Posts Tagged Marc Staal
Steep price for Rangers to get Richards … Chris Phillips and his no-trade … 3 looking at Kovalev … Pens looking at Stillman, Higgins … Leafs and Liles … plus more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 24th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Post was told that Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk told the Rangers GM Glen Sather that it would cost 3 young roster players, possibly Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan for Brad Richards. The Rangers have also inquired about Bryan McCabe and his no-movement clause, his agent said “Nothing has evolved to the point where he has to make any decisions.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Chris Phillips still wants to stay in Ottawa and re-sign with the club. But if he doesn’t get a guarantee that he’ll get an extension by the trade deadline, he’ll have to decide if he’d waive his no-trade clause. “Now, being more involved with having to make decisions that effect the outcome is the biggest difference,” [Phillips] said. “Ultimately, I am (in control), when it comes right down to it, but it has been pretty open communication with Bryan. It’s not like we’re having a standoff and see who blinks first. We’re talking about it. Between us and them, it is a collective decision, but I guess I have the final say.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Washington Capitals have shown preliminary interest in Alex Kovalev. Penguins and Lightning also interested.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins are looking at Panthers Cory Stillman and Chris Higgins. The asking price for Higgins was higher than what the Penguins expected.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Penguins may have interest in Panthers winger Cory Stillman.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Some league executives believe Brian Burke may have a deal in place for a defenseman. Brian Huddle via twitter: reports that Dreger said on the radio that it may be for John-Michael Liles.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Brian Burke in email regarding Kessel being shopped rumors, “No. He has not, and will not, be shopped.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Bryan McCabe would rather stay in Florida, but has been told that he likely won’t be back next year. There is lots of interest in him, but remains to been seen if he’ll waive his no-trade.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they have nothing on the front burner.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster said he doesn’t want to trade anyone from their roster as he doesn’t want to disrupt the chemistry of the room.
- James Gordon via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Ottawa-Florida game: Penguins, Kings, Canucks, Rangers, Canadians, Lightning, Coyotes and Blackhawks.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Atlanta-Buffalo game: Canucks, Sharks, Blackhawks, Leafs, Wild, Canadiens, Rangers, Blue Jackets, Senators, Blues, Stars, Hurricanes and Oilers.
Neuvirth, Green and Sloan injured for Caps … Sabres injury notes … Video of Stajan getting hammered by Staal, Legal or not?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on November 23rd, 2010
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Michal Neuvirth is day-to-day with a lower body injury after tweaking something yesterday morning. Semyon Varlamov was recalled but didn’t get his skates until the second period, the Capitals were given permission to switch backup goalies during the game, Braden Holtby started. Mike Green did not play the final 13 minutes of the 3rd, Tyler Sloan left in the 1st period, more will be known this morning
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Rob Niedermayer had arthroscopic knee surgery and will be out 2 weeks. Ryan Miller practiced after resting his injured groin over the weekend. Drew Stafford and his injured shoulder practice but did not take contact, he could be available this weekend. Jochen Hecht skated after practice, he’s nursing an upper body injury, but is expect to be able to go tomorrow night. Tim Connolly left in the middle of practice and is questionable. The Sabres recalled Luke Adam and Colin Stuart from Portland of the AHL.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Tampa Bay Lightning should know Wednesday morning if Simon Gagne will go versus the Rangers, said to be “very probable”.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Stephen Weiss aggravated an ankle injury Saturday night and was pulled from the game as a precaution, it isn’t serious.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle posts a great quote from Dallas Stars coach Marc Crawford after their loss to the Maple Leafs, “The positive thing is there are a billion people in China that don’t know that we played terrible tonight.”
- Calgary Flames forward Matt Stajan is crushed by NY Rangers defenseman Marc Staal. Rule 48 stats: states: “A lateral or blind side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact is not permitted?” In my opinion it is a clean hit. I’m sure the league will review it.Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald notes what some people on twitter were saying, with most thinking it was clean.
Oilers place Sheldon Souray on waivers … J. Staal out 10 weeks? Waiting for Salvador results
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 30th, 2010
- Jeff Marek via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers have placed Sheldon Souray and Martin Gerber on waivers.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie wouldn’t be surprised if Souray gets claimed on re-entry waivers at half price.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Souray hasn’t been told what the next move will be, re-entry waivers or the AHL.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Source informed Dater that Jordan Staal could miss 10 weeks with his bad foot.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Marc Staal received 4 stitches last night have having his hand cut by a skate.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: No word on Bryce Salvador’s test results yet. Lou won’t comment until they do.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs recall Jussi Rynnas from the Marlies. Jeff Finger should play this weekend. Luke Schenn didn’t skate this morning.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Others who were placed on waivers today: Brett Festerling and Danny Syvret in Anaheim; Brent Krahn in Dallas; Staffan Kronwall in Calgary; Tim Conboy, Derek Whitmore, and Colin Stuart in Buffalo.
Staal re-signs with the Rangers … Ducks and Mara still talking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 15th, 2010
- ESPN: The New York Rangers have come to terms with restricted free agent, Marc Staal. The deal is for 5 years and $19.875 million, an annualMar cap hit of $3.975 million.A source told EJ Hradek the breakdown is as follows: $3.1 million in 2010-11; $3.675 million in 2011-12; $3.775 million in 2012-13; $3.875 million in 2013-14; and $5.45 million in 2014-15.
Staal scored 4 goals and added 19 assists in 82 games last season. He logged over 23 minutes per game.
- Helene Elliot via twitter: The Anaheim Ducks are still talking to defenseman Paul Mara.
Afternoon rumor update: Parise, Neal, Staal, Forsberg, Anderson, Souray and Langenbrunner
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 14th, 2010
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Zach Parise will be a RFA at season’s end, but would like to start contract negotiations on an extension. So far there have been no talks (Kovalchuk saga most likely the reason.
“I’m the type of person who likes to know what’s going on,” Parise told [Chere]. “I like to have that comfort and stability.
“But I’m not concerned. I understand the way things have traditionally been done around here. To talk would be kind of out of the norm. Playing out the last year on my contract is not going to affect me in a negative way, I know that. I’ve kind of been through it before. You don’t want to say you need something like that (the final year on a contract) to make you play harder or better, but I think a lot of times it does make you play better.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Sounds like there are productive talks between the Dallas Stars and James Neal.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: From Pat Morris, Neal’s agent, “The negotiations with James Neal are getting to a critical stage for both sides. There is always that time for ‘the fork in road’ where a deal can be done or won’t be done for a long period. James hopes to become a contracted member of the Stars once again very soon. Both sides will have to be flexible.”
- Anthony Gross via twitter: Rangers GM Glen Sather, “We have made Staal a pretty lucrative offer, and I don’t think we’re very far apart.”
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg … “I haven’t closed the door yet, but it’s pretty close.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche goaltender Craig Anderson will be a UFA at seasons end, and the Avs may not want to risk waiting that long, a deal during the season is a possibility.
- Mark Spector via twitter: The Oilers best bet is send Sheldon Souray to their AHL camp in late September.
- Mark Spector via twitter: From an agent on Souray, “There is NO market for Souray. The fact he has two years left ($5.4M hit) is a killer.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Jamie Langenbrunner realizes that he could be moved by the Devils.
“I would definitely say there is an uneasiness,” captain Jamie Langenbrunner told me. “We’re all smart enough to figure out which guys are uneasy or waiting to see what’s going to happen. There’s probably six or seven of us that fit into the category of making enough money to leave to fit us under the cap and are of a certain age that would be tradable. I think all of us are smart enough in the business of hockey to understand it. It’s a situation that it could be any one of six or seven of us. Probably two of us.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Brendan Morrison is talking to 3 teams regarding a contract.
- Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets season tickets sales are down 25%, 10,300 to 7,700.
Staal-Rangers by Friday? Nash to RW? New captains in Mon and Van plus more NHL rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 14th, 2010
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers and Marc Staal continue to work towards a deal that could happen by the start of training camp on Friday. The contract they are working on could be longer than 4 years. The Rangers own his rights for 4 years (would be a restricted free agent), so going over 4 years the Rangers would have to spend a bit more money to buy back some of his unrestricted free agent years. Comparisons could be Shea Weber ($4.5 million), Ryan Suter ($3.5 million) and Brent Seabrook ($3.5 million), though none of those deals bought in to the UFA years.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The New Jersey Devils can appeal the League’s decision by going to the NHL Board of Governors.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Bryce Salvador and Colin White are said to be available, only one would need to go.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Roberto Luongo gave up the Canucks team captaincy, with possibly Henrik Sedin taking over the duties. Ryan Kesler is also an option for the team.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Rick Nash will start training camp on right wing, but coach Scott Arniel said not to read into much in the first couple days of camp.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Vesa Toskala turned down a deal from the Calgary Flames earlier this summer that would have paid over $1 million. He turned it down as he wants to a number 1 goalie. A Swedish team had interest in him, but the asking price was too high. Other European options are available.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have invited Peter Schaefer to training camp. Schaefer was bought out by the Bruins before last season. He’ll battle for a 3rd – 4th line spot.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Daymond Langkow hasn’t been fully cleared for the Calgary Flames training camp. Langkow has been recovering for over 5 months from a fractured vertebrae at the base of his neck after being hit with a puck.
- Toronto Sun: The Canadian government may not put up the roughly $180 million needed for a NHL arena in Quebec City. Prime Minister Steven Harper said there are other NHL and CFL teams that are looking for some money. “We’re all fans of professional sports, we know they’re important to our communities,” Harper said. “But professional sports are first and foremost the responsibility of the private sector.”
- Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier has been under fire from fans and media this summer. The trading of Jaroslav Halak didn’t sit well with some, and the QMJHL commissioner said the Canadiens “don’t take the scouting and signing of Quebec-born players seriously enough.” Andrei Markov and Brian Gionta are the leading candidates to be the teams next captain. Lars Ellar (brought over in the Halak trade) and PK Subban could crack the lineup. The Canadiens have 20 players on 1-way contracts.
Quick twitter rumors this afternoon involving Staal, Guerin, Savard, Malone, Kadri, Booth
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 13th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun is hearing the Rangers and Marc Staal are getting close on a deal.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Bill Guerin is still skating with some Flyers. If he’d do a tryout, Panaccio thinks the Flyers might bite.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said he plans on keeping Marc Savard for the entire 7 year term.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Ryan Malone was never asked to waive his no-trade clause by the Lightning.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Nazem Kadri’s injury was very minor, and Dallas Eakins says he’ll play tomorrow night.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: When asked if the Canucks would bring in Brendan Morrison on a tryout, Murphy says it could happen.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Limited to 28 games last year due to 2 concussions, David Booth is healthy and good to go.
RFAs still looking to finalize contracts … Regehr admits he’s been shopped … Some UFAs hope to get deals soon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 9th, 2010
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars had talks with the agents for James Neal and Matt Niskanen on Tuesday. The team hopes to have them signed before the start of camp.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau expects Tomas Fleischmann to have a breakout season with the team. “Oh yeah. Those trade rumors, I think you can faithfully put all of them to bed,” Boudreau told Sporting News. “We laugh at so many of them that have no substance. I don’t know who makes them up. Some people have very vivid imaginations.”
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: There has been lots of ‘chatter’ between the Rangers and Marc Staal side, but there’s no word on a forthcoming deal.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: No deal between the Anaheim Ducks and Bobby Ryan yet, continuing to talk.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr has been linked to trade rumors this summer, and didn’t deny it. “Have I been approached about (a trade)?” repeated Regehr yesterday during a suddenly awkward exchange. “Ahhhhh, I can’t really … I’m not going to get into that. “It’s part of sports. That’s the way it is.” The Flames are over the salary cap, and Regehr’s $4 million salary (3 more years) could be one salary they might move out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Mike Mottau’s agent thinks the UFA will have a contract by the start of training camp. They don’t have any offers they are considering, but have been in touch with teams over the summer. It’s still possible that Mottau could return to the Devils, once they clear out a bunch of cap space. Jay Pandolfo is still looking for a contract, and has talked to a few teams according to his agent.
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke talks with Bob McCown on Prime Time Sports about the Kovalchuk contract and the Michael Liambas rookie camp invite.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have an agreement with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League, in which the teams an loan players to each other. Will the Bruins bury a contact in Europe to reduce their cap number?
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Bill Guerin is still skating with some Flyers, and is still hopeful something can be worked out with the team.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Marcus Nilson has reportedly been invited to the New Jersey Devils training camp.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers. The 26-year old Meech has played 126 games in the last 4 years.
- Sherri Zickefoose of the Calgary Herald: Former NHLer Jason Smith has been arrested for domestic assault. Smith is being charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement against his wife and teenaged daughter.
Kaberle talks about his dad’s comments and the trade rumors … Rangers-Staal close?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 8th, 2010
- Fan 590 Audio: Tomas Kaberle talks to Howard Berger about his dad’s comments and the trade rumors that surrounded him this summer.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Sportsnet reporting that the NY Rangers and Marc Staal are close on a deal. Cassie Campbell via twitter: The Fan 960 in Calgary is saying the Rangers-Staal deal is unlikely, still investigating. Andrew Gross via twitter: 2nd source confirms progress between Rangers and Staal, nothing ready to sign, but it’s looking good.
- Daniel Tolensky via twitter: The last row at the Air Canada Center costs $75 a seat. Almost every seat in the lower bowl for a Phoenix Coyotes game is $75, unless you buy seasons tickets, then it would be $45.
Kovalchuk framework rejected … Staal hoping for offer sheet … Lehtinen undecided
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 25th, 2010
Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL criticized the framework of a contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk that was presented to them on Monday. This could jeopardize Kovalchuk staying in the NHL, as the frameworks of his contract(s) have taken weeks to formulate, and the start of the KHL is just around the corner (Sept. 8th). Lou may not want to go back to the ‘drawing board’ on another contract. Training camp starts on the 17th, and he’ll need to move out players to get under the cap if Kovalchuk is signed.
Tom Gulitti of the Record: The Devils and Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, have been working on the framework of deal for the last 16 days, and only to have it not approved. Monday’s framework was not the first they submitted to the league.
Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette doesn’t have a sense when Chris Pronger will return from knee surgery, but isn’t that concerned.
Arthur Staple via twitter: It’s not definite that Marc Staal will be a training camp holdout. He has no leverage, and is still hoping for an offer sheet.
CapGeek via twitter: After the Vancouver Canucks signed Raffi Torres (1 year, $1 million), they now have 24 players on one-way contracts and are $3.6 million over the salary cap.
Adam Proteau of the Hockey News: Leafs coach Ron Wilson wants to sit down with Tomas Kaberle and have a face-to-face to talk about the rumors that they don’t get along. Kaberle’s father told a Czech publication that Tomas isn’t likely to re-sign with the team as long as Wilson is still the coach.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars winger Jiri Lehtinen is still undecided about returning next season. Lehtinen and GM Joe Nieuwendyk are expected to meet today.
Ben Wright of Blueland Blog: The Atlanta Thrashers have invited Kyle McLaren to their training camp on a tryout.
Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: It makes some sense that the Thrashers are possibly interested in Lee Stempniak, as they are looking to replace goals lost by Maxim Afingenov who left for the KHL.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Neither Jose Theodore or Vesa Toskala was interested in signing with the KHL’s Traktor.
EJ Hradek and Richard Pollock of ESPN: Though the Florida Panthers have 6 NHL caliber defenseman, their 2010 3rd overall pick, Eric Gudbranson will be given a shot at making the roster.
World Hockey Summit … Kovalchuk side/Devils meet with League … Mitchell deciding soon … Luongo out as Captain?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on August 24th, 2010
- Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Brian Burke talking about the Maple Leafs and the World Hockey Summit.
Brian Burke talks Kaberle, World Hockey Summit from Greg Wyshynski on Vimeo.
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- EJ Hradek via twitter: Meeting at the League office in New York yesterday involving Kovalchuk’s agent, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello and Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: A contract for Kovalchuk was submitted to the league, just talked about the structure.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Willie Mitchell won’t discuss where he might sign, but he did say that a decision is coming soon.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Reporting the Kings are out on Willie Mitchell. Canucks a long shot. Capitals or Sharks front runners.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis will be looking into the the team’s captaincy between now and the beginning of training camp. Roberto Luongo is still the team’s captain (I’ve never understood that move), but Henrik Sedin could be ready to take over.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Joffrey Lupul has a re-occurrence of a blood infection in his back and will miss the beginning of training camp, and may not be ready for the start of the season. Lupul is taking antibotics and is not able to do any excercise for the next 4 weeks. He’ll be re-evaluted on September 20th.
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Jeff Marek of CBCSports: A summary of some happenings at the World Hockey Summit. Slava Fetisov says that Russia isn’t interested in transfer agreements with the NHL but will work together to go the game worldwide. Daniel Afredsson says the larger ice surfaces creates a slower game, perfers NHL ice size. Yzerman said the lack of arenas in Florida has hurt the development of the sport.
And at the end of Day 1, many of us came away with the same question: What is this?
I’d like to say it was a discussion but it really wasn’t. Hockey personalities from across the globe, representing a myriad of different interests, had their say on their “sweet-spot” topics and then answered a couple of questions. Each session lasted no longer than 30 minutes.
- Jesse Spector (NY Daily News) via twitter: Still “nothing new” on to report on the Marc Staal – New York Rangers contract talks.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Now that Bryan Little has signed, the Atlanta Thrashers will now focus on re-signing Niclas Bergfors. GM Rick Dudley also said the team has touched base with Lee Stempniak. They may leave a roster spots open for young players like Patrice Cormier and Alexander Burmistrov.
- Neil Koepke of the Lansing State Journal: Tim Kennedy has talked to 5 or 6 teams, and would like to be signed in the next week or two.
Stars still looking to trade Ribeiro … Red Wings may still be looking at a couple moves … Could Redden remain with the Rangers?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 9th, 2010
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek thinks the Dallas Stars would still like to trade Mike Ribeiro, but they can’t get the deal they’d like. He thinks they are looking for a top-4 defenseman.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: The Red Wings have looked at Lukas Krajicek as their 6th defenseman, and may be a better fit than Willie Mitchell, as he’d come at a more affordable price. Mitchell probably wants more money than the Wings have available, and may not be comfortable with being the 5th/6th defenseman and getting less ice time. Andreas Lilja may be a better option than Krajicek, but the Red Wings were offering $1 million, and he was seeking $1.5 million.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: After the Mike Modano signing, the Red Wings have 15 forwards, so it will likely mean they will have to trade or waive someone. Mattias Ritola or Drew Miller will be the likely candidates to be moved. Khan thinks Miller will be moved. Ritola has a higher offensive upside, and is signed for 3 years, while Miller is on a one year deal.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $57.5 million (including Cheechoo and Emery buyouts) committed to 22 players. Their defensive corps currently consists of Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Erik Karlsson, Matt Carkner, Brian Lee and Chris Campoli, with youngster Jared Cowen and Patrick Weircioch waiting in the wings. Brian Lee could be moved. If they are looking to add some toughness to the back-end, Brendan Witt and Willie Mitchell could be options. The Senators may also look to add a top-6 forward through free agency (I didn’t realize there were any top-6 forwards available). If they add another forward, Ryan Shannon could be dealt or sent to the minors.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: With the additions of Alexander Frolov and Todd White, it appears the Rangers may not be planning on having Wade Redden’s salary counting against the cap, possibly waiving him during training camp. Though the Rangers defense may have some question marks that may lead the Rangers to keeping him. Marc Staal still isn’t under contract, Steve Eminger may too expensive for a 7th defenseman, Matt Gilroy may not be progressing as much as the Rangers had hoped, and what if Redden bounces back to his Senators days. The Norweigen Hobbit, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, who was signed last spring, may find himself in the minors.
- Toronto Sun: Reports are the that Vesa Toskala will be heading to play in Sweden next season. Farjestad may be looking for a goalie since their current goalie, Robin Rahm, tested positive for a banned substance and may be a 2 year ban.
Niemi decision today? Turco signing with Hawks? Parise and Devils not talking yet … Staal contract not progressing
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 2nd, 2010
- David Pagnotta via twitter: (as of late last night) Reports out of Chicago are the Blackhawks have signed Marty Turco for 1 year and $1.75 million, no decision on Antti Niemi. Pagnotta reported later that there was no deal, at least not yet.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: After the Blackhawks decide what to do with Antti Niemi, they’ll have to decide what to do with Cristobal Huet. The ‘Hawks could assign him to the minors or have him play in the KHL or in Europe. They would still have to pay his salary, but would not count against the cap. In his blog, he reported that some believe they were exploring a Neimi trade.
- Tom Gulitti of Bergon County Record: There have been no discussions between Zach Parise and the New Jersey Devils regarding a contract extension. The closer it gets to training camp, the less likely Parise thinks it will happen. Lou has said he wants to get one done before Parise becomes a free agent after next season.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Chris Stewart and Peter Mueller still remained unsigned by the Colorado Avalanche. Mueller and Avs have exchanged proposals, and will be talking soon. Mueller is expected to be at camp. The Avs are below the cap floor. Frei thinks both will be signed before camp starts.
- Nick Montemagno of Blue Shirt Banter: Marc Staal and the New York Rangers are not getting any closer to a deal, and don’t expect it to get done anytime soon.
- Douglas Flynn of NESN: Rumors continue to be out there that Marc Savard could be dealt to clear cap space, but Flynn thinks it may not be a good idea since the Bruins offense struggled last season. Their power play was 21.7% with him in the lineup, 9.7% without him. The team scored 2.54 goals per game with him, 2.24 goals without him, they were 19-26 in 1 goal games. Would trading Savard put more pressure on Seguin to produce right away? On the other side of things, he may not return to form after his latest injury/concussion. The Bruins should be in a win-now mode, and they would be a better team with him in the lineup.
White-Flames heading to arbitration … Regin and Campoli at standstill with Sens … Richards staying in Dallas long-term? Redden to be waived?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 29th, 2010
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: It doesn’t appear like the Calgary Flames and Ian White will reach an agreement before their Friday arbitration case. From White’s agent, “If something happens, something happens. But we’re not counting on it”. White made $950,000 last season, where he had 13 goals and 25 assists in 83 games.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It looks like both Peter Regin and Chris Campoli will be going to arbitration with the Ottawa Senators, as contract talks with both are going nowhere.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: It looks like Brad Richards will remain with the Stars, with the possibility of being one of the center-pieces the club builds around. “The Stars want to keep Richards and Richards wants to stay here.” He’d have to take a pay cut from his $7.8 million if he were to resign.
- Douglas Flynn of NESN: Before the Bruins include Tyler Seguin and Blake Wheeler’s salary (his ruling should come out sometime today), they are pushing up against the cap. Efforts to trade Marc Savard and Tim Thomas are at a standstill. Michael Ryder and his $4 million salary could be a cap casualty. Chiarelli has said he won’t buyout players. Ryder would be a $1.33 million cap hit the next 2 seasons if they bought him out, which might not help out as much as they need. His contract may make it hard to find a trade partner. They could put him through waivers and send him to the minors. Ownership may not want to pay $4 million to someone in the minors, and there is a chance that Ryder would be unhappy and have a negative influence on their prospects.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Accroding to La Presse, if Antti Niemi’s arbitration ruling is too high, they’ll look to trade him and sign Jose Theodore.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are about $6.7 million under the cap, with Marc Staal still unsigned, and the need for possibly another defenseman. Wade Redden could be waived during camp. It’s believed that Frolov turned down a 4 year, $18-20 million deal from the Rangers to sign a 1 year deal with the Rangers.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Even after signing Alexei Ponikarovsky, the Kings may still look to add another top guy.
- Alessandro Seren Rosso of RussianHockeyFans: Alexander Radulov’s KHL contract runs out after this season, and it looks like he’ll be heading back to Nashville next year to play out the remaining year with the Predators under is old NHL contract.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: 2010 St. Louis Blues 1st round draft pick, Vladimir Tarasenko, is still deciding if he’ll play in the KHL or head to St. Louis. Andy Strickland says that the Blues expect Tarasenko to play in Russia this year.
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes are talking with the Lee Stempniak, they’d like him back at the ‘right price’.
Will offer sheets start to come? Rumors surrounding Kovalchuk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 5th, 2010
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: With the lack of depth in the NHL Free Agent market, teams may send out an offer sheets to improve their club. Some possible restricted free agents are Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal, Steve Downie, Sam Gagne, and David Perron. The Boston Bruins are now able to negotiate contract extensions for Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, both are entering the last year of their contract. Chara is making $7.5 million and would probably be looking for something similar. The Bruins could offer him a front loaded deal to bring down the cap number. Bergeron has a cap number of $4.7 million, and probably would get a deal with a similar number.
- Helene Elliot of the LA Times: The LA Kings could still use a productive winger, and an experienced top 4 defenseman, but with not much remaining in the free agent group, the Kings could turn to trades or possibly an offer sheet.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello continues to pursue Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk would probably reject any offer below $8 million, and Kings may not have wanted to go over that number. The Devils may not want to go over $8 million as well. The Isles could be offering $10 million for 10 years.
- Tom Gulitti of NorthJersey.com: A report out of Russia said that the Flyers offered Kovalchuk a deal, his Russian agent denied the report that he said that.
- Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The Kings made their biggest offer to Kovalchuk without jeopardizing Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson extensions.
- Larry Brooks via Twitter: “Kings rule out Kovalchuk. In other news, Yanks refuse to sign A-Rod after he opts out. Oh. Wait.”
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins are thinking about shifting Jordan Staal or Evgeni Malkin over to the wing. The Pens would then need to add a 3rd line center. Potential candidates could be: Rob Niedermayer, Dominic Moore, Jeff Halpern, John Madden, and Ryan Johnson.
- Ryan Rishaug via Twitter: Oilers have inquired about Rob Niedermayer, he’d consider them if offered a contract.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings are in the market for an inexpensive defenseman to play along side Jonathan Ericsson.
Trade Rumors still going on … Eyes turning to Free Agency
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The LA Kings made a play at the rights for Ilya Kovalchuk, but the New Jersey Devils reject as they still hope to re-sign him. If Dan Hamhuis and the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t reach a deal, the Kings could also be interested in signing him. The Kings like Tomas Kaberle but it may not fit as the Leafs want a top-6 forward, and so do the Kings. The Devils are still trying to sign Paul Martin, but it looks like he maybe heading to the open market. Kaberle could be an option for the Devils if they are unable to sign Martin. The Sharks re-signed Niclas Wallin and Scott Nichol to one year deals. The Phoenix Coyotes still hope to re-sign Zbynek Michalek, but are running out of time.
- Bruce Garrioch in the Toronto Sun: Ray Whitney could sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He could get a 2 year deal at $3.5 million per season. Minnesota made a run at David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron and Stephen Weiss. The Oilers offered Andrew Cogliano and another player to Boston for the 2nd overall pick. The Bruins are still working on moving Marc Savard. The Coyotes, Rangers, Leafs, and Thrashers are looking for a center. Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are on Savard’s list of preferred teams.
- ChicagoBreakingSports: Niklas Hjalmarsson has received a qualifying offer from the Chicago Blackhawks. Andrew Ladd and Jordan Hendry have yet to receive qualifying offers and may hit unrestricted free agency.
- Pat Hickey: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier must decide this week if he’ll re-sign Dominic Moore. Glen Metropolit and Paul Mara appear to be headed to free agency. He’ll also start working on signing Carey Price to a long term contract.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: With the Minnesota Wild unable to make any trades during the draft, they may be more active in the free agent market than originally planned, or they may just hold course. The Wild need to address the lack of depth at center. They are hoping that Pierre-Marc Bouchard is able to return from his concussion that happened 17 months ago.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Yzerman told LeBrun that they were not acquiring the rights to Chris Mason.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas may have waived his no trade clause. The Flyers have shown interest (this was written before Flyers acquired Nabokov’s rights).
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: The Maple Leafs have shown some interest in Marc Savard. Tomas Kaberle won’t be part of a deal if it happens.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Burke put Kaberle talks on hold Saturday and focus on the draft. After free agency starts on July 1st, he expects talks to heat up after the free market for offensive defenseman is set.
- Michael Obernauer of the New York Daily News: The New York Rangers and Marc Staal don’t appear close to a deal at the moment.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a wide gap; it’s more like a chasm.
“I’d like to have it done,” Sather said. “In Staal’s situation, he’s in exactly the same position Dubinsky was in last year. Where that’s going to end up is anyone’s imagination. He’s a good player, we like him – just like Dubinsky: we’d like to have him back, we think he’s got a long future, we’re going to treat him fairly. Sometimes agents don’t recognize that – leverage works both ways.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The Flyers may have a verbal agreement with the San Jose Sharks that would send the Flyers 2011 7th round pick to the Sharks for the rights to Evgeni Nabokov.
Blue Jackets get their coach? Bertuzzi going to the open market? NY Rangers plan moving forward
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2010
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Sheldon Souray has 2-years at $5.4 million a season left on his contract, and their aren’t many teams interested. The San Jose Sharks may come calling to replace Rob Blake and add some much needed scoring from the blueline. The Sharks could offer Kent Huskins and Torrey Mitchell. There would be cap difference, so what they do about Marleau and Nabokov would come into play. Would the Oilers give up the 31st overall pick for Kris Versteeg? They would move comfortable with their 45th pick. The Oilers are interested in signing John Scott, a 6-8 defenseman from the Wild organization. “Would the Sabres take Kaberle and give up Derek Roy or Jason Pominville? Probably. Would the Sharks take him for Devin Setoguchi? You bet. Would the Blue Jackets for Jake Voracek. For sure. How about Dallas for Loui Eriksson or Jamie Benn? Try the Bruins for centre David Krejci?” They are not really Brian Burke type placers, but have an offensive upside the Leafs need.
- Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch: It’s rumored that the Columbus Blue Jackets have offered Guy Boucher the head coaching position. It would be viewed as a slightly risky move as Boucher has only one year of professional coaching experience. The 38-year old coached the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs this past season, after coaching 3 season in the QMJHL.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: After signing Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings now have $52.3 million tied up in 17 players for next season. Ken Holland would like re-sign Todd Bertuzzi, but his available funds is small. He could offer the same $1.5 million Bertuzzi made last season (possibly less), but Bertuzzi should be able to get more on the open market.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers plan on improving their team by staying with their organization, letting the young players a chance to develop. From Glen Sather “This has been a long process, and it’s ongoing, but as we go into this summer, our plan is to keep our own players. I can tell you one thing — we are certainly not going to overpay for free agents. If we can improve with a signing that makes sense, we’ll look into it, but we want to give our guys the first shot.” Donald Brashere is done with the team, but has 1 year left at $1.4 million. They will continue to try and trade him. The Rangers have about $12 million in cap space to sign Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. They also have free agents, Jody Shelly, Vinnie Prospal, Erik Christensen, Brandon Prust, P.A. Parenteau, and need a backup goalie and 7th defenseman. They could clear a lot of cap space by putting Wade Redden on waivers and sending him to the minors.
- Luke Decock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Could the Hurricanes look to move up from he #7 spot to one of the top-2 draft spots? They have 11 picks in this years NHL draft. The Bruins are tight financially (cap wise) and could to shed some cap space. The ‘Canes could send a 2nd round pick or two, and a lower priced player (Chad LaRose) to move up. The Hurricanes could look to drafting a defenseman, regardless of where they are picking. The team on a whole hasn’t had much luck drafting out recently unless it’s from the OHL or WHL.
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