Posts Tagged Mike Fisher
Afternoon notes on re-alignment, Stars, Malkin, Crosby, Salak, Crawford, Nystrom, Carter, Fisher, Flyers, Caps, Devils, Canes and “Shannabusiness” video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 12th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bob McKenzie is reporting that the Red Wings are likely moving to the Eastern Conference next year, with the easiest replacement being the Jets. The Stars and Wild are looking to change divisions. The Stars are playing in a division that is out of their time zone. The Wild would like to replace the Wings in the Central. Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis were a combined 1 for 17 in the shootout last year, so it’s not a surprise that they weren’t used on Monday night. With Avery’s demotion and Adam Pardy coming off the IR soon, the Stars will be $300,000 under the salary floor. GM Joe Nieuwendyk has been working the phones, likely for a forward since they are carrying 8 defenseman.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Evgeni Malkin missed his 2nd straight game with a “soreness” according to coach Dan Bylsma. “We do not think it’s a long-term thing, other than just being sore at this point in time,” Bylsma said. Sidney Crosby will have a medical evaluation sometime this week. It’s a routine check-up, but it’s possible he’ll get clearance for contact.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Anaheim Ducks have signed Troy Bodie, $550,000 NHL and $105,000 AHL.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: The Blackhawks have recalled goalie Alex Salak, Cory Crawford has a groin injury. Update 2:50 pm: Tim Sassone via twitter: Crawford’s groin is okay, missed practice with another issue. Ray Emery has the flu.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Eric Nystrom clears re-entry waivers, the Wild will need to make a move today.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Steve Mason will start for the Blue Jackets tonight against the Avalanche. Aaron Portzline via twitter: Jeff Carter is ill, and his status for tonight is unknown.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators Mike Fisher says he’s out for the weekend.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson is expected to start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Islanders. Mattias Ritola should be in the lineup.
- Iain MacIntyre via twitter: Flyers probable lines: Voracek-Briere-Simmonds; vanRiemsdyk-Giroux-Jagr; Read-Couturier-Hartnell; Rinaldo-Talbot-Nodl.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals lines at practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer; Semin-Johansson-Knuble; King/Chimera-Laich-Ward; Hendricks-Halpern/Perreault-Beagle.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Sykora; Kovlachuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Zubrus-Clarkson; Pelley-Mills-Janssen; Boulton, Henrique.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes lines: Skinner-Staal-LaRose, Poni-Jokinen-Ruutu, Tlusty-Sutter-Dwyer, Stewart-Brent-Dalpe.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Stepan-Richards-Gaborik (1st time); Dubi-Anisimov-(was Cally), Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Christensen-Zuccarello
Friday morning notes on Boogaard, Turris, Doan, Fisher, Havlat, Connolly, Campoli, Erixon, Hanzal and Kesler
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 7th, 2011
- Abby Simons of the Star-Tribune: A judge has thrown the charge of felony third-degree sale of a controlled substance against Derek Boogaard’s brother Aaron. Aaron didn’t buy the painkillers for Derek, he was only holding onto them. He’s still being charged with interfering with a death stance. Aaron admitted that he flushed painkillers down the toilet before paramedics had arrived at Derek’s.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: There is still no progress between Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes. “We continue to have discussions with the Coyotes and are positive that over time Kyle will be playing,” his agent, Kurt Overhardt, told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “Kyle is in great shape and training hard in B.C.” The Coyotes are hoping to sign Shane Doan to a contract extension before he becomes a UFA at season’s end. Predators Mike Fisher will likely miss the first 2 games of the season. Marty Turco still hopes to catch on with a team.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat won’t be in the lineup for their season opener.
- Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: On injured Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly: “I’m not anticipating him playing Saturday, if he does it’s a bonus,” coach Ron Wilson said Thursday morning. “But if he comes to me and says he wants to play Saturday, if he thinks he’s ready, then he’ll probably play.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Chris Campoli left in the 2nd period last night, he’ll be re-examined today. Mike Cammalleri was sounding like it’s serious.
- Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: Defenseman Tim Erixon will make his debut with the Rangers. Recently acquired Jeff Woywitka may not play at all in Europe. Mats Zuccarello will start on a line with Derek Stepan and Wojtek Wolski.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Coyotes signed Martin Hanzal to a 5 year, $18.5 million contract extension.
- TSN via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler could be back in 5-6 games according to GM Mike Gillis.
Crosby’s doctors differ … Doughty has Kings best offer … Schenn, Baily salary breakdown … Injury notes on Kane, Sharp, Markov, Fisher and Niemi
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 17th, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby has been cleared to practice but his medical team can’t agree on when he should be ready for contact. A Florida-based chiropractor who has been examining Crosby told a Pittsburgh radio station that he’s ready for contact. Crosby’s doctors at a concussion clinic may not think so and stand behind their comments at the news conference earlier this month, ”We’re going to make sure we introduce contact in a very careful way,” Collins said at the time. “And we’re not even close to that right now.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi told LeBrun that he feels they made their best possible offer to Drew Doughty, 7 years at a $6.8 million average.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Luke Schenn salary breakdown: $3.6 million with a $1 signing bonus this year, and $3.35 million in the remaining 4 years. Also has a modified no trade clause.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Islanders re-signed Josh Bailey to a 2 year deal. He’ll get $800,000 this year and $1.3 million next year.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is still wearing a splint on his left wrist and is taking a cautious approach with it.
“I’m going be cautionary about putting myself in contact right away,” Kane said Friday. “I’ll be doing practice with whatever team is out there, working real hard to get my range of motion back.”
“They said if it was the middle of the season right now, and if I wanted to play, I could play,” Kane said. “It’s just making sure we don’t make it any worse and I’m fully 100 percent ready to go.”
Marian Hossa is still in Slovakia as he attended a Pavol Demitra’s memorial on Thursday, and will join the team soon. The Blackhawks aren’t too worried that Patrick Sharp could miss the entire preseason.
“Sharp was in excellent shape,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Through that process of taking the necessary time to heal himself up to get ready, he’s a finely tuned athlete. He can play through a lot of different injuries. We saw that last year how quickly he got back, particularly at a critical time of the year.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov won’t be taking the ice with teammates today:
“I wish I could skate with the team tomorrow or today, but I want to be 100-per-cent sure I’m healthy,” Markov said Friday as he discussed his rehabilitation from major knee surgery. “I don’t want to come back for a few games. I’d like to stay here for the long term, and that’s what we’re looking for.”Markov, who signed a 3 year, $17.5 million deal in the off-season, has had 2 surgeries to repair is his ACL in his right knee.
“He said the healing is good,” Markov said of his meeting with Andrews. “Everything in the knee, like the bones and muscles, is good. I had a little swelling at that time, but he said it’s normal for a second surgery.”
If Markov is out for an extended period of time, GM Pierre Gauthier may have to go looking for a defenseman.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson plans on cutting his training camp roster from 70 to 40 by Wednesday and down to 26 or 27 by next weekend.
“I’m cutting through all the B.S. here and getting right down to the NHL players,” Wilson said. “I’m not worried about where we’re going to be in two or three years. My primary responsibility is making the playoffs this year and getting off to a good start.”
Wilson would have 2 exhibition game with 40 players and 3 games with close to regular season lineup.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Mike Fisher’s recovery from shoulder surgery is going slower than he had hoped.“I’m just going to kind of work my way in here, just trying to get stronger. Still not ready for contact or anything. But I am skating and starting to shoot a bit, and it’s coming. I’m just really not sure as far as timetable. I just have to be patient.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien weighed in well under the 269 pounds he weighed in last year in Atlanta. Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer is hearing that the Jets are considering moving Dustin Byfuglien back to forward this year.
- David Pollak via twitter: Antti Niemi said he should be back playing in a few days.
More on Belak … Byfuglien arrested … Kugryshev back to Russia … H. Sedin has sore hip … 10 “under-the-radar” players
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2011
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Two people who knew Wade Belak said that he did suffer from depression and that he took medication to treat it. Belak’s widow released a statement asking “that everyone remember Wade’s infectious sense of humour, his caring spirit and the joy he brought to his friends, family and fans.”
- Mark Seidel via twitter: Seidel says that Belak did not kill himself and that “any suggestion to the contrary is simply wrong.” In time the truth will come out. He can’t say much about the death, but believes it will be “ruled a horrible accident” when all said and done. He apologizes for the vagueness.
- Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Special assistant with the NHLPA Mathieu Schneider said on the radio that people should stop jumping to conclusions regarding Wade Belak’s death. Schneider said it’s “dangerous and hurtful,” especially to his family, to speculate why he ended his life. Buffery lists a bunch of athletes (not just hockey players) who have taken their lives in the last year.
- Ed Tait and Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was arrested late Wednesday night on “probable cause for third degree boating while intoxicated and the refusal of a blood or urine test.” He was released from jail 2:23 Thursday morning. He was booked weighing 286 pounds, up from his approximate 245 pounds playing weight last year.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall is in the final year of his contact, has only played with the Wings, and would like to keep it that way. “Everyone knows I like it here a lot,” Kronwall said. “I want to stay. Hopefully, they want me to stay as well. So whenever they feel it’s the right time to start negotiating we’ll be ready for it.” The Wings will likely start contact talks with Kronwall soon.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Capitals prospect Dmitri Kugryshev is heading back to Russia after playing last year in the AHL. His deal is not the ‘rent’ type, he’ll be signing a valid contract with CSKA. The Capitals will retain his rights.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Andrei Zyuzin wanted to play in the NHL this year, but declined an offer from the Sharks. Zyuzin’s agent said that contact was for well less than a $1 million and he wanted more.
- Gord McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Cancucks forward Henrik Sedin’s status may be up in the air, more will be known when he skates next week. “I don’t think it [Henrik's sore hip] was too bad, but he felt he needed some time off.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Burnside mentions 10 “Under-the-radar” players who could make an impact this season: Alexei Ponikarovsky (CAR), JS Giguere (COL), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Anthony Stewart (CAR), Andrew Cogliano (ANA), Ian White (DET), James Neal (PIT), Niclas Bergfors (NASH), Mathieu Garon (TB) and Roman Hamrlik (WAS).
- James Mirtle via twitter: David Koci has been invited to the Jets training camp on a tryout.
- Martin Lunden of Swedish Oil by dohfOs: Oilers 2011 1st round pick Oscar Klefbom had his leg cut that required 10 stitches. When the stitches were removed, it was discovered that it was infected. He is on penicillin which prohibits him from playing.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said defenseman Francis Bouillon “will probably not be ready for camp.” Mike Fisher is still recovering from shoulder surgery. “I would say we’d probably go a little bit slower with (Fisher) going into training camp to make sure he’s ready and 100 percent going into the season,” Poile said.
What the Senators failed to mention about Fisher trade … Blackhawks looking for D, not shopping Seabrook … Roster notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2011
- Wayne Scanlan via twitter: “In their Fisher trade release, Senators failed to mention if the Preds don’t win a playoff round, there is NO additional draft pick to Ott.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he’s looking for a defenseman. Bowman, “If we don’t get a defenseman then we’re confident with the guys that we have.” Bowman also shoots down rumors that he’s trading Brent Seabrook, they’re still working on a deal. Bowman adds that talks are “going along amicably.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Talk about the LA Kings and Jason Spezza is legit, but not likely to happen.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Brian Burke is going to be at the Boston Bruins game tonight versus the Red Wings.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start in net for the Thrashers tonight vs. the Rangers.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Tobias Enstrom has been activated from the IR and will be in the Thrashers lineup.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg will be in the lineup tonight for the Avalanche.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Colby Armstrong will be out at least a week after suffering blurry vision last night.
More Maple Leafs deals coming … Murray told to dump salaries in Ottawa … No pressure in Edmonton to make a deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 10th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: More Maple Leafs could be on their way out, with Tomas Kaberle’s name at the front again this year,
“You’re right, about the last few years, you listen to the same stuff all the time,” Kaberle told ESPN.com after the team’s morning skate at Air Canada Centre. “It’s not a thing that a player wants to hear. He just wants to concentrate on hockey. But obviously it’s happening [around the trade deadline], the media analyzes it more and more. I just have to focus on hockey.”
Kaberle holds the no-trade clause. The Bruins, Canadiens, and Rangers are reportedly interested. The Leafs will eventually approach Kaberle with an offer, and he’ll say either yes or no.
“That’s the NHL. It’s going to happen or not. I’m up to it, whatever happens, happens. It’s something every player has to go through at the deadline.”
Kris Versteeg is also wondering about his future as a Leafs as his name is in the trade rumors as well.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk instructed Bryan Murray to get rid of as much salary as possible. Mike Fisher didn’t really want to leave Ottawa, but Nashville is a great fit, professionally and personally. The Kings and Hurricanes had ‘acceptable offers’ on the table for him. Chris Phillips could be next, and Strickland is still hearing that they could be open to re-signing on July 1st.
- Corey Masisak of NHL.com: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson,
“Right now, we’re showing signs of climbing back in. If we can do a deal that makes sense for the team, we’re going to do it.”
If the Blue Jackets decide to sell, Jan Hejda and Mathieu Garon could be made available.
Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini,
“This year there’s not the pressure to move players in order to make room. We have enough room for our young players,” Tambellini said to the Journal. “But I’m approaching this as I have other deadlines — where I am wide open to listening to ideas of how other teams can help make us a better team now, and maybe importantly, in the future.”
Jim Vandermeer, Dustin Penner, and Ales Hemsky’s names have been out there.
Washington is happy with Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth and won’t be adding a ‘potential No. 1 goalie’ this month. Washington may look at adding a center.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t think the Kings are waiting too long to make a deal, will go down to deadline day.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg may be in the Avalanche lineup tomorrow against Columbus.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers GM Tambellini,
“There’s a lot of different scenarios that will come across the desk in the next couple of weeks and if it’s younger, great,” Tambellini said. “If it’s something that makes sense as far as a veteran, we’ll look at that, too.
“We’ll make a deal if it’s good for the Oilers moving forward. If not, we’re very comfortable with where we’re at. We have young players in young positions, we have good veterans playing hard in their positions and contributing from a leadership perspective.”
The Nashville Predators acquire Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 10th, 2011
Predators team site: The Nashville Predators have acquired Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators for a 2011 1st round pick and a conditional 2012 draft pick.
If the Predators win one playoff round this year, it will be a 2012 3rd round pick. If they win two-or-more rounds it will be a 2012 2nd round pick.
“We were seeking a top-six forward and Mike Fisher was the player we set our sights on,” Poile said. “He plays playoff-style hockey all season long. He plays on the power play, kills penalties, is strong on draws and can match up against any opposing line.”
Fisher carries a $4.2 million cap until the end of 2012-13. He has a $4 million salary this year and next, and drops down to $3 million in 2012-13.
Fisher’s defensive play will fit in perfectly in Nashville. He’s an excellent two-way player who’ll likely be their 2nd line center, though he may be more of a 3rd line guy on a deep team.
It’s obvious the Senators are going to be rebuilding, and getting a 1st round pick should help them on their way. I was actually a little surprised that someone gave up a 1st round pick, they are treated like gold these days. There should be plenty more deals in the Sens future as they look to obtain young assets.
Sunday morning Rumor roundup part two
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Predators may be interested in Mike Fisher. The Senators have asked Chris Phillips if he’d waive his no-trade clause, and to get back to them by the end of next week. The Canadiens and Bruins could be leading candidates for him. Ray Emery should be signing a 1 year deal with the Anaheim Ducks today or tomorrow. Interest in Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg is picking up. The Bruins, Canadiens and maybe the Rangers could be interested in him. The Rangers could use a pointman like a Kaberle, Souray or McCabe. It’s likely that Marc Savard is done for the year, and the Bruins could be looking for both forwards and defense. A GM told ESPN that Hemsky and Penner are in play, but they are wanting way too much. Jaromir Jagr may consider returning the NHL next season,
“If I had a chance to join a team that has a chance to win, maybe I’d think about it,” Jagr said. “I’d like to go on a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup or at least get into the playoffs and go far. I’d like just to help a team like that on the second or third line.”
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Panthers GM Dale Tallon has said he has no untouchable players, including Jacob Markstrom. He did add that he doubts that would happen. “Yeah, why not?” Tallon said. “This team hasn’t done anything in 10 years, so why wouldn’t I? It’s not like we’re a championship team. We’ve got to get better in every area.” The Panthers have 7 players who’ll be UFA’s, and they could be looking to add some more draft picks. They have 1 1st, 2 2nds, and 2 3rds so far.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Both Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner could be on the move. The LA Kings are looking for a top 6 forward. Ladislav Smid may need a change of scenery. Linus Omark is getting some interest. Would the Predators trade 2007 1st round pick Jonathan Blum for Omark? Jim Vandermeer, Jason strudwick, and Ryan Jones are UFA’s and could be moved. Matheson thinks that if the Predators offered up Ryan Ellis and a 1st rounder for Hemsky, the Oilers should listen. Also, that they should as for Wayne Simmonds and a 1st rounder for Hemsky.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers continue to monitor Sheldon Souray but don’t seem in a rush to get him from re-entry from the Oilers (he hasn’t been put on re-entry waivers yet). The Rangers have RFA’s Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle, Michael Sauer and Matt Gilroy to deal with, and Wade Redden’s contract, so they may be monitoring what they can afford. Bringing in a Brad Richards would be more important that adding a Souray. They may also rather trade for a rental, such as Tomas Kaberle, than taking on a contract for next season.
Sunday morning Rumor roundup part one
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 6th, 2011
- Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: There are rumors that the NHL is looking into buying the Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg. They would raise $160 million, putting $35 million towards running the team, and offer $125 million to buy the team. It’s not know how far this idea has gone, or if it’s just in the tire kicking stages.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat, and possibly the same for Darcy Regier if the new owner wants to start fresh.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins should announce this week if Marc Savard is shut down for the season or not. The Bruins could be looking for forward help and Jackets, Senators, Oilers and Panthers have forwards available for trade. With Evgeni Malkin done for the year it’s likely the Penguins will look at add some scoring. The Thrashers are looking to move Nik Antropov, Ron Hainsey and Freddy Modin.The only way Florida brings back Tomas Vokoun is if it’s on a 1 year deal. The Predators, Kings, and Lightning are looking at Mike Fisher, but the Senators are unlikely to move him. The Sens are looking for 2 top prospects and a high pick. The Canadiens, Sharks, Bruins and Capitals could be interested in Chris Phillips.
- David Kalan of NHL.com: What might the Penguins do with Malkin now done. Jason Arnott might be of interest to the Penguins. The Pens will be able to bring in $8.1 million in salary cap at the deadline. The Pens now have the salary space to add an Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner, and if shooting for the moon, Jarome Iginla. Malkin’s number comes back on the books next year, so bringing in some help that is under contract next year could be difficult to do.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he won’t discuss contract extensions with any of his 5 UFA’s, so they may become trade bait. Jan Hejda, Mathieu Garon, Ethan Moreau and Chris Clark and Andrew Murray will all be UFAs. Mike Commodore could be bought out in the summer if they can’t find a team to take him.
- Can’t find embed code for last night’s Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove yet, but here is a link to it.
- NHL Sources Say: The Hockeycentral panel discuss what the Penguins might do to replace Evgeni Malkin (Alex Kovalev an option) as well as a potential trade between Edmonton and Ottawa (Penner and Phillips as key pieces of the deal). Yzerman may be looking to improve along the blueline, possibly Beachemin and Phillips. Senators are looking for a goaltender.
Sens can move Fisher to anyone … That Forsberg guy … Vokoun wants to talk to Tallon … Burke wants to negotiate with MacArthur … What to do with Hemsky, Penner
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch confirms that Mike Fisher’s full no-movement clause ended after last season, he was to give the team a 10 team no-trade list but never did. There were reports that he would have to submit a list before he’s able to be dealt but hat may not be the case, and he’s not that worried about it. So it looks like the Senators would be able to trade him anywhere. Fisher wants to stay in Ottawa, and it would take a good deal to move him. The Sens are more likely to deal Chris Phillips and Jarkko Ruutu. “I really don’t think they’ll trade Mike Fisher,” said a league executive. “They’ll talk about it, but they’ll want a lot in return. Good players are hard to find. You should keep them. You can’t trade everybody.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche coach Joe Sacco on Peter Forsberg, “The ball is in his court.” Forsberg practiced again yesterday. Sources say Forsberg has experienced some discomfort with his foot, but is using a brace in attempt to get a better fit in his skate. A decision may come by Sunday. Peter Mueller practiced yesterday but no timetable is set. Ryan O’Reilly (shoulder) could return on Saturday.
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers will have to decide soon if they want to keep or trade Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner. There are centers and defenseman in the draft that could interest the Oilers, so collecting some draft picks could be option. They will listen to offers for Gilbert Brule, Andrew Cogliano, Kurtis Foster, Colin Fraser, J.F. Jacques, Nikolai Khabibulin, Steve MacIntyre, Ladislav Smid, Jason Strudwick and Jim Vandermeer. Jones thinks the Oilers could get more for Penner than Hemsky. Jones thinks they should keep Hemsky and trade Penner.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun hasn’t had any contract extension offers from the Florida Panthers, but he does hope to talk to GM Dale Tallon when they get back. Vokoun has a no-movement clause. Stephen Weiss and Bryan McCabe have no-trade clauses, with Weiss not knowing he had one until a few weeks ago. Winger Evgeny Dadonov will be out at last a month with a broken finger.
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Brian Burke has said he wants to negotiate a contract extension for Clarke MacArthur. MacArthur is on a 1 year deal at $1.1 million after the Thrashers walked away from a $2.4 million arbitration ruling. He’s leading the Maple Leafs in scoring with 41 points, and will be looking for a nice raise.
“We have not approached him yet. That’s something we’ll get to in the next little while. You have to figure out what a fair salary is for a player who has had a breakthrough year,” said the GM.
“He’s not a player we intend to move at the deadline, whether he has signed an extension or not at that point.”
Responds MacArthur: “I’d love to be a Leaf for the rest of my career, but that’s up to them.”
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have sent Sami Salo to the AHL on a 3 game conditioning stint, and should return to the Canucks next week. With Alex Edler out 2-3 months, the Canucks won’t have to move any salary when Salo returns.
- Ken Belson of the NY Times: One NJ Devil owner (Jeff Vanderbeek) wants to expand, 2 minority owners may be looking to sell their shares.
Crosby cleared for light workouts … Healing Rangers … Roundup of names mentioned in trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
“There hasn’t been much real talk,” Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com this week. “Teams are saying ‘We’ll talk later, we’ll talk later.’ But that’s fine.”
“There’s been lots of talk going on, but it’s hard to jar anything loose right now,” Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said this week.
“Most of us have players that we would make available even right now for a trade, either because they’re underperforming and/or overpaid,” Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier told us this week. “But it’s impossible right now to get an agreement on values. We’re all hoping that we’re going to be able to just charge a cost without taking anything back, and that’s not reality. So I think, yes, we’re all sitting around to the last day or two again [before the trade deadline].”
The Maple Leafs and Senators have been trying to make trades (not with each other) for some time but haven’t had any luck. It doesn’t look like the Senators will move Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza. The Leafs may be ready to take draft picks and prospects as ‘traditional hockey deals’ are harder to do nowadays. There’s the Tomas Kaberle and his no-trade clause question that will be brought up again. Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg will continue get interest. Sheldon Souray is still available. Dustin Penner should draw some interest. Future UFA’s the Sabres have are Tim Connolly, Mike Grier, Rob Niedermayer, Craig Rivet and Steve Montador.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby has been cleared by doctors to begin light workouts. He’s been out since Jan. 5th with a mild concussion. Crosby will have to be symptom free from the workout before he’ll be able to practice with the team.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources are saying that the Ottawa Senators are trying to move Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar has 2 year and $11 million left on his deal. The Sharks, Bruins, and Blue Jackets are teams that have shown interest in adding a defenseman. “You could deal him, but you’re going to have to take somebody back,” said one NHL insider. “It’s going to have to be a dollar-for-dollar, which means they’ll have to take someone’s big contract back. “This is going to be a really tough deal for (the Senators) to make.” Chris Phillips and Jarkko Ruutu have been the most talked about names.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: A list of players who’s names have come up the most in trade rumors: Mike Fisher (OTT), Tim Connolly (BUF), Daniel Alfredsson (OTT), Sergei Gonchar (OTT), Chris Phillips (OTT), Robyn Regehr (CAL), Bryan McCabe (FLA), Stephen Weiss (FLA), Tomas Vokoun (FLA), Cory Stillman (FLA), Drew Stafford (BUF), Tomas Kaberle (TOR), Francois Beauchemin (TOR), JS Giguere (TOR), Jason Arnott (NJ), Brad Richards (DAL), and Devin Setoguchi (SJ).
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Post-Dispatch: If the Columbus Blue Jackets fall out of the playoff race, they could look to move Jan Hejda, Kristian Huselius, Sammy Pahlsson, and Chris Clark.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers should get Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi back on Tuesday. Vinnie Prospal is close to returning, and before the trade deadline they’ll also get Erik Christensen, Brandon Dubinsky and Ruslan Fedotenko back. Spector polled fans to see what they wanted to the Rangers to do, the results: Stand pat: 36% Defenseman: 23% Center: 13% Trade a veteran: 11% Address a weakness only if the market price is good: 7% Any power play help: 5% Jason Strudwick-type defenseman who can also spell a forward: 3% Jarome Iginla: 2%. Specific defenseman named: Anton Babchuk (Flames), Brent Burns (Wild), Brian McCabe (Panthers), Steve Montador (Sabres) and Tomas Kaberle (Maple Leafs).
- Lisa Wallace of the Globe and Mail: Ray Emery is hoping to get a contract in the next couple of weeks, as he continues he comeback attempt. Last April he had bone grafted from his leg and inserted “into the ball of the hip.” He was on the ice in Ottawa with goaltending coach Eli Wilson. “I’m ready to go and start training in the American Hockey League and know that my body can take that kind of exertion,” Emery said. “The hockey’s not all the way there. I feel like a player at the end of the summer who needs some training and some games to get a feeling for the game again.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are looking to add another defenseman and a center. Players they might be offering as trade bait are Victor Stalberg, Jack Skille, and Nick Boynton. Defenseman that Sassone thinks they could look at are Bryan McCabe, Roman Hamrlik, Joni Pitkanen, and Chris Phillips.
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