Posts Tagged Mike Comrie

Pronger hopes to be ready for start of season … Murray talks Selanne rehab … Zherdev says he’ll return … Comrie has setback

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 9th, 2011

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger held a conference call with reporters yesterday as he continues to rehab his back and right hand.

    “the goal is to be ready for Game 1 of the regular season. I’m starting to progress. . . . Once I get cleared, I can start getting into a full-lifting program.”

    He feels his hand is 80-85% healed, which has put him 2 months behind in his strength program. He hopes to get clearance in a week to begin lifting weights.

    “I don’t know that you could say I was breaking down with broken bones and being hit by pucks and all the rest,” he said. “Those are things that sometimes can be avoided. Perhaps now I may not block as many shots. I might just get out of the way and let our million-dollar goalie stop those things.”

  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said yesterday that Teemu Selanne “has been struggling a bit” with his knee and thought “he was getting depressed” about the rehab. Murray noted that Selanne “intends to go pretty hard this week” and they’ll be in touch after. Murray added that there were a few days “where it wasn’t bugging him,” there is no timetable on when Selanne will make a decision to play or not.
  • National Post: Mike Comrie recently suffered a setback in his rehab from hip surgery.

    “In wanting to return to play after surgery, I pushed myself too early and that has not helped my recovery,” Comrie said in a statement. “I will return to the NHL when I am healthy and able to play at the level I have come to expect of myself.”

  • Glen Andresen of NHL.com: With the Wild trading James Sheppard to the Sharks, it “further solidifies Fletcher’s intent to let younger Wild players like Colton Gillies, Cody Almond and Casey Wellman battle for roster spots among forwards.”
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexei Kovalev to SovSport: “In two season w/the #Sens I still couldn’t get Clouston’s game plan. It appeared he scoffed at some players.”

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Malhotra plans for Game 1 … Wings looking for Dman … Crosby to be re-evaluated … Another group interested in Thrashers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 29th, 2011

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Manny Malhotra has been given medical clearance and is preparing to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. 11 weeks ago he nearly lost his eye. “Everything is as it should be,” Malhotra said of the eye. “Going forward, I will continue to be monitored daily and if at any time the doctor doesn’t like what he sees, he has the ultimate veto power,” Malhotra said. Malhotra is expected to take Cody Hodgson’s spot as the 4th line center.
  • Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News: The Red Wings will now be looking for a top defenseman after Rafalski’s unexpected retirement. “The market isn’t as strong, but we’re only looking for one guy,” Holland said. “If a player’s not out there or doesn’t want to buy into the program, we’ll look at an alternative plan. Do you go a touch higher than you want? Yeah. But we’re not going to go dramatically higher than what we think makes sense.” UFA’s that might interest the Wings are Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen, Ed Jovanovski, James Wisniewski, Roman Hamrlik, Ian White and Tomas Kaberle.
  • Fan 590 Audio: Ken Holland talks on Prime Time Sports (Thursday) talking about Rafalski’s retirement and what it means for their blueline.
  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby will be re-evaluated by a concussion specialist in the next week or so. Crosby has been vacationing in Europe, needs clearance from doctors before he can resume his off-season workouts. The Penguins won’t be re-signing Alex Kovalev or Mike Comrie. Comrie could retire, “I’m not sure what Mike’s going to do,” Shero said. “He might be leaning toward retirement.” Shero didn’t rule out re-signing any of their UFA’s: Max Talbot, Pascal Dupuis, Mike Rupp, Craig Adams, Arron Asham, Eric Godard, Chris Conner and Nick Johnson.
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Chris Osgood is “100 percent healthy” but a decision on his playing future is still not known.  “He’s going through the internal process to decide if he has the energy and the desire and determination to play hockey again,” Holland said. “In the middle of June, we’ll look at the goalies that are out there, we’re going to try and figure out a way to be the best team that we can.”
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Another group stepped forward with interest in buying the Thrashers and keeping the team in Atlanta. Statement from president Don Waddell.

    “Along with all other groups who have expressed an interest in pursuing an ownership opportunity, which has happened as recently as earlier this week, we have said continuously that ‘until an agreement is signed and approved by the board of governors, it’s never too late but they will have to move very quickly and decisively.  Ownership still is committed to selling at a greatly reduced price to anyone committed to Atlanta.’  ”

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Perry was almost traded to Oilers … Injury notes on Spacek, Lecavalier, Clowe, Green, Hamhuis, Miller, Havlat and 3 Senators

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 5th, 2011

  • Randy Youngman of the OC Register: In 2003-04, the Anaheim Ducks almost traded Corey Perry to the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks were prepared to send Perry and a 2004 1st round pick to the Oilers for center Mike Comrie. Comrie was holding out, and the Oilers were wanting Comrie to repay $2.5 million of his original signing bonus. When he didn’t repay the signing bonus, the deal fell through, and he was later traded to Philly. The Ducks used the 2004 1st round pick to select Ladislav Smid.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Roman Hamrlik, a UFA at season’s end, hinted that it could be his last year in a Canadiens uniform. After the media named him the “Jacques Beauchamp Trophy” winner (goes to the unsung hero), “I’ve been doing this a long and especially (since) this is my last year, it’s an honour.” … “I know I’ve been playing with lots of good players this season. You guys had a choice and it’s a big honour for me.” P.K. Subban and Jaroslav Spacek are the only defenseman under contract for next year. Hamrlik, Andrei Markov, James Wisniewski, Hal Gill, Brent Sopel and Paul Mara are all UFA’s.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Quote of the Year: Jaroslav Spacek on how he knew his March 4th knee surgery was a success, “I woke up with two knees and no big boobs.”A decision if he’ll play tonight won’t be made until a couple hours before the game.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe left last night’s game after 3 shifts with what coach Todd McLellan called a lower body tweak after the game. He was being evaluated after the game and more could be known today.
  • Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green and Tom Poti didn’t travel with the team to Toronto for tonight’s game. Green took part in full practice yesterday but didn’t take any contact. He hasn’t ruled out getting into a game before the playoffs start. Alex Semin had a maintenance day yesterday to help heal some nagging injuries. Boudreau said there is a “chance” he could miss 1 of the team’s 3 remaining games.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Taylor Hall was asked to join Team Canada for the World Championships, but won’t be good enough shape to go. Sense around New Jersey is that they will do all they can to re-sign Zach Parise, but will he want to stay?
  • AP on NHL.com: Sabres goalie Ryan Miller took some shots yesterday at practice. He still thinks he’s day-to-day and hopes to play on Saturday against the Blue Jackets. Jhonas Enroth will start tonight against the Lightning.
  • Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Vincent Lecavalier said he will have no choice and will wear a visor when he returns. He may continue to wear it next year if he can adjust to it. TB Lightning via twitter: There was no structural damage to Lecavalier’s eye, and he’ll be a game time decision today.
  • Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said that Martin Havlat is doubtful to play in the final 3 games, as he has an upper body injury.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators winger Daniel Alfredsson and defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson are all done for the season.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: It’s sounding like Oilers center Shawn Horcoff is done for the year after having a setback last week.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs will have about $15 million in salary cap space next season after they re-sign RFA’s Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, James Reimer, and Luke Schenn. The Leafs are more than one player away, so spending a lot money on Brad Richards may not be the right move. It’s unlikely the Leafs will trade some of their young talent for expensive veterans. If Richards (31) is looking for a 3  year deal, he might be a fit for the Leafs, but he’ll be looking for longer term. Paul Stastny, if made available, could be a player the Leafs would be interested in. Cox wonders if Burke could try to package his 2 1st round picks and a Kulemin or Gunnarson to move up in the draft and grab a top prospect (top 4), but that would tough.

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Crosby skates 3 of last 4 days … Datsyuk and Rafalski injured … Thrashers and Blues on the Block

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 18th, 2011

  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: After a day off, Sidney Crosby was back on the ice yesterday. It was the 3rd time in the last 4 days that he’s skated. “I don’t want symptoms, and I don’t want to rush anything,” he said. “It’s not something you can rush. I know it’s going to take time.” Mike Comrie skated for the first time yesterday since he had hip surgery in December. Mark Letestu is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk left with a lower-body injury after getting hit by Rick Nash in the 3rd period. Brian Rafalski injured his knee after Blue Jackets Antoine Vermette fell on it. Rafalski didn’t seemed concerned about it.
  • Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Manny Malhotra had surgery Wednesday night to reduced swelling and take some blood from his eye. If the eye is permanently impaired likely won’t be known for a couple days. Victor Oreskovich was recalled by the Canucks. Maxim Lapierre will likely take Malhotra’s 3rd line center role.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Altanta Journal Constitution: 3 groups have shown interest in buying the Thrashers and keeping them in Atlanta, with the majority of discussions between 2 groups. 2 groupls have shown interest in buying the Thrashers, Hawks and the Arena, with one group having talked to both the NBA and NHL.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues are for sale as well, but fans should be worried about relocation. Bettman and the league are involved with the Blues situation, though the level of their involvement is unclear. “In fact sources confirm the $110 million offer made by Tom Stillman was delivered directly to the NHL and Bettman, not to Dave Checketts or TowerBrook Capital.” TowerBrook Capital ownes around 70% of the Blues.

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Blues financial constraints play part in past/future deals … Kotalik could be bought out in summer … AHL Skills Competition goal

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 31st, 2011

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues have a payroll of about $46 million, and financial constraints is one of reasons they didn’t go after Jamie Langenbrunner according to sources. Langenbrunner would have been about $1.4 million for the remainder of the season. The Blues did try to bring in the cheap Marek Svatos ($300,000) and Kyle Wellwood ($400,000), only to have them claimed off waivers by other teams. If they are able to secure new investors by the time the NHL trade deadline roles around could impact whether they are buyers or sellers.  Eric Brewer and Ty Conklin are UFA’s and could be either be re-signed or traded. TJ Oshie and Patrik Berglund will be RFAs at season’s end.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Max Talbot is a UFA at season’s end, and his recent offensive struggles (pointless in 15, goalless in 24) might sway the Penguins to decide to move in a different direction. Dustin Jeffrey, Eric Tangradi, Nick Johnson and Tim Wallace could be ready to take a more prominent role with the Pens next year. Other Penguins UFAs will be: Pascal Dupuis ($1.4 million), Mike Rupp ($825K), Eric Godard ($750K), Aaron Asham ($700K), Craig Adams ($550K), Chris Conner ($550K), Mike Comrie ($500K).
  • Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: With the Flames sending Ales Kotalik to the AHL, they’ll begin rewarding players with callups. The move also clears up cap space for the remainder of the season. He could be bought out this summer, and would carry a $1 million cap hit in each of the next 2 seasons.
  • From the AHL skills competition, Linus Klasen

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Rangers call about Tyutin, Jackets call about Del Zotto … Starting Goalies … Giguere out with groin injury … Lebda a winger?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 20th, 2010

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: When the Columbus Blue Jackets made Fedor Tyutin a healthy scratch last week, Rangers GM Glen Sather inquired.  When NY Rangers made Michael Del Zotto a healthy scratch, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson inquired. No Tyutin and Filatov for Del Zotto was discussed.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins forward Brad Marchand is out tonight. Daniel Paille will be on a line with Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton.
  • Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start in net for the Thrashers tonight versus the Leafs. Chris Mason will likely go tomorrow night versus the Blues.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: JS Giguere will be out a week or 2 with a groin injury. He’ll see a specialist in the next couple of days.
  • Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Brett Lebda will play left wing on the 4th line tonight. Nazem Kadri will be a healthy scratch again. Coach Ron Wilson will continue to work with Kadri to build strength in practice and off ice, doesn’t want to send him down to the Marlies.
  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Former goalie Darren Pang thinks the Blue Jackets should send Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason back to the minors to help build his confidence. Mathieu Garon will likely start for the Blue Jackets tomorrow night against the Flames.

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Staal to center Malkin? Quebec City building an arena to lure NHL back … A healthy Hemsky?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 6th, 2010

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Recently signed Mike Comrie could be the 3rd line center for the Penguins, with Jordan Staal (when his foot heals) moving up to center the 2nd line. Evgeni Malkin could find himself on right wing beside Staal. Coach Dan Bylsma won’t give a definitive answer, but it’s something the team is seriously considering.
  • Karine Gagnon QMI Agency, Toronto Sun: Quebec Premier Jean Charest will meet with the mayor of Quebec City next Tuesday to discuss the possibility of $400 million of provincial funds to build a new arena. This could be the first step in the possible return of the NHL to Quebec City, former home of the Nordiques.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Many are predicting Ales Hemsky to bounce back this season, posting close to a point a game. Hemsky remains a health risk as he drives into traffic areas, and is not a big forward. He only played in 22 games last season due to shoulder surgery.

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Price negotiations progressing … More on Guerin’s skate with some Flyers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 2nd, 2010

  • TSN: According to Carey Price’s agent, contract negotiations are progressing, but there is still a ways to go. He hopes that a deal is in place before training camp. It was reported earlier that Price is asking for $3 million, and that he is ready to go on “strike” if he doesn’t get it.
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Bill Guerin sent a text message to the Sporting News saying that he was just in town (Philadelphia), and that while he skated with some Flyers, there’s nothing more to it at the moment. Guerin’s agent, Bob Murray, said that he just needed a place to skate and that they’ve had discussion with a couple teams. Teams may be looking to use cheaper, younger players before committing to veterans like Guerin and Owen Nolan. Nolan’s agent, JP Barry, said that Nolan would prefer to stay on the West Coast.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Guerin said that his skate with the Flyers has been planned for weeks. A source said last week that the Flyers and Guerin talked right after the Penguins said they weren’t interested, but the Flyers can’t currently get him under the cap. Seravalli thinks they could fit him in if he signed for the league minimum or sent one of Darroll Powe , Dan Carcillo, Matt Walker or Oskars Bartulis to the AHL.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It’s a tough time for some of the remaining free agents looking for a contract; Patrick O’Sullivan, Ryan Potulny, Mike Comrie, Brendan Morrison, Marek Svatos, Ruslan Fedotenko, Jeff Halpern, Miro Satan, Bill Guerin and Owen Nolan are still looking for a deal. O’Sullivan has it a bit better than the others as he’ll be paid $450,000 for the next two seasons from his buyout. He’s only 25, and has put up 149 points in 280 games, and should get an offer of at least $500,000.

Post on Kovalchuk situation coming shortly,  because I know you’re all not sick and tired of hearing/reading about him.

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Kariya out next season … Could Guerin end up in LA? Oilers nixed a Souray-Hartnell deal last year?

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

  • Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Paul Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley, issued a statement saying that Paul Kariya will sit out the 2010-11 season with post-concussion syndrome. Kariya has a history of concussion problems, and missed 6 games last season with a concussion. There was no mention of him retiring.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bill Guerin signed with the Los Angeles Kings. Kings GM Dean Lombardi and Guerin have a western Massachusetts connection.
  • JP Hoornstra of the LA Daily News: Joffery Lupul’s mysterious blood ailment will keep him off skates until he’s re-evaluated on September 20th. He’s still confident that he’ll be ready for the season opener.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton TV sportscaster, Kevin Karius said the Edmonton Oilers came close to to sending Sheldon Souray to the Philadelphia Flyers for Scott Hartnell last season. Journal reporter Jim Matheson also confirmed that it almost happened as well.

    “Steve Tambellini offered Sheldon Souray to the Flyers for Scott Hartnell. And Hartnell has a no-trade clause and Paul Holmgren went to Hartnell and said, ‘Listen, the Oilers are interested in you. Would you waive your no trade?’ And Hartnell said, ‘You know, I’d like to, I wouldn’t mind going to Edmonton and playing.’

    “He’s a Lloydminster guy. He’s an Alberta guy. He likes it here. I think it would have been a kind of a homecoming for him. A power forward, kind of what the Oilers need. So he said, ‘Go ahead.’ So Paul Holmgren phoned Tamby back and said, ‘Here is the deal. It’s done if you want it,’ and Tamby pulled out.

  • Greg Wyshynski of Puddy Daddy talked to a source close to Hartnell that said Hartnell has never waived his no-movement clause, or been asked to waive it.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Brendan Morrison, Jeff Halpren and Mike Comrie are just a couple UFA’s that don’t have any contract offers, and might have to take a training camp invite if they don’t get any offers between now and the start of training camp. The Penguins are looking at forwards who they could invite to camp. Patrick O’Sullivan is getting interest from several clubs who are interested in bringing him in on tryout basis. O’Sullivan is considered a bit of risk (and worth the risk in my opinion, there’s no doubting the kid is talented). Scouts say his fundamentals are flawed and there are concerns about his desire to play in the NHL. Indications are that the Penguins don’t have an interest, but O’Sullivan’s side has contacted the Penguins.
  • Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin may be suspended by the NHL for his drunk driving charges, to go along with his possible jail time.

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More on the Flyers goalie situation … Leafs and Blue Jackets interested in Patrick Sharp …

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 14th, 2010

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Carchidi thinks the Flyers should re-sign Leighton and go after a ‘more proven goalie’. Brian Boucher is still under contract for one more year (at a reasonable number), and they could try to get him through waivers, as injuries happen and he’s still a capable goalie if they need him. Jeff Carter’s name will continue to circulate the rumor mill as the Flyers are deep in capable centers (Richards, Danny Briere, and Giroux). LA’s Quick and Bernier are mentioned, with Bernier seeming to get the nod as the Kings ‘goalie of the future’. They could make a bid for Cory Schneider (for a defenseman), but he may be more for the future and not the ‘proven goalie’. They could ask Gagne if he’d waive his no trade to go to Montreal for Carey Price (would have to send more to Montreal in my opinion). The safest option might be to go after UFA Dan Ellis. The 30-year old Ellis posted a 2.69 GAA and .909 SV% last season with the Predators, where he made $2 million as mainly a backup to Pekka Rinne. If the Flyers want to spend more, they could look at Evgeny Nabokov or Marty Turco.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Toronto Maple Leafs and Columbus Blue Jackets have shown interest in the Blackhawks Patrick Sharp. Sharp has a cap hit of $3.9 million, with 2 years remaining on his contract. The ‘Hawks could interested in a high draft pick or top prospect. I think the Leafs could offer the option of also taking on another unwanted contract, but probably not one of the big ones as they don’t have a ton of salary room themselves (they are not going to bury 3-4 big contracts in the minors as per many Torontians wishes). Their is speculation that the Oilers could be interested in Kris Versteeg and his $3 million salary, 2 years remaining. UFA’s John Madden, Nick Boyton, and Kim Johnsson are as good as gone.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Jason Spezza appears to be available for trade before his ‘no-trade clause’ kicks in on July 1st. GMs are doing some tire-kicking with regards to trade talks according to Kings GM Dean Lombardi. Warren wonders if the Senators and Oilers would consider a similar trade as the Heatley offer, Spezza for Dustin Penner, Andrew Cogliano andLadislav Smid (suggested elsewhere in the past)? Would the Blue Jackets be interested in Spezza to center Rick Nash (I think the Sens would want the 4th overall pick)? Could the Florida Panthers do deal involving Spezza and Nathan Horton plus others?
  • Andrew Gross of The Record: Gross thinks that the Capitals will likely look at trading Alexander Semin and his $6 million cap hit (he signed a 1-year deal with the Caps during the season). I think this might be a good move for the Caps as if would shed $6 million and allow them to bring in some depth from trading Semin, as well as any other deals they could make. To get full value for Semin, the team acquiring him may want to get an extension in place before they make the deal, similar as to what has been talked about in a Tomas Kaberle trade. Now before Leafs fans start thinking of a Semin for Kaberle, I doubt it would happen. Sure, Semin is extremely skilled but he is really soft, more so than Phil Kessel. I don’t think Semin is what Burke is looking for, though I could be wrong. Kaberle would interest the Capitals (could you image that PP of Kaberle, Green, Ovechkin, Backstom and anyone else?). I could see Semin to someone, and a separate or 3 team deal with Kaberle heading to Washington.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: The Red Wings offered Todd Bertuzzi a 2 year contract, but it may not be more than the $1.5 million he made last season (probably closer to $1 million), so he may test the market to see what he can get elsewhere. After signing their RFAs, they’ll need find the best player possible who’ll sign for $1 million or less, on a short term contract. Several names that have been mentioned; Freddy Modin but he’ll probably want more money, same goes for Owen Nolan. Two front runners could be Mike Comrie if he could commit to a 2-way game, and Arron Asham.
  • TSN: Back on March 2nd, the Philadelphia Flyers offered Peter Forsberg a contract to join the team for the remainder of the season, but he rejected it do to injuries and “wasn’t in good enough shape to join.” As in typical Forsberg fashion, he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NHL but he still doesn’t “know if I can come back and play hockey again”.

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Souray provides list, 10 Intriguing Teams for Kevin Allen, Could the Hawks go after Niedermayer? Could the Predators trade Hamhuis?

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

  • 1:00 pm: The St. Louis Blues made a push Ilya Kovalchuk, but felt the Thrashers wanted a little more than they were willing to give up. ”We had been working at it for the better part of the week,” Davidson said. “We had great conversations with Atlanta. We talked to them about various thoughts and ideas and put (a trade proposal) together. It never came to fruition.” Davidson wouldn’t comment on whether they would pursue Kovalchuk in the off-season
    10:00 am:
  • Darren Dreger of TSN: Sheldon Souray has provided GM Steve Tambellini with a list of at least 6 teams that he’d waive his no-trade clause for. Western Conference teams are the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, and Los Angeles Kings. Eastern Conference teams are the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals. It hasn’t been said if any of those teams are interested in him.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen looks at 10 teams that have the most intriguing decisions to make:
    • Carolina Hurricanes: Available are Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Niclas Wallin (going to SJ?), Aaron Ward and Stephane Yelle.
    • Washington Capitals: Could use an upgrade on defense. Do they need to add another goalie with the health issues surrounding Semyon Varlamov?
    • Nashville Predators: Dan Hamhuis is a UFA at seasons end, and they may not be able to pay him what he could get on the open market. Could use some scoring help. Also involving the Predators but not mentioned by Allen is that both Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne are UFAs at seasons end.
    • Atlanta Thrashers: Colby Armstrong and Kari Lehtonen can be had for the right price.
    • Toronto Maple Leafs: Forwards Alexei Ponikarovsky and Lee Stempniak are available. Tomas Kaberle might think about waiving his no trade clause.
    • Edmonton Oilers: Lubomir Visnovsky and Ethan Moreau amongst others are available.
    • Dallas Stars: If they are out of the playoff hunt, Jere Lehtinen, Marty Turco, and/or Steve Ott could be available.
    • Pittsburgh Penguins: They could use a scoring winger or two for Malkin and/or Crosby.
    • New Jersey Devils: After trading Dman Johnny Oduya, Lou may look at adding a Dman.
    • Ottawa Senators: May add a piece or two.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Chicago Blackhawks could be looking to add a defenseman or 2, and perhaps a center. Could they make a run at Scott Niedermayer if he becomes available?
  • Scott Burnside of ESPN: Could the Nashville Predators trade UFA Dan Hamhuis at the deadline if they feel they can’t sign him to a contract extension?
  • John Kincade of The Fan 680 via Twitter: Kari Lehtonen will most likely be dealt, with the Stars and Blues as the current frontrunners.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are trying to move UFA Fernando Pisani. Some things that might hold up a deal; he makes $2.5 this year, and has missed 107 of the Oilers’ last 218 games with ulcerative colitis, a broken leg, and a bad back. The Oilers say they won’t give up draft picks to move the contracts of Ethan Moreau or Steve Staios. The Oils may also look to move UFAs Mike Comrie and Jason Strudwick. Patrick O’Sullivan and his $2.9 cap hit could also be on the move. The Montreal Canadiens might have an interest in O’Sullivan.

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Sens Talking to Comrie and Sykora

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 31st, 2009

The Ottawa Senators have held discussions with free agent center, Mike Comrie, and winger, Petr Sykora. Both I’d image would be contingent on Dany Heatley being moved. The Sens are already over the cap. They’d love to dump Jason Smith and his $2.6 cap hit, but I don’t see anyone wanting to take that on.

The LA Kings are not interested in Heatley, and I don’t blame them. You can’t argue with that he’s one of the more talented, but the baggage and selfishness he’d bring to any team may not be worth it (including the cost to acquire him). The Kings will be an interesting team to watch this year, they’ve got a great foundation, goaltending still a question.

“Do I want to bring in a Dany Heatley with all that baggage? It might work,” Lombardi said in a report on the Los Angeles Times website last night. “But I don’t think we’re in a position where we can afford that … Maybe a change of environment and he grows up. But my point is, do we need to take that risk right now? It scares me.

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