Posts Tagged NHL Draft
Sunday notes on Flames, Leafs, Canucks, Blake, Doughty, Connolly, Mueller, Hemsky and McDonald
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 16th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 league sources are saying that the Flames GM Jay Feaster is desperately trying to move contracts off their books. The Flames may be shopping Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and David Moss, but it may be tough finding someone wanting those contract. Stajan has 3 years left on his 4 year, $14 million deal. Ollie Jokinen, Hagman and Moss could be deadline rentals. Despite having the 5th highest payroll, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat. A league executive, “There’s actually a lot of teams talking for this time of year. I don’t think you’re going to see anything shake down until the end of the month.” Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is checking out interest in Carl Gunnarson and Tyler Bozak. The Leafs would like to make room for defenseman Keith Aulie and they don’t plan on sending Jake Gardiner to the minors. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been working the phones looking to move a defenseman, possibly Keith Ballard, and not goalie. One league executive hasn’t heard Kyle Turris’ name mentioned in trade talks.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks winger Jason Blake could be out 3 months after suffering a lacerated tendon just above his wrist. He will have surgery on Monday.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will be out 7 to 10 days with an upper-body injury. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said it didn’t involve Doughty’s head.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning will have to decide soon if they want to burn a contract year with 2010 1st round pick Brentt Connolly. Connolly has played in 5 games so far, they play their 10th game on Oct. 27th.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson would like to see the NHL entry draft switch the drafting age from 18 to 19, “For the most part, 18- and 19-year-old players are not close to being ready for the NHL. If the draft goes back a year, it slows down the process at every level. Right now, everyone is on a treadmill to get there.” Only 6% of 18 year olds play in the NHL the year they are draft.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller is listed as day-to-day and is skating, but the Avs have contected a concussion expert who has dealt with Mueller in the past.
- John Shannon via twitter: Oilers Ales Hemsky will be out 3 to 4 weeks with a strained shoulder.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: The Blues will update Andy McDonald’s status on Monday. Andy Strickland via twitter: Initially prognosis doesn’t look great and Stickland wouldn’t be shocked if he’s put on the IR.
NHL Draft and Trade rumors involving the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini is looking for someone “special” at the draft, and that could be Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. They could also be looking to move their 19th and 31st pick.
“We have a couple of years to build and if we can get players to fill our needs, that’s what we want. If a player Stu (head scout MacGregor) feels passionately about is there earlier (than No. 19), we’ll be aggressive to get him.”
Tambellini on the Ryan Smyth situation,
“He’s a good person, but that’s Ryan’s business and (Kings GM) Dean Lombardi’s business. I respect that.” They wouldn’t give up much for him.
Tambellini on Ales Hemsky,
“I knows he’s going into the last year of his contract and I’m not worried. I don’t think Ales is worried, either. I think for the first time he feels he’s going to start a season really strong, with both shoulders good. He’s going to come back in early July (from the Czech Republic) and might take a couple of twirls at our prospects camp.”
Robert Tychkowski Edmonton Sun: Unless someone if offering a young, proven franchise player, Edmonton’s 1st overall pick isn’t for sale. Tambellini,
“You really need to present something that is a no-brainer for the organization.”
“Managers will say, ‘What are you looking for?’ I normally say, ‘That’s for you to tell me. Show me something that makes it worthwhile to bring to my organization to consider.’ “
- Terry Jones via twitter: It doesn’t sound like the Oilers have much interest in moving Ales Hemsky or any of their top young kids. Also looking like they will pick 19th.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators Will be looking for a 2nd line center. GM Murray could get one through trade or by free agency. Free agents possibilities (with injury risks and in the $3.5-4.5 million range) are Jason Arnott, Michal Handzus, Vinny Prospal and Tim Connolly. One problem for going the trade route is that teams that have good ones don’t want to move them. If they go the draft route, Jonathan Huberdeau, Sean Couturier, Ryan Strome and Mika Zibanejad are candidates. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be gone, and the same goes for Huberdeau.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson continues to work on moving the 8th overall pick to acquire an established player. There has been an “exchange of ideas”, with a few “available” players surfacing. He’s willing to listen to offers regarding anyone but Rick Nash.
“I’ve had a few surprise calls, players who might be available,” he said. “It’s not been specifically about the pick, but just, ‘Here’s what I’m thinking about doing’, and, ‘Here’s who might be available.’
“There’s a lot going on, more than normal. Teams realize we’re more open to trading a top-10 pick than we’ve been in the past for immediate help. That has generated some interest.”
The Blue Jackets are looking for in this order, a skilled Dman or 2, a top-six center, and a backup goaltender. Finding a center they deem worthy of a top 6 may be difficult,
“There’s a scarcity of centers available by trade, too, at least the kind that we would want,” Howson said. “I don’t think that changes what we’ll be thinking about when we get to the draft.
“Those are two areas of need. If something comes our way in one of those areas, we won’t question it. We’ll make the move as long as it makes sense to us and we’re excited about it.”
The Jackets are interested in Jeff Carter, but the Flyers may not want to trade him. Avalanche’s Paul Stastny and Senators Jason Spezza could be available if their organizations decide to shake things up. To get any of those players they would likely have to give up the 8th overall pick, a top 6 like Jake Voracek, and perhaps a prospect like Nikita Filatov or dman John Moore. Brent Burns could be being dangled by the Wild, but it would take more than the 8th pick to get him. Other Dmen that could be available are Mike Green, Jay Bouwmeester, John-Michael Liles, Johnny Oduya, Tom Gilbert and Keith Ballard.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: Brian Burke on his pre-draft strategy,
“We’ve made overtures to all the teams that have picks in the range that we’d like to get to. No takers yet. We would move those picks for players that help us now, as well. So we’re really looking at lots of different scenarios. This will sound funny to people because the draft is Friday night, but it’s still early. In our time, when you can make a deal in an hour or two, it’s still early. But right now, I got nothing. Lots of lines in the water, no bites.”
Burke on teams coming to him,
“Yeah. Yeah, we’ve made it clear to teams that, if we do keep the picks and get to our pick, that we’d trade down, too, if there’s not the exact fit we want. We’re working both sides of that fence.”
Burke on the Leafs RFAs and UFAs,
“We’ve budgeted a cap figure for all the guys that we intend to sign. We’ll come in at that range, and that allows us to plan for what else we do. There’s a possibility with an RFA that you get an offer sheet on a guy, but I don’t think that’s a realistic threat with any of our guys. And certainly, with our financial wherewithal, we’re prepared for something like that. But our intention is to sign these guys. There’s no urgency on any of these guys. No one’s hammering us to get a deal done. I think the strategy for a lot of agents is to wait and see if other guys sign, to see if it helps their position … the guy that you guys ask about the most is Clarke MacArthur. He’s got arbitration rights. And if Clarke MacArthur files for arbitration, then we’re going to arbitration. That’s in the CBA, that’s his right, and I’m certainly prepared for that, if that’s the way it goes. I don’t anticipate any surprises or any difficulty that we haven’t foreseen.”
Burke on draft day trades,
“I know there’s a lot of phone activity, a lot of radio chatter, but I can’t tell you if there’s going to be a lot of activity. If you’re picking, say, at 25 like we are, there’s a good chance you can get the same player at 25 that you’re going to get at 15. So the incentive is, ‘can you move up?’ Yeah. Would you pay a ransom to move up? No, I don’t think so. I can’t read it yet, on how much activity there’s going to be. Based on what we’ve got going, I’d say we’re not going to trade up. We’re either going to trade those picks for players, or we’re going to keep them.”
Richards has no intention of waiving NTC despite Leafs rumors … Stars offered Richards 3 and 4 year deals … Caps could shop Varlamov … Alfie to have surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 7th, 2011
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: “The Stars have not asked Brad to waive his no-trade clause, and at this point in time, he has no intention of doing so,” agent Pat Morris told the Daily News when told of a source saying the Maple Leafs could make a deal with the Stars. “We’re still pointing toward July 1.” According to the source, “It’s legit” and “Toronto is desperate for a star like this.” The source added that the Maple Leafs felt close enough to a deal, that they have other deals in place to clear up some cap space. Richards has a no trade clause and his agent sees no reason to do a deal without letting other teams bid for his services. Morris said they could possibly consider a deal, but hadn’t heard of any trade that Nieuwendyk was working on.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: According to a source, Richards received offers from the Stars at the trade deadline of either Joe Thornton’s or Patrick Marleau’s contract. Thornton received a 3 year deal worth $21 million, a $7 million cap hit. Marleau received a 4 year contract worth $27.6 million, a $6.9 million cap hit. Tom Gaglardi’s offer to buy the Stars could be finished by the end of the week. All sides would then have to have “pre-packaged bankruptcy hearing,” which could take 30 days or longer to complete.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Nieuwendyk doesn’t have the Stars budget for next season yet, but expects it to be higher than the $47 million from last season. They currently have 17 players under contract for approximately $38 million.
“I think our first hurdle is to find out what our budget will be, and we should know that soon,” Nieuwendyk said. “But by [the lenders] giving us the ability to go out and sign Brad, it says that our payroll will be higher, so we’ll have some money to play with.
“We’re looking at free agency, we have our list and the guys initially we want to target. There’s money to be spent and players to go get.”
The Stars could use a scoring winger or two, and a top defenseman.
“I think we need a top-six forward,” Nieuwendyk said. “Maybe we get there through trade, too. I think the opportunity through trade is probably a more likely scenario than overpaying through free agency.”
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets need to send a message to fans, and make a move to improve the team. GM Scott Howson is dangling the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft for immediate help. They need to make a bold move to acquire top line forward or defenseman. Will he find a center for Rick Nash? Does he include Jake Voracek in a deal?
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Semyon Varlamov is a RFA and the Capitals could use his upside as part of a trade this season. The Caps have 2 other young goalies in Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby. Varlamov could be number 1 goalie in the NHL, but he has had injury issues in the past. He’s said he’d like to stay in Washington, his agent has said that KHL teams are interested.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Reports are saying that Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson will have back surgery, recovery time is said to be 4 to 6 weeks. Alfredsson appeared in only 54 games this past season as he was bothered by back issues. The Sens are “99% certain” that they will keep the 6th overall pick in the draft. They will likely pick one of Sean Couturier, Ryan Strome, Mika Zibanejad, Gabriel Landeskog, Jonathan Huberdeau or possibly Dougie Hamilton.
Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Calgary Flames may also be interested in trading for Marc Savard. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be looking at free agents Dan Hamhuis and Zbynek Michalek, possibly exploring a trade for Jeff Carter before they move on to Marc Savard. Michalek may be more interested in heading to Ottawa to play with his brother. The Flames will buy out Alex Kotalik, and will cost them $1 million against the cap the for the next 4 years. If the Leafs were to deal for Savard, it probably wouldn’t happen until next week. The Leafs did not qualify John Mitchell.
- TSN: Brian Burke was on the Fan 590 radio station yesterday. Fan 590 Audio. The Leafs have some trade options but none involve Marc Savard. They have 4 offers for Kaberle but one is “a joke”. They are not going to trade him for the best offer, but one that gives them what they need, a top 6 forward.
- Damien Cox via Twitter: “So funny there are actual news stories saying the Leafs aren’t talking to Boston about Marc Savard. Seriously folks? Cmon.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have place Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out. Cheechoo would then be a salary cap hit of $1.165 million over the next 2 seasons. The Sens are still negotiating with Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen. They would also like to add a forward and a Dman. Shean Donovan may end up going to Europe.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dan Hamhuis spoke directly but numbers weren’t discussed. Shero discussed why he’d be a good fit, what they have, and why they’d like to have him. He told Hamhuis that “if over the next day or so he wants to move forward with that – well, let’s talk.” Shero has the option of signing him to a long term deal. Gonchar is looking for a 3 year deal at no leass than $5 million.
- William DePaoli (InsidePittsburghSports.com) via Twitter: Colby Armstrong agent, Don Meehan, expects a stong market for his client, and is seeking a 4 year deal from a ‘hockey market’.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN (Insider registration): Joyce runs through this years draft class and when they may be in the NHL.
This year: Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Erik Gudbranson, Nino Niederreither, Mikael Granlund.
Second rounders that could make it this year: John McFarland, Alexander Petrovic, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
Maybe this year: Brett Connolly, Jeff Skinner
Next year: Ryan Johansen, Alexander Burmistrov, Cam Fowler, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Dylan McIlrath
2012-13: Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarsenk, Joey Hishon, Beau Bennett, Quinton Howden, Austin Watson,
2013 and beyond: Jack Campbell, Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Jarred Tinordi, Mark Pysyk, Kevin Hayes, Mark Visentin, Charlie Coyle, Emerson Etem, and Brock Nelson.
NHL Trade Rumors keep on coming
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2010
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks have made an offer to restricted free agent Bobby Ryan. The offer is for 5-years in the $20-25 million range according to GM Bob Murray. Murray also said that if Ryan were to get an offer sheet, they’d match as they have plenty of cap space (what else is he going to say?). The Ducks are looking for a puck moving defenseman, and Murray offered this regarding the Leafs-Ducks rumors involving Ryan and Kaberle, “Why would I give up a young guy for someone with one year left on their contract?” At the moment they’ll be holding on to their 12th pick, but the 29th pick is available and getting inquiries. Murray will meet with James Wisniewski’s next week in Chicago.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Tim Thomas still has a no trade clause which may make trading a little more difficult. Free agent goalies that will make less than Thomas next year (and you wouldn’t have to give anything up): Evgeni Nabokov, Marty Turco, Dan Ellis, Chris Mason and Martin Biron. Jonathan Quick isn’t going anywhere according to Dean Lombardi. The Flyers met with Michael Leighton’s agent yesterday. Marty Turco could end up in San Jose if he’s willing to take a pay cut. One rumor making the rounds yesterday was Mike Ribeiro to St. Louis, but was called ‘unlikely’ by a St. Louis front office source. A Maple Leaf front office source said Thursday afternoon that “things were heading up”.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Flyers are looking for an upgrade over Michael Leighton, but will need to shed some salary to do so. The Flyers don’t want to move Jeff Carter, but they may have too. The Kings could use a center and move Jonathan Bernier. James Wisniewski and the Ducks are far apart, and might be shopping his rights around to see what they can get for him, they’d like a Dman in return. The Panthers have inquired about Kris Versteeg. The Blackhawks want a #1 and prospect in return. The Canucks have offered the Blackhawks a prospect and the 25th pick for Versteeg. The Dallas Stars have been targeting Tomas Kaberle and Keith Ballard. The Nashville Predators are trying to trade the rights to Denis Grebeshkov.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers have been contacted by the Boston Bruins if they’d be interested in Marc Savard. Savard has a $4 million cap hit through 2016-17, which might be too much for Rangers. Brooks mentions 10th overall pick in the same paragraph, but he doesn’t say that is what the Bruins wanted in return. The Rangers talked to Nashville about Jason Arnott before he was traded to New Jersey. The Rangers will be keeping an eye on the Dallas Stars-Brad Richards situation, Richards is in the last year of his contract and has a cap hit of $7.8 million. The Rangers could look Vladimir Tarasenko, Jeff Skinner, Emerson Etem, and Nino Niederreiter with the 10th overall pick tonight.
Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: As of Thursday night, interest in Kaberle has hit ‘double-digits’.
Tim Panaccio via Twitter: The Flyers and Bruins have talked about Tim Thomas, but the Flyers would have to clear $5 million in cap space.
Wave 1 of NHL Trade Rumors on Draft day
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 25th, 2010
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers are trying to acquire another 1st round pick. They have 2 second round picks, #31 and #48, as well as some players that they could include. The Panthers, Ducks, Blackhawks and Coyotes have 2 first round picks. Sheldon Souray to the Sharks is possible as they could be looking to replace Rob Blake. The Oilers might have to take back Kent Huskins ($1.9 million – one year) and forward Torrey Mitchell ($3.1 million – two years) in a deal.
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: There isn’t a whole lot going on regarding Jason Spezza, and Senators fans better get ready for another season with him as your #1 center. Response for Spezza has been luke warm.
Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli continues to shop Tim Thomas and Marc Savard. There is plently of trade talk going on, especially for forwards as the free agent market is so thin.
Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Kris Versteeg is still drawing interest around the league. The Blackhawks may look at moving his $3 million plus salary cap number. The ‘Hawks already have 11 draft picks, 5 in the first 2 rounds, and could end up with more when it’s all said and done.
Rumors centered around the NHL Draft
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 22nd, 2010
There are plenty of entries of rumors this morning, so we’ve broken them down in to 3 separate entries.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has had talks with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, not about moving up, but sending an asset to the Oilers not to take the player they want. It has been rumored the Bruins target winger Taylor Hall. The Bruins won’t be trading the #2 pick and will select Tyler Seguin if a trade can’t be worked out with the Oilers, and the Oilers select Hall. The Bruins also hold the #15, #32, and #45 and may consider moving up or down in the draft.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Continuing on with the top 2 picks and a possible trade. The Bruins may have the #15 pick, RFA winger Blake Wheeler, or Mikko Lehtonen (prospect) in play. Chiarelli told Boston reports that they haven’t had moved forward with “that type of discussion”. Edmonton won’t know who’ll they take until they sit down one more time with their scouts.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: One top draft pick whose stock could be all over the lottery range is Brett Connolly. Arguably the 3rd best forward behind Hall and Seguin, could be drafted in the top 5, or fall down to 15th. Connolly played for the woeful Prince George Raiders of the WHL, but was limited to only 16 games. On 4 different occasions he was forced out of the lineup with hip flexors, at first to the right side, then to the left. All teams have been given his medical reports, and spoke to him about injuries at the scouting combine. MyNHLdraft.com has him going at #5 to the NY Islanders. I don’t see him dropping any further than 10th to the Rangers and I think he’ll be gone before then. Isles at #5, Tampa at #6, Atlanta at #8, and Minnesota at #9 are strong candidates to draft him.
- Mike Russo of the Star Tribune: Draft options for the Minnesota Wild at #9. LWer Brett Connolly. C/RW Jeff Skinner, RW Nino Niederreiter, C Ryan Johansen, C Alex Burmistrov, C Mikael Granlund.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: With the stock piling of defenseman in the past couple years with their top picks, look for the St. Louis Blues to move in a different direction with their 14th overall pick.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators (drafting 16th) are in a similar situation to the St. Louis Blues, depth on the blueline when it comes to prospects/young players. They aren’t against moving up to get a top propect unless it’s reasonable, but without a 2nd round pick it may be difficult. The Sens may also consider moving back in the draft, picking up some extra picks.
- Jon Lu of TSN (video): The Canadiens may focus on center’s that have size. John MacFarland or Riley Sheahan could be possibilities.
Maple Leafs interested in Hamhuis? Kovalchuk update, well sort of …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins continue to shop Tim Thomas around in hope of freeing up some cash before July 1st. The Blues had shown some interest before they acquired Halak. Other teams that could be looking for a starting goalie are Philadelphia, Washington, San Jose and Tampa. Thomas is 36-years old with 3-years left at a $5 million cap hit. The Lightning made a run at Carey Price, but the Canadiens had already decided to keep him. The Capitals are rumored to be shopping Alexander Semin around the league, looking for 2 top prospects and a pick. The Florida Panthers are shopping Nathan Horton, Rostislav Olesz, Radek Dvorak, and Keith Ballard.
- Tom Gulitti of The Record: Gulitti runs through the Ilya Kovalchuk free agent situation. Kovalchuk won’t be signing with the KHL or the New Jersey Devils before the July 1st free agent date. The Devil’s and Kovalchuk continue to talk. There is still a possibility of signing with the Devils on July 1st. His opinion of the organization has increased over time. He wants to play for a winning team, and his first choice is to stay in the NHL, with the KHL as a fall back.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: It’s been well documented that the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of many teams interested in Patrick Sharp and Nathan Horton, but Cox throws out the name Dan Hamhuis. Dan Hamhuis is a UFA, Sharp and Horton would would have to be acquired through trade. What the team does with Tomas Kaberle would influence any of the above move(s).
- Tim Panaccio of CSN: The Flyers had interest in trading for Carey Price before the Canadiens shipped Halak off to St. Louis. TSN reported that the Flyers, Lightning and San Jose were interested in Halak, though Flyers GM Paul Holmgren denied it. The Flyers are uncertain if Michael Leighton could be their #1 goalie next year.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: According to James Wisniewski’s agent, they are not in talks with Anaheim, and there is the possibility that the RFA is dealt. Wisniewski is coming off a 1-year deal at $2.75 million. He had 30 points last season in 69 games, and was in the top-20 in ice time (24.:20).
- Mike Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Minnesota Wild could be open to trading the 9th overall pick in this year’s NHL draft, but it would have to be for a young player that could give them 8-10 years of solid production. The Wild have varying degrees of interest for centers Patrick Sharp, Jeff Carter, and Stephen Weiss.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: After not having much success with the Penguins after he was acquired at the trade deadline for Luca Caputi, Alexei Ponikarovsky most likely won’t be re-signed. Jay McKee probably won’t be back either. The Pens are still considering bringing back Sergei Gonchar, Jordan Leopold, Mark Eaton, Matt Cooke and Bill Guerin.
- Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: The 34-year old Chris Mason was asking the St. Louis Blues for 3 years, $11.25 million.
- Helene Elliot of the LA Times: Former coach of Flyers, John Stevens, has been offered an assistant coach position from the LA Kings.
Blue Jackets get their coach? Bertuzzi going to the open market? NY Rangers plan moving forward
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2010
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Sheldon Souray has 2-years at $5.4 million a season left on his contract, and their aren’t many teams interested. The San Jose Sharks may come calling to replace Rob Blake and add some much needed scoring from the blueline. The Sharks could offer Kent Huskins and Torrey Mitchell. There would be cap difference, so what they do about Marleau and Nabokov would come into play. Would the Oilers give up the 31st overall pick for Kris Versteeg? They would move comfortable with their 45th pick. The Oilers are interested in signing John Scott, a 6-8 defenseman from the Wild organization. “Would the Sabres take Kaberle and give up Derek Roy or Jason Pominville? Probably. Would the Sharks take him for Devin Setoguchi? You bet. Would the Blue Jackets for Jake Voracek. For sure. How about Dallas for Loui Eriksson or Jamie Benn? Try the Bruins for centre David Krejci?” They are not really Brian Burke type placers, but have an offensive upside the Leafs need.
- Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch: It’s rumored that the Columbus Blue Jackets have offered Guy Boucher the head coaching position. It would be viewed as a slightly risky move as Boucher has only one year of professional coaching experience. The 38-year old coached the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs this past season, after coaching 3 season in the QMJHL.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: After signing Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings now have $52.3 million tied up in 17 players for next season. Ken Holland would like re-sign Todd Bertuzzi, but his available funds is small. He could offer the same $1.5 million Bertuzzi made last season (possibly less), but Bertuzzi should be able to get more on the open market.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers plan on improving their team by staying with their organization, letting the young players a chance to develop. From Glen Sather “This has been a long process, and it’s ongoing, but as we go into this summer, our plan is to keep our own players. I can tell you one thing — we are certainly not going to overpay for free agents. If we can improve with a signing that makes sense, we’ll look into it, but we want to give our guys the first shot.” Donald Brashere is done with the team, but has 1 year left at $1.4 million. They will continue to try and trade him. The Rangers have about $12 million in cap space to sign Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. They also have free agents, Jody Shelly, Vinnie Prospal, Erik Christensen, Brandon Prust, P.A. Parenteau, and need a backup goalie and 7th defenseman. They could clear a lot of cap space by putting Wade Redden on waivers and sending him to the minors.
- Luke Decock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Could the Hurricanes look to move up from he #7 spot to one of the top-2 draft spots? They have 11 picks in this years NHL draft. The Bruins are tight financially (cap wise) and could to shed some cap space. The ‘Canes could send a 2nd round pick or two, and a lower priced player (Chad LaRose) to move up. The Hurricanes could look to drafting a defenseman, regardless of where they are picking. The team on a whole hasn’t had much luck drafting out recently unless it’s from the OHL or WHL.
Markov has Torn ACL … Jordan Staal Skating … NHL Draft rumors involving the Islanders
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 5th, 2010
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: It was leaked the Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andre Markov has a torn ACL. Markov suffered the injury in Game 1 last Friday after taking a hit from Matt Cooke. Markov missed 37 games this season, the Canadiens were 14-20-3 without him, 25-13-7 with him in the lineup.
- Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Four days after having surgery to fix a severed tendon on his foot, Jordan Staal took a brief skate yesterday morning. Dan Bylsman continues to say Staal is ‘day-to-day’ and also noted … “We would not be risking anything, in terms of his health or the procedure that he had. He just has to heal from a surgical wound and get back in his boot and be comfortable doing that, so there’s not a risk in terms of weighing if he should play or shouldn’t play.”
- Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: Tim Connolly will probably find himself on the trade block this summer, but it could be a difficult move as he’s under contract for 1 more year at $4.5 million, and has a serious injury history. He did put up some decent numbers during the regular season, but did not have a good playoff.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There have been no talks yet between Saku Koivu and the Anaheim Ducks. GM Bob Murray does expect to have some talks soon.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: More talk on the Blues wondering who will be their ‘goalie of the future’. It appears that it’s not Ben Bishop, maybe it will be 2008 2nd round draft pick, Jake Allen. Gordon thinks that if the Blues don’t think it’s Allen, then they need to go after someone this summer. I don’t see how they would give up on Allen already, he was a high pick only 2 years ago. I think they should re-sign Mason, who has played pretty well for them the last couple years, wait out on Allen, and maybe draft another goalie in the first couple rounds this year.
- Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Options for the Islanders with the 5th overall pick in this years NHL Draft. They could trade down collecting a 2nd and/or 3rd round pick, but staying within the top 10. They could try moving up to the top 3 or 4 if they want Cam Fowler or Erik Gudbranson, but that may not be cost effective. No chance of them moving in to the 1 or 2 spots. Brett Connolly should be available at #5 but there are plenty of questionmarks on him surrounding an injury that caused him to miss the majority of the season. Brandon Gormley is also a strong possibility if Gudbranson and Fowler are off the board.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN: Joyce thinks there is a 50-50 chance of Islanders trading their 1st round pick this year. If they do use it, it would most likely be on a defenseman. There is also rumors that Oilers will be selecting Tyler Seguin. Scouts have told Joyce that a scout in Boston was talking about “knowing” that Edmonton was taking Seguin … but one has to wonder if this rumor, was a generated rumor by the Oilers to throw people off.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Andrei Kostitsyn may be wearing out his welcome in Montreal. His ice time has been drastically cut, seeing 4th line duty. If they find a taker for his $3.25 million salary, they might be inclined to move him, freeing up some much needed cap space, though it’s earier said than done.
Kane Signs With Thrashers
Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 20th, 2009
Evander Kane has signed a multi-year deal with the Atlanta Thrashers. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Kane, the fourth overall selection in this year’s draft, scored 48 goals and dished out 48 assists as a member of the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League last season. The 17-year-old also tallied seven goals and eight assists in 17 playoff games for the Giants last year.
Kane scored 73 goals and had 65 assists in 134 career WHL contests with Vancouver.(source-TSN)
Avalanche sign Top Pick Duchene
Posted by Derek in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News on July 16th, 2009
The 3rd overall pick in the recent NHL entry draft has been signed in Colorado. Matt Duchene’s entry level contract calls for him to make $900,000 in salary in each of the three seasons. The Avalanche cap hit will be $3.2 million a season when bonus figures are included.
After much speculation leading up to the draft that Duchene could be a potential 1st overall pick for the Islanders, he was selected by the Avalanche, his favorite team growing up. It’s too bad he won’t get to play with boyhood idol Joe Sakic, but it’s safe to say Sakic will be involved with the Avs in the near future in some capacity.
This is a good start for a rebuilding franchise. (source-Denver Post)
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