Posts Tagged Mark Eaton
Will Southeast be buyers or sellers … Bruins could be looking for help … ‘Hawks still search for Dmen … Horton skates … Laich injured
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2012
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts looks at the Southeast Division and if teams will be buyers or sellers. GMs of Capitals, Panthers and Lightning are under pressure to make the playoffs. The Panthers are 1st in the division and have the 3rd slot, but their point total would have them in 8th. The Jets sit 6 points out are looking for scoring help. They have 7 UFAs including goalie Chris Mason and Dman Johnny Oduya. The Lightning are 9 points out, and could use a goaltender. Teams are calling about Ryan Malone and Dominic Moore. They wouldn’t mind moving Vinny Lecavalier, but he has a $7.27 million cap hit through 2020. The Wild are looking to be buyers, and could target Tuomo Ruutu. Though the asking price including a 1st round pick is likely too high for them. The Wild are also looking for a top 4 Dman.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The cost for Tuomo Ruutu will be high. The Bruins may not want to disrupt their chemistry with a trade. Nathon Horton’s health will play a part in what they do. The Sabres could use a #1 center. The Panthers may look to re-sign Jason Garrison, and to find defenseman to replace the injured Ed Jovanovski. The Canadiens have rental Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Travis Moen. The Devils are expected to hold on to Zach Parise. The Islanders have Mark Eaton and Steve Staios available, and possibly Evengi Nabokov. The Isles will look to re-sign P.A. Parenteau. The Rangers are looking for offensive help and may look at Ryan Smyth. The Senators are looking for offensive help with Tuomo Ruutu their top target. The Flyers could use a veteran defenseman, and they’ll probably be interested in Hal Gill. The Lightning may be offering up Ryan Malone, Dominic Moore, and Adam Hall. They will look at a goaltender at some point and will consider Cory Schneider, Ben Bishop, Andres Lindback and Josh Harding. The Leafs could be looking at Ruutu, Carter and Getzlaf. Though deals involving guys like Getzlaf usually happen in the summer. The Capitals could use a culture change, and could look at moving Alex Semin rather than lose him for nothing. The Jets will look to get some young assets for veterans like Johnny Oduya and possibly Ron Hainsey.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli could have a busy 3 weeks leading up to the deadline. Ray Whitney would be a perfect fit, but the Coyotes are not sellers yet. Vinny Prospal could be an option for Jordan Caron or a 2nd round pick. Tuomo Ruutu or Drew Stafford could be options as well. Along the blueline, they could look at Hal Gill, Jaroslav Spacek, Steve Staios or Milan Jurcina. Some team may take a flyer on Kings Dustin Penner
- Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks sit 25th in goals against, and they continue to look for a defenseman. Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun: Though help may arrive through a trade, the ‘Hawks won’t be going after a goalie. Adam Jahns via twitter: GM Stan Bowman on defenseman after Gleason and Beauchemin re-signed, “You just move down the list.”
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been out since Jan. 22nd with a concussion skated yesterday. “When you see him in full practice with us, that’s going to be the next sign. Until then that’s basically all I can tell you,” Claude Julien said. “You take steps and he’s got to stay symptom-free. You go from the bike, to the ice, to contact. You’ve just got to make sure the next day, or the next few days, there’s no setbacks.”
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins shook up their lines yesterday, dropping David Krejci to center Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Caron. Chris Kelly centered Peverley and Lucic.
- TSN: Capitals forward Brooks Laich left last night’s game and was seen after with crutches and a brace on his left knee. “I’m not a doctor, but these things sometimes there’s some swelling and you’ve got to wait to see what happens,” Laich said. “I don’t think it’s anything serious. In the past I’ve been a fast healer, so we’ll see when I wake up.”
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets made forward Eric Fehr a healthy scratch for the 1st time this season. Fehr has only 2 points in 29 games this year.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Cam Ward will likely start all 3 games on the Hurricanes road trip.
Not so fast on Smyth to Rangers … Kubina, Malone and Moore linked to teams … Kings interested in Kulemin and MacArthur … ‘Hawks to wait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2012
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: A source is saying that Ryan Smyth would consider waiving his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Rangers. Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Ryan Smyth said he hasn’t heard from the Rangers and may not be that interested in a short stay there.
“I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest,” he continued. “They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.”
“I’ve moved four times in the last five years,” he said. “I wanted to come back here for a reason?”
Ales Hemsky hasn’t talked contract with the Oilers, and wouldn’t mind staying, depending on the money.
“Of course I would like to stay, but it depends on the terms. I like the guys here, I like the city, the fans are great and I have lots of friends here. I’ve always been happy here so I’d like to stay.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: The next 5 games will likely determine if the Lightning will be a buyer or seller. Yzerman said many teams are in a feeling out pattern. Pavel Kubina has been linked to the Rangers and Flames. Ryan Malone has been mentioned with the Kings. The Penguins and Senators may have interest in Dominic Moore. Adam Hall and Marc-Andre Bergeron may be ready to return during this homestand.
- John MacKinnon of Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Andy Sutton as UFAs at seasons end. Sam Gagner could get some interest, but the Oilers may realize that he’s better suited in a 2nd line role.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN1050 radio that the Kings are interested in Maple Leafs Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will wait and see how the Brendan Morrison trade works out before making a move for another center, maybe Sam Gagner. Islanders Steve Staios and Mark Eaton could get some trade interest. The Islanders would rather sign P.A. Parenteau than trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA after the season, and signs are pointing to him hitting the open market. It’s possible the Panthers could move him, rather than lose him for nothing. Sources are saying he could be looking for something in the $4.5 million range.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: With Jimmy Howard’s hand injury, Burnside notes a Evgeni Nabokov deal makes sense.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks have dropped 5 straight, and GM Stan Bowman said there is no help coming. “I like our personnel. We’re trying to upgrade. It’s not like we’ve got guys playing that can’t play in the NHL. We certainly have guys that can improve on their level of play. But at the same time, we’re just trying to enhance our group as opposed to completely remake it.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Kyle Brodziak hasn’t had contract talks with the Wild yet. “As long as things make sense, why wouldn’t we want to sign Kyle Brodziak?” Fletcher said. “He’s been a good player for us, he fits in well, I think he’s enjoyed playing in Minnesota, and he’s had success here. We enjoy having him here, so hopefully we can make it work.”
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.”
If Canes go with a total rebuild, could Ward be moved? Canucks-Wings may have interest Moen … Sidney skates … Peckham rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch touches on Suter saying he won’t sign a deal before the deadline. The Preds could move his rights at the draft, and the Flyers would definitely be interested. If the Sabres decide to trade Derek Roy, there should be plenty of interest. The Panthers could be looking for a defenseman, and Jaroslav Spacek could be a target. If the Hurricanes decide on a total rebuild, Eric Staal isn’t going anywhere, but some are wondering if Cam Ward will be part of the solution. He has a $6.3 million cap hit through 2014-15 and there would be interest. All of the Islanders pending UFAs are being shopped, including” P.A. Parenteau, Frans Nielsen, Mark Eaton and Steve Staois. The Canadiens would move Andrei Kostitsyn in a heartbeat.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) LeBrun noted that the Canucks would like a guy like Travis Moen. Dreger adds that the Red Wings will/have shown some interest in Moen. The Wings could show interest in Brendan Morrow if he’s available. Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is willing to move pending UFAs in Hal Gill, Chris Campoli, Travis Moen and Andrei Kostitsyn. They could have interest in Derek Roy.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Sidney Crosby has started skating in Los Angeles. Crosby is in LA meeting with a neurological spine surgeon. Crosby also skated last week while he was in Atlanta visiting a chiropractor who specializes in neurological treatment. There is still no timetable on his return and GM Rya Shero said he won’t return until he’s symptom free.
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Willis touches on Garrioch’s mention that Oilers defenseman Theo Peckham is getting some interest. He has a physical edge and he can kill penalties, but he is also on the bottom pairing of a weak team. If the Oilers do have interest in trading him, it may be because Colten Teubert is on his way. The Oilers likely won’t get much in return for him if they do move him.
Afternoon notes on lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News on November 17th, 2011
Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes lines: Stewart, LaRose working with Staal; Jussi with Ruutu, Skinner; Sutter with Dwyer, Poni; Brent with Dalpe, Tlusty.
Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson with Morrow and Ribeiro. Ott with Benn and Ryder.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight against the Bruins.
Ian Mendes via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin will start in net for the Oilers tonight against the Senators.
Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
Michael Russo via twitter: Niklas Backstrom will start in net for the Wild.
Dave Stubbs via twitter: Peter Budaj will start in net for the Canadiens against the Islanders. Carey Price will start on Saturday against the Rangers.
Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders. Okposo and Eaton will be scratched.
Conspiracy in Colorado? Stewart back next week? Couture injured … 8 D in Phoenix, may not trade anyone
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2011
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Budaj will get his 2nd straight start over Craig Anderson. Dater thinks “this is clearly a slap in Anderson’s face,” as he’s done nothing to warrant a 2nd game (allowed 4 goals on Monday, has not allowed less than 3 goals in a game since Nov. 12th). Dater’s ‘conspiracy theory’ thinks that it could be a plan to fire up Anderson, or are they losing faith in him.
- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Chris Stewart took part in his first full practice yesterday since breaking his hand on Nov. 27th. He’ll likely get back in the line during their next homestand, which begins next Tuesday.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Recently acquired Michal Rozsival will likely make his Coyotes debut on Saturday. The Coyotes are now carrying 8 defenseman, but GM Don Maloney has not plans to deal any one of them.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: More on Logan Couture will be known today, he was hit by Maple Leafs enforcer Colton Orr last night.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov’s Russian agent doesn’t think he’ll play in the NHL this season after the Lightning traded for Dwayne Roloson, they were the only offer up to that point.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Kyle Wellwood hasn’t been officially signed by the St. Louis Blues yet. He was bought out by his former KHL club, but the team/league are awaiting the official papers of the release. He’ll sign a 2 way contract with the Blues for the remainder of the season, and will have to clear waivers.
- Katie Strang via twitter: NY Islanders defenseman Mark Eaton will have season ending hip surgery.
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Scouts from the Canadiens, Lightning, Avalanche and Stars were at the Predators-Wild game last night.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins haven’t had contract talks with Max Talbot yet.
- Dallas Dave via twitter: He talked to someone in the Stars front office who said they weren’t trading Brad Richards, contract talks between the team and Richards are still up in the air.
- Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period was on fire yesterday on twitter, answering tons of LA Kings questions. I will be trying to piece together a bunch of them today, so check back later for a special Kings rumors entry.
Flyers looking for a winger … Roster moves from Leafs coming … Regehr could be trade target … LA needs scoring … Why Leafs didn’t get Wolski
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 11th, 2011
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers lost out on Jamie Langenbrunner after offering the Devils 2 draft picks (I think the deal more to do with Langenbrunner wanting to go Dallas than what was the better offer). The Flyers may still be looking to add a piece, they don’t have a 2nd round this year, and may be reluctant to trade their first, haven’t had one in several years. They seem fine along the blueline and in net, but could use another winger. The Flyers have about $3.86 in acquisition space. If the Coyotes are out of it and want to deal soon to be UFA Scottie Upshall, the Flyers could be interested. The 2012 Winter Classic may be played on Dec. 31st so that it would be played on a Saturday.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: With JS Giguere and Mike Brown returning to the Maple Leafs on Thursday, James Reimer and Joey Crabb will likely find themselves the odd men out. Clarke MacArthur, who signed a 1 year $1.1 million deal in the off-season, confirms that he’d like to sign a contract extension with the team, there have been no talks to this point.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Scouts from the Lightning, Flyers, Canadiens, Bruins and Pittsburgh were at the Kings-Maple Leafs game last night.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that Robyn Regehr is being targeted by teams.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: LA Kings coach Murray says, ‘We need more scoring’. He’ll need to bring in more offense if he thinks the Kings are a contender.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Many have wondered why the Leafs didn’t trade for Wojtek Wolski (sent to the Rangers for Michal Rozsival yesterday). The Coyotes called the Leafs about Francois Beauchemin before the Leafs extended holiday roster freeze. The Leafs would have wanted a draft pick along with Wolski for Beauchemin, the Rangers didn’t require a pick.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: The NY Islanders could look to move Mark Eaton, but don’t have much else to offer. The Devils are still looking to deal. The Leafs, Flames and Panthers could also be sellers. The Blue Jackets, Senators and Sabres could be looking to deal, but may be looking for players as there are jobs on the line. The Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets are basically the only teams that would take on salary. The Penguins, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Bruins don’t have a lot of cap space. The Hawks and Bruins have lots of draft picks. With the Flyers keeping Ian Laperriere on LTIR and rather than retiring, saves the Flyers $1.167 million in cap space this year and next, as it’s an over-35 contract. The Canadiens only have 2 defenseman under contract for next season, JK Subban and Jaro Spacek. Hal Gill approached the Canadiens about a contract but was told to wait.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason suffered a groin injury on Friday and may not be ready until this weekend. The Jackets have recalled David LeNeveu on an emergency basis.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Chris Osgood will have surgery today for his ‘sports hernia’ and will be out at least 6 weeks, up to 8 weeks if there is a significant tear.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have put Brandon Segal on waivers, and should know by noon today if anyone claimed him.
Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2010
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has been told that the Penguins “are not entertaining the possibility of trading C Evgeni Malkin”.
- Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn’t think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Jordan Leopold, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke (depending on how much money he wants) and Mark Eaton are the best possibilities to be brought back by the Pens.
- Ken Weibe of QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Windsor Spitfires coach thinks Taylor Hall should be the #1 pick (not a surprise since he coaches him). Part of the belief that the Oilers could select Tyler Seguin with the #1 pick is that they need a ‘center of the future’. Coach Bob Boughner says Hall is naturally a center … “Taylor is a centre naturally, he’s playing left wing on our team but he’ll take some draws once in a while and he’s good on draws,” said Boughner. “I don’t doubt that if he goes to the next level and they need a centre, he could play centre as well. He’s pretty strong on the puck. “The reason I put him on the wing is to conserve his energy and expose other teams wide because he has that speed.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers have talked with 2 of their UFAs, Pavel Kubina and Maxim Afinogenov, and come away thinking they have a good chance at re-signing them. Allen thinks Kubina will want a deal in the 4 year, $16 million range, which might be problem for the Thrashers. It doesn’t look like Colby Armstrong will be back with the Thrashers next season.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks RFA Mason Raymond could be on the trade block this summer. The going rate for a 25 goal scorer is around $2.5-3 million, but how do you offer him over $2 million when Alex Burrows makes that much and scored 38 goals. Raymond’s game is also similar to another RFA, Michael Grabner. The Canucks could trade him for a top-4 defenseman, or for some more size up front (if they are giving him up for more size, that player has to have some skill as well).
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: There are currently 4 teams without a head coach: Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, and Tampa. Custance goes through top coaching candidates out there. “The AHL Contingent” – Guy Boucher (Hamilton), Scott Arniel (Manitoba), and Kevin Dineen (Portland). “Top NHL Assistants” – Craig Ramsey (Boston), Paul MacLean (Detroit), Brent Peterson (Nashville). “Stanley Cup Winners” – Bob Hartley and Ken Hitchcock. “Recent NHL Experience” – Craig MacTavish, John Stevens, and Rick Tocchet.
Extension for Backstrom today? Kicking tires on Miller? yeah right … Time to trade Malkin? Tim Tomas for Brian Campbell?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2010
- TSN: There is a good chance that Nicklas Backstrom will be signing a long term contract extension with Washington Capitals this morning. The Capitals are only saying, “significant player-related announcement” is coming on Monday.
- George Malik of MLive: Rob Parker of WDIV’s Sports Final Edition did a terrible job trying to create a rumor involving the Red Wings, saying they will kick tires on acquiring Ryan Miller. Okay Rob. I don’t know what say about this other than; is Rob Parker, Eklund ‘the anonymous hockey blogger’?
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM, Ken Holland will begin working towards signing some of their free agents. Tomas Holmstrom is slam dunk to re-sign with the Red Wings, Todd Bertuzzi is a good possibiliy. They also have an interest in re-signing Andreas Lilja at a lower salary from the $1.25 million he made this past season. Don’t count on seeing Jason Williams, Brad May and Brett Lebda back in a Wings uniform next season.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi thinks the Penguins should look at moving Geno Malkin, and it would have to include a top-line winger, top 2 defenseman, 2 roster players and either 2 prospects or 2 1st round picks. He thinks re-signing Gonchar to anything more than $4 million on a multi-year deal is a risk. Mark Eaton should be re-sign at around $2 million a season. Ben Lovejoy should be re-signed. Rossi also thinks the Penguins should go after Dan Hamhuis, offering a 4 year deal at a cap hit around $3.25 million. I think it would take more the $3.25 million to get Hamhuis
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont thinks the Bruins and Blackhawks could work on a Brian Campbell – Tim Thomas deal this off-season. Thomas has 3 years and $15 million left on his deal, Campbell has 6 years left with a cap hit of $7.14 million. Mark Recchi will most likely play another season for the Bruins.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Conroy wonders if the Bruins are able to trade Tim Thomas this off-season, is Rask ready to take the reins without a safety net? If they can deal Thomas, I’m sure they’ll bring in someone to help Rask along, he’s only 23-years old.
- Adrian Date of the Denver Post: With 12 players locked up for about $28.2 million (cap number), the Colorado Avalanche have the cap room to add some significant pieces. Dater lists 3 possibilities: Ilya Kovalchuk, Dan Hamhuis, and Brian McGrattan.
The Penguins and Devils have some tough choices ahead
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on May 14th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Pittsburgh Penguins have a solid nucleus locked up for at least next season: Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik and Letang. Due to their salary contraints, several players won’t be re-signed, or if they do it will be a discounted price. Their UFA list contains: Gonchar, Ponikarovsky, Guerin, Cooke, Fedotenko, Leopold, Eaton and McKee. The 36-year Gonchar is looking for a 2 year deal worth more than $5 million. If they don’t bring Gonchar back, it would create a big hole that they’d need to fill.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Everson thinks the New Jersey Devils will have to choose which left winger, Zach Parise or Ilya Kovalchuk, they’ll want to throw millions at, as they won’t be able to afford both after next season. Do they look to lock up Parise past next season, do they try to bring Kovalchuk back and let Parise go, or do they think they think they can make it with 2 high paid left wingers. I can see them locking up Parise long term, he’s turning out to be a top player in the league. Kovalchuk is probably looking for at least $8 million, Parise will be looking for something around $7 million, Elias is a $6 million cap hit, Rolston is at $5 million, and Zubrus is at $3.4 million. Paul Martin is also a UFA, and will be looking for more than his $3.833 cap hit, unless he’ll take something along the same lines to remain with the Devils.
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