Posts Tagged Minnesota Wild
Parise opens up a bit … 4 teams that make sense for a Staal deal … Carle deal has to wait … Nash’s name back in rumors … CF schedule
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 13th, 2012
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Pending Devils UFA Zach Parise opens up a bit:
“I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.
“It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: If Jordan Staal hits the open market after next season, he could get around $7 million. The Penguins already have $40 million committed to 10 players, not including Sidney Crosby who may get $10 million. Reports are that the Hurricanes and Oilers could be interested. Yohe offers up the most logical trade partners for the Penguins. 1. Carolina Hurricanes – have the cap room and assets. They could offer center Brandon Sutter. They have the 8th overall pick this year and some other strong prospects. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke is a big Staal fan, and Ray Shero and Burke are friends. The Leafs have Nazem Kadri and stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn, a type of Dman the Penguins need. 3. Edmonton Oilers – the Oilers could use and accomplished center. The Oilers have the 1st overall pick. 4. Minnesota Wild – the Wild are a “no-name squad looking for an identity” and could use a name like Jordan Staal. Cal Clutterbuck and Devin Setoguchi may be 2 players that would interest the Pens. The Wild also have the 7th pick in the draft.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Due to the salary-cap tagging rule, the Flyers won’t be able to sign Matt Carle before July 1st. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he wants to re-sign Carle. Carle earned $3.47 million this past year, and could get in the $5 million range on his next deal.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal,” Holmgren said. “His demands, when I spoke with him and his agent, nothing was ever out of line. Could we get him under market value? I would say that we probably could. I don’t see any issues there.”
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There are different reports on what was/wasn’t offered by the Rangers at the trade deadline for Blue Jackets Rick Nash. The Rangers weren’t willing to move Chris Kreider. The Jackets were asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Dreider and a 1st round pick. Another report was they wanted Dubinsky, another forward like Stepan, a prospect (not Kreider) and a 1st round pick, maybe 2. This offseason, teams will have move flexibility with their roster and salary cap. The Sharks and Bruins should be interested, possibly the Rangers again.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the next stop for Alexander Semin is the KHL. He had 3 goals and 1 assist in 14 playoff games. The Blue Jackets have quietly continued to try and trade Rick Nash, but it’s hard to fin serious interest now. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is rumored to be interested in revisiting talks. Wilson may have told the Jackets that they could sweeten the pot in June. Expect the Maple Leafs to make a pitch for the 1st overal pick. Expect the Flyers to make a pitch for Ryan Suter’s rights if he doesn’t re-sign with the Predators. The Wings and Wild will be interested as well.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: NHL release of Conference Finals Schedule:
2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Networks
Game 1: Monday, May 14 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 3: Saturday, May 19 1 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBC, CBC, RDS
Game 4: Monday, May 21 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 23 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Friday, May 25 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Sunday, May 27 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #8 Los Angeles Networks
Game 1: Sunday, May 13 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 2: Tuesday, May 15 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 3: Thursday, May 17 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 4: Sunday, May 20 3 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBC, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 22 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Thursday, May 24 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Saturday, May 26 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix TBD, CBC, RDS* If necessary
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.
15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.
| RK | TEAM |
2011-12
AVG |
%
Capacity |
2010-11
AVG |
2009-10
AVG |
2008-09
AVG |
| 1 | Chicago |
21,533
|
105
|
21,423
|
21,356
|
22,247
|
| 2 | Montreal |
21,273
|
100
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
| 3 | Philadelphia |
20,433
|
107.4
|
21,273
|
19,535
|
19,545
|
| 4 | Detroit |
20,114
|
100.7
|
19,680
|
19,546
|
19,865
|
| 5 | Toronto |
19,506
|
103.7
|
19,354
|
19,289
|
19,312
|
| 6 | Ottawa |
19,356
|
101.1
|
19,289
|
19,260
|
18,949
|
| 7 | Calgary |
19,289
|
100
|
18,378
|
18,269
|
19,289
|
| 8 | Vancouver |
18,884
|
102.5
|
18,860
|
18,810
|
18,630
|
| 9 | St. Louis |
18,809
|
98.2
|
19,150
|
18,883
|
18,554
|
| 10 | Pittsburgh |
18,566
|
102.7
|
18,240
|
17,078
|
16,975
|
| 11 | Buffalo |
18,550
|
99.9
|
18,452
|
18,529
|
18,531
|
| 12 | Washington |
18,506
|
101.3
|
18,397
|
18,277
|
18,097
|
| 13 | Tampa Bay |
18,468
|
96.2
|
17,268
|
15,497
|
16,497
|
| 14 | NY Rangers |
18,191
|
100
|
18,108
|
18,076
|
18,949
|
| 15 | Los Angeles |
17,920
|
100
|
18,083
|
17,313
|
16,488
|
| 16 | Minnesota |
17,772
|
98.4
|
17,565
|
17,388
|
17,039
|
| 17 | Boston |
17,564
|
100
|
17,562
|
17,558
|
17,039
|
| 18 | San Jose |
17,562
|
100
|
18,012
|
18,415
|
17,488
|
| 19 | Edmonton |
16,839
|
100
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
| 20 | Nashville |
16,690
|
97.5
|
16,142
|
14,979
|
15,010
|
| 21 | Florida |
16,628
|
86.6
|
15,685
|
15,146
|
15,621
|
| 22 | Carolina |
16,042
|
85.9
|
14,820
|
13,947
|
16,572
|
| 23 | Colorado |
15,498
|
86.1
|
14,775
|
15,535
|
15,429
|
| 24 | New Jersey |
15,396
|
87.4
|
16,415
|
15,240
|
15,790
|
| 25 | Winnipeg |
15,004
|
100
|
13,469
|
13,607
|
14,626
|
| 26 | Anaheim |
14,760
|
86.4
|
14,738
|
15,168
|
16,990
|
| 27 | Columbus |
14,660
|
80.8
|
13,658
|
15,416
|
15,543
|
| 28 | Dallas |
14,226
|
76.8
|
11,059
|
12,735
|
17,680
|
| 29 | NY Islanders |
13,191
|
81.3
|
15,073
|
17,215
|
13,733
|
| 30 | Phoenix |
12,420
|
72.5
|
12,188
|
11,989
|
14,875
|
| Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers. | ||||||
Afternoon notes on: Boychuk, Grossman, Penguins, Maple Leafs, Senators and bunch of starting goaltenders
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 5th, 2012
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk is day-to-day with a mild knee sprain.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is wearing 2 knee braces and remains optimistic for the playoffs.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins Sullivan, Neal and Nikanen will not be in the lineup for the Penguins. Will DePaoli via twitter: Eric Tangradi is skating on a line with Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Scratches or out tonight for the Capitals: Halpern, Ward, Erskine, Schultz, Vokoun. Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvrith is expected to start tonight.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: The Maple Leafs have sent Joe Colborne back the Marlies. David Steckel will be back in the lineup. Mikhail Grabovski won’t play. Ben Scrivens will be starting in net. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Grabovski is not sure if he’ll be able to return on Saturday. He was cut around his knee by Brayden McNabb’s skate and required 20-30 stitches.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Filip Kuba and Erik Karlsson will play tonight. Matt Gilroy is out. Ben Bishop will start in net.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne has been battling an illness this week. He was the first off the ice and Barry Trotz said he’s “probably” the starter tonight.
- Bob Duff via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start in net for the Red Wings against the Devils.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick was the first off the ice for the Kings and the likely starter.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net for the Wild.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Capitals.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: Cam Ward was the first off the ice and will likely start in net for the Hurricanes.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Penguins.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues on Friday. Jaroslav Halak will start on Saturday.
Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2012
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
- Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.
“It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”
Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Jacob Josefson broke his wrist last night and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed 2010 1st round pick Brock Nelson to an entry level deal.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.
“The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”
If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.
- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”
Morning notes: Sedin, Hall, Horcoff, Sutton, Gagne, Parise, Harding, Spurgeon, Backstrom, Vokoun, Zuccarello and Keith suspension video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 24th, 2012
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Henrik Sedin said Daniel suffered his first concussion.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall has been off the ice for the last 2 days. He won’t play on Sunday. Captain Shawn Horcoff left last night’s game with a sore back. Defenseman Andy Sutton has a minor knee issue.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings Simon Gagne has been out since December 26th with a concussion, continues to skate but hasn’t practiced and won’t travel with the team on their 4 game road trip. If he’s not cleared for practice soon, the chances of him playing this year are not high. When asked if Gagne will play again this year, GM Dean Lombardi said “Doubt it.”
- The Fouth Period: It’s believed the Wild will try to sign Zach Parise this offseason if he’s not re-signed by the Devils before July 1st. Goalie Josh Harding is expected to test the open market and is not likely back with the Wild. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Senators could take a look at Harding.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild Jared Spurgeon is out with a concussion. Niklas Backstrom and Matt Kassian didn’t travel with the team.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun skated yesterday for 30 minutes and took some shots.
“Hopefully it stays the same and I can do a little bit more tomorrow,” Vokoun said after an extremely sparsely attending morning skate. “Then we’ll see, maybe shoot for some time next week.”
- Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News: Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello fractured his left wrist last night.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight.
- Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended for 5 games for his elbow on Canucks Daniel Sedin.
NHL to look at Plan B for Coyotes … Hurricanes need winger for Staal … Is Dubnyk a #1? DeKeyser a 50-50 proposition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 22nd, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Plan B for the Phoenix Coyotes will begin next week unless progress happens this week. Seattle, Quebec City, Las Vegas and Kansas City are in the mix. 2 or 3 groups are still interested in buying the Coyotes, but they have to give Plan B consideration. David Pagnotta via twitter: Kansas City and Seattle are serious options for the league to consider.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Hurricanes have the core players, but they need a star winger to play with Staal. They’d also consider a top defenseman. Ownership is on board for the right player.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Devan Dubnyk hopes he’s done enough to show the Oilers management that he can be a number 1 goalie in the NHL. Matheson wonders if the Oilers are comfortable enough with Dubnyk being the main guy, or do they need to look at signing UFA Josh Harding or trading for Jonathan Bernier. If they bring in someone else, they could look at moving Nikolai Khabibulin ($3.75 million). They can’t buy him out as he signed his deal after he was 35.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Top college free agent defenseman Danny DeKeyser of Western Michigan is not better than a 50-50 proposition to leave school, or stay for his Junior season. Teammate Matt Tennyson is also in demand.
Islanders re-sign Nabokov … Poile wants all 3 … Koivu returning … Red Wings injury update … Pitkanen activated
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 21st, 2012
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed Evgeni Nabokov to a 1 year contract extension. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Nabokov’s deal is for $2.75 million with no no-movement clause or no trade clause.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that it’s his intention to sign Ryan Suter, Shea Weber and Alexander Radulov to contract extensions.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild center Mikko Koivu will be returning to the lineup on Thursday.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Ty Conklin cleared re-entry wwaivers and will start in net tonight.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard said he’s feeling better and might be back on Saturday. MRI didn’t turn up any damage.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Nicklas Lidstrom hopes to play on Saturday is he continues to improve. Jonathan Ericsson is looking at next week. Johan Franzen (back) said he’s doing better but no return date.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Hurricanes have activated Joni Pitkanen from the IR.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers Ilya Bryzgalov has today off, and will likely be the starter tomorrow against the Capitals.
Sunday morning notes: Canadiens, Sharks, Leafs, Kings, Wild, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Blues and Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 18th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Whoever is the GM of the Canadiens this summer will be in charge of re-signing RFA goalie Carey Price. He could be getting a deal in the $5.5 million to $6 million range. Senators Erik Karlsson is also a RFA and could get a deal in the $5.5 to $7 million range. Predators Shea Weber is also a RFA this year. Pierre McGuire is a name to keep an eye on as candidate for the Canadiens GM job if it opens up. Garrioch wonders if the Sharks would trade one of Joe Thornton of Patrick Marleau if they miss the playoffs. Many wonder if Leafs Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel will thrive under new coach Randy Carlyle. Some people think Zach Parise could land in LA on July 1st, but with Lombardi possibly panicing and making the Carter for Johnson deal, it may have lessened their chances. The Wild have emerged as the favorites. Garrioch wonders if the Leafs would take a shot at Roberto Luongo this summer. Apparently if Scott Howson is still the GM of the Blue Jackets, he plans on drafting Filip Forsberg with the #1 pick ahead of Nail Yakupov.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: One league executive on the Blue Jackets if they win the draft lottery,
“They can’t pick a Russian so they can’t use the pick,” … “They’ll have to trade it.”
Along with trading Rick Nash, their options are:
1) They could keep the pick and not choose Yakupov, which would be counter-productive; 2) They could flip picks with another team, trading the first choice for another early choice, and getting an asset as well; 3) They could trade the pick to the highest bidder and begin rebuilding their team.
If Ducks college prospect Justin Schultz becomes a free agent, they Leafs will likely chase him again. They were interested in him when talking with the Ducks about Francois Beauchemin.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen is out indefinitely with a bad back. Dan Cleary has also been dealing with pain in his knee since Dec. 1st, and will need to have surgery again at some point. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson’s wrist is healing quick, but he’s still scheduled to return late this month. Joey MacDonald will have an MRI on his back when he gets back to Detroit.
- Derrick Goold of St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues coach Ken Hitchcock hass told Jason Arnott to take a week off.
“When I watched him play (last week), I saw a guy who was protecting himself on the ice and to me he was going out of the way to get out of the way,” Hitchcock said Saturday. “I felt like there was going to be a further injury. I could see how banged up he was. … We needed to get a better player on the ice.”
Hitchcock isn’t sure if Andy McDonald will join the team on their road trip.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild Mikko Koivu has been practicing the last couple days and is close to returning. “He is getting very close,” Yeo said. “But again, after talking with the doctors, we all felt it was best to hold him off for a couple more games.”
- Tracey Myers of CSNChicago: Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews hasn’t skated in 4 days. Coach Joel Quenneville,
“The process, I’m sure in his mind, is not a fun thing to be dealing with. You want to be optimistic; there was that stretch there where he was getting close. There’s hope, and that’re we’re at.s whe”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Mark Stuart was fined $2,500 for a late hit on Capitals Marcus Johansson on Friday.
Suter talks Radulov … Leafs inclined to keep 1st … Toews’ concussion … Lidstrom out a week … Wild injury update … MacDonald hurts shoulder
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 16th, 2012
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators defesneman Ryan Suter on the possible return of Alexander Radulov.
“It takes away from the guys we have on the team when we talk about other guys coming in, and guys who have been here all year and worked hard all year,” defenseman Ryan Suter said. “It’s going to be a fine line we’re going to have to walk if he does come back.”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke on their 1st round pick:
“[We’re] inclined to keep the pick,” Burke said, “but listening [to offers] already.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville used the word “setback” when talking about Jonathan Toews’ concussion. Toews had skated for 4 straight days, rested for 2, skated Wednesday and took yesterday off.
“Whether it’s a setback or it’s part of the process, that’s what we’re dealing with,” Quenneville said. “It’s a concern. You miss a guy like that.”
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be out for at least another week. Pavel Datsyuk is still waiting to test his knee after having arthroscopic surgery 24 days ago.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu has been cleared for contact and practiced yesterday without a no-contact jersey for the first time. Koivu has been out for the last 13 games games with a shoulder injury. He’ll practice again today, and they’ll determine then when he’ll return. There is a chance he’ll return on Saturday against the Hurricanes. Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom took the full practice yesterday. “He looked really good,” Yeo said. “If he got sore or tired, he was told to back off and to give it a rest. But he didn’t do that, which is obviously a good sign.” They’ll make a decision after practice on both Josh Harding and Backstrom. If both are 100%, Matt Hackett will be sent back to Houston. Defenseman Justin Falk, out with a lower body injury, is close to returning to practice.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators Paul Gaustad is likely out tomorrow against the Kings. Coach Barry Trotz said it’s “just a little upper body injury.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward Andy MacDonald injured his right shoulder last night and will be evaluated today. He was hit by Tuomo Ruutu and hit the boards awkwardly.
Top 25 2012 NHL Free Agents – Unrestricted
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion on March 12th, 2012
Not everyone will agee with it, but here is our Top 25 NHL free agent list for 2012 unrestricted free agents. In creating this list week we took into account a players age, position, and likelihood of re-signing with current team.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Teemu Selanne and Martin Brodeur were not included as we assumed that they will re-sign with their current team or retire.
| Rk. | Player |
’11-’12 Team
|
Pos.
|
’11-’12 Cap Hit
|
Notes |
| 1 | Zach Parise |
NJ
|
LW
|
$6,000,000
|
|
| 2 | Ryan Suter |
NAS
|
D
|
$3,500,000
|
|
| 3 | Alexander Semin |
WAS
|
LW
|
$6,700,000
|
|
| 4 | Nicklas Grossman |
PHI
|
D
|
$1,625,000
|
|
| 5 | Jiri Hudler |
DET
|
C
|
$2,875,000
|
|
| 6 | Matt Carle |
PHI
|
D
|
$3,438,000
|
|
| 7 | Evgeni Nabokov |
NYI
|
G
|
$570,000
|
Re-signed with the Islanders. 1 year, $2.75 million. No NMC or NTC. |
| 8 | Josh Harding |
MIN
|
G
|
$750,000
|
|
| 9 | Shane Doan |
PHO
|
RW
|
$4,550,000
|
|
| 10 | Dennis Wideman |
WAS
|
D
|
$3,875,000
|
|
| 11 | Brad Stuart |
DET
|
D
|
$3,750,000
|
|
| 12 | P.A. Parenteau |
NYI
|
RW
|
$1,250,000
|
|
| 13 | Ray Whitney |
PHO
|
LW
|
$3,000,000
|
|
| 14 | David Jones |
COL
|
RW
|
$2,500,000
|
|
| 15 | Johnny Oduya |
CHI
|
D
|
$3,500,000
|
|
| 16 | Olli Jokinen |
CAL
|
C
|
$3,000,000
|
|
| 17 | Paul Gaustad |
NAS
|
C
|
$2,300,000
|
|
| 18 | Bryan Allen |
CAR
|
D
|
$2,900,000
|
|
| 19 | Andrei Kostitsyn |
NASH
|
LW
|
$3,250,000
|
|
| 20 | Jaromir Jagr |
PHI
|
RW
|
$3,300,000
|
|
| 21 | Tomas Vokoun |
WAS
|
G
|
$1,500,000
|
|
| 22 | Milan Hejduk |
COL
|
RW
|
$2,600,000
|
|
| 23 | Pavel Kubina |
PHI
|
D
|
$3,850,000
|
|
| 24 | Jarret Stoll |
LA
|
C
|
$3,600,000
|
|
| 25 | Hal Gill |
NASH
|
D
|
$2,250,000
|
Fantasy Hockey notes: Duchene, Tyutin, Toews, Dubinsky, Anderson, Morrow, Nyquist, Ponikarovsky and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 8th, 2012
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Matt Duchene will be out 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury, surgery not needed.
- Bill Rabinowitz via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin has a broken hand and is likely done for the year.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews skated on his own today.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky is out tonight.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson was on the ice before the Sens practice this morning. He was able to carry a goal stick.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is “hopeful” for tomorrow night.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Brenden Morrow is skating today, but not expected to play tonight.
- Helene St. James via twitter: The Red Wings called forward Gustav Nyquist.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky will be in the lineup tonight.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Ott-Benn-Burish. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour. vs. Sharks.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders against Martin Brodeur and the Devils.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Sens.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals tonight.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Jonas Hiller will start in net for the Ducks against Jaroslav Halak and the Blues.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for Blackhawks.
Crosby cleared for contact … Downie status TBD today … Brown, Ponikarovsky out tonight … lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 6th, 2012
- Dejan Kovacevic via twitter: Sidney Crosby has been cleared for contact. Crosby: “The big step is contact. Hopefully, I can do that for a few days and get back out there.”
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche forward Steve Downie will be examined today, and his status will be made after today’s skate.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Leafs Nikolai Kulemin on if his contract extension is next: “I want to stay in Toronto, too. I love the team. We’ll see what happens.”
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs forward Mike Brown out tonight. John-Michael Liles has the flu and will be assessed this afternoon.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils forward Alexei Ponikarovsky won’t play tonight, has a minor MCL sprain. Plans on practicing tomorrow.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames probable lines: Tanguay Jokinen Iginla-Glencross Stajan Moss-Kostopoulos Horak Jackman-Desbien Kolanos Nemisz.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators lines: Greening-Spezza-Michalek, Klinkhammer-Turris-Alfredsson, Foligno-O’Brien-Neil,Daugavins-Smith-Condra.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will be in net for the Capitals tonight against the Hurricanes.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Matt Hackett will start in net for the Wild.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings.
Afternoon notes on: Parise, Red Wings injuries, Hall, Vokoun, Markov, Rask, Hedman, Pens top PP unit, and Leafs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 5th, 2012
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise’s x-rays on his hand showed no broken bones, and GM Lou Lamoriello expects him to play tomorrow.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard’s ultrasound showed no real damage, and he’s hoping for Friday. Detroit Red Wings via twitter: Todd Bertuzzi, Dan Cleary, Jakub Kindle, Nicklas Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard are not skating today. Brian Hedger via twitter: Out for Wings tomorrow: “Howard, Kindl, Bertuzzi, Ericsson, Datsyuk, Eaves and likely Lidstrom; Cleary, Quincey, Hank also hurting.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall injured his left shoulder again and didn’t practice yesterday. Coach Tom Renney won’t rule Hall out for tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals Tomas Vokoun aggravated a lower-body injury he suffered 10 days ago. Feeling better today.
- Arpon Basu via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov has been cleared for contact.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins Tuukka Rask is out tomorrow. He’ll be evaluated today.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman could play tomorrow.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins PP unit at practice: “Kennedy, Kunitz & Neal up front, Malkin & Sullivan at points”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: One pro scout on Dany Heatley: “That’s a long way from those 50-goal seasons. I don’t know if the game’s too fast for him now or he’s become a comfortable player.”
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Armstrong-Steckel-Kulemin, Brown-Lombardi-Crabb-Rosehill-Connolly.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Leafs Jay Rosehill clears re-entry waivers.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Mike Smith appears to be the starting goalie for the Coyotes.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Senators.
MLSE has faith in Brian Burke … Injury notes on Parse, Gagne, Backstrom, Clutterbuck, Palmieri, Letang, D’Agostini and Langenbrunner … Ott talks trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 3rd, 2012
Maple Leafs – Brian Burke Press Conference at 10:00 AM – Ron Wilson firing and hiring of Randy Carlyle.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: MLSE has faith in Brian Burke:
“Obviously the team is struggling,” Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and COO for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said in a Thursday e-mail to the Toronto Sun. “It’s been disappointing for our fans, but it’s not over yet. We have faith in Brian and his people to get us back on track.”
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Scott Parse skated for the first time yesterday since he had hip surgery early this season. It’s still unlikely that he’ll play this season. Simon Gagne (concussion) is skating as well, but it’s still unknown when he’ll return to full-practice.
- Minnesota Wild via twitter: Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom will be out 2 to 4 weeks with a groin strain.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild lost Cal Clutterbuck and Nick Palmieri last night to upper-body injuries. The extent of the injuries are not known yet.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kris Letang has not been diagnosed with a concussion, though it remains possible.
“He’s got symptoms — not dramatic at this point,” Bylsma said. “But certainly (he’s) going to get home and get evaluated by our doctors.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Matt D’Agostini (concussion) could start skating next week. Jamie Langenbrunner is still in a walking boot, and is at least 2 weeks away.
- Dallas Morning News: Steve Ott on all the trade talk that surrounded him leading up to the trade deadline:
“For sure, I would be lying if I said it didn’t bother me. 12 years in the Dallas area that I’ve been in, my daughter is a Texan and I can go down the list on how I feel about the Dallas area being my home. Anytime you talk about uplifting yourself from a community that really you enjoy, it’s tough. I was thinking about it for a month and a half when I started hearing stuff and talking to people about it, but the professional side is you go out there and work as hard as you can and you continue to take care of the things you can control, and that’s kind of how I approached the whole situation. Obviously, Monday was a difficult day because I didn’t know where I stood until 2:05 when the deadline came in and you find out where you’re supposed to be. I had a couple of cocktails and. some Bud Light to relax. I had trade center on the whole night and tried not to pull my hair out or bite my nails off. I made it pretty clear that I wanted to be a Dallas Star and continue to be a Dallas Star.”
Videos of embarrassing plays from Pacioretty and Setoguchi
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on March 2nd, 2012
So Max Pacioretty’s dive was pretty embarrassing, but Devin Setoguchi’s shootout was worse.
Wings couldn’t find fit … Caps unsure on Backstrom … Wild may re-sign Harding … No offers for Allen or Spacek … Toews may have concussion
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2012
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings were looking for a forward yesterday, but they couldn’t find a fit. Prices were high.
“Some teams are bigger,” Holland said. “They don’t have our skill. Let’s play. I don’t know that there was a move today that we could have made that would have gotten us bigger. The bottom line is, if you are going on a long playoff run, the top half of your roster for the most part has got to be healthy. You can have the odd injury. Part of it is matchup, part of it is luck.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee when asked if Niklas Backstrom will return this year: “I don’t know. Hope so, but we don’t know.”
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said he hasn’t ruled out re-signing goalie Josh Harding.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Panthers, Blues, and Coyotes, who are all in the hunt, weren’t able to make moves yesterday due to financial reasons.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said there wasn’t any offers for either Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. Teams called to see what it would take, but no offers.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: 5 winners from yesterday: Predators, Canucks, Sabres, Bruins and Lightning.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Hedger thinks that Blackhawks Jonathan Toews’ injury is a concussion.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at 5 moves that didn’t yesterday that will be getting interest in the offseason: Rick Nash, Cory Schneider, Ryan Suter, Alexander Semin and the Ducks (things may change in the summer for the Ducks. GM Murray is giving this group a chance to get back in it.)
Afternoon rumors involving: Grabovski, Senators, Hurricanes, Bruins, Oduya, Harding, Steen and Ducks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Mikhail Grabovski’s agent: “We understand their position and I believe that they understand our position, we are more than fair.” … “Mikhail wants to play for the Leafs for many years & win the Stanley Cup with them and I absolutely agree with him. “
- Howard Berger via twitter: Leafs source: “Tons of chatter, but nothing close to worthwhile.”
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators GM Bryan Murray when asked about adding a depth forward, “we don’t have an immediate target.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said it’s hard to predict how active they’ll be over the next 24 hours. Said there is the possibility of a “hockey trade.” Added, “It’s hard to find players now, at the deadline or in the offseason.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Bruins are looking for a forward and a defenseman. They have interest in Avalanche forwards Daniel Winnik, T.J. Galiardi and David Jones. Jets defenseman Johnny Oduya is getting interest, but they are back in the playoff race. With the Blues getting a 2nd round pick for Ben Bishop, the Wild may do better for Josh Harding.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues Alex Steen had been practicing, but shut it down last week. Skating led to vision problems. He’ll be heading to California for at least 2 weeks to receive treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, similar to what Andy McDonald and Paul Kariya did.
- Lisa Dillman of the LA Times: The Ducks may have a quiet trade deadline.
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