniel Carcillo is out for the year for surgery on his ACL.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils Andy Greene, who has been out with a with a fractured foot/toe, hopes to get doctors clearance to begin skating next Thursday.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have traded Ondrej Roman to the Florida Panthers for Angelo Esposito.
- Mike Chanbers of the Denver Post: JS Giguere will start in net for the Avalanche tonight against the Stars.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils today.
More on Flyers-Leafs … Roy could come up in discussions … Hemsky’s trade value … Iggy staying … Carter to IR … Lines and Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 13th, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): It has been reported that the Flyers and Leafs have talked. That James van Riemsdyk is a big bodied forward that the Leafs are interested. JVR would be easier to get than a Ryan Getzlaf. There have been no offers made by either side, and Luke Schenn “most definitely hasn’t been offered.” If and when the likes of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber aren’t made available, the Flyers may go back to the Leafs. “Toronto, without question would include Schenn in a trade if JVR is the return.” Dreger thinks the Sabres could move Derek Roy, or at least will be in talks with other clubs about him. A Ryan Miller trade is not likely to happen ‘in-season’ if they are considering it at all. The Senators won’t alter their long-term plans, but if they are able to add a forward, probably a top 9, Murray might make a move. Oilers Ales Hemsky’s trade value will depend on how he plays from now until the trade deadline. The Oilers will want a young player for Hemsky and possibly a draft pick depending on the player.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Don’t be surprised if Burke meets with Schenn today. If deal doesn’t go down soon, I expect Burke will tell Luke its not happening.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster: “That’s correct. Iggy is going nowhere and we are going for it.”
- Capgeek via twitter: Once all Flames become healthy, it’s estimated they’ll need to clear $2.5 million in cap space.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby received clearance to begin skating earlier this week.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance names some top candidates who could be GMs soon: Julien BriseBois (TB), Paul Fenton (NASH), Ron Hextall (LA), Jeff Gordon (NYR) and Jim Nill (DET)
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Wild have put Colton Gillies on waivers. The Red Wings have put Chris Minard on waivers. Coyotes Cal O’Reilly clears waivers.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: The Blue Jackets have put Jeff Carter on the IR.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore will likely be back on Monday against the Bruins.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers confirm that Brandon Dubinsky will be a game-time decision.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Wolski-Stepan-Gaborik, Prust-Richards-Callahan, Hagelin-Boyle-Mitchell, Rupp-Anisimov-Fedotenko.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Johansson-Semin, Knuble-Laich-Brouwer, Hendricks-Halpern-Ward, Chimera-Eakin-Beagle.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Leafs defensive pairings: Aulie-Phaneuf, Gunnarsson-Schenn, Komisarek-Franson.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will face Ryan Miller tonight. Sabres center Derek Roy is back in the lineup. No lineup changes for the Leafs.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Capitals. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net tonight for the Capitals.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Carey Price will start in net for the Canadiens against the Senators.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net for the Blues against the Wild.
- Mark Spector via twitter: It will be Nikolai Khabibulin against Jonas Hiller tonight.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight.
NHL Rumors involving the Bruins, Devils, Wild, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canucks, Panthers, Sharks, Penguins and Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
* Bruins are moving cautiously towards the trade deadline as GM Chiarelli doesn’t want to mess with their chemistry.“Obviously we have a lot of cap room, so there’s a lot of flexibility,” Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN.com Thursday. “I would like to add depth-wise on the forward front and depth-wise on the defenseman front. But I don’t want to subtract anything.”
LeBrun thinks that Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu and/or defenseman Tim Gleason could be options.
* There is a growing feeling around the league that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello won’t trade Zach Parise at the deadline if he’s not signed by then. His rights could be moved before the free agency starts if a deal can’t be reached.
“He can’t trade away his captain, the face of the franchise, with the team sitting in a playoff spot,” one source told ESPN.com Thursday.
* The Minnesota Wild have been looking to upgrade their offense for months but their aren’t going to deplete their prospects to do so. LeBrun thinks they may move a B-level prospect, a pick or a player off their roster to get a top 6. Possibly for a guy like Vinny Prospal in Columbus.
* LeBrun confirms that the Flyers and Maple Leafs have talked over the last week. The Leafs like James van Riemsdyk and the Flyers are looking for a Dman. Ryan Suter is at the top of the Flyers wish list and have shown interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason.
* The Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward and/or a power play defenseman. They are keeping an eye on the Ryan Suter-Shea Weber-Nashville Predators situation.
* The Red Wings will be working the phones over the next 6-7 weeks. They have some interest in Ales Hemsky, and may be looking for a backup goalie upgrade.
* The Canucks are looking for size upfront, likely for the bottom 6. Cory Schneider is more likely to be dealt in the offseason than at the deadline.
* The Panthers want to get healthy before they decide what they want to do heading towards the trade deadline.
“We don’t know yet, hopefully we’ll have everybody back in the lineup in the next couple of week and then we’ll see what we have,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com Thursday. “And then we’ll see where we’re at as well. There’s no rush here.”
* The Sharks could use a 3rd line forward and have been shopping Antero Niittymaki.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Despite the recent Penguins struggles, they don’t have anything cooking on the trade front. GM Ryan Shero has a tendency to let the market develop before moving on a deal. They are currently out of the playoffs, but they are not panicking. They don’t have a big deal in the works and any move is weeks away.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Shero shot down the notion about shelving Sidney Crosby and possibly Kris Letang for the season, and use the cap relief on a big trade or 2.
“I have to have it in my mind about what we might have coming back,” Shero said. “Those guys are worth waiting for.”
There is still no timetable on Crosby and Letang’s return.
“We never even once discussed that,” Shero said of putting Crosby on long-term injured reserve to let him continue to heal for several months and finding a replacement or two through trades.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Trade speculation out of Philadelphia has them interested in Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn.
“It doesn’t really mean much,” Schenn, 21, said. “They’re just rumours and I’m happy being here in Toronto. In the 3½ years that I’ve been here there has been a few rumours about trades that were going to happen. They come up every year somehow.”
It’s no secret the Leafs GM Brian Burke likes James van Riemsdyk. JVR signed a 6 year extension with a $4.25 million cap hit in the offseason. Schenn signed a 5 year deal with a $3.5 million cap hit just before the season started.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Sabres owner Terry Pegula points out the injuries that have hit the team:
“What everybody is missing is that I’ve been carrying around 167 man games,” he said by telephone Thursday evening. “Forget about the season. I’m talking about the last 25 games. We’ve had 18 players go down. It’s like a merry-go-round every night. You look on the ice and what are your defensive pairs tonight? Hell, who knows? Who’s healthy?
“I think what’s important is the number of guys. You can have 167 man games with four, five, six guys out for a long period. Eighteen? Cut me a break. I told Darcy Regier one time, ‘If I was you, I would be afraid to get on the plane.’ “
The Sabres sit 11th in the East with a 18-19-5 record heading into tonight. Many players have struggled. Robyn Regher is -12. Brad Boyes has been injured and hasn’t produced when healthy. Ryan Miller is having the worst season of his career. Derek Roy is 115th in scoring. The Sabres could keep everyone together, make some trade to upgrade the roster which may not be easy, or trade players who they don’t see there long term.
“My attitude now is, ‘Let’s put Humpty [Dumpty] back together again,’ ” Pegula said. “I want our players to know that I thought we had a pretty good hockey team until all this happened. Let’s paste it back together and start a new season.”
Flyers – Leafs rumors … Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter … Backstrom to IR … Zajac shut down … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers Don Luce (Director of Player Development) was seen scouting the Maple Leafs for the 3rd time in as many weeks. Cue the trade speculation. The Flyers are in the market for a defenseman, a position the Leafs have some depth. Luke Schenn has seen his minutes decrease this year to 16:36 from 22:22 last year. Luke carries a $3.6 million cap hit and has 4 years remaining after this season. Cody Franson would also be an option, and would be cheaper. Chirs Botta via twitter: Botta mentions Brayden to Toronto. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed doesn’t see a Schenn for Schenn deal happening.
- Pierre LeBruna and Scott Burnside of ESPN: Senators GM Bryan Murray said this morning that he’d look to add at the trade deadline if they continue to play well. “Yes, if we continue to get wins over the next month or so, you want to give your players the best chance you can,” Murray said. They will still focus on the long-term stability and building through youth. “We’d probably be looking for a forward,” Murray said. LeBrun spoke with Predators defenseman Ryan Suter’s agent yesterday who said things are status quo. The Flyers have Suter as their #1 target if he becomes available.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: The Capitals have put Nicklas Backstrom on the IR to make room for call-up Tomas Kundratek. Backstrom can be taken off the IR at any point. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: Capitals coach Dale Hunter said there is no timetable on Backstrom and Mike Green.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Penguins put Steve MacIntyre on waivers.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan will be out for 4 to 6 weeks with a left shoulder injury.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: The Devils have shut Travis Zajac down for 2 weeks due to his Achilles issue.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen (concussion) skated today.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is ready for contact at today’s practice.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators against the Rangers. Erik Karlsson didn’t practice today but is expected to play.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Johan Hedberg will start in net for the Devils against the Oilers.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals against the Penguins.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight.
Anaheim Ducks rumors involving Getzlaf, Ryan and others … Leafs would have to be interested in Getzlaf
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 5th, 2012
12:40 PM:
- Damien Cox via twitter: “Problem with ANA rumblings is GM Murray seems to say one thing publicly, but something very different to other teams.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Staples thinks the Oilers should look at Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, more Getzlaf than Perry. He doesn’t think the Ducks would take Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner and a few prospects. Would the Oilers throw in “Linus Omark or a Magnus Paajarvi or a Jeff Petry or a Teemu Hartikainen or a few of them?” Staples thinks a Cam Fowler for Sam Gagner deal might make sense for either team, but they should look for “a finished product, not a work in progress.” The Oilers could look to pick up a Matt Smaby or Mark Fraser as a stopgap defenseman from the Ducks.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Dupont figured it would be Bobby Ryan out of Anaheim before Ryan Getzlaf. Idea of moving Getzlaf and leaving Perry kind of feels like the Canucks trading one of the Sedins.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: DeCock doesn’t see a fit as the Hurricanes ‘core players’ include Staal, Ward, Skinner, maybe Sutter/Faulk. See what DeCock was referring to below.
- BD Gallof via twitter: For Islanders fans thinking Perry or Getzlaf, think Moulson or Okposo, Niederreiter or Strome, plus a prospect and draft pick. The price for established players is costly. Whatever players are on the block, Islanders fans should realize they are not in that market.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau has to be the biggest loser in the Ducks trade talk as he now has to motivate 21 of 23 players who are now traded bait.
8:23 AM:
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray isn’t ready to give up on this season just yet.
“At this point, no,” Murray said Wednesday before the Ducks’ home game against San Jose. “I’m not ready to. First of all, we do have a lot of really good core players. Everybody in hockey knows we have good core players.”
Teams are calling Murray, and he is listening. Both Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have no-trade clauses, and Murray doesn’t want to trade them. Corey Perry and Cam Fowler are likely untouchable. Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Jonas Hiller could be up for discussion if the team doesn’t improve. Murray said he isn’t just looking for draft picks if he were to deal someone.
“I still believe we have some core players. Now whether we have to change a few core players, so be it. They’re deciding who’s staying and who’s not staying at this point. They’re the ones deciding.”
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: You have to believe that the Maple Leafs would be interested in Ryan Getzlaf. He’s the type of player Burke has been after since he got to Toronto. Rumblings suggest that GM Murray would rather move Ryan over Getzlaf. According to Cox, “the Leafs don’t see a fit with Ryan.” Burke may be setting up for a deal as he sent Phillipe Dupuis to the minors and put Colton Orr on waivers yesterday, though they have injured players who may be close in Tyler Bozak, Mike Komisarek, Colby Armstrong, Mike Brown and John-Michael Liles. When the Leafs were inquiring about Mike Richards in the summer, they were believed to be asked for a package involving Luke Schenn and Nazem Kadri. The Leafs don’t have a #1 center to send the Ducks, but could offer Bozak or possibly Joe Colborne. Giving up both Kadri and Colborne seems unlikely. Defenseman Carl Gunnarson could also come into play. Getzlaf will be UFA after next season.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: On the possible availability of Ryan and others …. DeCock desn’t know if there is a fit with Hurricanes in what they have to offer as GM Murray may be wanting a core player back.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: One of the Ducks issues this season is the lack of depth. They are thin outside their top 6, and their blue line is a mish-mash of young and old. Trading Getzlaf could definitely improve their depth with players who are ready for the NHL. Trading a player with a ton a talent may not be a thing that Murray wants to do.
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.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Tim Connolly will be out up to 2 weeks with an upper-body injury. Terry Koshan via twitter: James Reimer is not practicing.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: The Panthers send goalie Jacob Markstrom to the AHL and recall Scott Clemmensen. This move gives GM Dale Tallon time to find a trade partner for Clemmensen.
- 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.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Daniel Alfredsson is making progress. He’s able to skate but still no timetable.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is back practicing today.
- 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.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Devils have placed Mark Fraser and Rod Pelley on waivers.
- 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.
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Tuuka Rask will start in net for the Bruins. Rich Peverley is out. Joe Haggerty via twitter: Peverley has a minor undisclosed injury according to Claude Julien.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Looking like Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight in Boston.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils tomorrow.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson is expected to start tomorrow against the Panthers. Luke Schenn will return to the lineup.
Crosby’s doctors differ … Doughty has Kings best offer … Schenn, Baily salary breakdown … Injury notes on Kane, Sharp, Markov, Fisher and Niemi
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 17th, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby has been cleared to practice but his medical team can’t agree on when he should be ready for contact. A Florida-based chiropractor who has been examining Crosby told a Pittsburgh radio station that he’s ready for contact. Crosby’s doctors at a concussion clinic may not think so and stand behind their comments at the news conference earlier this month, ”We’re going to make sure we introduce contact in a very careful way,” Collins said at the time. “And we’re not even close to that right now.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi told LeBrun that he feels they made their best possible offer to Drew Doughty, 7 years at a $6.8 million average.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Luke Schenn salary breakdown: $3.6 million with a $1 signing bonus this year, and $3.35 million in the remaining 4 years. Also has a modified no trade clause.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Islanders re-signed Josh Bailey to a 2 year deal. He’ll get $800,000 this year and $1.3 million next year.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is still wearing a splint on his left wrist and is taking a cautious approach with it.
“I’m going be cautionary about putting myself in contact right away,” Kane said Friday. “I’ll be doing practice with whatever team is out there, working real hard to get my range of motion back.”
“They said if it was the middle of the season right now, and if I wanted to play, I could play,” Kane said. “It’s just making sure we don’t make it any worse and I’m fully 100 percent ready to go.”
Marian Hossa is still in Slovakia as he attended a Pavol Demitra’s memorial on Thursday, and will join the team soon. The Blackhawks aren’t too worried that Patrick Sharp could miss the entire preseason.
“Sharp was in excellent shape,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Through that process of taking the necessary time to heal himself up to get ready, he’s a finely tuned athlete. He can play through a lot of different injuries. We saw that last year how quickly he got back, particularly at a critical time of the year.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov won’t be taking the ice with teammates today:
“I wish I could skate with the team tomorrow or today, but I want to be 100-per-cent sure I’m healthy,” Markov said Friday as he discussed his rehabilitation from major knee surgery. “I don’t want to come back for a few games. I’d like to stay here for the long term, and that’s what we’re looking for.”Markov, who signed a 3 year, $17.5 million deal in the off-season, has had 2 surgeries to repair is his ACL in his right knee.
“He said the healing is good,” Markov said of his meeting with Andrews. “Everything in the knee, like the bones and muscles, is good. I had a little swelling at that time, but he said it’s normal for a second surgery.”
If Markov is out for an extended period of time, GM Pierre Gauthier may have to go looking for a defenseman.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson plans on cutting his training camp roster from 70 to 40 by Wednesday and down to 26 or 27 by next weekend.
“I’m cutting through all the B.S. here and getting right down to the NHL players,” Wilson said. “I’m not worried about where we’re going to be in two or three years. My primary responsibility is making the playoffs this year and getting off to a good start.”
Wilson would have 2 exhibition game with 40 players and 3 games with close to regular season lineup.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Mike Fisher’s recovery from shoulder surgery is going slower than he had hoped.“I’m just going to kind of work my way in here, just trying to get stronger. Still not ready for contact or anything. But I am skating and starting to shoot a bit, and it’s coming. I’m just really not sure as far as timetable. I just have to be patient.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien weighed in well under the 269 pounds he weighed in last year in Atlanta. Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer is hearing that the Jets are considering moving Dustin Byfuglien back to forward this year.
- David Pollak via twitter: Antti Niemi said he should be back playing in a few days.
Schenn, Bailey and Selanne re-sign with their teams … Doughty and Turris still without deals
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on September 16th, 2011
- TSN: The Maple Leafs have re-signed RFA defenseman Luke Schenn to a 5 year deal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: The 5 year deal is for $3.6 million per season, $18 million total.
- Brian Compton via twitter: The Islanders have agreed to a 2 year deal with RFA forward Josh Bailey.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Drew Doughty is not expected to report to the Kings training camp today as they still haven’t come to terms.
“We’re committed to being engaged in discussions and we’re more than willing to talk,” Meehan said by phone Thursday. “I think the next step is for the Kings to respond to our correspondence.”
The Kings don’t want to pay Doughty more than Anze Kopitar’s $6.8 million. The Kings may have gone higher on a longer term, but Doughty wants a shorter term and more money.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the next 24 hours for Doughty and the Kings are critical. “This may, and I said may, be perilously close to going off rails.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: As of last night, there has been no movement/dialogue in the 24 hours on Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes, doesn’t look like anything will be resolved any time soon.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Teemu Selanne will be back with the Ducks this year, signing a 1 year deal worth $4 million.
Myers and Schenn close … Brodeur may not be with Devils next year … Turris may not get done by camp … A team in Quebec City in 2 years?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 15th, 2011
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are close to locking up Tyler Myers to a long-term deal, with the final hurdle being length of the deal. TSN is reporting a 6 year, $33 million deal.
“We had two sides that wanted to stay together,” Myers’ agent, J.P. Barry, said by phone. “Tyler wanted to remain a Sabre, and having this done at an early stage was something that he wanted. He’s happy that the club approached him about wanting to do this early.”
“We’re not far away at all,” Barry said. “We’ve been working for the better part of the last week here, and we’re definitely proceeding here every day. We’re working hard on trying to get something finalized.”
Mark Everson of the NY Post: Martin Brodeur will be a UFA at the end of the season, and though he hopes this isn’t his last season with the Devils, he may leave if the team is rebuilding. If there is a lockout, he may retire.
“I don’t want to put any barriers on my decision,” he said. “I would love to stay forever in New Jersey. That’s my goal.
“Then again, if they’re going a different route, and I feel I want to play, I can’t close these doors. I don’t want to go anywhere, that’s the bottom line.
“And I don’t know if I want to play [at all]. I’m not saying I’m going to play this out and go somewhere. That’s not my intention at all. It might come to that because of circumstances, but I don’t think it will happen.”
Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Sekeres wonders if Kyle Turris’ wanting between $3 – $4 million from the Coyotes is “a trade request in disguise.” It appears that the 2 sides are still far apart and that it may not get done by the start of camp. The Coyotes have gone with defensive minded veterans in the last couple years, limiting playing time for younger players.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn isn’t stressing over the fact that his contract hasn’t been finalized yet. Reports are saying that he could get a deal around $4 million per season, but that was before Zach Bogosian signed a 2 year deal averaging $2.5 million. Koshan thinks that Schenn’s deal may be closer to Bogosian’s number than the $4 million.
Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk admits that he lost money last year but isn’t considering selling the team. The Fan 590 was saying that he lost $14 million and might be looking to sell. Melnyk has filed a grievance awhile ago with the NHL regarding a $4 million bonus paid to Dany Heatley on July 1st 2009 after Heatley nixed a trade to Edmonton.
“That’s going to continue on. It’s taking so long, it’s ridiculous,” Melnyk said. “The hearing . . . hopefully one day you get it and the guy doesn’t blow all his money, that he’s got money to pay back. So, I just want to make sure he has got the money around when he has got to pay us back.”
Toronto Sun: The former owner of the Quebec Nordiques, Marcel Aubut, thinks that the NHL will return to Quebec City in the next 2 years. The new arena won’t be finished until 2015, and they may have had a team sooner had the arena been finished already according to Aubut. If a team were to relocate in 2 years, it would have to play 2 years in the 61 year old Pepsi Colisee.
“If we had (built) earlier, we would have had a team today, not Winnipeg,” he said of the Atlanta Thrashers’ move to Manitoba in May.
“I know that (NHL commissioner Gary) Bettman would have chosen Quebec City way before Winnipeg. I remember when the Nordiques left, he said ‘we just lost a big asset, with the cultural aspect that Quebec represents.’ This was an American talking!”
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: UFA Sergei Samsonov has been skating with the Red Wings and would like a tryout, but the Wings may be comfortable with their depth at forward.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers have signed Blake Kessel to a 2 year entry-level deal and invited Adam Mair to camp.
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