Posts Tagged Olli Jokinen

Morning Hits: Preds sign Hornqvist, Rask between Howard and Price, Oilers 1st pick in play, Jets storylines

  • PR Nashville Predators: The Predators have signed forward Patric Hornqvist to a five-year, $21.25 million contract extension.

    “As we build towards the 2013-14 season and beyond, re-signing Patric Hornqvist was an off-season priority,” Poile said. “Since joining the Predators, he has become—and will remain—an integral member of our core group. Patric is everything we talk about as a Predator—he is relentless in going to the net and willing to pay the price to score goals, has a terrific work ethic and is a quality person who is respected on and off the ice. Patric is just entering the prime of his career. He has led our team in goal-scoring in two of the last four seasons and we are looking forward to him being a significant part of the Predators’ on-ice success in the years to come.”

  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: RFA Tuukka Rask could be looking for a new deal somewhere between Jimmy Howard’s $5,291,667 salary cap hit and Carey Price’s $6.5 million cap hit. His playoff performance may shift the number closer to one them. Rask finished the season with a 19-10-5 record, a 2.00 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage.
  • Terry Jones of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft, and it could be in play.

    “We’re definitely going to look at doing something with that pick. I think we’d be very receptive to moving back and picking up another pick potentially,” said MacTavish.

    “It’s a very deep draft in my mind. There are tons of players out there who excite me. Or possibly we could pick up somebody that could help us immediately and another pick.”

    MacTavish is also looking to get bigger.

    “We want more toughness, more meat and more depth in our lineup,” he said.

    “I’m pretty optimistic we can get some of the immediate growth and change,” said MacTavish.

    Some people had been mentioning amnesty buyout for Ryan Smyth.

    “Ryan Smyth will be back,” he said.

  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: 5 Jets storylines to watch this offseason.1. Are the Jets ready for their first blockbuster deal? Wiebe doesn’t think they should trade Dustin Byfuglien, but he could bring the biggest return. If they were to move him, they would need to get an all-star back.2. Is Olli Jokinena candidate for an amnesty buyout? It may send a bad message to future free agents if they buyout Jokinen after just one season. Paying someone over $3 million to not play, isn’t the way the Jets do business. Jokinen could still bounce back.3. Will the Jets try to move up in the draft? The Jets could still find an impact player at 13. It’s possible that they could package their pick along with another pick or player and move up. They have six picks in the first three rounds.

    4. Who will be Ondrej Pavelec’s backup? They could bring back Al Montoya.

    5. Can Toby Enstrom kick the injury bug? He’s missed 46 games in the last two seasons. He hopes to be able to get rid of the “fragile” label.

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Trade notes involving Rick Nash, Bobby Ryan and the St. Louis Blues

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Rick Nash trade talks have gone cold in recent days, and in 6 months, GM Scott Howson hasn’t come close on a deal.

    “There’s no timetable by which we have to make moves,” Howson said this week. “There are no deadlines. We’re going to continue to work at this. A trade with Rick will happen when we get the right value — when and if we get the right value.”

    A Nash deal may not be completed by the start of training camp, though it could be delayed due to the CBA situation. Nash could also chose to hold-out of camp.

  • NHL.com: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson told TSN that he would want established forwards in any Rick Nash trade.

    “If we do complete a trade, we’re trading out a 30- to 40-goal scorer,” Howson told TSN’s Gino Reda. “Defense is probably the strongest part of our team as we look at it today, so we’re looking to get some NHL forwards back first and foremost.”

    “We don’t have a deadline,” the GM said. “Rick’s under contract and we’ll continue to work at this, we’ll continue to keep Rick in the loop … and we’ll just hope that we get a resolution to this.”

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Maybe Shane Doan or Alexander Semin signings, or a Bobby Ryan trade can nudge a Nash trade along. Maybe teams will wait until the new CBA is in place to see whether they can fit a $7.8 million salary cap hit for the next 6 years. If the salary cap it lowered by say $10 million, teams like the Bruins, Flyers, Penguins and Sharks may not be able to take on that contract. The Rangers currently have $15.1 million and the Red Wings have $16.8 million.
  • The Fourth Period: TFP period has learned that the Blues have been looking for a 2nd line scorer during free agency last week. They made a play for center Olli Jokinen before he signed with the Jets. With David Backes and Patrik Berglund at center, they could be aiming for a right winger. GM Doug Armstrong is exploring the trade market for a 2nd liner and a rugged defenseman.
  • The Fourth Period: The Ducks have had trade talks with several teams about Bobby Ryan, but nothing appears imminent. Teams include the Flyers, Hurricanes and Rangers. The Maple Leafs, Penguins, Canadiens, Bruins, Panthers and Sharks have also inquired. The Ducks would like a center in a deal, but is not a prerequisite. They are looking to increase their secondary scoring.

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Canucks backup options, looking for a center … Sabres looking for center … CBJ not asking for Kreider, McDonagh or Stepan, do the Rangers know?

  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Kuzma thinks that once Roberto Luongo is moved, Al Montoya could be an option for the Canucks as their backup. Dan Ellis could also me an option, or they could go the trade route and see if the Coyotes want to move Jason LaBarbera. If the Canucks send Luongo to Florida, getting Jose Theodore back as part of the package is possible.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks added Jason Garrison to their blueline, but they are still looking to fill a hole at center. They may have offered Olli Jokinen a 1 year deal. The Canucks will likely go the trade route to find a center, and there hasn’t been much progress with a Luongo deal.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein says that the Canucks are looking for a playmaking 3rd line center as Kesler is coming off surgery again.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Regier:

    “I expect there to be a secondary trade market after this unrestricted market,” Regier said. “We’re looking at any situation that will make us a better team. We’re not locked in. Some guys we certainly would not want to trade under any circumstances, but we’re sitting here in early July and if the opportunity to improve our team is out there, then we want to be able to take advantage of it.”

    The Sabres are looking to improve up the middle as they don’t have any experience for their top lines. Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis are both 22. With the addition of Steve Ott, the Sabres now have 6 left wingers: Thomas Vanek, Marcus Foligno, Ott, Ville Leino, Nathan Gerbe and John Scott. Ott can take faceoffs, but is more comfortable on the wing. They also have 9 defenseman on their roster.

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told repeatedly that Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has NOT demanded Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh or Derek Stepan in trade talks with the Rangers. Portzline has been told there are lots of way the Rangers could get a deal done without incorporating those 3. McDonagh doesn’t make sense as a centerpiece. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger responds to Portzline by saying that the Blue Jackets should let the Rangers know that then. Multiple trade scenarios have been pitched to the Jackets by the Rangers and have been turned away.

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Rangers still in Nash hunt … Blackhawks open for trade … Kings like Doan … Burke talks Leafs … Senators likely done

  • (Brodeur signed just before I posted this) Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are out of the running for Parise. There is word that they are interested in Martin Brodeur. It was thought the Blackhawks may be aggressive in free agency, but they have only landed Sheldon Brookbank. The Hawks would prefer to give Brodeur a 1 year deal and have contacted him. Matt Carle is the best free agent defenseman option for the Blackhawks. Best remaining forward options include Olli Jokinen, Shane Doan and Jaromir Jagr.

    ‘We’re open to do a trade at any point if it makes sense,’’ Bowman said recently. ‘‘We’ve got a lot of guys who are attractive to other teams. Depending on how we want to work it, if we can get the right player and it’s the model we’re going with, then we’ll do it.”

  • James Mirtle via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke wants to see the price for Martin Brodeur. Expects him to remain with the Devils though. Burke also expects that improvement will come from trade and not through free agency. Burke said that Joey Crabb wanted too much money. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Burke on updating center and goalies:

    “I felt all along we’d have to address these things through trade and that’s how we’re going to have to do them.”

  • Mark Masters via twitter: Burke on Martin Brodeur:

    ‘My belief is NJ intends to re-sign him & that’s his 1st choice & I’d be surprised if it didn’t go down that way.’

  • Jonas Siegel of TSN: Brian Burke:

    “I’m not surprised we weren’t able to do more. We could have; we had cap-space, we had the money, ownership has authorized us to spend. I just don’t think it was a prudent way to spend money.”

    The Leafs are a little under $13 million under the salary cap ceiling with Cody Franson and Nikolai Kulemin left to sign.

    “We need to get bigger,” Burke explained of his club’s needs. “We’re still looking to solve or upgrade the goaltending situation. We’re still looking to add at centre or upgrade at centre if we can…I felt all along we’d have to address these things through trade and that’s how we’re going to have to do them.”

  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators GM Bryan Murray believes they are done. Needs to get an answer from Daniel Alfredsson if he’s coming back or not.

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Possible Islanders targets … Many plans for ‘Hawks … Preds in tough with Weber … No word from Selanne or Alfredsson

  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: The Islanders have only 4 veteran defenseman under contract heading into free agency. Devils Bryce Salvador is one player the Islanders could be interested in, though he may be too expensive for them. Matt Carkner may be more realistic for the Isles. Rangers Steve Eminger is also on their radar. Tough guys George Parros and John Scott may intrigue them. Brandon Prust is looking for more than $2.5 million, which is too much for a 3rd/4th liner. They’d like to find a 2nd line center, and there is some interest in Olli Jokinen. The Islanders may gamble on Alex Semin or possibly Brad Boyes.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman:

    “We’ve been spending a week going through Plans A, B, C and D,” Bowman told the Tribune. “You just can’t go ahead and say, ‘We’re going to get this guy’ because you don’t know if you’re going to get that guy. In some scenarios, we look at different positions or different styles of players. We’re going to make a lot of phone calls, I know that.”

    Bowman said if it makes sense to bring in a top free agent, he wouldn’t hesitate. Maybe Martin Brodeur?

    “We’re fortunate because we have a lot of guys already under contract. It doesn’t mean we won’t add players but some teams are in a different spot where they’re looking at adding four or five players. We probably aren’t going to be doing that but it doesn’t mean we’re not going to be active.”

    Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson could be moved. Blackhawks are looking for anyone to take Steve Montador who has a cap hit of $2.75 million through 2014-15. They could look to improve along the blueline and maybe in net. If they are looking to make a big splash, they’ll look at Parise, Brodeur or Suter. Alexanders Semin, Shane Doan,  Jiri Hudler or P.A. Parenteau would help upfront and Matt Carle or Jason Garrison would help on the blueline.

  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Stan Bowman on possibility of targeting Martin Brodeur: “I don’t rule anything in or rule anything out.”
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks still haven’t received an answer from Teemu Selanne but they are still talking. Perhaps an answer (last night) or early this morning.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: The Senators will enter free agency under the assumption that Daniel Alfredsson will be returning next season.

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Devils, Carle, Schultz, Garrison, Jokinen and Flames

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is not expected to re-sign with the Devils before July 1st and will listen to offers from other teams. It appears that the Devils haven’t presented Parise with any contract proposals, nor explored preliminary parameters. They may make a bid before Sunday though. The Red Wings, Kings, Rangers and Penguins will be among the suitors. The Devils have interest in re-signing their UFAs; Martin Brodeur, Bryce Salvador, Johan Hedberg, Ryan Carter, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Steve Bernier, Petr Sykora, Stephen Gionta and Peter Harrold.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers may not get Matt Carle locked up before July 1st. Carle’s agent, Kurt Overhardt:

    “We continue to talk to them but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is available on July 1. But we’re going to continue to talk to the Flyers. Just move forward accordingly.”

    There were reports that he wouldn’t get to July 1st, but Dennis Wideman’s 5 year, $26.25 million deal may have changed things. Carle could now be worth $5.5 million, but the Flyers may be looking for something closer to $5 million.

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have made their pitch for Justin Schultz. They brought Kevin Lowe, Craig MacTavish, Steve Tambellini and Taylor Hall to make the pitch. A decision may not come until today or tomorrow. He can’t sign until July 1st. He can get a salary of $925,000, including a $92,500 signing bonus, and with performance bonuses he could carry a cap hit of $3.7 million. (if signed to a max entry level deal) Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie believes the Wild are on Schultz’s short list of teams. Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs are expected to meet with Schultz today.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Pending UFA Jason Garrison is from BC, and would like play for the Canucks.

    “Yeah, I guess time is ticking and I’m starting to realize it,” he said. “The situation in Florida isn’t over yet, but Sunday is going to come pretty quick and if nothing is done, then I’m looking forward to it. I still feel like I’m with Florida. Nothing is set in stone until July 1, but if that’s what it comes down to, I’ve got to prepare myself for that. I’m going to take a few days and make sure I’m well prepared and make sure I know what I’m getting into.”

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster said with the salary cap going up he doesn’t have to get rid of salary to accommodate the Dennis Wideman signing, but don’t rule out a Jay Bouwmeester trade.

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Morning notes: Crosby, Red Wings, van Riemsdyk, Nash, Avalanche, Bruins, Asham, Niskanen, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jackets

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Anderson confirms there have only been preliminary talks between the Penguins and Sidney Crosby’s side. Blogs and 1 media outlet are reporting that they have agreed or settled on a 9 year, $90 million deal. Alex Ovechkin carries the highest cap hit at $9.538 million.
  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: After trading Brad Stuart to the Sharks, and the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings need some defensemen, either by trade or free agency. Ryan Suter, Matt Carle, Barret Jackman and Dennis Wideman are UFAs that will gain interest around the league. The Red Wings will be interested in Justin Schultz. ”We’ll be active,” Holland said. “We’ve lost two quality defensemen.”
  • Craig Custance via twitter: If the Red Wings can’t get Ryan Suter, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made a push for Matt Carle and Bryce Salvadore.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Brad Stuart on Red Wings GM Ken Holland: ”To make this move speaks volumes for the Wings. If it doesn’t work out, Ken indicated they’d still like to have me.”
  • Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings GM Holland is prepared to make an offer to Jiri Hudler. He spoke with Hudler’s agent last week, but Hudler is still deciding if he wants to test free agency.
  • Howard Eskin via twitter: Flyers James van Riemsdyk is delaying having surgery on his torn labrum, which could holdup a trade. The Flyers like Rick Nash with a “possible” trade can’t really happen until van Riemsdyk is 100%. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed’s sources have always said the Flyers have liked Nash, but a trade is unlikely. Same sources have said adding a defenseman is their top priority and that they would go after an “impact D” first and maybe moving up in the draft.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche’s payroll is just over $30 million, but they have an RFA list that includes: Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, Erik Johnson, Peter Mueller, Steve Downie, Ryan Wilson and Jamie McGinn. UFAs they may want to re-sign are Jay  McClement and Shane O’Brien. It’s unlikely they will try to sign Ryan Suter or Zach Parise. They could make an offer on Shane Doan, Olli Jokinen, or Matt Carle.
  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins are getting close on multi-year deals for Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell.
  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins UFA Aaron Asham and Matt Niskanen want to come back. It’s not known what Steve Sullivan is wanting to do.
  • Steve Simmons via twitter: When the Maple Leafs made the deal which sent Francois Beauchemin to the Ducks for Jake Gardiner and Joffrey Lupul, they originally wanted Justin Schultz but the Ducks said no on Schultz.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs would like to move up in the draft, and Luke Schenn could be involved. The Oilers may want to move their pick, and the Canadiens may be thinking of trading down as well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Stars could make FA splash … Nash hurt … Henrik OK … Carter may be good for playoffs … Flames UFAs … Schneider says Luongo … What was Clowe thinking?

  • Jeff Klein of the NY Times: Rangers Henrik Lundqvist’s forearm injury is fine enough that he could have played last night. “I would play probably, but it’s a good opportunity to get a good practice, get a little rest, and get back at it.”
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Jeff Carter skated yesterday for 20 minutes. It’s unlikely that he’ll play on Saturday. Carter seems confident that he’d be able to return to the lineup for the start of the playoffs if they make it. “Oh yeah. I really don’t think that’s an issue. I should be good to go, with the way it has progressed over the last few days.”
  • Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will have to decide if they want to bring back UFAs Scott Hannan, Tom Kostopoulos, Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss and Cory Sarich.

    “I know that I’m up,” Sarich was saying the other day. “No idea whether the team is interested in having me stick around. I’m not sure if there will be other teams interested. You always want and hope that there are.”

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Cory Schneider thinks that Roberto Luongo should be their starter in the playoffs.

    “He’s the guy who got us to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals last year, not me,” Schneider said of Luongo. “He’s clearly earned the right to [start the playoffs], both through his performance and his history and experience.

    “I don’t see why they wouldn’t start him.

    “I’ve seen [Luongo] up close for two seasons now, and I have no doubt that when the playoffs start, he’ll be ready to go and he’ll be ready to raise his game.”

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have reached a verbal agreement with Swedish goalie, Viktor Fasth. He will sign with the Ducks after the World Hockey Championships. The Ducks wouldn’t confirm the report. The 29 year old had a 23-21 record with a 2.12 GAA and .913 SV% with AIK this past season.

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

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

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

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

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Sunday morning rumors and notes involving deadline buyers and sellers, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Flyers, Kings, Blackhawks and Oilers

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

    “The prices, in some cases, are embarrassing,” said a league executive. “They’re going to get more realistic closer to the deadline, but right now teams are asking for too much for their players.”

    Garrioch lists the Sellers and who is available: Carolina – Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. Columbus – Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Rick Nash and Steve Mason. NY Islanders – Mark Eaton, Steve Staios, Milan Jurcina, P.A. Parenteau. Tampa Bay – Ryan Malone. Edmonton – Ales Hemsky, Nikolai Khabibulin and Theo Peckham. Montreal – Travis Moen, Andrei Kostitsyn and Mathieu Darche.

    The Buyers and who they like: San Jose – Rick Nash, Teemu Selanne and Ales Hemsky. Boston – Teemu Selanne, Ales Hemsky and Mike Knuble. Los Angeles – Rick Nash, Teemu Selanne and Ales Hemsky. Chicago – Nikolai Khabibulin, Bryan Allen and Derek Roy. Washington – Ales Hemsky and Antoine Vermette. Nashville – Ales Hemsky and Jarret Stoll.

    Top 10 players to watch: 1. Rick Nash 2. Teemu Selanne 3. Jeff Carter 4. Ales Hemsky 5. Ryan Malone 6. Jarrett Stoll 7. Jaroslav Specek 8. Derek Roy 9. Antoine Vermette 10. Nikolai Khabibulin.

    Keep an eye on: Mike Knuble, Bobby Ryan, Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier, and Ryan Miller.

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the NHL is helping out the Devils financially, “it is shortsighted for the league to withhold approval of deals that presumably would strengthen these wards of the state.” If they are able to trade for Marek Zidlicky, “it would be penny-wise but pound-foolish for the league to prevent it.”
  • Dustin Leed via twitter: Scouting the Flyers – Penguins game: 2 Blue Jackets (GM Scott Howson and senior advisor Craig Patrick were on the list to attend), 2 Blackhawks, Kings, Predators, Canadiens, Avalanche, Flames, Panthers and Blues. Randy Miller via twitter: Miller notes that 2 Blue Jackets executives have been at a Flyers 3 times this week. He thinks talks must be serious.
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Scouting the Blue Jackets – Blackhawks game: Blues, Hurricanes, Senators, Washington, Red Wings, Rangers, Stars, Flyers and Canadiens.
  • Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove notes by Spector’s Hockey (video not posted): Eric Francis said that some NHL GMs doubt Nash will get traded at the deadline. The Blue Jackets are looking for an impact player, 2 top prospects and a 1st round pick. Elliotte Friedman noted that the Blue Jackets are trying to push Nash on the Flyers, and that they’d prefer to move Jeff Carter to the Kings. Francis said that Patrick Kane is happy in Chicago and they are happy with him. Friedman suggested that the Blackhawks could face some questions if they have a short playoff run. Francis said the Flames haven’t had contract talks with Olli Jokinen, but he’s not going anywhere. Sam Gagner also isn’t going anywhere.

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