Posts Tagged Patrick Eaves
Afternoon notes involving Pronger, Lilja, Nodl, Letang, Hall, Markov, Edler, Burrows, Seabrook, Eaves, Green, Miller and more
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 28th, 2011
Philadelphia Flyers NHL.com: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will be out 4 weeks as he’s scheduled to have knee surgery tomorrow afternoon to remove some loose particles that have been bothering him for a month or so.
Anthony SanFilippo via twitter: The Flyers are putting Andreas Lilja on the LTIR.
Tim Panaccio via twitter: The Flyers have created $5.6 million in cap space with Pronger and Lilja on the LTIR.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Flyers have put Andreas Nodl on waivers. Panthers Mark Cullen is on re-entry waivers.
Seth Rorabaugh via twitter: Penguins Kris Letang has yet to undergo a baseline test.
Jason Gregor via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall will have an MRI on his shoulder today. He’s optimistic it will be short term.
Eric Engels via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov could return on Wednesday against the Ducks, but playing the following night against the Sharks makes more sense.
Jason Botchford via twitter: Alex Edler is back practicing today. Alex Burrows is not practicing. Mason Raymond is with the Sedins.
Ben Meyer-Abbott via twitter: Blackhawks David Bolland and Brent Seabrook are expected to play tomorrow against the Coyotes.
Brian Hedger via twitter: According to the Red Wings, Patrick Eaves will be out 6-8 weeks as he requires surgery for his broken jaw.
Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green skated today and on Saturday. GM McPhee said there is still no timetable for his return.
John Vogl via twitter: Sabres Ryan Miller will join teammates at tomorrow’s morning skate and plans on practicing with the team on Wednesday.
Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders Jay Pandolfo will be out 4-6 weeks with a broken foot.
Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning forward Steve Downie is taking part in the morning skate, no word on if he’ll go tonight or not.
Corey Masisak via twitter: Lines at Capitals practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer, Semin-Johansson-Eakin, Chimera-Laich-Ward, Perreault-Hendricks-Halpern-Knuble.
Dan Tencer via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin will start in net for the Oilers.
Jason Botchford via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks tomorrow.
Sunday morning rumor update … D-day for Filatov coming … Injuries to Hall, Edler, Lehtonen, Daley, and Eaves
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 27th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Garrioch wouldn’t be surprised if the Stars showed interest in Jarome Iginla to help put the team back on the hockey map. If the Flames and Iginla (NTC) decide to move on, there will be plenty of teams interested. New Stars owner Tom Gaglardi is believed to be giving GM Joe Nieuwendyk the resources to add some salary.
- Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has interest in a goaltending and defensemen. Yzerman isn’t offering anything up that teams are interested in for a defenseman. He’d move Mattias Ohlund, but no one is interested in his remaining 3 years with a $3.607 million cap hit. Yzerman could be targeting Jonathan Bernier.
- The Blue Jackets are trying to get Bernier as well.
- Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been trying to trade Keith Ballard, and would like to get a defenseman in return. They may try to get Matt Carle from the Flyers.
- Don’t look for Islanders Kyle Okposo to get traded, he is wearing an “A”. Isles GM Garth Snow is looking for some forward help.
- Avalanche coach Joe Sacco is on the hotseat. Avs GM Greg Sherman may look to make a deal to shake things up. Center Paul Stastny’s name has come up. Many don’t think they’d move Stastny, but anything is possible in Colorado according to one league executive.
- The Flames could be interested in Oilers center Sam Gagner.
- The Hurricanes aren’t thrilled with Tomas Kaberle and have checked around to see if there is any interest.
- The Blackhawks would like to add a defenseman.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Adding a goalie will likely be the main goal for Lightning GM Steve Yzerman this summer. Erlendsson doesn’t think they’ll make a change during the season. Dustin Tokarski and Jaroslav Janus are unknown projects who haven’t shown if they can play in the NHL. Cory Schneider and Jonathan Bernier could become trade options. The Lightning scouted the Kings late last year. A Vancouver scout was said to be scouting the Lightning’s AHL affiliate. Wild backup, Josh Harding, will be a UFA at the end of the year. A long shot could be 28 year old Vasily Koshechkin, a 2002 draft pick playing in Russia.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Kyle Turris was originally going to be sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint, but will now remain with the Coyotes.
“Kyle has returned in phenomenal condition,” Maloney said. “We skated him hard two days in a row, and he looks strong and in shape, so we’ve decided to keep him with us. We still have the option to send him to Portland for a couple games next weekend, which we may, but it’s not in stone. We’re going to assess where he is in practice and potentially play him as early as next week.”
- Darren Millard via twitter: Millard wonders if last night will be the last straw in Washington. Will management make a coaching change?
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray told Nikita Filatov that he’d make a decision on his playing future by November 30th. Filatov has said he’d rather go play in the KHL if there isn’t a roster spot in Ottawa. He has 6 points in his last 2 games, 12 points total in 14 games (not including last night’s game).
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall left last night’s game with a shoulder injury.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Alex Edler suffered what looked to be a shoulder injury in the 2nd period last night.
- Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen took a shot off his right knee, just above the goalie pad. He left right after and didn’t return. (it also looked like he could have injured his groin.)
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars defenseman Trevor Daley left last night’s game with an upper-body injury.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs put defenseman Erik Johnson on the IR with a groin injury.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove link: Talk on the Flames and Iginla. Iginla may be thinking about moving on.
- Mike Brudenell of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings forward Patrick Eaves was taken off the ice on a stretcher after taking a shot off the side of the head/face. He was taken to a hospital, and was diagnosed with a fractured jaw.
NHL Free Agent tracker for July 1st
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2011
We’ll be updating NHL free agents signings from today in the chart below and in (hit F5 to refresh page) our Top 25 free agents page.
| Players | Old Team | New Team | Contract Notes |
| Ruslan Fedotenko | Rangers | Rangers | 1 year, $1.4 million |
| Sean Bergenheim | Lightning | Panthers | 4 years, $11 million |
| Michael Handzus | Kings | Sharks | 2 years, $5 million |
| Andrew Ebbett | Coyotes | Canucks | 1 year, $525,000 |
| Tanner Glass | Canucks | Jets | 1 year, $750,000 |
| Dan Carcillo | Flyers | Blackhawks | 1 year, $775,000 |
| Corey Potter | Penguins | Oilers | 1 year |
| Francis Lessard | Senators | Senators | 1 year |
| Chuck Kobasew | Wild | Avalanche | 2 years, $2.5 million |
| Brian Elliott | Avalanche | Blues | 1 year, $600,000 |
| Eric Belanger | Coyotes | Oilers | 3 years, $5.25 million |
| Curtis Sanford | Canadiens | Blue Jackets | 1 year, $600,000 |
| Tomas Fleischmann | Avalanche | Panthers | 4 years, $18 million |
| Jim Vandermeer | Oilers | Sharks | 1, year, $1 million |
| Sheldon Souray | Oilers | Stars | 1 year, $1.65 million |
| Ryan Potulny | Senators | Capitals | 2 years, $1.05 million |
| JS Giguere | Maple Leafs | Avalanche | 2 years , $2.5 million |
| Alexei Ponikarovsky | Kings | Hurricanes | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Marco Sturm | Capitals | Canucks | 1 year, $2.25 million |
| Ville Leino | Flyers | Sabres | 6 years, $27 million |
| Benoit Pouliot | Canadiens | Bruins | 1 year, $1.1 million |
| Michael Ryder | Bruins | Stars | 2 years, $7 million |
| Alex Auld | Canadiens | Senators | 1 year, $1 million |
| Cam Barker | Wild | Oilers | 1 year, $2.25 million |
| Darcy Hordichuk | Panthers | Oilers | 1 year, $825,000 |
| Erik Cole | Hurricanes | Canadiens | 4 years, $18 million |
| Roman Hamrlik | Canadiens | Capitals | 2 years, $7 million. |
| Marty Reasoner | Panthers | Islanders | 2 years, $2.7 million |
| Joel Ward | Predators | Capitals | 4 years, $12 million |
| Steve Sullivan | Predators | Penguins | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Mike Commodore | Blue Jackets | Red Wings | 1 year, $1 million |
| Michael Rupp | Penguins | Rangers | 3 years, $4.5 million |
| Peter Budaj | Avalanche | Canadiens | 2 years, $2.3 million |
| Brian Boucher | Flyers | Hurricanes | 2 years, $1.9 million |
| Derek Meech | Red Wings | Jets | 1 year, 2-way $700,000 |
| Max Talbot | Penguins | Flyers | 5 years, $9 million |
| Radim Vrbata | Coyotes | Coyotes | 3 years, $9 million |
| Johan Hedberg | Devils | Devils | |
| Marcel Goc | Predators | Panthers | 3 years, $5.1 million |
| Andreas Lilja | Ducks | Flyers | 1 year |
| Andrew Brunette | Wild | Blackhawks | 1 year, $2 million |
| Vern Fiddler | Coyotes | Stars | 3, years, $5.4 million |
| Ed Jovanovski | Coyotes | Panthers | 4 years, $16.5 million |
| Tim Brent | Maple Leafs | Hurricanes | 2 years, $1.5 million |
| Radek Dvorak | Jets | Stars | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Jan Hejda | Blue Jackets | Avalanche | 4 years, $13 million |
| Boyd Gordon | Capitals | Coyotes | 2 years, $2.65 million |
| Mark Mancari | Sabres | Canucks | 1 year, $525,000 |
| Matt D’Agostini | Blues | Blues | 2 years, $2.3 million |
| Raffi Torres | Canucks | Coyotes | 2 years, $3.5 million |
| Jaromir Jagr | KHL | Flyers | 1 year, $3.3 million |
| Mike Smith | Lightning | Coyotes | 2 years, $4 million |
| Jeff Halpern | Canadiens | Capitals | 1 year, $825,000 |
| Scottie Upshall | Blue Jackets | Panthers | 4 years, $14 million |
| Chris Butler | Flames | Flames | 2 years, $2.5 million |
| Sean O’Donnell | Flyers | Blackhawks | 1 year, $850,000 |
| Adam Pardy | Flames | Stars | 2 years, $4 mllion |
| Jose Theodore | Wild | Panthers | 2 years, $3 million |
| Brett McLean | Blackhawks | 1 year, 2-way $525,000 | |
| Ben Eager | Sharks | Oilers | 3 years, $3.3 million |
| Jamal Mayers | Sharks | Blackhawks | 1 year, $550,000 |
| Mathieu Garon | Columbus | Lightning | 2 years, $2.6 million |
| Cody McCormick | Sabres | Sabres | 3 years, $3.6 million |
| Andy Greene | Devils | Devils | 4 years, |
| Drew Miller | Red Wings | Red Wings | 2 years, $1.65 million |
| Tyler Kennedy | Penguins | Penguins | 2 years, $4 million |
| Chris Higgins | Canucks | Canucks | 2 years, $3.8 million. |
| James Wisniewski | Columbus | Columbus | 6 years, $33 million. |
| Sami Salo | Canucks | Canucks | 1 year, $2 million. |
| Josh Harding | Wild | Wild | 1 year, $750,000 |
| Patrick Eaves | Wings | Wings | 3 years, $3.6 million. |
Wisniewski, Salo and Eaves all re-sign before free agency starts
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 1st, 2011
James Wisniewski signs a 6 year, $33 million deal with the Blue Jackets.
Sami Salo signs a 1 year, $2 million deal with the Canucks.
Patrick Eaves signs a 3 year, $3.6 million deal with the Red Wings.
NHL free agent rumors involving Jagr, Salo, Bergenheim, Torres, Cole, Rupp, Harding, Fleischmann, Leino, Wisniewski, and Hejda
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 1st, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: There are possibly 4 teams still in on Jaromir Jagr. The Penguins, Red Wings, Canadiens and 1 other team, not the Flyers. The Flyers are still talking about the possibility.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: The Canucks and Sami Salo are still working on a deal, wouldtn’ be a surprise if it gets done today.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Sean Bergenheim agent, Todd Diamond, is “expecting a ton of interest.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Raffi Torres will hit the open market, but communication with the Canucks is still open.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Erik Cole loved his time in Carolina and may still re-sign with the Hurricanes.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Red Wings hope to re-sign Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: The Avalanche may have an interested in Michael Rupp.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Wallace thinks that Josh Harding would be a perfect fit in Ottawa.
- Rob Rossi via twitter: Penguins still in the mix for Jagr, GM Shero won’t pull offer.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks the Kings could kick tires on Tomas Fleischmann and Ville Leino.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Teemu Selanne had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee yesterday.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Flyers may look to move defenseman Andrej Meszaros.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Talks involving James Wisniewski, Jan Hejda and the Blue Jackets will resume this morning.
- Daniel Tolensky via twitter: On offer sheets: No 2012 or 2013 1st round picks have been traded. Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Philadelphia, San Jose and Washington have traded their 2nd round picks. Anaheim, Nashville, San Jose, Toronto and Vancouver have traded their 3rd round picks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangerse are believed to be interested in Michael Rupp, Tanner Glass, Anton Babchuk and Jan Hejda.
Richards update … Lightning have plenty of free agents to deal with … All quiet in Leafland … Jets, Wings, Sens, Hurricanes, Caps and Flyers rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times during this Entry Draft weekend in Minnesota: “[Brad] Richards told [X] he wants to come to New York.”
And this, too: “Slats [general manager Glen Sather] is going to blow his brains out to sign Richards.”
Brooks thinks a front loaded ($11 million) $32.5 million for 5 years should be enough. Richards is coming off a concussion, but is worth the risk.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will be busy this week. Steven Stamkos will be an RFA on July 1st if a deal isn’t struck by then. Speculation grows that Stamkos may not be back in with the Lightning, the longer remains unsigned, though it is an unlikely scenario. An offer sheet could cost 4 1st round draft picks. Yzerman did meet with Stamkos’s agent at the draft, and will talk again this week. Yzerman will also speak with Dwayne Roloson’s agent.
“I’ve been in touch with virtually everybody’s agent, everybody will travel (Sunday) and get settled in to their offices and we’ll get back on the phone this week,” Yzerman said. “I’m optimistic, I believe that we will get things accomplished. We were able to get Eric (Brewer’s) done this week and we’ll chip away at our restricted guys and go from there.”
The Lightning have 14 players that they could send qualifying offers to, which must be done today. They may look at goaltending during free agency if Roloson doesn’t re-sign. Sean Bergenheim may sign elsewhere. Simon Gagne and Adam Hall are unlikely to return. The Lightning may be looking for a top 6, possibly Brad Richards.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: All is quiet from Brian Burke and team management with regards to their interest in Brad Richards. The Rangers, Flyers and Leafs are all expected to take a long look at signing the 31 year old free agent. Richards suggested after the season that he might take a discount to head back to Tampa Bay. Richards is likely looking for an 8 year deal in the $7 million range, which may be more than Burke would want to go. Burke believes that winger Matt Frattin may be able to make Leafs next fall.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had a few trade discussions with his former boss Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, but nothing materialized.
“Stan and I chatted on a couple of things, but Stan had some big things on the go that were maybe a little bit not in the direction I was looking at at this point in time,” said Cheveldayoff. “We had some good conversations, they gave me some good support along the way and we had a good couple of laughs.
“We’ll have to wait for our first Chicago-Winnipeg deal.”
Cheveldayoff had some “feeling out” discussions with other teams. Cheveldayoff wouldn’t comment if they were one of the teams interested in Mike Richards. One report was saying the Flyers were looking at a package of Evander Kane, the 7th overall pick and possibly Alexander Burmistrov.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland would like to add a top 4 calibre defenseman and possibly a backup goalie. Jaromir Jagr remains a possibility for the Red Wings and Penguins, but neither team wants to give him a huge salary. Holland is “in the same ballpark” with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, and are getting closer to a deal. Negotiations with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller aren’t going as smoothly. Kris Draper and Chris Osgood’s days as a Red Wing could hinge on how the free agency period plays out.
- Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $20 million in cap space, but won’t be going after a Brad Richards or Kevin Bieksa or Dwayne Roloson. If the price is right, Baines thinks the Senators should go after Zenon Konopka. If Brooks Laich is wanting 4-5 years at $3.5 million, that may be too pricey.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford met with the agents for Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen in the past week, and that “I’m at the point now that I do have hope that we’re going to be able to sign both players,” he says.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks there is “definitely a shot” that the Flyers will try to sign Brooks Laich. The Flyers have interest in Brad Richards but he could get a bigger deal elsewhere. Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, and Eric Cole are just a few of the possible replacements if Ville Leino walks.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Capitals have placed Tyler Sloan on waivers.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals.
NHL rumors and notes on Richards, Jagr, Selanne, Kariya, Blue Jackets, Orlov … Draft notes on the Stars, Sens, Oilers and Avs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Brad Richards,
“You always keep an eye on that first day of July, you see what teams do and where players go. It’s always interesting,” Richards told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “There’s always something that surprises you. That’s why I want to keep everything open-minded. I’ve talked to people that have been through it and there’s always things that come out of nowhere and you want to be open-minded to receive all that stuff. It’s probably my last contract, so you want to set yourself up where you have a chance to win and feel comfortable.”
“Every day, it gets closer. I’m starting to think about it a lot,” Richards said. “It’s a very unique time, but also a little bit stressful. It’s going to be a very important decision. It’s exciting in a good way. It’s a big moment. It’s starting to hit me that it’s getting close, whereas a month ago, I would sit back and not really worry about it.”
Petr Svoboda, Jaromir Jagr’s agent,
“We had more discussion yesterday with Detroit and Pittsburgh,” Jagr’s agent, Petr Svoboda, told ESPN.com on Wednesday morning. “Jags may be talking with [Pens GM] Ray Shero and maybe [owner] Mario [Lemieux] today, so hopefully we’ll be further along after that. Hopefully we’ll have some news, one way or another, soon.”
On Jagr using NHL interest to get more money from KHL,
“It’s absolutely not true,” said Svoboda. “I’ve heard that, but it’s not true. I mean, there’s always that option if things don’t work out with [the NHL], but this is not about trying to get more money from [the KHL]. I know Jags wants to come back to the NHL and for the right reasons.”
On Teemu Selanne’s future,
“Teemu hasn’t decided whether he’s going to play or not,” Selanne’s veteran agent Don Baizley told ESPN.com on Wednesday. “If he plays, it’s going to be in Anaheim.”
Paul Kariya may play it safe and retire. Talks between Kevin Bieksa and the Canucks are progressing. The Coyotes and Bryzgalov don’t have a deal and are still far enough apart that a deal could go either way.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren “We are continuing to try and reach an agreement with Ilya, but it is safe to say that we are not close to achieving this.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have made their pitch to Jagr and are in a wait-and-see mode. GM Ken Holland would like to know by July 1st.
“We’re intrigued,” Holland said, “like we were with Dominik Hasek and Mike Modano. He was an elite player in his prime. He’s 39 years of age. If he decides to come back to the NHL, he’s coming back for all the right reasons. Whether he comes to Detroit or another destination, the great ones, even when Father Time is against them a little bit, they’re still pretty good players.”
Holland has made an offer to free agent Jonathan Ericsson of around $2 million a season. He’s in talks with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets hope to begin their offseason makeover at the draft this week. They are looking for a skilled defenseman, a top 6 forward, and a backup goalie. Howson has spoken with many teams about possible deals. Their 8th overall pick is up for grabs.
“I’m going to do what’s in the best interest of the team,” Howson said. “It may turn out that taking the pick is in the best interest of the team.
“I want to make changes. I want to add high-end skill guys who can make an immediate difference. But you can’t force people to do something that you want them to do. So we’ll see how it plays out.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said the odds of them trading up are slim, odds of trading down are pretty good.
“I think moving down is a more realistic possibility,” Nieuwendyk said. “Our guys feel that after a certain point in this draft there are a number of good players and you’d be happy with acquiring any one of them. We don’t have our third round pick, so trying to get an additional pick is something that will definitely be discussed.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Senators are able to move up in the draft, they could be looking to grab winger Gabriel Landeskog, who could be selected 2nd overall. Whoever they pick could end up playing in the NHL next season. The Sens haven’t ruled out packing their 21st overall pick with 1 of their 3 2nd round picks to move up in the draft.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Dmitri Orlov said that if he doesn’t make the Capitals next year, and they want him to go to the AHL, he’ll go there and not return to Russia.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Jagr says that he didn’t not reach out to the Rangers, “If Glen thought I could help he would have told me.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Rumors are circulating that the Oilers have “NOT firmly decided” on draft Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. If the Oilers don’t take him, Dater thinks the Avs should draft him. If they do get RNH, it could make Paul Stastny available. With the Avs not showing interest in re-signing Tomas Fleischmann, it might mean they are looking at draft Gabriel Landeskog or Jonathan Huberdeau, both can play on the left wing. If RNH is taken by the Oilers, Dater thinks the Avs should take Huberdeau.
Bettman’s press conference break down … Bettman contacted True North about Coyotes … Giguere an option for Leafs … Blues, Wings notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun breaks down Gary Bettman’s press conference. Re-alignment will wait another year, and they will look at all kinds of possibilities. The NHL may more towards a more balanced schedule, each team playing each other at least twice. Though Bettman wouldn’t confirm, re-alignment may have been delayed to see how the Phoenix situation unfolds. 2011-12 NHL schedule should come out at the end of June. Bettman said that if the True North and Atlanta sale didn’t happen on Tuesday morning, it may not have happened. In the next collective bargaining talks, drug testing may get tougher. NHLPA’s exectutive director, Donald Fehr, expects CBA talks to begin next winter. Bettman says it makes sense to wait until the NFL, NBA, and MLB have ironed out there CBA’s before the NHL talks about theirs. Bill Daly said that next year’s salary cap could be as high as $63.3 million. Rule 48 could get expanded, will be discussed at next weeks GMs meetings. No update on participation in the 2014 Sochi Olympics or a return of the World Cup. Bettman on Phoenix,
“The city of Glendale stepped up and said they want the team to stay another year while they try to complete the sales process with us and will be funding the losses,” Bettman said. “Any suggestion that the league is funding this club or carrying the burden is not true. Last season, the city of Glendale did it. … Hopefully the club will be sold in due course, and there will be a new owner in there to start turning things around.
“You have a city in Glendale that built the building and has invested in it and wanting the club to stay there. As long as they’re prepared to carry the burden of doing this while we try to effectuate a solution, there’s no reason to move.”
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Gary Bettman approached True North about buying the Phoenix Coyotes before the 2009-10 season. “It was too late in the year to consider it for the fall of 2009,” Chipman told the Winnipeg Sun. “Pulling together in that time frame was not realistic.” The NHL bought the Coyotes that fall. “Now they owned the team and were looking for a solution in Glendale, and would we consider it?” Chipman recalled the league asking. “The answer was yes.” In May 2010 they met again. Chipman figured out the new NHL economics could work in Winnipeg. They had an agreement in principle but were the backup plan. If Glendale hadn’t decided to agree to pay $25 million in loses before last season, the Coyotes might have moved north.
- Chris Johnston in the Globe and Mail: J.S. Giguere has moved out of his Toronto home, and isn’t sure if he’ll be back. Six weeks ago he had his 2nd sports hernia surgery. Burke confirmed in an email that Giguere still remains an option for the Maple Leafs. Giguere would love to return to be re-signed by the Leafs,
“I would love to, but I don’t know what the management have in mind,” said Giguere. “I feel like I could be a good fit in Toronto working with (James Reimer). It’s going to be a tough season for him next year having that pressure of coming back to Toronto. We all know that all the journalists when we go back to camp are going to be after him — asking him questions and stuff like that.
“I think I can be helpful to him. I have no doubt that he can handle it himself, but I think a veteran presence might help him a little bit.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: If the Devils are interested in having Ken Hitchcock coach the team, they should contact the guy. “I haven’t heard anything from New Jersey,” said Hitchcock. “I don’t know what’s going on with New Jersey.” Minnesota and Dallas have already asked the Blue Jackets for permission to speak with Hitchcock. Hitchcock has let it be known his interest in hearing from Lou Lamoriello. “I’ve said that before,” Hitchcock said. “I know the people that coached for him very well. I knew Pat (Burns), obviously, very well. I know Brent (Sutter) very well and I know Jacques very well. Coaches talk.”
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators assistant coach Peter Horachek confirmed that he interviewed with the Dallas Stars this week.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: With Patrik Berglund locked up for 2 years, the Blues are expected to turn their attention to T.J. Oshie. Strickland thinks they will sign Oshie to a 1 or 2 year deal and around $500,000 less than Berglund (Berglund signed a 2 year for $4.5 million). Strickland also mentions he expects the Blues to re-sign Matt D’Agostini to a 1 year deal. Roman Polak could get a raise to $2 million from the $1.1 million he made last year. The Blues may be forced to give Nikita Nikitin a one-way deal to keep him from heading to the KHL. Talks with Ben Bishop should begin in a few weeks.
- Bill Roose of DetoritRedWings.com: Red Wings GM Ken Holland indicated that he would like to re-sign both Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have met with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, “a step in a long process. We’ll talk again, but negotiating a contract takes time.” They would like to sign him to a multi-year deal, Ericsson rejected one around Christmas time. He’ll be looking for a raise from the $1.25 million he made last season.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Sovetsky Sport is reporting that Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov signed a 1 year deal with Traktor of the KHL and remain in Russia for another year. The Capitals are “fine” with the decision as they felt after they drafted him that he’d need 2 years of development before he’d be ready for the NHL.
Bergeron could be back for Game 2 … Red Wings off-season notes … Jagr talking to KHL teams … Oilers interested in Lajunen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2011
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Indications Haggerty got from Bruins players is that Patrice Bergeron is going to play in Game 2.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings internally talked about acquiring Zach Bogosian at the trade deadline but they didn’t want to breakup the core of a contending team. Jiri Hudler could be a trade candidate this summer, but his $2.875 million salary could be tough to move unless they take back another contract. Khan wonders if the Wings would consider trading Valtteri Filppula? He’s talented but inconsistent and may not ever become the 70 point guy they think he could be.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings Kris Draper and Chris Osgood will both ponder retirement this off-season. Mike Modano is 75% on leaning to retirement. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is a UFA but would like to re-sign. “I might make more money somewhere else, but I want to stay,” Ericsson said. Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves are also UFA’s and woulds like to stay. Pavel Datsyuk won’t need surgery on his injured wrist.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jaromir Jagr has had contract talks with SKA St. Petersburg and other KHL teams. Pascal Dupuis and Mike Rupp’s agent Allan Walsh hasn’t had talks with the Penguins yet but expects “to begin discussions in the near future.”
- Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers are one of a few teams that are interested in Finnish defenseman Ville Lajunen, and have had preliminary discussions with the Oilers. “They told me they must first have their pro (scouting) meetings and then they will make a decision, but there are other teams too,” said Pulliainen.
Injured Canucks … Giguere could waive no-trade … Stars dangling Neal for Dman? Would Sharks consider Souray? Surgery for Whitney
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2011
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: It looks like Canucks defenseman Andrew Alberts could miss some time as the team recalled Chris Tanev from Manitoba.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks 4th line center Alec Bolduc will have an MRI done later this week to determine the extend of his injury, but he’s expected to miss a month. His shoulder popped out on a face-off on Friday, this is his 3rd separation in the last 2 years. They’ll need to recall a forward this week, maybe Sergei Shirokov, Viktor Oreskovich, or possibly Cody Hodgson. If they look at a trade to replace him, Islanders center Zenon Konopka could be of interest.
- Mike Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: JS Giguere has a no-trade clause but has made it known that he could be open to waiving it. Tomas Kaberle, François Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek also have no-trade clauses but haven’t said publicly if they’d be open to waiving it. Trade talks in past weeks have involved Kris Versteeg, Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski. Trading Versteeg for prospects seems odd since they gave up prospects to get before the season. MacArthur and Grabovski have been a couple of their best players this year. Kaberle for Blake Wheeler continues to float out there, though the Bruins have 7 Dman locked up for next year.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jarrko Ruutu knows his days in Ottawa are likely numbered. The Kings, Sharks and Penguins could possibly be interested in him.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks the Penguins should trade Evgeni Malkin and move Jordan Staal up to the #2 center, and proposes a Malkin-Rick Nash trade, though admits will likely never happen. Matheson wonders if the Sharks have considered Sheldon Souray. Flyers are looking for right winger who’ll be a UFA at season end, currently have about $1.9 million in cap room. Some think the Stars will dangle James Neal for an offensive defenseman.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will be heading to N.C. to see his foot specialist (will be his 3rd procedure there) to repair a dislocated tendon in his right ankle. A time frame may be better known today when it gets examined, but “All we know is it’s going to be a good amount of time,” Tambellini said. “He’s dealt with this surgeon before, so he’s very comfortable with him.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Derek Boogaard could be done for the season after suffering a concussion in a fight with Matt Carkner. Don’t look for a Mike Commodore-Brian Rolston deal, Rolston makes too much money for the Blue Jackets. Best Bets for Senators defenseman Chris Phillips are the Capitals and Sharks. If Patrick Eaves keeps up his scoring, Jiri Hudler could find himself an odd man out, would someone take his $2.8 million contract?
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames turned down the idea of starting next season in Europe, “We need to focus on what’s important and get ourselves back on track,” said team president and CEO Ken King. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is kicking tires, but “the marketplace is a tough one” as many teams are looking for centers and defenseman. Ilya Bryzgalov’s agent, Don Meehan, is heading to Phoenix today to discuss contract extension with the Coyotes. “We’ve been told that signing Ilya is a priority,” said Meehan.
Are the Kings interested in Gagne and others? Modano has 4 options … Not much going on for Frolov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 6th, 2010
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: One report is saying the Los Angeles Kings are out of the running for Simon Gagne, and another says they are still interested. Things were quiet involving Tomas Kaberle over the weekend, but should pick up this week.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott wonders how the Kings can become more attractive to free agents. Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmonds will be free agents soon, and will they want to re-sign with a team that can’t draw top free agents? The Kings may have to go the trade route to fill some holes in their roster. If the Devils sign Kovalchuk, they’ll have to clear out some salary. Brian Rolston could be available, but he’s 37 and has a $5.062 cap hit. Tomas Kaberle is an option but the Leafs probably want prospects and picks (nope … they’d like a top 6 forward, maybe a Wayne Simmonds or Dustin Brown). The Kings like Simon Gagne, and the Flames may deal Robyn Regehr. Marc Savard could fit but the Kings may not be on the 5 team list Savard has.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Alexander Frolov hasn’t received much interest, other than the Rangers doing some brief tire kicking.
Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: A “good-faith” move by Jaroslav Halak by not filing for salary arbitration.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Evgeni Nabokov couldn’t agree on a contract with SKA St. Petersburgh.
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Detroit Red Wings are close to signing 3 of their restricted free agents to 1 year contracts: Patrick Eaves, Drew Miller and Derek Meech. GM Ken Holland isn’t close to signing Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm, both could get long-term deals later on in the summer though.
John Shannon via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings and 3 other teams are interested in Mike Modano.
David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune: Mike Modano hasn’t heard from the Chicago Blackhawks, but they could be an option for him as they are looking for some 3rd/4th line depth (cost friendly depth). “I’d like to see what kind of wiggle room they have left under the salary cap, if they can fill that third- or fourth-line void and see how I would fit in with those guys,” said Modano. “They have a great nucleus of kids. So there is a lot of interest there. Obviously, coming off the type of year they’ve had there’s a lot of excitement for anybody who has Chicago on their list of options.”
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Blake Wheeler filed for arbitration yesterday, but Wheeler’s agent plans on working hard to get a deal done. They haven’t had much discussion with GM Peter Chiarelli as he’s been busy with the draft and free agency. Mark Stuart didn’t file for arbitration as he and Bruins are close to a 1-year extension. Boston re-signed both Nathan McIver and Nolan Schaefer.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski filed for salary arbitration yesterday, but after the meeting his agent and GM Bob Murray last week, they appear to be on the “same page”. More discussions should take place before their arbitration meeting which would be between July 20th and August 5th.
Recent Comments