Posts Tagged Nicklas Lidstrom
2011-12 Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Defensemen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 28th, 2011
List below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers for defensemen heading into the 2011-12 NHL season. Due to front-loading contracts (back-loaded in some cases), and teams having to deal with the salary cap, a players cap number takes precedence over their actual salary. Drew Doughty for sure, and possibly Luke Schenn could be added to this list once they sign.
| Rk. | Player | Team | 2011-12 Cap Number | 2011-12 Salary |
| 1 | Shea Weber | NAS | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 2 | Brian Campbell | FLA | $7,140,000 | $7,140,000 |
| 3 | Zdeno Chara | BOS | $6,917,000 | $8,500,000 |
| 4 | Jay Bouwmeester | CGY | $6,680,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 5 | Dan Boyle | SJS | $6,667,000 | $6,667,000 |
| 6 | Dion Phaneuf | TOR | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Wade Redden | NYR | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
| 8 | Kimmo Timonen | PHI | $6,333,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 9 | Nicklas Lidstrom | DET | $6,200,000 | $6,200,000 |
| 10 | Brent Seabrook | CHI | $5,800,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 11 | Andrei Markov | MTL | $5,750,000 | $5,750,000 |
| 12 | Lubomir Visnovsky | ANA | $5,600,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 13 | Duncan Keith | CHI | $5,551,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 14 | Sergei Gonchar | OTT | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 |
| James Wisniewski | CLB | $5,500,000 | $7,000,000 | |
| 16 | Mike Green | WAS | $5,250,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Keith Yandle | PHX | $5,250,000 | $5,250,000 | |
| 18 | Dustin Byfuglien | WPG | $5,200,000 | $4,250,000 |
| 19 | Paul Martin | PIT | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 |
| Michal Rozsival | PHX | $5,000,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| 21 | Chris Pronger | PHI | $4,921,000 | $7,600,000 |
| 22 | Kevin Bieksa | VAN | $4,600,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 23 | Joni Pitkanen | CAR | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
| Mike Komisarek | TOR | $4,500,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| Ron Hainsey | WPG | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| Dan Hamhuis | VAN | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| 27 | Jack Johnson | LAK | $4,357,000 | $3,500,000 |
| 28 | Anton Volchenkov | NJD | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 |
| Tomas Kaberle | CAR | $4,250,000 | $4,000,000 | |
| 30 | John-Michael Liles | TOR | $4,200,000 | $4,550,000 |
| Keith Ballard | VAN | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 |
A quiet Leafs summer … Hulsizer candidate to by Blues … Possible retirees this year and next
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 22nd, 2011
- George Popalis of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs have been quiet this summer with regards to the free agent market, not doing anything since Tim Connolly, and it’s probably a good thing. Over paying for someone and talking away a roster spot for a someone in their young core may not be the best for the team. Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo, Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker are all in their early 20′s and deserve a good look at camp.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Matthew Hulsizer is one of the candidates attempting to buy the St. Louis Blues. It’s expected that Hulsizer will submit a bid to buy the Blues. The deadline to submit a bid is today. Current minority owner Tom Stillman is also expected to make a bid.
- Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: Spector lists some players who could retire this year or next: Teemu Selanne, Mike Modano, Cory Stillman, Marty Turco, John Madden, Sergei Samsonov, Mike Grier. Possible candidates for retiring next summer: Martin Brodeur, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sheldon Souray, Jason Blake, Saku Koivu, Sean Avery, Jaroslav Spacek, Filip Kuba, Willie Mitchell, Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney and Steve Sullivan.
Twitter rumors and notes involving: Ryan Smyth and the Oilers, Varlamov, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Flyers, Sharks and Jagr
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 20th, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: LA Kings winger Ryan Smyth would like to return to the Edmonton Oilers.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators assistant GM Tim Murray said they haven’t ruled out moving into the top 3, though it could be difficult to do.
- Calgary Flames via twitter: Goaltender Henrik Karlsson signs a 2 year contract worth $1.725 million.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Semyon Varlamov confirms that the Capitals made him an offer months ago, but it wasn’t good enough. Negotiations are ongoing. KHL showing interest in him. His KHL rights are owned by Lokomotiv, but they can’t afford to make him an offer. Another KHL team is attempting to buy his rights. Lokomotiv will sell Varlamov’s rights if he wants them too. Varlamov says that he will take less money to play of the Capitals.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke on trying to trade up in the NHL draft, “We haven’t had any success, but it’s still early. There is still a possibility it might happen.” Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Burke on pre-draft trades, “Right now, I got nothing. Lots of lines in the water, no bites.”
- Michael Traikos via twitter: The Maple Leafs announce that Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin are their new assistants. Keith Acton and Tim Hunter not returning. Greg Brady via twitter: Brady is hearing the Leafs wouldn’t have let Tim Hunter go without Scott Gordon available.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A source inside the Red Wings tells Strickland that he believes Nicklas Lidstrom will play 2 more seasons.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland says they are looking to be active and have the money to spend. But adds that they won’t spend just to spend.
- Mike Brophy via twitter: Red Wings forward Kris Draper is still waiting to hear if the Wings want him back next year.
- San Jose Sharks via twitter: Sharks GM Doug Wilson says that Jamal Mayers and Scott Nichol won’t be back next season.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said they’ll talk with Ilya Bryzgalov’s side tomorrow.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: From Holmgren’s conference call, he’d like to acquire a 1st or 2nd round pick, would like to re-sign Ville Leino and sign Bryzgalov.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Red Wings, Penguins and a few others are in on Jaromir Jagr, Canadiens “not so much anymore.”
- Max Pacioretty via twitter: Pacioretty tweets that he signed a 2 year deal with the Canadiens.
Lidstrom decision by Wednesday … Canucks may have plan to keep both Bieksa and Ehrhoff … Keeping Kaberle could be good for Bruins … Maple Leafs notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 18th, 2011
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Nicklas Lidstrom decision to either retire or continue playing for the Red Wings should be made known by next Wednesday’s NHL Awards Show. “Nick said he’ll have a decision by then,” said Holland.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks may have a plan to keep both Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff, but both would have to slight discount. Keith Ballard has 4 years at $4.2 million per season, and would be hard to trade on his own, but if they packaged him with Cory Schneider a deal might be able to get done.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Kevin Bieksa could remain with the Canucks. “The unrestricted free agent is expected sign a contract extension with the Presidents’ Trophy winners because his play has dictated that consideration. And he’s willing take a discount, too.”
“I think everybody takes less to be play here,” the 30-year-old Bieksa said Friday. “It’s such a great organization that you want to be here. It’s the culture. It’s like Detroit. If you want to win, you take less. It’s a great team and a great one for a long time and you want to be a part of that. The bonus is the core guys I’ve grown up and the strong friendships. That factors into the decision-making process.
“There’s no need to draw anything out. I’m pretty optimistic we can reach an agreement.”
Sami Salo could be thinking the same thing. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has shown interest in bringing Salo back. They currently have 13 players signed for $45.6 million.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Many think that Tomas Kaberle won’t be re-signed by the Bruins, but Conroy thinks that may not be a good idea,
They’ve been hunting for a puck-moving defenseman and it’s an element the B’s need. They might not match his current salary of $4.25 million, but there aren’t a lot of options. He’s no shutdown defenseman, but the B’s have those in Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara.”
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Ilya Bryzagalov spent a couple days in Philly, and left without a contract. Both sides agreed to continue talking next week. Bryzgalov reportedly has been looking for 6 years at $6 million per season. The Flyers would like to have a deal in place by the NHL Draft next Friday. A deal wouldn’t be able to be signed until some cap space has been shed. They have about $59 million tied up so far for next year, with the cap going up to about $63.5 million.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs have around $23 million in cap space with 3 notable RFAs to sign (Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur and Tyler Bozak). They obviously would like to find a centerman for Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. They could also use a puck-moving, power play defenseman. Options could be Christian Ehrhoff, James Wisniewski, Joni Pitkanen, Kevin Bieksa, and Andrei Markov. If Toronto is going to sign one of their needs on July 1st, it’s likely on the blueline. The Leafs could free up more cap space by making a trade and having Ben Scrivens as the backup, or by demoting Brett Lebda. They may be stuck with Mike Komisarek and his $4.5 million. Burke won’t be drafting by position, and priorities are “character” and “footspeed.”
Roloson to start … Thornton played with separated shoulder … Red Wings options … Leafs and Richards … A Souray buyout coming?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 25th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Sorry Wpg, it’s inching closer, but there still is no firm deal with ASG and there will not be an announcement today. From a key source.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: “As for WPG, principals still grinding out detail work. Hearing Thurs as earliest possible date for announcement, perhaps Fri or later.”
- Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: Dwayne Roloson will be between the pipes for Tampa Bay in Game 6.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Joe Thornton played last night with a separated shoulder.
- Brian Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Brian Rafalski will retire at an 11 am press conference. The Wings now have an extra $6 million to work with this summer. Possible free agent defenseman the Red Wings could look at are Canucks Kevin Bieksa, Sami Salo and Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen (Car), Tomas Kaberle (Bos), Ed Jovanovski (Pho), Eric Brewer (TB) and Scott Hannan (Was). RFA’s that would require multiple 1st round picks in an offer are Drew Doughty and Shea Weber.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If Nicklas Lidstrom returns to the Red Wings, he’ll join Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart, and Jakub Kindl. Jonathan Ericsson might be brought back as they have a bit more financial flexibility with Rafalski retiring, but they won’t overpay for him. Ruslan Salei is likely done with the Wings. 2007 1st round pick Brendan Smith has a shot at making the team. They could bring in 35 year old Ed Jovanovski to eat up minutes. Kevin Bieksa could be another option, as well as Joni Pitkanen, Sami Salo, Eric Brewer, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe and Roman Hamrlik.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Lidstom will let the Red Wings know of his plan to retire or to come back again likely before the NHL draft.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs want to be in the Brad Richards sweepstakes. It has been suggested that Burke could possibly offer a deal in the 7 or 8 year range, which goes against his usual philosophy. Richards could get more than $7 million, possibly up to $8 million. The Rangers or Kings might consider offering more. Without having an owner and coach in place, it would be difficult for Nieuwendyk to re-sign Richards. The Leafs could look to acquire his rights before July 1st, but not if it requires them to send Nazem Kadri the other way.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are considering options again with regards to defenseman Sheldon Souray. He’s still owed $4.5 million with a $5.4 million cap hit. They could buy him out after June 15th for 2/3′s salary, cap hit spread out over 2 years. He could also be sent to the minors. The Oilers are still pursuing Swedish goalie Viktor Fasth and are interested in Finnish Dman Ville Lajunen. Zach Stortini could be traded by the entry draft.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have yet to contact Arron Asham about a possible contract.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward David Perron is making some progress with his post-concussion syndromes.
“We’ve talked to David, and he’s feeling better, but he’s not at the point where he’s coming back to St. Louis to take the necessary tests before he can train,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “He’s taking small steps ahead, but not to the point where he has passed his tests to begin his summer training program.”
Armstrong had said that if Perron still have symptoms in July, they would have to plan to start the season without him.
Richards not suspended for hit on Connolly … Norris finalists announced … Roy in for Game 7 … Boucher to start Game 7… Kaberle responds to Chiarelli’s comments
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 25th, 2011
- Norris finalists are Zdeno Chara, Nicklas Lidstrom and Shea Weber.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Flyers center Mike Richards won’t be suspended for his hit from behind on Sabres Tim Connolly.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Tim Connolly will be out for Game 7, Derek Roy is in. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: “Tim’s not doing very good,” said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. “That’s something the league definitely has to take a look at. It’s a lack of respect for another player on the ice. It’s from behind. It’s head first. That’s a tough play. We lost a good player.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks that if Brian Boucher needs to be replaced in Game 7 it should be by Sergei Bobrovsky. Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: “Brian Boucher will start Game Seven,” Laviolette said.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals defenseman Dennis Wideman skated in full pad today for the first time since suffering his leg hematoma.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: According to coach Bruce Boudreau there is no timetable on when Mike Knuble or Dennis Wideman will be back in the lineup. Mike Green isn’t on the ice today but is ‘okay.’
- Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins defenseman Tomas Kaberle responded to GM Peter Chiarelli’s “disappointment” comments,
“I always put a lot of pressure on myself,” Kaberle said, “and hopefully I can prove why I am here. I would like to help out in every little thing I can do on the ice. Obviously I’m one of the guys on the [power play] and it would be nice to get something going there.
“The first couple of games I could have been better. The last few games I felt a lot better and I’m feeling better confidence-wise, so I’ll take it from there.”
At the time of the trade, Chiarelli and Kaberle’s agent, Rick Curran, agreed to put off contract talks until the off-season. There has been no communication between the two sides since then. Curran didn’t think Chiarelli’s comments were a concern for future talks. Kaberle has been paired with stay-at-home defenseman Adam McQuaid lately.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Parise says he’s interested in staying in NJ, enjoys his teammates and has fun play there. He hasn’t talked to his agents about contract details.
- Mike Richards hit on Tim Connolly
Top 25 2011 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on April 19th, 2011
MyNHLtraderumors.com brings you it’s 2011 Top 25 NHL unrestricted free agents. In creating the list we didn’t just list rank on talent alone. We took into consideration: age, position, and likelihood of signing with a different team.
Take a look at the complete lists of 2011 Unrestricted Free Agents and 2011 Restricted Free Agents by Team.
| # | Player | Pos. | 2010-2011 Team |
10-11 Cap #
|
2011-2012 Team |
| 1 | Brad Richards | C | Dallas Stars |
$7,800,000
|
Signed with the Rangers. 9 years, $58.5 million |
| 2 | Christian Ehrhoff | D | Vancouver Canucks |
$3,100,000
|
Signed with the Sabres. 10 years, $40 million. |
| 3 | James Wisniewski | D | Montreal Canadiens |
$3,250,000
|
Signed with the Blue Jackets. 6 years, $33 million. |
| 4 | Joni Pitkanen | D | Carolina Hurricanes |
$4,000,000
|
Re-signed with the Hurricanes. 3 years $13.5 million. |
| 5 | Tomas Kaberle | D | Boston Bruins |
$4,250,000
|
Signed with the Hurricanes. 3 years, $12.75 million. |
| 6 | Jussi Jokinen | LW | Carolina Hurricanes |
$1,700,000
|
Re-signed with the Hurricanes. 3 years, $9 million. |
| 7 | Tomas Vokoun | G | Florida Panthers |
$5,700,000
|
Signs with the Capitals. 1 year, $1.5 million |
| 8 | Tomas Fleischmann | C/LW | Colorado Avalanche |
$2,600,000
|
Signs with the Panthers. 4 years, $18 million |
| 9 | Ville Leino | LW | Philadelphia Flyers |
$800,000
|
Signs with the Sabres. 6 years, $27 million |
| 10 | Ed Jovanovski | D | Phoenix Coyotes |
$6,500,000
|
Signs with the Panthers. 4 years, $16.5 million |
| 11 | Tim Connolly | C | Buffalo Sabres |
$4,500,000
|
Signs with the Maple Leafs. 2 years, $9.5 million |
| 12 | Simon Gagne | LW | Tampa Bay Lightning |
$5,250,000
|
Signs with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million |
| 13 | Erik Cole | LW/RW | Carolina Hurricanes |
$2,900,000
|
Signs with the Canadiens. 4 years, $18 million |
| 14 | Michal Handzus | C | Los Angeles Kings |
$4,000,000
|
Signed with the Sharks. 2 years, $5 million |
| 15 | Jason Arnott | C | Washington Capitals |
$4,500,000
|
|
| 16 | Ian White | D | San Jose Sharks |
$2,999,999
|
Signs with the Red Wings. 2 years, $5.75 million |
| 17 | Roman Hamrlik | D | Montreal Canadiens |
$5,500,000
|
Signs with the Capitals. 2 years, $7 million |
| 18 | Tyler Kennedy | C/W | Pittsburgh Penguins |
$725,000
|
Re-signed with the Penguins. 2 years, $4 million. |
| 19 | Scottie Upshall | LW | Columbus Blue Jackets |
$2,250,000
|
Signed with the Panthers. 4 years, $14 million |
| 20 | Bryan McCabe | D | New York Rangers |
$5,750,000
|
|
| 21 | Roman Vrbata | W | Phoenix Coyotes |
$3,000,000
|
Re-signed with the Coyotes. 3 years, $9 million |
| 22 | Joel Ward | C | Nashville Predators |
$1,500,000
|
Signed with the Capitals. 4 years, $12 million |
| 23 | Michael Ryder | RW | Boston Bruins |
$4,000,000
|
Signed with the Stars. 2 years, $7 million |
| 24 | Tomas Kopecky | C/LW | Chicago Blackhawks |
$1,200,000
|
Re-signed with the Panthers. 4 years, $12 million. |
| 25 | Dwayne Roloson | G | Tampa Bay Lightning |
$2,500,000
|
Re-signed with the Lightning. 1 year, $3 million. |
Players we took off the Top 25 list after they re-signed include Ilya Bryzgalov, Brooks Laich, Kevin Bieksa, Andrei Markov, Curtis Glencross, Alex Tanguay, Eric Brewer and Milan Hejduk.
Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Defenseman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on August 1st, 2010
Listed below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Hits for defenseman heading into the 2010-11 NHL Season. We’ve used the salary cap number over the total salary for this season, due to the front loading of contracts. If a free agent signs and makes the list, we’ll update accordingly, but that is unlikely to happen.
Take a look at Top 30 salary cap numbers by position:
Centers | Left Wingers | Right Wingers | Defenseman | Goaltender
| Rk. | Player | Team | Age | 2010-11 Cap Hit | 2010-11 Salary |
| 1 | Zdeno Chara | Boston | 33 | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 2 | Brian Campbell | Chicago | 31 | $7,140,000 | $7,140,000 |
| 3 | Jay Bouwmeester | Calgary | 26 | $6,680,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 4 | Dan Boyle | San Jose | 33 | $6,667,000 | $6,667,000 |
| T5 | Wade Redden | NY Rangers | 33 | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Ed Jovanovski | Phoenix | 34 | $6,500,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| Dion Phaneuf | Toronto | 25 | $6,500,000 | $7,000,000 | |
| 8 | Kimmo Timonen | Philadelphia | 35 | $6,333,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 9 | Nicklas Lidstrom | Detroit | 40 | $6,200,000 | $6,200,000 |
| 10 | Brian Rafalski | Detroit | 36 | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 |
| T11 | Bryan McCabe | Florida | 35 | $5,750,000 | $4,150,000 |
| Andrei Markov | Montreal | 31 | $5,750,000 | $5,750,000 | |
| 13 | Lubomir Visnovsky | Anaheim | 33 | $5,600,000 | $6,000,000 |
| 14 | Duncan Keith | Chicago | 26 | $5,551,000 | $8,000,000 |
| T15 | Roman Hamrlik | Montreal | 36 | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 |
| Sergei Gonchar | Ottawa | 36 | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| 17 | Sheldon Souray | Edmonton | 33 | $5,400,000 | $4,500,000 |
| 18 | Mike Green | Washington | 24 | $5,250,000 | $5,000,000 |
| T19 | Michal Rozsival | NY Rangers | 31 | $5,000,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Paul Martin | Pittsburgh | 29 | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| 21 | Chris Pronger | Philadelphia | 35 | $4,921,000 | $7,600,000 |
| T22 | Ron Hainsey | Atlanta | 29 | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Scott Hannan | Colorado | 31 | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Shea Weber | Nashville | 24 | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Mike Komisarek | Toronto | 28 | $4,500,000 | $6,000,000 | |
| Dan Hamhuis | Vancouver | 27 | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| T27 | Anton Volchenkov | New Jersey | 28 | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 |
| Eric Brewer | St. Louis | 31 | $4,250,000 | $4,500,000 | |
| Tomas Kaberle | Toronto | 32 | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 | |
| T30 | John-Michael Liles | Colorado | 29 | $4,200,000 | $4,425,000 |
| Keith Ballard | Vancouver | 27 | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 |
News and Rumors involving the Red Wings – June 3rd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2010
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: With Nicklas Lidstrom returning next season at a friendly $6.2 million, the Detroit Red Wings can now turn their attention to the other free agents. They have just under $9 million (that’s saying the cap will increase $2 million), and are expected to re-sign both UFAs Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi, and RFAs Darren Hel, Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves. That won’t leave much for any other free agents. They could re-sign Andreas Lilja or a 3rd pairing free agent defenseman. GM Ken Holland also proposed at the GM meetings to extented overtime past the current 5 minutes in an attempt to lower the amount of shootouts.
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Lidstrom’s signing at $6.2 million may mean that UFA Kirk Maltby and RFA Derek Meech might be re-signed. One must not forget that they’ve already added Jiri Hudler to their roster for next season. The Wings won’t be bringing Brett Lebda and Jason Williams back.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Red Wings GM Holland told the media in Detroit that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has asked permission to speak with the Wings director of hockey administration, Ryan Martin, about an assistant GM position. Martin was responsible for managing the Wings salary cap.
Nicklas Lidstrom back in Detroit for another year
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 1st, 2010
According to TSN, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be back with the team next season. No “official” has come from Lidstrom or the team, but from someone speaking “on condition of anonymity”. No word on what exactly he’ll be signing for, but the Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press mentions it’s for about $7 million. Chris McCosky of the Detroit News is reporting it’s believed to be worth around $6 million.
Lidstrom was contiplating retirement after his 18 season with the club. Lidstrom recorded 49 points in 82 games this year. In 1412 career games, Lidstrom has scored 237 goals, and 809 assists for 1046 total points, and is a +431. There has not been a season that he has been a minus. He has won 6 Norris Trophy’s.
Lidstrom decision by week’s end … Flames talking with White … Back to Hartford?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 1st, 2010
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Nicklas Lidstrom will give his decision to Ken Holland by the end of this week if he’ll retire or play another season for the Red Wings. Many teammates and personel in management don’t see him retiring. He was 1 of 3 Wings who played all 82 games this past season. Lidstrom recently turned 40, but recorded 49 points and a +22 this past season. The Wings would like to get him at a salary around $6 million, but if he wants his 2009-10 salary of $7.45 million, he’ll get it.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames are talking with RFA Ian White, but haven’t made any formal offers to him yet. They are in the preliminary stages of negotiations and will continue to talk over the next month. Sutter is okay with going with a 1-year deal, White has arbitration rights this year. Eric Nystrom is a UFA and Sutter wants to talk with him, and they are awaiting medical clearance for Chris Higgins’.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens 2009 1st round pick, Louis Leblanc, is leaving Harvard University after 1 year. Chicoutimi (QMJHL) own his junior rights, but the Canadiens may send him to their AHL affiliate so that they are able to call him up during the season if he develops quicker than they initially thought.
- AP in Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Former Hartford Whalers owner, Howard Baldwin, is building an outdoor rink in East Hartford, in an attempt to gain fan support and lure the NHL back to Hartford.
Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 25th, 2010
- George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can’t re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has told the them he’ll let them know in a couple weeks. It doesn’t look like Brett Lebda, Jason Williams, and Doug Janik will be back. Derek Meech should get a qualifying offer from them.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Panthers GM Dale Tallon isn’t a fan of players who aren’t willing to pay the price, which means that Nathan Horton could be on his way out, as he known to not have a good work ethic. A Bruin, who has friends on the Panthers has been told that Norton has “No heartbeat”. “We weeded out people who didn’t want to pay the price,” Tallon said. “If you don’t want to pay the price and you don’t want to be involved here, you’re not going to be here.” The Bruins have limited funds available to sign free agents, but could target Flyers winger, Aaron Asham.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The Montreal Canadiens currently have 14 players locked up for about $45.7 million. Tomas Plekanec is a UFA and it might take around $5 million to re-sign him. Their biggest off-season situation is obviously what to do with Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price. Halak has shown that he can the #1, but Price could be the future star. RFAs Maxim Lapierre, Tom Pyatt, and Benoit Pouliot should be back. Glen Metropolit, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Paul Mara probably won’t be back. Halak playoff performance may get himself a contract offer from the Canadiens, maybe in the $3 million range. To clear up some salary space, they may try to get rid of Andrei Kostitsyn (1 year, $3.25 million) and Roman Hamrlik (1 year, $5.5 million), but that could be difficult. One option would be for the Canadiens to package one of them with Carey Price. Buying George Laraque out will free up $1 million. Andrei Markov will be a free agent after next year, and could be shopped around if they think he’ll be out of their price range ($7 million?) or not in their long term plans.
- Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: It is possible that the Sharks could re-sign both Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov, but odds are they will only go after 1. Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi will be getting pay increases, and cap space will be disappearing. If they let Nabokov go, they could go with Thomas Greiss and minor leaguer Alex Stalock, or look to bring in a less expensive goalie to challenge for the #1 spot.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Peter Karmanos Jr. has hired a New York investment firm to help him find a local buyer for a 49% stake in the team. Karmanos former co-owner, Thomas Thewes, passed away a few years ago, he owned the 49% of the team.
Options if Lidstrom Retires … Yzerman still considering Tampa? A new look Shark team next year?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 22nd, 2010
- George Malik of MLive: If Nicklas Lidstrom retires, Brian Rafalski could step up into a larger role. One option available for the Red Wings would be to call up the Maple Leafs and see what it would take for Tomas Kaberle. They could also look at 2nd tier defenseman like Henrik Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Derek Morris, Joe Corvo, and Kim Johnsson.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: There are mixed reports on if Steve Yzerman is still considered a candidate or interested in the Tampa Bay Lightning GM position. It was report earlier that he wasn’t interested, but that may not be the case. When asked about it, “My response has always been not to comment,” Yzerman said. That might lead one to speculate that it’s still an option for him.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet: The Sharks are down 3-0, and it will take a miracle for them to come back and win the series versus the Blackhawks. Big changes could be coming from them in the off-season. Odds are looking good that Patrick Marleau won’t be back with the Sharks next season. Evgeni Nabokov is 34 and a UFA, and despite solid regular season numbers, he has a history of not performing in the playoffs. No one questions Joe Thornton’s talent, but the playoffs have a tendency of not bringing out the best of him, he’s a -10 heading into last night. GM Doug Wilson will also be on the hotseat as he’s the one who’s put together this team that has had some playoff woes the past couple seasons.
Laperriere back soon, Carter unlikely … Offer Sheets out there? Boychuk now a UFA … Sens wanted Cammalleri, got Kovalev
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 18th, 2010
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers winger Ian Laperriere practiced with the team yesterday, and could return later on in the series. Laperriere has been out since April 22nd with a brain bruise and concussion. Jeff Carter skated for the first time since suffering a broken foot on April 20th, though it’s unlikely he’ll be able to return this series.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Will there be any offer sheets or deals similar to last years Bruins-Leafs trade for Phil Kessel? Custance offers a few names that might get some interest: Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price, Joe Pavelski, and Bobby Ryan. I think Pavelski and Ryan will both be re-signed by the the Sharks and Ducks. Price or Halak could be dealt at the draft, with Price the more likely candidate in my opinion.
- Helene St. James of hte Detroit Free Press: Nicklas Lidstrom will let the Detroit Red Wings know in the next few weeks if he will play next season, or retire. “Nick’s told me he’ll give me lots of time prior to July 1 when free agency starts,” Holland said. “I met with him last week, and we talked about the team, and he said he’d give me lots of time before July 1 with his decision.”
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Not much info coming out of Anaheim or the Bobby Ryan camp regarding the RFA. The Ducks will be looking to lock up Ryan long term, but at what cost? Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf both signed for around $5.3 million a season, 2 years ago. They would probably like to sign Ryan at a number below what Perry and Getzlaf got.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk would have been a restricted free agent this off-season, but due to the fact that he’s played under 80 games, and is 26-years old, he is now a group 6 unrestricted free agent.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Scott Arniel and Kevin Dineen have been called back for a 2nd interview by the Columbus Blue Jackets for their vacant head coaching position. Red Wings assistant coach, Paul MacLean, should find out today if he’s getting a call back for another interview. Last seasons interim coach, Claude Noel, is still considered a strong candidate even though he won’t have a second interview since they are familar with him.
- Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: At the beginning of last years free agent period, Senators GM Bryan Murray offered Mike Cammalleri a 4 year, $22 million ($5.5 mill. a year) deal. Cammalleri eventually took 5 years and $30 million ($6 mill. a year), and never asked Ottawa if they’d increase their offer. On the bright side Senators fans, that money was used on Alex Kovalev’s 2 year, $10 million deal.
Ponikarovsky re-signing in Pittsburgh? Nonis staying with Leafs … Hemsky for #4, don’t count on it
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2010
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins gave up their number 2 prospect, Luca Caputi, at the trade deadline for Alexei Ponikarovsky, a deal that hasn’t played out as well as the Penguins had hoped. Ponikarovsky was brought in to be a top 6 forward and play with Evgeni Malkin, but he found himself dropped down to the 4th line, and then in the press box on Saturday. Though it’s unclear if they will look to bring him back next season, he might have to take less than he might get on the open market if he wants another shot playing with Malkin.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Maple Leafs number 2 man, Dave Nonis, was rumored to be one of the top candidates for the vacant Tampa Bay GM job, but it appears that that won’t be happening. Nonis is expected to be signing an extension with the Leafs that will keep him with the club through 2011-12.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Nicklas Lidstrom has enrolled his son in a Swedish school, though it doesn’t mean he’ll be retiring. “That’s something his age you have to do if we are going back to Sweden, otherwise he wouldn’t have a school,” Lidstrom said. “It’s something we had to do just to make sure, if we did go… he had a school to go to, otherwise we’d go back there and he wouldn’t be where he wanted to be.”
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators will most likely stay the course with their drafting philosophy, taking the best player regardless of position. The Preds don’t have their 2nd (Grebeshkov trade) and 4th (Boyd trade) round picks. I think they should be taking the best scoring forward, regardless if he’s a center or winger, the Preds need to score more goals.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Joe Pavelski is one of the top RFAs this summer, and could be in a similar situation as Phil Kessel was last year, and their numbers are similar. Pavelski could get an offer sheet from someone, but the Sharks have only $36 million tied up next so far, and would most likely match the offer (unless it’s crazy). Columbus GM, and former Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson is a big fan of Ales Hemsky, but don’t count on them sending the Number 4 draft pick to the Oilers for him. There’s a good chance Sergei Kostitsyn will be in the KHL next season. Tomas Vokoun’s $6.3 million salary may be to big for some teams to swallow, but the Panthers will try to again at the draft and/or in July. Florida could go with Scott Clemmensen and Jacob Markstrom if Vokoun is moved.
Salo out indefinitely … Will the Sens let Volchenkov walk? Detroit’s options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2010
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Guys, hold you breath … Sami Salo left night’s game, and is out indefinitely with a suspected ruptured testicle.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings could have a similar look next season. Some teammates and front office people think the Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season, and the hope is that he’ll do it closer to $6 million rather than his 2009-10 salary of $7.45 million. Tomas Holstrom should receive a contract, and Todd Bertuzzi could get one as well. RFA’s Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller should be getting offers as well.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Warren thinks the Ottawa Senators should not bring back Anton Volchenkov next season. Volchenkov already turned down a contract extension and could be looking at a deal in the 5 year, $22.5 million. If he was to take around $3.5 million, that would be okay, but it sounds like he’s looking for the big payday. The Sens may be willing to let him go.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: One area the Red Wings may look to improve this off-season is the supporting cast, and overall depth. They could use some toughness, and some extra scoring. They lost a lot of goals before this past year. They probably won’t have the cash to add a big scorer, though there really isn’t much on the free agent list. The Wings could also look at moving Chris Osgood, if another team feels he could be a #1 goalie still, even though he’s 37 years old.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The NY Rangers will look at bringing in a backup goalie, with Martin Biron and Johan Hedberg apparently at the top of Glen Sather’s wish list.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues don’t appear to be in a rush to make contract offers to RFAs David Perron and Erik Johnson, talks with both are just beginning . Johnson is not eligible to receive an offer sheet since he missed a year of service with a knee injury. Perron is eligible to receive an offer sheet, and the Blues as an organization are okay with having their RFAs pass the July 1st date if they are not ready to meet the contract demands. Doug Armstrong will be taking over as team GM Larry Pleau on July 1st, and will handling contract negotiations before that. Erik Johnson was the 1st overall pick back in 2008, and will probably be looking for a big deal.
Gagne back for game 4? Krejci done for rest of year … Holland asked to be President and have Yzerman become GM of Wings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 7th, 2010
- Sam Charchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers winger Simon Gagne, who broke is foot in game 4 against New Jersey, may suit up tonight for game 4 versus the Bruins. Gagne had an MRI done yesterday, and after his Friday morning skate, it will decided on if he’ll be in the lineup tonight.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins center David Krejci will be lost for the rest of the playoffs after dislocating his wrist in a hit from Flyers Mike Richards.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader inquires if Matt Cooke has priced himself out of Pittsburgh for next season. Cooke’s solid play as a 3rd line winger will garner a raise from his 2009-10 salary of $1.2 million, but he probably won’t receive a huge offer on the open market. The Pens would probably like to bring him back if it’s at a reasonable number.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland was asked by owner Mike Ilitch to become the team president and have Steve Yzerman take over the GM duties. “Stevie Y wants to become a GM; we’d love to have him as a GM,” Ilitch said. “I keep telling Kenny, ‘Hey, I want to move you up to president.’ He goes, ‘I don’t want to be a president, I want to be a GM.’ So he’s going to stay there as GM.” Holland has one year remaining on his contract, and should be signing an extension after the playoffs.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock was approached about the possible retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom …
Babcock: “Did Nick tell you this might be his last year?”
Reporter: “He said he would address it at the end of the season.”
Babcock: “I’ve been here five years and he’s been addressing it at the end of the season for five years.”
Nobody in the Red Wings organization wants to ponder life without their captain. Both Babcock and general manger Ken Holland are cautiously optimistic about Lidstrom, 40, returning for at least one more season.
Marleau Should be Good for Game 2 … Predators, Devils, Senators, and Red Wings Off-Season Decisions
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 1st, 2010
- Gary Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News: Surprise game 1 scratch, Patrick Marleau, should be feeling better, and ready to return for game 2 on Sunday. Marleau was taken out of the line just before game one with ‘flu-like’ symptoms.
- Iaian MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks leading playoff scorer, Mikael Samuelsson, missed practiced yesterday with a sore back, but it’s not expected to keep him out of the line up for game 1.
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: Predators forward JP Dumont had his ice cut this season by 2:43, which isn’t sitting well with Dumont, and he wants to talk to coach Barry Trotz about it. If Dumont leaves the meeting unhappy, it may lead to him willing to waive his no-movement clause. GM David Poile thinks he has a reasonable chance to re-sign defenseman Dan Hamhuis. They spoke last week, and plan to do so again in the near future. Denis Grebeshkov future with the club may hinge on how the Hamhuis pans out. Dan Ellis most likely won’t be back with the Predators, as he’s going to see what the open market brings him.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: The Devils will have to decide soon if they are going to send offers to Paul Martin and Ilya Kovalchuk. Because the Devils lost in the 1st round, they won’t make any money this season, but that won’t play a part in their (owers and Lou’s) decision to bring back Martin and Kovalchuk or not. The coaching search will take more shape during the next couple weeks. I’m sure they’ll want to have someone in place before the draft in June.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: GM Bryan Murray and coach Cory Clouston received votes of confidence from Ottawa Senators owner, Eugene Melnyk. Melnyk will be sitting down with both for reviews, and thinks some tinkering might need to be done with the team. When asked about Jason Spezza and his no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1st, the decision on how to precede with that will be in the hands of Murray. The Sens will spend up to the salary cap next season which is rumored to be slightly above this seasons $56.7 million. They already have $49 million committed for 17 players. Anton Volchenkov turned down a 5 year, $20 million contract before the Olympics, and is looking for something between $4.5-5 million a season. The Senators didn’t make any money this season, they needed to reach the second round to do so.
- George Malik of MLive: Off-season decisions involving the Detroit Red Wings … Trying to re-sign Nicklas Lidstrom, hopefully at a discount. Re-signing UFAs Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, and Andreas Lilja. Deciding if they want to bring back any of (not likely); Kirk maltby, Jason Williams, Brett Lebda, Brad May andn Doug Janik. Attempting to re-sign; Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller, Patrick Eaves, Darren Helm, Daniel Larsson, Sergei Kolosov, and Mattias Ritola. Do they send qualifying offers to Derek Meech, Ville Leino, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Johan Ryno?
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steve Yzerman has been mentioned as one of the leading candidates to become the Lightning’s next GM, but Scotty Bowman would be surprised if he’d leave the Red Wings organization. Yzerman was been with the Wings for 27 years, and Bowman thinks he could be moving up the organization.
Firing Sutter Would Still Leave the Flames in Trouble … Wings FA’s will have to wait … Seidenberg’s and Kuba’s seasons could be over
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 8th, 2010
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: If the Flames were to fire Sutter, it still wouldn’t come close to solving the Calgary Flames issues. Questionable trades and some key players with several years left on their contracts will handcuff the team in some ways. Kotalik, Hagman, Stajan, and Higgins were brought in to help score some goals, they combined totalled 11 goals and 86 games.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Francis put chances of GM Darryl Sutter getting fired at 50%, chances of coach Brent Sutter getting fired at 25%, the chances of Iginla getting traded at 20%.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Contract talks involving any of the Detroit Red Wings free agents will have to wait until after the season, as they don’t hold talks during the playoffs. If Nicklas Lidstrom retires or not will be the big decision coming out of Detroit. If Jiri Hudler returns from Russia to join the Wings will also have an effect on what they will do. The Wings currently have 13 players signed for next year at $40.8 million. Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi are both most likely to be re-signed. RFA’s Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller will most likely all be resigned.
- The Fourth Period: Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne are unsure if they are going to return next season, or retire. The Ducks would welcome both back. The fates of Saku Koivu and Aaron Ward returning to the Ducks next season is uncertain.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Dennis Seidenberg, picked up at the trade deadline, will be out for 8 weeks after he had surgery earlier this week repairing the “flexor carpi radialis tendon in his left forearm.” Seidenberg joins Mark Stuart, Andrew Ference and Marc Savard as injured Bruins.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators defenseman Filip Kuba underwent surgery on a herniated disc on Tuesday and will be out for a minimum of 4 weeks. So at the earliest he’ll be back in the second round, but most likely it would be longer. Kuba has already been out for the last month.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The 42-year old Mark Recchi hopes to be back with the Bruins next season. Recchi has played in every game so far this season, recording 17 goals and adding 25 assists. Recchi is third in goals and points for the offensively challenged Bruins.
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