Posts Tagged Matt Niskanen
Penguins offseason notes … Columbus tells 3 they aren’t coming back … Flyers figuring out Bryzgalov parameters … MacTavish leading Wild candidate
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 13th, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby has started his off-ice offseason workouts. Penguins GM Ray Shero plans to re-sign Dustin Jeffrey to a new deal this month. Tyler Kennedy is a RFA and the Pens make take him to arbitration to see what he’s awarded. If he’s in the $2 million range, which comparables suggest he could get, they may keep him. Rossi thinks he could also be traded. Defenseman Matt Niskanen could be available if any team is interested. Max Talbot is asking for 4 years and Pascal Dupuis is asking for a 3 year contract, the Pens don’t really want to go that long for either. Mike Rupp may be thinking he can get more on the open market than from the Penguins.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets have informed Ethan Moreau, Chris Clark and Craig Rivet that they won’t be re-signed. The Jackets are still thinking about re-signing Jan Hejda (50/50) and Scottie Upshall (unlikely).
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren spent part of the weekend finding out the parameters to get Ilya Bryzgalov signed to a 5 to possibly 8 year term. He might be able to get upwards of $6 million if he were to hit the free agent market on July 1st. To get Bryzgalov at a cap friendly number of around $5 million, they may have to start to $7 million and go down to $2 million on a 7 or 8 year deal. Putting Ian Laperriere on a LTIR would take $1.2 million off their cap number, they’re at about $59 million now. Trading Jeff Carter is one option, moving Matt Carle and Kris Versteeg is another. Sergei Bobrovsky may also find himself in a trade as he would have to pass through waivers if he was to be sent to the AHL or recalled from AHL. If Bryzgalov is signed to a long-term deal, Bobrovsky may not get his shot as a #1, and they may be able to get a 2nd round pick or top prospect in return.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Craig MacTavish was in Minnesota last week and had his 2nd interview for the vacant head coaching position. He’s considered to be the leading candidate at the moment.
Penguins send Goligoski to the Stars for Neal and Niskanen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 21st, 2011
The Pittsburgh Penguins have traded defenseman Alex Goligoski to the Dallas Stars for winger James Neal and defenseman Matt Niskanen.
Goligoski has a cap hit of $1,833,333. He’s making $1.5 million this year, and will get $2.75 million next year.
Neal has a cap hit of $2.875 million for this season and next. He is making $2.25 million this year and $3.5 million next year.
Niskanen has a cap hit of $1.5 million for this season and next. He makes $1.25 million this year and $1.75 million next year.
JovoCop out weeks … Kaberle open to negotiating with Bruins … Setoguchi won’t be moved for rental … All but 1 Panther available
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Rumors on February 19th, 2011
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Ed Jovanovski will be out several weeks after having surgery yesterday on his orbital bone fracture. He suffered the fracture after crashing into Thrashers forward Patrice Cormier.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley on the possibility of trading Zach Bogosian, “People ask me that all the time. I say the same thing. Wayne Gretzky was traded. There are no untouchables that I know of. Certainly not in Atlanta. I’m not actively looking to trade Zach and I don’t expect to trade him.”
- Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun: (The reporter that Burke went after in the Kaberle press conference yesterday. Burke misunderstood the question, audio in the Kaberle trade post). “Of course. We want to do both,” [Burke] said. “We are not throwing in the towel. No way.” He’ll be looking for a defenseman that could fill some of Kaberle’s minutes.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Because of immigration issues, the Bruins knew it would be easier for them to make the deal in Canada. Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Kaberle said he’d be open to negotiating with the Bruins already.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will travel with the team to Carolina, but doesn’t know if he’ll start or be the backkup.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: After moving out Ian White for a pick and bringing in Derek Joslin, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford added, “We do have flexibility if something comes along in the next week that makes sense for us.”
- George Richards via twitter: Scouts at the Panthers-Red Wings game: Devils, Hurricanes, Senators, Penguins, Canucks, Red Wings, Rangers, Kings, Wild, and 2 from Blackhawks.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Alex Goligoski’s solid play has put his name in the rumor mill in connection with bringing in some offense, but “The way Goligoski has played this season, it might be a no-brainer for GM Ray Shero to keep him for the foreseeable future.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Aaron Asham joins Sidney Crosby and Eric Tangradi as Penguins who are out with a concussion, and it doesn’t appear he’ll return anytime soon. No update on Crosby’s concussion. Chris Kunitz and Mark Letestu are progressing but still not ready. Nick Johnson left practice yesterday after suffering an upper-body injury.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Devin Setoguchi could be available for a defenseman, but he won’t be moved for a rental. If the Hurricanes fall out of contention, Joni Pitkanen could become available. Oilers Ales Hemsky, Ladislav Smid, and Tom Gilbert could all be had for the right price. Word is that Panthers GM Dale Tallon has made all his players available except Stephen Weiss (the guy who would get the most interest). Cory Stillman will get interest, Chris Higgins is getting minor interest. Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen’s name is coming up in some conversations. The Flyers are trying to move Nikolai Zherdev. The Sabres could make Craig Rivet and Jordan Leopold available.
Parise hoping to skate soon … Rynnas breaks finger, may change Leafs goalie plans … Cammalleri hopes to be back for Classic … Richards out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 15th, 2011
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise has his next scheduled medical examination on March 2nd, and is hoping to get the go ahead to begin skating, though it would be a while away before he is able to practice with teammates. They tried to get the date moved up but were unsuccessful.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Burke said the Flyers were the only team to “meet our price” for Versteeg. Burke still hasn’t given up on this season and has the 3rd round pick in play already. “There were multiple offers, multiple inquiries. We shopped this deal hard. In the end, we didn’t think this package would be there on Feb. 28 (at the NHL trade deadline).” Christian Hanson was called up from the Marlies. Marlies goalie Jussi Rynnas broke his finger, Jonas Gustavsson is still out with his heart issue, so trading JS Giguere may have changed.
- Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres need a backup goalie they can trust as Ryan Miller has started 31 games in a row, and the Sabres play 16 games in 29 days. They don’t have faith in Lalime, so they could go with Jhonas Enroth and find out if he’s capable, and if he’s not they need to trade for one at the deadline. Mike Harrington via twitter: Ruff said this morning on the radio that Enroth will start tonight and Miller will go tomorrow.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Marek Zidlicky took part in his first practice yesterday “where he was engaged in battle drills.” “I feel better, but it’s not ready,” Zidlicky said. “I don’t want to say a couple more days, but we will see. I’d like to play tomorrow, but it’s day-to-day.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Mike Cammalleri took another step close to returning to the Canadiens lineup in time for the Heritage Classic on Saturday. He practiced with teammate for the first time yesterday since suffering a shoulder separation on Jan. 18th. He’s not playing tonight, doubtful for Thursday, but hoping for Saturday.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brad Richards will be out of the Stars lineup tonight, and might miss tomorrows game in Calgary and possibly Saturday against the Canucks. Richards was “shook up” by a hit on Sunday on the last shift of the game. Nicklas Grossman is doubtful for the next 2 games. Matt Niskanen should be able to go in place of Grossman.
Crosby has mild concussion … Gorges done for season … Injured Stars … Timonen ailing
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on January 7th, 2011
- Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Sidney Crosby will be out the Penguins lineup for at least a week with a mild concussion. Crosby was ‘stunned’ from a David Steckel accidental hit during the Winter Classic, and was also hit by Victor Hedman in the 2nd period of Wednesday’s game.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Josh Gorges needs knee surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season. Dave Stubbs via twitter: According to Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier the injury is “similar to what Mr. Markov has”
- Dallas Morning News: From Wednesday’s game, Dallas Stars’ Karlis Skraskins has a broken nose and chipped tooth and Matt Niskanen suffered a cut on his hand that required 10 stitches. Toby Petersen was put on the IR with a lower-body injury. Philip Larsen has been recalled and they may call up an extra forward. Kari Lehtonen will start tonight.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen has been battling a sore left hip for weeks. The team called up Danny Syvret just in case. Timonen added, “It’s not something that is going to go away in a week and it’s going to take a couple of weeks – at least. It’s going to be there for a while, but hopefully not longer than that.”
Gionta Habs new Captain? Neal and Niskanen close with Stars … Redden to AHL?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2010
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: La Presse is reporting that Brian Gionta will be named as the new Montreal Canadiens captain.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars feel they have made solid offers to James Neal and Matt Niskanen, and GM Joe Nieuwendyk thinks they are close. They are trying to Neal on a 2 year deal, and Niskanen on a 1 year deal. The team has an internal budget of $45 million.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Agent Don Meehan expects the Dallas Stars and James Neal to reach a deal by the start of training camp.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: Jordan Staal is likely to miss the start of the season after having an operation to cure the infection in his foot.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers may looking into trading for Sheldon Souray. It’s an extreme longshot that Wade Redden makes the club, he’s expected to be put on waivers, removing his $6.5 million cap hit.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Unless Wade Redden has an excellent camp/pre-season, he’ll likely be sent to the AHL, giving the Rangers the cap relief they need.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Jakub Voracek will be a RFA at seasons end. It is not known if there have been any talks, but Voracek’s side may want to hold off until after the season in hope that he has a big year. Portzline thinks they will get a deal done sooner than later.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Marco Sturm is on track to return to the Bruins in mid-November after having surgery on his left knee 6 months ago. Sturm will be put on LTIR and save the club a $3.5 million cap hit, but once he comes back they’ll need to clear space, with Michael Ryder being demoted to the AHL a possibility.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Patrick Elias will start the season on left wing according to coach John MacLean. That would make a 3rd line left winger, or MacLean will move one of Ilya Kovalchuk or Zach Parise, who are ahead of him on the LW depth chart.
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Majority Carolina Hurricanes owner, Peter Karmanos, is still trying to sell the minority share of the late Thomas Thewes. He’s been trying for 4 months, and there’s still a “for sale” on the club. He has looking for an investor to by the 49% share, but will look at a group of investors.
RFAs still looking to finalize contracts … Regehr admits he’s been shopped … Some UFAs hope to get deals soon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 9th, 2010
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars had talks with the agents for James Neal and Matt Niskanen on Tuesday. The team hopes to have them signed before the start of camp.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau expects Tomas Fleischmann to have a breakout season with the team. “Oh yeah. Those trade rumors, I think you can faithfully put all of them to bed,” Boudreau told Sporting News. “We laugh at so many of them that have no substance. I don’t know who makes them up. Some people have very vivid imaginations.”
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: There has been lots of ‘chatter’ between the Rangers and Marc Staal side, but there’s no word on a forthcoming deal.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: No deal between the Anaheim Ducks and Bobby Ryan yet, continuing to talk.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr has been linked to trade rumors this summer, and didn’t deny it. “Have I been approached about (a trade)?” repeated Regehr yesterday during a suddenly awkward exchange. “Ahhhhh, I can’t really … I’m not going to get into that. “It’s part of sports. That’s the way it is.” The Flames are over the salary cap, and Regehr’s $4 million salary (3 more years) could be one salary they might move out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Mike Mottau’s agent thinks the UFA will have a contract by the start of training camp. They don’t have any offers they are considering, but have been in touch with teams over the summer. It’s still possible that Mottau could return to the Devils, once they clear out a bunch of cap space. Jay Pandolfo is still looking for a contract, and has talked to a few teams according to his agent.
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke talks with Bob McCown on Prime Time Sports about the Kovalchuk contract and the Michael Liambas rookie camp invite.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have an agreement with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League, in which the teams an loan players to each other. Will the Bruins bury a contact in Europe to reduce their cap number?
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Bill Guerin is still skating with some Flyers, and is still hopeful something can be worked out with the team.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Marcus Nilson has reportedly been invited to the New Jersey Devils training camp.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers. The 26-year old Meech has played 126 games in the last 4 years.
- Sherri Zickefoose of the Calgary Herald: Former NHLer Jason Smith has been arrested for domestic assault. Smith is being charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement against his wife and teenaged daughter.
No truth to Kaberle, Rosehill for Brown … Another Forsberg comeback? Donovan, Pisani looking for a deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 13th, 2010
- There was a rumor floating around the internet last night that the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Tomas Kaberle and Jay Rosehill to the Los Angeles Kings for Dustin Brown. The report was tied to Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider but he had nothing to do it. All of it was false. Spector’s Hockey via twitter sums it up the best: “So, to sum up, folks: No truth to rumor the Leafs were about to trade Kaberle to the Kings for Dustin Brown. Total BS.” Daniel Tolensky (of TSN) via twitter: ”Does anyone really think Kings will trade their 25-year old Captain who scored 81 G over 3 yrs & has 4 yrs left @ $3.175 mil for Kaberle?”. Tolensky tweets that a top-6 forward for Kaberle would be bad contract (Malone)/project (Stafford)/prospect (Moller) and a pick, either a 1st or 2nd. Tolensky also thinks that Drew Stafford and a pick could be fair option for Kaberle.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy can see Kaberle going to Boston, and Marc Savard going to Ottawa. (A 3-team, inter-division trade, unheard of. I don’t know what Toronto would get/want from Ottawa’s roster.)
- Kevin Allen via twitter: There’s a Swedish media report that Peter Forsberg is thinking about returning to the NHL.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Answering some questions from a reader. The Stars have 20 players under contract for next season at $40.6 million, and they should be able to get James Neal, Nicklas Grossman, and Matt Niskanen under contract, under their internal cap ceiling. The Stars will probably hold tough on their offers. Heika thinks the Stars could be offering Neal a 2 year deal for $5 million, Grossman at around $2 million per season for 3-4 years, and Niskanen a 1-year deal for around $1 million.
- George Malik of MLive: Andreas Lilja finds it “tough” and “a little frustrating” being without an NHL contract for season. The frustration comes from the family side of things and not on the professional side, finding a home, enrolling kids in school. Lilja’s theory as to why there are still so many free agents out there, “They want to drive down salaries. At the same time, I believe that there are many teams that want to attract younger players and give them a chance to play”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Shean Donovan is hoping to get one more shot at the NHL. He’s 49 games short of 1,000. He’s talked to a couple teams, not no solid offers yet. He has 2 offers in Europe but will wait it out for a bit.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The 33-year Fernando Pisani is still hoping to play in the NHL next season, on a 1-way contract. He’s unsure if he’d take a 2-way deal or a training camp invite.
The Guy who won’t sign … Elias hoping for Kaberle … Neal and Stars not close
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 14th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk left Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon, his agent stayed to have more talks with GM Dean Lombardi, but left last night without a deal in place. There were rumors that the talks were off yesterday, but also rumors that things were progressing. The Kings wouldn’t say anything. I can’t wait for all this to be over, I’m getting tired of reading/writing about it, sign for $8 million and be done with it.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: With the re-signing of Daniel Carcillo yesterday, and with the Darrol Powe still remaining, the Flyers could be about $2.75 million over the cap. Simon Gagne is most likely on his way out according to reports, the LA Kings, Maple Leafs and Rangers showing interest.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Patrick Elias throws out his 2-cents saying the Devils should trade for Tomas Kaberle. He also thinks that Petr Sykora should get a tryout with the team. He hasn’t heard from Kovalchuk, and doesn’t know his intentions.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Maple Leafs still listening to offers for Tomas Kaberle according to source in the front office.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika believes the Stars have offered James Neal a 2 year deal worth $2.5 million a season, but Neal wants more money and a longer term. He isn’t sure what the Stars want to sign Nicklas Grossman for. They’d probably like to keep Matt Niskanen at his $900,000 qualifying offer. Heika doesn’t think any will get an offer sheet, and they could let Neal sit out part of training if they have to as they have plenty of left wingers.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Nothing new regarding Marc Savard.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Blake Wheeler’s arbitration hearing is set for July 27th, but both sides would like to avoid it. They are expected to go to arbitration with recently acquired Gregory Campbell on the 22nd.
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: The Capitals and Tomas Fleischmann are “talking” according to GM George McPhee, but didn’t sound like anything was imminent.
- Aaron Portzline via Twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson hasn’t had any contract extension talks with the Steve Mason or Jakub Voracek, but hasn’t ruled it out for later in the summer.
Stamkos Almost a Ranger … Stars that Could be on the Block … Ovie has Advice for Filatov … Leafs-Gustavsson talking contract
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 5th, 2010
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather said he ‘shook hands’ on a deal with Lightning co-owner Len Barrie last year, that would have sent Steven Stamkos to the Rangers for 2 or 3 of Michael Del Zotto, Evgeny Grachev, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Dan Girardi. When Barrie took the proposed deal to GM Brian Lawton, Lawton shot it down. Barrie, still wanting to make the deal only needed approval from the other co-owner, Oren Koules. Koules shot it down as well.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks that several Dallas Stars could be moved this off-season. Possible candidates are Mike Ribeiro, Brad Richards, Matt Niskanen, Fabian Brunnstrom, and James Neal. Neal could be moved if they got a huge return. Ribeiro and Richards are tied together, in that if they can`t get Richards to sign an extension (contract expires after next season), they could move him. If they get Richards on an extension, Ribeiro could be expendable.
- Columbus Post-Dispatch: Alex Ovechkin has some advice for Nikita Filatov:
Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, left, thinks that Blue Jackets prospect Nikita Filatov, a fellow Russian, must come back to the NHL from the Continental Hockey League. “If he wants to play in the NHL, he has to see how different players step up and play,” Ovechkin said.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader writes in and asks Molinari if the Penguins can/will re-sign Matt Cooke. If Cooke will re-sign for around the same $1.2 million cap hit, they’ll definitely consider it. If not, they have Dustin Jeffrey that might be ready to step in for that role.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Tomas Vanek (lower body) and Tim Connolly (foot) are still not close to returning to practice. The Sabres must be praying that they’ll be ready for the playoffs.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The 37-year-old Daniel Alfredsson will play his 1,000th game on Thursday. Alfie is still scoring at a point-a-game pace, and GM Bryan Murray figures he still has another 3 good years left.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Chris Mason steady play this season may earn him a contract extension with the Blues, and bide some time while they decide on who will be their goalie of the future. In their organization they have, Ben Bishop, Joe Fallon, and Jake Allen, but anyone of them may not be the answer they are looking for. Trading for Cory Schneider continues to be an option, but the Canucks may still want David Backes, which won’t happen. Price or Halak is another trade option, but they’d be in competition with several other teams.
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Preliminary talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jonas Gustavsson have begun, but Gustavsson isn`t paying attention to the financial side until after the season.
Surgery for Hedjuk, No action on Filatov yet, Spezza could be back Saturday, Komisarek return this week?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 18th, 2010
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch: The Blue Jackets haven’t received any trade action on Nikita Filatov. It would be hard for a team to trade for a player who’s already bolted to the KHL after 1+ seasons in the NHL, and has complained about the AHL and his playing time on numerous occasions, all before the age of 20. Sounds like a headache to me. And you’ll also have to offer top notch prospects or high draft picks since Filatov was high pick 2 years ago.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Stars would trade struggling Dman Matt Niskanen, I doubt it. He would bet $20 that Ray Whitney will end up in Pittsburgh.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Milan Hedjuk will have an arthroscopic procedure done on his right knee, and will be out of the lineup for 2 to 4 weeks. He had surgery done on the same knee 3 years ago, but this procedure is minor.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Good news is finding it’s way to Ottawa lately. Daniel Alfredsson returned on Saturday, Filip Kuba should return today, Milan Michalek is close and Jason Spezza could be back within a week. A Saturday return against the Bruins is a possibility.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs defensive aspect of their game should improve this week as Mike Komisarek should return this week, and the same can be said for Wayne Primeau.
Around the Boards: Fri. Oct. 23rd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 23rd, 2009
- If The Globe and Mail isn`t on your daily list of sites to read, you should add it. Aside from excellent hockey coverage, they also have a weekly podcast, done every Thursday I think. Here is yesterday`s podcast.
- James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail: Ron Wilson has his fingers crossed that Jonas Gustavsson can go Saturday against the Canucks, but Monday against Anaheim is more likely. Struggling blueliner, Luke Schenn, found himself without a defensive partner at practice. Could he be the odd man out on Saturday?
- Kevin Dupont of the Boston Globe: It doesn`t look like Brendan Shanahan is on the Boston Bruins radar to fill the roster spot, though 1 team is apparently considering him. But Shanahan agent, Rick Curran said “You know, roster limits, salary-cap restrictions. It’s just a matter of remaining patient and ready.’’
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers have juggled their top 2 lines with Bryan Little joining Todd White and Slava Kozlov. Their 1st line now consists of Ilya Kovalchuk, Nik Antropov and Max Afinogenov.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Ryan Kesler is in the final year of his contract, earning $1.75 million this year, and is looking for a contract extension, and potentially a lot more money. Kesler`s agent has already met with Canucks management on several occassions.
- Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register: Anaheim Ducks forward, Evgeny Artyukhin, was suspended for 3 games for slew footing Dallas Stars defenceman, Matt Niskanen in Wednesday nights game. This is Artyukhin`s 3rd time being suspended. Nishanen left the game, and did not play last night.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook, both injured on Wednesday, did not practice yesterday. Coach Joel Quenneville said both are progressing and could play Saturday.



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