Posts Tagged Nathan Horton

Will Southeast be buyers or sellers … Bruins could be looking for help … ‘Hawks still search for Dmen … Horton skates … Laich injured

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2012

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts looks at the Southeast Division and if teams will be buyers or sellers. GMs of Capitals, Panthers and Lightning are under pressure to make the playoffs. The Panthers are 1st in the division and have the 3rd slot, but their point total would have them in 8th. The Jets sit 6 points out are looking for scoring help. They have 7 UFAs including goalie Chris Mason and Dman Johnny Oduya. The Lightning are 9 points out, and could use a goaltender. Teams are calling about Ryan Malone and Dominic Moore. They wouldn’t mind moving Vinny Lecavalier, but he has a $7.27 million cap hit through 2020. The Wild are looking to be buyers, and could target Tuomo Ruutu. Though the asking price including a 1st round pick is likely too high for them. The Wild are also looking for a top 4 Dman.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The cost for Tuomo Ruutu will be high. The Bruins may not want to disrupt their chemistry with a trade. Nathon Horton’s health will play a part in what they do. The Sabres could use a #1 center. The Panthers may look to re-sign Jason Garrison, and to find defenseman to replace the injured Ed Jovanovski. The Canadiens have rental Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Travis Moen. The Devils are expected to hold on to Zach Parise. The Islanders have Mark Eaton and Steve Staios available, and possibly Evengi Nabokov. The Isles will look to re-sign P.A. Parenteau. The Rangers are looking for offensive help and may look at Ryan Smyth. The Senators are looking for offensive help with Tuomo Ruutu their top target. The Flyers could use a veteran defenseman, and they’ll probably be interested in Hal Gill. The Lightning may be offering up Ryan Malone, Dominic Moore, and Adam Hall. They will look at a goaltender at some point and will consider Cory Schneider, Ben Bishop, Andres Lindback and Josh Harding. The Leafs could be looking at Ruutu, Carter and Getzlaf. Though deals involving guys like Getzlaf usually happen in the summer. The Capitals could use a culture change, and could look at moving Alex Semin rather than lose him for nothing. The Jets will look to get some young assets for veterans like Johnny Oduya and possibly Ron Hainsey.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli could have a busy 3 weeks leading up to the deadline. Ray Whitney would be a perfect fit, but the Coyotes are not sellers yet. Vinny Prospal could be an option for Jordan Caron or a 2nd round pick. Tuomo Ruutu or Drew Stafford could be options as well. Along the blueline, they could look at Hal Gill, Jaroslav Spacek, Steve Staios or Milan Jurcina. Some team may take a flyer on Kings Dustin Penner
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been out since Jan. 22nd with a concussion skated yesterday. “When you see him in full practice with us, that’s going to be the next sign. Until then that’s basically all I can tell you,” Claude Julien said. “You take steps and he’s got to stay symptom-free. You go from the bike, to the ice, to contact. You’ve just got to make sure the next day, or the next few days, there’s no setbacks.”
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins shook up their lines yesterday, dropping David Krejci to center Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Caron. Chris Kelly centered Peverley and Lucic.
  • TSN: Capitals forward Brooks Laich left last night’s game and was seen after with crutches and a brace on his left knee. “I’m not a doctor, but these things sometimes there’s some swelling and you’ve got to wait to see what happens,” Laich said. “I don’t think it’s anything serious. In the past I’ve been a fast healer, so we’ll see when I wake up.”
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets made forward Eric Fehr a healthy scratch for the 1st time this season. Fehr has only 2 points in 29 games this year.

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Blues could look at Ruutu … Stewart may be available … Carter may interest Leafs … Green skating … Stempniak on crutches

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 2nd, 2012

  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues may look at Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu. Strickland thinks the Blues can find their scoring touch internally, but that doesn’t mean they should not try to improve their roster. It might take someone like Chris Stewart to get him though. Stewart has struggled this year and will be due at least $3.25 million, a RFA after the season. Moving Stewart could come back to bit them if they did move him. For the right price they might move him, but it might not make sense doing it for a rental. T.J. Oshie and David Perron will also need new deals in the summer.  The Blues biggest need may be a top 4 defenseman that can play the left side. An experienced, rugged Dman would be ideal. The Blue Jackets aren’t moving Rick Nash, but they wouldn’t mind moving Jeff Carter, and Strickland doesn’t think it will be as hard to do as most think. Ray Whitney may not be a fit with the Blues.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: If the rumors out of St. Louis are true that Chris Stewart could be available, Dater thinks the Avalanche should look at bringing him back. Stewart hasn’t happy when he was dealt to the Blues, and is still friends with some of the Avs. Stewart replacing Hejduk as a top 6 winger would make sense. Dater would offer up David Jones, who also has lost his scoring touch this year. Stewart is a RFA at seasons end, Jones is a UFA.
  • Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Mitchell thinks that Jeff Carter would look good between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. The Blue Jackets gave up a 1st round pick which turned out to be Sean Couturier and Jakob Voracek, so they would still need to get a good return back. Why it could happen: Carter has struggled this year but he is a 30-40 goal scorer. They may be able to get him at a discounted rate due to 10 years left on his contract. Why it won’t happen: He has a no trade clause, he has 10 years left at $5.27 million cap  hit, and Burke doesn’t like long contracts.
  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins Nathan Horton will have missed his 3rd consecutive game with a ‘mild concussion. “He’s still where he was a few days ago. He’s feeling better, but not the stages of where he’s working out,” said Julien. “The day he does [feel better], I’m going to be the first to let you know that he’s on the bike now and that he’s moving forward.”
  • Roger Millions via twitter: Flames winger Lee Stempniak left the arena on crutches and a soft boot on his left foot, could be long-term.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is getting closer to making a decision if he’ll play another season. He said 50% yes, the other 50% was up to his wife. They’ll talked about it over the next couple days.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Regardless of what the NHL turns up in their investigation to the Kings-CBJ clock issue, the game stands with a Kings win. Lisa Dillman via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi in an email: “Those clocks are sophisticated instruments that calculate time by measuring electrical charges called coulombs. Given the rapidity and volume of electrons that move through the measuring device the calibrator must adjust at certain points which was the delay you see – the delay is just recalibrating for the clock moving too quickly during the 10 – 10ths of a second before the delay – this insures that the actual playing time during a period is exactly 20 minutes – that is not an opinion – that is science.”

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Bobby Ryan trade rumors likely over … Ryan off the market

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 1st, 2011

So with the Ducks firing Randy Carlyle and hiring Bruce Boudreau, the Bobby Ryan trade rumors are likely over. Unless they get blown away by an offer, he’s likely staying in Anaheim.

Dec. 2nd

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers never reached the stage in negotiations where they made the Ducks an offer for Bobby Ryan. The Ducks never identified the players they wanted from the Rangers. Rangers GM never gave a concrete proposal, though he established the “general parameters” of what they could be willing to send to Anaheim. If the Ducks decide to later this season that they want to trade Ryan and they are looking for 2 prime roster players, a prospect and draft pick, the Rangers won’t be interested.

Dec. 1st

4:10 PM:

Nick Kypreos via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray has told Bobby Ryan he’s off the trade market today. Ryan’s desire to be moved is no longer an issue.

2:10 PM:

Larry Brooks via twitter: Brooks was told Anaheim didn’t make specific requests to Rangers/teams but asked for trade offers, then for better ones.

Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson can’t understand why the Ducks would want to part with Ryan. Every team is looking for a player like Ryan, and they have the real Ryan.

1:10 PM:

Chris Botta via twitter: Despite the coaching change, the Ducks are considering trading Ryan and others.

Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside: Both Burnside and LeBrun would be surprised if Ryan is moved in the short term. The coaching change has bought Murray some time. LeBrun thinks there is a chance he could be moved at some point if Murray gets the deal he wants for him.

10:00 AM – most of the notes mentioned for today were made before Carlyle was fired.

  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bob McKenzie said on TSN last night the Sabres, Predators, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Canucks and Capitals COULD be interested in Ryan.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: A team that was interested in Ryan said last night that based on the asking price, a coaching change was more likely.
  • John Boruk via twitter: Don’t assume that the Rangers or any other team would have to “unload the farm” for Ryan. Someone willing to give up 1st round picks could get him.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins forward David Krejci on Ryan trade rumors: “I love the city. I love the team. Everybody gets along. Were winning. I want to stay here”
  • Luke DeCock via twitter: The Hurricanes may not have the ammo to make a deal for Ryan if they do want to move him.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t see how the Rangers are the front-runners Ryan if Staal, McDonagh, Girardi and Sauer are untouchable.

Nov. 30th

7:45 PM:

  • John Boruk via twitter: Source close to Anaheim situation is saying that a Bobby Ryan trade is imminent, with talks having been ongoing for weeks. The Flyers are not involved, and the Rangers may be the front runners. A trade “could” be done by the end of the week. Tampa Bay is also showing interest.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ryan practiced with the 3rd line today, and is expected to start there tonight.

    “We’ve talked about moving Bobby and not moving Bobby off of that line,” Carlyle explained. “We still think that that group is going to have to play together for an extended period of time. Because you make a change for one game or two games, there’s nothing etched in stone.”

    Randy Carlyle talked to Ryan this morning and later said:

    “He has to find that inner peace in himself to deal with it,” Carlyle said. “When you go through situations in which we’re going through right now, these are the things that do come up.”

2:40 PM:

  • Chris Botta via twitter: It may not be a Bobby Ryan deal, but the Ducks and Sabres are discussing a possible trade.

10:15 AM:

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Bobby Ryan is aware of the trade rumors surrounding him, and that he could be on his way out. “I wouldn’t be surprised,” Ryan told the Register on Tuesday. “That’s all I’ll say about that.” Ducks GM Bob Murray added: “at any time if we get offered a deal on any player that makes this team better, we would have to take a long, hard look at that.” Ryan added: “If they feel like the Ducks are going to get better and I’m going to get chance to play somewhere else, I guess I would. But I’m certainly not thinking about it day in and day out.”
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: A sources confirms the Ducks are listening to offer for Bobby Ryan. Another source added: “they’re listening on a lot of guys. They have to at this point.” It’s not that the Ducks are shopping Ryan, but teams are calling about him. The Hurricanes and Ducks have talked about Ryan. A deal with anyone would likely involve a young defenseman, young forward and a high draft pick.
  • Sportsnet.ca: 6 teams that need Bobby Ryan: Maple Leafs, Rangers, Flames, Flyers, Devils and Panthers.

Nov. 29th – 8:13 PM:

  • Brian Huddle via twitter: Huddle made note that Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 said that Anaheim would be looking for a #2 center, Top 4 defenseman, and a 1st/prospect for Bobby Ryan.
  • TSN 1050 Audio: Bob McKenzie talks about the Bobby Ryan rumours, the Burke era in Toronto, the Max Pacioretty suspension.
  • TSN 1050 Audio: Darren Dreger talks with possible Ron Wilson contract extension, rumours surrounding Bobby Ryan, Randy Carlyle and Jarome Iginla.

2:36 PM:

  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Bobby Ryan is skating at the Ducks practice and has been told there is absolutely nothing imminent with him.
  • Gus Katsaros via twitter: A Ryan trade would likely fetch a Kessel type return, 2 first round picks ++. Katsaros adds “There’s also something strange about moving a player of Ryan’s ability to build depth. Especially mid-season. #doesntmakesense.”
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: A source has said the Rangers have had preliminary talks with the Ducks about Ryan. Their level of interest or ability to make a deal is unclear. It could just be “tire-kicking” or it could be more. The Rangers wouldn’t trade Derek Stepan or Ryan McDonagh, among others. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: To fit Ryan in, the Rangers would have to clear $5 million. The Ducks aren’t taking Wojtek Wolski back. Bernstein doesn’t think they have the assets, and not a good match.
  • BD Galiof via twitter: If Ryan is for sale, can guarantee that Islanders GM Garth Snow has had a conversation.
  • Dustin Leed via twitter: When talking to people, it’s all about a defenseman for the Flyers. ‘Interest’ in Ryan has always been there for the Flyers though.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Leafs and every other team should be interested in Ryan. He thinks it would take a young defenseman, maybe one of Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarson or Cody Franson. Stuart Percy is a young blueliner they may like. Nazem Kadri could be included. Nikolai Kulemin might make sense despite his off year. A 2012 1st round pick could also come into play. Cox then packages Kulemin and Franson for Ryan or Schenn and Kadri for Ryan.

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Jokinen out 3-4 weeks … Keith out tomorrow … Horton affected mentally by last years concussion … Brodeur starts … Avery to sit

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 2nd, 2011

  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen will be out 3 to 4 weeks with a leg injury according to GM Jim Rutherford. Drayson Bowman has been recalled. “It didn’t look good and it isn’t good,” Rutherford said of the injury. “We’ll know more after Jussi sees the doctor again today and the time could change. But it will not change to less time.”
  • James Murphy via twitter: Bruins forward Nathan Horton implied that the concussion he suffered in the finals is affecting him mentally.
  • Corey Masisak via twitter: Lines at Capitals practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward, Semin-Johansson-Eakin, Chimera-Laich-Knuble, Perreault-Hendricks-Halpern-King (no Brouwer).
  • George Richards via twitter: Panthers winger Scottie Upshall is skating on the 4th line with Bradley and Matthias. Tim Kennedy looks to be the odd man out and could be sent back to the AHL.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald will visit another doctor this week, so there should be an update on his status soon.

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Zibanejad going back to Sweden … Ducks holding pat … Connolly skates with Kessel-Lupul … Pacioretty could play tomorrow … Whitney out 1-2 weeks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 26th, 2011

  • Ken Warren via twitter: Senators 2011 1st round pick Mika Zibanejad will be heading back to Sweden for the season.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks GM Bob Murray doesn’t plan on making a move just yet. He doesn’t want to make a panic move 8 games into the season. They’ll continue to give some young guys a chance. “We’re going to give them time,” Murray said. “Seven or eight games is not fair. You wait until the 20-game mark and say, ‘OK, where are we with them and what’s going on.’”
  • Jonas Siegel via twitter: Tim Connolly is skating with Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Bozak with Frattin and Lombardi. Steckel with Brown and Dupuis. James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs return Ben Scrivens to the AHL. They are still one player over the limit. Nazem Kadri appears to be the odd man out if Connolly returns tomorrow.
  • Randy Spotrak via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross said he’ll be a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Avalanche.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that Matthew Hulsizer may have pulled his original offer to by the Blues off the table, but has not walked away from buying the team. He may not buy the team in the $185 million range that was reported earlier.

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Kubina and Horton are concussion free … Byfuglien passed breathalyser … Jets invite 4 to camp, Kings invite Hunter … Calgary man interested in Blues

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 14th, 2011

  • Erik Erendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina has been declared concussion free and is ready for the start of training camp. Kubina wants to see a standard established for headshots and not on a case-by-case basis.

    “You know, the headshots, it’s always going to happen in hockey,” said Kubina, who received a three-game suspension in March for an inadvertent elbow to Chicago’s Dave Bolland. “I would just like to see that if you hit somebody in the head, whether it’s accidental or not, it should be the same for everybody, whatever it is, three games, five games, 10 games, it’s up to the league. It can’t be like before where some guys don’t get anything while some guys a few games here or a few games there.

    “If you elbow somebody in the head, it should be the same for everyone, that’s how I feel.”

  • Ross Romaniuk and Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Dustin Byfuglien’s lawyer said that he passed a breathalyser test after he was arrested in Minnesota on suspected drunk boating. Byfuglien didn’t feel it was necessary to submit a urine sample after he passed the breathalyser. His blood-alcohol test registered 0.03%, 0.08% is the legal limit.
  • Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets have invited goalie David Aebischer, and forwards Troy Bodie, David Koci and Janne Pesonen to training camp on a pro tryout.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: A source is saying that Calgary businessman Max Chambers has been in discussions with the St. Louis Blues ownership about purchasing the team. Chambers at one point was interested in the Coyotes. Bryan Trottier is the one of the front man in Chambers’ group. Chambers entered as a potential owner “last few weeks,” the source said, and he has “all the financing in place that would allow him to proceed quickly.” The firm conducting the sale, Game Plan LLC, has indicated that it is possible that the sale could be done by the start of the season. They have been trying to sell the team since last March.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said that he wanted to bring in defenseman Sheldon Souray before signing him on July 1st but he couldn’t afford it until he was bought out by the Oilers.
  • Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell makes note that CSNNE is reporting that Bruins forward Nathan Horton is symptom free from his concussion and is ready for the season.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: Ryan Whitney (ankle) and Ales Hemsky (shoulder) are still recovering from their surgeries and may not play in the Oilers early exhibition games.
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: After being bought out by the Devils in early August, Trent Hunter may be heading to the LA Kings camp on a tryout.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: Brad Winchester turned down a 1-way contract and several 2-way offers before he accepted a tryout from the Sharks.

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No return date for Crosby, has seen specialists … Bruins notes on Rask, Marchand and Horton … Bailey without a contract

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 25th, 2011

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: In trying to find out what has causes his recurring headaches during workouts, Sidney Crosby has visited specialists in Michigan and Georgie this summer. Crosby released a statement and said that he had been able to go at 90% exertion before the headaches resumed and his workouts were changed. Agent Pat Brisson in a statement:”we’ve never even set a specific goal for a return date like the start of training camp or Oct. 1 or anything else. He will play when he is symptom free.”
  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Brisson also added:

    “We would appreciate patience and understanding at this time,” Brisson said. “There has been a lot of speculation swirling over the past several weeks. We wish we could provide more specific details about Sidney’s recovery, but a concussion is a different kind of injury. It’s not something you can check with an x-ray. And you can’t predict a precise recovery period. It’s all about the way he feels.

    “He has been feeling a lot better but we want to give him all the time he needs to make a full recovery. He’s only 24, and he’s got a lot of great years ahead of him.”

  • James Murphy of ESPN: Murphy believes that Tuukka Rask is still the Bruins goalie of the future. If he were to be traded, it would have to be a “knock-your-socks-off deal.” Those type of deals usually don’t happen during the season.
  • Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Brad Marchand and the Bruins don’t have a deal yet. Dupont thinks he could be using David Krecji/Milan Lucic as comparables, upwards of $4 million a year. EJ Hradek via twitter: Marchand and the Bruins are working on a deal and Hradek figures it will get done before the start of camp.
  • James Murphy via twitter: Bruins forward Nathan Horton said he’s good to go for the 2011-12 season. He is symptom free, been working out but not skating.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Islanders forward Josh Bailey still remains unsigned with 3 weeks to go before the start of training camp. Bailey is with Newport Sports Management, who also have unsigned RFAs Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn and Brad Marchand. The Isles haven’t given up on Bailey or the negotiations.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller missed all of last season with a concussion.

    “I’m excited to be a hockey player again,” Mueller said Wednesday in his first public comments since last September. “Obviously, I’ve had concussions in the past and it’s something I have to deal with, but right now everything is in the right direction. Everything is pointing forward. I’m excited that it’s all behind me.”

  • Timo Seppa and Corey Pronman of ESPN: Some say Brayden Schenn is the best prospect in hockey. It’s likely he’ll start on the 3rd line, but he could force the Flyers’ coaches to move him up by mid-season.

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Afternoon twitter roundup involving: Horton, Winnipeg, Wallin, Sobotka, Souray and Jagr

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 15th, 2011

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Bruins coach Julien on Nathan Horton: “He’s got a concussion. There is no way in the world he plays tonight.”
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Word around the NHL is “Muller doesn’t interview well and doesn’t have enough experience behind the bench.”
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: NHL buyout period can’t begin until 48 hours after the Stanley Cup final. Won’t begin until Friday or Saturday, the NHL is still figuring out the exact date/time. The Oilers may buy Sheldon Souray out, but not before the draft as they will “test trade waters/options.”
  • Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Jaromir Jagr’s agent said they have only one KHL offer from Avangard. Omsk doesn’t have enough money.

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Horton may want to play, but still has symptoms … Bryzgalov to meet with Flyers this week … CBJ free agent notes … Schenn next for Leafs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 15th, 2011

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: “Perception has #Bruins Horton in Van just 2 inspire but told he feels healthy enough to play and wants to convince Dr’s/team to let him play.” Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins coach Claude Julien said that Nathan Horton was still experiencing post-concussion symptoms as of yesterday. Players have to be symptom free for 7 days.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: On Thursday and Friday, Ilya Bryzgalov will meet with Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and other organizational members. Bryzgalov’s agent Ritch Winter will continue to negotiate, not much progress has been made since the trade. He’s seeking more than $6 million a season, and it’s expected to be at least 5 years.
  • Aaron Portline of the Columbus Dispatch: Defenseman Jan Hejda and the Columbus Blues Jackets are talking about a new contract, and hope to get something done by July 1st. Three UFA’s (Scottie Upshall, Andrew Murray, and Mathieu Garon) are likely to hit the open market. “With Scottie, we’ve said we’re certainly open to having him back with our club. I’m not sure we’re going to do anything before July 1, but we’re certainly open to talking after July 1.” GM Scott Howson has  made it clear that the 8th overall pick could be had for immediate help. The Blue Jackets have already sent qualifying offers to RFA’s Jake Voracek and Marc Methot. It’s unsure if Anton Stralman and Sami Lepisto will get qualifying offers.  They will try to re-sign UFA’s Kyle Wilson, Trevor Frischmon and Ben Guite, but they may test the market. Minor league RFA’s that are expected to get qualifying offers are: Mike Blunden, Tomas Kana and Nick Holden.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers will likely try to trade 4th line agitator Zack Stortini at the NHL entry draft for a pick. If they can’t trade him they could either send him a qualifying offer to retain his rights or let him become a UFA. The Stars were interested in Stortini at one point last year but didn’t have an open roster spot. The Oilers can buyout Sheldon Souray starting today.
  • Michael Traikos of the National Post: The Maple Leafs re-signed Carl Gunnarsson to a 2 year deal worth $2.6 million. “We’re very happy with his development,” said general manager Brian Burke, “and what he needs to do is come up with an 82-game season. He had a real good second-half each of the last two years. But he’s got to start better than he has.” Expect the Leafs to turn their focus to RFA Luke Schenn now. They are also expected to try and re-sign Clarke MacArthur, Tyler Bozak and Tim Brent.

    “It’s not time-sensitive, for either player,” Burke said of negotiations with Schenn and MacArthur. “We’ve told Clarke if he wants to file for arbitration he can go ahead and file for arbitration. That’s part of the process. That’s part of the collective bargaining agreement. But we anticipate that he’s going to be under contract and play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fall.”

  • Gary Lawless via twitter: Possible candidates for the Winnipeg coaching spot are Kirk Muller, Claude Noel and Bob Woods.
  • Josh Coope of The Tennessean: After making it into the 2nd round of the playoffs, the Predators are having their highest season-ticket renewal rate. The team is planning on unveiling new uniforms later this summer.

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Should Aaron Rome be suspended for his hit on Nathan Horton? How many games?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 7th, 2011

So by now we’ve all probably seen the Aaron Rome hit on Nathan Horton hit several times. For those that haven’t, or want to see it again, here is it.

This unfortunately brings us to some of the more popular questions in the NHL the season, Should he be suspended? How many games should he be suspended for? Let us know your thoughts.

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Rumor roundup from LeBrun … Oilers to draft Hall? When will Kaberle to Bruins talk start-up again? Canucks interested in Ladd

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2010

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the Ducks will move to ‘Plan B’ with their defense needing an overhaul. Teemu Selanne is still undecided if he’ll retire or not, the two sides will talk again next week. Three Eastern executives have said that Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, and Kris Versteeg are being shopped, Patrick Sharp isn’t. The asking price for Byfuglien is a 1st round pick and a prospect (good luck with that one). One GM said they are asking too much for each of the three. GM Dale Tallon said after he traded Nathan Horton to Boston that he had offers of players and no draft picks, and offers of draft picks and no players. He felt getting a top-4 defenseman and 1st round pick was the right mix. A dozen teams inquired about Horton, but only 3-4 serious bidders. Matt Cooke re-signed with the Penguins for 3 years, and a $1.8 million cap hit. Penguins GM Ray Shero and Sergei Gonchar’s agent will meet in LA at the draft to continue their talks on getting a deal done. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson once again says that there have been no discussions with Ottawa about Jason Spezza.
  • Terry Jones in the Toronto Sun: Pat Quinn may have inadvertently tipped the Oilers drafting plan. In the press conference where he was named the senior advisor and his head coaching job was given to Tom Renney.

    “This team could have three kids come in at 19 years old and I’ve worked with all of them,” he said.

    Quinn coached Taylor Hall to a gold medal at the 2008 IIHF U-18 championship. He’s never coached Tyler Seguin.

    “Depending on who they draft, of course,” Quinn added.

  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: Dreger wonders how long it will be before Kaberle to Bruins discussions start. Nothing yet. Savard is rumored to be available.
  • Caylan Davis of NESN: From Peter Chiarelli, “I’m not going to trade away the No. 2 pick but certainly I’d like to trade away the other picks because certainly we’d like to get better now too. ” The Bruins have 2 2nd round picks this year, 2 2011 1st round picks and 2 2011 2nd round picks.
  • David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: Evgeni Nabokov has been informed by Sharks GM Doug Wilson that he is no longer in the their plans. Nabokov will now hit the open market on July 1st. It appears the Sharks will go with the new NHL fad in going with cheaper goaltending. Wilson will now focus on re-signing UFA Patrick Marleau, and other free agents: Joe Pavelski, David Setoguchi, Manny Malhotra, Scott Nicol and Nicklas Wallin.
  • TSN: The Vancouver Canucks may be one team that is interested in acquiring potential Chicago Blackhawks salary cap casualty Andrew Ladd. What makes this interesting is that Andrew Ladd and Ryan Kesler have had a running battle this past season.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: One of Peter Regin’s agents (Regin plays for the Ottawa Senators in case you haven’t heard of him) told a Danish TV station that Regin could get an offer sheet similar to what Tomas Vanek received from Edmonton, which in case you forgot was $50 million. I wonder if his agent is familiar with who Peter Regin is.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Cross one player off the Maple Leafs wish list with the trading of Nathan Horton to the Bruins. It was rumored the Leafs liked Horton, but it’s not known the level of  interest the Leafs had, or if they made an offer.
  • Chip Alexander via Twitter: The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to stay at #7 in Friday’s draft.

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Nathan Horton traded to the Boston Bruins

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 22nd, 2010

The Florida Panthers have sent Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to the Boston Bruins for the 15th pick in this years NHL Draft, Dennis Wideman and a 2011 3rd round pick.

Horton has never really lived up to expectations in Florida, but going through 5 coaches during his short career probably didn’t help. He was having his best season this year (57 points in 65 games) before missing 17 games with a fractured leg.

The Panthers now hold the 3rd and 15th pick in this years NHL entry draft.

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