Posts Tagged Mike Richards
State of the Los Angeles Kings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2012
Here is the 2nd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Dennis Bernstein of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @DennisTFP
Needs: Nothing but a scorer will do. Although ranked last in offense, Los Angeles is in the top eight in the West due to the stellar work by goaltender Jonathan Quick, the team’s clear cut MVP. With 20 of the Kings final 32 games on the road, their margin for error is miniscule and they must deal for a top six finishing forward in order to qualify for the post season. With the heat on GM Dean Lombardi from ownership to win now, he will likely have to broker a blockbuster along the line of the Mike Richards trade to overcome the lack of production from Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll, a natural center shuttled to the wing on the second line but unproductive.
In order to bring back a player of that caliber, the Kings will have to deal from their strength, defense and goaltending with Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier the assets being offered to the market. While they’d take a producer on either wing, the gaping hole that exists on the left side has not been filled since the departure of Ryan Smyth over the summer. They have over $ 3 million of cap space availability, so to bring in a high priced player for half a season is doable even without a roster player departing. Injured Simon Gagne is not close to being ready and there is increasing talk that he will be landing on Long Term Injured Reserve prior to the deadline for further cap relief. There is some chatter of interest in New Jersey’s Zach Parise given the Devils reported precarious financial standing but the cost of Dustin Brown and Bernier may only occur if Kings drop out of the top eight in the next month.
Crosby update and rumors … Burke like January trades … Lightning, Ducks, Blackhawks rumors … Leafs injury updates … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 6th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: On Sidney Crosby rumors that his season or career could be over.
“Sidney is doing very well, he’s training, he’s going in the right direction,” agent Pat Brisson of CAA Sports told ESPN.com Friday. “The idea of retiring or shutting him down is not even in our vocabulary. Far from that.”
“Absolutely zero truth to these rumors,” added Penguins general manager Ray Shero to ESPN.com on Friday.
Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke tries to make a trade splash in January, well in advance of the trade deadline.
“We are listening to a lot right now and there is a good chance something will happen but I don’t think it’s going to happen today or tomorrow,” Burke said. “This is like hunting. Sometimes when you’re hunting, you get a feeling you’re going to stumble on something, or birds are coming in and you get a sixth sense something is about to happen. I don’t sense that here right now. We’re talking to a lot of teams about a number of things — mostly we’re listening because we like our group — but I can’t sense if something is imminent or not. Right now I’d say it’s not.”
Burke would like to add some size upfront, and they are not talking to anyone right now about adding a goaltender.
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman may have to wait until the offseason to get a young starting goalie and a top 4 defenseman.
“I think I look at both, short-term and big picture,” Yzerman said. “I’m not going to do something out of desperation that’s going to hurt us in the long run, by trading draft picks and a good prospect or something like that. Any deal has got to make sense for us long term. So that makes it tricky.”
Ducks GM Bob Murray:
“What I said is what I said, right now I’m listening to everything,” Murray told ESPN.com. “It would be very difficult to make the type of deals I want, but I’m listening for sure. I still think we have a decent core here, but we’re maybe going to have to change a piece or two.”
“But sometimes blockbusters happen at the trade deadline, you never know,” Murray said.
Blackhawks GM Stean Bowman has been looking for a deal for awhile. He’d like to acquire a 4-5 defenseman and a center that could play in the top 6.
“Ideally, I’d like to find a center man,” Bowman said. “It doesn’t have to be a top center man, but somebody that can play and complement top players.”
- Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca: Kypreos thinks that Sidney Crosby’s season is over based on his long-term health and the potential of a new contract. Crosby has one more year on his deal and can begin negotiations on July 1st. Crosby’s career could be in jeopardy with another concussion, and the next contract won’t come with an insurance policy that covers the Penguins from a career ending concussion. If Crosby is a “Penguin for Life,” the Penguins would be on the hook for the full amount, which could be as much as 10 years, $100 million.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: According to someone close to the Penguins, Sidney Crosby is doing better and is training. His goal is to back this season, though the timeline is still unclear.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson expects Dion Phaneuf to play tomorrow. No break after taking puck in the face. Colby Armstrong suffered a setback on his concussion recovery and needs a few days away from the rink. David Alter via twitter: Mike Komisarek and Mike Brown will return to the Maple Leafs lineup tomorrow.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis will be playing tonight. Paul Martin is in. Arron Asham is out. Zbynek Michalek and Richard Park are ‘iffy.’
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Kimmo Timonen is day to day. Flyers put Matt Walker on waivers.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars are looking to get Sheldon Souray back on Tuesday.
- Damian Cristodero vai twitter: Lightning forward Brett Connolly is returning to the team, and could play on Saturday.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks against the Bruins.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net on Saturday against the Avalanche.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net tomorrow for the Stars.
- Chris Botta talks with Darren Dreger about the current trade market.
Panthers say Turris rumors not true … Flyers options … Milbury charged for assaulting 12 year old … Paajarvi to AHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 17th, 2011
- George Richards via twitter: Any trade rumors involving the Panthers and Kyle Turris are not true. GM Dale Tallon has said he’s done, Christmas roster freeze is set.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren confirms that Chris Pronger’s concussion started with the high stick to the eye he got against Toronto.
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Flyers will gain almost $5 million in salary cap space when Pronger is put on the LTIR. Custance provides some options for the Flyers. 1. Increase the workload for the top four: Kimmo Timonen, Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn and Andrej Meszaros all average over 20 minutes (3 over 22 min.). “They take turns now, one of them usually ends up with 27 or 28 (minutes) every night,” Holmgren said. 2. Start leaning more on youth: They’ve like the way Kevin Marshall and Marc-Andre Bourdon have played, and Erik Gustafsson is about 10 days away. 3. A trade to add depth on defense: As the trade deadline gets closer, the market will clear up. GM Holmgren could call the Hurricanes to see about Joni Pitkanen, Jaroslav Spacek or Tim Gleason. The Senators could move Sergei Gonchar or Filip Kuba. Cody Franson of the Maple Leafs could be an option if he is available. 4. A Blockbuster: Holmgren could be in the mix if the Predators decide to trade one of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. Brayden Schenn could be part of big deal if it were to happen.
- TSN: Mike Milbury has been charged with assaulting a 12 year old hockey player. Milbury is an assistant coach on his son’s team and “allegedly grabbed, threatened and shook the opposing player .” He has been charge with assault and battery and threats to commit a crime and disorderly conduct. Milbury denies the charges and his lawyer released a statement:
“He simply intervened in an altercation between his son and an opposing player,” the statement said. “No one was struck, no one was injured and no one was threatened.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Answering readers questions, Dater notes that Paul Stastny could bring back a 1st round pick if they were to deal him. But do the Avs give up on him, and how hard would it be to move his $6.6 million cap hit (2 years left)? He also thinks David Jones could possibly bring back a 1st rounder.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Mike Richards was to join the team in Detroit and is likely to practice with them on Sunday in Toronto.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have sent forward Magnus Paajarvi to Oklahoma City of the AHL.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: The 3 games Flyers forward Matt Read missed in November were due to a concussion.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Michal Neuvirth is expected to start in net for the Capitals tonight against the Avalanche. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: It’s likely that Semyon Varlamov gets the start for the Avalanche.
Pronger done for the year, and the fallout … Rolston out with concussion … Ohlund could be done for year … Lehtonen to practice within week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 16th, 2011
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: After being examined by neurologists on Wednesday, Chris Pronger will be shut down for the regular season and playoffs. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren:
“After consultation with respected concussion specialists Dr. Joseph Maroon and Dr. Micky Collins, it is the opinion of both doctors that Chris is suffering from severe post concussion syndrome.
“It is the recommendation of doctors Maroon and Collins that Chris not return for the remainder of the 2011-12 season or playoffs. Chris will continue to receive treatment and therapy with the hope that he can get better.”
The Flyers are likely going to wait a bit before the look to add a defenseman.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Pronger will continue to receive treatment and hopes to be able to play next year.
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside and LeBrun talk Pronger and concussions. A source told LeBrun that they won’t immediately look to add a Dman. Closer to the trade deadline day (Feb. 27th), they could look at Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Sergei Gonchar, Tim Gleason, Jaroslav Spacek and Bryan Allen.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein wonders if bringing back the clutch and grab is the only way to slow the game down. Would you want the pre-lockout style of hockey to return?
- Luke DeCock via twitter: DeCock wouldn’t be surprised if the Hurricanes are one of the first calls the Flyers make in search of a defenseman.
- TSN Insider Trading link: Panel talks Pronger injury and what next for Flyers. Kings and Darryl Sutter. Messier and the money the Canucks owe him.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: After the Christmas roster freeze, which begin on Dec. 19th, Matheson thinks the Oilers need to make a trade to shake things up.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings center Mike Richards will join the team today in Detroit. There is no word on when he’ll be able to practice.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders forward Brian Rolston is out with a concussion.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund has been out all year with bad knees, and could be done for the season. He had surgeries on both knees on Oct. 11th to clean out “loose bodies.”
“It just hurts him a lot more than what he would have expected or the doctors would have expected,” Boucher said. “It’s … difficult to manage because you can’t do much more than what’s been done. It’s pain tolerance. It’s a question of mobility. It’s a question of can he skate at the level in the NHL he needs to follow.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen could return to practice within a week. “It’s very positive right now,” Nieuwendyk said. “We’re not going to rush him, and we’re taking every precaution, but there is a chance that he’s a practice player within a week, so that’s great news.”
- Bob Cohn of hte PIttsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal will be a game time decision tonight. Zbynek Michalek is a go.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avs winger David Jones has a groin injury and missed last night’s game. Brandon Yip (groin), Chuck Kobasew (head), Peter Mueller (head), Mark Olver (head) and Ryan Wilson (head) are also out.
Afternoon notes on Kings coaching situation, Koivu, Zajac, Richards, Enstrom, Michalek, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 15th, 2011
- Josh Rimer via twitter: “The Holdup in Sutter stepping behind Kings Bench is working out finacial terms with Calgary on the remainder of his contrat with the Flames.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu was injured in last night’s game, with what appears to be a leg injury. The Wild didn’t say what the injury was, but did confirm he did get hurt.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac said he’ll return on Friday against the Stars. Johan Hedberg will get the start.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings center Mike Richards is not with the team on the trip, he’s back in LA.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jets Jason Jaffray cleared waivers. Nate Guenin was put on waivers by the Ducks.
- Gary Lawless via twitter: Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom could be ready to go on Saturday night.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: There’s a good chance that Zbynek Michalek will return to the Penguins lineup tomorrow against the Senators.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Boulton-Zajac-Tedenby; Sestito-Carter-Janssen.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens lines: Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Cammalleri, Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole, Darche-Eller-Leblanc, Blunden-Nokelainen-Weber.
- Tony Marinaro via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Couturier-Jagr/Read-Briere-Simmonds/JVR-Talbot-Voracek/Shelley-Zolnierczyk-Rinaldo. Defensive pairings: Timmonen-Coburn, Carle-Bourdon, Marshall-Meszaros.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov has a setback. Kevin Poulin will get the start for the Islanders, Al Montoya will be the backup. Jesse Spector via twitter: Rick DiPietro was put on the IR with a left groin strain.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Carey Price will start in net for the Canadiens against the Flyers.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets against the Kings.
Murray out, Stevens in, and who could be next? Isles not looking to move goalie … Kadri being scouted … Murray talks Filatov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 13th, 2011
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings have fired Terry Murray. John Stevens will be their 23rd head coach, but on an interim basis.
“The challenge for a coach as well as players when you have expectations it’s driven more to results. It’s harder, at times, to look for those victories within losses. That’s just the state of the franchise right now,” Lombardi said from Boston, where he flew Monday to deliver the news to Murray at the team’s hotel.
The Kings are only averaging 2.24 goals per game, even with the additions of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne this summer. Richards is now hurt. Drew Doughty hasn’t put up the offensive numbers yet. Dustin Penner only has 2 goals, Justin Williams with 4. Anze Kopitar has been streaky. The 3rd and 4th lines haven’t established identities.
- Steven Marcus of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow has said he isn’t looking to move any of his 3 goaltenders. He did express some urgency in turning things around for a playoff run. Evgeni Nabokov is getting close to returning from his 2nd groin injury. Rick DiPietro has a similar problem, no timeline on when he’ll be back.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Tony Granato has lots of ties to the Kings front office. GM Lombardi also likes Darryl Sutter. Lombardi blamed the players for the firing of Murray. One GM on why teams may not be calling a concussion, a ‘concussion’ right away: “That word is so negative right now, teams just want to stay away from it…Behind the scenes, I’m sure these players are getting proper treatment. But every story you hear about concussions is so bad that I think they’re worried about the effect it has on players and media.” Friedman thinks a Oilers may have to send Magnus Paajarvi to the AHL soon. Maple Leafs prospect Nazem Kadri appears to be getting scouted hard, and could become a trade chip soon.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Pagnotta notes that Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is still looking to deal, but he may not have the final say.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning have signed free agent forward Antti Miettinen to a 2 year deal worth $1.5 million per season. He gets a $500,000 signing bonus an a no-movement clause. He must clear waivers first since he appeared in a European league this year.
- Bryan Murray Audio: Senators GM Murray talks about Nikita Filatov heading back to Russia.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight against the Canucks.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Richard Bachman will start in net for the Stars tonight against the Rangers.
Sunday morning rumor roundup … Giroux and Bryzgalov leave last night’s game early … Richards updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 11th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Canadiens made a desperate move in acquiring Tomas Kaberle, and if doesn’t work, it could cost GM Pierre Gauthier his job. Capitals GM George McPhee has been trying to make a move to shake up their team. They’d love to move Alexander Semin but “there is no market for a struggling, underachieving winger making too much money these days.” Don’t expect the Martin Brodeur to be a rental player. If the Bruins don’t re-sign Chris Kelly, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end, the Senators could be interested. After Brian Burke’s extended Christmas roster freeze, the Maple Leafs could be looking for help down the middle as Tim Connolly has been struggling with injuries. Blue Jackets Derick Brassard could interest them, and GM Scott Howson was spotted at Marlies game. The Kings are working the phones trying to make a move, and they’d love to move Dustin Penner.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers forward Claude Giroux was held out of the 3rd period last on precautionary measure after taking a hit to the head. Giroux was examined by a doctor last night and was feeling better. He’ll be re-evaluated this morning. GM Paul Holmgren on if Giroux has headaches: “not really headaches. This was really just precautionary at this stage.” Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov left the game with 13:01 left in the 3rd. “It was starting to bother me more and more during the game and we decided to be safe,” he said. Holmgren and Bryzgalov don’t think he’ll be sidelined.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: With Avalanche struggling, coach Joe Sacco and GM Greg Sherman could be on their way out if things don’t improve. Gleason thinks the Sabres should call about center Paul Stastny. They could offer up a Derek Roy or Drew Stafford and Andrej Sekera in a package for Stastny. Oilers have had Sam Gagner available all year, and they’re willing to listen to offers for Ales Hemsky, but teams aren’t lining up for either.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Red Wings have about $5.6 million in salary cap space, and could use another Top 6-9 forward, as well as a veteran defenseman. Wings GM Ken Holland has been a Ales Hemsky fan, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings center Mike Richards might join the Kings at some point on their 9 game road trip. He skated briefly on Friday, and continues off-ice workouts.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks tonight against the Sharks.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove Link: Discussing the plight of concussions in hockey.
Crosby out 2 games … Brassard will eventually be traded … Kings injury update … Booth out 4-6 weeks … Will Sutton get suspended?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins sent a news release out yesterday that Sidney Crosby will miss the next 2 games. He didn’t feel good after taking a hit on Monday against the Bruins.
“He saw Dr. Micky Collins of UPMC today and took an ImPACT test, which showed no problems. However, we all think it’s best that he sits out the next two games as a precaution,” Pens GM Ray Shero said in a release.
“We’re being cautious and keeping in mind he was off for a long time,’’ Shero later told ESPN.com via text message before a flight Wednesday evening. “Take a step back here and see how he feels in a few days.’’
Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will probably trade Derick Brassard at some point. His career has stalled in Columbus and his agent sounded off on the coaching staff. Brassard has been a healthy scratch for 8 of the last 12 games. His trade value is not high at the moment. His $3.2 million cap hit may look better as the season goes on.
- Pierre LeBrun chat on ESPN: LeBrun thinks if/when the NHL does decide to expand, another Toronto team, Quebec City and Seattle could work. Devils winger Zach Parise is not available for trade at the moment, but that could change later. Bobby Ryan could go back on the trade market if the Ducks continue to struggle. If Parise does become available, the Kings would be interested. Flames GM Jay Feaster wants to blow up the team but he has a dozen no-trade clauses to deal with.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Alec Martinez is fully cleared and is able to return to the lineup when ever the coaches decide to insert him. Winger Justin Williams status for today is not known, he took a shot off his hand. Willie Mitchell’s status for tonight could be decided this morning. Murray did say that both Martinez and Mitchell won’t return tonight. Center Mike Richards hasn’t skated since last Thursday: Murray said: “Richards is progressing. That’s all I can say. That’s all I know, really. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self.’’
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger David Booth sprained his MCL on a knee-on-knee hit from the Avs Kevin Porter, and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Vigneault confirmed that Roberto Luongo will start in net tonight in Montreal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Porter has a hearing with Brendan Shanahan today for the hit.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is about a week away from returning from his high ankle sprain. “I had no clue what it would take,” said Armstrong. “It’s a battle. It’s a lingering bitch of an injury. But as soon as they let me go, I can’t wait to get out.”
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius will be out weeks with a groin injury. He’s been out 68 of the last 92 Blue Jackets games.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks against the Islanders.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Senators.
- Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton could be looking at another suspension after his hit on Hurricanes Alexei Ponikarovsky. Do you think he’ll get suspended? How many games?
Tradability of some Capitals … Gillis responds to Luongo rumors … Injury notes on Markov, MacDonald, Kubina, Martinez, Richards, Higgins and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 6th, 2011
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at the tradability of some Capitals if they can’t turn it around. Alex Ovechkin: Anything is possible, but he is the face the franchise. He has a cap hit of $9.5 million until 2020-21. Hard to imagine they’d move him. Mike Green: He’ll be a RFA at seasons end. Battling injuries all year, but could be a centerpiece of a Capitals shakeup. Alexander Semin: Carries a cap hit of $6.7 million and has been in the rumor mill for awhile. He would be the most likely ‘top’ player to be dealt if the Capitals decided to do something big. May only get a draft pick for him and not a player in return that would help win a Cup. Nicklas Backstrom: Like Ovechkin, pretty much an untouchable. Has a modified no-trade clause.
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis on Roberto Luongo trade rumors: “Not a chance”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s not his final season, “Not unless you know something I don’t.” On Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford giving up his GM post to Ron Francis, “That may happen at some point,” Rutherford said. “But it’s not just around the corner.” The Hurricanes could look to move Tuomo Ruuttu and Tomas Kaberle. A couple of GMs have said a players contract for this year can make it difficult to make a trade. Many teams are at the top of their budget or over due to injuries. Ducks GM Murray said many teams called about Ryan, some thought he was being “auctioned off. ” Toronto, Philadelphia, Rangers, Vancouver, Florida, Carolina, Minnesota and others had interest. Murray added that Selanne will retire a Duck. Some Cup contenders have some cap room this year: Sharks ($2.5 million), Bruins ($4.5 million), Blackhawks ($5.5 million) and Red Wings ($5.6 million). The Panthers were interested in Kyle Turris, but it may be difficult to mess with chemistry down in Florida now. Friedman wonders if the Flames would consider trading Miikka Kiprusoff. His no-movement clause ends at the end of the season.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Andrei Markov will be rehabbing for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald has been put the IR and is expected to be out 2 to 4 weeks with a right leg injury.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund suffered a “big” setback in his recovery. Pavel Kubina has a lower body injury and missed last night’s game. He is not ruling himself out for tonight’s game. “Let’s not kid ourselves,” Boucher said. “We’re not in a position as a team to lose defensemen and keep playing and look the same way. The reality is it’s something we know we have to improve, so it’s tough.” Mathieu Garon will likely start in net tonight.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings Alec Martinez has been medically cleared to return but will likely miss at least one more game. Mike Richards is “feeling better” but hasn’t returned to the ice and will miss at least the next 2 games due to being on the IR. Richards is able to ride a stationary bike.
- Monte Stewart of the Globe and Mail: Canucks will be without Chris Higgins tonight as he’s out with a staph infection in his foot. Viktor Oreskovich was recalled and will likely find himself on the 4th line.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars Brenden Morrow and Trevor Daley are still on target for a Thursday return.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Tuukka Rask will likely be in net tonight for the Bruins against the Jets.
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Coyotes. Unless according to coach Barry Trotz “he has the flu or falls down the stairs or something like that.”
Flames GM talks Iginla, Coaching and Sarich … Richards to IR, Penner off … Perron to return tonight … Backstrom leaves after 1st
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 3rd, 2011
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Flames GM Jay Feaster on Jarome Iginla rumors (video at the bottom of the post):
“Yours? OK, I’ll look straight into yours and I will tell you that it is not true. Jarome Iginla has not been asked to waive his no-trade (clause). Jarome Iginla has not demanded a trade or asked for a trade. There is no list. There is no smoking gun. This is nobody on the grassy knoll. What else do you need?”
Feaster on the Flames coaching:
“You know what? I’m happy with this coaching staff — that’s probably the dreaded vote of confidence or whatever they call it,” said Feaster. “This coaching staff has done a good job. They work hard. They have done a good job of teaching. We all know the results are not where they need to be. But, despite the results not being there, this is not a group (of players) that has tuned out the coaches. There’s no issue, from my perspective, with Brent or his coaches.”
Feaster on Cory Sarich’s trade request:
“Whether that’s in my office or on the bus or in the hotel suite or in the corridor on the road, those conversations are not something I feel comfortable about sharing with the media,” said Feaster. “Cory’s an important part of the group here. Cory’s an important part of the mix right now. It isn’t just the kids that have an opportunity (in the absence of Giordano) … that includes Cory.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are interested in Blue Jackets Derick Brassard, but he’s a bit of gamble with 2 years left at a $3.2 million cap hit.
- LA Daily News: The Kings put Mike Richards on the IR and activated Dustin Penner. Richards is expected to miss at least a few games. Willie Mitchell will miss several games with a lower body injury.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson missed last nights game with a pulled groin that he suffered at a bag skate. Peter Muller also injured his groin at the same skate.
- David Perron of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: David Perron will return to the Blues lineup tonight after missing more than a year with post-concussion syndrome.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom left after the 1st period last night with a lower-body injury. Coach Mike Yeo doesn’t think the injury is “extremely serious.”
Afternoon notes on Iginla, Sarich, Giordano, Krejci, Richards, Walker, Hamrlik, Huselius, Brown, Franson, Reimer and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 2nd, 2011
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster denies the rumors that Jarome Iginla has been asked to waive his no-trade clause. David Amber via twitter: Since the Flames are at the bottom of the standings and Mark Giordano is out indefinitely, IF Amber was the GM, he’d ask Iginla to waive his no-trade and do a rebuild.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Sportsnet analyst Rhett Warrener said that Flames defenseman Cory Sarich has requested a trade.
- Jermain Franklin via twitter: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano is out indefinitely with ruptured tendons in his leg. He’ll be re-evaluated in 3 weeks, where he’ll get another MRI.
- James Murphy via twitter: Murphy notes that just because David Krejci has signed for 3 years, doesn’t mean that he won’t be traded by the end of the deal.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Word is that Kings Willie Mitchell and Mike Richards could be out for multiple games.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers defenseamn Matt Walker clears re-entry waivers.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals defenseman Roman Hamrlik is out with a lower-body injury.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius will play tonight against the Oilers.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs winger Mike Brown will be out 6 weeks after disc surgery.
- Mark Masters via twitter: Leafs coach Ron Wilson thinks that defenseman Cody Franson will be in the lineup on Saturday.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Lines at Capitals practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer. Semin-JOhansson-Knuble/Eakin. Chimera-Laich-Ward. Hendricks-Perreault-Halpern.
- David Alter via twitter: Lines at Maple Leafs practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Frattin-Connolly-MacArthur, Crabb-Grabovski-Kulemin, Dupuis-Colborne-Steckel, extras, Orr, Rosehhill.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils tonight. Johan Hedberg will start on Saturday.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubynk will start in net for the Oilers tonight. Nikolai Khabibulin will start tomorrow against the Flames.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets against the Oilers tonight.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Leafs against the Bruins tomorrow. David Alter via twitter: James Reimer has been cleared to return to the Leafs lineup tomorrow.
Recent Comments