Posts Tagged Peter Forsberg
Stars closer to being sold … Lou on Parise, Greene, Hedberg … Bryzgalov price lowering? Hiller sent home
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2011
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Peter Forsberg will be the assistant GM to Markus Naslund for Modo. Allen wonders if Marc Crawford will be their next coach.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: According to 2 sources close to the sale of the Dallas Stars, Vancouver businessman Tom Gaglardi is the leading candidate to buy the team. He is the majority owner of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, and he tried to tbuy the Canucks in 2004. It’s estimated the Stars lost $15 million last season. There are 2 local groups that are interested but Gaglardi seems to be the front-runner.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Lou Lamoriello on the importance of re-signing Zach Parise.
“I don’t think I can say anymore than anybody else can say. He’s an integral part, has been since he’s been here and in everybody’s mind he will continue to be that. So, we’ll do everything we possibly can as expeditious as possible.”
On UFA’s Andy Greene and Johan Hedberg.
“They’ve all done well. Andy is certainly someone who we want back and certainly Hedberg we want back. He did an exceptional job. All of these things have to be handled accordingly.”
On the team’s need for a puck-moving defenseman,
“I don’t think there’s any question that that’s something we’re looking at.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers defenseman Matt Gilroy will be a RFA at the end of the season, and is owed a qualifying offer of $2.1 million for them to retain his rights. The Rangers are expected to offer him a multi-year deal at less money. If Gilroy declines, he would become a UFA.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Ilya Bryzgalov has been taking some local heat for his less than stellar playoff performances the past 2 years. He’ll be a UFA at season’s end, and another disappointing playoff performance could hurt his price tag. The Coyotes will still be interested and a team like the Lightning could be interested. Bryzgalov’s best option is to stay with the Coyotes, but if they relocate, that might change.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller has been sent home due to recurring vertigo symptoms.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues backup from this past season, Ty Conklin, will be a UFA and may not be back. The Blues have youngsters Ben Bishop and Jake Allen in the AHL and either could be an option. They may look at bringing in a veteran.
“That’s going to be a good discussion,” Armstrong said. “We’re going to have to decide. If it’s not Ben Bishop, then it’s either going to be Ty Conklin or someone else. Could be Jake. There will be some real strong dialogue. But I want to preface that by saying, Jaro is the guy. Jaro has to be the guy I described earlier for us to have success.”
Forsberg to retire today … NY Rangers rumors … Kings have 5 scouts at FLA last night … Plus more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 14th, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Peter Forsberg will be retiring from hockey today after 2 games with the Avalanche. A 2:30 MT press conference has been called.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers will be looking for defenseman with a heavy shot or a PP QB and a center for Marian Gaborik. The Rangers may look at Bryan McCabe but won’t give up a top pick and top prospect to get him. Same goes for Tomas Kaberle who “is a poor defender hardly worth the price it would cost to get him” according to Brooks. The Rangers won’t be interested in Jason Spezza and Stephen Weiss as they are under contract beyond this season, and they will likely target Brad Richards if he becomes a UFA. They have Washington’s 2nd round pick, and may be interested in sending to New Jersey for Jason Arnott.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Look for there to be a couple deals this week, teams want to make some moves before the deadline.
- George Richards via twitter: Teams scouting the Panthers-Sharks game last night: Kings had 5 scouts, and 1 for Hurricanes, Devils, Senators, Penguins, Canadiens and Blackhawks.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers GM Dale Tallon will not talk contract extensions with any of their UFA’s until after the season, but would consider talking to their RFAs, Keaton Ellerby, Mike Santorelli, Steve Bernier, and Jack Skille. UFA’sChris Higgins, Marty Reasoner, Darcy Hordichuk and Radek Dvorak could get some interest but don’t have a lot of value. Tomas Vokoun, Cory Stillman, and Bryan McCabe are also UFA’s that could bring back higher return.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer likely to get the start against the Bruins, JS Giguere will go against the Sabres on Wednesday.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: The Maple Leafs discussed picking up Michael Grabner (24 goals, 33 points, +10 in 52 games) off waivers back in October, decided against. Grabner was a 1st round pick by Dave Nonis and took some heat for it.
What the Senators failed to mention about Fisher trade … Blackhawks looking for D, not shopping Seabrook … Roster notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2011
- Wayne Scanlan via twitter: “In their Fisher trade release, Senators failed to mention if the Preds don’t win a playoff round, there is NO additional draft pick to Ott.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he’s looking for a defenseman. Bowman, “If we don’t get a defenseman then we’re confident with the guys that we have.” Bowman also shoots down rumors that he’s trading Brent Seabrook, they’re still working on a deal. Bowman adds that talks are “going along amicably.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Talk about the LA Kings and Jason Spezza is legit, but not likely to happen.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Brian Burke is going to be at the Boston Bruins game tonight versus the Red Wings.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec will start in net for the Thrashers tonight vs. the Rangers.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Tobias Enstrom has been activated from the IR and will be in the Thrashers lineup.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg will be in the lineup tonight for the Avalanche.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Colby Armstrong will be out at least a week after suffering blurry vision last night.
No response from Phillips yet, Spezza hasn’t been asked to waive no-trade … Flyers scouting Leafs and Panthers … Versteeg could be next … Anderson leaves Avs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2011
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Philadelphia Flyers are still interested in Erik Cole, but the Hurricanes are holding on to the 8th spot, and likely wouldn’t move him if they are still in the playoff hunt.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray has asked Chris Phillips if he’d waive his no-trade clause or not,
“I have talked to (Phillips) about what he would like to have happen for him, but Chris has not come back to me,” said Murray. “The door is open, ‘Come in and tell me what you want me to do and what you would like to do.’
“I think he wants to stay in Ottawa. I’m not quite sure how that will work.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Sens GM Murray hasn’t asked Jason Spezza if he’d waive his no-trade clause. Spezza says he wants to stay and help turn things around, and that it should be a short rebuilding process.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Marty Turco will get the start for the Blackhawks tonight against his former team, the Dallas Stars.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Craig Anderson has left the Avalanche and returned to Denver for personal reasons. John Grahame has been called up to be the backup. Dater believes it is a day-to-day thing.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: TJ Galiardi (wrist injury) and Kyle Cumiskey (head) have flown back to Denver for further evaluation. Forsberg will be at practice today and could play tonight.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Jamieson wonders that if the Avalanche continue to fall out of the playoff race, would they look to trade Peter Forsberg? Forsberg has a no-trade and no-movement clause, but did he come back this year to play for a team not going to the playoffs? Jamieson wonders if the Canucks would be interested if this scenario.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Kris Versteeg could be the next one moved by the Maple Leafs. The Leafs have denied a report that Versteeg is unhappy in Toronto, and wants to be traded. Burke is likely looking to get a center with size. Versteeg hasn’t filled the top-line role in which they had hoped (um, when is the last time he got a shot on a top line? He’s been playing for the 3rd line for as long as I can remember). “I’ve been through a lot already in my career,” Versteeg said. “Just another thing. Now it’s just you’re going to have to deal with until trade deadline. Who knows what happens? I’ve liked it here, I’ve had fun here and I guess whatever happens, happens.”
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Talk going on between the Maple Leafs and Flyers, and between the Flyers and Panthers. Philly scouting the Leafs and Panthers, Panthers scouting the Flyers.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouts at the Maple Leafs-Devils game last night: Bruins, Canadiens, Predators, Flyers, Blues, Capitals, and 2 from the Penguins.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins have lost center Dustin Jeffrey to a lower-body injury. Jeffrey is the 4th Penguin center to hurt.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The Brent Seabrook trade rumors are laughable.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy thinks that if the Bruins want to get the guy he wants at the right price, he been do it now.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Blackhawks exec Scotty Bowman on the Fan 590, “A couple weeks ago, we were looking at Calgary. We were maybe going to move some players. There was talk they might move a (Curtis) Glencross or (David) Moss. But I doubt now with them solidifying a playoff spot . . . .”
- Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun: The Blackhawks may not be done dealing, and may still be looking to add a defenseman.
“We’ll keep an eye on things,” Bowman said Wednesday night. “We’re certainly out there looking to improve our team. That’s probably common to every team. [But] we’re not going to shy away from making another trade if it’s there to be made.
More Maple Leafs deals coming … Murray told to dump salaries in Ottawa … No pressure in Edmonton to make a deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 10th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: More Maple Leafs could be on their way out, with Tomas Kaberle’s name at the front again this year,
“You’re right, about the last few years, you listen to the same stuff all the time,” Kaberle told ESPN.com after the team’s morning skate at Air Canada Centre. “It’s not a thing that a player wants to hear. He just wants to concentrate on hockey. But obviously it’s happening [around the trade deadline], the media analyzes it more and more. I just have to focus on hockey.”
Kaberle holds the no-trade clause. The Bruins, Canadiens, and Rangers are reportedly interested. The Leafs will eventually approach Kaberle with an offer, and he’ll say either yes or no.
“That’s the NHL. It’s going to happen or not. I’m up to it, whatever happens, happens. It’s something every player has to go through at the deadline.”
Kris Versteeg is also wondering about his future as a Leafs as his name is in the trade rumors as well.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk instructed Bryan Murray to get rid of as much salary as possible. Mike Fisher didn’t really want to leave Ottawa, but Nashville is a great fit, professionally and personally. The Kings and Hurricanes had ‘acceptable offers’ on the table for him. Chris Phillips could be next, and Strickland is still hearing that they could be open to re-signing on July 1st.
- Corey Masisak of NHL.com: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson,
“Right now, we’re showing signs of climbing back in. If we can do a deal that makes sense for the team, we’re going to do it.”
If the Blue Jackets decide to sell, Jan Hejda and Mathieu Garon could be made available.
Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini,
“This year there’s not the pressure to move players in order to make room. We have enough room for our young players,” Tambellini said to the Journal. “But I’m approaching this as I have other deadlines — where I am wide open to listening to ideas of how other teams can help make us a better team now, and maybe importantly, in the future.”
Jim Vandermeer, Dustin Penner, and Ales Hemsky’s names have been out there.
Washington is happy with Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth and won’t be adding a ‘potential No. 1 goalie’ this month. Washington may look at adding a center.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t think the Kings are waiting too long to make a deal, will go down to deadline day.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg may be in the Avalanche lineup tomorrow against Columbus.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers GM Tambellini,
“There’s a lot of different scenarios that will come across the desk in the next couple of weeks and if it’s younger, great,” Tambellini said. “If it’s something that makes sense as far as a veteran, we’ll look at that, too.
“We’ll make a deal if it’s good for the Oilers moving forward. If not, we’re very comfortable with where we’re at. We have young players in young positions, we have good veterans playing hard in their positions and contributing from a leadership perspective.”
Top 15 possible traded players list … Burke asking a lot for Kaberle … Other Leafs notes … Hamhuis ‘fine’ after Getzlaf hit
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 10th, 2011
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen has a list of the top 15 players who might be traded by the Feb. 28th trade deadline. 1. Chris Phillips (Ott) 2. Mike Fisher (Ott) 3. Alexei Kovalev (Ott) 4. Jason Arnott (NJ) 5. Tomas Kaberle (Tor) 6. Dustin Penner (Edm) 7. Ales Hemsky (Edm) 8. Cory Stillman (Fla) 9. Jarkko Ruutu (Ott) 10. Marty Reasoner (Fla) 11. Niclas Bergfors (Atl) 12. Redek Dvorak (Fla) Bryan McCabe (Fla) 14. JS Giguere (Tor) 15 Zach Bogosian (Atl).
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Sources are saying Burke wants at least 3 pieces for Tomas Kaberle: a current NHLer, a prospect, and a possibly a 1st round pick. It’s doubtful the NY Rangers would give up that much. Evgeny Grachev and Dale Weise would be involved, but the Rangers aren’t giving up a 1st round pick for a rental. The Leafs may also move JS Giguere and Kris Versteeg.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Scouts in Nashville last night were from Tampa, Vancouver, Phoenix, Anaheim, and double Toronto.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks will either waive or trade a defenseman or 2 within 24-48 hours, Mara and Brookbank are possibilities. They currently have 9 defenseman on their roster.
- James Mirtle via twitter: The addition of Joffery Lupul could make Kris Versteeg expendable. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov thinks the Thrashers have been scouting Versteeg for awhile.
- James Mirtle via twitter: As of right now it looks like Tomas Kaberle could walk for nothing on July 1st.
- Howard Berger via twitter: Expect the Leafs to pull off at least 2 more trades by the deadline.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur, out with a sprained right knee, won’t be in Toronto tonight, and likely out tomorrow vs. the Sharks.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche expect Peter Forsberg to have is visa paper in order in time for at least one game this weekend, they play Friday and Saturday night. Kyle Cumiskey suffered a head injury last night and didn’t return to the game. Cumiskey has missed most of the season with a concussion. Adan Foote is listed as day-to-day with a foot injury.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis had his face bounce off the glass from a Ryan Getzlaf hit. He laid on the ice for several minutes before skating off. Asked if he’ll be out Saturday, Vigneault said: “Right now, I can’t tell you. I saw him after the game and he was fine.” Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ryan Getzlaf won’t be suspended for the hit. Video is post below.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames will be with Alex Tanguay for an indefinite period with a neck strain, it was originally reported that it was a concussion.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom took part in full practice yesterday and is close to returning to the lineup. Enstrom has missed the last 6 games.
Quick afternoon news and rumor hits
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 9th, 2011
Updated: Darren Dreger via twitter: Leafs not expected to announce another trade today.
Brian Huddle via twitter: The Fan 590 just said that the Maple Leafs will be announcing a 2nd deal at Brian Burke’s 4:30 press conference. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Leafs are working on another deal, not clear if they can pull it off.
James Mirtle via twitter: Evgeni Malkin will have surgery tomorrow on his torn ACL and MCL and will be out 6 months.
Arthur Staple via twitter: Rangers forward Chris Drury out 6 weeks after having knee scoped
Brian Compton via twitter: Compton thinks that Michael Leighton makes sense for the Islanders. Katie Strang via twitter: The Islanders are not interested in Mike Smith of the Lightning.
Adrian Dater via twitter: Peter Forsberg still has some immigration issues and won’t be in the Avs lineup.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Islanders GM Garth Snow is trying to make a ‘soft’ deal for a goalie. Not involving a high draft pick or top prospect.
Darren Dreger of TSN: The Rangers aren’t shopping Marian Gaborik, but he might be drawing some interest.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Maple Leafs have put John Mitchell on waivers. Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blues have put Tyson Strachan on waivers. Anaheim’s Voros and TBay’s Ritola cleared waivers.
Darren Dreger audio on AM 640 (Monday): Around 8:40 remaining Dreger talks about Tomas Kaberle, and says the Leafs should be able to get a 2nd round pick plus a prospect.
Peter Chiarelli audio WEEI: Audio where Chiarelli said he’d consider trading the Maple Leafs 1st round pick. Also talks about Savard’s concussion, Dan Paille’s hit, the 2011 draft, that he’ll make a trade before the deadline.
Moves coming for the Bruins and ‘Hawks? Canucks lose another D … Plenty of scouts at 2 games last night
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 8th, 2011
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: With Marc Savard being put on LTIR, “We’re obviously going to have some flexibility now with replacement players, so in the next few weeks prior to the trade deadline, we’ll be busy,” Chiarelli said. Chiarelli could go after a defenseman and scoring depth, and not necessarily a center to replace Savard as they are deep up the middle. The Bruins have been looking for a puck moving defenseman for awhile. Tomas Kaberle and Chris Phillips have been mentioned, but Murphy thinks they have other Dman similar to Phillips, so he may be a last resort. Kaberle has a no trade and hasn’t submitted a list of teams he might waive it for. Sources are saying there may be teams he’d consider going to. One other option could be Thrashers Zach Bogosian (price tag would be high), who’s struggle this year, is a RFA this year and the ownership problem may cause them to shed money.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The Chicago Blackhawks could use a spark, GM Stan Bowman has 3 weeks to find that piece, could be a defenseman or a top 9 forward. They won’t do a blockbuster trade, nor do they need or over-react to recent slide. The ‘Hawks don’t have much cap space to take on a big contract for draft picks or prospects. Would teams be interested in Skille, Stalberg, Kopecky or Boynton?
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The San Jose Sharks are on a roll at 7-0-1 and may not be looking to make any trades at the moment. “We’ve already made changes,” Wilson said, referring to the Jan. 18 acquisitions of Kyle Wellwood and Ben Eager. “The majority of changes now are going to be the growth of our own players, playing up to their abilities and they’re trending in the right direction.”
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have lost another defenseman as Keith Ballard left last nights game in the 1st period with a knee injury. He’ll have an MRI today. Sami Salo might be ready to go on Saturday against the Flames.
- Don Brennan of Ottawa Sun: Jarkko Ruutu is on the trade block for the Senators, and was made a healthy scratch last night. When asked if he wants to get traded, “The way I look at things, if I happen to get traded, I get traded … The other stuff I can’t control.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg has a no-trade, no-movement clause.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouts at the Maple Leafs-Thrashers game last night: Anaheim, Carolina, Detroit, Edmonton, Montreal, Nashville, NY Rangers, Ottawa and San Jose.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Scouts at the Oilers-Predators game: San Jose, Phoenix, Vancouver, Columbus, Chicago and 2 from Atlanta.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers had 2 scouts at the Oilers-Predators game last night.
- Columbus Dispatch: According to the ‘Sports Business Journal’, local Fox Sports Net numbers are 10,000 for Columbus, Phoenix at 9,000, Atlanta at 6,000 and Florida at 3,000.
Savard done for year … Forsberg signs … Forwards Penguins could add … Byfuglien and Thrashers talking … Kessel comments
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 7th, 2011
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have officially said that Marc Savard will be shut down for the remainder of the season. He is expected to talk to reporters today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg signed a pro-rated, $1 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche. He likely won’t make his debut until Friday or Saturday, and will start on the wing.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: The Penguins could be looking to add some offensive help at the deadline, and available players that might interest them are; PA Parenteau (NYI), Alex Kovalev (OTT), Cory Stillman (FLA), Radek Dvorak (FLA), and Chris Higgins (FLA). If their teams fall out of the playoff race or decided they need to get assets for their UFAs, Brad Richards (DAL), Milan Hejduk (COL) and Radim Vrbata (PHO) could become available.
- Tim Panaccio of the CSNPhilly: Sources are saying the Flyers are offering a contract extension to Ville Leino for 3 and 4 years and between $9-12 million. Leino’s agent, Bill Zito is confident they’ll get a deal done before free agency. “If there’s been an offer, it hasn’t come to me,” Leino said. “We haven’t really gone that far. I don’t think we have really talked numbers. We don’t have anything on paper.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Atlanta Thrashers have started preliminary talks with Dustin Byfuglien. He will likely be getting a raise from his current $3 million salary. His numbers have dipped lately, but he’ll surely put up at least 20 goals. If they can’t get a long-term deal done, Byfuglien may not have a problem going to arbitration and getting a 1-year deal and becoming a UFA the following season.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators likely won’t look to bring in another goalie until after the season (rumored that they might like to add one before then). Only Robin Lehner is under contract beyond this season. GM Bryan Murray said they are getting “a fair amount of interest” from contending teams on some players, and added “I wouldn’t even like to predict when it will come down,” he said. “We continue to talk, but I just wait and see.”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Phil Kessel on whether coach Ron Wilson has given advice on his recent struggles,
“No, me and Ron don’t really talk,” Kessel told a group of reporters after practice. “So that’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
Kessel is now on a line with Darryl Boyce and Joey Crabb. Kessel added,
“I don’t know,” Kessel said. “We’ve got to change something, so I’m not sure if that’s it, but maybe. I don’t know.
“I don’t really know what to say about [the scoring slump] any more. I’m trying. Obviously it’s not going right. Like I said, might not be working out here. What are you going to do?”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: JS Giguere will be in net for the Maple Leafs tonight versus the Thrashers. James Reimer will get the start tomorrow against the Islanders.
- Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: Alexander Semin hopes to play on Tuesday versus the Sharks.
Bruins looking for Dman, Savard not replaceable … Forsberg decision by tomorrow? Rangers scouting Souray … Conroy retires … DiPietro out 4-6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 5th, 2011
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said that Marc Savard is has “headaches” and “vertigo” two weeks after being hit by Matt Hunwick. Haggerty doesn’t think he’ll return this year.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Chiarelli made it clear that he’ll be looking for a defenseman before the NHL trade deadline, and that Savard “can’t be replaced.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg had good practice yesterday, 48 hours after struggling through a practice. “It’s starting to feel better, actually, compared to Wednesday,” Forsberg said. “We’re near a decision here. We’re very near a decision here.” The Avalanche leave on Sunday for a 4 game road trip, and it’s possible that Forsberg will decide if he’s going to join the team or not by then. If Forsberg comes back, it’s likely on left wing.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Evgeni Malkin’s return to the Penguins lineup didn’t last too long as he left in the 2nd period. He took a somewhat awkward hit, and his knee “appeared to buckle inward.” The severity of the injury is not known yet.
- James O’Brien of Pro Hockey Talk: Isles Rick DiPietro will be out 4-6 weeks after being one-punched by Brent Johnson. He suffered facial fractures and swelling in his knee (and a bruised ego).
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Oilers GM Tambellini said that no GM has called and said he’d take Sheldon Souray on waivers. He’ll remain in the AHL for now.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek only see’s the NY Rangers acquiring Souray as a re-entry waiver pick-up.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Rangers GM Glen Sather has been to Hershey to watch Souray play, and they sent a pro scout to watch him play tonight.
“Until I get a call from a team saying they’re interested in Sheldon, I won’t be putting him on re-entry (waivers),” said Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini.
“Have I had a call yet from anybody? No, I haven’t,”
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Jonas Gustavsson accepted a 2 week conditioning stint with the Toronto Marlies. Coach Ron Wilson, “He’s got two other guys ahead of him right now playing better. The easiest way for him to gain his confidence is to play some games in the American league.”
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Craig Conroy retired from the NHL yesterday, and will stay with the club as a “special assistant to acting general manager Jay Feaster.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Jaroslav Halak missed last night’s game with a ‘very minor’ upper-body injury.
Sens can move Fisher to anyone … That Forsberg guy … Vokoun wants to talk to Tallon … Burke wants to negotiate with MacArthur … What to do with Hemsky, Penner
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch confirms that Mike Fisher’s full no-movement clause ended after last season, he was to give the team a 10 team no-trade list but never did. There were reports that he would have to submit a list before he’s able to be dealt but hat may not be the case, and he’s not that worried about it. So it looks like the Senators would be able to trade him anywhere. Fisher wants to stay in Ottawa, and it would take a good deal to move him. The Sens are more likely to deal Chris Phillips and Jarkko Ruutu. “I really don’t think they’ll trade Mike Fisher,” said a league executive. “They’ll talk about it, but they’ll want a lot in return. Good players are hard to find. You should keep them. You can’t trade everybody.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche coach Joe Sacco on Peter Forsberg, “The ball is in his court.” Forsberg practiced again yesterday. Sources say Forsberg has experienced some discomfort with his foot, but is using a brace in attempt to get a better fit in his skate. A decision may come by Sunday. Peter Mueller practiced yesterday but no timetable is set. Ryan O’Reilly (shoulder) could return on Saturday.
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers will have to decide soon if they want to keep or trade Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner. There are centers and defenseman in the draft that could interest the Oilers, so collecting some draft picks could be option. They will listen to offers for Gilbert Brule, Andrew Cogliano, Kurtis Foster, Colin Fraser, J.F. Jacques, Nikolai Khabibulin, Steve MacIntyre, Ladislav Smid, Jason Strudwick and Jim Vandermeer. Jones thinks the Oilers could get more for Penner than Hemsky. Jones thinks they should keep Hemsky and trade Penner.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun hasn’t had any contract extension offers from the Florida Panthers, but he does hope to talk to GM Dale Tallon when they get back. Vokoun has a no-movement clause. Stephen Weiss and Bryan McCabe have no-trade clauses, with Weiss not knowing he had one until a few weeks ago. Winger Evgeny Dadonov will be out at last a month with a broken finger.
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Brian Burke has said he wants to negotiate a contract extension for Clarke MacArthur. MacArthur is on a 1 year deal at $1.1 million after the Thrashers walked away from a $2.4 million arbitration ruling. He’s leading the Maple Leafs in scoring with 41 points, and will be looking for a nice raise.
“We have not approached him yet. That’s something we’ll get to in the next little while. You have to figure out what a fair salary is for a player who has had a breakthrough year,” said the GM.
“He’s not a player we intend to move at the deadline, whether he has signed an extension or not at that point.”
Responds MacArthur: “I’d love to be a Leaf for the rest of my career, but that’s up to them.”
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have sent Sami Salo to the AHL on a 3 game conditioning stint, and should return to the Canucks next week. With Alex Edler out 2-3 months, the Canucks won’t have to move any salary when Salo returns.
- Ken Belson of the NY Times: One NJ Devil owner (Jeff Vanderbeek) wants to expand, 2 minority owners may be looking to sell their shares.
Afternoon rumor roundup, roster notes and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 3rd, 2011
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Trade discussions are heating up. The Blue Jackets may be the closest to making a big deal. Steve Mason, Jakub Voracek and Rostislav Klesla are believed to be getting some interest. A top center and defenseman are of interest to the Jackets. Dale Tallon and Pierre Gauthier spent some time talking before last night’s game, though Tallon said no groundwork was laid. Ray Emery has drawn interest from 3 teams, with the Ducks and Flyers as 2 of them. Teams could make a move in the next 48 hours.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mike Smith has cleared waivers and is expected to be assigned to the AHL.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Ray Emery’s agent JP Barry, “We are now exploring all possibilities and will have to make a decision relatively soon.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Wherever Emery signs, he’s likely to start off in the AHL.
- Andy Strickland via True Hockey: The LA Kings and soon to be UFA, Justin Williams, have talked contract extension. Williams may be looking for a multi-year deal in the $4.5 million range, which might be out the Kings range.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg appeared to have had a rough practice yesterday, and it’s still unknown if his comeback will be successful. Forsberg hopes he can make a decision soon, maybe by the weekend.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Jason Spezza has been practicing on a line with Alfredsson and Foligno and appears to be ready to go for Saturday.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Pavel Datsyuk had hoped to return on Friday, but Babcock said it might not be until next week.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: It looks like it might be quiet trade deadline for the Minnesota Wild. From GM Chuck Fletcher, “trying to make the playoffs with this group.” There has been no talks of moving any of their potential UFAs. Though he wouldn’t mind giving his team a boost, he won’t mortgage their future. Marek Zidlicky is 2 weeks away from practicing.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals coach Bruce boudreau doesn’t know if Alex Semin will make the trip to Tampa.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Mike Brown will be out a couple weeks with an upper-body injury.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Tuuka Rask will be going for the Bruins against Andrew Raycroft and the Stars.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Andres Lindback will start for the Predators tonight.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Cam Ward will be net for the Hurricanes tonight against the Maple Leafs.
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