Posts Tagged New York Rangers

Torres hearing on Thursday … Semin not back with Caps? Vokoun done with Caps … Bigger list for Nash … KHL after Grigorenko

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: According to Alexander Semin’s agent Mark Gandler, he has no intentions of re-signing with the Capitals and will become a UFA on July 1st.

    “It was good while it lasted. With the lack of playoff success, with the direction they are going. They decided to change directions. That’s within their rights. Alex doesn’t fit into that system obviously,” Gandler told ESPN the Magazine. “It just doesn’t make any sense to him. He plays, he did the best he could under the circumstances and he earned his right to be a free agent.”

    Semin would prefer to remain in the NHL rather than heading to the KHL. He would also like to get an expanded role, which includes penalty killing. He averaged 16:47 minutes per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year.

    “I think the issue is with the organization, not necessarily with the coach,” Gandler said. “They told us Alex is not going to play short-handed, he’s not going to play in the last minute. He’s going to get the same icetime as everybody else … Alex is not ready to be a role player. He wants to be a full-time player. It’s important to him.”

    Semin made $6.7 million last season.

    “I don’t know what the market (for him) is going to be,” Gandler said. “I know there aren’t many players like Alex around.”

  • Greg Brady via twitter: A scout told Brady at the trade deadline that GM George McPhee was pleading with other teams to trade for Alexander Semin.
  • The Fourth Period: A source told TFP that Rick Nash and his agent recently reviewed his contract with the Blue Jackets and could have an expanded list of teams he’d accept a trade too. The Sharks, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Canucks, Kings and Bruins had interest in Nash at some point this season.
  • Slava Malamud via twitter: Russian sources say that CSKA could make a big play for Mikhail Grigorenko. If true, it could hurt his draft stock.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings winger Simon Gagne has been cleared for contact but is long ways from playing. He remains in LA. He’s a long shot for returning this yeare.

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Parise opens up a bit … 4 teams that make sense for a Staal deal … Carle deal has to wait … Nash’s name back in rumors … CF schedule

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 13th, 2012

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Pending Devils UFA Zach Parise opens up a bit:

    “I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.

    “It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”

  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: If Jordan Staal hits the open market after next season, he could get around $7 million. The Penguins already have $40 million committed to 10 players, not including Sidney Crosby who may get $10 million. Reports are that the Hurricanes and Oilers could be interested. Yohe offers up the most logical trade partners for the Penguins. 1. Carolina Hurricanes – have the cap room and assets. They could offer center Brandon Sutter. They have the 8th overall pick this year and some other strong prospects. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke is a big Staal fan, and Ray Shero and Burke are friends. The Leafs have Nazem Kadri and stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn, a type of Dman the Penguins need. 3. Edmonton Oilers – the Oilers could use and accomplished center. The Oilers have the 1st overall pick. 4. Minnesota Wild – the Wild are a “no-name squad looking for an identity” and could use a name like Jordan Staal. Cal Clutterbuck and Devin Setoguchi may be 2 players that would interest the Pens. The Wild also have the 7th pick in the draft.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Due to the salary-cap tagging rule, the Flyers won’t be able to sign Matt Carle before July 1st. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he wants to re-sign Carle. Carle earned $3.47 million this past year, and could get in the $5 million range on his next deal.

    “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal,” Holmgren said. “His demands, when I spoke with him and his agent, nothing was ever out of line. Could we get him under market value? I would say that we probably could. I don’t see any issues there.”

  • Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There are different reports on what was/wasn’t offered by the Rangers at the trade deadline for Blue Jackets Rick Nash. The Rangers weren’t willing to move Chris Kreider. The Jackets were asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Dreider and a 1st round pick. Another report was they wanted Dubinsky, another forward like Stepan, a prospect (not Kreider) and a 1st round pick, maybe 2. This offseason, teams will have move flexibility with their roster and salary cap. The Sharks and Bruins should be interested, possibly the Rangers again.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the next stop for Alexander Semin is the KHL. He had 3 goals and 1 assist in 14 playoff games. The Blue Jackets have quietly continued to try and trade Rick Nash, but it’s hard to fin serious interest now. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is rumored to be interested in revisiting talks. Wilson may have told the Jackets that they could sweeten the pot in June. Expect the Maple Leafs to make a pitch for the 1st overal pick. Expect the Flyers to make a pitch for Ryan Suter’s rights if he doesn’t re-sign with the Predators. The Wings and Wild will be interested as well.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: NHL release of Conference Finals Schedule:

    2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE

    Date Time (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Networks
    Game 1: Monday, May 14 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    Game 3: Saturday, May 19 1 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBC, CBC, RDS
    Game 4: Monday, May 21 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 5: Wednesday, May 23 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 6: Friday, May 25 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 7: Sunday, May 27 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS

    2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE

    Date Time (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #8 Los Angeles Networks
    Game 1: Sunday, May 13 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
    Game 2: Tuesday, May 15 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
    Game 3: Thursday, May 17 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, TSN, RDS
    Game 4: Sunday, May 20 3 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBC, CBC, RDS
    *Game 5: Tuesday, May 22 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 6: Thursday, May 24 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, CBC, RDS
    *Game 7: Saturday, May 26 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix TBD, CBC, RDS

    * If necessary

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Radulov-Kostitsyn broke curfew by an hour … Preds notes … Semin done with Caps, NHL? Kreider moves up to 2nd line

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 12th, 2012

  • Michael Farber of SI.com (via Dirk Hoag of On the Forecheck): Predators Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn broke curfew by 1 hour, which earned them their 1 game suspension. They were poolside at the W, an alcohol free soiree according to a source.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Ryan Suter’s free agent decision will affect Shea Weber’s situation. Throw in Radulov’s free agency and curfew violations, it’s going to be busy offseason for the Predators. They have 15 total free agents. 3 things that we know for sure: “1. The Suter, Weber, Radulov story lines will dominate the offseason for Nashville. 2. If Suter does decide to leave, it won’t be a ll doom and gloom for Nashville. 3. The Predators must make a decision on Sergei Kostitsyn.”
  • Darren Dreger of TSN: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has called Brian Burke several times to try and persuade him to allow Rick Dudley to join the Habs before the Draft, but it’s not a top priority for Burke. There is a window that allows Dudley to leave, and the Leafs control the situation until it opens. At the next GM meetings, some GMs will bring up compensation for head coaches, GMs, and assistant GMs that are hired by other teams. Dreger says that Ryan Suter has earned the right to test the free agent market, and it won’t be an easy decision for him to sign elsewhere. It is possible that they could keep both Suter and Shea Weber, but it would have a financial strain on the team, depending on the new CBA.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Alexander Semin could be playing in his last game for the Capitals, and maybe his last NHL game. He’ll be a UFA and the Capitals “won’t re-sign him.”
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Sports.ru is reporting that Kirill Kabanov will play of Salavat of the KHL. BD Gallof via twitter: KHL is better money than the AHL. Isles fan shouldn’t worry if Kabanov says there for a year, if it’s 2 years, then worry.
  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: Apparently the Flyers have so many players that may require surgery, they won’t be able to sort it out until next week.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils coach Peter DeBoer expects Anton Volchenkov and Marek Zidlicky to be ready for Game 1 of the conference finals.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers forward Chris Kreider was practicing with the 2nd line, Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan, yesterday.

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Zidlicky should be ready … Preds-Suter to talk in a couple weeks … Some Habs candidates … Jagr to wait … Koivu re-signs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2012

  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Marek Zidlicky is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury but should be ready for the next round.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Ryan Suter said he spoke with GM David Poile Wednesday morning.

    “We talked about everything and the future, and how everything will go, and I think we’re going to meet again in a couple of weeks and kind of make a decision,” he said.

    Suter wants to take some time unwind.

    “Wherever I sign I want to be there for the rest of my career, and that affects my family, my wife, my kid (and) if we have more kids,” Suter said. “Everything plays into it.”

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Canadiens are expected to interview a wide range of candidates: Marc Crawford, Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy, Michel Therrien, Benoit Groulx (Gatineau), Sylvain Lefebvre (Colorado assistant). Bryan Marchment could join the Sharks coaching staff. The Predators must “sit down with Ryan Suter and ask for an honest appraisal of his future. If he won’t sign (or give you enough assurance), it’s time to let teams talk to him in advance of July 1. Get what you can. ” The Blue Jackets will likely pass on taking the LA Kings 1st rounder this year as it will be in the bottom 4.
  • Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: The Flyers will likely have the cap room to re-sign Jaromir Jagr if they want, but Jagr isn’t ready to commit to next year just yet.

    “Right now I don’t know,” he said about his future following Game 5. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford wouldn’t be surprised if Roberto Luongo’s list is more than 5 teams. Would he really want to come back to Vancouver and play 30-35 games? Some people claim that Ryan Suter has a list of teams he wants to play for, and the Predators aren’t on it. If Suter leaves, it puts more pressure on the Shea Weber situation. If they aren’t able to lock him up long-term, the Preds will have to either sign him to a 1 year deal or look to trade him. Botchford wonders if the Canucks would have enough to pull off a Weber trade. Ryan Kesler is damaged goods at the moment. Kevin Bieksa is locked up with a no-trade clause. Jannik Hansen might interest the Predators, but only as an add on piece. Defenseman Alex Edler would fit in nice at $3.25 million, but he has only 1 year left before he becomes a UFA.

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Petrov, Mayorov sign in KHL … Preds still hope to re-sign Suter and Weber … Coaching notes for Sharks, Canadiens … 5 priorities for Sens

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 3rd, 2012

  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The two 2011 Stanley Cup Finals goaltenders, Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas, could find themselves on the trading block this summer. Luongo has given the Canucks a short list of teams he’s accept a trade too: possibly the Panthers, Lightning, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has heard the rumors on Thomas:

    “I’ve seen speculation about moving a goalie, but I’m certainly not inclined to do that,” Chiarelli said.

    “Tim didn’t have statistically the year he had the year before, but I thought he had a very good year. We have, if not the best, one of the top goaltending tandems in the league.”

    The Predators still believe they’ll be able to re-sign Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Predators chairman Tom Cigarran:

    “We were going to keep the very best players to the extent we can, to the extent they want to play here,” Cigarran told the Tennessean. “To the extent they want to play here, we would step up and make sure we had the money available to pay them.”

  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson got a vote of confidence from ownership, but the coaching staff hasn’t received one yet. Wilson is still in the review process, which should be completed over the next couple weeks. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Coach Todd McLellan has 2 years left on his deal, and LeBrun thinks he’ll remain with the team. New Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin would definitely be interested in Alain Vigneault if the Canucks fired him. Marc Crawford could also be in the mix for the Canadiens job. Darren Dreger reported that Bob Hartley and Michel Therrien are in consideration. The sale of the St. Louis Blues to minority owner Tom Stillman is “very close.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators top 5 offseason priorities: 1. Bring back Daniel Alfredsson 2. Sign defenceman Erik Karlsson 3. Re-sign center Chris Kelly as a UFA 4. Trade defenceman Sergei Gonchar 5. Buy out winger Bobby Butler.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues tried to upgrade their blueline at the trade deadline, but were unsuccessful. Kent Huskins will likely replace Ian Cole tonight. Matt D’Agostini could replace Alex Steen on the line with Andy McDonald and David Backes. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wanted to rule Jaroslav Halak out of the series to eliminate any potential distraction.

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Afternoon notes on: Dubinsky, Caps, Predators, Hurricanes, Canadiens, Sharks … Flames sign Cervanka

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 2nd, 2012

  • Katie Strang via twitter: Rangers Brandon Dubinsky travelled with the Rangers to DC, no indication if he’s close to returning.
  • Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals lines this morning: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson. Chimera-Laich-Semin. Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
  • Josh Cooper via twitter: If the Predators win Game 3, Barry Trotz said he’d go with the same lineup for Game 4. (No Kostitsyn and Radulov)
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford can’t name players who are possible trade targets, but did mention that Eric Staal has played wing before. He has said that finding a scoring winger for Staal was their top offseason priority. He said today that focus could be a winger or center. Rutherford said that defenseman Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek could be headed for free agency. The Canes are high on Bobby Sanguinetti. They hope to have Jamie McBain re-signed soon.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie points out that the Canadiens buying out Scott Gomez “is the dumbest thing any organization could possibly do in a salary cap word.” If they were to send him to the AHL, it frees up $7.3 million in cap space the next 2 years, salary would be $10 million in salary. The Canadiens could save $3.3 million in cash by buying Gomez out, but would have cap hits of “$3.5M, $4.5M, $1.66M and $1.66M for each of 4 yrs.” However, in the new CBA, it’s not known about amnesty buyouts and burying contracts in the minors. Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Canadiens can’t buy Gomez out until the buyout period which runs from June 15th to 30th, merely speculation at this time. Louis Jean via twitter: According to @TVASports Dave Morrissette, the decision to buy Gomez out has already been made.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: As of this morning, the Canadiens hadn’t asked the Maple Leafs permission to speak wit Rick Dudley. Dudley and Martin Lapointe are expected to be among GMs Bergevin’s hires.
  • David Pollak via twitter: Sharks ownership put out a statement that this seasons results are not acceptable, but are confident that GM Doug Wilson will make the changes needed going forward.
  • Vicki Hall via twitter: The Flames have signed KHL center Roman Cervanka to a 1 year, $3.7 million deal. Hall can’t see the Flames bringing Olli Jokinen back after giving Cervanka that much money.

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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.
  • 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.”

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Afternoon notes on: Torres, Grossman, Martin, Neuvirth, Halak, Bryzgalov, Garrison, Silfverberg … Bruins and Rangers lines

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 20th, 2012

  • Katie Carrera via twitter: The Capitals have assigned Dany Sabourin to the AHL, which likely means Michal Neuvirth will be the backup for Game 5.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust (Hagelin extra) Kreider-Mitchell-Rupp (Scott extra)
  • Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins lines: Lucic-Krejci-Rolston. Paille-Bergeron-Peverley. Caron/Pouliot-Kelly-Seguin. Marchand-Campbell-Thornton.
  • Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Panthers defensman Jason Garrison was a late scratch last night due to 2 lower-body injuries, and is listed as day-to-day.

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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.
  • 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.”
  • 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.

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Yakupov wants to be an Oiler … Elliott to start … Sharks may add size … Allaire may retire … Suspension videos for Hagelin and Carkner

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 16th, 2012

  • Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: Likely 1st overall draft pick Nail Yakupov said:

    “I definitely want to go to Edmonton and play for the Oilers, for sure,”

    “I’ve played in Canada, in Sarnia, for the last two years. I love the people. I very much want to play for a Canadian team like Edmonton. I want to play for those guys!

    “If they draft me, I will work very hard to make the team, give it everything I’ve got to work hard and play for the Oilers.

    “I want to be No. 1. No. 1 is No. 1. I don’t want to be second or third.”

  • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks may be considering making a lineup change for Game 3. The Sharks may look to get bigger, with options being Michal Handzus Brad Winchester and Colin White. Dominic Moore’s broken nose was badly swollen yesterday but he’ll be able to go.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: According to Elliotte Friedman, Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allaire may resign and retire as an active goalie coach. Burke told the Star that he had not heard directly from Allaire regarding his retirement.
  • Rangers Carl Hagelin gets a 3 game suspension for his head hit on Senators Daniel Alfredsson.

  • Senators Matt Carkner gets a 1 game suspension for fighting Rangers Brian Boyle.

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Elliott day-to-day … Zibanejad to AHL … Rangers-Kreider talking … Brian Burke press conference

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Trades on April 10th, 2012

  • Sean Gentille of the Sporting News: Blues goalie Brian Elliott is now day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in practice. He should be available for Game 1. It increases the odds of Jaroslav Halak starting.
  • Katie Strang of ESPN: The Rangers and Chris Kreider are in contract discussions. It’s believed that Kreider will forego his senior year at Boston College and go pro. If he signs, the Rangers may send him to the AHL. ** Update: Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Rangers and Kreider have agreed on an entry level contract.
  • Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Raymond-Henrik-Burrows Lapierre-Kesler-Booth Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Bitz-Kassian.
  • Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers defensive pairs: Coburn-Grossmann, Carle-Timonen, Bourdon-Lilja. Kubina skating as the extra blueliner
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said they need to get bigger, and a top priority is goaltending. Scott MacArthur via twitter: Burke still believes in James Reimer, and basically shuts down on Jonas Gustavsson returning. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke said he won’t trade their first round draft pick for a goaltender. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke isn’t really interested in what’s available in free agency and will address team issues via trades. Center and goal are biggest needs.
  • Brian Burke full press conference

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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.

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Horton a “long shot” … 5 things Habs GM must do … Hurricanes to look at top UFAs … Time to break up Flames? Jets free agents

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2012

  • Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said it’s a “long shot” that forward Nathan Horton will be able to return for the playoffs.

    “If he were to be cleared at some point, he would need at least a couple of weeks to get back,” Chiarelli said during a 20-minute conference call Sunday. “He’s quite far off right now. I know he’s skating, but he’s having little bouts here and there of post-concussion symptoms. It’s a long shot. I’m not going to rule him out, yet, but it’s a long shot.”

    Tuukka Rask has been on the ice but is questionable for the Capitals series. Anton Khudobin would be the backup to Tim Thomas until Rask is ready.

  • Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette: Todd lists 5 things the Canadiens new GM has to do: “1. Persuade the organization to stop using the exhibition season as a cash cow. 2. Find someone who can coach the power play. 3. Throw the expensive deadwood overboard. 4. Four lines, not 1.5. 5. No sacred cow.”
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said they should bid to sign at least one high-priced free agent. There will also be some other personnel changes.

    “When you don’t make the playoffs, it’s an indication we’ve got work to do in the summer and some areas to get better at,” Muller said after the Canes closed the season with a 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. “I think with a few changes and a few tweaks here and there, we should be competing for the playoffs.”

  • Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: If MacFarlane were the Flames GM, he’d shop Jarome Iginla with a fairly high asking price, with an NHL ready prospect as part of the package. He’d also listen to offers for Miikka Kiprusoff, but would have to be blown away. Cap purposes would put Jay Bouwmeester on the trade block. He wouldn’t bring Olli Jokinen back as his price and term will likely be too high.
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets have 7 UFAs: Chris Mason, Randy Jones, Mark Flood, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood and Tim Stapleton. They have 4 RFAs in Ondrej Pavelec, Evander Kane, Spencer Machacek and Eric Fehr. Fehr is not expected to be brought back. Jones may not be back due to the depth on the blueline.

    “I don’t think there’s a whole lot to be nervous about,” said Kane. “It will be interesting to see what happens with the CBA and how things work themselves out. We’ll see what happens. I’m not 100% on how it works but that’s what I have my agents for and I think they’re the best at what they do. I’m sure they’ll be giving me a lot of information and it should be an interesting summer. We’ll see what the best situation is.”

  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Rangers prospect Chris Kreider is flying home from Tampa after their BC title win. There is no indication that he is on the verge of signing.

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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.”
  • 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.”

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Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
  • Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”

    “It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.

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Morning notes: Sedin, Hall, Horcoff, Sutton, Gagne, Parise, Harding, Spurgeon, Backstrom, Vokoun, Zuccarello and Keith suspension video

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 24th, 2012

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall has been off the ice for the last 2 days. He won’t play on Sunday. Captain Shawn Horcoff left last night’s game with a sore back. Defenseman Andy Sutton has a minor knee issue.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings Simon Gagne has been out since December 26th with a concussion, continues to skate but hasn’t practiced and won’t travel with the team on their 4 game road trip. If he’s not cleared for practice soon, the chances of him playing this year are not high. When asked if Gagne will play again this year, GM Dean Lombardi said “Doubt it.”
  • The Fouth Period: It’s believed the Wild will try to sign Zach Parise this offseason if he’s not re-signed by the Devils before July 1st. Goalie Josh Harding is expected to test the open market and is not likely back with the Wild. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Senators could take a look at Harding.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun skated yesterday for 30 minutes and took some shots.

    “Hopefully it stays the same and I can do a little bit more tomorrow,” Vokoun said after an extremely sparsely attending morning skate. “Then we’ll see, maybe shoot for some time next week.”

  • Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight.
  • Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended for 5 games for his elbow on Canucks Daniel Sedin.

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Keith waives in-person hearing … Tarasenko ready for NHL … Bettman ready for CBA talks … Howard back next week … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 23rd, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blackhawks Duncan Keith waived his right for the in-person hearing. Will do over the phone at 2 PM EST.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko’s Russian agent told SovSport that Tarasenko “is ready for the NHL…both physically and mentally.” … But Chesnokov wonders if he’ll come over.
  • AP in the Sporting News: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said they are ready to start CBA talks:

    “That’s something that we’re relying on the union for right now,” Bettman said of the timing on talks. “We’ve been ready to go for months but there’s a new executive director and he’s getting up to speed, meeting with his constituents and when the union’s ready, then we’ll start.”

    NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon from an email statement:

    “At our request, the NHL recently supplied the NHLPA with some initial financial information that we are currently reviewing,” Weatherdon said. “While we do not have a set date for formal negotiations to begin, we expect negotiations will begin when we have players available to participate in bargaining sessions.”

  • Rob Mixer via twitter: Cam Ward is the likely starter for the Hurricanes tonight against the Blue Jackets.

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More on Radulov … Helm out 4-6 weeks … Wild injury updates … Pitkanen close … Canucks lineup changes and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 19th, 2012

4:45 PM:

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov’s return to Nashville is conditioned on him returning to the KHL next year (from Medvedev via @plysenkov). He was allowed to buy out this year only with condition he’d be back. If not, he’d have to pay 2/3 of next years back. Radulov’s KHL salary for next year would be for around $5 million. KHL president Medvedev also implied that SKA will try to buy Radulov’s and Evgeni Kuznetsov’s rights. In response to my question to be clear, Chesnokov said that Radulov can re-sign with the Predators after the season, but has pay the 2/3rds back.

2:50 PM:

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:

    “We’ve been in contact with Jay Grossman, Alex’s agent, throughout process of trying to return Alex to NSH and NHL.”

    “Though the complicated process has yet to be concluded, every indication is Alex will be returning to NSH in near future.”

    No updates are expected until tomorrow until at the earliest.

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov wonders how Radulov was able to get out of his contract. He’s re-read the KHL rules and it looks impossible legally. Article 30 (7) – “No player can terminate contract from the start of playoffs until April 30.” Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun responds to Chesnokov that “no player under NHL contract is supposed to bolt to another league either.” Slava Malamud via twitter: Malamud notes that if KHL president Medvedev allowed Salavat to “skirt KHL rules,” may expect to see a favor back to SKA, possibly trading Radulov to SKA. One possibility could be the Radulov is traded to SKA, then signing Capitals prospect Evgeni Kuznetsov, with SKA promising not to go after Kuznetsov. Shawn Simpson via twitter: Simpson spoke with Val Kamesky. Radulov is heading to Nashville for this season, but must return to Ufa next year. Slava Malamud via twitter: Radulov return to the Predators won’t set a precedent as it’s a unique case in that he left before the KHL-NHL had an agreement with contract.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and is listed as day-to-day. Niklas Backstrom’s groin injury is almost back to normal. Center Matt Cullen is expected back in the lineup against the Canucks.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom did a few drills today at practice. It’s the most he’s done since his ankle injury.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac was on the ice this morning, but is not expected to play tonight.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik Dubinsky-Stepan-Callahan Zuccarello-Boyle-Mitchell Rupp-Fedotenko-Prust.
  • Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks forward Mason Raymond will be a healthy scratch. Alex Burrows will be back with the Sedin twins. Manny Malhotra is back in. Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks.

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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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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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

  • 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.
  • Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Ott-Benn-Burish. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour. vs. Sharks.

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