Posts Tagged Matthew Lombardi

Lombardi to be at Leafs training camp … Kostitsyn not happy with Canadiens coach Martin … Shirokov may return one day … Stars sale progressing

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2011

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke won’t rush Matthew Lombardi back. “It’s too soon to tell,” Burke told Sun Media. “As we always do with head injuries, we’ll err on the side of caution.” Lombardi has been out since Oct. 13 2010 with a concussion.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: On Lombardi, “He says he is going be at training camp, and our guys believe he will,” Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said. “He feels really good,” Burke said. “The most recent medical report we had on him is that the remaining discomfort he’s having isn’t concussion-related.” Blues forward David Perron won’t be ready for training camp but they hope he will play at some point this season. Perron has yet to train or be given clearance to go on the ice. Word is that Sidney Crosby is training and will be ready for the start of training camp. Jonas Hiller is feeling better (vertigo) and will be ready for camp. Bryce Salvador missed last season with a concussion is expected to be at camp. Predators defenseman Francis Bouillon, out since January with a concussion, had a setback recently but they hope he can attend camp. Chris Pronger hopes to be ready for the start of the regular season, but may miss start of camp. Evgeni Malkin has recovered from ACL surgery and will be ready.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks the Canadiens should look at trading Andrei Kostitsyn after he made comments to a Belarus hockey site about his frustration with coach Jacques Martin.

    “I can’t guess about next season,” Kostitsyn told reporter Alexander Yankovich. “My relationship with the coach is not too good.

    “It wasn’t me who started to play badly,” Kostitsyn added. “It’s just that I was being put into (the) third and fourth line. I’ve tried talking to (Martin) more than once. But he doesn’t care.”

    Last season he played with at least one of Gomez, Plekanec, Gionta and Cammalleri more than 80% of the time. The addition of Erik Cole and development of Max Pacioretty may bump Kostitsyn to the 3rd line. The Coyotes, Islanders and Avalanche are under the cap floor and may be interested in his $3.25 million cap hit. His brother Sergei is in Nashville who might be interested.

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues coach Davis Payne is in the last year of his contract. If they are able to contend, it’s likely they’ll retain him. If the Blues fall short, questions will be raised if he should be extended or not.
  • Slava Malamud via twitter: Panthers forward Sergei Shirokov said that he’s not burning his NHL bridges and would consider returning after his 3 year contract with CSKA of the KHL is done.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Tom Gaglardi may be in New York trying to get through all the paperwork needed to buy the Dallas Stars. The sale my not be “any day” as noted by some people. Lawyers, lenders, the NHL and the Stars are going through paperwork as well. They are closer than they were 2 weeks ago, and noboby knows when the lawyers will be happy with everything.

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Maple Leafs notes on Schenn and Lombardi … Selanne to wait until September … Campoli getting interest from 6 teams

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2011

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that Luke Schenn will get a multi-year deal worth around $10 million. A deal similar to the one Erik Johnson got (2 years at $2.6 million) could be a perfect deal for the Leafs. A short-term deal like that may not be what Schenn is looking for.  Schenn’s agent, Don Meehan, may be looking for a 4 year deal (Schenn would be a UFA in 4 years) at $4 million a season. Assistant GM Claude Loiselle is handling negotiations and they may be looking at a 3 or 5 year deal in the $2.5-3 million range.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne has told a Finnish paper that he will wait until September to decide if he will play next season or retire. He wants to make sure that his knee has heeled properly before committing to another season. Selanne spoke with Ducks GM Bob Murray last week, and will do so again next week.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Matthew Lombardi is making progression in his recovery from a concussion. He likely won’t be ready for the start of the season, but isn’t far off.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: 6 teams have shown interest in defenseman Chris Campoli. A decision could be made in the next week or so.

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The Maple Leafs and Nashville pull off a 4 player trade

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on July 3rd, 2011

The Toronto Maple Leafs trade defenseman Brett Lebda and forward Robert Slaney to the Nashville Predators for center Matthew Lombardi and defenseman Cody Franson. James Mirtle via twitter: “If Lombardi plays 60 games, Preds get a fourth-rounder in 2013. If he doesn’t, Leafs get one.”

Lombardi carries a $3.5 million cap for the next 2 seasons. Franson carries a $800,000 cap hit and will be an RFA after next season.

Lebda carries a $1.45 million cap hit this season. Slaney is on the last year of his entry level deal, and would carry a $575,000 cap hit.

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Video link to Heatley hit … Afternoon injury updates … Preds-Weber talks on hold till off-season

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 16th, 2011

  • TSN: Link to video of SJ-Dallas game. Dany Heatley to have hearing regarding his head shot today. Douglas Murray also delived a questionable hit to Loui Eriksson.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Stars coach Marc Crawford via text about Erickson, “He’s doing well. Day off for whole team. Loui will be re evaluated tomorrow and we will see then.”
  • Craig Custance via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that contract extension talks with defenseman Shea Weber are on hold until the off-season.
  • Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames forward Daymond Langkow will skate with teammates today (no contact jersey), he’s been out a year.
  • Kevin Allen via twitter: Predators GM Poile hasn’t ruled out a Matthew Lombardi (concussion) return this year, but Poile hasn’t seen anything to say that he will.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Matt Carkner had knee surgery last week and is likely done for the season, out 4 weeks.
  • Mike Vogel via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will be in net for the Capitals tonight. Erskine and Fehr are out. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun spoke with Boudreau who said Jason Arnott will be out until early April at the earliest, Backstrom is day-to-day.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Marek Zidlicky is questionable for tomorrow night. Guillaume Latendresse had an MRI and is out Thursday, questionable for weekend.

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Ron Wilson’s job is “Safe” … Krejci out with concussion … Schneider trade bait eventually

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 8th, 2010

  • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Brian Burke has said Ron Wilson’s job as the Toronto Maple Leafs coach is “safe”. While he’s not in panic mode, there’s no question he’d like to increase the teams talent level.

    “I’m told (Wilson) got blasted in the media today. Let me ask you a question. Did Ron play poorly last night? No. Why don’t you guys focus on the players who played poorly last night instead of questioning the coach.”

    “It’s a very bizarre twist to this market place that when players play poorly, the coach gets hollered at. This is new for me. In Vancouver when the players played poorly, the players got blasted so I’m perplexed by this.”

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Colorado Avalanche have 3 players out with concussions, Peter Mueller, Adam Foote, and Kyle Cumiskey. Tom Poti has a groin injury for the 4th straight season. The New Jersey Devils have used 7 rookies so far this season. Matthew Lombardi hasn’t played a game for the Nashville Predators this season, he hasn’t even begun skating. Cory Schneider has played excellent for the Canucks so far this season, but you know they’ll have to trade him in the next year or 2, as the they have Robert Luongo locked up for an other 12 years. The Canucks should get a nice package for him.
  • Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins announced yesterday that center David Krejci suffered a concussion Saturday night in OT, and could be out a week. Krejci took a hit from TJ Oshie, falling backwards and hitting his head off the boards.
  • Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: St. Louis Blues forward David Perron missed Saturday’s game, he left their morning practice with dizziness and headaches. Perron was hit by Joe Thornton on Thursday, he did practice on Friday though.
  • I like to take a 2nd to make note of injuries to my fantasy team this week: Phaneuf, Doan, Krejci, Perron and Pitkanen. Explicit!
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils coach John MacLean was hesitant to say that Brian Rolston will be in the lineup Wednesday, “I don’t know. Have to go in progression with how he feels. Right now I’m happy he’s practicing.”

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Doan gets 3 games … Prospal out 6-8 weeks … Pavelec cleared for Practice … Green back on ice … plus more

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 18th, 2010

  • Chris Botta via twitter: New York Rangers forward Vinny Prospal will be out 6-8 weeks after having surgery today.
  • Katie Carrera via twitter: Mike Green was out on the ice today for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury last week. Tom Poti was out on the ice as well.
  • Ben Wright of Blueland Blog: Ondrej Pavelec passed his post-concussion test and has been medically cleared to practice. No timetable has been set for when he’ll return to game action.
  • Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas: Jamie Benn is out of tonight’s game with concussion-like symptoms, it’s 3rd game he’s missed. Kari Lehtonen will start tonight.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Florida Panthers have put Kendal McArdle on waivers. The Anaheim Ducks have put Brendan Mikkelson on waivers.
  • Joshua Cooper via twitter: Matthew Lombardi will miss the next 4 games with a concussion, will be re-evaluated next Monday.

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Matthew Lombardi Signs With The Nashville Predators

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on July 2nd, 2010

“Matthew Lombardi is headed out of the desert and into the Music City, signing a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Nashville Predators.

The 28-year-old centre had spent the last two seasons with the Coyotes before becoming a free agent.” (Source:TSN)

It’s just my opinion but this is the guy the Calgary Flames should have brought back…

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Rumors from Leafland

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

  • Domien Cox via Twitter: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs could look at Paul Martin, ahead of Dan Hamhuis, if the bidding isn’t crazy.
  • Mark Seidel via Twitter: Raffi Torres has been telling people that he’ll be signing the Maple Leafs on July 1st.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between Nikolai Kulemin and the Maple Leafs are progressing but ‘a deal is not imminent’. Those talks have been put on hold as Nonis and Burke prepare for today. Kulemin still thinks he should be paid like a first line winger, in the $3 million range. John Mitchell, Wayne Primeau and Jamie Lundmark will hit the free agent market. The Leafs may revisit them later on if they are not signed, and other Leaf options don’t work out.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Likely targets for Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs: Colby Armstrong, Raffi Torres, and Dan Hamhuis. ‘Next in Line’ for Leafs: Manny Malhotra, Paul Martin, Aaron Asham. ‘Longshot’ Ilya Kovalchuk.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: It could be a slow free agent day for the Leafs. It’s speculated that Burke has no interest in Kovalchuk, too much money for too long of term. With a weak free agent class, Burke and Nonis seem more focused on trades. Possible free agent targets could be Matthew Lombardi, Colby Armstrong, Dan Hamhuis and Paul Martin.

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Maple Leafs looking at Free Agent market … Kaberle thinks he’ll be dealt … Coyotes focusing on Zbynek Michalek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 30th, 2010

  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will be active when the NHL free agency period opens up tomorrow. Burke may target Dan Hamhuis, if he can’t come to terms with the Penguins by tomorrow. He could then deal a Dman or 2 for a top forward. Matthew Lombardi could be a possibility down the middle. Colby Armstrong could bring some grit, but he could look at heading back to Pittsburgh (plus he will most likely want too much money). Burke has said again he isn’t interested in Kovalchuk.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: “It seems I will probably be dealt this time,” Kaberle told the Czech paper Dnes (Today). “You know, a trade may be good for me and may fill me with new energy and hunger. I do not oppose a trade. Although I love Toronto, a trade is not something I will go crazy about (if it happens.)” Kaberle went on to say he’d like to go to a team and win the Stanley Cup.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Boston Bruins won’t be that active in the free agent market, as they already have about $54 million in contracts for 2010-11. Daniel Paille, Gregory Campbell, Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart, and Adam McQuaid are free agents. Paille wasn’t qualified, but continues to talk with Chiarelli. Wheeler and Stuart may be headed to arbitration, Wheeler made $2.5 million last year. The Bruins will look to trades to fill out their roster. They’re  looking for a #3 goalie (or #2 if they can move Tim Thomas) and some depth along the blueline. The Bruins inquired about a Marc Savard – Tomas Kaberle deal at the draft but were turned down.
  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: 3 potential players who may receive offer sheets: James Neal (Dal), Bobby Ryan (Ana), and Marc Staal (NYR). The Maple Leafs are said to have some interest in Marc Savard and Mike Ribeiro, but any trade may not happen for a couple weeks. The Leafs and Nikolai Kulemin are making some progress on a deal for the restricted free agent.
  • Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Phoenix Coyotes are focusing on re-signing defenseman Zbynek Michalek before the start of free agency. Michalek made $1.5 million last season, and will look to at least double it, possibly in the $4 million range. Matthew Lombardi and Lee Stempniak are other free agents for the Coyotes but it doesn’t look like they’ll be back.
  • Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: The Philadelphia Flyers could use a right winger to play on the top line with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne, or on the 3rd line with Claude Giroux and James vanRiemsdyk. The Flyers might bring back Arron Asham. Matthew Lombardi would be a good fit for the team, but he’d have to move from center to the wing. Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya could also fit, but money would play a part for them. The Flyers could have about $5-6 million to sign a goalie, dman and a forward.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: Big contracts that the Tampa Bay Lightning have may limit what they can do in the free agent market. Vinny Lecavalier, Ryan Malone, Mattias Ohlund, Andrej Meszaros and Matt Walker’s contract amount to $139.525 million  over 28 years. Each player underachieved last season. Yzerman doesn’t know his budget yet for next season (not a good thing when free agency starts tomorrow).

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Top 25 NHL Free Agents for 2010

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on June 30th, 2010

Here is our Top 25 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents list for 2010. It has been labelled a weak crop for this years NHL unrestricted free agents, especially if you’re looking for scoring help. There are a several defenseman that should draw plenty of interest. In putting together this list, we took into consideration age, position, and likelihood of signing with a new team (ie. Nicklas Lidstrom would only sign with Detroit, so we left him off the list). Check out a complete list of 2010 NHL free agents.

Rk. Player

2009-10 Team
Pos.
Age
09-10

Cap #
 Notes
1 Ilya Kovalchuk
NJ
LW
26
$7,500,000
 Re-signed with New Jersey, 15 years, $100 million.
2 Patrick Marleau
SJ
C
29
$6,300,000
 Re-signed with the Sharks. 4 years, $27.6 million.
3 Anton Volchenkov
OTT
D
27
$3,200,000
 Signs with the Devils. 6 years, $25.5 million.
4 Paul Martin
NJ
D
28
$4,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $25 million.
5 Evgeni Nabokov
PHI
G
33
$6,000,000
 Signs with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 4 years, $6 million
6 Tomas Plekanec
MON
C
26
$2,750,000
 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 6 years, $30 million.
7 Dan Hamhuis
PIT
D
26
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Canucks. 6 years, $27 million.
8 Alexander Frolov
LA
LW
27
$4,000,000
 Signs with the Rangers. 1 year, $3 million.
9 Sergei Gonchar
PIT
D
35
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Ottawa Senators. 3 years, $16.5 million.
10 Marty Turco
DAL
G
33
$5,400,000
 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1.3 million.
11 Zbynek Michalek
PHO
D
26
$1,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $20 million.
12 Alexei Ponikarovsky
PIT
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Kings. 1 year, $3 million ($3.2 mill. cap hit)
13 Matthew Lombardi
PHO
C
27
$2,350,000
 Signed with the Predators. 3 years, $10.5 million.
14 Dan Ellis
MON
G
29
$2,000,000
 Signs with the Lightning. 2 years, $3 million.
15 Dennis Seidenberg
BOS
D
27
$2,250,000
 Re-signed with the Bruins. 4 years, $13 million.
16 Pavel Kubina
ATL
D
32
$5,000,000
 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $7.7 million.
17 Chris Mason
STL
G
33
$3,000,000
 Signs with the Thrashers. 2 years, $3.7 million
18 Henrik Tallinder
BUF
D
30
$3,250,000
 Signed with the Devils. 4 years, $13.5 million.
19 Maxim Afinogenov
ATL
RW
30
$800,000
 Signed in the KHL. 5 years.
20 Toni Lydman
BUF
D
31
$3,150,000
 Signed with the Ducks. 3 years, $9 million.
21 Lee Stempniak
PHO
RW
26
$3,500,000
 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $3.8 million.
22 Olli Jokinen
NYR
C
30
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Flames. 2 years, $6 million.
23 Alex Tanguay
TB
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.7 million.
24 Willie Mitchell
VAN
D
32
$3,500,000
 Signed with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million.
25 Michael Leighton
PHI
G
28
$600,000
 Re-signed with the Flyers. 2 years, $3.1 million.

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Not many trades at the draft, but that could change now … Savard to Leafs?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 28th, 2010

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It appears that the Toronto Maple leafs are considering trading for Marc Savard. Savard is willing to waive his no trade clause for either Toronto or Ottawa. Savard received a concussion from a Matt Cooke hit last season, and has a cap hit of about $4 million for 7 years. His contract is front end loaded. Cox thinks it could be a risky pick up for the Leafs but one the Leafs may not be able to resist. It is speculated that if the LA Kings don’t sign Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look at Tomas Kaberle. The Lightning also showed some interest in Kaberle, and could offer up Ryan Malone.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The price to acquire Marc Savard will be much cheaper than that for Tim Thomas. Savard may not be a ‘Burke-type’ player, but adding Phil Kessel’s old center is intriguing. Burke can’t say much due to tampering rules. Kaberle is not expected to be in any talks for Savard. McGran thinks the Bruins could be talked into Mikael Grabovski. Savard’s salary and his concussion last year could bring down the price.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs won’t do a Kaberle for Savard deal. Rumors are floating around that GM Peter Chiarelli has downgraded his demands for Savard, possibly prospects and/or draft picks. Longley thinks the Leafs could get Savard for Grabovski or Nikolai Kulemin and others. Things for Kaberle could pick on later on this week for Tomas Kaberle, to land another top forward.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Ottawa Senators are unable to re-sign Andy Sutton and Anton Volchenkov, they could take a look at Sheldon Souray. Jonathan Cheechoo could be included as they’d need the cap numbers to be similar, the Oilers could then buyout Cheechoo as they have the space to absorb the cap hit. Defensemen Brian Lee and Chris Campoli may also be on the trading block. The Senators may take a look at signing Dan Hamhuis or Sergei Gonchar if they become available.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Penguins are trying to sign recently acquired UFA, Dan Hamhuis. They are also still talking Sergei Gonchar, who wants a 3 year deal, which he won’t get from Pittsburgh. If they can’t reach an agreement soon, they’ll look to trade his rights. The Devils acquired Jason Arnott a couple weeks ago in hope of getting Patrick Elias going. The Buffalo Sabres were originally looking to draft a forward, but went with Mark Pysyk. The Minnesota Wild won’t be bring Owen Nolan back next season. He’d like to finish his career in San Jose but Pittsburgh and Washington would give him a better chance to win the cup. The Washington Capitals are looking for a number 2 center in the $3.5 million range or less (I think Matthew Lombardi could be an interesting fit, though in this weak free agent crop, he may get more than $3.5 mill).
  • Damian Cristero of the St. Petersberg Times: There was talk over the weekend that the Tampa Bay Lightning showed interest in trading for Tomas Kaberle, and the rights to Evgeni Nabokov and Chris Mason. It might take a Ryan Malone to get Kaberle, which may not make sense for them. Nabokov’s rights went to the Flyers. Yzerman doesn’t expect to make a big splash in free agency, though he will be looking at adding a goalie. Options could be: Mason, Marty Turco, Michael Leighton, Dan Ellis, Martin Biron and Jose Theodore.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: While most teams shied away from the Russians at the draft, the Capitals picked up 2 of the top Russians, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Stanislav Galiev. GM George McPhee believes the lure of playing with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin, while give some Russians a stronger desire to play in the NHL.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Columbus GM Scott Howson on how it can be hard to make a trade at the draft, “It’s very difficult to go to a team right at the draft table and say ‘Do you want this player?’ because they haven’t thought about it and haven’t done enough work on it, so they get uncomfortable with it. They’re focused on the draft.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Teams weren’t that focused on trading/unloading players at the draft, they were more concentrated on drafting players or trading for draft picks, moving up or down.

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Spezza for #2 “Outlandish” … Kovalchuk situation … Center options for Gaborik … Price for Penner?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on June 15th, 2010

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Fluto calling Spezza to Bruins for the 2nd overall pick, “outlandish”.  He gives 5 reasons as to why it won’t happen. Do you think? Not a chance the Bruins would do that. That’s a Maple Leaf style rumor suggested by some crazed fan who calls in to a Fan 590 radio show (and starts off the call with “long time listener, first time caller”) or posted by some anonymous blogger.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils are still talking, but appears he’ll test the market (which doesn’t mean he won’t return to the Devils). Kovalchuk’s agent wouldn`t comment on the reports out of Russia about the supposed KHL offers. LeBrun (and many others) think the LA Kings is the prime landing spot for Kovalchuk, as they have the cap room and are a team that is seriously close to contending. Brian Burke told ESPN that they are not going to be involved in Kovalchuk talks. 10 or more teams have contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs about trading for Tomas Kaberle, but nothing serious at this point, which will probably change by the draft.
  • Timo Seppa and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: The Rangers could use someone to play with Marian Gaborik, and it doesn’t look like anyone on their current rosters is able to fit the bill. One option could be trading for Tim Connelly, though Hradek doesn’t agree with that suggestion. If they could fit it into their cap situation, Patrick Marleau would be worth a look. Tomas Plekanec and Matthew Lombardi may be the best options for the Rangers.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero said talks with his free agents will increase this week. He has 8 UFA’s, with Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke drawing the most interest. He’s had preliminary talks with both, and both have shown an interest to return.
  • Tom Awad and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Everyone and their mother knows that the Montreal Canadiens are a small team and need to get bigger. One off-season option would be for them to trade Carey Price for Oilers winger Dustin Penner (I’m not sure if straight up would work). The Oilers still have the Bulin wall but might be able to include him in a larger deal (I don’t see that happening as he’s a $4 million cap hit for 3 more years). 2 other options could be free agents Alexei Ponikarovsky or Freddy Modin.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: After reviewing a contract offer from the Atlanta Thrashers, Maxim Aginogenov and his agent agree that they are not close on the terms of the deal. The Thrashers and Colby Armstrong are also not close on a deal. There were also reports that Atlanta had signed Swedish winger Fredrick Pettersson, but those are false for the moment at least.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Vancouver Canucks winger Alex Burrows underwent shoulder surgery last week to repair a torn labrum, and may have to start next season without him. The shoulder started bugging him half way through the season, and affected his play down the stretch and in the playoffs.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Nothing is set in stone yet, but it appears that Doug Weight will be returning to the New York Islanders next season.

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Blackhawks off-season talk … Plekanec out-priced Montreal? Quick hits on Free Agents from Hradek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 5th, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Hradek talked to Scott Niedermayer on if he’ll retire or not. A decision will be made in the next few weeks, Hradrek thinks he’ll retire. Where Ilya Kovalchuk signs is anyones guess, but Hradek doesn’t think it will be in New Jersey, with LA making the most sense. Paul Martin will have many suitors if he hits free agency. Marty Turco may be a good option for San Jose Sharks if they don’t bring back Evgeni Nabokov. He also goes on to say that if the Florida Panthers could move Tomas Vokoun, Turco would be a good fit. Dan Hamhuis could get plenty of interest if he doesn’t re-sign in Nashville, but it may come down to his asking price. Matthew Lombardi will get plenty of interest as well, he’s a solid 2-way player with a good offensive game, who’ll need a raise from his $1.817 million cap number. The St. Louis Blues would like to keep the 34-year old Chris Mason, but he may want to see how much more than the $3 million (last year’s number) he can get on the open market. Alexander Frolov may have worn out his welcome in LA (wanting $5 million plus will probably scare away many team).
  • Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald: Teams are getting an extended look at the Chicago Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup run, and are getting excited about what players might be available over the summer as the Hawks look to shed contracts. Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp are the most likely candidates. David Bolland would have been a potential candidate to moved, but his value has increased during the playoffs, and they may look to keep him. Dustin Byfuglien value has also increased tremdously and may have earned him another year in Chicago. After talk from the GM meetings, no teams are interested in taking on Cristobal Huet or Brian Campbell’s contract. The Blackhawks also have to worry about offer sheets for Hjalmarsson, Niemi and Ladd.
  • Jean-Francois Chaumont of Radio-Canada: After coming off a 70 point season, Tomas Plekanec is hoping to cash in a nice contract, rumored to be in the $5-6 million range. He’d like to stay in Montreal, but his asking price may be too high for the Canadiens. Plekanec’s agent, Brian Curran, met with Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier after the Canadiens were eliminated and are expected to meet again soon. I don’t see him returning to the Canadiens, unless it’s in the $4-4.5 million range (and that might not be possible either). Some question his playoff performance. What may help Plekanec get more money than he may deserve would be a weak offensive free agent class.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Alexander Svitov is looking to return to the NHL after bolting to Russia two years ago.  Columbus still owns his rights after qualifying him last summer, but they have no plans on him returning to the team next season. He’ll become a unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

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Kulemin-Maple Leaf talks at a standstill … Zherdev wanting to return to NHL … Capitals looking for a #2 center

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 28th, 2010

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Nikolai Kulemin are at a standstill. It is rumored that Kulemin is after a $3 million a year contract, after putting up 36 points in 78 games. According to Brian Burke, “What he is asking for is not what we are prepared to pay”. I think $3 million is little much, but the threat of bolting to the KHL may increase his price. Kulemin started the year off slow, but his game, offensively and defensively, improved greatly as the season went along.
  • Jimmy Murphy via Twitter: A source told Murphy that Vincent Lecavalier would consider waiving his no movement clause for Boston, but he isn’t expecting to be dealt. I seen no reason why the Bruins would be interested in him with Savard, Bergeron, Krejci down the middle and his crazy contract.
  • Corey Masisak of CSNWashington: The Washington Capitals will be looking to add a #2 center and a top 4 defenseman this off-season. Masisak puts together a list of players who would fit the #2 center roll: Patrick Marleau, Saku Koivu, Matt Cullen, Tomas Plekanec, Matthew Lombardi, Eric Belanger, Brendan Morrison, and Vinny Prospal.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Moving up the off-season priority list for the Philadelphia Flyers is re-signing goalie Michael Leighton. The 29-year old waiver pickup will be unrestricted free agent at seasons end. After coming over from Carolina, Leighton put up a 16-5-2 record with a 2.48 GAA. So far in the playoffs he has a 5-1 record with a 1.37 GAA, .951 SV% and 3 shutouts.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Sharks: One goalies name who’s been left out of most discussions when it comes to the San Jose Sharks, is Swedish netminder Henrik Karlsson. The 26-year old, 6 foot 6 goalie posted a 2.45 GAA in 34 games with a .914 SV% with Farjestad.  Both sides are looking to extend his contract, though he might not be NHL ready yet.

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Changes to Senators Defense for Next Year … Short List for Lightning GM … Coyotes and Avalanche Off-Season

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 29th, 2010

  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Some big changes to the Senators defense could be coming this off-season. The Sens may not be willing to give Anton Volchenkov the $5 million a year he might get on the open market. Trade deadline acquisition, Andy Sutton, is 35-years-old and made $3.5 million last season, and will be looking for one more good contract before retirement. GM Bryan Murray thinks that prospects Patrick Wiercioch and Jared Cowen could be ready for the jump to the NHL next season. Other potential defenseman free agents that might be interested in playing for the Senators at a reasonable price are; Brian Pothier (former Sen), Sean O’Donnell (hometown), Shane Hnidy (former Sen), Zbynek Michalek (Milan’s brother), Kurtis Foster (lived close to Ottawa). On the forward side of things, they might look to re-sign Matt Cullen. They might have to turn to a trade to bring in some scoring if they are able to get some scoring from the free agent market.
  • Matt Paulson (AP) in the USA Today: The main off-season issue for the Phoenix Coyotes will be to find an owner once again. On the free agent side of things, which involves half their defensive corps, as well as forwards Matthew Lombardi and Lee Stempniak. Zbynek Michalek could be costly to keep around.
  • Darren Dreger of TSN: Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeffrey Vinik has a short list of potential GMs he likes, Dave Nonis, Doug Risebrough, and Steve Yzerman. It is rumored that the Red Wings have given the Lightning permission to speak with Yzerman. Vinik said before that he wanted to have a CEO in place before a GM was hired. Seattle Seahawks CEO, Tod Leiweke, has said previously he’s not a candidate, though some believe the details are being finalized for him to be named CEO.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Colorado Avalanche need to be bigger and faster along the blueline next season. Anyone of Kevin Shattenkirk, Colby Cohen, and Cameron Gaunce have a shot at making the team next fall. Chris Stewart and Peter Mueller will be looking for raises, both are coming off their entry level deals. The Avalanche do have the cap room to investigate adding a big name, but have shown lately that they may stick to rebuilding from in-house.
  • Helene Elliot of the LA Times: LA Kings coach Terry Murray would ‘absolutely’ like to Alexander Frolov back next year. It will probably come down to money, as Frolov is looking for a big deal, reportedly in the $5 million range.

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