Posts Tagged Marc Savard

Free Agent notes: Wild and Brett Clark … Rask and the Bruins

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild are said to be interested and possibly close to signing veteran defenseman Brett Clark. The 36-year old has been playing with Oklahoma City of the AHL and is close to point-a-game. He could be a 6/7 Dman for the Wild. The Stars have also shown some interest in him.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: Bruins Tuukka Rask is making $3.5 million, and will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Re-signing him won’t be cheap. Rask is tied for first in wins with 13, third with a 1.97 GAA and top five in save percentage at .925. Rask’s agent, Bill Zito, wouldn’t comment on specifics of the negotiations. Rask is one year away from unrestricted free agency, and if Pekka Rinne and Henrik Lundqvistare comparables, he could be looking for a deal in the $5 to $7 million range.

    “I’m sure they’re talking about something there in the near future,” Rask said of contract talks. “We’ll see. I can’t really say anything about it. I hope we’ll see.”

    The Bruins have 16 players and a cap number of $56.6 million already for next season. Those numbers include Marc Savard at $4 million. Nathan Horton, Andrew Ference and backup goalie Anton Khudobin are unrestricted free agents.

, , , , , , ,

No Comments

No comeback in foreseeable future for Savard … Volchenkov breaks bone in foot … de Haan’s season over … Ohlund not even skating

  • Mark Savard via twitter: “I tried to workout today with my trainer I felt like crap but I need to do it #battle. For the fans that keep asking there is no comeback in the foreseeable future I miss the game it has given me everything I have today. I do in fact hope there is still a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel to play but that rest on the doctor shoulders so far.”
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Anton Volchenkov’s agent, Jay Grossman, said that he broke “a small bone” near the arch of his foot. It may not be the 4-6 a broken ankle may take, will depend on how it heals.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Jason Garrison, who has been bothered by a groin injury, on playing if the season starts on November 2nd, “That’s what I’m planning for. I’m using this time to make sure it doesn’t come back.”
  • Mike Halford of Pro Hockey Talk: Islanders prospect Calvin de Haan suffered a shoulder injury that will end his season. de Haan was playing for the Bridgeport of the AHL. It is his 3rd shoulder injury in the last 3 years.

, , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Devils switch up lines … Not much cap space for Bruins … Could Ovechkin, Plekanec, Krejci be traded? Prust suspension video

  • Dave Caldwell of the NY Times: The Devils made some line changes at practice yesterday. Dainius Zubrus skated with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac. Ilya Kovalchuck was moved to a line with Adam Henrique and Patrick Elias. Jacob Josefson was between David Clarkson and Alexei Ponikarovsky.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins have a current cap hit at about $58 million for next year. That number could drop if Marc Savard is put on the LTIR. The summer cap number could jump to $68-69 million but drop below the $64.3 million with the new CBA. They need to re-sign Tuukka Rask, and won’t have much room for Benoit Pouliot, Chirs Kelly, Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Brian Rolston, Greg Zanon, Joe Corvo and Mike Mottau. Trading Tim Thomas would create some more cap space. Greg Zanon’s agent said he thinks the Bruins would like to bring him back. They currently have 5 Dmen under contract, and prospect Dougie Hamilton could make the team. Tomas Vokoun could be a cheap free agent pickup, the Maple Leafs could be interested.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Capitals would trade Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin will get $9 million for 2 more years, then $10 million for 7 years. It likely wouldn’t happen, but someone suggested a Rick Nash-Alex Ovechkin. Possible candidates for the Capitals head coaching vacancy could be Tom Renney, Craig MacTavish, Bob Hartley, Marc Crawford, Ron Wilson and Jon Cooper. Milan Hejduk’s 1 year, $2 million deal may have some bearing on a Ryan Smyth-Oilers deal. The Canadiens may look to deal Tomas Plekanec rather than pay him $5 million next season. Some think that the Islanders may look at Alexander Semin. The Jets could be looking for a new backup goalie. Matheson wonders if the Coyotes should look at trading for David Krejci this offseason, sending Brandon Gormley and a pick to Boston.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Though it could just be posturing, Canucks GM Mike Gillis said last week that a Schneider-Luongo goaltending tandom is still possible for next season.

    “Having both goalies back in Vancouver next year is definitely a possibility and probably the leading possibility,” Mike Liut, Cory Schnieder’s agent, told The Province.

    “Cory will approach the season as he did this year — you focus on what you can control.”

    There will be a 4 day window where teams could sign Schneider to an offer sheet, between July 1st and 5th. Schneider is eligible to become a UFA on July 1st 2013.

  • Rangers Brandon Prust suspended 1 game:

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

No Comments

State of the Boston Bruins: NHL Trade Deadline Edition

Written by Grant Cumming who can be found on twitter @TheRealG_Rant

For the Boston Bruins, the chemistry is set. The team that launched duck boats through the streets of Boston last June is primarily still intact. Save for the retired Mark Recchi , now Dallas Star Michael Ryder and the suddenly well-traveled Tomas Kaberle, the team is primed to start the playoffs with a very similar look to that of the 2011 Cup Champions. Only Joe Corvo and Benoit Pouliot are new to the B’s this season, supplying them with the depth required after losing the three veterans mentioned.

Last season GM Peter Chiarelli swung February deals that brought Rich Peverley, Chris Kelly and Kaberle to Boston, shoring up on depth which proved to be very valuable to the team down the stretch. This season however the Bruins appear to be approaching the deadline with less urgency. Caution being the operative word.

“That’s probably my priority when I look to add something,” Chiarelli said. “I do want to add something, and I’d like to help the team. I’d like to add to our depth. But that’s a priority. It’s a fine balance with chemistry and you have to be careful.”

Read the rest of this entry »

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

6 Comments

Blackhawks could use a 2nd line center … Bruins have plenty of cap space … Board of Governors meetings … Stastny injured

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks have moved Patrick Kane back to wing, which likely means they are back in the market for a 2nd line center. David Bolland is best suited for the 3rd line role and Patrick Sharp is a winger and not a centerman. Couldn’t blame the Blackhawks if they were looking at Oilers Sam Gagner.
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins currently about $3.1 million in cap space, and could have a lot more if they put Marc Savard on LTIR. They are looking out for deals, but there is no urgency to change their lineup. They may be cautious spending as they have upcoming UFAs: Chris Kelly, Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Shawn Thornton, Johnny Boychuk and Joe Corvo; as well as RFAs: Tuuka Rask and Benoit Pouliot.

    “We’ve got a lot of cap space and we’ve got (long-term injury) space, so we’re in a good position to do something,” Chiarelli said last week. “But we’ve won 12 out of 13 (games). My point is, the timing has to be right and the player has to be right. It’s hard to find the right time, especially when you’ve won 12 out of 13 — and when there really aren’t a lot of players available now.“I’m always looking. I’m not actively seeking a player, but I’m listening to teams and seeing where the market is.”

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: On the Agenda for the Board of Governors meets is realignment, the state of the Coyotes and Blues sales, and their European operations. They will also look at on-ice matter like concussions and the competitive balance within the league. 20 out of 30 votes would be needed to approve new realignment (One 4 conference realignment option can be viewed in yesterday’s post). The BOG will also get a report from Bill Daly on where things are with the NHLPA regarding the CBA that expires next September.
  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche center Paul Stastny suffered a “torso injury” in the 3rd period last night. A better update will happen today at practice.
  • Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will likely be going with “organizational depth” along the blueline while Mark Giordano is out. GM Jay Feaster said there is at least 16 teams trying to get a defenseman that could come in and help.
  • Mark Masters via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight. James Reimer will start in net tomorrow against the Devils.

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

No Comments

Twitter notes on Raymond, Kesler, Winchester, Savard, Quick and the NJ Devils

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: It’s sounding like Canucks Mason Raymond may not be back mid-late November, and Ryan Kesler could be mid-November.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: If the Devils are for sale, it’s not a great time as the Coyotes, Blues, and Stars have been searching for a while for new owners. Mirtle points out that it’s not only the sunbelt teams that struggle, as the Islanders, Blue Jackets and Devils are all in tough right now.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador won’t be cleared by doctors until he takes his physical on Friday. He missed all of last season with a concussion.

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

1 Comment

R.I.P. Belak … Savard’s career could be over … List of players who’ve retired due to head injuries … Fedoruk’s demons

No one will get credit for breaking the death of Wade Belak. I’m still in shock over this one. I did not know Belak, but he always seemed be smiling and cracking jokes in on/off-air interviews. I woke up this morning hoping that there was a big mix up and it wasn’t him. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

  • Matthew Barnaby via twitter: I’m glad Matthew Barnaby, who has dealt with concussions and the fighting role, wrote the below and I hope the NHLPA reads it.

    “Prepared for life after. Very very tough. Nhlpa should do better job of preparing to enter league- and departing it! FACT.”

    This isn’t on the league. We all know we r a piece of meat and cast aside when we r done but nhlpa should prepare guys more!!”

  • Fluto Shinzawa of hte Boston Globe: Bruins forward Marc Savard is still experiencing from post-concussion syndrome.

    “Marc Savard won’t play this year,” said GM Peter Chiarelli. “Nothing has changed in our monitoring. He’ll be examined and he’ll be declared unfit to play.”

    There is also the possibility that his playing career is over.

    “Based on what I see, what I hear, what I read, and what I’m told, it’s very unlikely Marc will play again,” Chiarelli said. “Now, knowing the uncertainty of this injury, there’s always a chance [he could play]. But based on what I’m told, it’s very unlikely he’ll play. As an employer, I support him and hope he gets back to living a healthy life.”

  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle put together a list of players who have been forced to retire due to head injuries over the past 10-15 years:

    Pat LaFontaine, Jim Johnson, Eric Lindros, Scott Stevens, Paul Kariya, Mike Richter, Keith Primeau, Geoff Courtnall, Adam Deadmarsh, Jeff Beukeboom, Petr Svoboda, Nick Kypreos, Brett Lindros, Jason Botterill, Steven Rice, Jay More, Dean Chynoweth, Dennis Vaske, Cam Stewart, Steve Rucchin, Steve Moore, Jesse Wallin, Steve Dubinsky, Richard Scott, Stu Grimson, Gino Odjick, Rob DiMaio, David Tanabe, Kim Johnsson, Matthew Barnaby, Kurt Sauer and Dave Scatchard.

  • Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: Todd Fedoruk is trying to make the Canucks this training camp, admitted that he’s battled drug and alcohol addictions in the past but has been clean for almost 18 months. Fedoruuk didn’t play last year, taking the time to fix himself and his relationship with his wife and kids. (I wanted to post some quotes but there were too many worthy one’s, instead I’ll direct you to read the entire piece.)
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs RFA defenseman Luke Schenn isn’t worried that he doesn’t have a contract yet. “It’s going to happen sooner or later,” Schenn said of his contract. “There’s not much to say about it.”
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings GM Dean Lombardi had talks with Drew Doughty’s side yesterday but no deal seems imminent. Lombardi added,

    “It’s safe to say we’ve talked the last couple days, and we’ll just continue to try to work through it. … I still feel confident that this is going to get done (before the start of training camp).”

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Fedor Tyutin’s salary breakdown: 2012-13 $4 million, 2013-14 $4.5 million, 2014-15 $4.75 million, 2015-16 $5 million, 2016-17 $4.75 million and in 2017-18 $4 million. There is also a no-trade clause for the first 3 years and a modified no-trade for the final 3 years.
  • James Murphy of ESPN: The Bruins have talked to Jay Pandolfo about attending training camp on a tryout. They have also invited someone else but they haven’t heard back from him yet. GM Chiarelli has talked to  some others as well, but hasn’t issued a tryout invites yet.
  • Chris Botta talks with Darren Dreger about the NY Islanders adding another piece, Evgeni Nabokov and the team in general.

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

7 Comments

Sharks trade for Sheppard … Pronger likely to miss start of training camp … Savard unlikely to retire

  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks have sent a 2013 3rd round pick to the Wild for forward James Sheppard. Sheppard was a 1st round pick of the Wild in 2006, scoring 11 goals and 38 assists in 224 career games for the Wild. He was suspended all of last season by the Wild after suffering a knee injury in an ATV accident. Sheppard had another procedure this summer, and won’t be ready for the start of training camp.
  • Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that defenseman Chris Pronger may not be ready for the start of training camp. He is recovering well from back and hand surgery, and has been given permission by doctors to step up his rehab.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Even if Marc Savard continues to experience post-concussion symptoms, he’s unlikely to retire as he’s still owed $21.05 million.. “If Savvy retires, he would not be entitled to the benefits of the contract,’’ GM Peter Chiarelli said in an email. A more likely scenario would be for him to fail the physical each year and go on LTIR.
  • Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes GM Don Maloney said that contract negotiations with Kyle Turris and Mikkel Boedker are ongoing and expects to have them signed before training camp.

, , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Weber hearing .. Nassau County votes no … Nabokov to report … Devils notes … Savard talks concussion

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber’s arbitration is set for 8:00 am (9:00 am EST) this morning as a deal wasn’t struck last night. Both sides aren’t allowed to speak to reporters after the hearing briefs were filed. Weber won’t be a UFA until after the 2012-13 season. The Predators will have Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne as UFAs after next year. The Predators currently have a cap number of $41.2 million.
  • Josh Cooper via twitter: “Both sides will have 90 minutes to present their cases. The side that goes first will have 10 minutes for rebuttal.” Cooper thinks it’s a bad situation for the Predators and their relationship with Weber.
  • Dave Caldwell of the NY Times: Nassau County voted against the $400 million overhaul of the Nassau Coliseum. Islanders owner Charles Wang has tried for nearly a decade to get a new/refurbished arena for the Isles. The Islanders lease expires after the 2015 season, and Wang said last night that the team will honor the lease.
  • The NY Times: Suspended Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov said he will attend training camp. “Yes, I do plan on attending,” Nabokov said Monday. “Now I will have full preparation for the season.” Nabokov on not reporting last January when he was claimed off waivers from Detroit:

    “Any time you go to a new group, you want to be welcomed,” Nabokov said. “I’m not sure everyone understands the situation. Players can play 5, 10 minutes a night, but goalies have to play the whole game. I wasn’t ready and the situation wasn’t right. I wish we had better communication between the Islanders and me, but it was a tough decision for me that I couldn’t help.”

  • James Mirtle via twitter: The NJ Devils have put Colin White and Trent Hunter on waivers with the purpose of buying them out. White’s buyout would carry a cap hit of $1 million for the next 2 years. Hunter’s cap hit would be $666,667 for 4 years.
  • Ryan Lambert of Yahoo! Sports: The Devils and Parise will continue to work on getting a long-term deal done. The longer they go without one, the more rumors will pick up towards the trade deadline. “The entire TSN deadline show would become a theater production devoted to Parise’s eventual landing spot, regardless of how clear it was that the player would eventually sign with the only NHL team he has ever known.”
  • James Murphy of ESPN: Marc Savard told TSN:

    “It’s obviously been a long road for me. I’m still suffering with a lot of daily issues. Right now it’s been a tough go,” Savard said. “I’m just trying to get through and not worry about hockey right now, just worry about my health because I have three young kids and they’re important to me.

    “Mornings have been tough. When I get up in the morning I’m a little foggy sometimes. But as the day wears on, I’m pretty good. Hot sun is tough; I try to stay in the shade and stuff like that and pop the odd Advil and it seems to be OK.”

    Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is petitioning the NHL to have Savard’s name etched on the Stanley Cup. Under League rules he is not eligible as he didn’t play enough games last season.

  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Brent Burns said it was a “no-brainer” to signed long-term in San Jose after his wife spent a week there. He signed a 5  year, $28.8 million extension yesterday. The Sharks feel they got a top-end defenseman at a reasonable price. The contract has a limited no-trade clause (a 3 team trade list) that doesn’t kick in until July 1st, 2012.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Kings have 10 candidates for their bottom 6, so they don’t have much interest in Chris Drury. Also, Drury doesn’t want to leave the New York area.

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

2 Comments

Khabibulin doesn’t have to wear pink underwear … Hints on Modano … Canucks could make moves … Savard doubtful for this year

  • Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin arrived at jail yesterday for his 15 day stay. Officials have said he won’t have to wear the “black and white stripped uniform and pink underwear” during his stay at the tent city jail.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are still waiting to hear if Teemu Selanne will retire or come back for another season. If he does decide to play, it will be with the Ducks. Some players still remain unsigned: Mike Modano, John Madden, Chris Drury, JP Dumont, Cory Stillman, Nikolai Zherdev, Bryan McCabe, Scott Hannan, Nick Boynton, Chris Campoli, Paul Mara.
  • Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano was on a Dallas radio show on Friday, and when asked if he’ll play again, Modano responded: “I don’t know. I think that was the swan song.” He later answered “Not yet” when asked if he wanted to make a retirement announcement on the show.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman said “We’re still looking at areas to improve the hockey team,” … “There is money to be spent.” A Brad Winchester signing is not imminent, the interest may be more from Winchester’s side and not from the Canucks. The Canucks could look at a trade as they have “a glut of borderline second liners and a backup goalie who is ready to be a starter for another team.”
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli won’t comment on Brad Marchand contract negotiations, but he’ll most likely be signed to a 2 year deal, possibly in the $2.25 million per season range. Center David Krejci is entering the final year of his 3 year, $11.25 million contract. They may begin talks with Krejci, who could be looking for a deal in the $5 million per year range. It is doubtful that Marc Savard plays this year. “As a layperson,’’ Chiarelli said, “I’d be very surprised if Marc will be playing this coming year.’’

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

No Comments

Savard still has headaches … Parise update … Isles fallout after Rolston trade involving Yashin, Comeau and Komisarek

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins center Marc Savard is still complaining of headaches according to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. Unless things turnaround soon, it doesn’t look like he’ll be at training camp.
  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise said he doesn’t know “one way or the other” if they can reach a deal before their arbitration hearing on Wednesday.

    “I think it’s the same,” Parise said. “We’re working on it. We’re trying to get it figured out so we can avoid that.”

  • Dan Rosen of NHL.com: After yesterday’s trade, the Devils have about $8.5 million in cap space. Parise comments on his contract:

    “I’ve said all along that’s where I want to be, that’s where I want to play so I haven’t planned on anything different,” Parise told NHL.com Thursday night.

    “You know what it is, it’s a pretty unique situation and I don’t know,” Parise said. “The whole time I’ve kept the negotiating pretty private, but it does start to get a little nerve-wracking at this time just because so many different things can happen and you just don’t know what direction it’s going to go right now.”

  • Chris Botta via twitter: Sources are saying that the Brian Rolston trade was a prelude to another trade that the Islanders are working on. BD Gallof via twitter: About the Islanders rumored interest in Mike Komisarek, the Isles wanted him badly as a free agent. Gallof heard that he didn’t want to play for his hometown due to the added pressure. (and there are less pressures playing in Toronto?)
  • Brian Compton via twitter: Compton thinks the Rolston trade should end the Yashin rumors. Andy Strickland via twitter: There is nothing imminent between Alexei Yashin and the Islanders. If they do a deal, it likely wouldn’t be until next week. Brian Compton via twitter: GM Garth Snow on Yashin: “I think I said what I had to say last week. I’m not gonna go down that avenue again.” Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Yashin’s agent thinks there is there is room for him on the Islanders. “As far as I’m concerned, it does not affect what we’re doing with the Islanders,” Gandler told Sporting News on Thursday. Agent Mark Gandler hasn’t spoken to any other NHL teams.
  • Katie Strang of Newsday: It looks like Islanders forward Blake Comeau won’t get a deal done before their arbitration hearing next Thursday. Comeau is coming off a 24 goal, 22 assist season where he made $800,000.
  • BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof sees the Isles 3rd line as Rolston, Bailey and Nino. Comeau could be used a trade bait for a defenseman.

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

2 Comments

Will Ryan get suspended for skate stomp? Pronger and Zetterberg are unable to go in their Game 2′s

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger skated yesterday but didn’t shoot any pucks due to his injured right hand. It doesn’t look like he’ll play until Monday at the earliest. A source denied the rumor that Pronger won’t play until Game 5. Sabres defenseman Jordan Leopold skated yesterday and hopes to get back in the lineup sometime this series.
  • AP on NHL.com: Henrik Zetterberg won’t be in the Red Wings lineup for Game 2. Coach Mike Babcock said Zetterberg will travel with the team to Phoenix in hope that he can play soon.
  • Chris Stevenson via twitter: Bruins coach Claude Julien said he talks to Marc Savard about once a week, there is no change in his condition.
  • Ducks forward Bobby Ryan stomps on Predators defenseman Jonathan Blum’s skate. Should Ryan get suspended? Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ryan is expected to have a disciplinary hearing.

, , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment