Posts Tagged Mikael Backlund

Injury and Roster Notes: Malkin, Lindback, Carkner, Grabner, Enstrom, Backlund, Methot, Krejci, Vanek, Ruutu and Green

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 21st, 2013

  • Rob Rossi via twitter: Penguins Evgeni Malkin took his first hit during practice yesterday. He said he’s “not 100 percent” and added,

    “Of course, yes, because (I’m) close,” Malkin said. “I (will) try to play Friday, but it’s hard to say now because it’s just (a) couple days more. We’ll see.”

  • Ken Wiebe via twitter: Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom is not ready yet but ”it’s coming soon” according to coach Claude Noel.
  • George Johnson of the Calgary Herald: Flames Mikael Backlund played on Monday despite have a cracked bone in his right foot.

    “It went better than I thought,” he reported Wednesday. “Not too bad. Obviously the medication kicked in a little later and made it feel better. It’s still sore but once the game started, I felt pretty good. I didn’t think about it too much.”

  • Ken Warren via twitter: Senators defenseman Marc Methot could return to the lineup tonight. If he can’t go, Mike Lundin will return to the lineup after missing the last eight games.
  • John Vogl via twitter: Sabres Thomas Vanek didn’t skate this morning and is likely to miss tonight’s game against the Maple Leafs.

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Injury Notes: Malkin, Letang, Backlund, Enstrom, Green, Kundratek, Erskine, Laich, Clowe and Hannan

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 18th, 2013

  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang left yesterday’s game in the first period and didn’t return. He’ll have his lower-body injury re-evaluated.
  • Ken Wiebe via twitter: Jets coach Claude Noel said there’s no update on defenseman Tobias Enstrom, he’s ”still a ways away.”
  • Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times: Capitals defenseman Mike Green could return from his groin injury within the next week. He’ll travel with the team on their road trip to Pittsburgh, Winnipeg and New York. Defenseman Tomas Kundratek had a MRI on his knee on Friday and it’s not known if he’ll travel with the team. Defenseman John Erskine still hasn’t skated and there is no timetable for his return. Forward Brooks Laich is getting very close to returning.
  • Kevin Kurz via twitter: Sharks winger Ryane Clowe has a shoulder injury and his status for tomorrow is uncertain.

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Sunday Morning Hits: CBA, Malkin, Benn, Glencross, Gunnarsson, Steen, Tarasenko, Backlund, Leighton and Hedberg

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 10th, 2013

  • Eric Macramalla via twitter: The NHL and NHLPA have agreed on a final draft of the CBA. It has been sent to all NHLPA agents and members. It is subject to minor modifications.
  • Pittsburgh Penguins via twitter: Evgeni Malkin suffered an upper-body injury, not a head injury. He was kept out of the last part of the 3rd period and OT for precautionary reasons.
  • Calgary Flames via twitter: Flames Curtis Glencross missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He’s returning to Calgary today to be re-evaluated.
  • Jonas Siegel of TSN: Maple Leafs Carl Gunnarssonexpects his hip issue to linger all season.

    “It’s good,” he told TSN.ca before Saturday’s game. “It’s tough playing back-to-backs and all that, [but] it’s actually been better than I thought. It’s going in the right direction every day here. It’s getting better actually.”

  • Calgary Flames via twitter: The Flames activate Mikael Backlund from the IR and assigned Sven Baertschi to Abbotsford of the AHL.

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Injury Updates: Flames, Oilers, Blue Jackets and Predators

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 5th, 2013

  • Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Flames Miikka Kiprusoff is getting close to returning to the lineup, and could be back as soon as Wednesday.

    “The medical staff felt he was good to go with having his own net (Monday),” said Hartley, meaning Kiprusoff absorbed the lion’s share of shots, despite there being two other goalies — Joey MacDonald and Danny Taylor — on the premises. “We’re very careful. But, at the same time, he told me after practice that he felt great, that he had no pain.”

    Kiprusoff won’t wear a knee brace, but will  have it taped.

    “It’s taped right now — that’s what I did last time,” added Kiprusoff. “I finished the (2003-04) season with tape and it was enough to give me support. I know some goalies play with braces, but I’d rather not use (one). I have loose knees and loose hips . . . so I’d like to keep it that way.”

    Mikael Backlund is also getting close to returning and will be wearing a knee brace. He skated yesterday with a no-contact jersey on.

    “Yeah, it feels good,” he said. “I can do everything. The next step is the contact, being able to battle and stuff and see how that feels. We’ll see when that is, but it felt good (Monday). I’ve pushed hard two days now. Every day, waking up, it’s been a better day. I’m happy with that and happy with the progress . . . faster than projected.”

  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall is still dealing with a hamstring injury and Jordan Eberle didn’t skate yesterday because of a bruised hand. Both will skate this morning, with their game availability decided upon after. The Oilers will get an update on Nikolai Khabibulin in the next day or two. Defenseman Mark Fistric returned to Edmonton to have his elbow looked at. Corey Potter (concussion) is nearing his return. Shawn Horcoff is hoping to get back in the lineup next week.
  • Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets center Brandon Dubinsky, out with a left knee sprain, is still ” a few days away” but progressing according to coach Richards.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators defenseman Hal Gill is out with a lower-body injury and was “doubtful” for games on Friday and Saturday. He is skating, but not very hard.

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Injury notes: Backlund, Cammalleri, Kiprusoff, Hiller, several Red Wings, Landeskog and Spezza.

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on February 9th, 2013

  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks Jonas Hiller left last night’s game with a lower-body injury that is not expected to be serious.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings Todd Bertuzzi will be out indefinitely with a back injury. The Wings are calling up Joakim Andersson. Darren Helm will begin rehab on Monday with a sore back. Carlo Colaiacovo isn’t expected to return from his shoulder injury until mid-month. Brendan Smith is out at least a month with a shoulder injury. Jonas Gustavsson has a pulled groin, and hasn’t played this season.
  • Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog didn’t practice yesterday but they are optimistic that he could resume skating soon. He hasn’t skated since January 19th after being hit by Brad Stuart. He suffered a head and neck injury on the play.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Jason Spezza has been told to do nothing for at least two weeks after having surgery to repair a disc in his back last week. He still hopes to return this season.

    “Everything went well. It’s good to have everything done and get started on recovery now,” said Spezza. “You always aim to push your rehab and get a bit more aggressive with things.

    “(Athletic therapist) Gerry (Townend) has already talked to me about making sure we’re doing things right and not getting too carried away. The goal is to get back before the end of the season and, hopefully, help us through the end of the year and the playoffs.”

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More players heading overseas … Ladd not going to KHL anymore … Bergenheim injured

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 5th, 2012

  • Chris Johnston via twitter: Michael Grabner to play with Villacher SV in Austria, his hometown. 5 sponsors are covering the bill.
  • CSN Bay Area: Joe Pavelski will be joining Dinamo Minsk early next week.
  • Matias Strozyk via twitter: Sean Bergenheim suffered a lower body injury with HIFK and is returning to North America after 2 games. Bergenheim is on a game by game contract, a small chance he returns.

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2012 NHL Free Agent tracker for July 5th

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

We’ll be updating all free agent signing for the 5th day of free agency here. We’ll leave it at the top of page. Rumors and notes from today will be below this post.

Player ’12-13 Team Contract notes
Jay Beagle Capitals 3 years, $2.7 million
Devan Dubnyk Oilers 2 years
David Perron Blues 4 years, $15.25 million
Kyle Jean Rangers  
Justin Falk Minnesota 1 year
Mikael Backlund Flames 1 year, $725,000
Ruslan Fedotenko Flyers 1 year, $1.75 million
Bruno Gervais Flyers 2 years, $1.7 million
Mathieu Perreault Capitals 2 years, $2.1 million
Krys Barch Devils 2 years
Jean-Francois Jacques Panthers 1 year, 2 way
Phillippe Dupuis Penguins 1 year, $600,000
Derek Joslin Canucks 1 year, 2 way

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Dreger looks at Nash and the 6 Canadian teams

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2012

Darren Dreger of TSN:

  • If Zach Parise hits the free agent market on July 1st, a Rick Nash deal may have to wait so the Blue Jackets can get a true sense of the market may offer. The Rangers and Sharks may be Nash’s preferred destinations, but he may have to soften his stance on his limited team list.
  • The Maple Leafs need an experienced goalie, a top center and more grit and depth in their bottom 6. Leafs say Luke Schenn isn’t being shopped and they don’t want to trade Jake Gardiner. Teams know they have defenseman available.
  • The Canadiens want to get bigger, and are looking for a left winger to play with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta. They are also looking for a top 4 defenseman. They are unlikely to trade their 3rd overall pick, but they are keeping an open mind.
  • The Senators have lots of young assets, and if owner Eugene Melnyk can be convinced to add the extra money, they could take a run at Rick Nash. The Sens are likely to be listening to offers on goalie Robin Lehner or Ben Bishop.
  • If Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec doesn’t get a multi-year deal in the $4 million range, he could look at the KHL. Some teams think the Evander Kane could be available, though both the Jets and Kane’s camp say he hasn’t asked for a trade and there have been no trade discussions.
  • The Canucks are listening to interested parties on Roberto Luongo, but a deal may not happen before the draft. Canucks GM Mike Gillis said “don’t bother” for teams considering an offer sheet for Cory Schneider. Gillis isn’t that enthused about trades this week, and the that the market may be better later on in the summer.
  • The Oilers are looking to add 2 top 4 defenseman this summer. The 1st overall pick could be available. If Predators re-sign Suter, they may have trouble keeping Shea Weber and Ryan Ellis long term, and the Oilers would be interested. They’ll pursue Justin Schultz. The Oilers are also looking for help in net.
  • The Flames will look at all trade scenarios that don’t involve Jarome Iginla or Miikka Kiprusoff. They are looking to add a top 6 forward. Mikael Backlund and Jay Bouwmeester are names that could be traded. Jaromir Jagr may interest them.

Darren Dreger Audio:

 

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The Flames missed the playoffs for a 3rd straight year … Is change coming?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 3rd, 2012

  • Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun: Flames head coach Brent Sutter takes the blame for Flames missing the playoffs for the 3rd straight year, though he hinted that there is plenty of blame to go around.

    “I don’t really want to get into that right now. There are reasons. They will have to be addressed once the season is over,” Sutter said. “We will go from there. Again, it’s not something that just transpired here. It’s grown. And at some point in time, it has to be addressed head on.”

    The Flames core group of Jay Bouwmeester, Mark Giordano, Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff have been around for all 3 of their playoff misses. Gilbertson thinks this team needs more than a tinker.

    “When you aren’t in the playoffs, it’s not good enough,” Sutter said. “There’s reasons for it. We were inconsistent. There were different times throughout the year, in terms of team confidence and taking a step to becoming a good situation, where you don’t deal with this at the end of the year. We failed on it. We never took the stand that this thing would put us over the hump.

    “I’ve played on a lot of winning teams, and you know what you need. At certain times throughout the year, there are times you need it — and we never got it.”

  • Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will have some RFAs to deal with this summer: Blake Comeau, Leland Irving, Mikael Backlund and Blair Jones. Both Comeau and Jones have said they hope they are brought back.
  • George Johnson of the Calgary Herald: The biggest question about the Flames offseason will involve Jarome Iginla. Iginla has a no-trade clause so he won’t be moved unless he wants to. Johnson noted:

    He’s obviously extremely comfortable here. This is his team, his town. The safe, familiar place to be. But at what point does getting one more legit shot at a championship before he’s done override comfort? Iginla wants desperately to do just that in Calgary, but given what we’re seeing, and closing in on his 35th birthday, that window is now virtually shut.

    Jarome Iginla said:

    “It’s still (up) in the air,’’ he protested. “I don’t think it’s a pride thing. You just want to be part of a winner, be part of the playoffs. That’s what we all want to do. I look at myself and I know I didn’t have my best year. There’s going to be a lot of motivation. That’s my approach: Play hard this last week and look to rebound.

    “I still think the organization has a lot of good things going for it. This year, when guys went down, everybody said the cupboard was bare, we didn’t have anybody to step in. And you saw a lot of guys that did, gave us a shot to be there, in that position, the last 10 games.

    “So I still think there’s a lot of good things (happening). I think it’s going in the right direction.

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Afternoon NHL rumors and notes: Carter, Kings, Radulov, Ruutu, Capitals, Stastny, ‘Hawks, Glencross, Duchene, Green … Devils and Leafs lines

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 13th, 2012

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and Jeff Carter’s agents won’t speak publicly about the situation. Carter agent did confirm though that Carter has not requested a trade. There are probably 5 or 6 teams that would be in the market for Carter. The Kings, Flames and Maple Leafs could be in the hunt for him. If the Kings are involved, Jonathan Bernier would be in the mix. If Calgary is interested, maybe Jay Bouwmeester could be part of the deal. Portzline wonders if the Blue Jackets and Canucks would do a Carter (10 years, $5.27 million cap hit) for Roberto Luongo (10 years, $5.33 million cap hit) deal.
  • David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:

    “He’s a top-six forward that a lot of people would say we’re missing.” “He’s the best player not playing in the NHL.”

    If/when he returns to the NHL, he still have 1 year left on his entry level deal. Once Salavat Yulaev is finished this season, Radulov is free to come back to the NHL and Predators if he chooses. Poile has been told that Radulov’s KHL deal has an ‘out’ clause. His NHL deal is for $980,000 and his KHL deal was a reported 3 years at between $8-$13 million. If Radulov was to return this season, the Preds would be adding a top 6 without having to give up a player or prospect.

  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals owner Ted Leonsis: “wish us speedy recovery to some of our players – and hope we can add some jump via the trade markets during the next few weeks.”
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings fans are frustrated with the lack of deal for a scorer, but Bernstein assures that the Kings are considering many options, some of which are not publicized yet.
  • The Fourth Period: Avalanche forward Paul Stastny could be in the Kings list of possible trade targets.

    “(The Kings) healthy scratched Dustin Penner and put two rookies (Dwight King and Jordan Nolan) playing their first NHL game this season with Mike Richards against the Islanders, looks like they’ve hit the panic button to me,” an NHL insider said Saturday evening. “I know Statsny is a center, but so is Jeff Carter and Paul only has two years left on his deal and there are zero concerns with his attitude.”

    The Avalanche could use Stastny to rebuild their defense and to add depth at forward. A source added if they could get Jack Johnson in a package, they look long and hard at a deal. Stastny has a $6.6 million cap hit through 2013-14. Lightning winger Ryan Malone could be another Kings target.

  • Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said that head coach Joel Quenneville is “absolutely the guy” and that he’s not looking for a goaltender.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Chris Higgins has been battling staph infections. Higgins should be skating today, and an update could be coming later. His progress could determine if GM Mike Gillis looks at their top 6 or bottom 6. Defenseman Keith Ballard’s neck injury should be updated today as well.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flames center Mikael Backlund suffered an upper body injury on Saturday and will be out at least a month.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Zubrus-Bernier; Boulton-Josefson-Janssen.
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel,MacArthur-Grabovski-Connolly, Crabb-Lombardi-Kulemin, Boyce-Steckel-Brown-Armstrong. (I made the Connolly correction from the tweet link)
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: “If a player waives his “no trade” clause once he no longer has a “no trade” clause in his deal.” … “A player can provide a letter saying he is only waiving his “no trade” clause for that purpose. If he doesn’t, he is open season.” Kevin McGran via twitter: according to 2 sources: “a player retains NTC /NMC clause even if he waives it to accept trade. Rec’v'g team accepts player and all terms of deal.”
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Thomas Greiss will start in net for the Sharks tonight against the Capitals. Michal Neuvirth said he’ll be starting tonight.

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So now what for Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on November 23rd, 2011

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Despite signing the 2 year deal, Turris’s trade request is still on the table. He could be dealt in 24 hours, 3 months or not at all. Decision is up to the Coytoes. Turris still wants out.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are telling Strickland that there is a good chance that Turris could be dealt in the next 72 hours. The Senators, Panthers, Flames and Canucks were among the 6-7 teams that have shown interest at some point during this process.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: So Coyotes GM Don Maloney wouldn’t trade Kyle Turris while he remained unsigned. Now that he has signed, what will happen? Maloney said:

    “Kyle is a top young player who will make us a better team,” said Maloney. “We look forward to having him in our lineup so he can contribute.”

    The Flames, Senators, Maple Leafs and Canucks could be possible bidders. Maloney would easily want a young center and draft pick for Turris. Mikael Backlund of the Flames could interest them, as well as Cody Hodgson from the Canucks. Turris is a center, but he can also play wing.

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Reimer’s mom speaks about his injury … Nabokov and Leafs ties … Markov travels with team … Mueller could return tonight … Backlund getting close

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 10th, 2011

  • Chris Botta via twitter: Botta suggests Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson could be reunited with goalie Evgeni Nabokov but wonders if the Islanders would trade a quality goalie to a team in the Eastern Conference for a draft pick or iffy prospect.
  • BD Gallof via twitter: The 2nd round pick that the Islanders may be interested in getting for Evgeni Nabokov is “likely a conversation starter or a dealmaker cost.” Gallof warns Islanders fans that Nabokov won’t yield the team an impact player, a small deal at best.
  • Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: From James Reimer’s mother on his injury:

    “He looks clear. His eyes look fine. But he says he still has that nagging headache,” Marlene said. “I think his doctor finally said, ‘Let’s take you off the ice and see if it improves.’ … I’m hoping there’ll be some good news pretty soon.”

    “That’s the frustrating part for us — not knowing what it is, and why they’re not calling it a concussion when they say ‘concussion-like symptoms,’” Marlene Reimer said. “Like, how is that not a concussion? … The initial test showed him to be clear of a concussion. But as it goes on, it’s kind of mystifying. He’s okay some days. And some days he’s definitely not okay.”

    Reimer’s mother added that he’s had “several” concussions and he suffered whiplash last season with the Marlies. His first concussion came when he was 16 years old.

  • Jesse Spector of the Sporting News: If the Blue Jackets decide to replace coach Scott Arniel, former Kings and Blues coach Andy Murray likely won’t be interested in the position as he’s happy coaching at Western Michigan. “There were NHL opportunities before, but I said no because I want to be here at Western Michigan,” Murray told Sporting News. “The Columbus one is new to me. I can’t talk to that situation, I haven’t talked to anybody from Columbus.” Former Senators coach Cory Clouston is a possible candidate for the position.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov accompanied the team on their flight to Arizona, and could begin practicing with the team. Andrei Kostitsyn and Scott Gomez are day-to-day, and could be ready to return to the lineup before the end of the week.
  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller could return tonight. He’s been out 12 games with post-concussion symptoms. He practiced on a line with Matt Duchene yesterday and will be re-evaluated this morning. JS Giguere will get the start in net. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Mueller-Duchene-Jones, Landeskog-O’Reilly-Kobasew (no Winnik), Lindstrom-Stastny-Hejduk, McLeod-Galiardi/McClement-Porter.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador was inserted on the 2nd power play unit. They are currently 5 for 57 on the man advantage. Center Dave Bolland is questionable for tonight’s game after taking a puck off the foot in their last game.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues may be offering recently fired coach Davis Payne an chance to remain in the organization and do some pro scouting.

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