Posts Tagged Nashville Predators
Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 12th, 2012
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Shea Weber was fined $2,500 for hitting Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the glass.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Darren Helm had surgery to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm and will be out from the remainder of the playoffs.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Chris Neil will return to the lineup. Matt Gilroy is also in.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins lines: Kunitz-Malkin-Neal, Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis, Cooke-Staal-Kennedy, Asham-Vitale-Adams.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Anton Khudobin will backup Tim Thomas tonight.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blues goalie Brian Elliott took part in their morning skate.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke said he wouldn’t move his 1st round pick to bring a goalie like Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. Zeisberger wonders if the Blues would give up one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak. Even if the Canucks wanted to trade Roberto Luongo, the Canucks “organization despises the Leafs.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brenden Morrow’s future with the Stars is up in the air, and he has be hearing criticism from from fans.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough to hear,” said Morrow of speculation that the team might be better if it moved forward without him. “But at the same time, I saw it with franchise players, good friends. If it happened to Mike Modano, it can happen to anyone.
“I don’t like it; I’m uncomfortable with it. I want us to win, I want us to be better, but I also understand this is a business and some of the things are out of my control. So what I can control is to get myself as healthy as I can and work as hard as I can and hope I perform as well as I can.
“I’d love to be a part of the solution next year, and hopefully management agrees.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Canucks Byron Bitz’s disciplinary hearing is at 3:30 EST.
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.
Afternoon notes: Briere, Gonchar, Segal, Komarov, Leafs goalies, Flyers lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 3rd, 2012
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers Daniel Briere hopes to be able to return for the start of the playoffs, but said there is no timetable.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that Sergei Gonchar will be out tonight with a lower-body injury.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Lightning put Brandon Segal on waivers.
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs are hopeful they can lure forward Leo Komarov (2006 6th round draft pick) over next year. He’s been playing for Moscow Dynamo (stats at bottom).
- The Leafs Nation Audio: Justin Goldman (@TheGoalieGuild), Ian (@67Sound) and (@JPNikota) talk about the Leafs goaltending situation and Francois Allaire. (@TheGoalieGuild is an excellent twitter follow, really informative)
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Schenn-Read-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Voracek, Shelley-Wellwood-Rinaldo. Defensive pairings: Timonen-Coburn, Carle-Kubina, Lilja-Bourdon.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins Tim Thomas is not playing or dressing tonight.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Andres Lindback is the likely starter for tonight. Pekka Rinne didn’t skate.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers tonight.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov was the first off the ice and the likely starter for tonight.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens looks to be starter tonight for the Maple Leafs.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net tomorrow against the Red Wings.
Leo Komarov
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.
Morning notes on Sedin, Toews, Carter, McQuaid, Reimer, Gustavsson, McDonald, Hejduk, Mueller, Suter and Parise
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 30th, 2012
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks get some good news in that Daniel Sedin could be ready to return for the 1st round of the playoffs according to GM Mike Gillis.
“It’s risky to make projections with these things because one day the player just may not feel right, but he’s going in the right direction,” Gillis told The Vancouver Sun. “He’s feeling a little better each day. We’re hopeful if things keep going the way they are that he’ll be available [for the first round].”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is getting real close to returning.
“I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but probably,” Toews said. “If it’s not [Thursday], it will be soon, though.”
Defenseman Steve Montador’s concussion symptoms returned on Tuesday and he’s out indefinitely.
- Rich Hammond of LAKings NHL.com: Kings Jeff Carter is unlikely to play tonight due to an ankle injury.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid left last night’s game in the 1st period after being hit face-first into the boards by Jason Chimera. McQuaid has had concussion issues in the past. He was cut over the eye and was ‘woozy’ leaving the ice.
“We’ll probably learn more (today),” coach Claude Julien said. “But for the obvious reasons that the medical staff deals with those kind of things, the minute you don’t feel right, they pull you out. So hopefully we’ll get good news (today).”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs may shut James Reimer down for the season as a result of concussion-like symptoms returning.
“There will be probably a point that there’ll be a decision made if he’s going to return or not,” Carlyle said. “That’s in the medical people’s hands right now. We just have to wait for clearance from everybody involved to put the player back on the ice.”
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs pending UFA Jonas Gustavsson is trying to not think that far ahead. “What’s going to happen next year is going to wait for a while.” Gustavsson was injured in the warmups and was unable to make the start. The Leafs may look to bring in a veteran goalie next year to work with James Reimer.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald will return to the lineup on Saturday.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk is considering retiring after the season.
“It could be. I don’t want to analyze right now, but it definitely could be,” Hejduk said.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: (mailbag) Avs pending RFA Peter Mueller has been a healthy scratch for 2 games lately and would required a $2.2 million qualifying offer. Dater thinks they will likely qualify him, but it is possible they look to trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that the Red Wings have sent scouts to watch the remaining games of pending UFAs Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The Wings could be leaning more towards Suter since Nicklas Lidstrom could retire or play only one more season. B.J. Crombeen has been out with a hand injury. Roman Polak could return on Saturday.
Hall out 5-6 months … No contact yet for Toews … Roster notes for Pens, Devils, Preds, Wings … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 27th, 2012
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall will not return to this season as he’ll be having labral shoulder surgery. According to Steve Tambellini: “Recovery time will be between five and six months, so our hope is that Taylor will be ready for the start of next season.”
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Some college UFAs could be signing in the next day or 2. UMD’s J.T. Brown, Miami’s Cam Schilling, Maine’s Spencer Abbott and others. Washington has just signed Cam Schilling to an entry level contract.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Ben Lovejoy had knee surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins forward Steve Sullivan said he should be ready to get back in the lineup.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Devils rookie Adam Larsson will be a healthy scratch. Peter Harrold will be in the lineup.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said Martin Erat is out with an upper body injury.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Word is that Johan Franzen will return tomorrow night. Jonathan Ericsson is questionable. The plan is to have Jimmy Howard to return on Friday.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Martin Brodeur will face Corey Crawford tonight.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Bruins. Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Braden Holtby will start in net for the Capitals.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers Scott Clemmensen was the 1st off the ice and likely starter.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs.
Morning notes: Burke, Roy, Leafs draft watch, Parise, Lindback, Zajac, Toews and Melnyk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 25th, 2012
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks that Leafs GM Brian Burke has one year left to turn things around. Burke does have 2 more years under contract, and next season will be his 5th year leading the Leafs. It’s unlikely that Patrick Roy takes any position with the Montreal Canadiens. Simmons thinks he’s waiting for a possible relocation of the Coyotes to Quebec City. If the Maple Leafs draft around #5, it might be high enough to draft Alex Galchenyuk, who some think is better than Nail Yakupov. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello appears convinced he’ll be able to re-sign Zach Parise.
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs draft plan is to get one of Mikhail Grigorenko, Alex Galchenyuk or Radek Faksa up the middle. With their 2nd pick to draft Tom Wilson of Plymouth.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: If teams think he can handle a starter workload, teams may look at Predators Andres Lindback. Lindback will be a RFA at the end of the season.
- Dave Hutchinson of the Star Ledger: Devils center Travis Zajac will return tonight and could center Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexei Ponikarovsky. Zach Parise could be on a line with Patrik Elias and Danius Zubrus. Adam Henrique, David Clackson and Petr Sykora could make up the 3rd line. Martin Brodeur will start in net.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews practiced with the team yesterday for the 1st time in over a week.
“I feel like I’m getting back to that stage to where I’m progressing and getting closer to feeling the right way,” Toews said. “I’m just staying positive, hoping that this is the time that hopefully we break through.”
“Mostly, just when you wake up, you feel [the symptoms]. It’s not like there’s much there that’s bothering me on daily things. But when I come to the rink and try to do what I do, it’s all those things that just kind of set in. You just don’t feel right. You don’t feel like yourself.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is still waiting for his case to be heard with regards to getting his $4 million back. Dany Heatley blocked a trade Edmonton, which ended up causing the Senators to pay him a $4 million bonus.
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.
Alexander Radulov Press Conference
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Videos on March 21st, 2012
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that Alexander Radulov will be in Pittsburgh, but not sure if he’ll play.
- Shawn Roarke via twitter: The Predators have lifted Radulov’s suspension, the last formality for him to be eligible to play.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Radulov on the KHL for next year: “I didn’t promise anything to anybody.”
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Radulov said he hasn’t skated for awhile but is ready to play.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun spoke with Shea Weber who said that GM Poile talked to him about 3 weeks ago about possibility of Radulov returning. He wanted to make sure it wouldn’t rock the boat in the dressing room. Weber and the other team leaders told Poile to go for it as it would be great for the team.
- (you might have trouble loading video, likely due to the demand on the NHL site)
Radulov to have physical and presser this morning … Teams worried about drafting Russians … Howard day-to-day … Doan has hearing for elbow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 21st, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov will take part in the Predators morning skate [today]. Radulov will take his physical this morning as he was too tired to do it last night. GM David Poile and Radulov will have a press conference at 9:30 CT [today].
- Elliotte Friendman of CBC: The Russian factor may play a role in rumors that the Blue Jackets and Oilers could consider trading their high first round pick. Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Mikhail Grigorenko are expected to be high 1st round picks, and all play in the CHL. Teams are concerned that some players may pull a Radulov and bolt back to Russia during their entry level contract to make more money in the KHL.
- QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Patrick Roy denies rumors that he would be the next coach of the Canadiens. “It makes me laugh and I’m flattered that my name is circulating, but at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Molson, who will make decisions about who is going to be his coach and general manager,” Roy told the Journal de Quebec.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Canadiens Scott Gomez tells Stubbs that the buyout/Devils talk is news to him: “I’m just trying to get healthy & get back. Buyout’s never been brought up”
- Steve Buffery of hte Toronto Sun: With James Reimer’s and Jonas Gustavsson’s play this year, the Maple Leafs will have to go out and get a goalie through free agency or trade. Either way, it may take away assets (money/players) that may have been used in attempt to land a number 1 center. If Burke did try to trade away Phil Kessel, there is no way he would get back what he gave up.
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard will be day-to-day with a groin issue. Ty Conklin was recalled but he has to clear re-entry waivers.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock hopes that Nicklas Lidstrom will be ready for Saturday, but Lidstrom is not as sure.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall (concussion) took part in yesterday’s morning skate.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown is expected to skate this week. Joffrey Lupul will start skating in about 10 days.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Shane Doan will have a disciplinary hearing at 5 PM for his elbow on Stars Jamie Benn.
Radulov on plane for U.S. … Gomez expects to be bought out … Meszaros out 6-8 weeks … Thornton signs extension … Flames getting healthy
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 20th, 2012
- Alexander Radulov via twitter: Radulov tweeted (and included a photo) that he’s one a plane for New York, then to Nashville.
- TVA Sports (google translate): Canadiens forward Scott Gomez expects to be bought out by the team at the end of the season according to Patrice Brisebois, and that he might want to make a comeback with the Devils next year. Gomez has apparently told relatives this.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers defenseman Andrej Meszaros will have surgery to remove a small disc fragment from his lower back and will be out 6 to 8 weeks.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have signed Shawn Thornton to a 2 year contract extension worth $1.1 million per year. GM Peter Chiarelli has talked about re-signing Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Chris Kelly, Joe Corvo, Greg Zanon, Brian Rolston and Mike Mottau.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If college defenseman Justin Schultz doesn’t take the Ducks offer, and becomes a UFA on July 1st, the Rangers will be interested. Rangers forward Brandon Prust has put contract extension talks on hold so he can just focus on playing.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Mathieu Darche has been out with an inner-ear infection, but has also been battling concussion-like symptoms. “I had an inner-ear infection and we treated that with antibiotics, but when that cleared up, I still had symptoms,” Darche said. “So we looked at the symptoms and treated it as a concussion. Right now, I feel great and every day on the ice we ramp up the intensity and length of the workout. My wife is sick of me being at home, so I want to get back and play.” Darche hopes to begin practicing with teammates by the end of this week or early next week.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: The Flames are likely to get Tim Jackman, Lance Bouma and Chris Butler back in the lineup some time this week during their 3 game road trip.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Flames had no choice but to send Sven Baertschi back to junior because of the NHL-CHL player agreement. If/when the Winterhawks are out of the playoff, Baertschi can rejoin the Flames.
Radulov returning to Predators this week … Stuart leaving Wings after season … No broken bones for Backes … KHL wants to play in Brooklyn
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 19th, 2012
8:10 AM:
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Someone OTHER than Radulov bought out his contract for this year. It’s undisclosed who paid for it.
8:05 AM:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov will be on a plane for Nashville tomorrow according to Sport-Express. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov bought himself out of his Salavat deal just for the remainder of the season. He’s still under contract for next season with them. Radulov wanted to keep his KHL options open in case he didn’t receive a good enough offer in the NHL.
7:55 AM:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: As of about 7:39 AM, the Predators remain optimistic about Radulov returning, but GM David Poile said they are still waiting for confirmation.
7:25 AM:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov and his KHL team Salavat have reached an agreement that would let Radulov leave for Nashville now. Salavat would keep his KHL rights. Reports are that he’ll fly to Ufa [today] and likely leave for Nashville later this week. Dmitry Checnokov via twitter: Radulov’s russian agent confirms that he’ll be joining the Predaotrs in the coming days. Curtis Zupke via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said that Radulov could fly to the U.S. by Tuesday, and that he’d “love” to see him in the lineup on Thursday. Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Comments from Ryan Suter, Mike Fisher and Shea Weber on Radulov:
Ryan Suter:“Whenever you have top players it makes the game a lot easier. Simple, easy plays, not a lot of panic. He’s a top player.”
Mike Fisher:
“Radulov has been here before and knows some of the guys. I don’t see him not fitting in fine. He’s going to add a lot. If he does end up coming, you can add a player like that late going into the playoffs, it’s going to be big for us.”
Shea Weber:
“Everyone knows what a good player he is and how dynamic he is and what he’s able to do with the puck. It adds another element and adds some depth and some exciting play.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Current Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart is a pending UFA and has made it known that he likely won’t be back with the Wings next season. His wife and 3 kids still live in California, and it’s too far with him in Detroit. The Sharks would be a perfect fit, and the Kings might have interest. Kings GM Dean Lombardi drafted Stuart.
- St. Louis Blues via twitter: Blues forward David Backes blocked a shot on Saturday and will be evaluated in a few days according coach Ken Hitchcock. Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Backes didn’t break any bones. Hitchcock said there is no return date yet. He’ll go on the West Coast trip and could play by the end of it.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning are signing goalie Sebastien Caron, who has been playing in Germany. Announce coming today. Dustin Tokarski likely heading back to the AHL.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The KHL wants to play regular season games in Brooklyn next year.
“We decided that when the basketball club [the New Jersey Nets, owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov] finishes building its arena in Brooklyn, KHL Legends Game and regular season games will be held there,” Medvedev said in the interview. (Interview by SovSport)
“We are continuing to improve the relationship between the KHL and the NHL. I am hoping that the situation with [Alex] Radulov will not spoil it.”
Jaromir Jagr’s thoughts:
“They’re thinking of doing that?” Jagr asked. “No [bleeping] way would they draw. Who would go to the games? How they gonna fly here? It makes no sense.”
Afternoon notes involving: Radulov, Perry, Sbisa, MacDonald, Markov, Kaberle, Sekera, and Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 16th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s agent tells @plysenkov that he’s “not expecting any news today or even tomorrow.” Salavat is wanting Radulov to buyout is his deal. Salavat will somehow keep his rights if Radulov buys himself out. Radulov would have to pay Salavat 2/3 of his deal if he wants to return to Nashville now. KHL contract numbers are not required to be disclosed to public.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ducks Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa both said they will be game-time decisions.
- Norm Sanders via twitter: Blues Andy MacDonald will be re-evaluated in 2 weeks.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Andrei Markov is out with an upper-body injury.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Tomas Kaberle is out with an upper-body injury.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: Sabres Andrej Sekera might play tomorrow. Nathan Gerbe traveled with the team, but his status is unknown.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers tonight.
- Frozen Royalty via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Brian Boucher will start in net for the Hurricanes against the Wild.
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.
Quick update on Alexander Radulov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 15th, 2012
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov is in talks with Salavat about his release. He “can release self unilaterally, would have to give up 2/3 salary.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov wants to leave for Nashville right away but Salavat hasn’t granted permission (via @plysenkov and his agents). Salavat wants to keep Radulov’s KHL rights, but that can’t happen if he leaves now, would have to wait for the fall. Which is why he hasn’t received permission yet. Losing Radulov’s rights is not something they want to do. They are at a dead end now. Radulov took a physical in Moscow, and it showed his knee is fine.
Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Duchene, Perry, Sbisa, Datsyuk, Letang, Backstrom, Eager and Wings starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 14th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent said there is no meeting with the KHL today. A decision is expected tomorrow.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene will return to the lineup on Thursday. He will miss only 9 days instead of the expected 3 to 4 weeks for the ankle injury.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Both Corey Perry and Luca Sbisa are questionable for tonight. Perry injured his shoulder on Saturday and Sbisa developed back spasms on Monday.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Pavel Datsyuk skated again today and hopes to be back on Saturday.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang could return tomorrow.
- Dave Lozo via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom has skated 2 days in a row and said there’s “no problems at all.”
- Jason Gregor via twitter: Oilers Ben Eager is out with back spasms, Teemu Hartikainen has been recalled.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Joey MacDonald will start for the Red Wings tonight. Jimmy Howard will start on Saturday.
Afternoon notes on: Crosby to return, Radulov, Avery, Letang, NHL rules, Bergeron, Parenteau, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 13th, 2012
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby will return on Thursday against the Rangers.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports out of Russia are that Alexander Radulov is leaning towards returning to the NHL, but the KHL leaders are doing their best to dissuade him.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Sean Avery tells the NY Post: “No, that wasn’t a joke, yes I’m retiring at end of season and its ok”
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is a maybe for Thursday. He said he wasn’t diagnosed with another concussion.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there is little support for removing the trapezoid or returning the red line.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Hearing there is support of hybrid icing, but he GMs want to refine the wording/interpretation before their formal vote.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Bruins Patrice Bergeron’s x-rays on his left leg came back negative.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Islanders forward P.A. Parenteau is out with an upper-body injury tonight.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Wellwood-Briere-Voracek, Read-Schenn-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Rinaldo.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Daniel-Henrik-Raymond Higgins-Kesler-Booth Burrows-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Lapierre-Kassian.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-Gagner-Hemsky, Jones-RNH-Eberle, Smyth-Horcoff-Omark, Hordichuk-Belanger-Petrell.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Burish. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start for the Red Wings tonight.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Marty Turco will start in net for the Bruins.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders.
- David Alter via twitter: Looks like James Reimer will start in net for the Leafs.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Ben Bishop will start in net for the Senators tomorrow. Craig Anderson won’t play in the 3 games this week.
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
|
Morning notes on Radulov, Howard, Morrow, injured Blues and Green’s 3 game suspension
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 10th, 2012
Update: Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov is checking a report that Radulov is set to join the Predators in the next couple days. He’s cautious with the outlet as it’s coming from an outside agent who has players on the same team (not Radulov’s agent).
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Alexander Radulov’s KHL team was eliminated from the playoffs, but as of yesterday afternoon, there was “no change in his status” according to his agent. There is the possibility that Radulov could return to the Predators this year.
- Bill Roose of the DetroitRedWings.com: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard plans take part in their morning skate today in Nashville, and could return to the lineup on Tuesday in LA.
“I feel a lot better. It’s getting better every single day,” he said. “Skated yesterday, skated today, took some shots. Hopefully, tomorrow, I’ll share a net. Then practice Monday in L.A.
“We just want to take all the precautions and make sure everything is healed up, with it being so close to playoffs.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Several of the Blues injured players (Kent Huskins, Jamie Langenbrunner, Kris Russell, Matt D’Agostini and Alex Steen) are expected to return to their lineup sometime next week. Likely candidates to return are Huskins, Russell and Langenbrunner. D’Agostini and Steen don’t appear to be close to returning.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars forward Brenden Morrow has been activated from the IR.
- Capitals Mike Green was suspended for 3 games
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