Posts Tagged New York Rangers
Not so fast on Smyth to Rangers … Kubina, Malone and Moore linked to teams … Kings interested in Kulemin and MacArthur … ‘Hawks to wait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2012
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: A source is saying that Ryan Smyth would consider waiving his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Rangers. Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Ryan Smyth said he hasn’t heard from the Rangers and may not be that interested in a short stay there.
“I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest,” he continued. “They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.”
“I’ve moved four times in the last five years,” he said. “I wanted to come back here for a reason?”
Ales Hemsky hasn’t talked contract with the Oilers, and wouldn’t mind staying, depending on the money.
“Of course I would like to stay, but it depends on the terms. I like the guys here, I like the city, the fans are great and I have lots of friends here. I’ve always been happy here so I’d like to stay.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: The next 5 games will likely determine if the Lightning will be a buyer or seller. Yzerman said many teams are in a feeling out pattern. Pavel Kubina has been linked to the Rangers and Flames. Ryan Malone has been mentioned with the Kings. The Penguins and Senators may have interest in Dominic Moore. Adam Hall and Marc-Andre Bergeron may be ready to return during this homestand.
- John MacKinnon of Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Andy Sutton as UFAs at seasons end. Sam Gagner could get some interest, but the Oilers may realize that he’s better suited in a 2nd line role.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN1050 radio that the Kings are interested in Maple Leafs Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will wait and see how the Brendan Morrison trade works out before making a move for another center, maybe Sam Gagner. Islanders Steve Staios and Mark Eaton could get some trade interest. The Islanders would rather sign P.A. Parenteau than trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA after the season, and signs are pointing to him hitting the open market. It’s possible the Panthers could move him, rather than lose him for nothing. Sources are saying he could be looking for something in the $4.5 million range.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: With Jimmy Howard’s hand injury, Burnside notes a Evgeni Nabokov deal makes sense.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks have dropped 5 straight, and GM Stan Bowman said there is no help coming. “I like our personnel. We’re trying to upgrade. It’s not like we’ve got guys playing that can’t play in the NHL. We certainly have guys that can improve on their level of play. But at the same time, we’re just trying to enhance our group as opposed to completely remake it.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Kyle Brodziak hasn’t had contract talks with the Wild yet. “As long as things make sense, why wouldn’t we want to sign Kyle Brodziak?” Fletcher said. “He’s been a good player for us, he fits in well, I think he’s enjoyed playing in Minnesota, and he’s had success here. We enjoy having him here, so hopefully we can make it work.”
NY Rangers have traded Erik Christensen and a 7th round pick to the Minnesota Wild for forward Casey Wellman.
Posted by Jeff Gilroy in NHL News on February 3rd, 2012
It appears as though the pick is a conditional 2013 7th Round Pick. Christensen is a UFA this summer, making 925k this season. Christensen was just coming off a 2 week conditioning stint in the AHL and the Rangers needed to move out a forward. NY newspapers were speculating that it would be Wolski, but the Wild stepped in and took Christensen.
Casey Wellman is an undrafted NCAA player, who was signed as a Free Agent in 2010. He has played well and scored in the AHL, but has yet to prove himself in the “L”.
A fringe prospect with an outside shot.
Afternoon notes involving: Parise, Moore, Visnovsky, Blake, Suter, Ruutu, Morrow, O’Reilly, Theodore, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Zach Parise said there have been no contract negotiations, but he still wants to stay in New Jersey.
- Craig Custance and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lightning Dominic Moore would be a nice addition to many playoff bound teams. If the Ducks can’t get back in the playoff race, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky could become available. Winger Jason Blake could also becomes available.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Suter knows the Predators will pay market value, though the sides haven’t talked serious numbers. Suter hasn’t signed as he’s waiting for them to show him that they’ll compete for the Stanley Cup this year, and in the future. It seems unlikely that David Poile would trade Suter. Tuomo Ruutu would be a good fit with the Predators. Poile may be looking for a long-term addition as well.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Responding to James Murphy’s question on where will the Blues trade goalie Ben Bishop: The Lightning, Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Devils, Hurricanes and Anaheim … teams that need goaltending or who have piece the Blues would want.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu has had no negotiations with the team. Ruutu on trade rumors: “I’ve heard rumors I’m going to every team in the NHL. … I hear that stuff but there’s nothing I can do.”
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars forward Brenden Morrow has been activated from the IR.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Coyotes have put Cal O’Reilly on re-entry waivers.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers coach Dineen says that Jose Theodore is still his starter but is not happy with his last 2 games.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Anisimov-Mitchell.
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla; Comeau-Jokinen-Cammalleri; Bouma-Jones-Stempniak; Kostopoulos-Stajan-Jackman.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Jaromir Jagr will be in the lineup tonight. Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers tonight against the Jets.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Martin Biron and the New York Rangers.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins.
State of the New York Rangers: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012
Here is the 3rd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Patrick Kearns of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @PatrickKearns
In an era of armchair video game General Managers, it’s hard not to pick through every trade rumor with a fine-toothed comb to improve your team’s “overall” rating by lobbying for any player you believe would be an upgrade. This of course does not take chemistry into consideration, and with the New York Rangers building towards contention, it may be best to leave the roster alone. At the all-star break the team sits atop the Eastern Conference in points, and has the highest winning percentage in the NHL.
When the New York Rangers’ CEO James Dolan appeared at the podium before reporters after a win against the Nashville Predators a short time ago, he explained that he and General Manager Glen Sather’s plan was finally coming to fruition.
“In 2004, things weren’t going so well,” Dolan explained hitting the nail on the obvious head. “We decided to re-do the strategy… It’s all about the system that [Glen Sather] built. It’s about the farm system, and the scouting system and development. It’s about going with the kids, and sticking with that philosophy.”
Needless to say, when the man signing the paychecks starts buying into the team philosophy, it seems like an awful idea to betray what has gotten the team this far.
Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
- Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
- Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames winger Curtis Glencross has an MCL injury and will be out at least 6 weeks.
Afternoon NHL rumors involving the Maple Leafs and Ducks (Bobby Ryan), Flames, Clowe, Oilers, Sabres, Rangers, Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 17th, 2012
- Anthony SanFilippo via twitter: There is no deal for the Maple Leafs today but there could be something in the works between them and the Ducks involving Bobby Ryan. Darren Dreger via twitter: In general, Dreger has been told that trade discussions with the Maple Leafs are currently very quiet.
- Brian Burke via twitter: “Speak with all 30 clubs as often as daily. Our top guy Dave Nonis shares this load. In quiet times, once every 10 days.”
- Dan Rosen via twitter: “Ownership’s intention is this player will finish his career with the Flames,” Feaster said. “There is no appetite to trade Jarome Iginla.”
- David Pollak via twitter: Trade rumors involving Sharks forward Ryane Clowe are bogus. Makes less sense with Martin Havlat injured.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Agent Pat Morris is meeting with Oilers GM Tambellini in Columbus regarding UFAs Ryan Smyth and Andy Sutton. Both are expected to be re-signed.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Time may be running out for the struggling Sabres. “There’s a growing notion that the continuity in Buffalo has made things a bit stale. The same GM. The same coach. The same core group of players.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Rangers don’t want to place Sean Avery back on re-entry waivers as they don’t want to have the $2 million cap hit if he gets claimed. Have to think the Rangers might do something with Wojtek Wolski and his $3.8 million cap hit. Teams ready to make a move now are: Maple Leafs, Sharks and the Blackhawks are hovering. The Ducks are one of the teams watching Leafs farmhand Korbinian Holzer closely. The Blackhawks have shown some interest in Blue Jackets Derick Brassard. The Coyotes say they won’t trade Shane Doan.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that if Ryan Malone and his $4.25 million cap hit (3 more years after this year) becomes available, the Leafs may be interested.
- What is Bobby Ryan Trade Value? Teams who could be interested are: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Kings, Flyers, Canadiens, Predators, Sharks and Capitals.
Afternoon rumors involving the Wild, Ducks, Canucks, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Rangers and Capitals
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 16th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are Wild center Mikko Koivu has a separated shoulder and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Mike Yeo called it an upper-body injury and that he’s listed as ‘week-to-week.’ GM Chuck Fletcher has been looking to make a trade before calling someone up. Goaltender Josh Harding maybe the only player who could bring back a top 6 forward. The Wild could look at Rangers Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets may have taken Derick Brassard off the market after Scott Arniel’s firing. Possible rentals for the Wild are: Ales Hemsky, Vinny Prospal, and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Kukla’s Korner via twitter: Doug MacLean said on Fan 590 that he’s heard talk on Ducks tough guy George Parros possibly being traded to Vancouver. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie says that the Canucks and Ducks have not had a single conversation regarding Parros.
- Bill Watters via twitter: If the Hurricanes are unable to sign Tim Gleason and Tuomu Ruutu to contract extensions, they could move them before the trade deadline. Watter’s thinks they could both bring back a minimum of a 1st round pick.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers could look at bringing back Vinny Prospal from the Blue Jackets if the asking price is reasonable. Brooks thinks the Rangers should also see what it would cost to get Dominic Moore from the Lightning.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Jeff Schultz has found himself a healthy scratch for 13 of their past 15 games.
“I just want to play, that’s what it comes down to,” Schultz said. “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I just want to play.”
Rumors involving the Devils, Wild, Canadiens, Leafs, Ducks, Flames, Preds, Sabres, Flyers … Injury notes on Koivu, Benn, Wheeler and Steen
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 16th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources have been saying that Devils Lou Lamoriello has been gauging what Zach Parise could fetch on the trade market. Moving Parise if they are in the playoff race will be difficult decision to make. The Wild will definitely be an interested team. Lou will want a top young player, a prospect and a 1st rounder in return for Parise. The Wild may have to wait until the offseason and try to sign him as a UFA. If the Canadiens fire GM Pierre Gauthier in the offseason, Lightning GM Julien Brisbois and Pierre McGuire could be options. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke appears to be targeting Ducks forward Bobby Ryan. It would likely cost the Leafs Joe Colborne or Nazem Kadri, a prospect and a 1st round pick. Jarome Iginla won’t be traded this season, but if they decide to move him in the offseason, the Capitals, Kings and Sharks could be interested. The Predators are doing all they can to re-sign defenseman Ryan Suter. If they don’t think they can re-sign him, he’d be a nice fit in Philly. The Hurricanes could start moving their UFAs at any moment. Should expect the Blue Jackets to make one big move before the end of the season, and Jeff Carter could be on his way out. The Leafs could be interested, but he’s under contract till 2021-22 with a $5.2 million cap hit. The Sabres might be offering up Derek Roy in hopes of getting bigger. The 5′ 9″ Roy carries a $4 million cap hit and has struggled this year. The Blackhawks may show some interest. Islanders winger P.A. Parenteau would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Despite GM Bob Murray saying that Saku Koivu and Teeme Selanne are untouchable, Selanne refused to confirm he’ll retire as a Duck:
“We still have time to go,” said Selanne, whose team will likely be all-but-eliminated from the playoff race before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. “We’ll see.”
Brian Burke on whether Flyers James van Riemsdyk concussion will affect trade talk: “No, never was serious.” The Panthers were trying to trade for Sean Avery before they signed John Madden, they are no longer interested. Several GMs think that Shane Doan will become available if the team will be leaving Phoenix. GM Don Maloney denies that he’ll trade Doan.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: If the Kings end up trading one of their defenseman, it would likely be Jack Johnson. He’s in the rumors as he’s a 24 year old Dman on a long term deal with a decent salary cap hit.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: The Leafs assigned Jake Gardiner to the minors, but from what Rimer has been told it might be a short stay as the Leafs could be making a deal in the next day or two.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are saying that Mikko Koivu’s left shoulder injury could keep him out of the lineup for a month. The Wild are already without 2nd liners Guillaume Latendresse and PM Bouchard.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars forward Jamie Benn underwent an appendectomy yesterday and will be out 10-14 days.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Blake Wheeler did not travel with the team to Ottawa yesterday after taking a shot to the throat on Saturday night. He stayed overnight at a hospital, and tests revealed no damage. He could be released to join the team sometime today or Tuesday.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues forward Alex Steen could return tonight from his concussion. He’s missed their last 8 games.
More on Flyers-Leafs … Roy could come up in discussions … Hemsky’s trade value … Iggy staying … Carter to IR … Lines and Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 13th, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): It has been reported that the Flyers and Leafs have talked. That James van Riemsdyk is a big bodied forward that the Leafs are interested. JVR would be easier to get than a Ryan Getzlaf. There have been no offers made by either side, and Luke Schenn “most definitely hasn’t been offered.” If and when the likes of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber aren’t made available, the Flyers may go back to the Leafs. “Toronto, without question would include Schenn in a trade if JVR is the return.” Dreger thinks the Sabres could move Derek Roy, or at least will be in talks with other clubs about him. A Ryan Miller trade is not likely to happen ‘in-season’ if they are considering it at all. The Senators won’t alter their long-term plans, but if they are able to add a forward, probably a top 9, Murray might make a move. Oilers Ales Hemsky’s trade value will depend on how he plays from now until the trade deadline. The Oilers will want a young player for Hemsky and possibly a draft pick depending on the player.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Don’t be surprised if Burke meets with Schenn today. If deal doesn’t go down soon, I expect Burke will tell Luke its not happening.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster: “That’s correct. Iggy is going nowhere and we are going for it.”
- Capgeek via twitter: Once all Flames become healthy, it’s estimated they’ll need to clear $2.5 million in cap space.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby received clearance to begin skating earlier this week.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance names some top candidates who could be GMs soon: Julien BriseBois (TB), Paul Fenton (NASH), Ron Hextall (LA), Jeff Gordon (NYR) and Jim Nill (DET)
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Wild have put Colton Gillies on waivers. The Red Wings have put Chris Minard on waivers. Coyotes Cal O’Reilly clears waivers.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: The Blue Jackets have put Jeff Carter on the IR.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore will likely be back on Monday against the Bruins.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers confirm that Brandon Dubinsky will be a game-time decision.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Wolski-Stepan-Gaborik, Prust-Richards-Callahan, Hagelin-Boyle-Mitchell, Rupp-Anisimov-Fedotenko.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Johansson-Semin, Knuble-Laich-Brouwer, Hendricks-Halpern-Ward, Chimera-Eakin-Beagle.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Leafs defensive pairings: Aulie-Phaneuf, Gunnarsson-Schenn, Komisarek-Franson.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will face Ryan Miller tonight. Sabres center Derek Roy is back in the lineup. No lineup changes for the Leafs.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Capitals. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net tonight for the Capitals.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Carey Price will start in net for the Canadiens against the Senators.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net for the Blues against the Wild.
- Mark Spector via twitter: It will be Nikolai Khabibulin against Jonas Hiller tonight.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Curtis Sanford will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight.
NHL Rumors involving the Bruins, Devils, Wild, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canucks, Panthers, Sharks, Penguins and Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
* Bruins are moving cautiously towards the trade deadline as GM Chiarelli doesn’t want to mess with their chemistry.“Obviously we have a lot of cap room, so there’s a lot of flexibility,” Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN.com Thursday. “I would like to add depth-wise on the forward front and depth-wise on the defenseman front. But I don’t want to subtract anything.”
LeBrun thinks that Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu and/or defenseman Tim Gleason could be options.
* There is a growing feeling around the league that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello won’t trade Zach Parise at the deadline if he’s not signed by then. His rights could be moved before the free agency starts if a deal can’t be reached.
“He can’t trade away his captain, the face of the franchise, with the team sitting in a playoff spot,” one source told ESPN.com Thursday.
* The Minnesota Wild have been looking to upgrade their offense for months but their aren’t going to deplete their prospects to do so. LeBrun thinks they may move a B-level prospect, a pick or a player off their roster to get a top 6. Possibly for a guy like Vinny Prospal in Columbus.
* LeBrun confirms that the Flyers and Maple Leafs have talked over the last week. The Leafs like James van Riemsdyk and the Flyers are looking for a Dman. Ryan Suter is at the top of the Flyers wish list and have shown interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason.
* The Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward and/or a power play defenseman. They are keeping an eye on the Ryan Suter-Shea Weber-Nashville Predators situation.
* The Red Wings will be working the phones over the next 6-7 weeks. They have some interest in Ales Hemsky, and may be looking for a backup goalie upgrade.
* The Canucks are looking for size upfront, likely for the bottom 6. Cory Schneider is more likely to be dealt in the offseason than at the deadline.
* The Panthers want to get healthy before they decide what they want to do heading towards the trade deadline.
“We don’t know yet, hopefully we’ll have everybody back in the lineup in the next couple of week and then we’ll see what we have,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com Thursday. “And then we’ll see where we’re at as well. There’s no rush here.”
* The Sharks could use a 3rd line forward and have been shopping Antero Niittymaki.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Despite the recent Penguins struggles, they don’t have anything cooking on the trade front. GM Ryan Shero has a tendency to let the market develop before moving on a deal. They are currently out of the playoffs, but they are not panicking. They don’t have a big deal in the works and any move is weeks away.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Shero shot down the notion about shelving Sidney Crosby and possibly Kris Letang for the season, and use the cap relief on a big trade or 2.
“I have to have it in my mind about what we might have coming back,” Shero said. “Those guys are worth waiting for.”
There is still no timetable on Crosby and Letang’s return.
“We never even once discussed that,” Shero said of putting Crosby on long-term injured reserve to let him continue to heal for several months and finding a replacement or two through trades.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Trade speculation out of Philadelphia has them interested in Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn.
“It doesn’t really mean much,” Schenn, 21, said. “They’re just rumours and I’m happy being here in Toronto. In the 3½ years that I’ve been here there has been a few rumours about trades that were going to happen. They come up every year somehow.”
It’s no secret the Leafs GM Brian Burke likes James van Riemsdyk. JVR signed a 6 year extension with a $4.25 million cap hit in the offseason. Schenn signed a 5 year deal with a $3.5 million cap hit just before the season started.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Sabres owner Terry Pegula points out the injuries that have hit the team:
“What everybody is missing is that I’ve been carrying around 167 man games,” he said by telephone Thursday evening. “Forget about the season. I’m talking about the last 25 games. We’ve had 18 players go down. It’s like a merry-go-round every night. You look on the ice and what are your defensive pairs tonight? Hell, who knows? Who’s healthy?
“I think what’s important is the number of guys. You can have 167 man games with four, five, six guys out for a long period. Eighteen? Cut me a break. I told Darcy Regier one time, ‘If I was you, I would be afraid to get on the plane.’ “
The Sabres sit 11th in the East with a 18-19-5 record heading into tonight. Many players have struggled. Robyn Regher is -12. Brad Boyes has been injured and hasn’t produced when healthy. Ryan Miller is having the worst season of his career. Derek Roy is 115th in scoring. The Sabres could keep everyone together, make some trade to upgrade the roster which may not be easy, or trade players who they don’t see there long term.
“My attitude now is, ‘Let’s put Humpty [Dumpty] back together again,’ ” Pegula said. “I want our players to know that I thought we had a pretty good hockey team until all this happened. Let’s paste it back together and start a new season.”
No truth to Doan rumors … Possible Sens targets … Wild looking for scoring … Karlsson back … Dubinsky GTD … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Maloney said there is “no truth whatsoever” to the Shane Doan trade rumors.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 5 forwards who might be of interest to the Senators: Ales Hemsky, Tuomo Ruutu, Jordin Tootoo, Olli Jokinen, and Frans Nielsen.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher on acquiring some offensive help:
“We have a lot of cap space. That’s fortunate,” he said. “If we can add some skill … and it’s not a crazy short-term deal where you’re giving up a lot of assets for a rental, then I think we’ll look at anything at this point.”
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter won’t play in the their next 2 games. His separated shoulder will be re-examined tomorrow.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Coyotes have put Cal O’Reilly on waivers. Steve MacIntyre (PIT) clears waivers.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach MacLean confirms that Erik Karlsson will be back in the lineup. Matt Carkner will be a healthy scratch.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Muller wants forward Jeff Skinner to have a few more practices before he returns to the lineup, possibly on the weekend.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers coach Tortorella said yesterday that forward Brandon Dubinsky will be a game-time decision.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres lines: Vanek-Hecht-Pominville; Gerbe-Roy-Stafford; Adam-Boyes-Leino; Ellis-Gaustad-Kaleta/McCormick.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Leafs lines: Lupul-Connolly-Kessel, Crabb-Grabovski-Kulemin, MacArthur-Lombardi-Kadri, Boyce-Steckel-Crabb (Rosehill)
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins against the Canadiens.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start in net for the Flyers.
- Brian Compton via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Expect Henrik Lundqvist to start in net for the Rangers tonight.
Burke audio – Hopes to make a deal … A team wants Rangers to put Avery on re-entry … Crosby to skate … Mueller, Steen to return … Gionta tears bicep
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2012
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said he’s looking to make a trade in hopes of boosting the clubs playoff run.
“We’re a little small up front and we don’t have much playoff experience,” he noted. “If the playoffs started tomorrow, I would still like our chances. (But) we are looking to add and get better now.”
“I’m a January guy,” he reminded “I set my price and try and let my team play through the deadine (without worrying about trades). The math doesn’t work at the deadline when 24 teams are buying. There can only be one (Stanley Cup) parade.”
The cost to acquire a big center or winger could be 1 or more young assets or a 1st or 2nd rounder this year.
- Brian Burke audio on the Fan 590 with Bob McCown.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Sean Avery is sitting in the AHL despite a team asking the Rangers to put him on re-entry waivers. GM Glen Sather rejected the request, and are trying to make a minor-league trade in which they take on additional money. The team acquiring Avery would then be responsible for putting him on re-entry waives and risk another team claiming him, therefore taking on the ‘dead cap space’ if claimed. If claimed on re-entry waivers, Avery would carry a $445,000 cap hit for each team.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will skate this week. Crosby last practiced on Dec. 7th.
“He will be skating during this trip,” Bylsma said. “He also will, at some point in time, address the media. That will happen in the next few days. It isn’t a set plan, but it will happen.”
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche have activated forward Peter Mueller off the IR, and he could be in the lineup tonight against the Predators. Mueller has been battling concussions and head issues for 3 seasons with the Avs. The Avs have put defenseman Shane O’Brien on the IR.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen could return to the lineup tonight after missing the last 6 games with a concussion. Steen passed his baseline test yesterday and plans to see how he feels at their morning skate.
- Louis Jean via twitter: Canadiens Brian Gionta could be done for the season with a bicep tear.
- Tony Marinaro via twitter: Canadiens defenseman continues his rehab and barring any setback is set to return in early February.


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