Posts Tagged Paul Kariya

Jokinen to KHL? Turco Preparing to Move On … Thrashers Wish List

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 17th, 2010

  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: After bouncing around between 4 different teams in the past couple years, Olli Jokinen may be playing in Russia next season, especially if he’s looking to make anywhere close to the $5 million salary he made this past season. Peter Mueller, out with a concussion, hasn’t been cleared to skate yet, so Avs fan shouldn’t expect him back soon. As it shouldn’t come as a surprise, Marty Turco could get interest from the Flyers, Capitals and Blackhawks, with the Lightning as a potential sleeper. Wild back-up Josh Harding could be on the trade block this summer. St. Louis could be looking for a goalie if they don’t re-sign Chris Mason, though they could be looking for a young goalie even if they re-sign Mason.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Newly anointed Thrashers GM, Rick Dudley, doesn’t have a timetable set yet for a naming a new coach. Their new coach must “have good communication skills, good teaching skills and good technical skills.” The team also has 10 UFA’s and 4 RFA’s. They are also looking for a veteran leader and a scoring forward for one of the top 3 lines.
  • George Csolak of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat: Both Paul Kariya and Chris Mason would like to return to the Blues next season, but it’s not sure if the Blues will bring them back. Carlo Colaiacovo is also a question mark to be back next season, they were shopping him at the deadline.  They will look to re-sign RFAs Eric Johnson, Alex Steen, and David Perron.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Marty Turco is gearing up for life outside of Dallas as he’s in the process of putting his house on the market. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said on Tuesday that Turco will not be back next season with the Stars. The 35-year-old Turco should get a shot with another team. “I want to win,” he said. “I want to find a team that is ready to win, an organization that is building to win now, and an organization that believes I can be a big part of that winning. That’s the most important thing to me.”

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Gretzky to Russia? Blues to Have Busy Off-Season? Leafs after Goalies? Huet to Minors? Ward Back Monday

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 27th, 2010

  • Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL has reportedly contacted Wayne Gretzky about the possibility of becoming their next head coach. Alexander Medvedev (KHL and SKA boss) has contacted Gretzky with an offer. Russian sources are saying that Gretzky has been in contact with them for months. Adler also notes that Jaromir Jagr will leave the KHL and Avangard Omsk when his contract runs out in mid-April.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis Blues owner, Dave Checketts, has said the team will continue building around their young players, but he predicts they will go after some free agents this offseason. The team currently has under $30 million tied up in 11 contracts for next year. Keith Tkachuk is expected to retire. Paul Kariya ($6 mill.) and Chris Mason ($3 mill.) are UFA’s, one or both may be resigned, with Kariya at a lower number. RFA’s that they will look resign are Steen, Perron, Johnson, Janssen, King and D’Agostini. The Blues had trouble scoring this year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they take a run Ilya Kovalchuk. It was rumored that the Blues were one of the teams to make a pitch for Kovalchuk before he was dealt to New Jersey.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Toronto Maple Leafs may join the list of teams that are looking at signing European goalie free agent, Jussi Rynnas. The Leafs could also look at signing college free agent goaltender, Ben Scrivens of Cornell.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: According to Sassone, there is a chance that the Blackhawks might send Cristobal Huet to the minors and call up Corey Crawford.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Cam Ward will make his first start between the pipes for Carlina since February 3rd on Monday. GM Jim Rutherford said the Hurricanes won’t go shopping for a backup goaltender next year, and will go with either Manny Legace (UFA) or Justin Peters.

    • , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Wings Goalie Situation Status Quo for Next Year … Kariya back in St. Louis Next Year? Modano to Retire?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 20th, 2010

  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Nicklas Lidstrom will be playing in his 1,400th career game, but how many more will one of the games all time greats play in? “I am not going to decide anything right now,” said Lidstrom, who is 39 and in the last year of his contract. “I am just going to enjoy what I am doing now and try to get the Wings into the playoffs. That’s my goal right now.”
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: McCosky shoots down the rumors that the Red Wings might have some interest in Marty Turco when he becomes a free agent. The Wings will be going with the same tandom as this year, with Jimmy Howard the #1, and Chris Osgood backing him up.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Could this be the last season for Paul Kariya in St. Louis? The 35-year-old recently scored his 400th goal, but his scoring touch has faded. The Blues will be looking to add some scoring via free agency, but if they are unsuccessful, they may consider bringing him back.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning Star: Could Mike Modano retire after the season? The Stars have plenty of depth at center that will be/are ahead of Modano. He doesn’t fit well as a 4th line center. Modano is also healing well from his appendix surgery, and could be back for a few games as seasons end.

    • , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Trade Rumors on Trade Deadline Day

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 3rd, 2010

    Here are a bunch of Trade Rumors for you on Trade Deadline Day. Follow trades on our Trade Tracker page.

    9:35 AM: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Flyers, Capitals, and Blackhawks could be looking at Vokoun, Turco, Ellis, and Roloson. The Predators have asked for a high-end prospect and a #1 pick for Dan Hamhuis, though they might keep him and hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Bruins, Canucks, Flyers, Devils, Rangers and Kings have all tried to land Hamhuis. The Leafs will look to move at least Stempniak and Primeau. The Thrashers are trying to sign Pavel Kubina to an extension before he becomes a UFA at seasons end. The Canucks, Capitals and Bruins may look at Joe Corvo.

    9:31 AM: Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Tomas Vokoun hasn’t been asked yet to waive his no trade clause. Paul Kariya won’t waive his no trade clause and Keith Tkachuk may not want to move as well. The Blues could move Brad Boyes if they could find a taker.

    9:23 AM: James Murphy of NESN: Targets for the Bruins could be  Ray Whitney, Erik Cole and Tomas Kaberle. The 2010 first-rounder likely won’t be available back from Boston, but Chiarelli could net Kaberle with the Bruins’ original 2010 first-rounder, possibly a second-rounder and a young roster player. The chances of this happening were unlikely as of Tuesday night, but “don’t rule it out,” the source said. “Anything can happen.” There was also a rumor that the Bruins and Oilers were talking a deal that would get the Bruins a defenseman and possibly Andrew Cogliano.

    9:20 AM: Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers are looking into Dwayne Roloson now that Ray Emery is done for the year. Roloson is a $2.5 million cap hit and is under contract next season.

    9:15 AM: Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM  Peter Chiarelli will continue to look for scoring help. They may look at; Teemu Selanne, Ray Whitney, Keith Tkachuk, Cory Stillman, and Erik Cole.

    9:11 AM: Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Canadiens may look to free up some cap space, and might look to see if they could shed Roman Hamrlik’s $5.5 million salary next season. That might be tough to do. The Habs may also look to move some salary for draft picks, with Maxim Lapierre, Glen Metropolit, and Paul Mara as potential players that could be moved out.

    9:07 AM: Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Washington Capitals are showing interest in Oilers Dman, Steve Staios. Staios is 37, and has another season at $2.7 million. John Erskine and a draft pick could head the other way.

    9:00 AM: Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: It looks like the Canadiens will hold on to both Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price.

    Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are still trying to trade Cristobal Huet and his %5.625 million cap hit. Rumors are that they are talking to the Panthers, Islanders and Leafs.  The Leafs shot down their interest yesterday.

    Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo initially thought that Wild would be trading Owen Nolan, but now he’s not so sure. Unless they get a big offer, they’ll probably keep him. The Wild could be willing to move Eric Belanger.

    Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs have put Wolski’s name out there, with the Coyotes Peter Mueller mentioned as a possible return. The Avalanche could look at bringing in Joe Corvo.

    Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning could use some scoring and a puck moving defenseman. They could also do some selling with Jeff Halpern, Mike Smith, Mattt Smaby, David Hale, and Alex Tanguay’s name being mentioned.

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Almost Trade Deadline Day

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 2nd, 2010

  • 3:59 PM: TheFourthPeriod: Alexei Ponikarovsky is close to be dealt. The Kings, Penguins, and Predators have shown serious interest. The Leafs are hoping for a 1st round pick, but might take a 2nd and top prospect.
  • 10:57 AM: Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Finding some 3rd line scoring is on the wish list of Canucks coach, Alain Vigneault. If GM Mike Gillis agrees, he may look at Steve Reinprecht, who he considered bringing in last season. Other options could be Eric Belanger, Doug Weight, or Jeff Halpern. If they are worried about Willie Mitchell’s health, they might look at Aaron Ward or Andy Sutton. 2006 1st round pick, Michael Grabner, might be bait to bring in some help.
  • 10:52 AM: Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Don Waddell tells Chris he’ll be a buyer more than a seller. He’d like to add a forward with size, and some scoring to make up for Kovalchuk’s departure. He’s talked to 15 teams, but there isn’t a lot of options available. A few teams have called about Slava Kozlov.
  • 10:46 AM: Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: The Flyers may also be talking to the Predators about goalie Dan Ellis. This would make a lot of sense for the Flyers as Ray Emery is on LTIR and Michael Leighton is their starting goalie. It would make sense for them even if Emery wasn’t on LTIR.
  • 10:43 AM: TheFouthPeriod: The Kings may have moved on from Ray Whitney and may target, Slava Kozlov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Raffi Torres or Paul Kariya.
  • 10:39 AM: Chris Botta at NYI Point Blank: The Isles have had a couple offers, 2nd round picks for Andy Sutton but they may hold out for a 2nd rounder plus an additional pick.
  • 10:36 AM: Frank Seravalli of the Philadephia Daily News: Sources are saying the Flyers will send Ryan Parent and Braydon Coburn to the Preds for Hamhuis. May happen when Cote and Syvret clear waivers at noon today.
  • 10:31 AM: Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The Flyers and Predators have talked about Dan Hamhuis. The Preds have asked about several players, including Ryan Parent, who they sent to Philly in the Forsberg deal in 2007.
  • 10:25 AM: Sam Carchiki of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers freed up $2 million in cap room by placing Ray Emery on LTIR and waiving Riley Cote, bringing their total cap room up to $2.8 million. They have shown interest in Alex Frolov, Raffi Torres, and Colby Armstrong. Dan Hamhuis could be their main target.
  • 10:23 AM: Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens and Tomas Plekanec’s agent held talks during the Olympic break, and will continue to talk after the trade deadline day.
  • 10:19 AM: Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland doesn’t expect to make any moves at the deadline, but if he does do something, it will have to be dollar-for-dollar as they are against the cap. “Our trade deadline was Franzen, Lilja and Kronwall,” he said, referring to the healthy return of Johan Franzen, Andreas Lilja and Niklas Kronwall. “Not too many teams are going to do any better than that.”
  • Steve Gorten of the Sun-Sentinel: After trading Jordan Leopold yesterday, and Dominic Moore before the Olympics, the Panthers may still not be finished dealing. Tomas Vokoun, Dennis Seidenberg, Rostislav Olesz, Cory Stillman, and Steven Reinprect, could be some of the few that are moved.
  • Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers acquired a 2nd round pick for Denis Grebeshkov yesterday, and they will still make several other moves. From GM Steve Tambellini, “I wouldn’t say everyone is on the block, but given where we are I’d be crazy not to listen to everything,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to do it, but I’ll listen to everything.”
  • Michael Russo and Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild and Marek Zidlicky have contract that is all but complete. It is a 3 year deal for the 33 year old, but the sticking point is the full no-trade clause that Zidlicky wants. The Wild only want to include a no-trade clause for part of the contract. If they can’t agree on the contract, they’ll most likely trade Zidlicky. They are also getting some calls about Owen Nolan, and it’s also rumored that they might be willing to trade Eric Belanger.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Marek Svatos is waiting to be traded, his bags are already packed, now he’s just waiting for the Avalanche to trade him. Svatos was in the lineup last night playing on the 2nd line, with scouts from at least 2 teams in attendance, the Blackhawks and Sharks.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Ladislav Smid’s name was creeping into a few trade rumors, but that will probably be the end of them as he has bulging disc in his neck. In the next few days he’ll visit a neurologist to decide if he’ll just need a short rest, or if it will be a season ending injury, that might require surgery.

    • , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    All Panthers Available … Lightning to be Buyers … Wings Need to Make Moves … Do the Blues and or Sell

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 12th, 2010

    12:29 pm: Darren Dreger of TSN: The Kings still have interest in Ray Whitney, but things have quieted down. The Hurricanes believe they can get a 1st round pick and a prospect for him. Whitney would have his no-trade for a 2 year extension.

    11:54 am: Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers might have to take back $1 million salary to move Ethan Moreau and his $2 million salary. They might have to include a draft pick to move him. Andrew Cogliano and Coyotes Peter Mueller’s names have been tied together.
    11:27 am: TSN: The Senators have given GM Bryan Murray a 1 year contract extension. Murray told the media that the Senators won’t be trading UFA Anton Volchenkov, and that they have made a contract offer to him.

    9:19 am:

    • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM, Randy Sexton, has said that no player is off limits. He hasn’t talked to anyone about waiving their no-trade/no-movement clauses yet. It’s being reported that Tomas Vokoun will not waive his no trade clause.
    • Dan O’Neill of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues are still unsure if they are going to stay pat or make some moves. Would anyone be interested in Brad Boyes who has 2 years at $4 million? Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman have no-trade clauses.
    • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: The Wings need to clear at least $1.2 in cap space as Andreas Lilja is ready to return. Holland could move Brad May, Derek Meech and Brett Lebda, or he could look at moving Jason Williams and his $1.5 million cap number.
    • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Teams that have shown interest in Andy Sutton: Calgary, Chicago, Colorado, New Jersey, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington. Teams that might be interested in Dwayne Roloson: Chicago, Colorado, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Washington.
    • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Alexei Ponikarovsky knows his time as a Maple Leaf could be coming to an end. “Yeah, I’m prepared,” Ponikarovsky said. “You are always ready for something to happen. I know that. If management decides to move me, I will respect than and move on.”

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Komisarek done for the year, Nic Wallin to Sharks? Extension for Emery? Possible Moves for Dallas and Boston

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2010

    • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Toronto Maple Leafs and the USA Olympic team took a hit yesterday, when it was announced that defenseman Mike Komisarek is done for year. Komisarek has already been out for a month, will required season ending shoulder surgery.
    • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson is heading out on the road with his team on a 10 day, 6 game road trip, but he’ll also be checking out other games as he looks for potential trade partners. He’ll be watching some NHL games, as well as junior and college games. The Sharks have been rumored to be looking for some defensive depth, and Niclas Wallin (Carolina) could be waiving his no-trade clause to join the Sharks.
    • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren plans on meeting with Ray Emery’s agent in March to discuss contract extension. Emery has a 16-11-1 record, 2.64 GAA, and a .905 save percentage in 29 games.
    • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars could move Marty Turco, but they would need to acquire a goalie in that deal, or acquire one beforehand. The Stars are still in the playoff race, and don’t want to give up on the season. Jaroslav Halak and Cory Schneider are options, but the price is high. Kari Lehtonen of Atlanta is also an option, but he’s just coming back from back surgery and doesn’t have a good medical history. The Stars are trying to resign Steve Ott who’s a UFA at seasons end, but he could be dealt if they don’t think they can resign him. He’s looking for something in the 3 years/$9 million (Dustin Byfuglien) and 4 years/$15.5 million (Sean Avery) range. Mike Ribeiro has 3 years at $5 million a season could also be trade bait for a top level defenseman.
    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Martin Biron is most likely and on move. The Canadiens might have an interest if they move either Price or Halak. The Kings might look for a veteran goalie like Biron or Turco (A smart idea in my opinion). The Sabres could be looking for a backup goalie, Biron is an option.
    • James Murphy of NESN: Some trade possibilities for the Boston Bruins. The Oilers are listening to offers for Andrew Cogliano, though he’d cost more for the Bruins than a Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen or Aaron Ward. Lubomir Visnovsky has a high salary, so he’d be a difficult move. Tomas Kaberle could be back in play for the Bruins (I’ve thought about this for a couple weeks, would the Bruins send Toronto’s 1st round pick back to the Leafs for Kaberle?). Cam Barker and Patrick Sharp are other possibilities, but Chicago may not want to break up the chemistry.
    • TheFourthPeriod: With Mike Cammalleri out for 6 weeks, the Canadiens could be looking for some scoring help, and have been linked to Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya.
    • TSN Staff: The Islanders have place Brendan Witt on waivers. Witt has missed most of the last month with a knee injury, and was just activated off of IR.

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Kings and Hurricanes might have had a trade worked out, but … Flames looking for a Center? Ponikarovsky, Staying or Going?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 3rd, 2010

    • Bob McKenzie of TSN: The Kings and Hurricanes were far enough in talks, that the Kings talked to Whitney about an extension. Whitney wanted 3 years, the Kings were thinking 1. The Kings were going to give a draft pick, most likely a 2nd rounder, and a prospect (McKenzie guesses either Colten Teubert or Viacheslav Voinov). Some think Whitney is raising the bar until a team that he really wants to go to steps in, mainly the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins haven’t inquired yet.
    • Darren Dreger of TSN: With the Edmonton Oilers pushing hard to make a move, Ethan Moreau is one name on the block. If they were to sweeten the pot with a draft pick, they Leafs could offer up Garnet Exelby or Lee Stempniak. Moreau is under contract for next year at $2 million.
    • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Even with the recent trades made by the Flames, they still could use a #1 center. They may take a run at Mike Ribeiro or Tomas Plekanec.
    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks or maybe the Kings might have an interest in Paul Kariya.
    • Bill Lankhof of the Toronto Sun: So far Alexei Ponikarovsky has dodged any trades made by Brian Burke. He is only 1 of 2 Leafs players (Kaberle the other) who have been with the team for more than 2 years. There is a good chance that he’s dealt at the deadline (Pittsburgh?), for a high draft, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Burke keeps him and resigns him. If someone offered them a 1st rounder, I’m sure Burke would jump on that, but if it’s only a 2nd rounder, he might think of keeping him. The Leafs still need to score goals and win games this year and next.
    • TSN Staff: The Vancouver Canucks have halted contract talks with Ryan Kesler, Mason Raymond and Willie Mitchell.
    • Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks, and soon to be UFA Evgeni Nabokov, will not be talking contract extension until after the season
    • Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: Michael Ryder of the Bruins has been made available.
    • Kevin Allen via Twitter: Petr Sykora should decide this week who his new team will be.

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Garrioch and LeBrun have some NHL Trade Rumors for you

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 24th, 2010

    • Hockey Night in Canada ‘Hotstove’ video
    • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
      • The Canucks might be one of several teams to have an interest in Paul Kariya.
      • The Thrashers will take another run at re-signing Ilya Kovalchuk. The Flames are said to have inquired about him. This will come down to the deadline, with at least 6 teams involved; Flames Capitals, Blackhawks, Bruins, Kings and Rangers.
      • The Leafs have inquired about Kovalchuk, but that may not mean much.  “Burke likes to stick his nose into everything,” said one Eastern Conference-based player. “If he did that, it’s so he can tell everybody that he looked into the possibility.”
      • Unless he takes less than the $6.3 million he making this season, Patrick Marleau may not be back with the Sharks next year, and the Kings might be interested.
      • The Lightning have once again shot down rumors that they’ve talked to the Rangers about Vinny Lecavalier.
    • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
      • Tampa Bay owner, Oren Koules, is shooting down the Lecavalier to the Rangers rumors. Of note, Vinny is 15 in scoring before Saturday’s play.
      • The Maple Leafs have let it be known that not only will they trade players for picks/prospects, they’ll also take on contracts for picks/prospects.
      • Hurricanes Dman, Joni Pitkanen, is drawing a lot interest even though he still has another year on his contract at $4.5 million.
      • The Coyotes are looking to add some scoring, without taking on much salary.
      • The Islanders will move Martin Biron for a draft pick, defenseman or a left winger
    • Eric Francis from Canoe Slam! Sports:  Flames GM Darryl Sutter said that he has “no intentions of breaking any of it up.” He has been unhappy with the play of the team, and many of their top players aren’t playing like top players. Sutter will be patient with the team for now.

    , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Around the Boards: Souray will waive ‘no-trade’ clause, Kovalchuk-Thrashers continue talks, Savard out 2-3 weeks

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 9th, 2010

    • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: Sheldon Souray has let it be known that he’d be willing to waive his ‘no-trade’ clause if it ‘makes sense’ for his family. His family is out in California, so if he gets traded, expect it to be to a west coast/conference team. Souray has 3 years left on his contract at $5.4 million cap hit. He’s making $5.5 mill this year, and $4.5 mill the next 2 seasons.
    • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers aren’t giving up on re-signing Ilya Kovalchuk.

      On the ongoing contract talks with Ilya Kovalchuk, Waddell said: “Talks continue on. We met in Saskatoon (at the World Junior Championships). Our priority still remains to get him signed. We’ve made some progress but we are obviously not ready yet to put a signature on a contract.

      “The positive thing is the talks have continued. They haven’t broken down. We talk almost daily. To me, that’s all part of the process. If talks break down because one side puts their shoes too far in the sand then you know you’re probably at an impasse. At this point, that hasn’t happened. Both sides continue to talk and try to find away to make this deal work.”

    • Chris Zupke of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne expects to return to the Ducks lineup tonight. Changes could be coming for the Ducks if they continue to sit near the bottom of the Western Conference. JS Giguere, Scott Niedermayer, Saku Koivu, and Todd Marchant, could find themselves with another team before seasons end.
    • Paul Hunt of the Toronto Star: Hunt lists some names who are unrestricted free agents this year that could be dealt at the trade deadline: Slava Kozlov, Colby Armstrong and Pavel Kubina (Atlanta), Saku Koivu (Anaheim), Paul Kariya (St. Louis), Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen (Carolina), Jeff Halpern, Antero Niittymaki and Alex Tanguay (Tampa), Martin Biron and Doug Weight (Islanders), Raffi Torres (Columbus), Steve Ott and Jere Lehtinen (Dallas), Alexei Ponikarovsky, Matt Stajan, Lee Stempniak and Vesa Toskala (Toronto)
    • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs are now allowed to negotiate with RFA Jonas Gustavsson, but have yet to do so. The Leafs don’t feel any pressure or urgency to get something worked out right away.
    • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Boston’s Marc Savard could be out for 2 to 3 weeks with a sprained knee. The Bruins were stayed healthy last season, the same can’t be said for this year.

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Around the Boards: Bruins looking for scoring? Sather getting Fired? No trades coming for Flyers and Sens.

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 17th, 2009

    • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com: The Boston Bruins have missing a scoring winger since Phil Kessel was traded in the off-season. Haggerty mentions several wingers they could target: Ilya Kovalchuk, Ray Whitney, Alex Tanguay, Bobby Ryan, Paul Kariya, and Alex Frolov.
    • John Buccigross of the ESPN: If Ilya Kovalchuk becomes available, Bucci thinks the Bruins have the pieces to pull it off, Blake Wheeler, Tuukka Rask, and the 1st Round Pick from Toronto.
    • Craig Carton on WFAN via HendricksHockey: Rangers GM Glen Sather could be fired soon. None this is something that probably should have happened years ago. I’ve never understood how he’s kept his job, he’s made so many questionable moves, for so many years.
    • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers GM Paul Holgren doesn’t see the Flyers making any moves before Saturday Christmas roster freeze. Both he, and Laviolette think they have the players to make it through their funk. They are getting some good news on the injury front as Blair Betts could return tonight, and Simon Gagne could be back on Saturday.
    • Nancy Marrapese-Burrell of the Boston Globe: The Bruins have lost defenceman Mark Stuart for 4-6 weeks with a broken sternum. Dennis Wideman and Derek Morris missed yesterday’s practice.
    • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t look like the Ottawa Senators will be making any trades to bring in a replacement for injured center Jason Spezza. The Sens are $1.5 million below the cap, and GM Bryan Murray said no trade would be made unless the other team took on salary.
    • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Alex Frolov good play of late may have removed his name from trade rumors, but if he is available, the Montreal Canadiens might be interested.

    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments