Posts Tagged Matt Carle

3 days of CBA meetings over … Lightning still have $20 million payroll

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 1st, 2012

  • Ira Podell (AP) in the Toronto Star: The NHL and NHLPA met for the 3rd straight day yesterday, but they didn’t discuss money.

    “We did not discuss core economic issues, as was the plan,” NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr said after meeting for five hours with the NHL. “We discussed health and safety, drug testing, including more discussion of drug testing, medical care, etc. Also a number of things in the CBA legal area of player movements.”

    “I hate to sound like a broken record, but we need some movement on the economic issues. We need some movement on the system issues,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. “We need them to be scheduled as the subject of a meeting, and right now the union is not prepared to do that.”

    Gary Bettman and Don Fehr weren’t at yesterday’s meetings, they met privately on Friday and Saturday. It was thought that both sides may meet again on Monday, but that won’t be happening. Tuesday is a possibility.

    “We covered a lot of things over the last three days,” Daly said. “We both have a lot of homework projects to do and drafts we owe each other on certain things. We think (Monday) would be best used for that purpose.

    “What we did today, and the last two days, I don’t think any of that is going to get a deal done. But they are all necessary elements of the deal.”

  • Adrian Dater via twitter: How the NHL works, “19 of 30 owners could be in favor of making CBA deal, but majority wouldn’t rule. Bettman changed charter “
  • Spector’s Hockey via twitter: “Conundrum for #NHLPA. If they give in like before, NHL owners will keep squeezing them for more. If they don’t, the season could be lost.”
  • Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Even if the NHL season is cancelled, the Lightning will still have a payroll of $20.36 million:

    Mattias Ohlund $5 million salary (injured)
    Vinny Lecavalier $3 million signing bonus
    Steven Stamkos $3 million signing bonus
    Matt Carle $3 million signing bonus
    Marty St. Louis $2 million signing bonus
    Victor Hedman $1.5 million signing bonus
    Vinny Prospal $1.17 million buyout
    Sami Salo $1 million signing bonus
    Dana Tyrell $600,000 salary (injured)
    Brett Connolly $90,000 signing bonus*

    * Assigned to minor-league operating budget

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Some intriguing UFA names left … Flyers notes … Maple Leafs top priorities … Subban – Canadiens talks ongoing

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 8th, 2012

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: There are really only 3 places for Canucks to trade Roberto Luongo to: the Blackahwks, Panthers and Maple Leafs no matter how long it drags out. Simmons wonders if someone will sign the 38 year old Jason Blake. Some intriguing names still out there: Peter Mueller, Wojtek Wolski, Cal O’Reilly, Chris Campoli and Alex Semin.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers tried and failed to sign Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Matt Carle, and Jaromir Jagr. They did sign Ruslan Fedotenko and 3rd pairing Bruno Gervais. They might still add a veteran piece or two. They are interested in Shane Doan if he becomes available. Mike Knuble could be a possibility. Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan won’t be coming to the Flyers unless the Blue Jackets and Ducks lower their demands.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke’s top 3 priorities: “(a) getting bigger (b) adding a veteran goaltender and (c) adding another top two centre.” Not easy holes to fill even with $12 million in cap space. This Leafs team needs more top end talent, and to keep the puck out of their net. Mirtle thinks their top 3 priorities should be: “1. A top four (and preferably top two) defenceman. 2. Another NHL calibre goaltender. 3. A top six forward (preferably a centre) who has the ability to play against other team’s top lines.”

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Do the Leafs plan on moving a center? Luongo talks about moving on … Blues search for Dman, won’t break up core

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2012

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs plan on experimenting with James van Riemsdyk at center. Does it mean that they plan on moving making a trade or two involving one of their centers. Last season they used 5 centers: Tyler Bozak, David Steckel, Mikhail Grabovski, Tim Connolly and Matthew Lombardi. Newly signed Jay McClement should be their 3rd line center, with Steckel centering the 4th. Lombardi will see most of the time on the wing. Grabovski will be their 2nd line center. Connolly played some wing last year, and could be playing there this year. Joe Colborne didn’t progress as well as they had hoped last year. Nazem Kadri will likely spend the most time on the wing. Tyler Bozak may be the player who could be part a trade. He would be attractive to some teams as he’ll make $1.5 million season, and a UFA at the end of the year. Shane Doan’s agent said he hasn’t heard from the Maple Leafs. Roberto Luongo in a radio interview:

    “I’m okay with that,” Luongo said. “I had a great six years with Vancouver. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring a Stanley Cup, which is my biggest regret. Florida is definitely one of the spots I would be willing to go to. It’s my home in the off-season and makes sense for family reasons. (But) I have not made any decisions whatsoever. It has to be a place I am comfortable with.”

    Luongo didn’t discuss a trade to the Leafs, but seemed open to the idea of going to Chicago.

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues had some interest in Matt Carle and Jason Garrison. The Blues will now explore the trade market, and are thought to have some interest in Jay Bouwmeester and Keith Yandle. Teams could ask them for a package that could include a top 6 forward, but GM Armstrong said he wouldn’t move anyone from his core.

    “One of the things that this new system has created is you see after a while rob Peter pay Paul,” he said. “If you have a hole, you create another hole to do it. I would rather do it with draft picks if I could. That’s what I tried to do at the entry draft.”

    The Blues have assets like Jaden Schwartz and Ty Rattie, and an extra 2nd round pick this year.

    “I’d like to try that moving forward, try doing it with non-rostered players if possible because I like our group of forwards but I don’t think we have an excessive amount in any one position,” Armstrong said. “If we can do it with spending a little bit of our future, I think we’re in a spot to do that because of the great work by our amateur scouting staff and Larry Pleau and John Davidson of gaining all of these assets right now. I think our cupboard is fairly stocked that we could go a year if necessary without a pick or two.”

    Armstrong didn’t rule out the possibility of going with Barret Jackman, Kris Russel and Ian Cole on the left side.

    “Right now, we’re comfortable with Jackman, Russell (and) Cole,” Armstrong said. “If we can add to that group we will. We don’t believe it’s prudent to go out and do something just to add a player. We want to make sure it’s the right player. We think we have some depth in our organization. But that is one area that if we can improve it, more likely now will be a trade than anything, we’ll look at doing.

    “But if not, I am satisfied we can start with that group that we have back there and then if we do stub our toe or stumble, we’ll have to get very aggressive in the trading market if necessary. But right now, if this is the group we go to training camp with, this is the group we go to training camp with.”

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Suter, Nash, Ryan, Colaiacovo, Red Wings, Hurriances, Semin, Yandle, Penguins, Bouwmeester, and Blackhawks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 5th, 2012

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that Nashville did everything that Suter wanted, including a big contract offer. Suter said he choose the Wild for family reasons.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The ball is now in the Blue Jackets court. The Red Wings, Penguins, Rangers, Flyers and Sharks are all on Rick Nash’s list, and possibly the Hurricanes. There has to be a ‘homerun’ offer in that group.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Teams looking to add 30 goal scorers now have to look at Nash and Ryan. It’s confirmed that the Red Wings, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins and Sharks are on Nash’s list, but there may to another team or two on it. There has also been hints that Nash may expand his list. Neither side wants a be faced with Nash being a Blue Jacket in September. If Nash expands his list, the Hurricanes may be a team that is added. The Rangers have tried to get Nash without giving up any proven NHL players (other an Brandon Dubinsky) or top level prospects.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Options for the Red Wings now are Matt Carle (written before he signed) and Carlo Colaiacovo. Colaiacovo is injury prone and they wouldn’t want to commit a lot of term for him. They could go the trade route. They have 5 defenseman under contract for next year (Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Ian White, Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl) and they are working on re-signing Kyle Quincey. The Wings will look at Shane Doan if he hits the open market, and they will continue to explore a Rick Nash trade.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings could use another defenseman and a high-end forward. “We’ll explore what’s left on the market. We’ll talk to some teams to see if there are any players available (by trade).” Forward possibilities through free agency or trade are: Alexander Semin, Shane Doan, Rick Nash and Bobby Ryan. Possible defenseman: Matt Carle, Keith Yandle, Carlo Colaiacovo, Shea Weber and Jay Bouwmeester.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Oberserver: The Hurricanes are pushing hard for Nash, and are thought to have made a strong offer. The Penguins could now ratchet up the ante. It’s not known what the Hurricanes offered. It’s believed that Jeff Skinner would not be part of any package.
  • Todd Cordell via twitter: Semin’s agent Mark Gandler: “All I can tell you is that Alex will sign with an NHL team.”
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: It would take a really good offer to get Keith Yandle out of Phoenix. If he is moved, LeBrun figures could be to Eastern Conference where several teams are interested. Tab Bamford via twitter: If Yandle is available, and Ray Whitney’s replacement is Steve Sullivan, would have to think Shane Doan is considering a new home.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: There are now more suitors for Rick Nash now that Parise has signed with the Wild. Matheson isn’t sure if the Penguins or Red Wings have the young forwards that the Blues Jackets would want though.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: The Penguins have a hole in their top 6.

    “If we could (find center Sidney Crosby) a winger, that would be fantastic,” Shero said. “It would make my life a lot easier, (but) Sid does pretty well whoever he plays with. I’d love to get a winger for Sidney, but those guys don’t fall off trees.”

    The Penguins best free agent options could be Shane Doan or Alexander Semin. Ryan or Nash could be available through trade. They have young defenseman assests in Simon Despres, Joe Morrow, Scott Harrington, Olli Maatta and Derrick Pouliot.

    “We’ll go with what we have at this point,” Shero said. “We’ll see what’s available. … If you can improve your team, you’re going to do that. One thing that we have now that we haven’t had in a while is cap space.” “We like our defense the way it is. If there’s a chance to upgrade, certainly we’re going to do that. But there are a lot of teams looking for defensemen. They’re not easy to find.”

    Shero hasn’t ruled out having one of their current forwards moving up to their top 6, maybe Tyler Kennedy.

  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero on Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan: “They’re under contracts. There’s only so much I can say. But if there’s a trade that makes sense, we’ll look.”
  • Roger Millions via twitter: The Flames haven’t tried to trade Jay Bouwmeester. Teams have expressed interest. Could find out quickly if that is so.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks the Wild defense is a little sketchy even with the Suter addition. He wonders if they would deal Devin Setoguchi for defensive help.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks have lost out on Parise, Suter and Brodeur. Their only addition has been Sheldon Brookbank. Sources are saying that GM Stan Bowman is under significant pressure from management to improve the team. “We’re going to keep pursuing different things,” he said. “It’s only July 4 — the summer hasn’t played itself out yet.” Chris Boden via twitter:
    Bowman wouldn’t say if trades are more likely than free agency now.
  • Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are still dangling defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson.

    “Our objective is not to make a splash,” said Bowman, who confirmed his pursuit of goalie Martin Brodeur. “Our objective is to win hockey games.“Our objective is to put a team on the ice that is going to give us the best chance to win the Stanley Cup next year. You have to look, and it’s not like we have seven holes to fill.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk on Derek Roy being a UFA after this season:

    “I think we want to see what’s going on with the CBA. There’s still a lot of uncertainty with the CBA. I think we’ll all catch our breath now, he’ll get situated in Dallas, and we’ll go from there.”

  • St. Louis Post Dispatch: Are Carlo Colaiacovo’s (UFA) days as a Blue numbered? Jeremy Rutherford thinks it’s 50-50 that he’s re-signed. The Blues are looking at other options in their attempt to bring in a defenseman. If they can’t find an upgrade, he could be back. Dan O’Neill says it’s unlikely he’s back.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: UFA Jesse Winchester is still waiting to be picked up. The Senators don’t have a forward spot open for him. He was injured for a good part of last season with a concussion. He passed his baseline test last week.

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Suter, Lamoriello, Carle, Ryan, Weber, Flyers, Semin, Kings, Stars, Burke Audio and Bruins

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 4th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said their offer to Parise “was competitive.” Lamoriello confirms that Parise told him, had he not gone back home to Minnesota, he would have stayed with the Devils. From tone of both media calls, Lamoriello taking it better than David Poile. Lamoriello said that he reached out to Ryan Suter as well, but Suter didn’t have any interest coming East.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that he’s already talked to Shea Weber’s camp about a long-term deal, going to turn his attention to that.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Pierre Maguire said on TSN radio that an East teams is interested in a defenseman from the Kings roster, giving currency to their suggestion of a Rob Scuderi move.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: People were asking Murphy if the Stars would move Brenden Morrow after the addition of Jaromir Jagr, Derek Roy and Ray Whitney, Murphy doesn’t think so. Morrow is a leader and money isn’t an issue anymore.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke vows to improve the Maple Leafs with more roster moves. Burke said: “We need to get some sandpaper in there as well,” and that Tim Connolly needs to pick up his game.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: The Bruins are still looking for a puck moving defenseman. “Obviously we’ve tried to [develop a puck-mover] a little bit in the last few years, or bring in a player of that ilk,” said Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney. Dougie Hamilton hold the inside track on the 6th defensive spot heading into next year.

    “You look at what Doug Hamilton may or may not be able to bring and what he was able to do at the junior level. You hope that [his offensive skills] translate and that he’s gonna be a puck mover,” said Sweeney. “Is he a prototypical guy . . . sometimes you describe those guys as being small and skilled wise? No, those guys are big and skilled now. It’s the best of both worlds in that regard.

    Other options from within are David Warsofsky, Torey Krug and down the road Matt Grzelcyk.

    “It is expensive to acquire that [puck-moving defenseman] as it would be to sign a player; Dennis Wideman’s contract is what it is,” said Sweeney. “Ideally, you’d like to develop that, and you would be homegrown in every position. We look for [the puck-moving defenseman], of course.”

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Doan could be option for Rangers if he decides to leave … Carle next up after Suter … What next for Weber?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 4th, 2012

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers will look at Shane Doan if he decides to the leave the Coyotes according to sources.

    “We haven’t entered into negotiations with any other teams, but Shane wants to be forthright and honest with clubs that have contacted us, and so we’ve let these clubs know whether there is mutual interest,” Terry Bross, Doan’s agent, told The Post yesterday.

    “I don’t want to be specific about what teams those are, but there are no restrictions against negotiating with teams in the East … or the one in Manhattan.”

    “As we’ve stated previously, Shane’s priority is to make a decision based on his loyalty to the club, but he wants to get a clearer idea regarding the franchise’s long-term future in Phoenix,” Bross said of Doan, who is coming off a five-year contract worth $4.75 million per.

    “We’re hoping that the referendum does not get enough signatures to push the lease onto the ballot in November.”

    “Shane has made it clear he will begin talking to other clubs next week if the situation with Coyotes has not been resolved,” Bross said.

    “That’s what he’s waiting for.”

  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now:

    “If Preds GM David Poile loses (unrestricted free agent, Ryan) Suter for nothing, there is NO way he can lose Weber for nothing as well in a year from now if Weber goes UFA.

    “Surely Weber could get the same type of deal as Suter on the market…but if CBA changes those 12-13 year deals may come to an end.

    “If Ryan Suter gets a 13 year-100M contract does Shea Weber’s agent Jarrett Bousquet force Nashville’s hand before new-CBA kicks in?”

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Shea Weber’s options after Ryan Suter signs: “1) accept Q.O at $7.5 mil. 2) wait for offer sheet. 3) sign longterm with Preds. 4) push for trade.”

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Rimer interviews Parise … Wings options if they don’t get Suter … Martin to Nashville if Pens get Suter? Ducks after #2 C

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 4th, 2012

  • Josh Rimer of NextSportStar.com interviews Zach Parise.

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Wings offered Ryan Suter a 13 year, $90 million deal, as they see him as the best transition from Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart. Red Wings GM Ken Holland met with Suter yesterday at Suter’s farm in Madison Wisconsin. If Suter signs elsewhere, their next best options are Matt Carle and Carlo Colaiacovo. The Wings currently have $17 million in cap space with about $5 million set for RFAs Justin Abdelkader and Kyle Quincey. Though the cap is now set at $70.2 million, that could change with a new CBA and they don’t want to be handcuffed. If they don’t get Zach Parise, they may wait until July 9th to see what Shane Doan will do.

  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Yohe has been told that if the Penguins land Ryan Suter, look for them to trade Paul Martin to the Predators. That said, Yohe thinks Suter will end up in Detroit.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: The Ducks are still looking hard for a #2 center after Derek Roy was traded to the Stars. Matheson wonders about a David Krejci for Bobby Ryan deal?

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#PariseWatch 3.0 … Flyers one of several teams waiting for Parise, Suter decisions … Blues looking for Dman … No Habs offer for Jagr

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2012

  • Josh Rimer via twitter: Looking like the Penguins and Blackhawks are the front runners for Zach Parise. Rimer doesn’t think New Jersey is in it anymore is they may not be able to give him the lockout protection with signing bonuses like the other teams. Dan Rosen via twitter: If the Blackhawks are able to land Parise, does Patrick Kane go on the block? Mark Masters via twitter: Pushed Parise for a timeline on and all he gave was “in the near future.” Parise denies that the Devils financial situation is a factor in the process, ‘In speaking with Lou he said that won’t be a problem.’ Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun senses that the a decision will come no later than today, he’s close. Wants to talk with his family in Minnesota first.
  • Chris Stevenson in the Toronto Sun: Money for Parise will like be similar from all teams and for close to the same length. He’s looking for around $25 million in the next calender year.

    “It’s such a long-term, important decision, you have to make sure you look at everything,” Parise told reporters Monday when he emerged from Newport Sports offices.

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers are one of the teams waiting for Parise and Suter’s decision. Parise flew back to his home in Minnesota. The Flyers reportedly made a 12 year offers at over $80 million for both Parise and Suter. It seems like a large part of their decision is their comfort level in the city where they may sign. Several teams are having to wait until a decision from both is made, before they move on to other free agents or trades. The Flyers could still end up re-signing Jaromir Jagr or Matt Carle. The Flyers could look at Shane Doan.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues may look at trading a forward, may be a top 6 forward, for a defenseman. The are trying to find a left side defenseman through free agency, and have reached out to a couple. They are not believed to be in the Ryan Suter running, and have sent out feelers for Jason Garrison (signed with the Canucks) and Matt Carle. Carle could be looking for something in the $5 million range.  Other possibilities include Michal Rozsival, Pavel Kubina, Jeff Finger, Bryce Salvador and bringing back Carlo Colaiacovo. Trade targets could be Jay Bouwmeester and Keith Yandle, and both wouldn’t be cheap to get.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings goalie Joey MacDonald doesn’t want to spend another year in the AHL, so the Wings are looking for a trade partner to accommodate him.

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Avs not done … Pens made offer for Suter … Nash update … Flyers still on Jagr … Blues update … Isles to wait

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 2nd, 2012

  • Adrian Dater via twitter: The Avalanche made several signings yesterday and Dater thinks they aren’t done yet. Indications are that they will make a move or two before long. The Avs did make calls on Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, though it’s not known if they made formal offers. They could use a left winger, and may be thinking about Alexander Semin. Dater, thinking out  loud (not suggesting it is happening), maybe the Avs could trade Paul Stastny for Bobby Ryan or Stastny, Elliott and Barrie for Rick Nash.
  • Dave Molinari via twitter: Confirmation from Ryan Suter’s camp, that despite reports that they didn’t submit an offer, the Penguins did in fact submit one.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are still looking at Rick Nash, but Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson continues to ask for players the Rangers won’t part with. The Rangers have made it clear that they won’t trade Ryan McDonagh, Chris Kreider or Derek Stepan. Howson continues to demand at least one of them in a package. Howson has entered discussions with at least 3 teams not on Nash’s list: Flyers, Hurricanes and Senators, in an attempt to get some leverage.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray closed discussions with the Blue Jackets regarding Nash.

    “I would say we’re out of the talks, yes,” said Murray. “We weren’t on the list. I’d just put it that way. There was no sense in chasing. We just didn’t feel it was necessary.”

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets didn’t expect to trade Nash yesterday, and likely won’t happen until Parise signs. The Rangers have been flirting for weeks, and the Sharks have an offer on the table. The Red Wings are in the hunt, and indications are they would trade within the division if it were the best offer. The Hurricanes and Senators have strong offers but are not on Nash’s list. Sources told the Dispatch that it’s highly unlikely that Nash would alter his list.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers are still in the mix regarding Jaromir Jagr, less than 50-50 though. If they get Parise, Jagr won’t be back.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues GM Doug Armstrong:

    “We were active in talking to some players that we thought could help our team,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “But we’re pretty finite on what we need. A lot of the players that were signed (Sunday), they didn’t fill a need or desire for our team.”

    The Blues reached out to Jason Garrison before the signed with the Canucks. They also have expressed some interest in Matt Carle, who will likely wait until after Ryan Suter signs somewhere. The defenseman the Blues get may not be through free agency.

    “You talk to people that you think are going to be active,” Armstrong said. “You just try and let people know what your needs are. So you just say, ‘If you get into this situation let me know and I might have interest.’ A lot of this is predicated on other teams making decisions on unrestricted free agents, so it’s difficult. I know the fans want to see instant results, but I think this is something that could play out into the fall or into the season.”

  • BD Gallof via twitter: The Islanders are now more likely to wait for the new CBA and expected lower ceiling. They will look to improve through trade, using their cap room if possible.

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Rangers still in Nash hunt … Blackhawks open for trade … Kings like Doan … Burke talks Leafs … Senators likely done

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 2nd, 2012

  • (Brodeur signed just before I posted this) Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are out of the running for Parise. There is word that they are interested in Martin Brodeur. It was thought the Blackhawks may be aggressive in free agency, but they have only landed Sheldon Brookbank. The Hawks would prefer to give Brodeur a 1 year deal and have contacted him. Matt Carle is the best free agent defenseman option for the Blackhawks. Best remaining forward options include Olli Jokinen, Shane Doan and Jaromir Jagr.

    ‘We’re open to do a trade at any point if it makes sense,’’ Bowman said recently. ‘‘We’ve got a lot of guys who are attractive to other teams. Depending on how we want to work it, if we can get the right player and it’s the model we’re going with, then we’ll do it.”

  • James Mirtle via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke wants to see the price for Martin Brodeur. Expects him to remain with the Devils though. Burke also expects that improvement will come from trade and not through free agency. Burke said that Joey Crabb wanted too much money. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Burke on updating center and goalies:

    “I felt all along we’d have to address these things through trade and that’s how we’re going to have to do them.”

  • Mark Masters via twitter: Burke on Martin Brodeur:

    ‘My belief is NJ intends to re-sign him & that’s his 1st choice & I’d be surprised if it didn’t go down that way.’

  • Jonas Siegel of TSN: Brian Burke:

    “I’m not surprised we weren’t able to do more. We could have; we had cap-space, we had the money, ownership has authorized us to spend. I just don’t think it was a prudent way to spend money.”

    The Leafs are a little under $13 million under the salary cap ceiling with Cody Franson and Nikolai Kulemin left to sign.

    “We need to get bigger,” Burke explained of his club’s needs. “We’re still looking to solve or upgrade the goaltending situation. We’re still looking to add at centre or upgrade at centre if we can…I felt all along we’d have to address these things through trade and that’s how we’re going to have to do them.”

  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators GM Bryan Murray believes they are done. Needs to get an answer from Daniel Alfredsson if he’s coming back or not.

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Murray, Carle, Lightning, Flames and Wild options

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2012

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: “Those asking SB do count against cap. His cap hit will be far less over entire contract. Yr 1 of 12M/2M salary guarantee’s Parise lockout $” … “#NHL teams presenting will also be asked to pay 2nd 12M SB to Parise next July 1st. That’s 24M guaranteed over 1 yr Nice eh. “
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Senators and Maple Leafs are just 2 of the teams that have contacted the Sharks about Doug Murray. Burke made an offer at the draft for Murray.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: The Lightning will be pressing hard for a top 4 Dman today. If they can’t sign one, they’ll look to trade for one.
  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames may be looking for a top 6 forward, but with the looks of the UFA market, they may have to go the trade route. Jaromir Jagr could be one free agent they look at. Forwards they could consider are: Jiri Hudler, Alex Semin, Shane Doan, Brad Boyes, Brandon Prust, Jordin Tootoo and Zenon Konopka. Jay Bouwmeester trade rumors are still out there. It would be ideal if someone would take Anton Babchuk.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild will be trying to do everything they can to sign Zach Parise, and will look to make a move quickly. They’ll be going head-to-head with the Penguins and Red Wings. The Wild may have a better chance to sign Ryan Suter, who’s not in a hurry to sign a deal. If waiting on Suter and your plan B is Jason Garrison or Matt Carle, you may miss out on them. The Wild could be interested in Dustin Penner, Peter Mueller, Brandon Prust, Torrey Mitchell. They are expected to make a run at Jamie Langenbrunner.

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Possible Islanders targets … Many plans for ‘Hawks … Preds in tough with Weber … No word from Selanne or Alfredsson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2012

  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: The Islanders have only 4 veteran defenseman under contract heading into free agency. Devils Bryce Salvador is one player the Islanders could be interested in, though he may be too expensive for them. Matt Carkner may be more realistic for the Isles. Rangers Steve Eminger is also on their radar. Tough guys George Parros and John Scott may intrigue them. Brandon Prust is looking for more than $2.5 million, which is too much for a 3rd/4th liner. They’d like to find a 2nd line center, and there is some interest in Olli Jokinen. The Islanders may gamble on Alex Semin or possibly Brad Boyes.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman:

    “We’ve been spending a week going through Plans A, B, C and D,” Bowman told the Tribune. “You just can’t go ahead and say, ‘We’re going to get this guy’ because you don’t know if you’re going to get that guy. In some scenarios, we look at different positions or different styles of players. We’re going to make a lot of phone calls, I know that.”

    Bowman said if it makes sense to bring in a top free agent, he wouldn’t hesitate. Maybe Martin Brodeur?

    “We’re fortunate because we have a lot of guys already under contract. It doesn’t mean we won’t add players but some teams are in a different spot where they’re looking at adding four or five players. We probably aren’t going to be doing that but it doesn’t mean we’re not going to be active.”

    Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson could be moved. Blackhawks are looking for anyone to take Steve Montador who has a cap hit of $2.75 million through 2014-15. They could look to improve along the blueline and maybe in net. If they are looking to make a big splash, they’ll look at Parise, Brodeur or Suter. Alexanders Semin, Shane Doan,  Jiri Hudler or P.A. Parenteau would help upfront and Matt Carle or Jason Garrison would help on the blueline.

  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Stan Bowman on possibility of targeting Martin Brodeur: “I don’t rule anything in or rule anything out.”
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks still haven’t received an answer from Teemu Selanne but they are still talking. Perhaps an answer (last night) or early this morning.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: The Senators will enter free agency under the assumption that Daniel Alfredsson will be returning next season.

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