Posts Tagged Maxim Afinogenov

Afinogenov to KHL … Where could Niemi end up? Mitchell taking physicals … “Nothing to report” on Kariya to Anaheim

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010

  • Noah Love of the National Post: Love offers a few guesses as to where Niemi could end up: Colorado, Washington, NY Islanders, Dallas, and Edmonton. Teams with cap issues that could use Niemi: Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ottawa, Montreal, and Chicago.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Willie Mitchell has taken physicals for a few teams. He could sign soon, and the deal could include performance bonuses because of the injuries he’s dealt with in the past. Russo thinks he could get a 1 year deal worth between $1-1.5 million plus bonuses. It won’t be to Minnesota. Washington and San Jose are possibilities. He’s met with Vancouver already.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg will be skating with MoDo, testing out injured foot once again. The Flyers, Rangers, Washington and Colorado could be interested teams if he attempts an NHL comeback.
  • Chris Custance of the Sporting News: So it’s safe to say that Cristobal Huet won’t be back the Blackhawks next season. His agent is working hard to keep him in the NHL, and not in the minors or Europe/KHL, which will be extremely hard. He’s working with the ‘Hawks to find a “reasonable destination” for Huet. Europe seems the most likely landing spot, with Hawks paying his full salary (won’t count against the cap).

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Setoguchi getting a 1 year deal … Caps interested in Niemi? Stars and Neal waiting it out

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

  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: The San Jose Sharks and Devin Setoguchi could be closing in on a 1-year deal, which could be done in the next week. They are also starting talks with Joe Thornton on an extension.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars and James Neal still haven’t been able to reach an agreement, both are playing the waiting game. The Stars could be looking for a 2 year deal in the $2.5 million range, with Neal wanting more. Possible comparables in Tomas Fleishmann and Mason Raymond signed in that range. Other RFA that could be used as comparables are Bobby Ryan, Devin Setoguchi, Chris Stewart and Patric Hornqvist.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Reading between the lines to Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman comments, other teams may be looking into Antti Niemi’s availability.
  • NHL Sources Say via twitter: If the Blackhawks don’t like Antti Niemi’s ruling and he becomes available, the Capitals could be interested.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have 7 defenseman under contract, and GM Steve Yzerman could be looking for 1 more. Yzerman would like to bring Paul Ranger back, but Ranger is not ready to make a decision at this time. Ranger missed most of last season due to personal reasons.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers still have some interest in bringing Maxim Afinogenov back, though negotiations may not be that active.

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Frolov getting interest from Rangers and Kings … Other Russian FA’s … Tampa Bay Lightning talk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Videos on July 26th, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Frolov’s agent has said the Rangers are very interested, and the LA Kings have shown interest in the last couple days.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: SKA of the KHL are interested in Alexander Frolov, Maxim Afinogenov, Denis Grebeskov and Ilya Kovalchuk according KHL President Medvedev (who owns the team).
  • The Hockey News video: Ryan Dixon, Ryan Kennedy, and Adam Proteau talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning. How Yzerman will fill out the roster, Victor Hedman’s development, Vinny Lecavalier, and Brett Connolly.

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Semin staying … Spezza happy … Columbus interested in Bieksa/Kaberle … Kings shopping Williams/Stoll

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 21st, 2010

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: An NHL GM told LeBrun that he heard that in the next CBA they’ll look to have the average of the five highest salaried years count against the cap. That’s one of several ideas that’s being tossed around.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: If Anton Stralman gets a ‘hefty’ salary from arbitration next Monday, the Blue Jackets may walk away from it. GM Scott Howson may start investigating other options, possibly Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle. There is a chance that the Blue Jackets could dangle Nikita Filatov as bait. For Bieksa they probably wouldn’t have to offer Filatov, a lesser prospect could work, unless the Canucks added more than Bieksa for Filatov. It’s not known if Filatov is the kind of player Burke is interested in. The Blue Jackets are reluctant to break up their top-6 forwards, which is what Burke covets for Kaberle.
  • NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Ryan Johnson and the Columbus Blue Jackets are closing in on a deal, 1 year between $850,000 and $900,000.
  • Michael Russo via twitter: Rumors that Nick Leddy could be heading back to the Blackhawks are untrue. Wild and Leddy are talking. In 2-3 weeks, it could be different though.

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Leafs and Lightning interested in Gagne … Filatov returning in August … No Modano in Anaheim

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 15th, 2010

  • Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: When asked if he’s interested in trading for Simon Gagne, Brian Burke said in an email, “Not at this time”. The Maple Leafs, Kings and Rangers are said to be interested. Fuller took Burke’s comments to mean that ‘talks are in the initial stages’. Trading for Gagne could be an affordable risk the Leafs could take, both for salary and injury wise. The Flyers would probably want a prospect in return as they are looking to shed salary. Fuller brings up the idea of shipping Kaberle to Boston or wh0ever for prospects, which in turn could be sent to Philly.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Flyers winger Simon Gagne. Gagne would give the Lightning 2 solid lines: Gagne-Lecavalier-St. Louis and Malone-Stamkos-Downie. The Lightning are about $14 million below the salary cap ceiling. The Lightning have 8 bodies along the blueline, and/or they have depth in ‘high-end goaltending prospects’. Would Gagne waive his no-trade clause for the Lightning?
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov will be returning to Columbus early/mid August, and he’s looking forward to returning to the NHL. Tyler Wright, the teams developmental coach was over in Russia for several days and came back impressed with Filatov. Filatov is excited about the new direction of the coaching staff.
  • ChicagoBreakingSports: The Chicago Blackhawks have turned their attention to goaltender Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration hearing is set for July 29th, but his agent Bill Zito would like to get something done before then. “We’re confident we have a good case, but with that said, there is always risk,” Zito said of the unpredictability of a hearing. “It’s just like going to court … Did O.J. (Simpson) really not do it?”
  • Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Nikolai Zherdev could find himself on the line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter if Simon Gagne is traded, or alongside Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There were rumors that the Anaheim Ducks were interested in signing Mike Modano, but that is not the case. From GM Bob Murray, “we are not involved in talks with Modano.” The Ducks don’t really need a centerman, but they could use some help on the blueline.
  • Mike Russo via Twitter: The Minnesota Wild won’t be signing Bobby Ryan to an offer sheet, they’ve traded away their 2nd round pick.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: From Maxim Afinogenov, “I wouldn’t mind staying in Atlanta but the current offers from the team are not satisfactory.”

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Kovalchuk and the Devils … Modano, Wings or retirement … Family concerns for Nabokov

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2010

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Nothing much has changed with Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils the past couple days. They are still considered the leading NHL candidate (maybe the only NHL candidate) to sign the Russian super-star. One thing that might be holding this up is that the Devils need to shed some salary before they can sign him, possibly as much as $6 million. The Devils have 8 players that have no-trade/no-movement clauses. Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) are the most likely candidates. The Devils could sign now, and would have all summer to shed the excess salary (teams are allowed to 10% over the salary cap during the summer, but have to be under by day 1 of the regular season).
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bill Guerin is still hoping to play next season. He’s had ‘minimal discussions’ with the Penguins and a few other teams. The Penguins are considering moving Malkin or Staal to the wing, and using a young winger or bringing back Guerin for the 3rd line. Everything still status quo on Kovalchuk according to Lou Lamoriello. The Anaheim Ducks are going to sit back on the Bobby Ryan front after he turned down a 5 year $25 million deal, and a 4 year $18.4 million deal. The Ducks are ready to wait and see if a team sends him an offer sheet, then decide to match it or take the compensation. See – Compensation for signing a RFA. Maxim Afinogenov is the 2nd highest UFA scorer, but still remains unsigned. John Madden is still available and not going to rush things, wants to make sure it’s a good fit.
  • Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: If New Jersey is looking to make some trades to sign Kovalchuk, he’s sure the Blues are looking into it. However, neither team is looking to take on salary.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Next set of negotiations for Evgeni Nabokov and SKA St. Petersburg is set for today. His concerns aren’t about money but over his family.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Former Wild Kim Johnsson is contemplating retirement due to concussions. Johnsson received a concussion with the Blackhawk that ended his season in March,  is still suffering symptoms, and has no “immediate plans to play” according to his agent. Pierre-Marc Bouchard is exercising at a slow, easy pace in hope of being ready for training camp. Russo thinks the Wild will add another defenseman, and he wouldn’t be surprised if the Wild make a big trade.
  • Chip Alexander via Twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has said they are considering 2 options: 1. Signing a Top 4 defenseman and allowing Jamie McBain to “ease into things” or option #2 having McBain as a Top 4 defenseman and re-signing Brett Carson or Alexander Picard. Re-signing Brian Pothier is an “outside possibility” but isn’t being ruled out.

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Leafs talking to Afinogenov … Yzerman still shopping … Bieksa receiving interest

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2010

David Pagnotta via Twitter: The Stars are still dangling Mike Ribeiro, but nothing is close.

Rob Rossi via Twitter: The Penguins will take the weekend to look at some trade possibilities. They’d like to add a veteran ‘character’ guy who is cheap.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Not saying the Maple Leafs will sign Maxim Afinogenov, but there’s been conversations.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Oilers won’t be putting Sheldon Souray through re-entry waivers, as they have zero interest in eating half his salary.

Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: Yzerman is still looking for a Dman, and has interest in forwards, only at the right price.

Jason Botchford via Twitter: 10 teams have called about Vancouver’s Kevin Bieksa.

David Pagnotta via Twitter: Willie Mitchell has a couple offers but nothing is close.

Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: 2 teams in the Northeast division have an interest in Nik Zherdev.

Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings are the only team to call Mike Modano so far.

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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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Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors

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

Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.

  • Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd,  both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
  • Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
  • Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.


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Boucher back Saturday? Rob Blake leaning to retirement … Nabokov would like to stay in San Jose … Yzerman needs to lock up Stamkos

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 27th, 2010

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Though it was speculated that his season was over after suffering sprained ligaments in both knees on May 10th, Brian Boucher returned to practice with the hope of dressing for game 1 on Saturday. He’ll travel with the team to Chicago on Friday. Though he’s experiencing a bit of pain, and it will continue for another month or so, doctors have said the injury has healed.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Signs are pointing to Rob Blake retiring from hockey according to a ‘source’ close to the situation. “You need time to unwind after the season and different things,” Blake said.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Evgeni Nabokov would like to return to the San Jose Sharks next season, but he realizes that decision may not be up to him. “Let’s face it, the mission is not accomplished yet,” he said of the Sharks’ goal of winning the Stanley Cup.  “I want to be a part of it, but I don’t know if it’s up to me.” Patrick Marleau is also a UFA and has said that he and his family like living in San Jose. When asked if he’d take a ‘hometown discount’, Marleau said “I’m not going to get in to that.”
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBCSports: Steve Yzerman is reported to now be the highest paid VP/GM in the league at $2.5 million a season for 5 years. Glen Sather reportedly makes more, but he is also the president. One of Yzerman’s important tasks will be locking Steven Stamkos up long term, next season will be his last on his entry level deal, and will make $875,000 base salary this year with a cap hit of $3.725 million with all bonuses included. Comparables for Stamkos will be: Crosby/Malkin – 5 years, $43.5 million, $8.7 million cap hit. Anze Kopitar – 7 years, $47.6 million, $6.8 million cap hit. Nicklas Backstom – 10 years, $67 million, $6.7 million cap hit. Paul Stastney – 5 years, $33 million, $6.6 cap hit. Toews/Kane – 5 years, $31.5 million, $6.3 million cap hit. Mike Richards – 12 years, $69 million, $5.75 million. Look for Stamkos to sign for below the Crosby/Malkin average ($8.7 million), but higher than Kopitar ($6.8 million).
  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Trading Jarome Iginla makes no sense for the Calgary Flames, on and off the ice. If they could be guaranteed to get a franchise player in return (top 2 pick in the draft), then it might be possible, but that probably won’t happen.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: After the St. Louis Blues organizational meetings wrap up on June 12th, the Blues GM Doug Armstrong wants to meet with UFA Chris Mason in person. Mason is 34-years old and made $3 million last season.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: According to Maxim Afinogenov’s agent Don Meehan, he’s received a one-year contract offer from the Atlanta Thrashers. Afinogenov’s was second in team scoring with 61 points after signing a one-year deal worth $800,000 last season. After some discussions, Colby Armstrong will not receive a contract offer from the Thrashers. He made $2.4 million last season.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings GM Dean Lombardi was on the 1260-AM and asked if Alexander Frolov will be back or whether they’ll move on, here’s part of his response.

    LOMBARDI: “When you talk about building today, it’s certainly different from prior to the lockout. You really get tied in with, `Do you like the player?’ Yes, but do you like him at `X’ price? Because you now have to get the right price, if you’re going to be able to keep your core together. So would we like to keep him? Yes. But if the price is prohibitive, and maybe would prevent us from filling other holes and making sure we keep Doughty and Johnson and all these kids coming through, then you have to walk away. I think you’re probably right on Fro. He’s a good player. I guess at times, like you say, you think he’s capable of more, but he’s still a productive player. But you still now have to really be astute in how you attach a price tag to that, or you’re going to get yourself in trouble down the road, and then all this building we’ve done makes no sense if we can’t keep these young players that have come through our system. So I’m not too optimistic, given what he’s looking for. The other thing we’re confronting here, don’t forget, is the KHL, and they’re offering an awful lot of money, tax-free. It’s almost like the WHL days, where the difference in dollars is huge.”

  • AP in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta native and film-maker, Stephen Rollins, hasn’t made an offer to buy the the Atlanta Thrashers, but he did admit to being interested in becoming a majority owner in the club. He has talked to one of the owners about his interest.

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Burke Talks about Leafs … Blues not going after Kovalchuk … Some Panthers could be shopped

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 15th, 2010

  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke’s wish list “1. A Top-6 forward; 2. Adding more size to the roster; 3. Augmenting team toughness.” With the lack of picks at this years draft, July 1st will be their draft.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: There were rumors that the St. Louis Blues might go after a high priced scorer this off-season, but President John Davidson has said that he has no plans on pursuing one. Ilya Kovalchuk name has been mentioned as a possible free agent target, as well as Patrick Marleau. “A, it’s just too expensive, and B, the growth pattern of our club is going in the right direction. I know we had a terrible first half, but our second half, it got us back on track. We have to continue to grow like that, to put us into a position of, ‘When is the right time to try to add something that’s really going to make us a better club?’”
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun will be shopped by the Florida Panthers, and he’s said he’d waive his no trade clause for the right situation. They might also be shopping Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Bryan McCabe.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers have 9 UFAs this year, and they may be looking to re-sign at least 3 of them, Pavel Kubina, Maxim Afinogenov, and Colby Armstrong. Kubina and Afinogenov have both said they’d be interested in returning.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Down the stretch, Johan Hedberg was the #1 goalie for Atlanta, going 11-8-3 while starting 22 of 32 games. Despite that, the 37-year-old UFA doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the Thrashers next season.

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Trade talk is picking up as Olympic Freeze is Over

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 1st, 2010

  • 11:05 AM: John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Predators coud use some scoring depth, and/or someone that can kill penalties. They’ll most likely look to add a rental player, instead of one with a longer contract. Dan Hamhuis and/or Dan Ellis could be moved out. If they move Hamhuis, they’d definitely need to bring in another Dman or 2. Potential targets could be Maxim Afinogenov, Colby Armstrong, Jeff Halpren, Ethan Moreau, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Rob Niedermayer, Lee Stempniak, Raffi Torres, and Ray Whitney.
  • 10:57 AM: Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Contract talks between the Penguins and Sergei Gonchar will be put on hold until after the season.
  • 10:53 AM: Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings probably won’t make a significant move, but will may look to add some depth at forward.
  • 10:47 AM: Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: The Lightning could be after a scoring winner, a puck-moving defenseman and a gritty 3rd-4th liner. Cheaper options could be Shean Donavan or Marek Svatos. Freddie Modin, Ponikarovsky or Torres are other options. Kris Versteeg would be a dream addition.
  • 10:39 AM: Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes are looking for another scorer, especially one that could help their 29th ranked power play.
  • 10:33 AM: Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: If Marek Zidlicky isn’t signed to an extension by the trade deadline, it would be surprising if he wasn’t moved.

    • 9:30 AM

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM, Petter Chiarelli has got a couple deals going, but nothing is fore sure yet. He’s looking to get a top 9 forward that has an offensive side, and will most likely be a rental player. Ray Whitney’s price might be too high, with other possibilities, Selanne, Ponikarovsky, or Kozlov. On the Dman side of things, Dan Hamhuis and James Wisniewski could be options.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: 10 teams have contacted the Hurricanes over the last 4 days. Ray Whitney is getting the most interest, but other names are being brought up. “I am getting inquiries on more players than I expected,” Rutherford said. “That doesn’t mean more players will be traded, but it’s more inquiries than I anticipated.” Rutherford also said he won’t trade Ray Whitney unless he gets a 1st round pick in the deal, or a player equivalent to a 1st rounder.
  • James Murphy of NESN: The Coyotes and Bruins could come together on a deal. The Bruins could end up with Peter Mueller, and the Coyotes are looking to add a veteran forward and defenseman. The Bruins might have a couple deals in place, and that they could be announced today. Whitney, Torres and Ponikarovsky are also on the Bruins radar. The Penguins are supposedly the frontrunners for Ponikarovsky.
  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the teams showing strong interested in Raffi Torres. The Blue Jackets are looking for a 2nd round pick, but the Flyers are without a 1st and 2nd round pick this year.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Alex Ponikarovsky is getting ready for the trade deadline day, but doesn’t really want to talk about it until it happens. So far Burke hasn’t been happy with the trade offers he’s getting for his UFAs, and might hold on to them right until the end.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars and Steve Ott are still trying to hammer out a contract extension before the trade deadline. Both sides realize that if an agreement isn’t reached, he’ll most likely be traded.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Trade talk has picked up the last couple days. Penguins GM, Ray Shero will look for a scoring winger, a physical defenseman, but not an enforcer to fill in for the injured  Eric Godard.
  • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers and Team Slovakia defenseman, Lubomir Visnovsky, has been reprimanded by the IOC for violating anti-doping rules. Visnovsky took Advil Cold & Sinus during the qualification round, that urine sample came back positive. Before and after the semifinal round, he tested negative. He consulted Oilers trainer, Slovakian team doctor, and admitted taking it on his doping control form.

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