Posts Tagged Pavel Kubina

Pavel Kubina signs with the Lightning

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2010

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Pavel Kubina to a 2 year deal worth $7.7 million.

He’ll earn $4.2 million this season, and $3.5 million the following season.

He made $5 million with Atlanta last season wehere he scored 6 goals and added 32 assists.

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Twitter rumors and Free Agent signings quick hits

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

6:01 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: “Just hung up phone with Dean Lombardi. Asked him if he was closing in on Kovalchuk, “No.” Asked if he’s still in the mix, “Not sure.””

5:59 PM: Adrian Dater via Twitter: Kovalchuk to the Kings is getting closer.

5:57 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Saku Koivu to the Ducks for 2 years, $5 million.

3:45 PM: Bruce Garrioch via Twitter: The Flames are working on a 2 year deal with Olli Jokinen ….. (I wonder if Sutter is trying to get fired to collect his full pay)

3:44 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Canucks are favorites to land Dan Hamhuis, LA, Tor, and SJ still in it.

3:38 PM: James Mirtle via Twitter: Leafs not pursuing Raffi Torres as of yet. Armstrong may fill that role.

3:15 PM: NHLSourcesSay via Twitter: Islanders and Sabres have sent offers to Pavel Kubina.

3:01 PM: Darren Dreger via Twitter: Tony Lydman signs with Anaheim for 3 years, $9 million.

3:00 PM: Andy Strickland via Twitter: Alex Steen’s deal is for 4 years, $13.45 million. $2.75 million next year, $3.56 million the next 3 years.

2:50 PM: Frank Seravalli via Twitter: “Holy god. I thought Shelley was bad. Boogard to Rangers; 4 years at $1.65M per season… He hasn’t scored a goal in 4 years.”

2:33 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Leafs in on Dan Hamhuis

2:30 PM: Tweet of the Day so far – Adrian Dater: “Darcy Tucker is still available folks.”

2:24 PM: NHLSourcesSay: 3 teams interested in Ray Whitney: Panthers, Sabres, and Flames

2:15 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Martin could end up in LA or Pitt. Hamhuis still possible in Pitt.

1:05 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Dan Ellis is close to signing with someone, but it’s not Montreal.

12:53 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Paul Martin is eager to sign with Pittsburgh, and vise versa.

12:50 PM: Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: Alex Steen re-signs with the Blues, 4 years.

12:34 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Savard to Calgary for Regher is being talked about. Savard hasn’t been asked to waive his no trade clause yet.

Alex Tanguay signs a one year deal with the Calgary Flames according to RDS.

Braydon Coburn re-signs with the Flyers for 2 years, cap hit of $3.2 million.

Eric Christensen signs a 2 year deal with the NY Rangers, $925,000 a season.

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Could Blues go after Kovalchuk? Coyotes still trying to get a deal done with Michalek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010

  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: It may take a trade for the Atlanta Thrashers to find their ’15 plus goal scorer’ instead of through free agency. The Thrashers have 10 UFAs, they made offers to 9 of them, all but Slava Kozlov. They continue to negotiate with Pavel Kubina but the sides remain apart.
  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: Dreger thinks the Rangers may go after Marty Biron. (Signed with the Rangers, 2 years at about $875,000 per season)

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Top 25 NHL Free Agents for 2010

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents on June 30th, 2010

Here is our Top 25 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents list for 2010. It has been labelled a weak crop for this years NHL unrestricted free agents, especially if you’re looking for scoring help. There are a several defenseman that should draw plenty of interest. In putting together this list, we took into consideration age, position, and likelihood of signing with a new team (ie. Nicklas Lidstrom would only sign with Detroit, so we left him off the list). Check out a complete list of 2010 NHL free agents.

Rk. Player

2009-10 Team
Pos.
Age
09-10

Cap #
 Notes
1 Ilya Kovalchuk
NJ
LW
26
$7,500,000
 Re-signed with New Jersey, 15 years, $100 million.
2 Patrick Marleau
SJ
C
29
$6,300,000
 Re-signed with the Sharks. 4 years, $27.6 million.
3 Anton Volchenkov
OTT
D
27
$3,200,000
 Signs with the Devils. 6 years, $25.5 million.
4 Paul Martin
NJ
D
28
$4,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $25 million.
5 Evgeni Nabokov
PHI
G
33
$6,000,000
 Signs with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. 4 years, $6 million
6 Tomas Plekanec
MON
C
26
$2,750,000
 Re-signed with the Canadiens. 6 years, $30 million.
7 Dan Hamhuis
PIT
D
26
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Canucks. 6 years, $27 million.
8 Alexander Frolov
LA
LW
27
$4,000,000
 Signs with the Rangers. 1 year, $3 million.
9 Sergei Gonchar
PIT
D
35
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Ottawa Senators. 3 years, $16.5 million.
10 Marty Turco
DAL
G
33
$5,400,000
 Signed with the Blackhawks. 1 year, $1.3 million.
11 Zbynek Michalek
PHO
D
26
$1,500,000
 Signs with the Penguins. 5 years, $20 million.
12 Alexei Ponikarovsky
PIT
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signs with the Kings. 1 year, $3 million ($3.2 mill. cap hit)
13 Matthew Lombardi
PHO
C
27
$2,350,000
 Signed with the Predators. 3 years, $10.5 million.
14 Dan Ellis
MON
G
29
$2,000,000
 Signs with the Lightning. 2 years, $3 million.
15 Dennis Seidenberg
BOS
D
27
$2,250,000
 Re-signed with the Bruins. 4 years, $13 million.
16 Pavel Kubina
ATL
D
32
$5,000,000
 Signed with the Lightning. 2 years, $7.7 million.
17 Chris Mason
STL
G
33
$3,000,000
 Signs with the Thrashers. 2 years, $3.7 million
18 Henrik Tallinder
BUF
D
30
$3,250,000
 Signed with the Devils. 4 years, $13.5 million.
19 Maxim Afinogenov
ATL
RW
30
$800,000
 Signed in the KHL. 5 years.
20 Toni Lydman
BUF
D
31
$3,150,000
 Signed with the Ducks. 3 years, $9 million.
21 Lee Stempniak
PHO
RW
26
$3,500,000
 Re-signed with the Coyotes. 2 years, $3.8 million.
22 Olli Jokinen
NYR
C
30
$5,500,000
 Signs with the Flames. 2 years, $6 million.
23 Alex Tanguay
TB
LW
29
$2,500,000
 Signed with the Flames. 1 year, $1.7 million.
24 Willie Mitchell
VAN
D
32
$3,500,000
 Signed with the Kings. 2 years, $7 million.
25 Michael Leighton
PHI
G
28
$600,000
 Re-signed with the Flyers. 2 years, $3.1 million.

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Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010

Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.

  • Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd,  both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
  • Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
  • Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.


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Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2010

  • Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn’t think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Jordan Leopold, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke (depending on how much money he wants) and Mark Eaton are the best possibilities to be brought back by the Pens.
  • Ken Weibe of QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Windsor Spitfires coach thinks Taylor Hall should be the #1 pick (not a surprise since he coaches him). Part of the belief that the Oilers could select Tyler Seguin with the #1 pick is that they need a ‘center of the future’. Coach Bob Boughner says Hall is naturally a center … “Taylor is a centre naturally, he’s playing left wing on our team but he’ll take some draws once in a while and he’s good on draws,” said Boughner. “I don’t doubt that if he goes to the next level and they need a centre, he could play centre as well. He’s pretty strong on the puck. “The reason I put him on the wing is to conserve his energy and expose other teams wide because he has that speed.”
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers have talked with 2 of their UFAs, Pavel Kubina and Maxim Afinogenov, and come away thinking they have a good chance at re-signing them. Allen thinks Kubina will want a deal in the 4 year, $16 million range, which might be problem for the Thrashers. It doesn’t look like Colby Armstrong will be back with the Thrashers next season.
  • Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks RFA Mason Raymond could be on the trade block this summer. The going rate for a 25 goal scorer is around $2.5-3 million, but how do you offer him over $2 million when Alex Burrows makes that much and scored 38 goals. Raymond’s game is also similar to another RFA, Michael Grabner. The Canucks could trade him for a top-4 defenseman, or for some more size up front (if they are giving him up for more size, that player has to have some skill as well).
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: There are currently 4 teams without a head coach: Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, and Tampa. Custance goes through top coaching candidates out there. “The AHL Contingent” – Guy Boucher (Hamilton), Scott Arniel (Manitoba), and Kevin Dineen (Portland). “Top NHL Assistants” – Craig Ramsey (Boston), Paul MacLean (Detroit), Brent Peterson (Nashville). “Stanley Cup Winners” – Bob Hartley and Ken Hitchcock. “Recent NHL Experience” – Craig MacTavish, John Stevens, and Rick Tocchet.

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Burke Talks about Leafs … Blues not going after Kovalchuk … Some Panthers could be shopped

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 15th, 2010

  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke’s wish list “1. A Top-6 forward; 2. Adding more size to the roster; 3. Augmenting team toughness.” With the lack of picks at this years draft, July 1st will be their draft.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: There were rumors that the St. Louis Blues might go after a high priced scorer this off-season, but President John Davidson has said that he has no plans on pursuing one. Ilya Kovalchuk name has been mentioned as a possible free agent target, as well as Patrick Marleau. “A, it’s just too expensive, and B, the growth pattern of our club is going in the right direction. I know we had a terrible first half, but our second half, it got us back on track. We have to continue to grow like that, to put us into a position of, ‘When is the right time to try to add something that’s really going to make us a better club?’”
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun will be shopped by the Florida Panthers, and he’s said he’d waive his no trade clause for the right situation. They might also be shopping Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and Bryan McCabe.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers have 9 UFAs this year, and they may be looking to re-sign at least 3 of them, Pavel Kubina, Maxim Afinogenov, and Colby Armstrong. Kubina and Afinogenov have both said they’d be interested in returning.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Down the stretch, Johan Hedberg was the #1 goalie for Atlanta, going 11-8-3 while starting 22 of 32 games. Despite that, the 37-year-old UFA doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the Thrashers next season.

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Leafs Close Could be Close to Cap Next Year … Ice Edge Pulling Offer for Coyotes? Blue Jackets to Interview for Head Coaching Position … Kovalev Hurt

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2010

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t worried about the Leafs cap situation for next season. “I’m not worried about (the cap),” general manager Brian Burke said. “We’re not shackled here. I don’t think we’re handcuffed. If I thought we were handcuffed, I’d tell you that.” If the Leafs go into next season with the same roster, and add Nazem Kadri, their cap number is about $51.55 million. About $55.55 million after resigning RFA Jonas Gustavsson and Nikolai Kulemin. Options they have to free up some money are demoting Jeff Finger to the minors, and/or listening to offers for Mike Komisarek or Francois Beauchemin. Tomas Kaberle is also a trade option.
  • Toronto Sun: Ice Edge Holdings is considering pulling its offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, as talks with the city of Glendale aren’t going well.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks that Martin Biron would be a good back up candidate for either the Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price next year for the Canadiens.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A reader asks Mike of possible defensemen targets for the Dallas Stars this off-season through free agency or trade. Heika lists some possibilities as: Sergei Gonchar, Pavel Kubina, Kim Johnsson, Paul Martin, Derek Morris, Willie Mitchell, Anton Volchenkov and Dan Hamhuis.
  • Aaron Portzline of hte Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel has had some success since he took over for Ken Hitchcock, leading them to a 10-9-5 record down the stretch, but that doesn’t garantee him the coaching gig for next year. GM Scott Howson will interview at least 6 to 8 other candidates, including Noel. On the list could be Kevin Dineen (Portland AHL), Paul MacLean (Det. asst.), Brent Peterson (Nash. asst.), Kevin McCarthy (Phil. asst.), Scott Steven (NJ asst.), Jim Playfair, Craig MacTavish, Guy Boucher (Hamilton AHL) and Bob Boughner (Windsor OHL).
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators may have lost Alex Kovalev for an indefinite period of time. Kovalev was helped off the ice in the second period with an injured left leg. Kovalev was unable to put any weight on his leg, more should be known today.
  • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers needed to kick start the rebuiding process hard this summer, and if they don`t, it would be a disappointment. Barnes lists the following players that could be on their way out: Charles Linglet, Dean Arsene, Aaron Johnson, Marc Pouliot, Patrick O’Sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Robert Nilsson, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Potulny, Ryan Jones, Ethan Moreau and Sheldon Souray.

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Coaches Safe in Atlanta for Now … Getzlaf and Selanne Day-to-Day … Hudler Back with Wings Next Year?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 16th, 2010

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Anaheim Ducks were hit with a couple injuries on Sunday, with the MRI’s done yesterday. Ryan Getzlaf has an inflamed left ankle (the same ankle that was hurt before the Olympics), but the MRI showed no additional damage. Teemu Selanne has a slightly sprained shoulder, and will be re-evaluated today. Both are listed as day-to-day.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Vivlamore interviews Thrashers GM, Don Waddell. When asked if there will a be a coaching change (John Anderson) before the end of the season, Waddell said no. The coaching situation will be re-evaluated after the season though. Waddell talked to Pavel Kubina and Colby Armstrong during Olympic break, both are upcoming UFA’s, and he plans to talk to them again in a month or so.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Ken Holland will once again try to convince Jiri Hudler to leave the KHL and come back to the Red Wings. Hudler has a 2 year, $5.75 million arbitration deal from last summer that he is bound too. His KHL deal was for 2 years, and between $3-5 million a season, tax free. With his KHL season done after a 1st round playoff exit, he’s not eligible to play for the Wings this year, but could suit up for them next season.
  • Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild are expected to sign UMass center, Casey Wellman this morning. The college free agent picked the Wild over 21 other teams. Wellman was 6th in goals this past season, scoring 23 times. He’ll be signing a 2 year deal worth $1.8 million. He’ll be in the lineup this year (ineligible for the playoffs).
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators could be welcoming back Nick Foligno and Chris Campoli to their lineup as soon as tonight against the Maple Leafs. If Foligno is able to go, Jesse Winchester will most likely be out. If Campoli plays, Brian Lee will most likely be the odd man out.

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    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.

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    Puck-Moving Defenseman are Wanted by Many

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2010

  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: The Devils will welcome back defenseman Paul Martin on March 10th after a 52 game absense due to a fractured left forearm. That may not stop GM Lou Lamoriello from looking to acquire another Dman. One target may be Scott Niedermayer, but the he might not going anywhere. Others the Lou could look at are; Pavel Kubina, Dan Hamhuis, Jan Hejda, and Joe Corvo.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are a little thin on the blueline, and GM Bryan Murray will be looking for a puck moving defenseman. Brian Lee might be made available to acquire a Dman. They have talked to Wild about Marek Zidlicky, but they are trying to resign him (7 0r 8 other teams have also inquired about him). Other possibilities are Ladslav Smid, Pavel Kubina, Jan Hedja, Brian Pothier (Caps want a 2nd round pick), John-Michael Liles, Aaron Ward, Andy Sutton, and Dennis Seidenberg.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins could be looking to bring in a puck moving defenseman and a goal scoring winger. Kubina, Corvo and Hamhuis are possibilities. They are kicking tires on Teemu Selanne. Teams will probably ask for Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart in return, both are RFA’s at season end. The Bruins will most likely want to use some of their acquired draft picks as trade bait.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Brian Lawton might be looking to bring in some scoring depth, a puck-moving dman, or a winger for Vinny. Lawton plans on being aggressive to get something done.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins could use another scoring winger, and a physical Dman. Blueline rentals could be; Andrew Alberts, Garnet Exelby, Milan Jurcina, Steve Staios, Jason Strudwick, Andy Sutton, and Aaron Ward.
  • Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Panthers GM Randy Sexton has “a whole host of deals” that are being discussed. Sexton says there will be no fire. The trade deadline is Phase one of 4 of his plans to changing the makeup of the team. Sexton wouldn’t say if he’ll ask Tomas Vokoun to waive his no trade clause.
  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will sellers again. They will look to move Raffi Torres and Milan Jurcina for draft picks and/or prospects.
  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets could be without Rostislav Klesla for the rest of the season. Klesla has been out since Nov. 30th with tears to his groin and abdomen.

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    Rumors from the Pacific … Hawks-Panthers Talking? Interest in Kozlov

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek and Puck Prospectus of ESPN:
    • Doug Wilson and the Sharks would like to add some secondary scoring and a puck moving Dman. It would have to be a rental player, as Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov need to be re-signed. The Sharks may also look at adding a backup goalie with some experience.
    • The LA Kings are looking to add a scoring winger and will look at Ray Whitney, Freddie Modin, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Paul Kariya, and Raffi Torres. They may also look at a goaltender with experience.
    • The Phoenix Coyotes might be one team that is looking to add players that won’t be UFAs after the season. Peter Mueller has been rumored all season to be on the outs. Andrew Brunette of the Wild might be a good fit with the Yotes.
    • The Anaheim Ducks have UFA’s Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, and Saku Koivu that will draw some interest. Bob Murray has said that Niedermayer isn’t going anywhere. James Wisniewski’s name has been mentioned with the Blackhawks (for Cam Barker before he was dealt).
    • Dallas Stars need an upgrade on the blueline. They won’t be bringing in any big contracts. Marty Turco is the most likely player to be moved. Mike Ribeiro, Stephane Robidas, Fabian Brunnstrom and Steve Ott, could find themselves playing in a different city after the deadline.
  • Harry Teinowitz on ESPN Radio: I don’t know how reliable this guy is, but he mentioned on Monday of a trade rumor between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. The Hawks would send Cristobal Huet, Corey Crawford, and Kris Versteeg to the Panthers for Tomas Vokoun and an defenseman (maybe either Dennis Seidenberg or Jordan Leopold).
  • TheFourthPeriod: The Kings, Bruins, and Red Wings are rumored to have an interest in Slava Kozlov. UFA’s for the Atlanta Thrashers that could be moved are: Kozlov, Colby Armstrong, Jim Slater, Maxim Afinogenov, Eric Boulton, Pavel Kubina, Christoph Schubert, Mark Popovic and Johan Hedberg. Kozlov, Kubina, and Armstrong should draw the most interest.
  • Jeremy Roenick on ESPNChicago: Roenick is putting his hand in the rumor mill, saying that Jaroslav Halak wants out of Montreal, and he’d be better suited to lead Chicago to the Cup than Antti Niemi and/or Cristobal Huet. Vokoun would be a perfect fit in Chicago.

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    Some Players that Could be Moved … Senators looking for Dman Rental

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2010

  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Canadiens are looking to remake their roster. Tomas Vokoun, David Booth and Nathan Horton could draw some interest. The Blue Jackets are looking to move Raffi Torres, Jan Hejda, and Milan Jurcina. The Flyers, Capitals, and Blackhawks could upgrade their goaltending. The Penguins could be interested in Ray Whitney and/or Blues Dman, Barret Jackman.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators GM, Bryan Murray will be looking to add a rental defenseman. Some of their options could be Pavel Kubina, Dennis Seidenberg, Jordan Leopold, Dan Hamhuis or Brendan Bell. The Sens are still trying to sign Anton Volchenkov to a contract extension, but it might cost them Mike Komisarek dollars (5 years, $22.5 million). The Sens think that 2009 1st round pick, Jared Cowen, could be ready for the NHL next season. 2008 2nd round pick, Patrick Wiercioch, could leave the University of Denver early.

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    Turco on the Move Now? Sexton working 9 deals, Price and Halak staying put for the time being?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 10th, 2010

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: So with the Stars trading for Kari Lehtonen, they now have 3 NHL calibre goalies. It would appear that the Stars will now look to moving Marty Turco. That’s putting a lot faith in Lehtonen and Auld to help them make the playoffs, especially for Lehtonen who’s been battling injuries for years.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers could be the frontrunners to trade Marty Turco if he becomes available. The Flyers would have to shed salary, almost equal to Turco’s $5.7 million cap number, if they were going to bring him in.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Stars trade for Lehtonen was a buy-low gamble. Halak or Schneider would have cost more. The Flyers or Blackhawks could look at adding Marty Turco. The Flyers could look at Pekka Rinne or Dan Ellis, both come with a lower salary number for this year, meaning they wouldn’t have to get rid of nearly as much salary. Martin Biron is another low cost option. Burnside thinks the Stars may jump on one of these goalies.
  • Tim Baines, Don Brennan and Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks the Senators need a forward and a Dman, and mentions the names Pavel Kubina and Dustin Penner. Garrioch says the Sens have only $500,000 in cap space left, and that Penner may not be available. Burying Cheechoo’s $3 million contract in the minors could free up some space.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: There haven’t really been any negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and Tomas Plakanec, but that might change with Gauthier taking over. New GM, Pierre Gauthier as said that they will keep both Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak for the time being.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside and LeBrun discuss the Price-Halak situation, as well as Tomas Plekanec. Gauthier and Plekanec’s agent had a meeting in January, and both sides agreed that they’d like to keep Plekanec in Montreal. Having the cap room to sign Plekanec long term will be an issue.
  • George Richards via Twitter: Florida Panthers GM Randy Sexton is working on 9 different trades.
  • Eric Francis of Canoe – Slam! Sports: A number of GMs around the league were not happy that they were not in on the Dion Phaneuf trade discussions. Many were not aware that he was available, and would have offered more than what the Maple Leafs gave them.

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    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.

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