Posts Tagged Mike Modano
Life after the Kovalchuk signing … Other pieces will begin to fall
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 20th, 2010
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Don’t expect a Tomas Kaberle trade this week as GM Brian Burke has gone fishing for the week. He did have this to say before he left, “The number of offers are up to six but we’re not in a position where we think any of them are good enough,” said Burke. “We’re still in a holding pattern.” The Lightning at one point were dangling Ryan Malone. Burke would not comment on Marc Savard. If he is interested, he’ll most likely wait until after Kaberle is traded as he may not need a center of Savard’s caliber.
Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The LA Kings may come calling the Maple Leafs for puck moving Dman Tomas Kaberle, to play along side Drew Doughty. Longley throws out the idea of Brayden Schenn coming back to Toronto.
Randy Youngman of the OC Register: The Ducks and Bobby Ryan are fine with $5 million a year, but Ryan wants less term than the 5 years the Ducks are proposing. Ryan would like 3 years, but that would mean his contract would expire at the same time as Perry’s and Getzlaf’s. 3 years would also leave Ryan as an RFA, 4 years he would be a UFA.
NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Leafs were interested in Bobby Ryan, but Ducks have told all teams they want to sign him.
Dave Gross of the Vancouver Province: Gross mentions players who the Devils could possibly trade to get under the cap: Brian Rolston, 2 years at $5 million. Travis Zajac is at $3.89 million season (I doubt they’d move him, would be a last resort). Dainius Zubrus makes $3.4 million the next 3 seasons. Colin White will make $3 million the next 2 years. Bryce Salvador will make $2.9 million the next 2 years.
EJ Hradek via Twitter: Jamie Langenbrunner could be trade bait for the Devils. He’s at $2.8 million and a no-trade clause, but he should get some interest.
Jeff Marek via twitter: There could be a new style of play in New Jersey next season, more ‘up-tempo’, less trap.
Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has told Patrick Sharp that “he’s not going anywhere.” They are still working on Antti Niemi, no solution, but have ideas.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano will start skating on August 5th, and won’t make a decision to return or not before that.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Frolov has begun contract talks with KHL’s Salavat Yulaef.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: After the seeing what the Flyers got for Simon Gagne (Matt Walker and a 4th), the Oilers may not expect to get much back for Sheldon Souray. There’s not a big market for Souray, with his $5.4 million cap hit for the next 2 years, and his health concerns. The Oilers may look to teams who are sitting around the salary cap floor: Atlanta, NY Islanders, Colorado, and St. Louis. They may ask the Oilers to throw in a young player or pick to take back the salary.
John Boruk via Twitter: Aaron Asham could be signed by the end of the week, Philly a possibility.
That free agent guy … Bieksa getting some interest … No rush for Modano
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on July 18th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: A source close to Ilya Kovalchuk is saying he’s still deciding between a couple teams, but the saga is close to ending. One source is saying the Kings have a 50-50 chance of signing Kovalchuk. The New Jersey Devils still hope he’ll sign with them, and reportedly have offered more money.
Kingscast.net: 15 day documentry/short film on the Ilya Kovalchuk-LA Kings saga.
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: Is Bobby Ryan not signing the 5 year, $25 million deal with the Ducks because he’s looking for a 3 year deal, as he thinks “he’ll be worth more than $5 million in the final years of the contract”? Or is he trying to get a bigger offer sheet from someone? Ducks GM is looking to add a top 4 defenseman, and Canucks Kevin Bieksa is drawing their interest. San Jose and Columbus have also shown some interest.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Mike Modano is no closer to making a decision if he’ll be joining the Detroit Red Wings, but they appear to fine with letting him take his time. Apparently there is an offer on the table for 1 year at $1.25 million.
- Andy Strickland via Twitter: Things have picked up in last few days on Lee Stempniak, several teams interested.
- Andy Strickland via Twitter: 3 clubs are interested in Bill Guerin, with the Penguins being one of them.
Should the Bruins trade Marc Savard:
“98% sure” for Kovalchuk … No Sweatt for Leafs … No Love of Lee
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 17th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: According to one of Elliott’s sources, “he’s 98% sure” that Ilya Kovalchuk and the Los Angeles Kings will get a deal done, either side will not comment on it. (For the love of God please get this over with). Some of the stumbling blocks have been how Kovalchuk will be payed during the potential lockout season of 2012-13, if he’ll get a no-trade or no-movement clause, and if there is clause to give him veto on a trade, or selecting a number teams he’d consider joining.
- Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke has pulled the Maple Leafs offer to Bill Sweatt off the table. The Leafs acquired Sweatt in the Kris Versteeg deal. The Leafs have/had until August 15th to sign him to an entry level deal or he would become an unrestricted free agent. The Leafs are close to the maximum of 50 player contracts. I would think Burke will try to shop Sweatt around, maybe adding a draft pick or putting him in a trade package.
- Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Doug Weight will be back with the New York Islanders next season, but they are in no rush to get the deal done. The Isles are below the salary cap floor, and could use Weight’s bonus laden contract to reach the minimum.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lee Stempniak scored 28 goals last season, 2nd most amoung free agents, but still finds himself without a contract. Stempniak and his agent are still talking to teams, but it’s been a slow process. He and the Coyotes have a mutual interest in each other, and at the right price, the Coyotes would like to have him back.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBCsports: (worth a read) He writes about the Kovalchuk situation, how it’s not a ‘ripe’ market, why some draft picks fall, and his 30 thoughts.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: An NHL source is saying that the Dallas Stars do not have an agreement to be sold to Canadian Oilman, Bill Gallacher. Ken Campbell of The Hocky News reported yesterday that there was a deal.
- Dan Rosen via Twitter: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock on Mike Modano,”I look forward to him signing. I think that’s inevitable. I think that’s what is going to happen.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Alexei Yashin’s agent said that the New York Islanders are always interested in him.
Kovalchuk and Kings close … Market to open up soon? Malkin to the wing with Crosby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 16th, 2010
- Nick Kyperos via Twitter: 8:40 AM Post – “A big swing in the Ilya/Kings talks. Major stumbling blocks have been rectified. A source now described it to me as “close but not done”
- Mike Russo via Twitter: Lockout protection has been a ‘sticky part’ in the Ilya Kovalchuk – Los Angeles Kings talks.
- Tom Gulitti via Twitter: (last night). Devil’s GM Lou Lamoriello said they will be patient while Kovalchuk makes up his mind. “I think we have to understand what he’s going through.” Waiting for Kovalchuk won’t interrupt any other potential transactions. If there is a deal to make them better, they’ll do it.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thinks that once Kovalchuk signs, the markets will open up again. He’s been shopping Marc Savard and Tim Thomas for awhile, but things have come to a halt. “I think once a player of that caliber moves, there’s probably a couple of other players just under him who might move in a couple of deals” Chiarelli said. The Bruins signed Gregory Campbell and Adam McQuaid to 2 year deals, Jeff LoVecchio and Andrew Bodnarchuk received 1 year deals.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN there is no truth to the rumor linking him to the Blackhawks. Former Predator, Denis Grebeshkov has been getting some interest, but nothing concrete. Some of the interest is coming from the KHL, but he’d prefer to stay in the NHL. LeBrun thinks that if the Sharks think Kaberle’s price is too high, Grebeshkov could be an option.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There is nothing going between the Anaheim Ducks, James Wisniewski and Bobby Ryan, but they’ve been talking with Teemu Selanne.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguin management has concluded it might be time to move Malkin to the wing on Crosby’s line, bumping Staal to the 2nd line center. If the move doesn’t work, they can easily go back to having all 3 of them at the center position.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Derek Meech was re-signed by the Red Wings for $500,000 yesterday, but he may not get much playing time as a 7th or 8th defenseman, and may find himself with a different club by the start of the season. If he makes it to camp, he’ll be battling Jakub Lindl, Brandon Smith and Doug Janik for the 6th spot. GM Ken Holland was scheduled to talk to Mike Modano late yesterday afternoon, a decision wasn’t expected to be made. They’ve also had talks with Kirk Maltby regarding a 1-way and 2-way contracts.
- Ralph Strangis of the Dallas Morning News: If the Stars make any acquisitions, it would have to be at least dollar-for-dollar. Unless they would consider moving Benn or Neal, there isn’t much interest in any of their players. Once the new ownership is in place, they may be able to add some players/contracts.
Leafs and Lightning interested in Gagne … Filatov returning in August … No Modano in Anaheim
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 15th, 2010
- Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: When asked if he’s interested in trading for Simon Gagne, Brian Burke said in an email, “Not at this time”. The Maple Leafs, Kings and Rangers are said to be interested. Fuller took Burke’s comments to mean that ‘talks are in the initial stages’. Trading for Gagne could be an affordable risk the Leafs could take, both for salary and injury wise. The Flyers would probably want a prospect in return as they are looking to shed salary. Fuller brings up the idea of shipping Kaberle to Boston or wh0ever for prospects, which in turn could be sent to Philly.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Flyers winger Simon Gagne. Gagne would give the Lightning 2 solid lines: Gagne-Lecavalier-St. Louis and Malone-Stamkos-Downie. The Lightning are about $14 million below the salary cap ceiling. The Lightning have 8 bodies along the blueline, and/or they have depth in ‘high-end goaltending prospects’. Would Gagne waive his no-trade clause for the Lightning?
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov will be returning to Columbus early/mid August, and he’s looking forward to returning to the NHL. Tyler Wright, the teams developmental coach was over in Russia for several days and came back impressed with Filatov. Filatov is excited about the new direction of the coaching staff.
- ChicagoBreakingSports: The Chicago Blackhawks have turned their attention to goaltender Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration hearing is set for July 29th, but his agent Bill Zito would like to get something done before then. “We’re confident we have a good case, but with that said, there is always risk,” Zito said of the unpredictability of a hearing. “It’s just like going to court … Did O.J. (Simpson) really not do it?”
- Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Nikolai Zherdev could find himself on the line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter if Simon Gagne is traded, or alongside Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There were rumors that the Anaheim Ducks were interested in signing Mike Modano, but that is not the case. From GM Bob Murray, “we are not involved in talks with Modano.” The Ducks don’t really need a centerman, but they could use some help on the blueline.
- Mike Russo via Twitter: The Minnesota Wild won’t be signing Bobby Ryan to an offer sheet, they’ve traded away their 2nd round pick.
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: The Capitals are done free agent shopping according to GM George McPhee.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: From Maxim Afinogenov, “I wouldn’t mind staying in Atlanta but the current offers from the team are not satisfactory.”
Rangers need Kovalchuk? Modano has more options … Burke still looking for more … Bruins remaining off-season issues
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 11th, 2010
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers don’t have any young, blue chip prospects coming up that would need to receive big contracts once Marc Staal is done, so they don’t need to conserve money on that front. They need to sign Ilya Kovalchuk. Glen Sather has been in touch with Kovalchuk’s camp. If the Rangers don’t get Kovalchuk, they may look to Simon Gagne.
Tell me the Rangers’ top six forwards consist of a permutation of The Great Gabby, Erik Christensen, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and maybe Vinny Prospal, Artem Anisimov or Sean Avery or Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, and then try to convince me Sather shouldn’t get in the game on Kovalchuk.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Mike Modano has heard from Detroit and will listen to offers from San Jose and Minnesota. The Wings have about $3 million to re-sign Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader and Derek Meech. Early last week it appeared Modano was just deciding if he wanted to retire or play for the Wings. As of late last week the ‘playing for the Wings’ part may have changed, according to Ken Holland.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Brian Burke isn’t finished with the Maple Leafs this off-season, as there are still some free agents that intrigue him, and there’s the Tomas Kaberle situation. As it stands, their top-6 appears to be Phil Kessel, Tyler Bozak, Nikolai Kulemin, Kris Versteeg, Colby Armstrong and rookie Nazem Kadri, with only Armstrong being over 25. Ideally Armstrong would be on the 3rd line, and Kadri brought along slowly. Kadri is currently pencilled in but …“But he has to prove it. He is indeed pencilled in, but that pencil’s not going to come out when training camp ends. If it comes out, it won’t be until the 20-game mark.”
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray wants the speculation to end, he won’t be trading Bobby Ryan.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: How things could unfold before the start of the season for the Bruins: 1. Trade Marc Savard, Shinzawa thinks a Savard-for-Kaberle deal makes sense. The Bruins could put him on waivers, and if claimed, would only be gaining salary cap space. 2. Extend Blake Wheeler before their arbitration hearing, maybe between $1.8-2.2 million per season. 3. Re-sign Gregory Campbell and Adam McQuaid. 4. Assign Michael Ryder to the AHL, since they won’t buy out his $4 million salary. 5. Make sure Tim Thomas is healthy after hip surgery, and hope that he can prove to other GM’s that he’s worth trading for.
- Michael Russo via Twitter: There is a chance the Minnesota Wild trade James Sheppard.
Though choices in Chicago … Gagne to Leafs? No ‘Sweat’ for Leafs? Senators need a tough Dman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 10th, 2010
- Tim Sassone of the Chicago Tribune: With the Sharks signing Niklas Hjalmarsson to a 4 year, $14 million offer sheet, the Blackhawks may have to decide if they want to keep Hjalmarsson, Antti Niemi, or possibly Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks could match the offer and wait for Niemi’s arbitration hearing, if it’s for more than $4 million a season they could decline it and Niemi would be a UFA. They could then go sign Turco or Theodore for less.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There is a chance that the Maple Leafs won’t be able to sign recently acquired Bill Sweat. If Sweat doesn’t sign by August 15th, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Sweat was acquired along with Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks. It could end up being a 3 for 1 deal.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Journal: With the signing of Nikolai Zherdev, the Flyers are $1.4 million over the cap, and still have RFA’s Daniel Carcillo and Darrol Powe. They are still trying to move Simon Gagne, and have been linked to the Kings for weeks, but they could also be talking to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Flyers could package Gagne and Braydon Coburn ($8.45 million in salary) for Tomas Kaberle ($4.25 million). The Flyers might request goaltending prospect,Jussi Rynnas as well.
- Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated: Muir thinks that the Flyers could send Simon Gagne to the Kings for defensive prospect, Thomas Hickey. The Kings have a surplus of young defenseman. I could see the Flyers doing this deal, but I’m not sure the Kings are completely sold on Gagne, and Hickey is a top prospect.
- Mike Russo of the Star-Tribune: Minnesota Wild GM, Chuck Fletcher, has talked with Mike Modano about finishing his career in the city where it all started out. Modano is still undecided if he’ll return next season. The Red Wings and Sharks are also said to be interested. The Wild could be looking for some scoring help, and could consider: Alex Frolov, Lee Stempniak, Paul Kariya, Maxim Afinogenov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Miro Satan.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators could use a rugged defenseman. “I’d like to add one more player,” Murray said at Friday’s news conference to introduce Gonchar. “Maybe (he’s) in the organization. Watching Jared Cowen playing in the development camp, we may already have a defenceman who can play in that more physical spot that we’re looking to fill.” If they decided to sign a free agent, Andy Sutton, Willie Mitchell and Shaone Morrisonn could be possibilities.
- Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: According to a Czech news agents, Ales Kotalik will be joining Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. But according to the official Czech hockey site, Kotalik had this to say “I haven’t heard a thing about that”.
Kovalchuk and the Devils … Modano, Wings or retirement … Family concerns for Nabokov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Nothing much has changed with Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils the past couple days. They are still considered the leading NHL candidate (maybe the only NHL candidate) to sign the Russian super-star. One thing that might be holding this up is that the Devils need to shed some salary before they can sign him, possibly as much as $6 million. The Devils have 8 players that have no-trade/no-movement clauses. Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) are the most likely candidates. The Devils could sign now, and would have all summer to shed the excess salary (teams are allowed to 10% over the salary cap during the summer, but have to be under by day 1 of the regular season).
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bill Guerin is still hoping to play next season. He’s had ‘minimal discussions’ with the Penguins and a few other teams. The Penguins are considering moving Malkin or Staal to the wing, and using a young winger or bringing back Guerin for the 3rd line. Everything still status quo on Kovalchuk according to Lou Lamoriello. The Anaheim Ducks are going to sit back on the Bobby Ryan front after he turned down a 5 year $25 million deal, and a 4 year $18.4 million deal. The Ducks are ready to wait and see if a team sends him an offer sheet, then decide to match it or take the compensation. See – Compensation for signing a RFA. Maxim Afinogenov is the 2nd highest UFA scorer, but still remains unsigned. John Madden is still available and not going to rush things, wants to make sure it’s a good fit.
- Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: If New Jersey is looking to make some trades to sign Kovalchuk, he’s sure the Blues are looking into it. However, neither team is looking to take on salary.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Mike Modano has said it will be the Detroit Red Wings or retirement.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Next set of negotiations for Evgeni Nabokov and SKA St. Petersburg is set for today. His concerns aren’t about money but over his family.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Former Wild Kim Johnsson is contemplating retirement due to concussions. Johnsson received a concussion with the Blackhawk that ended his season in March, is still suffering symptoms, and has no “immediate plans to play” according to his agent. Pierre-Marc Bouchard is exercising at a slow, easy pace in hope of being ready for training camp. Russo thinks the Wild will add another defenseman, and he wouldn’t be surprised if the Wild make a big trade.
- Chip Alexander via Twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has said they are considering 2 options: 1. Signing a Top 4 defenseman and allowing Jamie McBain to “ease into things” or option #2 having McBain as a Top 4 defenseman and re-signing Brett Carson or Alexander Picard. Re-signing Brian Pothier is an “outside possibility” but isn’t being ruled out.
Are the Kings interested in Gagne and others? Modano has 4 options … Not much going on for Frolov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 6th, 2010
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: One report is saying the Los Angeles Kings are out of the running for Simon Gagne, and another says they are still interested. Things were quiet involving Tomas Kaberle over the weekend, but should pick up this week.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott wonders how the Kings can become more attractive to free agents. Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds will be free agents soon, and will they want to re-sign with a team that can’t draw top free agents? The Kings may have to go the trade route to fill some holes in their roster. If the Devils sign Kovalchuk, they’ll have to clear out some salary. Brian Rolston could be available, but he’s 37 and has a $5.062 cap hit. Tomas Kaberle is an option but the Leafs probably want prospects and picks (nope … they’d like a top 6 forward, maybe a Wayne Simmonds or Dustin Brown). The Kings like Simon Gagne, and the Flames may deal Robyn Regehr. Marc Savard could fit but the Kings may not be on the 5 team list Savard has.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Alexander Frolov hasn’t received much interest, other than the Rangers doing some brief tire kicking.
Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: A “good-faith” move by Jaroslav Halak by not filing for salary arbitration.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Evgeni Nabokov couldn’t agree on a contract with SKA St. Petersburgh.
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Detroit Red Wings are close to signing 3 of their restricted free agents to 1 year contracts: Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller and Derek Meech. GM Ken Holland isn’t close to signing Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, both could get long-term deals later on in the summer though.
John Shannon via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings and 3 other teams are interested in Mike Modano.
David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune: Mike Modano hasn’t heard from the Chicago Blackhawks, but they could be an option for him as they are looking for some 3rd/4th line depth (cost friendly depth). “I’d like to see what kind of wiggle room they have left under the salary cap, if they can fill that third- or fourth-line void and see how I would fit in with those guys,” said Modano. “They have a great nucleus of kids. So there is a lot of interest there. Obviously, coming off the type of year they’ve had there’s a lot of excitement for anybody who has Chicago on their list of options.”
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Blake Wheeler filed for arbitration yesterday, but Wheeler’s agent plans on working hard to get a deal done. They haven’t had much discussion with GM Peter Chiarelli as he’s been busy with the draft and free agency. Mark Stuart didn’t file for arbitration as he and Bruins are close to a 1-year extension. Boston re-signed both Nathan McIver and Nolan Schaefer.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski filed for salary arbitration yesterday, but after the meeting his agent and GM Bob Murray last week, they appear to be on the “same page”. More discussions should take place before their arbitration meeting which would be between July 20th and August 5th.
Leafs talking to Afinogenov … Yzerman still shopping … Bieksa receiving interest
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2010
David Pagnotta via Twitter: The Stars are still dangling Mike Ribeiro, but nothing is close.
Rob Rossi via Twitter: The Penguins will take the weekend to look at some trade possibilities. They’d like to add a veteran ‘character’ guy who is cheap.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Not saying the Maple Leafs will sign Maxim Afinogenov, but there’s been conversations.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Oilers won’t be putting Sheldon Souray through re-entry waivers, as they have zero interest in eating half his salary.
Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: Yzerman is still looking for a Dman, and has interest in forwards, only at the right price.
Jason Botchford via Twitter: 10 teams have called about Vancouver’s Kevin Bieksa.
David Pagnotta via Twitter: Willie Mitchell has a couple offers but nothing is close.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: 2 teams in the Northeast division have an interest in Nik Zherdev.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings are the only team to call Mike Modano so far.
No contract coming for Mike Modano from Dallas … More players placed on waivers today
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 29th, 2010
- TSN: Ethan Moreau, Robert Nilsson and Patrick O’Sullivan were all placed on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers with the purpose of buying out them out. Other players that have been placed on waivers are Nathan Oystric (Ana.), Todd Fedoruk (TB), Donald Brashear (NYR), Aaron Voros (NYR) and Patrick Rissmiller (NYR). Players who cleared waivers today and are now eligible to be bought out: Jonathan Cheechoo, Petteri Nokelainen, Ales Kotalik, Jim Vandermeer, and Ville Koistenen.
- TSN: The Dallas Star will not be offering Mike Modano a contract for next season. Modano is an unrestricted free agent, but is still unsure if he will retire or not. They’d love to bring in back in a front office capacity.
Ryan to Leafs unlikely … Volchenkov and Spezza update … Bruins how to trade Thomas this week
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2010
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Despite some wishes from Leaf Nation, it’s unlikely that Bobby Ryan will end up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs have made no contact with the Ducks, but have been monitoring the situation. Ryan has been a little worried about the lack of progress on contract talks. He also denied reports that he’s looking for Corey Perry/Ryan Getzlaf money, $5.325 million. “I don’t want to force (management’s) hand and I don’t want them to force mine,” Ryan said. “I want to get it closed out before hand. There hasn’t been anything that’s gone in the right direction. But there’s no hostility.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If Anton Volchenkov and the Ottawa Senators can’t come to an agreement soon, the Senators may deal his negotiating rights. Volchenkov is looking for $4.5-5 million per season. If they don’t re-sign him, they will look to bring in a more mobile defenseman, possibly Sheldon Souray who they’ve shown a little interest in. The Sens hope to bring back Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton. It’s unlikely the Senators will move up from their 16th draft slot.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Senators are going to trade Jason Spezza, they’ll be hoping to get something done before July 1st, as Spezza is owed $4 million on Canada Day. I’m sure other teams know this and will look to make a deal afterwards. The Senators may find there are limited teams interested in taking on his remaining 5 years and $33 million, and that willing give back a fair return for him. Teams that could be in the market for a center; Panthers, Sharks, Flames, Bruins, Oilers, Kings, and Wild.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Bryan Murray isn’t going to trade Jason Spezza just for the sake of trading him. “He’s a player that we’re counting on being an important part of our hockey team, but like every player, there’s a possibility I get an offer that I can’t refuse,” Murray said Monday.
- Joe Haggery of CSNNE: One of the Bruins top priorities heading in to this weekends draft is finding a trade partner for Tim Thomas. The San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning are said to have some discussions, and if the Flyers are able to shed some salary, they could enter the mix. Thomas had hip surgery after the playoffs, is owed $15 million over the next 3 years, and has a no-trade clause in 2 of the 3 years.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: The Washington Capitals and Tomas Fleischmann don’t appear to be close on a deal for the RFA. The Capitals sent him a qualifying offer, a 5% increase on his 2009-10 salary of $725,000. Fleischmann is looking for a multi-year deal. Fleischmann may be using Tomas Plekanec as a comparable, he made $2.75 million last year, but is looking in the $5 million range on a new deal.
- Richard Durrett of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN radio that if he decides to return to play another season, he hasn’t ruled out signing with someone other than the Dallas Stars if the team has a legitimate shot at the Cup.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland may look to add an enforcer through trade or free agency. The Wings currently sit at $54.2 million for 18 players, with several RFAs to re-sign, so it would have to be an enforcer/agitator willing to work for cheap. Possible players could be Kryotopher Barch, Derek Boogaard, Cody McCormick, Jody Shelley, and Georges Laraque (after he’s bought out).
- Kevin Allen via Twitter: Dustin Byfuglien is definitely available. I think the ‘Hawks will capitalize on Byfuglien’s strong playoff performance.
Teemu Back? Kozlov Rips Coaches in Atlanta … Koivu Wants to Stay … Maple Leafs Coaches Safe
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 13th, 2010
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: It’s sounding more and more like Teemu Selanne might return to the Ducks next season and put off retirement for atleast one more season.
•”If you had asked me two months ago, it would have been easy to think, ‘This is it.’ But the way we have played since then (23-14-4 in the second half), after I got healthy, it’s been so much fun.”• “Obviously, I’m going to have a lot of time to rest this summer. It’s disappointing, because we had way too good a team to miss the playoffs. But in some ways, the tank doesn’t feel even close to empty.”
•”I feel I can still play. I still have my speed and my strength – those are the skills that make me successful. If they weren’t good enough to play at this level, it would be easy to do something else.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Slava Kozlov had some parting shots at the Atlanta Thrashers, blaming the coaching staff for the team’s failure to make the playoffs, citing lack of preparation and poor systems. Kozlov was a healthy scratch for 26 of the teams final 31 games. Kozlov had only good things to say about his teammates and organization as a whole, only bashing the coaches. He has a list of 5 or 6 teams that he’d consider signing with this off-season, and if that doesn’t pan out, he’ll head back to Russia and the KHL.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Saku Koivu has said he’d like to remain in Anaheim, and hopes negotiations will start before July 1st, but realizes that management has lots to evaluate with the season just ending.
- Lance Horby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs assistant GM Dave Nonis has held some talks over the last 10 days with Jonas Gustavsson’s agent, Joe Resnick. Talks are moving forward on a multi-year deal.
- Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News: Cowlishaw has heard that players still don’t understand Marc Crawford’s system, even after playing in it for season. The Stars should bring back Lehtinen, but is a good time for Mike Modano to hang up the blades.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke has said that his coaching staff is safe, and all will be brought back for next year. Coach Ron Wilson will focus more on the sad Maple Leafs power play from the get go at training camp.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Matt Duchene was on the ice yesterday, and might be ready to go for Avalanche in their series opener on Wednesday. Duchene was wearing an extra chest pad, covering his sternum. He suffered a ‘torse injury’ on Saturday.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: It is unknown at this point if Ray Whitney and Rod Brind’Amour will be returning to the Hurricanes next season. Whitney is a UFA and might re-sign. Brind’Amour is still under contract for 1 year, but at 39, he might retire.
No Gretzky in Dallas? Kovalchuk Waiting Until After Playoffs to Talk Contract … Vokoun on the Move?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 6th, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Yesterday it was rumored that Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull, and Mike Modano might be interested in buying the Dallas Stars. After some investigation by Shoalts has revealed that Gretzky has not contacted the Stars or the investment banking company incharge of the sale. There have been inquiries of potential buyers, but did not include Gretzky, Hull or Modano.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Ilya Kovalchuk has no plans on having contract negotiations with the New Jersey Devils until the playoffs are over. “I don’t think anything is going to happen before we’re done,” Kovalchuk said. “I don’t want anything to interfere with the team. I’m still looking for my first win in the playoffs.” It might be good news for the Devils in that he at least is interested in the possibility of re-signing with the Devils.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun’s tenure as the Florida Panthers goalie could be down to it’s last week. Under contract through next season, Vokoun has been subject to trade rumors for at least a year. The Panthers have Scott Clemmensen under contract for 2 more years and has played well. Tyler Plante and Alexander Salak have been solid in the AHL. They are close to signing U. of Denver goalie, Marc Cheverie. But the one of the main reasons for a likely trade of Vokoun is Jacob Markstrom, their 2008 1st round pick. Markstrom is one of the top goalies outside the NHL, and is likely to sign a contract this summer. They may want Markstrom to start in the minors, but he might be ready to be a backup in the NHL.
Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull Trying to Buy the Dallas Stars
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 5th, 2010
According to the Dallas Observer and TSN, Brett Hull is trying to bring Wayne Gretzky and Mike Modano on board to buy the Dalls Stars. “It’s nothing formal, as if they’re about to sign on the dotted line,” says one source. “But it’s gone past kicking the tires. This could happen.” Sources told TSN, though Hull has talked to Gretzky, they’ve haven’t talked about it in at least 6 weeks.
Brett Hull is currently the Stars Executive Vice President. Mike Modano might retire at the end of the season. Modano told the Stars PR that he “doesn’t know anything about this”.
Current Dallas Stars owner is looking to sell the Dallas Stars and arena, and is selling the Texas Rangers. He owes banks and leagues somewhere in the $670 million range. His deal for selling the Rangers should be finalized April 19th.
Michalek’s MRI Results Today … Hemsky Skating but Won’t be back … Captain Phaneuf?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 23rd, 2010
Wings Goalie Situation Status Quo for Next Year … Kariya back in St. Louis Next Year? Modano to Retire?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 20th, 2010
Vinny Staying in Tampa? Modano Decided to Stay … Chelios Recalled … Cherry On Headshots Videos
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on March 11th, 2010
Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: As the end of the season nears, and even with Semyon Varlamov’s return, Jose Theodore could be the number one goalie for the Caps in the playoffs.
Plan B for some, Torres, Whitney and Ponikarovsky … Pony for at least a 2nd, Lou looking for a center now
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2010
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Plan B for teams who missed out on the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes. Raffi Torres of the Columbus Blue Jackets is up for grabs. LeBrun thinks Torres would fit in nicely in Pittsburgh, Burnside mentions the Kings and Avalanche. The Kings would like Ray Whitney and offered him a 1 year contract extension, he wants a 3 year deal from them. As of Thursday, the Penguins haven’t called the Hurricanes about Whitney. The Pens are tight against cap and may wait until the deadline day when a new salary will be at it’s lowest. Alexei Ponikarovsky could be nice fit for Pittsburgh, LA, and maybe the Thrashers to go along side Slick Nic Antropov.
- Darren Dreger of TSN via Twitter: As many as 10 teams have an interest in Maple Leafs forward Alexei Ponikarovsky, and they should get at least a 2nd round draft pick for him. If 10 teams would offer a 2nd round pick, I think it might take a 1st or a 2nd plus prospect to get him.
- Bill Watters mentioned during the Leafs-Devils intermission that the LA Kings offered a 1st round pick and a prospect to the Hurricanes for Ray Whitney.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: There could be a bidding war for Ray Whitney between the Sharks and Penguins. The Sharks or Blackhawks may call Burke about Tomas Kaberle. Dan Hamhuis and Kari Lehtonen should draw some interest. Preds GM David Poile plans on talking to the agents of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne over the Olympic break, if one re-signs, the other will most likely be traded, with the Blackhawks potentially interested. The Blackhawks are looking for a defenseman and quietly shopping for a goalie.
- TheFouthPeriod: New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello may not be done dealing. They had an interest in Matt Stajan before he was dealt. They are now keeping an eye on Saku Koivu, Matt Cullen and possibly Mike Modano.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Though the Sabres have struggled recently (2-5-1), GM Darcy Regier said improvements will come from within, for now at least. “The focus isn’t to look right now for outside help,” he said. “It’s how do we all get better internally. I think we’re all focused on that.”
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have lost rookie Erik Karlsson until after the Olympic break with a shoulder injury.
Globe Sports talks some rumors on their Podcast, Lightning getting new owner that might want to move Vinny, Plenty of teams interested in Whitney
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2010
- Globe Sports Podcast: A 1/2 hour podcast talking about the ‘Hockey Summit’ and the NHL’s participation in the Olympics. They also talk about Dion Phaneuf, Ilya Kovalchuk, and other things happening on the trade front. Trade talk starts around the 10 minute mark.
- Ken Campbell and Adam Proteau of The Hockey News: The Tampa Bay Lightning ownership was been a mess for awhile, and there have been reports that the NHL covered their last payroll. But some better news may be on the way, as the NHL might have found a new owner in Boston based financier, Jeffery Vinik. The team, and 5 acres of land beside the arena are being sold for an estimated $170 million. It is also rumored that if Vinik gets the team he’ll want to trim payroll, and will be asking Vincent Lecavalier to waive his no-trade clause.
- TSN.ca: The Penguins or Senators could be a great fit for Ray Whitney. Other clubs that might be interested are Buffalo, Boston, New Jersey, Vancouver and Los Angeles.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mike Modano was asked on a recent road trip if he’d consider moving to a Stanley Cup contender in what could be his last season, he said he’d prefer to finish his career with the Stars.
- Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is fine with Jamal Mayers and Garnet Exelby asking for trade. They approached him privately and in a professional manner.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Dan Boyle missed his 3rd straight game with an upper-body injury, and is day-to-day. He’ll see how it feels before Saturday’s game, and if it’s a no go, he’ll try again on Tuesday.
- Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom is day-to-day with a stiff back. He missed last nights game, and will be re-evaluated before their next game.
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