Posts Tagged Ottawa Senators

NHL terminating CBA … Canucks and Panthers notes … Shero wants big 3 … Top 5 FA targets for Sens … Semin’s agent audio

  • Jason Kay via twitter: The NHL has officially let the NHLPA know they are terminating the CBA on Sept. 15th. Talks are expected to start after the draft. Liz Mullen via twitter: A source said that one side must let the other side know if they want to make changes to a CBA 120 days before it expires.
  • Ben Kuzma via twitter: With a possible lockout looming, the fall prospects tournament for Canucks, Oilers, Flames, Jets in B.C. has been cancelled.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA on July 1st, and will be looking for a nice raise from the $675,000 he made this past season. He’d like to re-sign with the Panthers, and they are saying the right things, but their priorities list may lie with Kris Versteeg and bolstering their offense. Garrison is from BC, and may hope the Canucks are interested:

    “It’s always nice to be wanted and if that’s the case and you have a quality that they like, obviously it’s my hometown team and I grew up watching them play,” said Garrison, who played with Canucks winger Mason Raymond at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. “My friends and family are big Canuck fans and would love to see me play at home but you’ve got to be the right fit for a team. You want to be able to contribute.”

    Cap space for the Canucks would depend on a Roberto Luongo deal, and the re-signing of Cory Schneider. They need a top 6 forward, a 3rd line center and a top 4 defenseman. Sami Salo and Aaron Rome are UFAs, Marc-Andre Gragnani is a RFA.

  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: The door is still open for Scott Clemmensen to return to the Panthers next season with Jose Theodore, and that GM Dale Tallon would like to Jacob Markstrom to spend a full year in the AHL. Fialkov doesn’t sense they will bring back Marco Sturm, John Madden or Wojtek Wolski. Mikael Samuelsson and Krys Barch are possibilities. Jonathan Huberdeau and Quinton Howden will be given every opportunity to make the Panthers next season. Alex Petrovic and Colby Robak will likely start next year in the AHL. Keaton Ellerby and possibly Shawn Matthias could be packaged to move up in the draft.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Ray Shero isn’t about to give up on the 3-center model that helped them win the Cup in 2009. Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby have 1 year left on their deals, Evgeni Malkin has 2.

    “I’d like to do that, if possible,” he said. “We’re looking at hopefully getting extensions with [Crosby and Staal].”

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch lists the top 5 free agent targets for the Senators. 1. Zach Parise 2. Chris Kelly 3. Bryan Allen 4. David Jones 5. Jiri Hudler.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: Zach Parise will be the Red Wings top goal scoring priority, but if they can’t land him, Khan wonders if they should look at Alexander Semin? Would his motivation increase playing with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg?
  • David Pollak via twitter: New reports are saying that Todd McLellan is coming back as the Sharks coach, but likely with new assistants.

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Semin denies report … No charges for Kane … Avs-Hejduk talking … Price-Habs have talked … Videos of Doan and Hanzal hit

  •  Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: When Alexander Semin arrived in Sweden, he denied that he’ll be leaving the Capitals for sure. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Whyno spoke with Semin’s agent who didn’t close the door on the Capitals. He questioned the teams direction, and is not considering the KHL.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: There has been ongoing talk between the Avalanche and Milan Hejduk. Hejduk struggled in the 2nd half of the season, but would like to return. If they can’t get a deal done, he could consider signing elsewhere.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Carey Price just finished his 2 year, $5.5 million deal. His agent, Gerry Johannson has had a couple “cordial chats” with new GM Marc Bergevin.

    “I’m pretty confident we’ll get something done,” the three-time all-star said. “I’m really not the type of guy who’s going to push everything to get (a contract) done faster. We’re trying to build a team here and we want to build it the right way. Rushing decisions isn’t the right way to do it.”

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: On the Shane Doan hit, Lewis turns just before the hit, nasty result but not a suspension in his opinion. Martin Hanzal tracks Dustin Brown, he’ll get a suspension.

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Questions for Predators … Sens should have some interest Penner … Extension for Gillis, Vigneault next? ‘Hawks, Oilers coaching notes

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Questions now turn to the Predators free agents. Will Shea Weber and Ryan Suter be back? Will Radulov be re-signed? Does he even want to stay in the NHL? Predators GM David Poile brought in players at the deadline to improve the teams chances, and to show Weber and Sutur they want win. Did they make to many changes at the deadline which changed the chemistry:

    “I think we had a great group in here, just as good as we’ve had in the past,” Weber said, disagreeing with that notion. “It definitely wasn’t the case [of the additions hurting the team]. We didn’t accomplish what we thought we could have. It’s due in part to a great team in Phoenix, and don’t discredit them at all. They deserve to be going on and they’re going to do well.”

    Suter will be a UFA, Weber will be a RFA. Alexander and Andrei Kostitsyn won’t likely be back.

    “We’ll have to see,” Poile said. “There’s certain things that the club has rights to under the CBA and there’s certain things that we don’t. It’s a free world for some players. We have to hope and believe that what we’ve done this year and the growth of our franchise, whether it’s a player like Suter who’s an unrestricted free agent, that he sees that commitment and he wants to play with us and play for us. That he wants to play with Shea Weber as his partner and Shea wants to play [for the Predators] in the future. That’s why we signed Pekka Rinne and that’s why we’ve been trying to sign these guys. We’re going to have to see what we can do.”

  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It shouldn’t come as a shock if the Senators show some interest in Kings UFA Dustin Penner. Penner will likely have to take a pay cut to the $1.5 million range, down from his $4.25 million. Penner had only 7 goals and 10 assists in 65 regular season games this past season, but has added 2 goals and 5 assists in 9 playoff games.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks GM Mike Gillis received a contract extension yestreday and he hopes that one will be coming soon for coach Alain Vigneault.

    “I feel very comfortable with Alain as the coach, I told everybody that at my season-ending press conference,” Gillis said. “I think he has done an excellent job and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want somebody back who has done an excellent job and has the results to show for it.”

  • Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: There is some friction between the Blackhawks and their coac Joel Quenneville, and there is speculation that they wouldn’t stand in the Canadiens way if they came calling. Quenneville is a close ally of new GM Marc Bergevin.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The perception is the Oilers are looking for a new head coach, though they haven’t informed their current head coach, Tom Renney, of anything. Brent Sutter could one option they are considering.

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A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at

  • John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
  • Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
  • The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?

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Grossman not cleared yet … 2 or 3 weeks for Habs GM? Alfie to take some time … Could Bruins trade Thomas? Seguin needs surgery

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman said he hasn’t been cleared yet. Hopes to play on Sunday.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson will take some time deciding his future:

    “I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off.”

    “This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.”

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause will expire on July 1st. Thomas has 1 year left on his 4 year, $20 million contract. Tuukka Rask will be a RFA on July 1st as well. If the Bruins were to move Thomas, Anton Khudobin would backup Rask if/when they re-sign him. If they moved Thomas’s $5 million cap hit, they could use the money elsewhere. Zach Parise will be a UFA, has played for Julien before, but may be looking for $7 million plus. Toronto, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Florida, Edmonton, and Columbus may be looking for goaltending help this summer. The Bruins may not get much return for Thomas due to age and contract, but would give the B’s cap relief.

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Canucks need to lock up Schneider before dealing Luongo … More on Luongo … Theodore starts … Norris finalists

  • Craig Custance via twitter: One GM noted that the return the Canucks get for Roberto Luongo may be better than we think. Only takes 2 teams to drive up the price. Jim Matheson via twitter: Tampa Bay already has 1 long contract in Vinny Lecavalier, would they really want another in Luongo? Matheson thinks they’ll look younger with Jonathan Bernier. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger thinks the Canucks will have to take a contract back in a Luongo trade. He’s still an elite goalie, but may only have 4 good years left and lots of term. James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle points out (through capgeek) that you just can’t buy Luongo out after 6 year under the currently CBA:
    SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT
    2018-19 $3,382,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $2,798,667 $2,534,667
    2019-20 $1,618,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $1,034,667 $4,298,667
    2020-21 $1,000,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $416,667 $4,916,667
    2021-22 $1,000,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $416,667 $4,916,667
    2022-23 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333
    2023-24 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333
    2024-25 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333
    2025-26 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333

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Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
  • Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”

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Selke, Lady Byng finalists … Injury updates on Alfredsson, Kovalchuk, Garrison and Boyle … Canucks decisions … Parise blocks out future talk

  • Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Canucks will have some tough decisions with Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider. If they are not able to find a trade partner for Luongo, they may have to trade Schneider. They could hope there is an amnesty buyout in the next CBA agreement which they could use on Luongo if he’s untradeable, but this is a long shot.
  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Zach Parise on his future if they lose on Tuesday:

    “It’s blocked out,” Parise said of what his hockey future might hold if the Devils are eliminated. “I don’t think about it and I really don’t want to talk about it.”

    Martin Brodeur on his future:

    “Career-wise, I don’t feel it will be the last (game),” Brodeur said. “But opportunity-wise, you never know. Who knows what position we’ll be in this time next year. I just want to keep this going regardless of what the future brings for me.”

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Morning notes on: Torres, Lidstrom, Alfredsson, Luongo, Red Wings, Roy, Emery, Clifford, Parse and Blues sale

  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom reiterated last night that a decision on his future won’t be made for several weeks. He’ll eventually meet with GM Ken Holland to,

    “go over things. So I’ll see what he wants to do and what time table he’ll give me to make a decision.”

    Coach Mike Babcock,

    “I think Nick Lidstrom retires when he thinks he’s not a good player any more. But I think he’s been a pretty darn good player. He’s too good to quit.”

  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson won’t be returning for Game 5. He didn’t practice with the team yesterday, and didn’t fly with them to New York .
  • Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo said he isn’t reading papers or listening to the radio about speculation surrounding his future. Luongo added that he’s 100% behind Cory Schneider.
  • Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Red Wings did have interest in Rick Nash at the trade deadline, but it wasn’t the right timing for the Wings. The cost financially and structurally was also too much for the Wings. If they hit the open marketing, the Wings will have interest in landing one or both of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
  • Marianne White in the Montreal Gazette: Patrick Roy said yesterday that he hasn’t received a call from the Canadiens yet, “But my cellphone is always turned on.” Roy added,

    “If I receive a phone call, I’m obviously going to listen,” he said.

    “The NHL has been the best thing that’s happened to me in my life and I’m certainly not going to turn down calls from an NHL team. But am I going to make calls? No.”

  • Adam Jahns via twitter: Jahns wonders if the Blackhawks will go with Ray Emery for Game 5 over Corey Crawford.
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kyle Clifford didn’t skate yesterday. Scott Parse took part in his first team practice since November. Parse is still weeks away from possibly playing.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gary Bettman said yesterday that the sale of the St. Louis Blues could be completed “soon.” Once the lawyers are finished, the NHL Board of Governors will meet with Tom Stillman to give their final approval.

    “We remain singularly focused on Tom Stillman completing his proposed transaction to purchase the St. Louis Blues’ franchise. “The process is progressing positively, and we have no reason to think that it won’t get done in the relatively near future.”

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Afternoon notes on: Torres, Grossman, Martin, Neuvirth, Halak, Bryzgalov, Garrison, Silfverberg … Bruins and Rangers lines

  • Katie Carrera via twitter: The Capitals have assigned Dany Sabourin to the AHL, which likely means Michal Neuvirth will be the backup for Game 5.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust (Hagelin extra) Kreider-Mitchell-Rupp (Scott extra)
  • Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins lines: Lucic-Krejci-Rolston. Paille-Bergeron-Peverley. Caron/Pouliot-Kelly-Seguin. Marchand-Campbell-Thornton.
  • Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Panthers defensman Jason Garrison was a late scratch last night due to 2 lower-body injuries, and is listed as day-to-day.

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Afternoon notes: Luongo, van Reimsdyk, Alfredsson, Hanzal, Fleischmann, Panthers, Sharks, Clemmensen and re-entry waivers

  • Capgeek via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo has a full no-trade clause but it has some stipulations. After his last 2013-14 game, he can supply a 5-team trade list that is valid through July 15th, 2014.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: “Nothing’s changed” according to Senators coach Paul MacLean regarding Daniel Alfredsson.

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Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
  • Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.

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Afternoon notes: Torres, Martin, Alfredsson, Vokoun, McDonald, Chaput … Markham arena … Pens, Sens and Caps lines

  • Josh Rimer via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres will have an in-person hearing on Friday. Suspended indefinitely.
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Penguins lines: Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis; Kunitz-Malkin-Kennedy; Cooke-Staal-Tangradi; Jeffrey-Vitale-Park.  Neal, Asham and Adams out.
  • Erin Nicks of NHL.com: Senators lines: Milan Michalek – Jason Spezza – Colin Greening, Nick Foligno – Kyle Turris – Bobby Butler, Erik Condra – Zack Smith – Chris Neil, Zenon Konopka – Jim O’Brien – Jesse Winchester. Defensive Pairings: Filip Kuba – Erik Karlsson, Jared Cowen – Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips – Matt Carkner.
  • Brian McNallty via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Johansson. Chimera-Perreault-Semin.Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues forward Andy McDonald considered retiring last October due to his concussion.

    “Early on, I was kind of down about my chances of getting back,” McDonald said Tuesday. “Having that (first concussion) and then going out so quickly this year after a hit that maybe wasn’t that severe – that was a red flag. So early on, I really didn’t know what was going to happen.”

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets are in talks with prospect Michael Chaput, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Flyers.

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Afternoon notes on Alfredsson, Hanzal, Smith, Wolski, Gill, Backstrom, Asham, Moore, Leighton and Shaw’s 3 game suspension video

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Daniel Alfredsson had a setback yesterday afternoon. He’ll be evaluated tomorrow.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Coyotes Martin Hanzal and Mike Smith will be game time decisions. Lauri Korpikoski will be out.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins Arron Asham waived his right to an in-person hearing and will be done by phone at 5:00. He can be suspended for 6 games or more.
  • Blackhawks Andrew Shaw was suspended for 3 games for his hit on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.

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Neal gets 2 hearings, Asham 1 … Shanahan changed mind on Weber … Alfie concussed but might play … Gil skates … Still no Neurvirth/Vokoun

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Penguins James Neal will have 2 separate disciplinary hearings tomorrow. Aaron Asham will have an in-person hearing at 11 am. Dan Rosen via twitter: Neal’s hearings are for his hit on Sean Couturier and his charging on Claude Giroux.
  • Joe Yerdon via twitter: Brendan Shanahan said he was close to giving Shea Weber a 1 one game suspension, but Red Wings GM Ken Holland told him that Henrik Zetterberg was okay, and it changed his mind.
  • Nick Cotsonika via twitter: If the Rangers are going to appeal Carl Hagelin’s suspension, they’ll have to do it before tonight. Shanahan won’t reduce Hagelin’s suspension after the fact based on whether Daniel Alfredsson will be able to play or not.
  • Bob Duff via twitter: A NHL executive: “Colin Campbell always did what he thought was right and didn’t worry about what people thought. Shanahan just wants to be liked.”
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Johansson-Backstrom-Semin, Chimera-Beagle-Perreault, Aucoin-Hendricks-Ward.
  • Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvirth and Tomas Vokoun were not at practice this morning. Dany Sabourin will be the backup.

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Yakupov wants to be an Oiler … Elliott to start … Sharks may add size … Allaire may retire … Suspension videos for Hagelin and Carkner

  • Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: Likely 1st overall draft pick Nail Yakupov said:

    “I definitely want to go to Edmonton and play for the Oilers, for sure,”

    “I’ve played in Canada, in Sarnia, for the last two years. I love the people. I very much want to play for a Canadian team like Edmonton. I want to play for those guys!

    “If they draft me, I will work very hard to make the team, give it everything I’ve got to work hard and play for the Oilers.

    “I want to be No. 1. No. 1 is No. 1. I don’t want to be second or third.”

  • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks may be considering making a lineup change for Game 3. The Sharks may look to get bigger, with options being Michal Handzus Brad Winchester and Colin White. Dominic Moore’s broken nose was badly swollen yesterday but he’ll be able to go.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: According to Elliotte Friedman, Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allaire may resign and retire as an active goalie coach. Burke told the Star that he had not heard directly from Allaire regarding his retirement.
  • Rangers Carl Hagelin gets a 3 game suspension for his head hit on Senators Daniel Alfredsson.

  • Senators Matt Carkner gets a 1 game suspension for fighting Rangers Brian Boyle.

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Disciplinary hearings today for Carl Hagelin, Matt Carkner and Andrew Shaw

Josh Rimer via twitter: There will be 3 disciplinary hearings today. Rangers Carl Hagelin for his hit on Daniel Alfredsson, Senators Matt Carkner for fight, and Blackhawks Andrew Shaw for his hit on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.


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Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing

  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Darren Helm had surgery to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm and will be out from the remainder of the playoffs.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke said he wouldn’t move his 1st round pick to bring a goalie like Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. Zeisberger wonders if the Blues would give up one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak. Even if the Canucks wanted to trade Roberto Luongo, the Canucks “organization despises the Leafs.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brenden Morrow’s future with the Stars is up in the air, and he has be hearing criticism from from fans.

    “I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough to hear,” said Morrow of speculation that the team might be better if it moved forward without him. “But at the same time, I saw it with franchise players, good friends. If it happened to Mike Modano, it can happen to anyone.

    “I don’t like it; I’m uncomfortable with it. I want us to win, I want us to be better, but I also understand this is a business and some of the things are out of my control. So what I can control is to get myself as healthy as I can and work as hard as I can and hope I perform as well as I can.

    “I’d love to be a part of the solution next year, and hopefully management agrees.”

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Elliott day-to-day … Zibanejad to AHL … Rangers-Kreider talking … Brian Burke press conference

  • Sean Gentille of the Sporting News: Blues goalie Brian Elliott is now day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in practice. He should be available for Game 1. It increases the odds of Jaroslav Halak starting.
  • Katie Strang of ESPN: The Rangers and Chris Kreider are in contract discussions. It’s believed that Kreider will forego his senior year at Boston College and go pro. If he signs, the Rangers may send him to the AHL. ** Update: Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Rangers and Kreider have agreed on an entry level contract.
  • Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Raymond-Henrik-Burrows Lapierre-Kesler-Booth Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Bitz-Kassian.
  • Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers defensive pairs: Coburn-Grossmann, Carle-Timonen, Bourdon-Lilja. Kubina skating as the extra blueliner
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said they need to get bigger, and a top priority is goaltending. Scott MacArthur via twitter: Burke still believes in James Reimer, and basically shuts down on Jonas Gustavsson returning. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke said he won’t trade their first round draft pick for a goaltender. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke isn’t really interested in what’s available in free agency and will address team issues via trades. Center and goal are biggest needs.
  • Brian Burke full press conference

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2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers

Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.

15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.


RK TEAM
2011-12
AVG
%
Capacity
2010-11
AVG
2009-10
AVG
2008-09
AVG
1 Chicago
21,533
105
21,423
21,356
22,247
2 Montreal
21,273
100
21,273
21,273
21,273
3 Philadelphia
20,433
107.4
21,273
19,535
19,545
4 Detroit
20,114
100.7
19,680
19,546
19,865
5 Toronto
19,506
103.7
19,354
19,289
19,312
6 Ottawa
19,356
101.1
19,289
19,260
18,949
7 Calgary
19,289
100
18,378
18,269
19,289
8 Vancouver
18,884
102.5
18,860
18,810
18,630
9 St. Louis
18,809
98.2
19,150
18,883
18,554
10 Pittsburgh
18,566
102.7
18,240
17,078
16,975
11 Buffalo
18,550
99.9
18,452
18,529
18,531
12 Washington
18,506
101.3
18,397
18,277
18,097
13 Tampa Bay
18,468
96.2
17,268
15,497
16,497
14 NY Rangers
18,191
100
18,108
18,076
18,949
15 Los Angeles
17,920
100
18,083
17,313
16,488
16 Minnesota
17,772
98.4
17,565
17,388
17,039
17 Boston
17,564
100
17,562
17,558
17,039
18 San Jose
17,562
100
18,012
18,415
17,488
19 Edmonton
16,839
100
16,839
16,839
16,839
20 Nashville
16,690
97.5
16,142
14,979
15,010
21 Florida
16,628
86.6
15,685
15,146
15,621
22 Carolina
16,042
85.9
14,820
13,947
16,572
23 Colorado
15,498
86.1
14,775
15,535
15,429
24 New Jersey
15,396
87.4
16,415
15,240
15,790
25 Winnipeg
15,004
100
13,469
13,607
14,626
26 Anaheim
14,760
86.4
14,738
15,168
16,990
27 Columbus
14,660
80.8
13,658
15,416
15,543
28 Dallas
14,226
76.8
11,059
12,735
17,680
29 NY Islanders
13,191
81.3
15,073
17,215
13,733
30 Phoenix
12,420
72.5
12,188
11,989
14,875
Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers.

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