Posts Tagged New York Islanders
Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
- Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks there is an 80% chance that Jaromir Jagr returns to the Flyers next year.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman: “We’re not going to bring everybody back.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne, Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick are the Vezina finalists.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka were not at the Senators practice today.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Brian Boyle didn’t practice with the Rangers today.
Neal gets 2 hearings, Asham 1 … Shanahan changed mind on Weber … Alfie concussed but might play … Gil skates … Still no Neurvirth/Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions on April 16th, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Penguins James Neal will have 2 separate disciplinary hearings tomorrow. Aaron Asham will have an in-person hearing at 11 am. Dan Rosen via twitter: Neal’s hearings are for his hit on Sean Couturier and his charging on Claude Giroux.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Brendan Shanahan said he was close to giving Shea Weber a 1 one game suspension, but Red Wings GM Ken Holland told him that Henrik Zetterberg was okay, and it changed his mind.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: If the Rangers are going to appeal Carl Hagelin’s suspension, they’ll have to do it before tonight. Shanahan won’t reduce Hagelin’s suspension after the fact based on whether Daniel Alfredsson will be able to play or not.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean confirms that Daniel Alfredsson passed his baseline test, and if he’s ready, he’ll play. Brent Wallace via twitter: Alfredsson confirms that he suffered a concussion on the hit.
- Bob Duff via twitter: A NHL executive: “Colin Campbell always did what he thought was right and didn’t worry about what people thought. Shanahan just wants to be liked.”
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have let assistant coaches Dan Chynoweth and Scott Allen go.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators defenseman Hal Gill took part in his first full practice this series.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Johansson-Backstrom-Semin, Chimera-Beagle-Perreault, Aucoin-Hendricks-Ward.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvirth and Tomas Vokoun were not at practice this morning. Dany Sabourin will be the backup.
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: Price, Myers, Toews, Gunnarson, Tallinder, Parenteau, Steckel, Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 4th, 2012
- Montreal Canadiens via twitter: Canadiens Carey Price has been diagnosed with a mild concussion.
- Buffalo Sabres via twitter: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said that Tyler Myers won’t be available for the final 2 games.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews will not play tomorrow. David Bolland is out tomorrow with an upper-body injury. He’s day-to-day.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarson has a separated shoulder and is done for the year.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s “doubtful” that Henrik Tallinder will be able to play in the playoffs, but Tallinder is still hopeful. Jacob Josefson won’t need surgery on his wrist.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: P.A. Parenteau’s agent said that have “made no proposals” to the Islanders.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Canadiens have asked the Maple Leafs for permission to talk to Claude Loiselle, who are expected to grant permission.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning winger Brandon Segal has cleared waivers.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs forward David Steckel is practicing for the first time since his knee injury.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Frattin-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Lombardi-Crabb, Connolly-Steckel-Brown, Rosehill-Ashton-Armstrong-Colborne.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson, Chimera-Perreault-Semin, Hendricks-Beagle-Laich, Knuble-Aucoin-Ward-Eakin-Halpern.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will start for the Capitals against the Panthers.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tomorrow.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Ben Bishop is expected to start tomorrow.
Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2012
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
- Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.
“It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”
Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Jacob Josefson broke his wrist last night and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed 2010 1st round pick Brock Nelson to an entry level deal.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.
“The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”
If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.
- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”
Canadiens GM candidates … Howson on draft, Nash … McQuaid OK … Bryzgalov out this weekend … P.A. likely gone
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 31st, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun lists some potential candidates for the Canadiens GM: Julien BriseBois, Marc Bergevin, Francois Giguere, Vincent Damphousse, Claude Loiselle, Patrick Roy, Pat Brisson, Pierre McGuire, Andre Savard, Doug Risebrough and Pierre Lacroix.There has been talk that the Blue Jackets may want to move their top pick as the top 2 prospects are Russian, and they haven’t had much luck with Russians. GM Scott Howson thinks that is hogwash:
“What I will say to that speculation is that I think it would be close-minded of us, I think it would border on stupidity to not include any player just because they’re from Russia,” Howson told ESPN.com this week. “I think everybody is different. The fact that Zherdev and Filatov didn’t work out here will have no bearing on who we select in this upcoming draft.”
Howson knows they need to address their goaltending situation, and he lines their blueline. On Rick Nash:
“I’ll have a conversation with Rick after the year ends and see where he’s at, see where we’re at, and make a game plan moving forward,” said Howson.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid’s eye injury appears to only be minor, and no concussion was sustained. McQuaid was hit from behind by Jason Chimera the other night. He won’t play in either game this weekend, but should be back soon.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers likely won’t play Ilya Bryzgalov this weekend in either of their afternoon games against the Senators and Penguins. Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to start both games.
- BD Gallof via twitter: The more Gallof talks to people, the more likely it seems that P.A. Parenteau will sign somewhere else, cashing in on his first big payday. Parenteau will want to be paid like a top a line player, but the Islanders don’t include him there if their kids develop.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers tried to recall Magnus Paajarvi yesterday but the move was rejected as they’ve already used their 4 callups after the trade deadline. In February, Paajarvi was assigned to the AHL so that he’d be eligible from their playoffs, then immediately recalled. The Oilers also called up Linus Omark, Teemu Hartikainen and Chris VandeVelde.
“We believed we had confirmation to recall Magnus in one of our four call-ups after the trade deadline,” said Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini. “The league informed us today the only way he could be recalled was under an emergency recall basis.”
- Mark Master via twitter: Leafs coach Randy Carlyle is not sure if Jonas Gustavsson will be able to go today.
Afternoon notes: Schultz, Selanne, Toews, Scrivens, D’Agostini, new Devils lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: If Ducks defensive prospect Justin Schultz decides not to sign the Ducks and become a UFA on July 1st, Bob McKenzie thinks the Oilers have the best chance at landing him. TSN’s Aaron Ward thinks the Red Wings are the best bet, with Marc Crawford picking the Maple Leafs.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ducks winger Teemu Selanne doesn’t know if he’ll return next year or not. He leads the team with 63 points in 76 games.
“I’m not going to think about it before the season is over and then give it a couple weeks and get a feel from there,” he said after the Ducks practiced in preparation for Wednesday’s game against Pacific division-leading San Jose.
“There are so many highs and lows during the season. I have to feel the situation.”
Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is expected to be cleared for contact today or tomorrow.
- James Mirtle via twitter: With Maple Leafs goalie Ben Scrivens just being called up for yesterday, he made an extra $2,800.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Josefson-Bernier.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues have activated Matt D’Agostini from the IR and he’ll play tonight.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals against the Bruins.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Leafs against the Flyers.
Ehrhoff day-to-day … Vinny returns … Price for Nash for Leafs would be steep …Isles sign Grahame … Howard out Friday
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was re-evaluated yesterday.
“He’ll miss some time,” said Ruff, who declined to elaborate whether it was day-to-day or week-to-week. “It’ll be a period of time.”
- Vincent Lecavalier via twitter: Vinny tweets he’s happy to get back in the lineup.
- Howard Berger via twitter: Given what the Blue Jackets wanted for Rick Nash at the trade deadline, it would cost the Leafs Jake Gardiner, Nazem Kadri and their 1st round pick in June.
- Steve Conroy of hte Boston Herald: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask is progressing well from his March 3rd, groin/abdomen strain.
“I’m doing exercising, biking, all kinds of stuff. It’s looking really good. I’m just trying to get the strength back and be ready to go,” Rask said yesterday. “I think we’re shooting for (a return for the playoffs) and it’s looking good now.”
“If everything goes well, I’ll go out there and maybe get some shots, not do much but just go by the feel,” Rask said. “You can’t rush these kind of injuries.”
- Islanders Point Blank: The Islanders have signed John Grahame for the rest of the year to back up Al Montoya. Arthur Staple of Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov left Tuesday’s game and is listed day-to-day with a lower-body injury, it looks like he may not play another game this season.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be in the lineup on Friday. Howard missed his 4th straight game on Wednesday with a groin issue.
“It’s Babs’ call and he’s the coach, he makes the decisions,” Howard said. “That (playing Friday) was the plan all along, but Coach has decided to go in a different direction, and as a player I have to respect that.
“I hope he changes his mind, but I don’t think it’ll happen.”
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens was recalled yesterday on a temporary basis and will be returned today. Jussi Rynnas will likely take his place. The Maple Leafs may have given Scrivens a day of NHL pay. He’s a big part of the Marlies AHL playoff run and they don’t want to disrupt that.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning have signed college free agent J.T. Brown from Minnesota-Duluth.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers tonight against the Wild.
Could change be coming for the Flames? Parenteau talks to start … Time running out for Hejduk, Morrow? Should Oils trade pick? Burke staying
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun thinks the Flames need to re-tool, if not a total rebuild. Flames GM Jay Feaster is giving this group one last chance. If it doesn’t work, changes are coming. They will have 6 UFA s and 3 RFA at the end of the season. Jarome Iginla will have one more year at $7 million, and would he want to be around for another rebuild? They may need to have a “heart to heart” with Iginla after the season.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Pending Islanders free agent P.A. Parenteau wants to remain with the club. Talks are likely to begin this week. Parenteau could be looking a deal in the $4 million per season range.
“I’ve said all along that I want to be here, and nothing’s changed,” he said. “I love these guys and I want to be here for when we turn it around.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk’s production has been non-existent in the 2nd half, and it could be the “the end of the line for the classy Avs captain.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars captiain Brenden Morrow has been moved down to the 4th line, and his minutes have been reduced. He’s been dealing with injuries all year, and it’s affecting his play. Heika asks the question if Morrow’s time in Dallas is coming to an end? He doesn’t think so.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Former Lightning GM Brian Lawton said the Oilers should trade down in the draft.
“The time has come for the Edmonton Oilers to look to create another asset and if they do, in fact, end up with the number 2 pick, they should look to trade down. There are so many quality defencemen that are available. Morgan Reilly’s been injured this year but he’s out there. Mathew Dumba, very intriguing player. Ryan Murray, probably the top-rated guy in that group and, of course, the very last guy Griffin Reinhart.”
Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:
“Go out and draft the best player. … You can always make trades. You need assets, you need commodities within your organization.”
Fan voting: (as of 8:55 am on the 28th) 41.46 % – Draft the best player available, even if that’s a Russian forward. 35.79% – Trade it for as good a veteran defenseman as the team can get. 22.75% – Trade down a few spaces, then draft the best defenseman available.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Buccigross is hearing that college free agent J.T. Brown (UMD) is down to the Flyers, Bruins and Lightning.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Someone within MLSE doesn’t expect any of the new ownership to demand that Brian Burke be fired as the Leafs GM before the end of the 2013-14 season.
“You have two choices: you can trust your general manager or you can fire your general manager,” the insider said. “At the end of the day, you can criticize [MLSE] for not hiring the right GM. But the decisions are made by the general manager. They really are. Brian Burke is running the show.”
“[Burke] can do pretty well what he wants. Brian has no shackles of any consequence at all.”
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.
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
|
Fantasy Hockey notes: Duchene, Tyutin, Toews, Dubinsky, Anderson, Morrow, Nyquist, Ponikarovsky and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 8th, 2012
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Matt Duchene will be out 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury, surgery not needed.
- Bill Rabinowitz via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin has a broken hand and is likely done for the year.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews skated on his own today.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky is out tonight.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson was on the ice before the Sens practice this morning. He was able to carry a goal stick.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is “hopeful” for tomorrow night.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Brenden Morrow is skating today, but not expected to play tonight.
- Helene St. James via twitter: The Red Wings called forward Gustav Nyquist.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky will be in the lineup tonight.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Ott-Benn-Burish. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour. vs. Sharks.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders against Martin Brodeur and the Devils.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Sens.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals tonight.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Jonas Hiller will start in net for the Ducks against Jaroslav Halak and the Blues.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for Blackhawks.
Letang has concussion symptoms … Lidstrom uncertain for Friday … lines and starting goalies … Roenick and Milbury battle video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies, NHL Videos on March 1st, 2012
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Kris Letang has concussion symptoms.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Bruins Brian Rolston hasn’t decided if he’ll play next year or not. He talks like he’ll be retiring.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Zach Bogosian will be back in the lineup for the Jets tonight.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom didn’t practice and his status for Friday is uncertain. Kyle Quincey skates.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov: “I need to be ready 100 % mentally and physically before I play.” They are not sure if he’ll play this season.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Lines at Kings practice: King-Richards-Carter; Brown-Williams-Kopitar; Stoll C for Penner/Lewis/Westgarth; Fraser C for nolan/Clifford/Richardson.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Coyotes lines: “Whitney Hanzel Vrbata-Boedker Vermette Doan-Pyatt Gordon Korpikowski-Torres langkow Bissonette.”
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines: “Bouma Horak Jackman-Tanguay cammalleri Iginla-Glencross Jokinen Moss-Kostopoulos Stajan Comeau.” Defensive pairing and goalie: Giordano Hannan-Smith Bouwmeester-Brodie Sarich … Kiprusoff .
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers tonight.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks against the Senators.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tomorrow against the Oilers.
- Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury battle it out last night:
Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.
Stars considered offers for Ott and Souray … Preds offer for Nash didn’t include Ellis … Grabovski’s agent in T.O. next week … starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on February 28th, 2012
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk had some offers that they strongly considered for Steve Ott and Sheldon Souray.
“I would say there were a couple of things on the table that took a lot of time to sort through,” Nieuwendyk said. “But at the end of the day, we had a responsibility to put the best team on the ice right now to challenge for the playoffs and we didn’t want to risk moving anything that would not help us as far as the return moving into the future.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Nashville’s big pitch for Rick Nash did not include Ryan Ellis. One GM thought the Sharks could have had a deal for Nash if they still had Charlie Coyle. The Leafs and Flyers sniffed around Josh Harding. Some teams thought Steve Ott was destined for the Maple Leafs, but the Stars changed their minds.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Sources are saying that the Stars wanted a 2nd round pick, a high end prospect and a roster player for Steve Ott. They also wanted a 2nd round pick and high end prospects for Sheldon Souray. The Islanders continue to have talks with Evgeni Navokov. They have had no contract discussions with P.A. Parenteauf as of yesterday afternoon.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner may have been Scott Howson’s ‘must include’ list for any Rick Nash package.
- Mark Masters of TSN: Mikhail Grabovski’s agent said he plans on being in Toronto next week, and said ‘I believe that I will have some news for you’
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Told Nicklas Lidstrom is out.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars lines: Ott-Benn-Burish; Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder; Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak; Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour.
- Chuck Gormley via twitter: Capitals starting goalie will be a game time decision according to Dale Hunter. Gormley guesses Neuvirth.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers tonight against the Leafs. Jonas Siegel via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Leafs tonight.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets against Joey MacDonald and the Red Wings.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Looks like Cam Ward will start in net for the Hurricanes.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning against the Canadiens.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tomorrow against the Maple Leafs.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tomorrow.
Trade Deadline day trades
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Trades on February 27th, 2012
I’ll leave this chart near the top of the page, and will continue to add some pieces below.
| Receives | Receives |
| February 27th | |||
 |
F Andrew Gordon |
 |
D Sebastien Erixon |
|
F Zach Kassian |
 |
F Cody Hodgson |
| Scott Cullen of TSN: Numbers Game: Hodgson for Kassian the Big Deal at Deadline | |||
 |
D Mark Fraser |
|
F Dale Mitchell |
 |
D John Scott |
 |
2012 5th round pick |
 |
D Greg Zanon |
 |
Steve Kampfer |
 |
F Paul Gaustad |
|
2012 1st round pick |
|
F Brian Rolston |
 |
Marc Cantin |
|
D Johnny Oduya |
 |
2013 2nd round pick |
 |
D Matt Gilroy |
 |
D Brian Lee |
| Jesse Spector of Sporting News: Senators add puck-moving Gilroy, send Lee to Lightning | |||
|
F Sammy Pahlsson |
 |
2012 4th round pick |
 |
F Daniel Winnik |
 |
F Jamie McGinn |
| Adrian Dater of Denver Post: His thoughts on the deal. | |||
|
F Carter Ashton |
|
D Keith Aulie |
|
D Tom Gilbert |
 |
D Nick Schultz |
|
D Mike Commodore |
 |
Cond. 7th round pick |
|
F Andre Kostitsyn |
 |
2013 2nd round pick |
Twitter quick hits involving: Sharks, Predators, Nash, Nabokov, Leafs, Canucks, Gaustad
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: One league executive thinks there could be 20-25 trades. Sharks are still in on Nash.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: One veteran executive predicts a couple “goofy” trades. A strange year, many teams still in it.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Watch the Predators today, hungry to make a deal. They’ve called the Blue Jackets about Nash.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: No change on the Evgeni Nabokov – Islanders front this morning. They want to re-sign him. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Contract talks between Nabokov and Isles this morning.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs could trade a bunch of players for high picks. Leafs do need players, so the picks could be parlayed.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Belief is that Canucks could overpay the most for Steve Ott. The Avalanche are still in the mix.
- Anthony Petrielli via twitter: According to Brad May, the Sabres are wanting a 1st rounder for Paul Gaustad.
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