Posts Tagged Mike Komisarek

Kings may look at Kovalchuk, Martin, and Hamhuis … Saku to Minny? Colaiacovo and Weaver may be done in St. Louis

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

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are still the front runners to land Ilya Kovalchuk. The Kings may also look at signing Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis, if they are available. They will have to keep in mind that Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmons will be RFA next season, so they can’t let their salaries get out a whack.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are close re-signing tough guy Jody Shelley, possibly to a 2 year deal worth around $850,000 a season. Erik Christensen rejected a 2 year deal for about $1.5 million, and will become a UFA.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Despite acquiring Keith Ballard at the draft, the Vancouver Canucks are still on the lookout for defenseman. The Canucks had a terrible time last season with injuries to the blueline, so they’ll be looking for inexpensive, non-injury prone Dmen. Kevin Bieksa is a $3.75 million cap hit, is projected as their 5th defenseman, and could be moved for a ‘battle-tested forward’.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: If Saku Koivu wants to join his brother Mikko in Minnesota, it’s probably his choice. Last season the Wild offered Saku a 2-year deal worth $8 million and 3-year for $10 million, instead he took 1-year at $3.25 million. He turned down the offer because “I wanted him to have his own privacy … and make his own name and career”. The Wild could use another centerman and may talk Saku again this year.
  • Vicki hall of the Calgary Herald: Though Ales Kotalik was placed on waivers by the Calgary Flames, he may not be bought out, but the team still has the option to do so.

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Burke outlines what it will take to get Kaberle … Phaneuf to be new Leaf Captain … Would Flyers trade Carter for a frontline goalie?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 12th, 2010

  • David Shoatls of the Globe and Mail: Brian Burke confirmed yesterday that Dion Phaneuf will be named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs haven’t had a captain since Sundin left after the 2007-08 season. Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek will probabaly be assistant captains if Tomas Kaberle is dealt. The Leafs are also unvailing their new jersey (probably just adding the bottom stripes and a patch). Burke also offered this regarding a Kaberle trade, “I’m going to go for the best player I can get to help my team,” Burke said. “If it’s not a good enough player, would I take a first[-round pick], if it’s a second-tier player? Yes.”
  • Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers may have do some minor tinkering to their lineup, or they can make some bold moves. They have a young core in Richards, Carter, Giroux, Leino, and van Riemsdyk, but also an older crew; Pronger, Briere, Timonen, Gagne and Laperiere. Michael Leighton could be brought back at a low contract, and they could look to acquire a front line goalie, but does Leighton now think he’s a frontline goalie? Would the Flyers move out Carter to acquire that front line goalie?
  • 4period.ru: Reports out of Russia are once again confirming Nikolai Zherdev is looking to come back to the NHL. I wonder if next summer there will be reports that Zherdev is looking to go back the KHL.
  • Chip Alexander of Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes will fill their backup goalie position from within as GM Jim Rutherford has said Justin Peters will backup Cam Ward. Peters spent the majority of the season in the AHL, compiling a 26-18-2 record with a 2.54 GAA and .917 SV%. He made is NHL debut last year while Cam Ward was injured, posting a 6-3-0 record with a 2.83 GAA and .903 SV%.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Chris Chelios didn’t say he was going to retire, but he wants to spend more time with his family in Detroit. Please Chris, you’ve had a great career (not including the last couple years), it’s now time to retire.

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Leafs Close Could be Close to Cap Next Year … Ice Edge Pulling Offer for Coyotes? Blue Jackets to Interview for Head Coaching Position … Kovalev Hurt

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2010

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t worried about the Leafs cap situation for next season. “I’m not worried about (the cap),” general manager Brian Burke said. “We’re not shackled here. I don’t think we’re handcuffed. If I thought we were handcuffed, I’d tell you that.” If the Leafs go into next season with the same roster, and add Nazem Kadri, their cap number is about $51.55 million. About $55.55 million after resigning RFA Jonas Gustavsson and Nikolai Kulemin. Options they have to free up some money are demoting Jeff Finger to the minors, and/or listening to offers for Mike Komisarek or Francois Beauchemin. Tomas Kaberle is also a trade option.
  • Toronto Sun: Ice Edge Holdings is considering pulling its offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, as talks with the city of Glendale aren’t going well.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks that Martin Biron would be a good back up candidate for either the Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price next year for the Canadiens.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A reader asks Mike of possible defensemen targets for the Dallas Stars this off-season through free agency or trade. Heika lists some possibilities as: Sergei Gonchar, Pavel Kubina, Kim Johnsson, Paul Martin, Derek Morris, Willie Mitchell, Anton Volchenkov and Dan Hamhuis.
  • Aaron Portzline of hte Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel has had some success since he took over for Ken Hitchcock, leading them to a 10-9-5 record down the stretch, but that doesn’t garantee him the coaching gig for next year. GM Scott Howson will interview at least 6 to 8 other candidates, including Noel. On the list could be Kevin Dineen (Portland AHL), Paul MacLean (Det. asst.), Brent Peterson (Nash. asst.), Kevin McCarthy (Phil. asst.), Scott Steven (NJ asst.), Jim Playfair, Craig MacTavish, Guy Boucher (Hamilton AHL) and Bob Boughner (Windsor OHL).
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators may have lost Alex Kovalev for an indefinite period of time. Kovalev was helped off the ice in the second period with an injured left leg. Kovalev was unable to put any weight on his leg, more should be known today.
  • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers needed to kick start the rebuiding process hard this summer, and if they don`t, it would be a disappointment. Barnes lists the following players that could be on their way out: Charles Linglet, Dean Arsene, Aaron Johnson, Marc Pouliot, Patrick O’Sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Robert Nilsson, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Potulny, Ryan Jones, Ethan Moreau and Sheldon Souray.

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Cullen Gone by Tomorrow .. Turco in Limbo .. Armstrong Drawing Interest .. Some Panthers on the Block

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2010

  • The Triangle Business Journal: Hurricanes GM, Jim Rutherford, expects to trade Matt Cullen before the Olympic roster freeze (tomorrow), and Ray Whitney after the break.
  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Tim Thomas hasn’t been approached about waiving his no-trade, and “Thomas told CSNNE.com he “won’t respond to something that’s completely fictitious” and thus won’t address trade rumors that have kicked up with the Vezina Trophy winner.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Marty Turco hasn’t heard anything about what the Stars plan on doing with him. “I don’t have any qualms or problems. You put yourself in Joe’s shoes, and that’s it. Then you just focus on your job, and that’s all you can do,” Turco said. “A lot of people know how I feel and where my heart is, and if I keep playing like I’m playing now, then I’ll be OK and look back at everything and have a great big smile on my face.”
  • Patrick Caisse of Canoe: The LA Kings and Montreal Canadiens are rumored to be working on a deal that involves Alexander Frolov. Though the Kings might be looking to acquire Ray Whitney or Slava Kozlov before they deal Frolov.
  • James Murphy via Twitter: Sources have told Murphy that Dan Hamhuis of the Predators is on the block, the Preds want scoring in return.
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers forward Rostislav Olesz has a broken hand, so it might quite trade rumors for him. Richards doens’t think he’d be traded anyways, but others could be available; Jordan Leopold, Dennis Seidenberg, Gregory Campbell and Kamil Kreps.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Colby Armstrong is drawing plenty of interest, and the highest return for the Thrashers may be just before the deadline.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche defenseman Ruslan Salei  is about to return after being out for 3 months, and could be a good depth acquisition for someone.
  • Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press: Walters wonders with the emergence of Wild goalie Anton Khudobin, if they’d consider moving Josh Harding.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Mike Komisarek underwent surgery on the torn labrum in his right shoulder. He’ll be out 4-6 months.

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    Komisarek done for the year, Nic Wallin to Sharks? Extension for Emery? Possible Moves for Dallas and Boston

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2010

    • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Toronto Maple Leafs and the USA Olympic team took a hit yesterday, when it was announced that defenseman Mike Komisarek is done for year. Komisarek has already been out for a month, will required season ending shoulder surgery.
    • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson is heading out on the road with his team on a 10 day, 6 game road trip, but he’ll also be checking out other games as he looks for potential trade partners. He’ll be watching some NHL games, as well as junior and college games. The Sharks have been rumored to be looking for some defensive depth, and Niclas Wallin (Carolina) could be waiving his no-trade clause to join the Sharks.
    • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren plans on meeting with Ray Emery’s agent in March to discuss contract extension. Emery has a 16-11-1 record, 2.64 GAA, and a .905 save percentage in 29 games.
    • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars could move Marty Turco, but they would need to acquire a goalie in that deal, or acquire one beforehand. The Stars are still in the playoff race, and don’t want to give up on the season. Jaroslav Halak and Cory Schneider are options, but the price is high. Kari Lehtonen of Atlanta is also an option, but he’s just coming back from back surgery and doesn’t have a good medical history. The Stars are trying to resign Steve Ott who’s a UFA at seasons end, but he could be dealt if they don’t think they can resign him. He’s looking for something in the 3 years/$9 million (Dustin Byfuglien) and 4 years/$15.5 million (Sean Avery) range. Mike Ribeiro has 3 years at $5 million a season could also be trade bait for a top level defenseman.
    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Martin Biron is most likely and on move. The Canadiens might have an interest if they move either Price or Halak. The Kings might look for a veteran goalie like Biron or Turco (A smart idea in my opinion). The Sabres could be looking for a backup goalie, Biron is an option.
    • James Murphy of NESN: Some trade possibilities for the Boston Bruins. The Oilers are listening to offers for Andrew Cogliano, though he’d cost more for the Bruins than a Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen or Aaron Ward. Lubomir Visnovsky has a high salary, so he’d be a difficult move. Tomas Kaberle could be back in play for the Bruins (I’ve thought about this for a couple weeks, would the Bruins send Toronto’s 1st round pick back to the Leafs for Kaberle?). Cam Barker and Patrick Sharp are other possibilities, but Chicago may not want to break up the chemistry.
    • TheFourthPeriod: With Mike Cammalleri out for 6 weeks, the Canadiens could be looking for some scoring help, and have been linked to Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya.
    • TSN Staff: The Islanders have place Brendan Witt on waivers. Witt has missed most of the last month with a knee injury, and was just activated off of IR.

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    Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Rumors - Jan. 26th

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2010

  • Damien Cox, Don Landry and Gord Stellick on the FAN 590: Audio from yesterday mornings radio talk show. Talking about the Leaf game on Saturday night, and if Kaberle will waive his no-trade clause.
  • Brian Burke on Hockey Central - Video: Brian Burke was on Hockey Central, discussed Kovalchuk, who won’t be coming to the Maple Leafs.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Jonas Gustavsson has less than 30 games to convince boss Brian Burke that he should be the goalie of the future for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Vesa Toskala won’t be back, possibly gone by the trade deadline. Shoalts presents 3 options for the Leafs goaltending situation.
  • Hand the No. 1 job to Gustavsson next season and sign a good backup from the list of free agents.
  • Look for a veteran free agent who can act as a mentor to the 25-year-old Gustavsson and be capable of playing as many as 50 games if the youngster’s development still lags.
  • Sign or trade for the best possible goaltender money and cap space can buy. Gustavsson can either back up and wait his turn or be traded for another asset.

    • One option that might present itself is that if the Florida Panthers are out of playoff contention, they might put Tomas Vokoun on the trade block. Vokoun has 1 year left at $5.7 million. There’s JS Giguere at $7 million ($6 million cap hit) for next year. Jonas Hiller is also a UFA at seasons end. Nashville has 2 UFA goalies in Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne, and they won’t be re-signing both. Other free agent goalies are Martin Biron (Isles), Chris Mason (Blues) and Marty Turco (Stars)

  • Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca: Now that Sheldon Souray has agreed to waive his no-trade clause, will Tomas Kaberle follow suit? Spector thinks Kaberle’s trade value is diminishing.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek is hoping to return on Saturday. Komisarek has been out since Jan. 2nd with a shoulder injury, the injury may not be fully healed. Doctors looked at the shoulder, and Komisarek may have been given the option of surgery now or playing through it and having surgery after the season.
  • Terry Koshan from Canoe Sports: One team that might consider trading for Vesa Toskala might be the Calgary Flames. Other UFA’s that could be moved Lee Stempniak, Matt Stajan and Alexei Ponikarovsky.

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    More Flames talk, Moving Price over Halak? Some injury updates

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2010

  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Flames GM Darryl Sutter is trying to be patient when I comes to making a significant move. With his luxury of having numerous quality defenseman, one could be peddled from some scoring help for Jarome Iginla.
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Despite looking for scoring help, Darryl Sutter doesn’t see himself in the middle of the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes. Also noted “We’ve talked to Bourque and Olli (Jokinen) off and on all year, but it’s not to the point we’re going to talk about finalizing any sort of deal,” said the Flames GM.”
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports:
    • Friedman thinks that the Canadiens should consider trading Carey Price. The return for Price would be greater than Jaroslav Halak.
    • Sheldon Souray has given the Oilers a list of teams he’ll waive his no-trade clause for. In a perfect world for Souray, the Kings and/or Ducks would come calling.
    • Trade talks are begining to heat up amongst teams, as one GM said “I got six calls on Friday. I hadn’t got that many in weeks.”
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins could have an interst in Ray Whitney, but the attributes that make him attractive to the Pens, also makes him attactive to other teams, therefore driving up the price.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall will return tonight after being out since Nov. 21st with a sprained knee. Tomas Holmstrom hopes to begin practicing today or tomorrow. Jason Williams has been skating for a couple weeks.

    • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators goalie, Pascal Leclaire, has begun skating on his own, and hopes to be back in the next few weeks.

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    Surgery for Hedjuk, No action on Filatov yet, Spezza could be back Saturday, Komisarek return this week?

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

    • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch: The Blue Jackets haven’t received any trade action on Nikita Filatov. It would be hard for a team to trade for a player who’s already bolted to the KHL after 1+ seasons in the NHL, and has complained about the AHL and his playing time on numerous occasions, all before the age of 20. Sounds like a headache to me. And you’ll also have to offer top notch prospects or high draft picks since Filatov was high pick 2 years ago.
    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Stars would trade struggling Dman Matt Niskanen, I doubt it. He would bet $20 that Ray Whitney will end up in Pittsburgh.
    • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Milan Hedjuk will have an arthroscopic procedure done on his right knee, and will be out of the lineup for 2 to 4 weeks. He had surgery done on the same knee 3 years ago, but this procedure is minor.
    • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Good news is finding it’s way to Ottawa lately. Daniel Alfredsson returned on Saturday, Filip Kuba should return today, Milan Michalek is close and Jason Spezza could be back within a week. A Saturday return against the Bruins is a possibility.
    • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs defensive aspect of their game should improve this week as Mike Komisarek should return this week, and the same can be said for Wayne Primeau.

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    Around the Boards: Komisarek returning tonight, no quick fix trades for Columbus, Maurice safe, NJ has trade chips

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 30th, 2009

    • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Mike Komisarek will return to the Maple Leafs lineup tonight after missing 3 weeks with a small tear in his quad. Defenceman Garnet Exelby and Jeff Finger will find themselves in the press box, that’s about a $4.75 million cap hit for the press box. Vesa Toskala returned to practice but isn’t ready for game action yet.
    • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Losers of 5 straight games, there’s no hiding the fact that the Columbus Blue Jackets are struggling, but Jackets GM, Scott Howson, says he’s not actively pursuing a ’skake-up’ trade.
    • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News Observer: With changes on the horizon for the Carolina Hurricanes, President and GM Jim Rutherford, said that coach Paul Maurice won’t be part of them.
    • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are getting healthy, and the replacements were pretty impressive, which may mean they could be trade bait later on in the season. Johnny Oduya, Jay Pandolfo, and Rob Niedermayer could return this week, and Paul Martin is only 2 weeks away. Defensemen Mark Fraser and Matt Corrente, and forwards Rod Pelley, Tim Sestito, Dean McAmmond, Vladimir Zharkov, Matt Halischuk, Illka Pikkarainen and Andrew Peters, have filled in admirably.
    • Michael Obernauer of the NY Daily News: The frustration level of John Tortorella is growing, and so is his doghouse, winger Ales Kotalik could be the next. Could trades or some other player movement be the next step?

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    Around the Boards: Kovalchuk talks positive, Malkin and Ovechkin returing tomorrow? Komisarek and Orpik out weeks

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 13th, 2009

    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Robert Nilsson is in the doghouse and may find himself on the trading block. The Predators and possibly the Hurricanes could be interested in Nilsson, who has skill but has been inconsistent.
    • Chris McCosky of The Detroit News: Despite the rumors circulating that the Detroit Red Wings might be interested in trading for JS Giguere, GM Ken Holland says he hasn’t talked about any trades, nor does he expect to any time soon.
    • Jeff Klein of the New York Times: Thrashers GM, Don Waddell says the Ilya Kovalchuk’s negotiations have been ‘very positive’. It’s not noted if Ilya or his agent agree, but at least they continue to talk. There is still talk out there about Kovalchuk returning to Russia.
    • Corey Masisak of the Washington Times: Alex Ovechkin could return this weekend.
    • Mike Spellman of the Daily Herald: Marion Hossa has begun some little contact drills to test out his surgically repaired shoulder. He should begin full contact next week, and could see some game action during their current trip.
    • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Brooks Orpik’s ‘lower body injury’ will keep him out the lineup for about 2 weeks, which is better than originally feared. Evgeni Malkin has been cleared for contact and could return on Saturday.
    • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Leafs defenceman, Mike Komisarek will on the IR for about 3 weeks with a torn muscle in his quadriceps. Carl Gunnarsson was called up to take his roster spot. Ian White moved up to the number one defensive unit with Tomas Kaberle. Jeff Finger was paired with Francois Beauchemin, Luke Schenn and Garnet Exelby are the 3rd pairing.
    • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Milan Lucic is targeting next Thursday as a return date, Claude Julien is thinking at least a week to 10 days.

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