Posts Tagged Montreal Canadiens
Semin denies report … No charges for Kane … Avs-Hejduk talking … Price-Habs have talked … Videos of Doan and Hanzal hit
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 16th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: When Alexander Semin arrived in Sweden, he denied that he’ll be leaving the Capitals for sure. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Whyno spoke with Semin’s agent who didn’t close the door on the Capitals. He questioned the teams direction, and is not considering the KHL.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Patrick Kane won’t be getting charged after his partying activities in Madison Wisconsin.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: There has been ongoing talk between the Avalanche and Milan Hejduk. Hejduk struggled in the 2nd half of the season, but would like to return. If they can’t get a deal done, he could consider signing elsewhere.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Carey Price just finished his 2 year, $5.5 million deal. His agent, Gerry Johannson has had a couple “cordial chats” with new GM Marc Bergevin.
“I’m pretty confident we’ll get something done,” the three-time all-star said. “I’m really not the type of guy who’s going to push everything to get (a contract) done faster. We’re trying to build a team here and we want to build it the right way. Rushing decisions isn’t the right way to do it.”
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: There have been no talks with pending UFA Matt Carkner and the Senators. It doesn’t mean there won’t be any though.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: On the Shane Doan hit, Lewis turns just before the hit, nasty result but not a suspension in his opinion. Martin Hanzal tracks Dustin Brown, he’ll get a suspension.
Coaches Corner: Hunter, Wilson, Richards, Renney, McLellan, Leafs, Canadiens and Flames … Conditions on Dudley leaving Leafs for Habs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Dale Hunter made the tough decision of leaving the Capitals to go back to the London Knight after talking with his family. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: “It was a tough decision. But it was the right one for me and my family.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee is in no hurry to hire a new head coach, he could wait until July or August to find Hunter’s replacement. McKenzie wouldn’t hold his breath waiting for Ron Wilson to be named coach.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards gets a 2 year deal, no longer the interim coach. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the Richards extension is a vote of confidence from ownership for GM Scott Howson.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Leafs assistants Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin are expected back. The Canadiens are in the process of touching base with some head coaching candidates, such as: Michel Therrien, Guy Carbonneau, Marc Crawford, and Bob Hartley. The Flames are planning on narrowing their 10-12 head coaching list down to 5 or 6 for interviews. Bob Harley and Troy Ward are prominent. Nothing to report on Tom Renney’s expiring contract. GM Steve Tambellini’s contract is expired too, but many believe he has an extension in place,
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks that Todd McLellan will be back coaching the Sharks next season, but not surprised if they brought in an experienced or veteran assistant coach.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames AHL head coach Troy Ward is the leading candidate for the head coaching position according to Bodog’s prop (7/4 odds). Bob Hartley (5/2) is a close friend GM Jay Feaster is also a candidate. Craig MacTavish is listed at 6/1.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Dudley could leave the Maple Leafs for the Canadiens by the end of the month. It would be conditional on him not helping the Canadiens with the draft. Pending negotiations with the Canadiens, Dudley has the Leafs blessing to move on as long as he isn’t involved with the draft.
Radulov-Kostitsyn broke curfew by an hour … Preds notes … Semin done with Caps, NHL? Kreider moves up to 2nd line
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 12th, 2012
- Michael Farber of SI.com (via Dirk Hoag of On the Forecheck): Predators Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn broke curfew by 1 hour, which earned them their 1 game suspension. They were poolside at the W, an alcohol free soiree according to a source.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Ryan Suter’s free agent decision will affect Shea Weber’s situation. Throw in Radulov’s free agency and curfew violations, it’s going to be busy offseason for the Predators. They have 15 total free agents. 3 things that we know for sure: “1. The Suter, Weber, Radulov story lines will dominate the offseason for Nashville. 2. If Suter does decide to leave, it won’t be a ll doom and gloom for Nashville. 3. The Predators must make a decision on Sergei Kostitsyn.”
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has called Brian Burke several times to try and persuade him to allow Rick Dudley to join the Habs before the Draft, but it’s not a top priority for Burke. There is a window that allows Dudley to leave, and the Leafs control the situation until it opens. At the next GM meetings, some GMs will bring up compensation for head coaches, GMs, and assistant GMs that are hired by other teams. Dreger says that Ryan Suter has earned the right to test the free agent market, and it won’t be an easy decision for him to sign elsewhere. It is possible that they could keep both Suter and Shea Weber, but it would have a financial strain on the team, depending on the new CBA.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Alexander Semin could be playing in his last game for the Capitals, and maybe his last NHL game. He’ll be a UFA and the Capitals “won’t re-sign him.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Sports.ru is reporting that Kirill Kabanov will play of Salavat of the KHL. BD Gallof via twitter: KHL is better money than the AHL. Isles fan shouldn’t worry if Kabanov says there for a year, if it’s 2 years, then worry.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Apparently the Flyers have so many players that may require surgery, they won’t be able to sort it out until next week.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils coach Peter DeBoer expects Anton Volchenkov and Marek Zidlicky to be ready for Game 1 of the conference finals.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers forward Chris Kreider was practicing with the 2nd line, Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan, yesterday.
Zidlicky should be ready … Preds-Suter to talk in a couple weeks … Some Habs candidates … Jagr to wait … Koivu re-signs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2012
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Game 7 between the Capitals and Rangers will be at 7:30 pm on Saturday.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Marek Zidlicky is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury but should be ready for the next round.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Ryan Suter said he spoke with GM David Poile Wednesday morning.
“We talked about everything and the future, and how everything will go, and I think we’re going to meet again in a couple of weeks and kind of make a decision,” he said.
Suter wants to take some time unwind.
“Wherever I sign I want to be there for the rest of my career, and that affects my family, my wife, my kid (and) if we have more kids,” Suter said. “Everything plays into it.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Canadiens are expected to interview a wide range of candidates: Marc Crawford, Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy, Michel Therrien, Benoit Groulx (Gatineau), Sylvain Lefebvre (Colorado assistant). Bryan Marchment could join the Sharks coaching staff. The Predators must “sit down with Ryan Suter and ask for an honest appraisal of his future. If he won’t sign (or give you enough assurance), it’s time to let teams talk to him in advance of July 1. Get what you can. ” The Blue Jackets will likely pass on taking the LA Kings 1st rounder this year as it will be in the bottom 4.
- Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: The Flyers will likely have the cap room to re-sign Jaromir Jagr if they want, but Jagr isn’t ready to commit to next year just yet.
“Right now I don’t know,” he said about his future following Game 5. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford wouldn’t be surprised if Roberto Luongo’s list is more than 5 teams. Would he really want to come back to Vancouver and play 30-35 games? Some people claim that Ryan Suter has a list of teams he wants to play for, and the Predators aren’t on it. If Suter leaves, it puts more pressure on the Shea Weber situation. If they aren’t able to lock him up long-term, the Preds will have to either sign him to a 1 year deal or look to trade him. Botchford wonders if the Canucks would have enough to pull off a Weber trade. Ryan Kesler is damaged goods at the moment. Kevin Bieksa is locked up with a no-trade clause. Jannik Hansen might interest the Predators, but only as an add on piece. Defenseman Alex Edler would fit in nice at $3.25 million, but he has only 1 year left before he becomes a UFA.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks have re-signed Saku Koivu to a 1 year deal worth $3 million plus bonuses.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: A decision on Blue Jackets interim coach Todd Richards won’t be made this week, possibly next week.
Questions for Predators … Sens should have some interest Penner … Extension for Gillis, Vigneault next? ‘Hawks, Oilers coaching notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 8th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Questions now turn to the Predators free agents. Will Shea Weber and Ryan Suter be back? Will Radulov be re-signed? Does he even want to stay in the NHL? Predators GM David Poile brought in players at the deadline to improve the teams chances, and to show Weber and Sutur they want win. Did they make to many changes at the deadline which changed the chemistry:
“I think we had a great group in here, just as good as we’ve had in the past,” Weber said, disagreeing with that notion. “It definitely wasn’t the case [of the additions hurting the team]. We didn’t accomplish what we thought we could have. It’s due in part to a great team in Phoenix, and don’t discredit them at all. They deserve to be going on and they’re going to do well.”
Suter will be a UFA, Weber will be a RFA. Alexander and Andrei Kostitsyn won’t likely be back.
“We’ll have to see,” Poile said. “There’s certain things that the club has rights to under the CBA and there’s certain things that we don’t. It’s a free world for some players. We have to hope and believe that what we’ve done this year and the growth of our franchise, whether it’s a player like Suter who’s an unrestricted free agent, that he sees that commitment and he wants to play with us and play for us. That he wants to play with Shea Weber as his partner and Shea wants to play [for the Predators] in the future. That’s why we signed Pekka Rinne and that’s why we’ve been trying to sign these guys. We’re going to have to see what we can do.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It shouldn’t come as a shock if the Senators show some interest in Kings UFA Dustin Penner. Penner will likely have to take a pay cut to the $1.5 million range, down from his $4.25 million. Penner had only 7 goals and 10 assists in 65 regular season games this past season, but has added 2 goals and 5 assists in 9 playoff games.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis received a contract extension yestreday and he hopes that one will be coming soon for coach Alain Vigneault.
“I feel very comfortable with Alain as the coach, I told everybody that at my season-ending press conference,” Gillis said. “I think he has done an excellent job and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want somebody back who has done an excellent job and has the results to show for it.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: There is some friction between the Blackhawks and their coac Joel Quenneville, and there is speculation that they wouldn’t stand in the Canadiens way if they came calling. Quenneville is a close ally of new GM Marc Bergevin.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The perception is the Oilers are looking for a new head coach, though they haven’t informed their current head coach, Tom Renney, of anything. Brent Sutter could one option they are considering.
A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 7th, 2012
- John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
- Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
- The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?
Coaches up in the air … Hossa hopes to be ready for next year … Improving FAs … Thinking Price at $5.5 million
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 4th, 2012
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks and Sharks future coaching situations are still up in the air. Alain Vigneault and Todd McLellan could be looking for new jobs this offseason. McLellan could interest the Canucks and Flames. Vigneault would get interest from the Canadiens. If the Canucks let Vigneault go, they could also look at Craig MacTavish and Scott Arniel. They could also wait it out and see what happens with the disgruntled Joel Quenneville in Chicago. Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Vigneault left town before having a his ‘postseason court’ with the media and isn’t available to talk about his future. He has 1 year remaining on his contract.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Blackhawks Marian Hossa said that this is the “biggest concussion” he’s ever had. He’s feeling better and progressing. He also added that there is quite awhile until training camp and he’s confident that he’ll be ready to play by then.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Potential free agents who have been increase value during the playoffs: Dustin Penner (LA), Francis Bouillon (NASH), Alexander Semin (WAS), Bryce Salvador (NJ), Matt Carle (PHI) and Mike Knuble (WAS).
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Many people don’t think that Dale Hunter will be back in Washington. GM George McPhee said he would like him to stay. Once the Kings made the playoffs, coach Darryl Sutter told his team the worst was over and it’s time to relax and have fun. The average that some league executives think Carey Price will get on a new deal is $5.5 million per season. Some noted that Price has leverage which could drive up the price. Some GMs aren’t certain the Bruins will keep Tim Thomas, and there would be a market for him. The annual “Trade Marleau” watch is on.
Petrov, Mayorov sign in KHL … Preds still hope to re-sign Suter and Weber … Coaching notes for Sharks, Canadiens … 5 priorities for Sens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 3rd, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov signed a contract extension with with Ak Bars.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Ak Bars has also signed Blue Jackets defenseman Maxim Mayorov. Aaron Portzline via twitter: It’s believed that the Blue Jackets will qualify Mayorov and keep his rights.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The two 2011 Stanley Cup Finals goaltenders, Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas, could find themselves on the trading block this summer. Luongo has given the Canucks a short list of teams he’s accept a trade too: possibly the Panthers, Lightning, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has heard the rumors on Thomas:
“I’ve seen speculation about moving a goalie, but I’m certainly not inclined to do that,” Chiarelli said.
“Tim didn’t have statistically the year he had the year before, but I thought he had a very good year. We have, if not the best, one of the top goaltending tandems in the league.”
The Predators still believe they’ll be able to re-sign Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Predators chairman Tom Cigarran:
“We were going to keep the very best players to the extent we can, to the extent they want to play here,” Cigarran told the Tennessean. “To the extent they want to play here, we would step up and make sure we had the money available to pay them.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson got a vote of confidence from ownership, but the coaching staff hasn’t received one yet. Wilson is still in the review process, which should be completed over the next couple weeks. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Coach Todd McLellan has 2 years left on his deal, and LeBrun thinks he’ll remain with the team. New Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin would definitely be interested in Alain Vigneault if the Canucks fired him. Marc Crawford could also be in the mix for the Canadiens job. Darren Dreger reported that Bob Hartley and Michel Therrien are in consideration. The sale of the St. Louis Blues to minority owner Tom Stillman is “very close.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators top 5 offseason priorities: 1. Bring back Daniel Alfredsson 2. Sign defenceman Erik Karlsson 3. Re-sign center Chris Kelly as a UFA 4. Trade defenceman Sergei Gonchar 5. Buy out winger Bobby Butler.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues tried to upgrade their blueline at the trade deadline, but were unsuccessful. Kent Huskins will likely replace Ian Cole tonight. Matt D’Agostini could replace Alex Steen on the line with Andy McDonald and David Backes. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wanted to rule Jaroslav Halak out of the series to eliminate any potential distraction.
Afternoon notes on: Dubinsky, Caps, Predators, Hurricanes, Canadiens, Sharks … Flames sign Cervanka
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 2nd, 2012
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rangers Brandon Dubinsky travelled with the Rangers to DC, no indication if he’s close to returning.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals lines this morning: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson. Chimera-Laich-Semin. Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: If the Predators win Game 3, Barry Trotz said he’d go with the same lineup for Game 4. (No Kostitsyn and Radulov)
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford can’t name players who are possible trade targets, but did mention that Eric Staal has played wing before. He has said that finding a scoring winger for Staal was their top offseason priority. He said today that focus could be a winger or center. Rutherford said that defenseman Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek could be headed for free agency. The Canes are high on Bobby Sanguinetti. They hope to have Jamie McBain re-signed soon.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie points out that the Canadiens buying out Scott Gomez “is the dumbest thing any organization could possibly do in a salary cap word.” If they were to send him to the AHL, it frees up $7.3 million in cap space the next 2 years, salary would be $10 million in salary. The Canadiens could save $3.3 million in cash by buying Gomez out, but would have cap hits of “$3.5M, $4.5M, $1.66M and $1.66M for each of 4 yrs.” However, in the new CBA, it’s not known about amnesty buyouts and burying contracts in the minors. Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Canadiens can’t buy Gomez out until the buyout period which runs from June 15th to 30th, merely speculation at this time. Louis Jean via twitter: According to @TVASports Dave Morrissette, the decision to buy Gomez out has already been made.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: As of this morning, the Canadiens hadn’t asked the Maple Leafs permission to speak wit Rick Dudley. Dudley and Martin Lapointe are expected to be among GMs Bergevin’s hires.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks ownership put out a statement that this seasons results are not acceptable, but are confident that GM Doug Wilson will make the changes needed going forward.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: The Flames have signed KHL center Roman Cervanka to a 1 year, $3.7 million deal. Hall can’t see the Flames bringing Olli Jokinen back after giving Cervanka that much money.
Grossman not cleared yet … 2 or 3 weeks for Habs GM? Alfie to take some time … Could Bruins trade Thomas? Seguin needs surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 27th, 2012
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman said he hasn’t been cleared yet. Hopes to play on Sunday.
- Stu Hackel of Hockey Inisde/Out: Renaud Lavoie wrote that it’s possible that the Canadiens could have a new GM in place in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson will take some time deciding his future:
“I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off.”
“This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause will expire on July 1st. Thomas has 1 year left on his 4 year, $20 million contract. Tuukka Rask will be a RFA on July 1st as well. If the Bruins were to move Thomas, Anton Khudobin would backup Rask if/when they re-sign him. If they moved Thomas’s $5 million cap hit, they could use the money elsewhere. Zach Parise will be a UFA, has played for Julien before, but may be looking for $7 million plus. Toronto, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Florida, Edmonton, and Columbus may be looking for goaltending help this summer. The Bruins may not get much return for Thomas due to age and contract, but would give the B’s cap relief.
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins Tyler Seguin needs surgery, likely on his left hand.
Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
- Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks there is an 80% chance that Jaromir Jagr returns to the Flyers next year.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman: “We’re not going to bring everybody back.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne, Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick are the Vezina finalists.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka were not at the Senators practice today.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Brian Boyle didn’t practice with the Rangers today.
Morning notes on: Torres, Lidstrom, Alfredsson, Luongo, Red Wings, Roy, Emery, Clifford, Parse and Blues sale
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres suspension is likely to be announced late morning or early afternoon.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom reiterated last night that a decision on his future won’t be made for several weeks. He’ll eventually meet with GM Ken Holland to,
“go over things. So I’ll see what he wants to do and what time table he’ll give me to make a decision.”
Coach Mike Babcock,
“I think Nick Lidstrom retires when he thinks he’s not a good player any more. But I think he’s been a pretty darn good player. He’s too good to quit.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson won’t be returning for Game 5. He didn’t practice with the team yesterday, and didn’t fly with them to New York .
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo said he isn’t reading papers or listening to the radio about speculation surrounding his future. Luongo added that he’s 100% behind Cory Schneider.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Red Wings did have interest in Rick Nash at the trade deadline, but it wasn’t the right timing for the Wings. The cost financially and structurally was also too much for the Wings. If they hit the open marketing, the Wings will have interest in landing one or both of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
- Marianne White in the Montreal Gazette: Patrick Roy said yesterday that he hasn’t received a call from the Canadiens yet, “But my cellphone is always turned on.” Roy added,
“If I receive a phone call, I’m obviously going to listen,” he said.
“The NHL has been the best thing that’s happened to me in my life and I’m certainly not going to turn down calls from an NHL team. But am I going to make calls? No.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jahns wonders if the Blackhawks will go with Ray Emery for Game 5 over Corey Crawford.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kyle Clifford didn’t skate yesterday. Scott Parse took part in his first team practice since November. Parse is still weeks away from possibly playing.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gary Bettman said yesterday that the sale of the St. Louis Blues could be completed “soon.” Once the lawyers are finished, the NHL Board of Governors will meet with Tom Stillman to give their final approval.
“We remain singularly focused on Tom Stillman completing his proposed transaction to purchase the St. Louis Blues’ franchise. “The process is progressing positively, and we have no reason to think that it won’t get done in the relatively near future.”
Luongo a tough move … JVR ready … Halak still in boot … Could it be Lidstrom’s final game … Roy knows Habs will call
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: One GM laughed when asked if Roberto Luongo’s contract is movable, and another responded:
“No,” he answered. “Unless the trading team was allowed to subsidize the deal.”
Options for the Canucks this summer: 1. Pray for an amnesty clause – if he was bought out at the end of the season without the amnesty, Luongo would come off the books in 2031-32. 2. Trade him – he has a no-trade clause and tough contract to move. “There’s a limited amount of teams,” an NHL source said. “A very limited amount of teams.” The Lightning are looking for a goalie this summer. Luongo has ties to the state of Florida. The Panthers have Jacob Markstrom on the way. The Leafs are looking for a goalie as well, but Burke doesn’t like long contract, plus “Why would he want to go from one fishbowl to another?” one source said. 3. Keep him – this would be a tough sell and Luongo likely wouldn’t be happy being a backup. With Schneider needing a new contract, a lot of money would be tied up in the position.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts thinks the only teams that may need goaltending are the Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The Devils could be looking for a goalie due to Martin Brodeur’s age, but there financial situation would likely prevent bringing in Luongo.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Reimsdyk skated for the 4th straight day yesterday and appears ready to return to the lineup. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gustafsson or Brandon Manning would take Grossman’s place if he’s not ready to go.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak’s return to the lineup doesn’t appear to be imminent. He is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot, and missed his 2nd straight game. Halak tested it out on the ice on Tuesday, but it didn’t go that well.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Simon Gagne: “I don’t even know if he’s in North America.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings lose tonight, it’s possible that Nicklas Lidstrom has played his final NHL game. Lidstrom will be 42 in a week.
“I’ve been hearing that same story for about five years now,” Babcock said Thursday. “I haven’t thought much about Nick. I’d be shocked if he retires, but I’ve been shocked before.”
“It’s crossed my mind,” Jimmy Howard said, “but you try not to think about it. It’s been quite the honor to play with Nick, and I hope he comes back, but that’s up to him.”
Lidstrom has said he’ll take some time to relax after the season, then him and his wife will make a decision on next year.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts are out of the playoffs, and he knows a call from the Canadiens will be coming.
“Going there would definitely interest him. He thrives on challenges,” said the above friend. “Winning one or two Stanley Cups was not enough for him; he wanted more. And, when the Avalanche traded for Ray Bourque, it became his mission to win another one.”
Serge Savard told the Montreal Gazette mid season that he thought the Roy would coach the Canadiens under “certain conditions.” Guy Lafleur thinks Roy would be a better GM than coach.
- Martin Lunden via a Swedish site: (tweeted by Bruce McCurdy) Oilers 2011 1st round draft pick Oscar Klefbom is set to a sign a 3 year entry-level deal with the team.
Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 19th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad will likely replace injured Marian Hossa for Game 4.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
- Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.
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. | ||||||
Horton a “long shot” … 5 things Habs GM must do … Hurricanes to look at top UFAs … Time to break up Flames? Jets free agents
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2012
- Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said it’s a “long shot” that forward Nathan Horton will be able to return for the playoffs.
“If he were to be cleared at some point, he would need at least a couple of weeks to get back,” Chiarelli said during a 20-minute conference call Sunday. “He’s quite far off right now. I know he’s skating, but he’s having little bouts here and there of post-concussion symptoms. It’s a long shot. I’m not going to rule him out, yet, but it’s a long shot.”
Tuukka Rask has been on the ice but is questionable for the Capitals series. Anton Khudobin would be the backup to Tim Thomas until Rask is ready.
- Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette: Todd lists 5 things the Canadiens new GM has to do: “1. Persuade the organization to stop using the exhibition season as a cash cow. 2. Find someone who can coach the power play. 3. Throw the expensive deadwood overboard. 4. Four lines, not 1.5. 5. No sacred cow.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said they should bid to sign at least one high-priced free agent. There will also be some other personnel changes.
“When you don’t make the playoffs, it’s an indication we’ve got work to do in the summer and some areas to get better at,” Muller said after the Canes closed the season with a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. “I think with a few changes and a few tweaks here and there, we should be competing for the playoffs.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: If MacFarlane were the Flames GM, he’d shop Jarome Iginla with a fairly high asking price, with an NHL ready prospect as part of the package. He’d also listen to offers for Miikka Kiprusoff, but would have to be blown away. Cap purposes would put Jay Bouwmeester on the trade block. He wouldn’t bring Olli Jokinen back as his price and term will likely be too high.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets have 7 UFAs: Chris Mason, Randy Jones, Mark Flood, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood and Tim Stapleton. They have 4 RFAs in Ondrej Pavelec, Evander Kane, Spencer Machacek and Eric Fehr. Fehr is not expected to be brought back. Jones may not be back due to the depth on the blueline.
“I don’t think there’s a whole lot to be nervous about,” said Kane. “It will be interesting to see what happens with the CBA and how things work themselves out. We’ll see what happens. I’m not 100% on how it works but that’s what I have my agents for and I think they’re the best at what they do. I’m sure they’ll be giving me a lot of information and it should be an interesting summer. We’ll see what the best situation is.”
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Rangers prospect Chris Kreider is flying home from Tampa after their BC title win. There is no indication that he is on the verge of signing.
Afternoon notes: Price, Myers, Toews, Gunnarson, Tallinder, Parenteau, Steckel, Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 4th, 2012
- Montreal Canadiens via twitter: Canadiens Carey Price has been diagnosed with a mild concussion.
- Buffalo Sabres via twitter: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said that Tyler Myers won’t be available for the final 2 games.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews will not play tomorrow. David Bolland is out tomorrow with an upper-body injury. He’s day-to-day.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarson has a separated shoulder and is done for the year.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s “doubtful” that Henrik Tallinder will be able to play in the playoffs, but Tallinder is still hopeful. Jacob Josefson won’t need surgery on his wrist.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: P.A. Parenteau’s agent said that have “made no proposals” to the Islanders.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Canadiens have asked the Maple Leafs for permission to talk to Claude Loiselle, who are expected to grant permission.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning winger Brandon Segal has cleared waivers.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs forward David Steckel is practicing for the first time since his knee injury.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Frattin-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Lombardi-Crabb, Connolly-Steckel-Brown, Rosehill-Ashton-Armstrong-Colborne.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson, Chimera-Perreault-Semin, Hendricks-Beagle-Laich, Knuble-Aucoin-Ward-Eakin-Halpern.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will start for the Capitals against the Panthers.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tomorrow.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Ben Bishop is expected to start tomorrow.
Price has headaches, concussion? Hall to have surgery today … Myers out … Wisniewski to return … Quincey suspendion video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 3rd, 2012
- Mike Boone of Hockey Inside/Out: Radio-Canada is reporting that Canadiens goalie Carey Price has a concussion, but as of last night the Canadiens were disputing that. The Canadiens say that he is having headaches, but hasn’t been diagnosed with a concussion just yet. He’ll go through some tests this week to see what is causing the headaches. Price collided with a teammate Thursday morning and hasn’t felt the same since. It is possible that his season could be over. A Radi0-Canada reporter apparently overhead the Canadiens doctor on his cell phone talking to their head athletic therapist.
- Taylor Hall via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall arrived in Cleveland yesterday and will have surgery today.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers is out tonight, but hasn’t been rule out for Thursday or Saturday. Christian Ehrhoff is out this week.
- LA Kings via twitter: Kings forward Jeff Carter had an MRI yesterday which revealed a deep bone bruise and no structural damage. He’ll be out day-to-day.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski is set to return to the lineup tonight.
- Dallas Morning News via twitter: Stars forward Eric Nystrom could return to the lineup tonight.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets center Kyle Wellwood is out with a broken ankle. Wellwood was hit in the foot by a Grant Clitsome’s shot. Wellwood set a career high with 47 points this season.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks tonight.
- Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey was suspended for elbowing.
Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”
“It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun suffered another groin injury and may have played his last game for the Capitals.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.
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