Posts Tagged Martin Havlat
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:
“Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
- Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
- John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.
“We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:
“The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
Afternoon NHL rumors involving the Maple Leafs and Ducks (Bobby Ryan), Flames, Clowe, Oilers, Sabres, Rangers, Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 17th, 2012
- Anthony SanFilippo via twitter: There is no deal for the Maple Leafs today but there could be something in the works between them and the Ducks involving Bobby Ryan. Darren Dreger via twitter: In general, Dreger has been told that trade discussions with the Maple Leafs are currently very quiet.
- Brian Burke via twitter: “Speak with all 30 clubs as often as daily. Our top guy Dave Nonis shares this load. In quiet times, once every 10 days.”
- Dan Rosen via twitter: “Ownership’s intention is this player will finish his career with the Flames,” Feaster said. “There is no appetite to trade Jarome Iginla.”
- David Pollak via twitter: Trade rumors involving Sharks forward Ryane Clowe are bogus. Makes less sense with Martin Havlat injured.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Agent Pat Morris is meeting with Oilers GM Tambellini in Columbus regarding UFAs Ryan Smyth and Andy Sutton. Both are expected to be re-signed.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Time may be running out for the struggling Sabres. “There’s a growing notion that the continuity in Buffalo has made things a bit stale. The same GM. The same coach. The same core group of players.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Rangers don’t want to place Sean Avery back on re-entry waivers as they don’t want to have the $2 million cap hit if he gets claimed. Have to think the Rangers might do something with Wojtek Wolski and his $3.8 million cap hit. Teams ready to make a move now are: Maple Leafs, Sharks and the Blackhawks are hovering. The Ducks are one of the teams watching Leafs farmhand Korbinian Holzer closely. The Blackhawks have shown some interest in Blue Jackets Derick Brassard. The Coyotes say they won’t trade Shane Doan.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that if Ryan Malone and his $4.25 million cap hit (3 more years after this year) becomes available, the Leafs may be interested.
- What is Bobby Ryan Trade Value? Teams who could be interested are: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Kings, Flyers, Canadiens, Predators, Sharks and Capitals.
Change of scenery needed for Hemsky? Could the Oilers trade Smyth? Wings could use scoring winger … Wilson wants contract in stocking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 24th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky will be a UFA at the end of the season, but is struggling offensively (3 goals and 8 assists). It may be time for a change of scenery for Hemsky. Teams will be calling. The Red Wings, Predators, Penguins and Rangers could be interested. Teams will be calling the Ducks about Teemu Selanne, but Matheson could only see Selanne agreeing to play in Winnipeg if the Jets are in the hunt. Matheson wonders if the Oilers would go to Ryan Smyth to see if he’d want to play for a contender this year? “Absolutely, and, if the Oilers frame it right, they can assure No. 94, who should probably have his number retired here one day, that they’ll re-sign him after July 1 so he’ll have the best of both worlds.”
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Khan thinks the Red Wings will make a move by the deadline, and a scoring winger is at the top of their list.
- Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson via twitter: “This Xmas could be better if Santa stuffs a certain piece of paper in my stocking.
#whatcouldthatbe”.
- Stu Cowan in the Ottawa Citizen: Cowan thinks the Canadiens should hire Guy Carbonneau as the teams next head coach.
“I got fired by Bob (Gainey), and Pierre Gauthier was there, so I don’t know what Geoff would do,” Carbonneau said. “I loved what I did when I was in Montreal, I enjoyed everything that was around it, even if it was hard . . . I think there’s nothing that’s ever easy. But I definitely want to go back behind a (NHL) bench, and I think Montreal is a great place for that.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat had surgery and “can’t do much for the next two or three weeks.” Goalie Antero Niittymaki is back from his 3 game conditioning stint.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray left last night’s game with a lower body injury.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles missed last night’s game with a neck injury, but will be ready to return on Tuesday.
Stars not looking to make move just yet … Be patient Sabres fans … Selanne staying, Ryan maybe not … Injury notes: Havlat, Myers, Armstrong, Sanford
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 21st, 2011
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika doesn’t think Joe Nieuwendyk is looking to add a player just yet. If they are looking to improve the most, they might eventually look for a number 1 defenseman or center, but they are not easy to get.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Some Sabres fans are calling for trades, others to fire the GM and/or coach. Sabres president Ted Black said they are not going to fire Lindy Ruff or Darcy Regier. Black asks fans to be patient. Ducks GM Bob Murray on trading Teemu Selanne at the trade deadline:
“No, he’s retiring a Duck and that’s the way it’s going to be,” Ducks GM Bob Murray told ESPN.com on Tuesday. “But the way he’s playing, why should he retire?”
If the Ducks are still at the bottom of the league around deadline time, they could begin listening to Bobby Ryan trade offers again.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tamp Tribune: Lightning forward Martin St. Louis returned to practice yesterday wearing a full cage. No timetable has been set as to when he’ll return.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Though it’s not 100% certain, but it’s looking like Claude Giroux will return tonight.
- Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea: Sharks winger Martin Havlav will not play before Christmas due to a leg injury. Coach Todd McLellan: “He won’t play before Christmas, and will be evaluated a little bit more over the next few days, but it’s probably going to be a little bit more longer term than what we originally thought. We’re not ready to put a timeline on it yet, but he won’t play before Christmas.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defeneseman Tyler Myers has been cleared to return to the team. He is now allowed to grip his stick as he begins him recovery from a broken wrist which happened on Nov. 19th.
- TSN: The Maple Leafs have placed Colby Armstrong on the IR due to his concussion. The Leafs have recalled Darryl Boyce from the Marlies.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford is expected to return today after he missed a start on Sunday and yesterday’s practice. Defenseman James Wisniewski also missed yesterday’s practice but he’s expected to return today.
Injury notes involving Armstrong, MacArthur, Connolly, Cammalleri, Havlat and Gonchar
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on October 20th, 2011
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Word out the ACC last night is that Maple Leafs forward Colby Armstrong’s lower body injury isn’t too serious. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Winger Clarke MacArthur got “banged up” in the 3rd but is going on the road trip with the team. Coach Ron Wilson said they sport a different lineup against the Bruins. David Alter via twitter: Winger Matt Frattin will move up to play with Mikael Grabovski and Nikolai Kulemin. MacArthur may play despite being banged up. Armstrong is out. James Mirtle via twitter: Armstong won’t go on the Maple Leafs road trip.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly is getting closer to returning. He’s doubtful for tonight, but could play after that.
- Pat Hickey via Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri will travel with the team to Pittsburgh. “I don’t know whether I’ll be playing,” said Cammalleri, who missed the past three games with a deep cut on his right knee. “If it was up to me, I would have played three games ago.” Cammalleri still needs to get clearance from doctors.
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat may be ready to join their 2nd line for Friday’s game.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar is expected back in the lineup tonight against the Jets. “There was some pain, but I can handle it,” he said. “My plan is to see what happens overnight. I hoping it’s not going to swell and that it behaves.”
Injury notes on Carter, Whitney, Kesler, Malkin, Hossa, Krejci, DiPietro, Gonchar, Penner, Kennedy, Havlat, McDonald and Neuvirth
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 17th, 2011
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Stars.
“It’s a little hairline crack in his foot where he took a shot,” Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said. “It’s an old injury. We’ll see where it’s at. It’s on the top (of the foot). We’re hoping it won’t be too long here. He’s questionable for Tuesday, but we might get him back for the weekend (vs. Detroit, vs. Ottawa). The ones on top you can sometimes play through.”
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will not be in the lineup tonight. It will be tomorrow or Thursday for sure.
- Ian Walker via twitter: Ryan Kesler will be in the lineup from the Canucks tomorrow.
- NHL.com: Evgeni Malkin did not travel with the Penguins on their 2 game road trip as he has soreness in his surgically repaired right knee. He’ll be re-evaluated before Thursday’s game.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa is questionable for tomorrow night against Phoenix. He will make the trip with the team.
- Joe McDonald of ESPN: Bruins forward David Krejci did not practice today due to his ‘core injury.’ Defensemen Adam McQuaid and Steven Kampfer practiced.
- Joe Haggery via twitter: Bruins coach Claude Julien said that Krejci is doubtful for tomorrow’s game.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rick DiPietro skated before Islanders practice this morning. Coach Jack Capuano didn’t rule him out for their Florida trip. Andrew MacDonald, Milan Jurcina and Nino Niederreiter didn’t practice today.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson is not at practice for personal reasons. He is expected back tomorrow. Sergei Gonchar is day-to-day with a bruised ankle. Bobby Butler may go on the IR with a groin injury.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings forward Dustin Penner left practice after 20 minutes.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy has concussion like symptoms according to coach Dan Bylsma.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks forward Martin Havlat won’t talk to doctors until Wednesday for clearance, but McLellan expects him to be in the lineup on Friday.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald has been put on the IR with another concussion.
- Brian McNally of the Examiner: Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth only lasted 20 minutes at practice today. Neuvirth has been battling a right foot injury. “It’s big bruise and trying to ice it,” Neuvirth said. “It’s a lot of pain when I’m putting my skates on, and that’s the worst. I can’t really push on the ice or anything like that. I feel a lot of pain right now.” Lines at practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer, Semin-Johansson-Knuble, Chimera-Laich-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Halpern.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: (answering some of my questions) Malamud would be surprised if Vladimir Tarasenko doesn’t leave the KHL to join the Blues next year, but you can’t rule out the SKA’s “fleet of cash trucks.” Alexander Radulov wants to play for SKA. If he doesn’t get traded/extended during the season, it will be an interested summer for him. He’s attracted to “Money, big city, glamour, the works” that SKA can offer.
Friday morning notes on Boogaard, Turris, Doan, Fisher, Havlat, Connolly, Campoli, Erixon, Hanzal and Kesler
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 7th, 2011
- Abby Simons of the Star-Tribune: A judge has thrown the charge of felony third-degree sale of a controlled substance against Derek Boogaard’s brother Aaron. Aaron didn’t buy the painkillers for Derek, he was only holding onto them. He’s still being charged with interfering with a death stance. Aaron admitted that he flushed painkillers down the toilet before paramedics had arrived at Derek’s.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: There is still no progress between Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes. “We continue to have discussions with the Coyotes and are positive that over time Kyle will be playing,” his agent, Kurt Overhardt, told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “Kyle is in great shape and training hard in B.C.” The Coyotes are hoping to sign Shane Doan to a contract extension before he becomes a UFA at season’s end. Predators Mike Fisher will likely miss the first 2 games of the season. Marty Turco still hopes to catch on with a team.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat won’t be in the lineup for their season opener.
- Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: On injured Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly: “I’m not anticipating him playing Saturday, if he does it’s a bonus,” coach Ron Wilson said Thursday morning. “But if he comes to me and says he wants to play Saturday, if he thinks he’s ready, then he’ll probably play.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Chris Campoli left in the 2nd period last night, he’ll be re-examined today. Mike Cammalleri was sounding like it’s serious.
- Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: Defenseman Tim Erixon will make his debut with the Rangers. Recently acquired Jeff Woywitka may not play at all in Europe. Mats Zuccarello will start on a line with Derek Stepan and Wojtek Wolski.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Coyotes signed Martin Hanzal to a 5 year, $18.5 million contract extension.
- TSN via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler could be back in 5-6 games according to GM Mike Gillis.
Avery could return to Rangers … Alfie could retire after season … Havlat’s status uncertain … Habs claim Betts … Hulsizer closing in on Blues
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 6th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather said that Sean Avery could be back with the Rangers at some point. “Of course we could recall him if he’s in Hartford and earns that,” Sather said. “You never know; somebody could play his way off this team.”
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: This could be Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson last NHL season:
“It all depends on how I feel, but I’m going to play like this is my last year and we’ll see how it goes. I think I approach it that way — that it could be the last one because you never know. I’m just going to give it everything I have and have no regrets looking back after.”
Alfie hasn’t ruled out heading to a cup contender:
“That might change, but as of right now, I have no desire to do that. I haven’t even thought about it that way. I’m committed to stay here, but who knows: things could change come February or March. But right now, I’d say ‘no’ to that question.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: A final decision on whether Martin Havlat plays in Saturday’s opener has yet to be determined as Havlat was still on his way back from Cleveland. ESPN was saying he won’t be in the lineup. Sharks want to talk with Havlat and trainers. Tommy Wingels could take Havlat’s spot on the 2nd line if he’s not able to go.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have claimed Blair Betts off waivers from the Flyers yesterday. He’s expected to be in the lineup tonight for their opener against the Maple Leafs. Betts replaces Andreas Engqvist on the 4th line. Aaron Palushaj and Michael Blunden were sent to the AHL and Jeff Woywitka could join them if he clears waivers. Andrei Markov and Ryan White have been placed on IR.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: It sounds like there is a verbal agreement for Matthew Hulsizer to buy the majority stake in the Blues, and that Dave Checketts could stay on in some capacity. 2 sources are saying a letter of intent has been signed, while another is saying it’s a verbal agreement and far from completion.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Tyler Bozak is not thinking about trade rumors that surround him and defenseman Carl Gunnarsson. “I’m not thinking of it, not at all,” Bozak said. “We have a home opener (on Thursday night) and that’s the only thing on my mind right now. “(Steckel) will help us a ton. We saw what Burkie (general manager Brian Burke) can do and he has been doing a great job.”
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler has been cleared for contact. Botchford thinks he’ll be playing in 2 weeks barring any setbacks.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks put defenseman Toni Lydman and Matt Smaby on IR.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Blackhawks center David Bolland is now questionable for the weekend.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney says it’s unlikely that he’ll play on Sunday, but isn’t closing the book on it. Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid is hopeful he’ll be able to go this weekend.
- JP Hoornstra via twitter: The Kings have sent Slava Voynov to the AHL and placed Jake Muzzin and Colin Fraser to the IR.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Devils name Zach Parise captain, Kovalchuck and Elias get A’s.
Could Rangers be interested in Leafs Dmen? Iginla practicing … Halvat needing clearence … Orpik may not be ready … Saad makes ‘Hawks … Schenn’s contract notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 5th, 2011
- Ron Wilson via twitter: Wilson says: “Steckel immediately improves our PK. Size is a huge bonus. Faceoffs are going to help bigtime in all areas. Can also help on the wing!”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Maple Leafs are still working the phones after the Steckel trade. They have a surplus of defenseman. Nothing is imminent.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: The Rangers need another defenseman, and could they be looking at Carl Gunnarsson or Mike Komisarek? Cody Franson could be another, he’s not happy being a 7th Dman.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames captain Jarome Iginla was back skating with teammates after taking 2 weeks off with a bad back. Iginla said: “We definitely took more time to make sure (it’s 100%) and everything’s been really positive. Hopefully, it’s just a one-off and not an issue down the road.” Iginla is 16 goals away from 500.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat headed to Cleveland yesterday to have his shoulder examined by his surgeon. If all goes well he’ll get clearance for Saturday’s opener. Tommy Wingels and Jamie McGinn are battling for the last forward spot on the 3rd line with Michal Handzus and Torrey Mitchell.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers have split up the defensive pairing of Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn, who have been together since 2007-08. Timonen is paired with Andrej Meszaros, Coburn with Andeas Lilja. Chris Pronger skates with Matt Carle.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik practiced yesterday but he doesn’t know when he’ll be able to go. The Pens open up at Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: 2011 2nd round pick, Brandon Saad, signed a 3 year entry level deal, and made the Blackhawks opening roster. He also made the ‘Hawks top line, along side Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Islanders signed Jay Pandolfo to a 1 year, $600,000 deal.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: There is zero chance the Blues make a claim on Sean Avery.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils forward Travis Zajac is out of his walking boot and has begun physical therapy. GM Lou Lamoriello said the “worst-case scenario” would have Zajac return “some time after New Year’s.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that Brayden Schenn needs to play some game in the AHL but could be back fairly soon. Schenn has a “B” bonus of $1.265 million this year if he played 25 or more in all 82 games. Dustin Leed via twitter: Capgeek confirms that Schenn’s contract will dip to a $1.7 million cap hit from $3.1 million after 1 day in the minors. Darren Dreger via twitter: 1 AHL game makes his cap hit $1.75 million. He’ll get a $900,000 salary and $850,000 in bonuses. He has a similar “B” bonus next year with a $1.405 payout for all 82 NHL games.
No movement on Doughty … Spezza’s family thinks he’ll be a Leaf … Raymond doesn’t know if he’ll play again … New proposal of Isles arena
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 23rd, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: There has been zero movement on the LA Kings – Drew Doughty front. Doughty’s agent may try to generate an offer sheet but that isn’t easy. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein responds to a question on whether it’s more of Doughty’s or Meehan’s wishes to still be unsigned … the agent and player are united.
- Dave Hodge via twitter: Some members of Jason Spezza’s family expect him to be a Maple Leaf. Hodge doesn’t believe it.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Three months after Mason Raymond suffered a broken vertebrae in the Stanley Cup final, he’s still not sure if he’ll play again.
“At the end of the day, it could have been worse,” Raymond said. “I’m lucky to be standing here today with arms and legs moving. I’m still having some discomfort with some soft tissue, but it’s coming along well and I’m happy with the process.
“Whenever you have something in that [spinal] area, you have a serous risk of having additional problems. So, yeah, I feel lucky.”
Raymond has worked on his conditioning but hasn’t done any heavy lifting, and he hasn’t skated yet.
- Randi Marshall of Newsday: A $346.5 million proposal was unveiled yesterday to renovate the Nassau Coliseum and make a sports-entertainment complex on the 77 acres surrounding the arena. The builder does still have some noncommittal responses from some key players in the deal. The private developer would spend $100 million to upgrade the Coliseum and raise the roof to increase seating. The plan also includes a ballpark, parking garage, an indoor rink, 70,000 sq ft of retail and restaurant space.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks goalie Antero Niittymaki is considering surgery to fix his lingering pain from his lower-body injury. If he does, he’ll be out for 12 weeks. Martin Havlat is still not taking contact after his shoulder surgery in May. He’s been skating with Ryane Clowe and Logan Couture.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers coach John Tortorella likes the chemistry of the Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan line, and it’s very likely they will start the season together.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks that Devan Dubnyk has the edge over Nikolai Khabibulin for the Oilers opening night starter.
- Terry Koshan and Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs prospect Joe Colborne will likely start the season with the Marlies.
“He is still learning,” Leafs coach Ron Wilson said Thursday. “One thing to me is, obviously, he needs to get a little stronger, but he knows that.
“We’re going to be patient with him. He’s learning the game and has tremendous hockey sense. (The NHL) is a man’s game. Everybody is stronger and quicker.”
The Leafs don’t know when Mike Brown will be able to return to practice. He has a lower-body injury.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have a tough decision on 2011 1st round pick Mika Zibanejad.
“He’s big and strong. He’s a man now. He’s not a kid. So, the learning curve could be very short for him. The way he played (Wednesday), he is showing us he’s close, he is showing us that he may be ready to play.”
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: The Ducks have sent Rickard Rakell, goalies John Gibson, Igor Bobkov and center Joseph Cramarossa back to junior.
- Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins cut 13 players yesterday: Brandon DeFazio, Brian Gibbons, Tom Kuhnhackl, Ben Street, Paul Thompson, Dominik Uher, Geoff Walker, defensemen Simon Despres, Alex Grant, Joey Mormina, Philip Samuelsson, Carl Sneep and goaltender Patrick Killeen.
Sabres looking to make trades, could have trouble in new CBA … Possible lines for Rangers … Who plays with E. Staal? Markov has knee drained
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2011
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are still about $3.6 million over the salary cap ceiling, and will be actively looking to make trades before their Oct. 7th season opener.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: After signing Tyler Myers to the 7 year, $38.5 million contract extension, Harrington thinks that Sabres must be thinking the salary cap is going up to the $68-70 million range next year. They will now start working on Tyler Ennis.
- Bob McKenznie via twitter: Wouldn’t be surprised if during the next CBA that the NHL tries to get each year of a contract the same. The player would receive their cap hit each year. Greg Wyshynski via twitter: “I applaud creative accounting like Buffalo’s this summer. Until next CBA adjusts the calculation of the cap, go bananas, GMs not named Lou.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: Alexei Yashin said he won’t be attending the Islanders training camp.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers winger Wojtek Wolski will likely be given a shot to be on a line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. If that doesn’t work out, Tortorella could move Brandon Dubinsky to the left wing on the top line. Brooks wonders is Sean Avery can earn a significant role with the Rangers, but if not, then what? Lines could look like: Wolski-Richards-Gaborik; Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan; Ruslan Fedotenko-Derek Stepan-Zuccarello (his spot to lose); Michael Rupp-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust. Defense pairings could look like: “Marc Staal-Dan Girardi; McDonagh-Sauer (if healthy); a third pair with Erixon, Steve Eminger, Del Zotto and Pavel Valentenko in the mix.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Who plays with Hurricanes all-star Eric Staal is up in the air after the departures of Eric Cole and Cory Stillman. Jeff Skinner’s name has come up in talks for the left side, but Alexei Ponikarovsky may get the first look. Jussi Jokinen, Anthony Stewart and Zac Dalpe are names being mentioned for the right side.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks winger Martin Havlat is listed as day-to-day as he’s still recovering from shoulder surgery that he had last May. Antti Niemi had a cyst removed and may miss the first day of camp. Antero Niittymaki is heading to see a specialist for a groin-related problem, he missed 17 games last year.
“We’ve exhausted all the conservative therapy that we’ve had with him,” Wilson said. “There’s a procedure that can get him pain-free so we’re supportive of that. If that procedure takes place, he’ll be out for probably 12 weeks or so.”
Sharks prospects Tony Lucia and James Marcou are still dealing with post-concussion symptoms and won’t be at camp. Nick Petrecki and Frazer McLaren are day-to-day as they recover from off-season hip procedures. James Sheppard will be out for another 2 months as he recovers from knee surgery.
- Kevin Mio of Hockey Insider/Out: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov suffered a setback a couple weeks ago. He had his knee drained of water, and it will take some time to rehab it again. Tony Marinaro said on Team 990 that the problem developed from training too hard. Former NHLer Enrico Ciccone doubted Markov would be ready for the season opener.
Recent Comments