Posts Tagged New Jersey Devils

Maple Leafs Offseason Notes: Kessel, Phaneuf, Reimer, UFAs and RFAs, Buyouts, Bozak and Clarkson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2013

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs Phil Kessel will have a $5.4 million salary and cap hit. He can’t sign an extension until after July 5th, and Koshan thinks the Leafs would foolish to not extend him. Kessel’s agent indicated that he wants to remain with the Leafs.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Leafs GM Dave Nonis will have some offseason questions to consider. Do the Leafs look to extend Phil Kessel, Dion Phaneuf and James Reimer. Kessel could look for upwards of $7 million a season. Can the Leafs even ask their captain to take a pay cut from his $6.4 million salary? Reimer would be due for a big raise from his $1.8 million salary if he’s a No. 1 goalie.

    The Leafs UFA list includes: Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, Colton Orr, Ryan O’Byrne and Mike Kostka. Bozak could be looking for Mikhail Grabovski-type money. MacArthur didn’t have good regular season and the Leafs are deep on the wings. Orr will likely be back. O’Bryne will likely be gone. Kostka’s play declined as the season went on, but could be brought back for depth.

    The Leafs RFA list includes: Nazem Kadri, Cody Franson, Leo Komarov, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin, Carl Gunnarsson and Mark Fraser. The Leafs could play hardball with Kadri in attempt to keep his salary low. Franson led the Leafs defenseman in scoring. The others are likely to be back. Frattin could be MacArthur’s replacement on the third line. Colborne appears to be ready for the next step.

    Compliance Buyout Possibilities: Mikhail Grabovski, Mike Komisarek and John-Michael Liles. Komisarek may be no-brainer, freeing up his $4.5 million cap hit. Liles has 3 years at $3.875 million a season. Grabovski has 4 years left at $5.5 million a season. Nonis may look to trade both Liles and Grabovski.

  • Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger thinks the Leafs should save the money on Tyler Bozak, give Joe Colborne Bozak’s spot, and sign David Clarkson or make a trade.

    “Colborne has enviable skill,” an Eastern Conference scout told me this week. “If he can bring his emotional game to a similar level – even half the time – Leafs won’t have to worry about a No. 1 center. From what I hear, they like the kid, and I think he’s worthy of a long look in the NHL. There aren’t going to be a lot of centers with decent price-points on the market in July.”

    UFA center options are not that young: Patrick Elias (37), Andy MacDonald (35), Nik Antropov (35) and Mike Ribeiro (33). Stephen Weiss and Derek Roy are 30, and will want more money.

    The Leafs and Devils could talk about Clarkson before July 5th about obtaining his rights to discuss a long-term deal before he hit the open market.

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Morning Hits: Canucks playing catch-up, Devils want Zidlicky back, Avs wait on coach’s and Pens lines

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2013

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Player size is gaining more importance to teams, and some teams have to catch-up with the trend.

    “When I took this job, we decided on a style of play that resulted in great success. Clearly the landscape has changed, and we have to address those changes moving forward,” said Canucks GM Mike Gillis during his season-ending press conference. “It’s quite clear the league is going in a direction that we have to recognize and adapt to. It doesn’t just happen in one playoff series.”

    “You can’t have all big guys; you can’t win with all small guys,” he said. “Character comes into play. I don’t care how big you are, if you have no character you’re not going to succeed.”

  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is still completing his interviews and evaluatation process.

    Lamoriello said “everything is open” as far as bringing back unsigned players “no decisions have been made on anything.”

    Defenseman Marek Zidlicky will be a UFA and the Devils would like to have him back.

    “We’d certainly like to have him back,” Lamoriello said.

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: It’s not looking like the Avalanche will have a new head coach any time soon. The Avs may wait and see what happens with Coyotes coach Dave Tippett, whose contract expires June 30th. Lindy Ruff could also be an option. Sakic may not want to hire someone straight from Junior, so Patrick Roy could be out.
  • Shelly Anderson: Penguins lines at practice yesterday: Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis, Neal-Malkin-Iginla, Morrow-Sutter-Cooke, Adams-Vitale-Kennedy, Bennett-Jokinen-Glass (Jeffrey)

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Morning Hits: Stalberg, Ribeiro, Hendricks, Clarkson, Elias, Nabokov, Streit, Boyes, Cervenka and the Blues

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 16th, 2013

  • Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks made winger Viktor Stalberg a scratch last night and coach Joel Quenneville wouldn’t give details as to the reason. A source said that Stalberg was at odds with the coaches about his roll in round one. He only received 58 seconds total of power play time in the first three games of round one, despite averaging 2:11 per game during the regular season. He only recorded two power play assists all season.

    “I had a conversation with him,” Quenneville said. “He knows how it stands, what the situation is. We’ll leave it at that.”

    Quenneville on if Stalberg could work his way back into the lineup.

    “Absolutely,” he said. “Things change in our business quickly, whether it’s health or decisions based on play. We’ll visit as things go along.”

  • Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times: Capitals UFA second line center, Mike Ribeiro (33), is looking for a four or five year deal.

    “I don’t see myself getting worse,” Ribeiro said. “It can only get better. I can be out there. I can work out more. There’s a lot of room there to improve and, you know, that’s why I don’t think I should have less than four or five years.”

    Capitals Matt Hendricks is also looking for a long term deal.

  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has held talks with UFA David Clarkson, but nothing with regards to Patrik Elias. No financial discussions have taken place with Clarkson though.

    “We’ll continue to work on it. We’ve certainly started the process, but until (contracts) are complete there is nothing done,” Lamoriello said [yesterday].

  • Zach Braziller of the NY Post: Islanders UFAs Evgeni Nabokov, Mark Streit and Brad Boyes all hope to return next season. Nabokov’s agent spoke with GM Garth Snow about four weeks ago, but nothing since then.

    “I think Garth will make his decision,” Nabokov said. “I told him I would like to stay, but we were fighting for the playoffs and nothing was going on. Now we have to see.”

  • Wes Gilbertson: Flames center Roman Cervenka signed a three year contract to return to the KHL. Dmitry Chesnokov: SKA acquired Cervenka’s rights from HC Lev for two players, then signed him.
  • John Shannon: The NHL has announced that there will be two games at Yankee Stadium next Jan. 26th and 29th. The Devils will play the Rangers on the 26th and Islanders will play the Rangers on the 29th, with the Rangers being the away team for both games.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk maxed out their player bonuses again this season. Pietrangelo reached his A-Level bonuses for assists, ice time, blocked shots, and points.

    The are several categories a D-man can earn team bonuses including goals (10), assists (25), points (40), ice time (among top 4 on team), +/- (top 3 on team among D-men), blocked shots (among top 2 D-men on team), points per game (0.49 points per game). Obviously these numbers are pro-rated this season to reflect the 48 game season.

    Strickland thinks the last thing the GM Doug Armstrong needs to do is to overreact to negative things surrounding the Blues. They need to find the right balance of offense and defense. Many of their players were drafted high due to their offensive ability, and they need to utilize their instincts and playmaking ability more often. Being too conservative against the Kings may have been one of their downfalls.

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Morning Rumor Hits: Clarkson, Possible Oilers targets and an Offer sheet for Pietrangelo?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 30th, 2013

  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils David Clarkson isn’t sure what to expect when it comes to unrestricted free agency.

    “I’m going to have my meeting with Lou and see what happens, I haven’t really even touched on it,” Clarkson said. “I’m sure I’ll have a meeting with my agent (Pat Morris) this week when I get back to Toronto and go through everything. But to be honest with you, I haven’t even sat down with (Morris) once this year. He’s somebody that let me play as well and just wanted to wait until this was over with.

    “Unfortunately, it’s earlier than we expected. But I’m sure when I get home in the next week we’ll have some meetings and figure things out a little more.”

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It’s unlikely that the Wild will be able to re-sign Cal Clutterbuck because of salary cap reasons. Matheson thinks the Oilers should go after him. Matheson also thinks the Oilers will go after Nathan Horton, and possibly Blackhawks Bryan Bickell or Viktor Stalberg.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: New Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has said changes will be coming, but it’s unlikely to involve Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Nail Yakupov and Justin Schultz. That could change if Shea Weber comes available.

    “I’ve always been of the belief that everything has a price, everything’s for sale. Is it likely, given the high regard we have for these players, given the punitive price we paid to get them? Highly, highly unlikely they would be part of any trade discussion, largely because we value them more highly than anybody else,” said MacTavish.

    Sam Gagner could be a trade chip this summer. There have been some talks with Gagner regarding a contract extension. The Oilers could take a run at Sabres Drew Stafford. Free agents Viktor Stalberg or David Clarkson could get a look at from the Oilers.

  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren knows he has to makeover their defense, add more size up front and add more speed. Panaccio wonders if the Flyers should put an offer sheet in on Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo.

    “My job is to make this team the best it can be,” Holmgren said of offering an RFA sheet or any other move. “So I will look at any and every way to do that.”

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Morning Hits: Briere, Smith, Bryzgalov, Elias, Iginla, Laviolette, Byfuglien, Whitney and the Hurricanes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 29th, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Flyers buyout Daniel Briere, he could end up in Montreal.Coyotes Mike Smith is looking for $6 million a year and has refused to sign a deal with the Coyotes.

    Smith could be an option in Philadelphia if they buyout Ilya Bryzgalov. Flyers management is split on buying him out now or waiting to see how he does next year, and if it’s not good, then buy him out next spring.

    Garrioch has heard there is about a 50/50 chance that Patrick Elias returns to the Devils. The Flyers, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Red Wings and Sharks will all be looking for help upfront.

    Jarome Iginla signing with the Stars could be a good bet.

  • Dave Isaac of the Courier Post: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said you can expect Peter Laviolette back as the Flyers coach next season. They will keep the same system in place, and there won’t be an overhaul of players.
  • Dave Isaac of the Courier Post: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has said that Ilya Bryzgalov’s eccentric personality isn’t a problem. Forward Daniel Briere understands the situation. If the Flyers buy him out, it would cost them $3.3 million over four years.
  • Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: Oilers UFA defenseman Ryan Whitney thinks it’s probably in his best interests to get a fresh start somewhere else next season.

    “I think I can still play, I’ve proven that I can,” Whitney said. “Obviously there were some games where I didn’t play well, but there were a stretch of games where I thought I did play well. It’s been a tough couple of years here, I’m just kind of looking forward to a fresh start.”

  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu will have hip surgery. GM Jim Rutherford likes his core group, but there will be some new faces next year. They have to decide on their UFAs: Chad LaRose, Tim Brent, Joe Corvo, Bobby Sanguinetti, Marc-Andre Bergeron and Dan Ellis. Their blue line will be a priority for Rutherford.

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Morning Hits: Hecht, Miller, Babcock, Stars, Atkinson, Nichushkin, Skinner and Clarkson

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 27th, 2013

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres Jochen Hecht retired from the NHL last night.

    “It’s best for everybody to start a new life. It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve got some great memories. I lived here and loved this place for 10 years, 11 years, and Buffalo became a second home to me.

    “Buffalo has been like a second home for everybody. I was fortunate enough to play my first game in Buffalo with St. Louis, and I played my last game in Buffalo. It’s kind of full circle, came around. It was a lot of fun.”

    Sabres goalie Ryan Miller may have played his last game in a Sabres uniform.

    “Everything comes to an end. It’s not always clean and easy. Most of the time, it’s little bit dirty and not any fun. It was hard to watch these guys kind of leave a team one by one, but it’s the nature of sports, nature of life. You can’t just hold on to something that’s not sustainable. Everything becomes stagnant if you’re always trying to hold on to one thing.

  • Darren Dreger: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said that rumors of him being Red Berenson’s successor at the University of Michigan are not true. He has two years left on his Red Wings contract and is happy being the Wings coach.
  • Bruce Garrioch: If the Stars decide to make a GM change, Garrioch wouldn’t be surprised if Red Wings assistant GM Jim Nill is the top candidate.
  • Shawn Mitchell: The Blue Jackets sign forward Cam Atkinson to a 2-year, $2.3 million contract extension.
  • Alessandro Seren Rosso: Valeri Nichushkin was traded to Dynamo for $10 million. He’s on a two-year contract with an out-clause after one year, $2 million per year. Slava Malamud: There will be no Nichushkin next year, and likely for 2014-15. TJ ОвечкиH: Russian Media saying that Nichushkin was traded without his knowledge. Could trigger his decision to leave to the NHL.
  • Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford on restructuring their blue line: ”We need to be a lot harder to play against. We made it too easy for opponents.”
  • Chip Alexander: Rutherford said that Jeff Skinner at center was an “experiment” but liked what he saw. Creates another option for next season.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils David Clarksonwill be a UFA and he may get some offers to convince him to sign with someone else. There has been lots of speculation that the Maple Leafs will be interested.

    “I don’t know where I’ll be. I have no idea what will end up happening,” Clarkson told The Star-Ledger today. “There haven’t been any negotiations between Mr. (Lou) Lamoriello and my agent. I’ve had no decisions to make yet.”

    “I love playing here. My daughter is from here. I’ve loved my time here,” Clarkson pointed out. “What better situation could there be? I have a coach (Pete DeBoer) I’ve had since I was young who I believe, besides my father, has been the biggest part of my hockey career. And Mr. Lamoriello was the first GM to give me an opportunity.”

  • Ian Mendes: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tonight. Robin Lehner could start on Sunday.

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Roster and Goalie Notes: Callahan, Clowe, Bolland, Emery, Pominville, Forsberg and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 26th, 2013

  • Andrew Gross: Rangers Ryan Callahan may have hurt his hand blocking a shot last night and is not at practice today. Derek Dorsett is in a non-contact jersey. Jim Cerny: Ryane Clowe is not practicing today. Kris Newbury is practicing.
  • Collene Kane: Blackhawks Dave Bolland and Ray Emery are out tonight and tomorrow. Coach Joel Quenneville said that Carter Hutton and Ryan Stanton could play.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Wild winger Jason Pominville won’t play tonight.
  • David Alter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Kadri-Kessel, Komarov-Colborne-Kulemin, JVR-Grabovski-macArthur, McClement-hamilton-Orr-Frattin-mcLaren.
  • Chris Kuc: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks.
  • Rich Chere: Johan Hedberg will start in net for the Devil.

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Morning Hits: Stars offseason, Miller lists townhouse, Oilers could make several moves this offseason and Forsberg to AHL

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 26th, 2013

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (from a chat) Heika thinks the Stars could look at a right handed center in the draft or on the right wing. Elias Lindholm will likely be gone by the time they pick. Sean Monahan, Bo Horvat, Frederik Gauthier and Alex Wennberg could be options. The Stars might be willing to move up in the order to get the player they want. At some point the Stars will have to look at trading a defenseman. They may need to turn them into a more physical and/or a right handed defenseman or depth upfront. Defensemen Trevor Daley, Alex Goligoski, Stephane Robidas, Philip Larsen, Joe Morrow and Kevin Connauton are similar players. It may take moving two or three and replacing with one. Stephane Robidas, Trevor Daley or Alex Goligoski could be candidates to be moved. Jordie Benn is a UFA and likely not coming back.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Ryan Miller has put a for sale sign on his Buffalo townhouse.

    “I don’t know which way it’s going to go, so I’m not going to talk like I’m gone,” Miller said today. “I think I’ve got a lot more hockey in me, so being able to just kind of reflect and enjoy a moment is nice, but it’s going to be another hockey game and I have to prepare and compete.”

  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: TSN’s Bob McKenzie said on Wednesday that the Oilers could consider trading their 1st round pick this year.

    “If you’re going to be bold, that’s certainly a bold move. What the Edmonton Oilers really don’t need is another 18-year-old blue chipper. They need some help right now and using that first round pick as currency could get them that help right now.”

    “They may use the pick, but they may try and parlay it into something immediate.”

    McKenzie added that if they keep the pick, they could look for a strong, physical center or a defenseman. Defenseman Darnell Nurse would be one possibility.

    TSN’s Darren Dreger added that GM Craig MacTavish may look to make as many as six changes:

    “He wants to upgrade in all areas, starting in goal.”

    Devan Dubnyk has been OK, Dreger said, “but the Oilers will look to improve.”

    Dreger speculates goalies Ryan Miller, Jonathan Bernier or Mike Smith. On defense they could look at Kevin Shattenkirk, Andrew Ference or Mark Streit. At forward they could look at Jarome Iginla, Brenden Morrow, David Clarkson and Matt Hendricks.

  • Josh Cooper: The Predators send Filip Forsberg to Milwaukee of the AHL.

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Roster and Goalie Notes: Senators, Canes, Bruins, Pens, Leafs, Canucks, Devils, Caps, Panthers, Blues and Predators

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 25th, 2013

  • Darren Dreger: Senators confirm that Erik Karlsson will be in the lineup tonight. Sidney Crosby is having more dental work done today. 
  • Boston Bruins: Nathan Horton not on the ice today. Last update, still day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
  • Will DePaoli: Penguins Paul Martin is with the team. Pittsburgh Penguins: Martin won’t play tonight, but is hopeful for Saturday. Penguins: Brooks Orpik (lower-body), Joe Vitale (lower-body) and Sidney Crosby (dental work), remained in Pittsburgh. James Neal and Martin are back to full practice, but won’t play tonight.
  • Michael Traikos: Looking like both Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren won’t play tonight for the Maple Leafs. Chris Johnston: McLaren has some neck soreness.
  • Farhan Lalji: Canucks Keith Ballard will play forward tonight.
  • Andrew Gross: Jared Staal will be on a line with Jordan Staal and Tuomo Ruutu.
  • Bruce Garrioch: Senators lines: Greening-Smith-Alfredsson; Michalek-Turris-Conacher; Condra-Zibanejad-Silfverberg; Latendresse-Pageau-Neil. Brent Wallace: Defensive pairings: Methot Karlsson; Gryba Phillips; Gonchar-Cowen.
  • Tom Gulitti: Devils lines: Henrique-Loktionov-Kovalchuk; Elias-Zajac-Clarkson; Zubrus-Josefson-Sullivan; Carter-Gionta-Kostopoulos.
  • Randy Sportak: Flames lines: Cammalleri-Stajan-Stempniak; Baertschi-Backlund-Hudler; Byron-Horak-Cervenka; Reinhart-Jones-Jackman. Randy Sportak: Defensive pairing: Giordano-Wideman; Brodie-Cundari; Butler-Babchuk.
  • Stephen Whyno: Michal Neuvirth will start in net for the Capitals.
  • Steve Goldstein: Jacob Markstrom will start in net for the Panthers tonight.
  • Lou Korac: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues, with Jaroslav Halak backing him up.
  • Randy Sportak: Joey MacDonald will start in net for the Flames.
  • Preds Radio: Chris Mason will start in net for the Predators.

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Morning Hits: Jagr, Calvert, Brodeur, Zidlicky and Elias

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 24th, 2013

  • Randy Miller of the Courier Post: Jaromir Jagr said that the Philadelphia management didn’t want to negotiate a contract until after they knew the outcome of the two $100 million offers they had on the table. By the time Zach Parise and Ryan Suter knew where they were going to sign, Jagr had moved on.

    “We made an offer to Jaromir back in February,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said of Jagr, who signed with Dallas and then was traded last month to Boston. “It didn’t go anywhere. They decided to wait until after the season was over. We talked a number of times between the end of the year and free agency. I talked to his agent (Petr Svoboda). He called me the day that Jaromir signed with Dallas. He said, ‘We’re getting close, where are you guys at?’ At that point, we weren’t in a position to do anything because we had offers out on other guys.”

    The Flyers may not have wanted to give Jagr a raise from $3.3 million to anything past $4 million. Jagr responded to a question that if waiting for Suter and Parise drove him away.

    “Well, the thing I understand is that if you give two offers to free agents … you cannot give two offers to somebody else,” he said. “Because if they grab it, with the salary cap, what are you going to do? So (Flyers management) had to wait for those players to say no and it took them a week. So it’s the whole free market.

    “I was happy (in Philadelphia). Everybody knew it. I loved that team. I loved the fans. I loved the city. But on the other side, I always believe in God. And I always believed He would find the best place for me. I had a faith that something good would happen to me even if (returning to Philadelphia) didn’t happen.”

  • Blue Jackets.NHL.com: The Blue Jackets have re-signed Matt Calvert (2 years, $1.975 million). In 42 games this season, the 23-year old Calvert has nine goals and seven assists with 32 penalty minutes.

    “Matt is a dynamic young winger that plays with great tenacity at both ends of the ice and we look forward to his continued development and contributions to our hockey club,” said Kekalainen.

  • Rich Chere: Devils Martin Brodeur confirms that he’ll play next season.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Neither Marek Zidlicky or Patrick Eliashas spoken with the Devils about a contract extension.

    “I don’t know yet. It’s pretty tough to say right now,” Zidlicky said. “I would like to come back. I don’t know what Lou wants to do with the team for next year. I’d like to stay here. He knows that.”

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Roster and Goalie Notes: Crosby, Ward, Devils, Leafs, Hurricanes, Capitals and Sabres

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 23rd, 2013

  • Shelly Anderson: Anderson is hearing Sidney Crosby’s jaw may not be healing fast enough for him to start playing before the playoffs.
  • Stephen Whyno: Capitals Joel Ward didn’t skate again today. Adam Oates gave no update on his status.
  • Tom Gulitti: Devils lines: Ponikarovsky-Loktionov-Kovalchuk; Elias-Zajac-Clarkson; Zubrus-Josefson-Sullivan; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
  • David Alter: Maple Leafs lines: JVR-Bozak-Kessel, Lupuk-Kadri-Kulemin, McClement-Grabo-Komarov, MacArthur-Colborne-Frattin, McLaren-Hamilton-Orr.
  • Tom Gulitti: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils. Rich Chere: Johan Hedberg will get the start for the Devils on Thursday against the Penguins.
  • Adam Vingan: Braden Holtby will start in net for the Capitals.
  • John Vogl: Ryan Miller will start in net for the Sabres.

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Morning Hits: B’s and Pens, UFAs Smith and Clarkson, Dubinsky, Forensic investigation, Flyers buyout and Brodeur starts

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2013

  • Pierre LeBrun: NHL announces that the Bruins-Penguins game will definitely be played today at 12:30.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Coyotes uncertainty will play a role in where UFA Mike Smith will end up. He might be interested remaining in Phoenix, but what if they end up relocating somewhere else? A comparable for Smith could be Jimmy Howard, around $5.3 million.

    “From February of last year and through the playoffs, Mike was as good as any goaltender in the league,” said Maloney, one of the NHL’s sharpest minds. “This year, not quite so good. We’re not a cap team and we have to be careful when we’re talking a contract with a five or six in term. We can’t make a mistake.

    “You look at the top goalies, the Lundqvists of the world … They’ve done it for three, four, five years in a row and they’ve attained a certain level.

    “The long and short of it is Mike is a terrific talent, and if you take a snapshot of what he did last season with what he’s done in his career … we have some, I wouldn’t say uncertainty, but there is a bit of caution there.”

  • Daren Millard: Ken Daneyko said that the Devils probably can’t afford to pay UFA David Clarkson $5 to $5.5 million a season. They might have to let him walk.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:  Senators owner Eugene Melnyk won’t talk about the forensic investigation involving the incident where Matt Cooke sliced Erik Karlsson’s Achillies tendon.

    “Look, it’s got nothing to do with settling down,” said Melnyk. “I’ve committed to not say anything about it until we’ve completed everything we need to do, and speak to the league about it.

    “I’ll do anything I have to do to protect my players. It’s as simple as that, and that’s exactly what I’m doing there, and after that I can’t really comment.

    “It’ll take a couple of months before anything really comes out.”

  • Sasm Donnellon of the Philadelphia Daily News: Donnellon wonders if the Flyers should use an amnesty buyout on Daniel Briere or Ilya Bryzgalov. Briere is due $5 million total over the next two years, but carries a $6.5 million salary cap hit. Briere wants to stay in Philadelphia, Bryzgalov doesn’t seem to care. The 33-year old is under contract till he’s 40. The Flyers have Steve Mason under contract next season at $1.5 million.
  • Tom Gulitti: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Panthers.

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