Posts Tagged Niclas Bergfors
Afternoon notes on Comeau, Bergfors, Perron, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Ryan, Jagr, Pitkanen, Bogosian, Filatov, Ennis and Backstrom
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 24th, 2011
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have placed forward Blake Comeau on waivers. He has no points in 16 games and is a -11. BD Galiof via twitter: Galiof wonders if a team like the Blue Jackets will take a chance on Comeau. Comeau on waivers means that no team was offering value back, or the Islanders think he can pass through. The Islanders were close to trading him in the summer before GM Garth Snow was able to get the price down on a new contract. Expect the Islanders to be willing to do the same with Reasoner and Rolston if their play doesn’t pick up. Galiof thinks that Comeau could be better on a low-end teams 2nd line. Didn’t play well on the Isles 3rd/4th lines.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Predators have put Niclas Bergfors on unconditional ($125) waivers. If he clears, they will mutually agree to terminate contract.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues winger David Perron is itching to get playing, and is getting closer.
“There’s no date,” Perron said. “It’s just a matter of getting into practices and seeing how I react. It’s only been like four or five days (since he was cleared for contact) and I haven’t done a whole lot of it. We have a lot of games right now and a lot of optional skates and when it’s optional, it’s more about shooting and conditioning, so we haven’t gotten a lot of (physicality) yet.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman:
“I never believe you do something just to do something,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. “You just try to make the team better, whether that’s through recalling somebody or a trade. I’m not going to react. You just have to assess your team.”
“In general, teams really are not looking to take on contracts, take on money this time of the year and it’s hard to make a trade,” Yzerman said. “It’s hard to find a fit with teams because teams don’t want to give up their draft picks. Teams don’t want to give up their young guys.”
- Eric Stepens of the OC Register: Ducks forward Bobby Ryan suffered a hip contusion and didn’t come out for the 3rd period last night.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers winger Jaromir Jagr aggravated his groin last night, and will likely miss at least 2 games. “We got two games and then five days off,” Jagr said. “I think I’m not going to play those two games and make sure when I come back I want to come back strong.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen could return on Sunday according to coach Paul Maurice. No decision on who will come out.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes lines at practice: Skinner, Staal, Ruutu; Poni, Jussi, LaRose; Tlusty, Sutter, Dwyer; Brett Sutter, Brent, Stewart.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer is taking part in his 1st practice since Nov. 1st. Reimer will be out at least another 10 days.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacA-Connolly-Kulie, Frattin-Colborne-Crabb, Steckel-Dupuis-Rosehill, extras, Orr,Grabovski. David Alter via twitter: Grabovski will be out at least another week.
- Jonas Gustavsson via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs tomorrow.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Shanahan video ruling on Zach Bogosian won’t come until tomorrow.
- Joy Lindsay via twitter: Nikita Filatov says he’ll have a meeting with Senators GM Bryan Murray in the future, to discuss his future. Expects it to be next week.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres forward Tyler Ennis will not play on Friday. Patrick Kaleta is also out, so they will need to call up a forward.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom missed last night’s game due to personal reasons and is expected to return to the team in a few days.
- Brent Sopel via twitter: Sopel says that he’s turned down 3 NHL teams as he won’t break his current contract.
Maloney, Doan talk Turris … CBA talks to begin after All-Star Game … Doughty fined … Bogosian, Deveaux up for suspension?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on November 24th, 2011
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes GM Don Maloney on Kyle Turris:
“He felt that he decided he wanted to go down a certain route and certain things he was looking for; and for us as an organization, very few times in the CBA where you do have some leverage, and we just felt strongly that we needed to use our leverage now,” he said.
“Looking down the road with some other players … we just felt it was important to set a standard on how we operate.”
Maloney added the process was always about business as Turris was looking for a contract worth a lot more than he got. Captain Shane Doan on having Turris back in the locker room:
“Obviously, we’re going to tease him, we’re going to have fun with him,” he said. “This room is a pretty good group of guys that’s gonna give it to him, and the reason you give it to him is because you like him so much.
“Everybody wants him back. So we’re looking forward to it, and I’m sure he’s looking forward to playing hockey again, that’s what he does, and he does it really well.”
- Jim Gintonio via twitter: His gut feeling is that Turris will remain with the Coyotes.
- Dan Gelston (AP) in the Raleigh News & Observer: The NHL’s CBA is to expire on Sept. 15th 2012, but talks are scheduled to begin just after the NHL All-Star Game.
- Iain MacIntyre via twitter: Canucks forward Mason Raymond is getting close to returning, with the possibility of him being in the lineup next week during their homestand.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty was fined $2,500 for his hit on TJ Oshie.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Blair Jones was put on waivers by the Lightning. Predators Niclas Bergfors cleared waivers.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian will have a hearing this afternoon for his hit on Capitals Cody Eakin. Andre Deveaux will also have a hearing for his elbow on Tomas Fleischmann. How many games do you think Deveaux will get?
More on Belak … Byfuglien arrested … Kugryshev back to Russia … H. Sedin has sore hip … 10 “under-the-radar” players
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2011
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Two people who knew Wade Belak said that he did suffer from depression and that he took medication to treat it. Belak’s widow released a statement asking “that everyone remember Wade’s infectious sense of humour, his caring spirit and the joy he brought to his friends, family and fans.”
- Mark Seidel via twitter: Seidel says that Belak did not kill himself and that “any suggestion to the contrary is simply wrong.” In time the truth will come out. He can’t say much about the death, but believes it will be “ruled a horrible accident” when all said and done. He apologizes for the vagueness.
- Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Special assistant with the NHLPA Mathieu Schneider said on the radio that people should stop jumping to conclusions regarding Wade Belak’s death. Schneider said it’s “dangerous and hurtful,” especially to his family, to speculate why he ended his life. Buffery lists a bunch of athletes (not just hockey players) who have taken their lives in the last year.
- Ed Tait and Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was arrested late Wednesday night on “probable cause for third degree boating while intoxicated and the refusal of a blood or urine test.” He was released from jail 2:23 Thursday morning. He was booked weighing 286 pounds, up from his approximate 245 pounds playing weight last year.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall is in the final year of his contact, has only played with the Wings, and would like to keep it that way. “Everyone knows I like it here a lot,” Kronwall said. “I want to stay. Hopefully, they want me to stay as well. So whenever they feel it’s the right time to start negotiating we’ll be ready for it.” The Wings will likely start contact talks with Kronwall soon.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Capitals prospect Dmitri Kugryshev is heading back to Russia after playing last year in the AHL. His deal is not the ‘rent’ type, he’ll be signing a valid contract with CSKA. The Capitals will retain his rights.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Andrei Zyuzin wanted to play in the NHL this year, but declined an offer from the Sharks. Zyuzin’s agent said that contact was for well less than a $1 million and he wanted more.
- Gord McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Cancucks forward Henrik Sedin’s status may be up in the air, more will be known when he skates next week. “I don’t think it [Henrik's sore hip] was too bad, but he felt he needed some time off.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Burnside mentions 10 “Under-the-radar” players who could make an impact this season: Alexei Ponikarovsky (CAR), JS Giguere (COL), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Anthony Stewart (CAR), Andrew Cogliano (ANA), Ian White (DET), James Neal (PIT), Niclas Bergfors (NASH), Mathieu Garon (TB) and Roman Hamrlik (WAS).
- James Mirtle via twitter: David Koci has been invited to the Jets training camp on a tryout.
- Martin Lunden of Swedish Oil by dohfOs: Oilers 2011 1st round pick Oscar Klefbom had his leg cut that required 10 stitches. When the stitches were removed, it was discovered that it was infected. He is on penicillin which prohibits him from playing.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said defenseman Francis Bouillon “will probably not be ready for camp.” Mike Fisher is still recovering from shoulder surgery. “I would say we’d probably go a little bit slower with (Fisher) going into training camp to make sure he’s ready and 100 percent going into the season,” Poile said.
Thrashers and Panthers make day’s first trade
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 28th, 2011
The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired Radek Dvorak and a 5th round pick from the Florida Panthers for Niclas Bergfors and Patrick Rissmiller.
NHL trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Kings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 12th, 2011
So yesterday Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, went on a twitter tear, answering Los Angeles Kings trade questions all day and night. Some of the questions may have come from trade rumors, others were of the speculating type. Since I couldn’t convince Dennis to write up a nice summary for us to read, I’ve decided to attempt to breakdown his twitter account. Now I normally give you links to each ‘tweet’, but that would take up more time, so if you want direct links, you can get them from his account here (and is a good ‘follow’). I’ll also adjust the order posted and will try to lump specific player questions/mentions together, and combine the question and answer hopefully into one sentence. The Kings are looking for scoring help and a top 4 defenseman, so let’s begin …..
- If the Kings fall out of contention in February, look for them to move from buyers to sellers. They have a 10 game road trip that may determine their course of action.
- See’s a trade first before they make a change behind the bench.
- The Kings have plenty of of 20 goal guys, need a 35+ guy.
- Doesn’t see the Kings looking to deal goalie Jonathan Bernier. He wouldn’t bring back the forward the Kings need.
- The Kings could use a 2nd line center, but trading for a long term guy would create a log jam for Brayden Schenn next year, Stoll would replace Handzus as 3rd line center.
- See’s Wayne Simmonds as a solid 3rd line for years to come.
- Thomas Hickey doesn’t have much trade value, has a shoulder injury, could be wasted 4th overall pick.
- Kings looking at Francois Beauchemin and Robyn Regehr on defense, Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner on the wing.
Ottawa Senators
- Jimmy Murphy reported that Kings GM Lombardi was scouting the Senators-Bruins game.
- Here goes the Mike Fisher chatter.
- Fisher could be a target. Jason Spezza is still out for another month so he may be too late, need immediate boost.
- Fisher would fit as a #2 center but is not putting up good numbers and has a $4 million cap hit.
- Milan Michalek is a $4.3 million cap hit with 8 goals in 43 games, so not a likely target.
Calgary Flames
- Robyn Regehr may be the best defenseman option.
- Kicking tires on Alex Tanguay.
- If the Kings were to go after Regehr and Niklas Hagman, the Flames would want a Dman prospect included, Teubert or Voynov. It would take a big deal to get both.
- Simmonds would likely be in a deal for Regehr. Tanguay will be a UFA at end of year, has no-trade clause, so there wouldn’t be a high price.
- Jarome Iginla for Brayden Schenn doesn’t make sense. 2 years at $7 million each, with Drew Doughty contract still to do, not Lombardi’s style.
- The Kings would have less than zero interest in Olli Jokinen.
Edmonton Oilers
- Simmonds has been dangled by the Kings for Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner.
- They are looking at Hemsky or Penner, but their February road trip could determine if they want to pay the price.
- Shawn Horcoff not a great fit. He doesn’t put the puck in the net enough.
Toronto Maple Leafs
- There was talk of a Kris Versteeg, Francois Beauchemin and high prospect for Brayden Schenn. Brian Burke really wants Schenn, but Lombardi won’t move him.
- A Versteeg for Simmonds deal is not an upgrade.
Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers
- Since Jason Pominville has a cap hit of $5.3 million, has a NMC and has only 8 goals, so likely not a target of the Kings.
- David Booth and Tomas Vanek are possible but not likely.
- Booth has a long term deal with a limited no-trade clause.
One offs
- Andrei Kostitsyn likely not an option, Canadiens need goals too, so if he’s that good offensively, he’d stay. If they would move him, would want more than Simmonds.
- If Capitals decided to move Semin, they’d want full rental value, a lot more than Jarret Stoll. Ovechkin won’t allow the Capitals to trade him anyways.
- Niclas Bergfors is a right winger and has been a healthy scratch in December, so likely not interested.
- Kings never targeted Patrick Elias, 2 years left at $6 million.
- Martin Havlat’s salary doesn’t make sense.
- Tomas Kopecky to the Kings is as likely as Semin to Chicago for him.
- Scouts at Monday’s game were from the Lightning, Flyers, Canadiens, Boston, and Penguins.
Sabres to get Connolly, Myers back … Rangers lose Christensen … Whitney in walking cast … Thrashers have offers for Bergfors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 31st, 2010
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres will get Tim Connolly back tomorrow night after missing 4 games with a fractured nose. Tyler Myers has missed the last couple games with an illness should be back as well. Patrick Kaleta suffered an upper body injury on Tuesday and is likely out tomorrow.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Erik Christensen will be out of the Rangers lineup for 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney is wearing a walking cast. When the swelling goes down he’ll be heading to see a specialist, which might not be for another couple of weeks. The best case scenario could see him only missing a month but it will likely be longer than that.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Kyle Okposo has been skating in full gear recently but won’t join the NY Islanders on their upcoming 11 day road trip.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Vancouver Canucks have put Ryan Parent on waivers. Boston’s Wyatt Smith cleared waivers.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers are looking to move Niclas Bergfors as coach Craig Ramsey doesn’t seem to think that Bergfors fits into the teams style of play. They have several offers for him and his $900,000 contract. Allen thinks they are probably trying to get a better pick or prospect, and might be looking to get a 2nd round pick or an advanced prospect for him. They aren’t looking for a roster player for him.
- Stamkos was one of the Tampa players who complained about Linus Omark’s hot dogging spin-o-rama, but he pulled a nice one last night ….
Kane replaces Hossa on IR … Burke owes Wilson a trade? Spezza hurts arm … Cleary fractures foot
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 27th, 2010
- The Globe and Mail: Marian Hossa was activated from IR yesterday and Patrick Kane was placed on IR. Kane has been out since Dec. 5th with an ankle injury. Hannu Toivonen was recalled by the team.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza left last night’s game in the 2nd period holding his arm after being hit by Kris Letang. A better update will be come today.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have lost Daniel Cleary for at least a month after his ankle was fracture after being hit by a Brad Stuart shot. Cleary leads the Wings with 16 goals. The Wings are also without Pavel Datsyuk, recalled Jan Mursak.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Marian Gaborik will be back in the lineup for the Rangers tonight, and the Rangers also recalled Mats Zuccarello. Gaborik practiced with Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan. Michael Del Zotto will likely be out as he recovers from the flu.
- Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The NHL holiday roster freeze ends Monday, and Brian Burke continues to look for a trade to shake up his roster. “It’s believed by team sources that Burke “owes” Wilson at least a trade to shake up the underachieving roster up and give the coach an improved opportunity to rescue the team’s badly fading playoff hopes.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Teams are following the NJ Devils closely, and many are interested in Jamie Langenbrunner and his no-trade clause. The Sharks, Red Wings, and Stars (as well as most other top teams) could be interested. If Rolston is put on re-entry waivers he’s likely to get picked up. Jason Arnott is pondering if he’d waive his no-trade clause if asked.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Teams are calling the Atlanta Thrashers about Niclas Bergfors (Maple Leafs likely one of the teams) but GM Dudley doesn’t want to give him away for nothing.
- TSN: Peter Forsberg’s attempted comeback is now over (it’s Christmas not Ground Hog day right?). Markus Naslund, MODO’s GM said “I’ve had a talk with him today and he simply says that it does not feel good enough for him to build on this.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Avalanche are not “moving full steam” to re-sign Craig Anderson. Anderson was excellent last season, but he’s battled injuries and has only been average. LA Kings prospect Brayden Schenn will likely be traded by Portland (WHL) to either Saskatoon or Portland. Sheldon Souray has 1 goal on 50 shots in 15 games.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators and Chris Phillips haven’t discussed a new contract for the upcoming UFA. Preliminary discussions took part at the beginning of the season, but not much since then.
Burke looking for a power forward … Time to Blowup the Flames? Svatos and Avangard split
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 24th, 2010
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Is the patience of Brian Burke running thin in Toronto? They are currently 28th with 28 points, 3 points fewer than they had last year at the same point.
“Inexcusable lapses have cost them too many games and too many points. A putrid start here, a late goal to blow a lead there and the Leafs have squandered opportunities to ease their way into a respectable spot in the standings.”
At the top of Burke’s wishlist is big power forward with some offensive talent. Finding a trade partner has been difficult but, “The tightness of the (Western Conference) probably helps us right now,” Poulin said. “There are teams that won’t wait until the trade deadline because they will want to make a push much earlier.”
- Vinay Menon of the Toronto Star: Change is coming according to Brian Burke. He’s been working the phones looking for size and scoring.
“We need a big forward,” Burke says, as a couple of suits stroll past and nod hello. “Everyone points to the center position. But I think if we had a Top 6 forward with size, center or wing, it would help us. Right now we’re not getting to enough loose pucks in front of the net. We’re not creating enough traffic in front of the net. So that to me is our biggest need.”
“I think Ron brushes some people the wrong way with his mannerisms when in fact he’s a great guy and a great teacher and a great coach,” says Burke. “But I think his mannerisms with the media – which, by the way, have been developed over a very frustrating period of time – have led some people to turn on Ron unfairly.
“That doesn’t change my thinking. We are not looking at a coaching change.”
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Is it time to blowup the Calgary Flames? LeBrun would blowup the Flames, putting Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff on the market. The Kings would be interested in Iginla, the Canadiens might be too. Would he waive his no-trade though? He has another 2 years left at $7 million. Burnside wonders if a team would part with a 1st round pick, a top prospect or “tidy little package” for Iginla? Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay might get some interest, though both have a no-movement clause. To quote Burnside “how does that happen, by the way?”, referring to Jokinen and Tanguay’s no-movement clause. It may be time to replace management as well.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Marek Svatos and KHL’s Avangard have mutually agreed to terminate Svatos’s contract. Chesnokov hears that he may stay in the KHL with Dinamo Riga.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Zach Bogosian missed last night’s game with multiple nagging injuries. The Thrashers play 4 games in 6 days after Christmas, so he was given some extra time to heal. Niclas Bergfor was scratched again, along with Nic Antropov.
- James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk: The race to get the rink built in Pittsburgh is on.
I may be able to sneak in an update later on today. Traveling begins shortly, will be on the road for the majority of the day so I may not get a chance. If not, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers. No posting tomorrow, and we’ll see about boxing day.
Blues dangling D for Scoring, also inquiring about Bergeron … No contract talks yet for Parise … Blues look into Kovalev … Laperriere clears room for Leighton
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 14th, 2010
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues continue to look for scoring help and could be moving out a defenseman. The Blues have also inquired about Marc-Andre Bergeron, and could bring in the power play specialist if they move a Dman out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergeron Record: Zach Parise has shed is immobilizing leg cast that he’s had on for 6 weeks. It will still be some time before he’s able to begin skating. Early February is when he might be able to return. The Devils have yet to approach Parise about a new contract.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: The LA Kings have activated Willie Mitchell and placed Brad Richardson on the IR.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues have looked into Senators forward Alexei Kovalev, and are not the only team. Ottawa isn’t looking for a contract that goes beyond this year. Kovalev has a no-movement clause. Still no word on when David Perron could return from his concussion. Tim Kennedy has been given permission to seek a trade by Glen Sather. The Penguins will be looking to sign Mark Letestu to an extension soon. Mike Modano is still hoping to return in March, but there is no guarantee, and the Red Wings may have concerns on the shape he’ll be in as he didn’t arrive at training camp in great shape.
- Adam JahnNo via twitter: Marian Hossa and Fernando Pisani skated yesterday, Patrick Kane could skate today.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont wonders if teams will call Panthers GM Dale Tallon about Erik Gudbranson. Florida was unable to come to terms with him before this season. Teams, such as the Bruins, may offer a roster player and swapping first round picks. Gudbranson isn’t going anywhere in my opinion.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn appears to be fine after taking a puck on the “unpadded part of the inside of his knee.” Mike Komisarek took part in the full practice and could play tonight if Ron Wilson chooses to insert him back in. Mike Brown will be out at least another 2 weeks.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Philadelphia Flyers placed Ian Laperriere on LTIR yesterday. Laperriere hasn’t played a game this season due to post-concussion symptoms. Matt Walker could be added to the IR as he was injured over the weekend. The Flyers had about $550,000 in cap space as of yesterday, and by placing Laperriere’s $1.166 million on LTIR, they’ll be able to add Michael Leighton’s $1.55 cap hit.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks coach Todd McLellan said that Douglas Murray will skate today and will accompany the team to Nashville. Pollak also notes, as speculated in many places, that Evgeni Nabokov could end up in Washington or Tampa.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Ben Eager and Niclas Bergfors were both healthy scratches again last night, it was their second consecutive game. Freddy Modin and Tim Stapleton replaced them.
- Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford practiced yesterday and could go on Wednesday night versus the Bruins.
Ribeiro staying in Dallas … Neal-Stars continue to talk … Bergfors-Thrashers close … Spot on Kings D open for Hickey? Keeping Parise happy
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 13th, 2010
- Mark Stepneski of the ESPN Dallas: Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has put center Mike Ribeiro’s mind at ease, telling him that the plan is for him to be in Dallas this season. “I reassured him that I have no intentions of moving him. I think he was worried about it. There was speculation out there that he was going to be moved any day,” Nieuwendyk said. Ribeiro’s name has been mentioned all summer as a player they may give up to acquire a puck moving defenseman.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: James Neal and the Dallas Stars continue to talk, but nothing is imminent. Nieuwendyk wants to get a deal done before the start of training camp, but realizes it may not happen.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun is hearing the Atlanta Thrashers are close to re-signing RFA Niclas Bergfors. Update 11:05 am: LeBrun via twitter: Confirms that Bergfors signs for 1 year, $900,000.
- Helene Elliott of the the LA Times: With the departures of Sean O’Donnell and Randy Jones, and the injury to Matt Greene, 2007 4th overall pick Tomas Hickey might be ready to make the jump to the big club. Last season Hickey was limited to 23 regular season and playoff games due to shoulder and ankle injuries. “Going forward I want to make this team and that’s the only thing on my mind,” he said Sunday. His hockey IQ makes up for his lack of size. 2008 13th overall pick, Colten Teubert is still recovering from wrist surgery and won’t visit the doctors until early October.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise will be an RFA after this season, and an UFA the year after. Parise wants to win, and if Kovalchuk’s re-signing helps that, it will help in his re-signing. “But if any of the repercussions of re-signing Kovalchuk – delaying starting negotiations, cap trouble, the impact on the roster, etc. – leads directly or indirectly to Parise leaving in two years, it will be it difficult to say this Summer of Kovy was worth it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have until October 6th to shed at least $3-3.5 million to get under the cap, and will be looking at their prospects closely to fill the roster spot(s), paying close attention to the likes of Jacob Josefson, Mattias Tedenby, Alexander Urbom, Tyler Eckford, Matt Corrente, Adam Henrique, Nick Palmeri and Vladimir Zharkov.
Ryan-Ducks “very close” … Maple Leafs notes … Lecavalier ready by camp … Thrashers-Bergfors still talking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 8th, 2010
- Eric Stephens via twitter: (late last night post) A “well-placed source” said that a Bobby Ryan-Anaheim Ducks contract is “very close”.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, “We’re going with this [roster] unless something miraculous happens,” he said. “This is the group. We’re going to start with this.” Burke expects the team to improve as they’ll have a full season with Phil Kessel, Jean-Sébastien Giguère, Dion Phaneuf and Fredrik Sjostrom.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Tomas Kaberle and coach Ron Wilson will discuss the rumors of a rift between the 2. “My relationship is not going to change,” Wilson said. “We’re going to try to figure out what’s been said. We will sit down either at the end of the week or early next week and have a heart-to-heart talk and see what the issues are if there are any.” Burke says it’s all non-sense.
- Mike Heika of Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk tried to use Mike Ribeiro to bring in a top level defenseman. Ribeiro is owed $5 million a season for the next 3 years, the Stars would have had to take back similar money on a deal. In the end they decided they didn’t want to take on someone else’s problem.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets and goalie Steve Mason have started contract talks for an extension. Mason is on the last year of his entry level deal.
- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland expects Kirk Maltby to sign a 1-year, 2-way deal within the next 48 hours.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Bay Tribune: Vincent Lecavalier says everything is alright with his knee (Aug. 24th arthroscopic surgery), and he should be ready for the start of training camp, Sept. 18th.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: The New York Rangers have invited Rulsan Fedotenko to training camp on a tryout.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers continue to negotiate with RFA Niclas Bergfors, but “nothing pending”.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The KHL will start moving their rink size to between the NHL and IIHF sizes. I think this is a great idea. I’ve always thought it should be something the NHL should consider. It doesn’t have to much, a few feet on all sides could make a difference.
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