Posts Tagged Marty Turco
Rain in forecast for Winter Classic … Spezza out indefinitely … Pair of Preds to IR, Tootoo to rehab … Kane back tonight?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 28th, 2010
- Bob Cohn of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: This year’s Penguins-Capitals Winter Classic could be even more interesting as rain could be in the forecast. A little bit of rain can be tolerated but if it’s heavy enough to disrupt the 1 pm start, the opening faceoff could be pushed back to 8 pm at the latest. It could also reach a high of 50 degrees.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Jason Spezza will be out indefinitely with an injured right shoulder. His shoulder is swollen enough that they don’t know the full extent of the injury and if he’ll need surgery.
“It’s not going to be immediate,” he said. “It’s going to be a while. I’ve never hurt my shoulder before, so there’s kind of a grey area right now. Still a lot of swelling and stuff. Just kind of take it day-by-day and see, but it’s not going to be any time soon.
“It seems like it’s going to be fine without surgery. But it just happened, it’s pretty fresh.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Pascal Leclaire was told to stay of skates until yesterday as he deals with a lower body injury, when he’ll return to the lineup is not known. The Senators could be interested in Jamie Langenbrunner, and the Devils are looking for defenseman, which the Senators have some they could be willing to move.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Jordan Tootoo voluntarily put himself in a substance abuse facility. Tootoo has full support from the team and organization, no time frame on his return is known.
- Jack McCarthy of the Chicago Tribune: Despite just being put on the IR (retroactive), Patrick Kane could be back in the Blackhawks lineup tonight versus the Blues. Marty Turco will get his 2nd straight start as Corey Crawford continues to recover from the flu.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators forward Steve Sullivan will be out 10-14 days with a lower body injury, and has been placed on the IR. Martin Erat was also placed on IR with a upper body injury. David Legwand is a possibility for tonight’s game. He’s only been able to play 2 periods since Nov. 18th.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood became the 10th goalie in NHL history to record 400 career wins with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Avalanche.
- TSN: P.K. Subban battled with Tomas Plekanec during practice before getting into an argument with Maxim Lapierre, Roman Hamrlik had to break it up. Subban downplayed the incident, “It’s practice, it’s battling. It’s tough,” Subban told reporters following practice. “When you’re doing three-on-two drills and three-on-three, there is going to be chippy battles in front of the net. You’ve just got to work through it. It was a good practice today.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Marco Sturm continues to see limited playing time and no special teams ice time as the Kings are slowing working him back in. “I don’t know about one of these games coming up. “Kings Coach Terry Murray said when the prospect of Sturm getting some power-play time was raised this morning. “I think it’ll be further down the road than that unless he just lights it up here tonight and starts putting some pucks in the net.”
Starting goalies for tonight … Kovalev back into top 6 … Hurricanes revenue plummets last year … Leighton awaits medical clearance
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 13th, 2010
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start tonight for the Thrashers against the Senators.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Brian Elliott will start for the Senators tonight. Ryan Shannon is in on the 4th line. Wayne Scanlan via twitter: Alexei Kovalev is on a line with Mike Fisher and Milan Michalek. Jason Spezza is centering Daniel Alfredsson and Nick Foligno.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: Marty Turco will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight. David Bolland is out day-to-day with an upper body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: From a Don Meehan email, Nabokov’s agent, “He is prepared to play. Will now speak with teams….”
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Donald Fehr should be named Executive Director of the NHLPA at some point this week.
- Sports Business Journal via twitter: The Carolina Hurricanes revenue dropped by 25% last season to $69 million.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Luke Schenn blocked a shot and left Leafs practice.
- James Mirtle via twitter: JS Giguere will start tomorrow for the Maple Leafs against the Oilers.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Michael Leighton is ready to go, just needs medical clearance.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Canadiens put Dustin Boyd on waivers. The Canucks put Guillame Desbiens on waivers.
20 game mark key for Lou … Wang ordered Gordon firing … Canadiens could add a star player … Stars face troubles in trying to re-sign Richards
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 17th, 2010
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Lou Lamoriello will evaluate the New Jersey Devils after the 20 games mark, they’ve played 18 games so far. Firing MacLean is an option, or MacLean and assistant coach Larry Robinson switching roles. Some of the Devils struggles is due to the fact that 6 of their starting 18 players are injured.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy was told that the Scott Gordon firing order came down from Charles Wang, GM Garth Snow reluctantly fired him.
- Eric Engels of CTV.ca: If Andrei Markov is placed on the LTIR, the Canadiens could use his pro-rated $5.75 million to bring in a “star-calibre” player or a couple “good” players. Markov is in the final year of his 4 year contract with the Canadiens, and has suffered 4 major lower-body injuries, which could influence contract discussions between the 2 sides.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars are facing hurdles in trying to re-sign Brad Richards. The team is still looking for new owners and are controlled by the lenders. Heika doesn’t think the Stars want to go past 5 years. The Stars have back-loaded some contract to keep this payroll lower this year in hopes of attracting a new owner. If they have to stay on the $45 million self imposed cap next season, it will be difficult to keep Richards.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Keith Ballard will be back in the lineup when the Canucks face the Penguins. Dan Hamhuis didn’t practice yesterday but hopes to play. Andrew Alberts could be a healthy scratch.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Marty Turco will be in the net for the Blackhawks tonight.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Matt Stajan started both games over the weekend on the 4th line, though he eventually was moved up. He has only 1 goal in his last 32 games, though he has 10 points in 14 games this season.
- Mark Whicker of the OC Register: Cam Fowler has switched his number to #4 from #54.
Ryan to meet with Ducks this week … Khabibulin to appeal 30 day jail sentence … Savard to attend Bruins camp … Souray could attend Oilers camp … Price to Strike?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on September 1st, 2010
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks and Bobby Ryan’s side have plans to meet this week in attempt to break their contract stalemate.
- Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini has said that Sheldon Souray could be at training camp if he isn’t dealt before. “We know he would rather not be in Edmonton. We’d like to make a deal if we could and it may take until the start of camp or just before. “We don’t have anything right now that would help the Oilers,” he said.
- Stu Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin was given a 30 day jail sentence in his drunk driving case. Khabibulin’s lawyers plan on appealing, which would allow him to attend training camp, and might keep him out of jail for the entire season. Additional discipline from the league and/or team may come at a later date. Khabibulin will enter the leagues substance abuse and behavioural health program.
- Mike Boone of Habs Inside/Out: According to a tweet by Michel Godbout (CBC-Montreal reporter), Carey Price is looking for $3 million a year or he’s going to strike.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Sources tell CSNNE that the Boston Bruins fully expect Marc Savard to attend their training camp. Savard is penciled in as their #1 center between Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic. Tyler Seguin is expected to play left wing with Patrice Bergeron and Mark Recchi.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Contract talks between the Atlanta Thrashers and Niclas Bergfors are progressing very slow.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Marty Turco wants to play between 55 and 65 games next season for the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall underwent arthroscopic knee surgery yesterday. GM Ken Holland expects him to be ready to go by the start of training camp. Kirk Maltby and the Wings could agree to a deal by the end of the week.
Modano signing with the Wings … What now for Niemi? Mitchell symptom free, 12 teams inquiring
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 3rd, 2010
- Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano will be signing with the Detroit Red Wings, the official announcement most likely coming on Thursday. Modano has been offered a 1 year, $1.25 million deal.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman had been talking with Marty Turco for over a month. Turco had turned down 4 teams before signing with the Hawks, including a 3 year deal from the Flyers. He turned down more money, and longer term. Bowman will now look to rid himself of Cristobal Huet’s salary, minors or overseas. Niemi is now a UFA, but there may not be many teams looking to add a goalie. 3 possible destinations could be Philadelphia, Washington, and San Jose. Though Washington has said they’re happy with their 2 young goalies, and San Jose is happy with Niittymaki and Greiss.
- Tim Panacci of the CSNPhilly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said yesterday that they are not interested Antti Niemi.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: 4 teams inquired about Antti Niemi right after the Blackhawks walked away, another called later.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: With the Blackhawks matching San Jose’s offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson of 4 years and $14 million, it probably cost them Antti Niemi. Hjarlmarsson probably got a $1 million more per season than they had probably hoped.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Ilya Kovalchuk hearing starts tomorrow.
- Sportsnet.ca: Willie Mitchell has been symptom free from his concussion for the last 3 weeks while training, has had up to 12 teams interested. Mitchell has narrowed the list down to 4: Canucks, Red Wings, Sharks and Capitals.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres have waived Tim Kennedy. Kennedy was awarded $1 million through arbitration on Friday. The Sabres were not allowed to walk away from the salary as it was too low. If he’s not picked up by someone, they could buy him out for a $333,333.33 cap hit for the next 2 years.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: Glen Metropolit signed a 2 year deal with EV Zug in Switzerland.
Blackhawks walk away from Antti Niemi, sign Marty Turco
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on August 2nd, 2010
TSN: The Chicago Blackhawks have walked away from Antti Niemi’s $2.75 million arbitrator ruling. Niemi is now an unrestricted free agent.
Niemi played in 39 games last season, compiling a 26-7-4 record with 7 shutouts. He was 16-6 with a 2.63 GAA in leading the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup.
The Blackhawks then signed form Dallas Star goalie, Marty Turco to a 1 year, $1.3 million deal.
Last year Turco had a record of 22-20-11, with 4 shutouts and a 2.72 GAA.
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.
‘Hawks to keep Niemi or go with Turco? Still plenty of FA’s out there … Maltby hopes to return to the Wings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 1st, 2010
- Lyle Richardson (Spector’s Hockey) via twitter: A reliable source told him that the Chicago Blackhawks will keep Antti Niemi.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has until Monday to decide if they’ll be accepting Antti Niemi’s $2.75 million arbitration ruling. Since the ruling was under $3 million, it might give the ‘Hawks some wiggle room to keep him. To fit Niemi, they might have 9 players making less than $900,000. They might also keep 20-21 roster players instead of 23 to keep their cap number lower. There’s the chance they’ll walk away and turn to Marty Turco or Jose Theodore.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke thinks things will heat up for Tomas Kaberle once the Kovalchuk decision comes down next week, but Simmons doesn’t see the correlation (The correlation could be that whoever doesn’t get Kovalchuk, Devils or Kings, could be in the market for a puck moving defenseman like Kaberle).
Burke won a Stanley Cup with a dominant defence of Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, Francois Beauchemin, Sean O’Donnell, Kent Huskins and Joe DiPenta. Bob Murray’s defence in Anaheim as of Saturday: Lubomir Visnovsky, Toni Lydman and Sheldon Brookbank. Can you say Anaheim needs Kaberle, and badly?
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Marty Turco said back in June that he turned down a 3 year, $6 million deal, while the Flyers denied the offer. Yesterday Turco texted CSNPhilly saying, “We would have loved to go to the Flyers, but it’s not happening”. Rumors on Friday were that the Turco and Blackhawks have an agreement in place if the ‘Hawks walk away/trade Antti Niemi. It looks like the ‘Hawks could walk away from the $2.75 million ruling.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Some talented veteran free agents are still available: Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Andy Sutton, Marty Turco and Miroslav Satan. Teams that still have some money to spend: NY Islanders, Colorado, Atlanta, St. Louis, Nashville, Dallas, Anaheim, Carolina and even Los Angeles. Younger players will be given a chance rather than paying a veteran.
“If you can get a young guy who can get the job done for $600,000, you’re going to give that guy a chance,” said the agent. “You’re not going to pay a veteran $1.5 million to do the same job with this salary cap.”
More names that are still available: Teemu Selanne, Mike Modano, Lee Stempniak, Paul Kariya, Miro Satan, Mike Comrie, Bill Guerin, Willie Mitchell, Andy Sutton, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Marty Turco, Jose Theodore, Ruslan Fedotenko, Brendan Morrison, Maxim Afinogenov, Kim Johnsson, and John Madden.
- Greg Krupa of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby is hoping to return to the Detroit Red Wings next season. Maltby’s agent says the sides are still talking, and thinks something could get done.
Turco to ‘Hawks if they walk away or trade Niemi … Bieksa and Kaberle getting interest …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 31st, 2010
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Richard Bloch could be the arbitrator in Kovalchuk case. Wednesday could be the start date, possibly concluding on Thursday.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Sources are saying Antti Niemi could be getting between $3 and $4 million from arbitration, which won’t be a good number for the ‘Hawks. Before arbitration the ‘Hawks offered Niemi a 3 year, $8 million deal. 3 teams that could be interested in Niemi are the Sharks, Capitals and Flyers.
- NHLSourcesSay via twitter: If the Blackhawks walk away or trade Antti Niemi, they have a verbal agreement with Marty Turco for 1 year, $1.5 million.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: After the trading of James Wisniewski, the Ducks could be looking at Andy Sutton, possibly Tomas Kaberle.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are apparently very interested in Kevin Bieksa, also looking into Tomas Kaberle.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets are still looking at defenseman, including Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames are currently about $2.35 million over the cap ceiling after the Ian White signing. That doesn’t include Mikael Backlund (about $1.27 million) but does include Ales Kotalik ($3 million). Kotalik could be sent to the minors or head back to Europe, both options would take Kotalik’s number off the cap. They have 8 defenseman under contract, which could mean one of them could be dealt.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After Blake Wheeler’s arbitration ruling, the Bruins are currently over the salary cap ceiling. They aren’t expected to buyout a player. The Bruins will most likely send a player to the minors, with Michael Ryder and his $4 million contract the leading candidate, or make a trade.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jamal Mayers is talking to multiple teams, and hopes to have a deal done by end of next week.
League to look at other long-term deals? More ‘Hawks Options … Turco to decide in 7-10 days
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2010
- William DePoali via twitter: Gary Bettman said yesterday that if the league wins its case against Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look in to other long-term deals.
- Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: According to his agent, Marty Turco is going to play for a contending team next season. He has 3 potential landing spots, and will make a decision in the next 7 to 10 days.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks and Antti Niemi have submitted their written briefs before their Thursday arbitration hearing. The ‘Hawks would like to keep Niemi but it all comes down to the price. One option to save cap space would be to go with a 21 man roster (2 below the max, which most carry), with the 21st player being able to play both forward and defense. If Niemi’s salary is below $2.5 million (and Victor Stalberg is sent to minors, saving $300K) they could do that (they’d also have a $1 million cushion for injuries). If the number is between $2.5 and $3 million, they’d have to make another move. If it’s over $3 million, he may not be their starting goalie next season. Marty Turco could be an option if they lose Niemi, they might be able to get him between $2 and $2.5 million.
- Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Niemi is likely seeking between $3 and $4 million a season, the ‘Hawks probably closer to $2 million. The ‘Hawks could accept any ruling either way, and look to trade him, or someone else.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Boston Bruins are talking to Bill Guerin, but would need to make a roster move first. Penguins are still interested in him.
- Michael Arace of the Colubus Dispatch: (written before the Blue Jackets and Anton Stralman settled before their arbitration, 1 year, $1.95 million.) The Blue Jackets will look to improve their defense, and will look via trades and not free agency. 3 options could be Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray. Arace believes the Blue Jackets have made a pitch for Kaberle, inquired about Bieksa, and made a ‘token’ call about Souray. Nikita Filatov’s name probably would come up.
- Tim Benz of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero hasn’t completely ruled out bringing Bill Guerin back next season, and is still in touch with him. But at the moment they are looking at young kids to fill the holes.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a 1 year deal with the Kings (for $3.2 million cap hit). He wanted a 4 year from the Leafs on a ‘big ticket’ when he was with them.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Willie Mitchell could be a possibility for the Wild, but he’s not looking to take physicals just yet.
- William DePoali via twitter: Raffi Torres is getting some interest lately according to his agent.
Options for ‘Hawks if Niemi isn’t back … Stars would match most offer sheets for Neal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 23rd, 2010
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: There hasn’t been much progress between the Chicago Blackhawks and Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration date is set for July 29th (arbitration dates for all players). They could still trade him before the arbitration date, walk away from the ruling if they don’t like it, or possibly trade him after they accept the 1-year deal.
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: Blackhawk options if they lose Niemi: Corey Crawford could be the “best and most likely option.” Some organizational members liked him better than Niemi, and he makes $800,000. Marty Turco has already turned down $2 million a season from Philly, so he might be too expensive for Chicago. A lower salary for a chance to win the cup could sway him. Turco is talking with a couple teams, and has turned down more than Philly. Jose Theodore had a great record but a bad GAA last year, his career is on the tail end, and he’d have to take a big cut from his $4.5 salary (which he’d have to do anyways if he wants to stay in the NHL). Vesa Toskala (not if they want a shot at winning the cup next year) has a winning record every season except for last year. Would have to take a pay cut from $4 million. Has options in Europe if no one in the NHL wants him. Ray Emery could be cheap option, but he’s coming off hip surgery.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray and Teemu Selanne have talked this week, and plan to speak again next week, no decision yet on if he’ll return or retire.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars would match reasonable offer sheets for James Neal, if he were to sign one. If the deal was front loaded, it might be difficult, but they would probably find a way to do it. If the offer was for over $4.638 million, they might consider taking the 2011 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks (compensation for signing RFA’s). If RFA’s are not signed by Dec. 1st, they are ineligible for the remainder of the season.
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have shown mild interest in Aaron Asham. Asham could bring some toughness.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Colorado have been checking out Andrew Cogliano’s availability.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Dmitry thinks that Alexander Radulov could be back in the NHL next year (2011-12).
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Nikita Filatov and Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel will speak in the next couple days. Arniel says “I’m going to let him do most of the talking, but I’ll have something to say at the end of the conversation.“
More on that Kovalchuk guy … Gagne might get waived if trade can’t be found … Chara, Bergeron getting extension?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 9th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ilya Kovalchuk wants to play in Los Angeles, and the Kings would like to have, but the Kings won’t pay the money/term that Kovalchuk wants. The Kings may be looking to avoid a ‘Blackhawks’ situation, with several young cornerstone to be signed. The Kings (and other teams) don’t want to pay in the $10 million range, as it’s difficult to build a competitive team around that player in the ‘cap era’.
But perhaps more intriguing is this rumor making the circles among owners and team executives — the league will fight for a lower salary cap (by changing the way the percentages are calculated in order to get a lower cap) in the next collective bargaining agreement two years from now (the players will likely be led into the next labor talks by the battled-tested Donald Fehr and will certainly have a say in that).
The announcement of Nikolai Zherdev signing may be on hold until the player transfer from the KHL to NHL goes through. Simon Gagne hasn’t agreed to waive his no-trade clause, yet. “I have a no-trade clause and I haven’t removed it,” Gagne said in French on RDS (the French sister network of TSN). “But certainly the Flyers have cap issues and I’m a player with one year left on my deal … The next few days will maybe help us find out what’s going to happen in my case.”
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: Flyers could be waiting to move Simon Gagne before announce Nikolai Zherdev. Gagne could be placed on waivers if a trade isn’t found, according to some NHL executives.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have had initial talks with Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, both would unrestricted free agents next July 1st. Talks will pick up later in the summer, and they hope to have both deals locked up before the season starts. David Krejci will have the screws removed from broken wrist in 4 weeks, but still should be ready for the beginning of training camp.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson would like to add a puck moving defenseman, and has done some investigating, but nothing is imminent. Possible targets could be Kevin Bieksa, Tomas Kaberle and Sheldon Souray.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: “nothing going on right now” according to Marty Turco. Turco turned down a 3 year, $6 million deal from Philadelphia. Philly may not have the money to offer Turco another deal. He might have to settle with a 1 year deal in the $2 million range to prove himself. Heika still thinks he’ll land with the San Jose Sharks.
Kovalchuk and Kings talks back on? Gagne trade tied to Kovalchuk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2010
- Helen Elliott via Twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi says Kings and Kovalchuk are “re-engaged”, Kovalchuk to make counter-offer today. Pierre LeBrun heard the same thing this morning.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: The trading of Simon Gagne may be tied to Ilya Kovalchuk signing somewhere (New Jersey?). The New York Islanders and Los Angeles Kings may still be looking to add offense, and Gagne could be a possibility. The Kings have $17 million in cap space and have been rumored to be interested (also rumored that they are not interested). The Islanders, Avalanche, Thrashers and Blues may also have the space to add Gagne’s $5.25 million salary. The Flyers would have interest in Kings forwards Wayne Simmonds. The the Flyers don’t take back too much salary, they could look to add Marty Turco for 2-3 years, $2.5-3 million per season.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Tyler Wright, the development coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is in Russia meeting with Nikita Filatov for 4 days. The trip is about measuring his “fitness and reiterating expectations in advance of training camp”. GM Scott Howson, “We just wanted to go over and reach out to him, find out how his training is going, let him know where we stand on him coming to training camp, and relay the expectations of our new coaching staff.”
Kovalchuk sleeping on Kings offer … Selanne returning?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 2nd, 2010
Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: Pavel Kubina is close to signing with the Lightning.
Helene Elliot via Twitter: The LA Kings are the only team in on Ilya Kovalchuk, the Devils are said to be out.
Nick Kypreos via Twitter: The Kings sent Kovalchuk a multi-year offer, he told them he’d like to sleep on it. New Jersey could still be an option.
Nick Kypreos via Twitter: The Flyers might be looking to move Simon Gagne, Tampa could be interested.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: LeBrun thinks that Saku Koivu would re-sign with the Ducks if he didn’t think Teemu Selanne was returning.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: LeBrun think the Flyers may still look at signing Nabokov or Turco.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins had conversations with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks about Marc Savard but nothing came from the discussions. Chiarelli is looking for a top 4 defenseman.
Flyers Re-Sign Michael Leighton
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 30th, 2010
The Philadelphia Flyers have come to terms with free agent goalie Michael Leighton to a 2-year, $3.1 million deal.
Leighton will earn $1.5 million next season, and $1.6 million in 2011-12.
The Flyers also have Brian Boucher under contract for next year. They were talking to both Marty Turco and Evgeni Nabokov, but it now appears that they are not in their plans.
Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd, both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
- Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
- Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes and Derek Morris are still talking, but are far apart.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Flyers have permission to speak to both Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco (who did receive an offer, but wants to test free agency).
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: ESPN reported that Marty Turco turned down a 3 year deal worth over $6 million.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.
Horton dealt by Draft, to Sabres? St. Louis to get extension … Oilers getting calls for #1
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2010
- Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Nathan Horton’s time as a Florida Panther could be close to coming to an end. It’s looking like he’ll be dealt by next weeks NHL draft, and it wouldn’t surprise his agent. Horton has 3 years left on his 6 years, $24 million contract. His no trade clause kicks in July 1st. The Buffalo Sabres definitely could use a winger with size, have shown interest, and have been rumored to be shopping Derek Roy and Tim Connolly.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steve Yzerman has started working on a contract extension for Martin St. Louis. What could complicate things a little are the numbers and term length, as St. Louis is 35 and the Lightning would be on the hook for the entire salary (and cap number) if he would retire early, so the deal has to make sense for them. Yzerman must also send a qualifying offer to Paul Ranger to retain his rights. Ranger missed all of last season for ‘personal injuries’, he would definitely improve their blueline. Yzerman will also look to re-sign Kurt Foster if the numbers make sense. The Lightning will take the best player available with the 6th overall pick, with a “remote” chance of trading it.
- Darren Dreger on TSN: The Oilers continue to get inquiries about the 1st overall pick, and GM Steve Tambellini will continue to listen to offers, they are unsure what it would take to get the pick though. David Booth, Dmitry Kulikov and Jacob Markstrom could be the only untouchables for Florida. Nathan Horton and Steven Weiss are available. The Predators are interested in Kris Versteeg. No offers have been sent to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle yet. Teams may wait until the draft when the no-trade is lifted in fear that their proposal will be shopped to drive up the price. As many as 8 teams could put forth an offer.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins have received some offers for the #2 pick, and GM Peter Chiarelli was impressed with one of the offers. But … “I’m not moving it,” Chiarelli said of the No. 2 position. “We’re going to take one of those two forwards.”
- Chris Koc of ChicagoBreakingsports.com: The Atlanta Thrashers have been granted permission to speak with Chicago Blackhawks associate coach John Torchetti. about their vacant head coaching position.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It’s the year of the goalie. UFA’s: Evgeni Nabokov, Martin Biron, Dan Ellis, Michael Leighton, Chris Mason, Jose Theodore, Antero Niittymaki, Vesa Toskala, Johan Hedberg, Patrick Lalime, Manny Legace, Wade Dubielewicz, Alex Auld, Steve Valiquette, Andrew Raycroft, Yann Danis and Curtis Sanford. Goalies available for trade: Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak, Tim Thomas, Cristobal Huet. Turco would be a good fit in Philadelphia, but they might not think so. Martin Biron could end up being a backup in Buffalo where he started his career. The Lightning have had some discussion with their UFA goalie, Antero Niittymaki. The St. Louis Blues have begun talks with Chris Mason in hope of re-signing him.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Could the Washington Capitals head in to next season with two, 22-year old goalies, Neuvirth and Varlamov? GM McPhee didn’t rule out bringing back Jose Theodore. McPhee basically said that Karl Alzner and John Carlson will be playing full time on the Capitals blueline. They are talking with Eric Belanger about re-signing him. The team has talked with Shaone Morrisonn, but he isn’t a lock to be re-signed.
Kovalchuk offered $14 million per season? Flyers may not re-sign Leighten … Would the Bruins trade Bergeron?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 7th, 2010
- Sport-Express.ru: The SKA St. Petersburg reportedly have increased their offer to Ilya Kovalchuk to 3 years and $42 million. It was reported that they previously offered Kovalchuk 3 years and $30 million.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Despite helping take the Philadelphia Flyers to game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals (after filling in for Brian Boucher part way through the playoffs … and he may not get the game 6 start), it might not gaurantee that goalie Michael Leighton will re-sign with the Flyers. They may think he’s “a one-trick pony on a magical ride”, and look towards a Turco, Mason, Nabokov, Halak or Price.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: One option the Bruins have in their quest to find a scoring winger or two, is to consider trading Patrice Bergeron, especially if the Oilers draft Taylor Hall. If the Bruins were to trade him, they would still have a solid one-two punch of Marc Savard and David Krejci, and possibly Tyler Seguin down the middle. Bergeron is a UFA at the end of next season, and is making $4.25 next season, and would be looking for a raise. He has a no-trade clause that kicks in July 1st.
- TSN: Contract talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nikolai Kulemin have hit a wall. It was reported earlier that Kulemin is looking for at least $3 million per season deal. He recorded 36 points in 78 games last season. Burke told AM 640, “While they can say: ‘he was on your first line last year,’ there is no one who would say Nikolai Kulemin is a first line left winger. He’s a first line left winger by default because we did not have a very good team. I’m not paying for someone who gets the position by default.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Craig MacTavish and Mike Keenan appear to be out of the running for the head coaching vacancy in New Jersey. The leading candidates are John MacLean and Michel Therrien, other options are Ken Hitchcock, Kirk Muller, and Guy Boucher. Boucher was offered the coaching position in Columbus.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: The Blue Jackets would like an answer from Guy Boucher if he wants the head coaching position by Tuesday.
Recent Comments