Posts Tagged Ottawa Senators
More on the Front-Loaded contract investigation … Sharks offering Clowe and 1st for Kaberle? Phillips and Sens talking extension
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2010
- Helene Elliott via twitter: She thinks the Kings are figuring Kovalchuk and the Devils will rework their deal.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Kovalchuk’s agent hasn’t discussed the KHL with him. SKA wants Kovalchuk to let them know what he wants. His Russian agent has said that SKA has 1 to 8 year offers, and an “up to you” offer where Kovalchuk picks the terms.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Chris Pronger won’t be ready for training camp, and may be ready for the season opener, his knee has atrophy.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The NHL has been investigating Roberto Luongo’s contract for a year, they only “conditionally” approved it. The League wasn’t happy with the Canucks and they would checking in to see if the Canucks were attempting to circumvent the salary cap. The investigation has no timelines, and is on-going. The Canucks were told to take the last 2 years off the contract, making it a 10-year, $64 million deal. That would make the new salary cap number $6.4 million instead of $5.3 million. If they did that, the Leauge would give the deal their blessing. The NHL wanted all emails, paperwork, voice mails, etc. and interviewed GM Gillis and their cap expert. It’s believed that Pronger and Hossa had the same investigation, the players have not cooperated. Nothing may happen to the Luongo contract, as they’ve finished the investigative work and nothing has been done. Also, Luongo’s deal never pays less that $1 million.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Chris Pronger’s 7 year, $34.45 million contract will continue to be investigated despite going into effect July 1st. Bill Daly wrote, “No timetable and no deadline. Yes, the contract can be de-registered in the event a circumvention is found. Nothing is different than before [Ilya] Kovalchuk ruling.” Peter Luukko, the Flyers president, stands behind the deal, and thinks it doesn’t hold relevance to Kovalchuk’s contract.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Bill Daly says the NHL doesn’t have any problems with Vincent Lecavalier’s 11 year contract, that pays him an average of $7.727. It is front loaded, but not to the extent of some of the others, and only takes him to the age of 39.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Teams interested in Kaberle are the Bruins, Stars, Kings, Devils, Sharks and Lightning. Sharks offering Clowe and 1st round pick, Burke not interested in draft picks. (The 27-year old Clowe has a cap hit of $3.625 million for the next 3 years. If this offer for Kaberle is true, it might be one that Burke has to consider).
- Nicholas Cotsonika of Yahoo! Sports: “The deadline is Sunday, and I don’t expect to see anyone’s best cards until probably Friday,” Burke said. “That being said, the offers improved dramatically over the weekend. We’re at a double-digit number of teams that are in. Unilaterally, without any phone calls from us, two teams dramatically improved their offer over the weekend. It’s going the way I thought it would go.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators and Chris Phillips are talking contract extension. Phillips would be a UFA next summer.
- Jim Gintonio via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes continue to negotiate with both Lee Stempniak and Martin Hanzel, though nothing is iminant with either.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko, a St. Louis Blues 2010 1st round pick (16th overall), is close to signing a deal with Sibir of the KHL. Chesnokov has said in the past that he would be staying in Russia for at least another year, despite other reports.
- RDS: Reporting that Eric Belanger has signed a 1 year deal with someone, but can’t disclose who just yet. Yesterday there were reports that it could be the Maple Leafs, but other said that was not the case. James Mirtle via twitter says Belanger is not signing with the Leafs. NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Deal not being announced as the team is preparing a trade that impacts the salary cap.
Stars still looking to trade Ribeiro … Red Wings may still be looking at a couple moves … Could Redden remain with the Rangers?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 9th, 2010
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek thinks the Dallas Stars would still like to trade Mike Ribeiro, but they can’t get the deal they’d like. He thinks they are looking for a top-4 defenseman.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: The Red Wings have looked at Lukas Krajicek as their 6th defenseman, and may be a better fit than Willie Mitchell, as he’d come at a more affordable price. Mitchell probably wants more money than the Wings have available, and may not be comfortable with being the 5th/6th defenseman and getting less ice time. Andreas Lilja may be a better option than Krajicek, but the Red Wings were offering $1 million, and he was seeking $1.5 million.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: After the Mike Modano signing, the Red Wings have 15 forwards, so it will likely mean they will have to trade or waive someone. Mattias Ritola or Drew Miller will be the likely candidates to be moved. Khan thinks Miller will be moved. Ritola has a higher offensive upside, and is signed for 3 years, while Miller is on a one year deal.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $57.5 million (including Cheechoo and Emery buyouts) committed to 22 players. Their defensive corps currently consists of Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Erik Karlsson, Matt Carkner, Brian Lee and Chris Campoli, with youngster Jared Cowen and Patrick Weircioch waiting in the wings. Brian Lee could be moved. If they are looking to add some toughness to the back-end, Brendan Witt and Willie Mitchell could be options. The Senators may also look to add a top-6 forward through free agency (I didn’t realize there were any top-6 forwards available). If they add another forward, Ryan Shannon could be dealt or sent to the minors.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: With the additions of Alexander Frolov and Todd White, it appears the Rangers may not be planning on having Wade Redden’s salary counting against the cap, possibly waiving him during training camp. Though the Rangers defense may have some question marks that may lead the Rangers to keeping him. Marc Staal still isn’t under contract, Steve Eminger may too expensive for a 7th defenseman, Matt Gilroy may not be progressing as much as the Rangers had hoped, and what if Redden bounces back to his Senators days. The Norweigen Hobbit, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, who was signed last spring, may find himself in the minors.
- Toronto Sun: Reports are the that Vesa Toskala will be heading to play in Sweden next season. Farjestad may be looking for a goalie since their current goalie, Robin Rahm, tested positive for a banned substance and may be a 2 year ban.
Afinogenov to KHL … Where could Niemi end up? Mitchell taking physicals … “Nothing to report” on Kariya to Anaheim
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maxim Afinogenov will be signing a 5 year deal with SKA of the KHL.
- Adam Proteau of the Hockey News via twitter: The rumors that the Montreal Canadiens are chasing Antti Niemi are “ludicrous”.
- Noah Love of the National Post: Love offers a few guesses as to where Niemi could end up: Colorado, Washington, NY Islanders, Dallas, and Edmonton. Teams with cap issues that could use Niemi: Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ottawa, Montreal, and Chicago.
- Dan Tencer (Edmonton Radio) via twitter: “Asking McGuire about Souray…he interrupts and says: “I’ve been trying to warn you for 3 years that there’s no market for that player!”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Willie Mitchell has taken physicals for a few teams. He could sign soon, and the deal could include performance bonuses because of the injuries he’s dealt with in the past. Russo thinks he could get a 1 year deal worth between $1-1.5 million plus bonuses. It won’t be to Minnesota. Washington and San Jose are possibilities. He’s met with Vancouver already.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Paul Kariya’s agent says there’s “nothing to report” when talking about the rumors of Kariya returning to Anaheim.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been progressing very good from his concussion issues.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg will be skating with MoDo, testing out injured foot once again. The Flyers, Rangers, Washington and Colorado could be interested teams if he attempts an NHL comeback.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: So it’s safe to say that Cristobal Huet won’t be back the Blackhawks next season. His agent is working hard to keep him in the NHL, and not in the minors or Europe/KHL, which will be extremely hard. He’s working with the ‘Hawks to find a “reasonable destination” for Huet. Europe seems the most likely landing spot, with Hawks paying his full salary (won’t count against the cap).
White-Flames heading to arbitration … Regin and Campoli at standstill with Sens … Richards staying in Dallas long-term? Redden to be waived?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 29th, 2010
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: It doesn’t appear like the Calgary Flames and Ian White will reach an agreement before their Friday arbitration case. From White’s agent, “If something happens, something happens. But we’re not counting on it”. White made $950,000 last season, where he had 13 goals and 25 assists in 83 games.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It looks like both Peter Regin and Chris Campoli will be going to arbitration with the Ottawa Senators, as contract talks with both are going nowhere.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: It looks like Brad Richards will remain with the Stars, with the possibility of being one of the center-pieces the club builds around. “The Stars want to keep Richards and Richards wants to stay here.” He’d have to take a pay cut from his $7.8 million if he were to resign.
- Douglas Flynn of NESN: Before the Bruins include Tyler Seguin and Blake Wheeler’s salary (his ruling should come out sometime today), they are pushing up against the cap. Efforts to trade Marc Savard and Tim Thomas are at a standstill. Michael Ryder and his $4 million salary could be a cap casualty. Chiarelli has said he won’t buyout players. Ryder would be a $1.33 million cap hit the next 2 seasons if they bought him out, which might not help out as much as they need. His contract may make it hard to find a trade partner. They could put him through waivers and send him to the minors. Ownership may not want to pay $4 million to someone in the minors, and there is a chance that Ryder would be unhappy and have a negative influence on their prospects.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Accroding to La Presse, if Antti Niemi’s arbitration ruling is too high, they’ll look to trade him and sign Jose Theodore.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are about $6.7 million under the cap, with Marc Staal still unsigned, and the need for possibly another defenseman. Wade Redden could be waived during camp. It’s believed that Frolov turned down a 4 year, $18-20 million deal from the Rangers to sign a 1 year deal with the Rangers.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Even after signing Alexei Ponikarovsky, the Kings may still look to add another top guy.
- Alessandro Seren Rosso of RussianHockeyFans: Alexander Radulov’s KHL contract runs out after this season, and it looks like he’ll be heading back to Nashville next year to play out the remaining year with the Predators under is old NHL contract.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: 2010 St. Louis Blues 1st round draft pick, Vladimir Tarasenko, is still deciding if he’ll play in the KHL or head to St. Louis. Andy Strickland says that the Blues expect Tarasenko to play in Russia this year.
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes are talking with the Lee Stempniak, they’d like him back at the ‘right price’.
Semin staying … Spezza happy … Columbus interested in Bieksa/Kaberle … Kings shopping Williams/Stoll
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 21st, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: An NHL GM told LeBrun that he heard that in the next CBA they’ll look to have the average of the five highest salaried years count against the cap. That’s one of several ideas that’s being tossed around.
- Dennis Bernstein (TFP) via twitter: Alexander Semin is not going anywhere.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza once again has said he happy in Ottawa and hopes to stay there.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: If Anton Stralman gets a ‘hefty’ salary from arbitration next Monday, the Blue Jackets may walk away from it. GM Scott Howson may start investigating other options, possibly Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle. There is a chance that the Blue Jackets could dangle Nikita Filatov as bait. For Bieksa they probably wouldn’t have to offer Filatov, a lesser prospect could work, unless the Canucks added more than Bieksa for Filatov. It’s not known if Filatov is the kind of player Burke is interested in. The Blue Jackets are reluctant to break up their top-6 forwards, which is what Burke covets for Kaberle.
- NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Ryan Johnson and the Columbus Blue Jackets are closing in on a deal, 1 year between $850,000 and $900,000.
- NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Sources saying that Los Angeles Kings are shopping Justin Williams and Jarret Stoll.
- Genadi Boguslavski (sovsport.ru) via twitter: Jose Theodore getting interest from a few KHL teams.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Maxim Afinogenov getting interest from KHL, but will focus on NHL until August 1st.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Rumors that Nick Leddy could be heading back to the Blackhawks are untrue. Wild and Leddy are talking. In 2-3 weeks, it could be different though.
Though choices in Chicago … Gagne to Leafs? No ‘Sweat’ for Leafs? Senators need a tough Dman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 10th, 2010
- Tim Sassone of the Chicago Tribune: With the Sharks signing Niklas Hjalmarsson to a 4 year, $14 million offer sheet, the Blackhawks may have to decide if they want to keep Hjalmarsson, Antti Niemi, or possibly Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks could match the offer and wait for Niemi’s arbitration hearing, if it’s for more than $4 million a season they could decline it and Niemi would be a UFA. They could then go sign Turco or Theodore for less.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There is a chance that the Maple Leafs won’t be able to sign recently acquired Bill Sweat. If Sweat doesn’t sign by August 15th, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Sweat was acquired along with Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks. It could end up being a 3 for 1 deal.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Journal: With the signing of Nikolai Zherdev, the Flyers are $1.4 million over the cap, and still have RFA’s Daniel Carcillo and Darrol Powe. They are still trying to move Simon Gagne, and have been linked to the Kings for weeks, but they could also be talking to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Flyers could package Gagne and Braydon Coburn ($8.45 million in salary) for Tomas Kaberle ($4.25 million). The Flyers might request goaltending prospect,Jussi Rynnas as well.
- Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated: Muir thinks that the Flyers could send Simon Gagne to the Kings for defensive prospect, Thomas Hickey. The Kings have a surplus of young defenseman. I could see the Flyers doing this deal, but I’m not sure the Kings are completely sold on Gagne, and Hickey is a top prospect.
- Mike Russo of the Star-Tribune: Minnesota Wild GM, Chuck Fletcher, has talked with Mike Modano about finishing his career in the city where it all started out. Modano is still undecided if he’ll return next season. The Red Wings and Sharks are also said to be interested. The Wild could be looking for some scoring help, and could consider: Alex Frolov, Lee Stempniak, Paul Kariya, Maxim Afinogenov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Miro Satan.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators could use a rugged defenseman. “I’d like to add one more player,” Murray said at Friday’s news conference to introduce Gonchar. “Maybe (he’s) in the organization. Watching Jared Cowen playing in the development camp, we may already have a defenceman who can play in that more physical spot that we’re looking to fill.” If they decided to sign a free agent, Andy Sutton, Willie Mitchell and Shaone Morrisonn could be possibilities.
- Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: According to a Czech news agents, Ales Kotalik will be joining Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. But according to the official Czech hockey site, Kotalik had this to say “I haven’t heard a thing about that”.
Ottawa Senators sign Sergei Gonchar
Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010
Veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar has signed a three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators worth $5.5 million per year.
The contract also includes a no-trade clause. Gonchar had 11 goals and 39 assists for the Pens last season. This gives the Sens a great puck-moving defencemen for the power play for the next couple years, after which they will likely be in the re-building mode.
Rangers targeting Johan Hedberg … Sens options may be limited … Lightning after Mason, Martin?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Sens have to be careful spending their money this off-season. They have almost $49 million committed to 13 players, with RFAs Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, and Jesse Winchester. Players they could target: Anton Volchenkov, Sergei Gonchar, Ray Whitney, Zbynek Michalek, Kurtis Foster, and Dan Hamhuis.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers in the market for a backup goalie and their primary target is Johan Hedberg.
- Craig Custance via Twitter: Johan Hedberg and the Thrashers are still talking. Other options for Hedberg are Rangers, Canadiens and Devils.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Steve Yzerman may not do anything on today. He’s looking for another goalie, possibly targeting Chris Mason. Yzerman still wants to re-sign Kurtis Foster, and might have an eye on Paul Martin.
Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Calgary Flames may also be interested in trading for Marc Savard. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be looking at free agents Dan Hamhuis and Zbynek Michalek, possibly exploring a trade for Jeff Carter before they move on to Marc Savard. Michalek may be more interested in heading to Ottawa to play with his brother. The Flames will buy out Alex Kotalik, and will cost them $1 million against the cap the for the next 4 years. If the Leafs were to deal for Savard, it probably wouldn’t happen until next week. The Leafs did not qualify John Mitchell.
- TSN: Brian Burke was on the Fan 590 radio station yesterday. Fan 590 Audio. The Leafs have some trade options but none involve Marc Savard. They have 4 offers for Kaberle but one is “a joke”. They are not going to trade him for the best offer, but one that gives them what they need, a top 6 forward.
- Damien Cox via Twitter: “So funny there are actual news stories saying the Leafs aren’t talking to Boston about Marc Savard. Seriously folks? Cmon.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have place Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out. Cheechoo would then be a salary cap hit of $1.165 million over the next 2 seasons. The Sens are still negotiating with Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen. They would also like to add a forward and a Dman. Shean Donovan may end up going to Europe.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dan Hamhuis spoke directly but numbers weren’t discussed. Shero discussed why he’d be a good fit, what they have, and why they’d like to have him. He told Hamhuis that “if over the next day or so he wants to move forward with that - well, let’s talk.” Shero has the option of signing him to a long term deal. Gonchar is looking for a 3 year deal at no leass than $5 million.
- William DePaoli (InsidePittsburghSports.com) via Twitter: Colby Armstrong agent, Don Meehan, expects a stong market for his client, and is seeking a 4 year deal from a ‘hockey market’.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN (Insider registration): Joyce runs through this years draft class and when they may be in the NHL.
This year: Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Erik Gudbranson, Nino Niederreither, Mikael Granlund.
Second rounders that could make it this year: John McFarland, Alexander Petrovic, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
Maybe this year: Brett Connolly, Jeff Skinner
Next year: Ryan Johansen, Alexander Burmistrov, Cam Fowler, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Dylan McIlrath
2012-13: Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarsenk, Joey Hishon, Beau Bennett, Quinton Howden, Austin Watson,
2013 and beyond: Jack Campbell, Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Jarred Tinordi, Mark Pysyk, Kevin Hayes, Mark Visentin, Charlie Coyle, Emerson Etem, and Brock Nelson.
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