Posts Tagged Philadelphia Flyers
Parise opens up a bit … 4 teams that make sense for a Staal deal … Carle deal has to wait … Nash’s name back in rumors … CF schedule
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 13th, 2012
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Pending Devils UFA Zach Parise opens up a bit:
“I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.
“It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: If Jordan Staal hits the open market after next season, he could get around $7 million. The Penguins already have $40 million committed to 10 players, not including Sidney Crosby who may get $10 million. Reports are that the Hurricanes and Oilers could be interested. Yohe offers up the most logical trade partners for the Penguins. 1. Carolina Hurricanes – have the cap room and assets. They could offer center Brandon Sutter. They have the 8th overall pick this year and some other strong prospects. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke is a big Staal fan, and Ray Shero and Burke are friends. The Leafs have Nazem Kadri and stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn, a type of Dman the Penguins need. 3. Edmonton Oilers – the Oilers could use and accomplished center. The Oilers have the 1st overall pick. 4. Minnesota Wild – the Wild are a “no-name squad looking for an identity” and could use a name like Jordan Staal. Cal Clutterbuck and Devin Setoguchi may be 2 players that would interest the Pens. The Wild also have the 7th pick in the draft.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Due to the salary-cap tagging rule, the Flyers won’t be able to sign Matt Carle before July 1st. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he wants to re-sign Carle. Carle earned $3.47 million this past year, and could get in the $5 million range on his next deal.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal,” Holmgren said. “His demands, when I spoke with him and his agent, nothing was ever out of line. Could we get him under market value? I would say that we probably could. I don’t see any issues there.”
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There are different reports on what was/wasn’t offered by the Rangers at the trade deadline for Blue Jackets Rick Nash. The Rangers weren’t willing to move Chris Kreider. The Jackets were asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Dreider and a 1st round pick. Another report was they wanted Dubinsky, another forward like Stepan, a prospect (not Kreider) and a 1st round pick, maybe 2. This offseason, teams will have move flexibility with their roster and salary cap. The Sharks and Bruins should be interested, possibly the Rangers again.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the next stop for Alexander Semin is the KHL. He had 3 goals and 1 assist in 14 playoff games. The Blue Jackets have quietly continued to try and trade Rick Nash, but it’s hard to fin serious interest now. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is rumored to be interested in revisiting talks. Wilson may have told the Jackets that they could sweeten the pot in June. Expect the Maple Leafs to make a pitch for the 1st overal pick. Expect the Flyers to make a pitch for Ryan Suter’s rights if he doesn’t re-sign with the Predators. The Wings and Wild will be interested as well.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: NHL release of Conference Finals Schedule:
2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Networks
Game 1: Monday, May 14 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 3: Saturday, May 19 1 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBC, CBC, RDS
Game 4: Monday, May 21 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 23 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Friday, May 25 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Sunday, May 27 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #8 Los Angeles Networks
Game 1: Sunday, May 13 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 2: Tuesday, May 15 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 3: Thursday, May 17 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 4: Sunday, May 20 3 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBC, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 22 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Thursday, May 24 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Saturday, May 26 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix TBD, CBC, RDS* If necessary
Radulov-Kostitsyn broke curfew by an hour … Preds notes … Semin done with Caps, NHL? Kreider moves up to 2nd line
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 12th, 2012
- Michael Farber of SI.com (via Dirk Hoag of On the Forecheck): Predators Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn broke curfew by 1 hour, which earned them their 1 game suspension. They were poolside at the W, an alcohol free soiree according to a source.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Ryan Suter’s free agent decision will affect Shea Weber’s situation. Throw in Radulov’s free agency and curfew violations, it’s going to be busy offseason for the Predators. They have 15 total free agents. 3 things that we know for sure: “1. The Suter, Weber, Radulov story lines will dominate the offseason for Nashville. 2. If Suter does decide to leave, it won’t be a ll doom and gloom for Nashville. 3. The Predators must make a decision on Sergei Kostitsyn.”
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has called Brian Burke several times to try and persuade him to allow Rick Dudley to join the Habs before the Draft, but it’s not a top priority for Burke. There is a window that allows Dudley to leave, and the Leafs control the situation until it opens. At the next GM meetings, some GMs will bring up compensation for head coaches, GMs, and assistant GMs that are hired by other teams. Dreger says that Ryan Suter has earned the right to test the free agent market, and it won’t be an easy decision for him to sign elsewhere. It is possible that they could keep both Suter and Shea Weber, but it would have a financial strain on the team, depending on the new CBA.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Alexander Semin could be playing in his last game for the Capitals, and maybe his last NHL game. He’ll be a UFA and the Capitals “won’t re-sign him.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Sports.ru is reporting that Kirill Kabanov will play of Salavat of the KHL. BD Gallof via twitter: KHL is better money than the AHL. Isles fan shouldn’t worry if Kabanov says there for a year, if it’s 2 years, then worry.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Apparently the Flyers have so many players that may require surgery, they won’t be able to sort it out until next week.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils coach Peter DeBoer expects Anton Volchenkov and Marek Zidlicky to be ready for Game 1 of the conference finals.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers forward Chris Kreider was practicing with the 2nd line, Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan, yesterday.
Suter-Weber notes … Wings waiting for Lidstrom and Stuart … Blues priorities … Flyers notes … Sens and Karlsson … Michalek surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 11th, 2012
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said about Ryan Suter: “Based on yesterday, I really feel he wants to play in Nashville.” Darren Dreger via twitter: “Why wouldn’t Suter go to July 1? He’s earned right to consider his options. If deal with Preds isn’t best, Nashville will trade his rights.”
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: Shea Weber options: Sign a multi-year deal, sign an offer sheet after July 1st with the Preds having the right to match or take the draft picks, or go to salary arbitration for a 1 or 2 year deal.
“Right now, I really don’t think we’re thinking about that side of things,” Weber said. “It was tough (to lose to the Coyotes). … It’s not easy to be going home right now.”
When asked if the Preds multiple trade acquisitions at the deadline will play any role in his decision:
“Yeah, who knows? When the time (comes) to think about that, I’ll think about it. But obviously the team was committed and that’s what you want. Every year you want to fill in holes you have and I think we did a great effort in trying to make things better. It just didn’t work out.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said he doesn’t really need to know Nicklas Lidstrom’s decision until mid-June. Despite the talk that defenseman Brad Stuart could be looking to sign with a West Coast team to be closer to his family, the Wings are leaving the door open. Holland said he’d speak with Stuart’s agent before the draft.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: On what will be done to try and get the Blues to the next level. Jeremy Rutherfored – The Blues will get a budget soon and will likely be higher than in the past. They should look for a #2 defenseman to play beside Alex Pietrangelo. A scorer is one area that they could improve on, but Armstrong has said he believes in a scoring by committee approach. There is going to be some turnover with 7 UFAs (Arnott, Langenbrunner, Nichol, Porter, Colaiacovo, Jackman and Huskins). T.J. Oshie, David Perron and Chris Stewart will be RFAs. Jeff Gordon thinks bringing in Vladimir Tarasenko is the top priority of the Blues. Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz will bring in some needed skill. Tom Timmermann thinks they need to bring in an “experience high-quality goalscorer.” Dan O’Neill and Andy Strickland think stabilizing the teams financials is the top priority. Strickland then adds signing their own free agents, and it’s possible that one of the young core players is traded this summer to improve their roster.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed was told that numerous Flyers will be getting MRI’s and decisions on whether surgery will be needed or not will be determined after.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren isn’t sure if he needs address defense for next season as he expects Chris Pronger to return from his concussion, but he’s aware Pronger still has issues.
“He’s doing probably the same and any chance of returning, I would say your guess is as good as mine,” Holmgren said of Pronger. “ … at some point, I’ll sit down with Chris and see where he’s at. Probably prior to July 1st, we’ll make an assessment on where he’s at.”
The Flyers will be 1 of several teams that will be interested in Ryan Suter. If the Predators feel they can’t re-sign Suter, they’ll look to deal his rights before or at the draft. Holmgren on free agent Matt Carle:
“I’ve said that before, if Matt wants to be here, we’d like to have him back,” Holmgren said. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal. We’re in a position now where we can’t sign him because of tagging space, but this is something that could be done quickly, I think.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: As of early this week, there have been no formal talks between the Senators and Erik Karlsson. It may be in the best interest of the Sens to get something done as soon as possible so they can focus on other possible summer moves. Some league executives think don’t think anything will get done quickly unless they get to $7 million per season immediately.“People in Ottawa should be prepared for this to take until training camp,” said one league executive requesting anonymity. “It could happen if both sides decide to dig in their heels on this one.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek had hip surgery and it’s believed he’ll be ready for the start of next year.
Zidlicky should be ready … Preds-Suter to talk in a couple weeks … Some Habs candidates … Jagr to wait … Koivu re-signs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 10th, 2012
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Game 7 between the Capitals and Rangers will be at 7:30 pm on Saturday.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Marek Zidlicky is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury but should be ready for the next round.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Ryan Suter said he spoke with GM David Poile Wednesday morning.
“We talked about everything and the future, and how everything will go, and I think we’re going to meet again in a couple of weeks and kind of make a decision,” he said.
Suter wants to take some time unwind.
“Wherever I sign I want to be there for the rest of my career, and that affects my family, my wife, my kid (and) if we have more kids,” Suter said. “Everything plays into it.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Canadiens are expected to interview a wide range of candidates: Marc Crawford, Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy, Michel Therrien, Benoit Groulx (Gatineau), Sylvain Lefebvre (Colorado assistant). Bryan Marchment could join the Sharks coaching staff. The Predators must “sit down with Ryan Suter and ask for an honest appraisal of his future. If he won’t sign (or give you enough assurance), it’s time to let teams talk to him in advance of July 1. Get what you can. ” The Blue Jackets will likely pass on taking the LA Kings 1st rounder this year as it will be in the bottom 4.
- Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: The Flyers will likely have the cap room to re-sign Jaromir Jagr if they want, but Jagr isn’t ready to commit to next year just yet.
“Right now I don’t know,” he said about his future following Game 5. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford wouldn’t be surprised if Roberto Luongo’s list is more than 5 teams. Would he really want to come back to Vancouver and play 30-35 games? Some people claim that Ryan Suter has a list of teams he wants to play for, and the Predators aren’t on it. If Suter leaves, it puts more pressure on the Shea Weber situation. If they aren’t able to lock him up long-term, the Preds will have to either sign him to a 1 year deal or look to trade him. Botchford wonders if the Canucks would have enough to pull off a Weber trade. Ryan Kesler is damaged goods at the moment. Kevin Bieksa is locked up with a no-trade clause. Jannik Hansen might interest the Predators, but only as an add on piece. Defenseman Alex Edler would fit in nice at $3.25 million, but he has only 1 year left before he becomes a UFA.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Ducks have re-signed Saku Koivu to a 1 year deal worth $3 million plus bonuses.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: A decision on Blue Jackets interim coach Todd Richards won’t be made this week, possibly next week.
Afternoon notes: Devils, Flyers, Blues, Predators and Stars
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 8th, 2012
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Ponikarovsky-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Parise-Elias-Clarkson; Sykora-Henrique-Zubrus; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Andres Lilja and Pavel Kubina skating after practice. Andrej Meszaros likely returning. Laviolette said he’s looked good for 7 to 10 days.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues have made it clear that they’d like to have Vladimir Tarasenko in uniform next season, and he’s nearing his decision if he’ll head to North America or remain in Russia. He’s expected to make his decision after the IIHF World Championships. Tarasenko has indicated to some that he intends to sign with the Blues. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo had an MCL injury after taking the hit from Dwight King in Game 2. Forward T.J. Oshie suffered a knee injury, possibly in Game 3.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Predators GM David Poile should be able to recoup a 1st round pick this year by trading backup goalie Anders Lindback. Andrei Kostitsyn likely won’t be back. Alexander Radulov will be a RFA and will want a big raise if they bring him back (and if he wants to stay in the NHL). If coach Barry Trotz thinks he can straighten Radulov out, he may be back (if they can sign him).
- Brandon Worley via twitter: Did you know that Doug Armstrong traded #13 pick in 2002
for #26, #42 and #180. The #13 pick was Alex Semin and none of 3 picks for Stars played in NHL. (#26 – Martin Vagner, #42 – Marius Holtet, and #180 – Kirill Sidorenko). 2002 draft results
A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 7th, 2012
- John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
- Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
- The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?
Coaches up in the air … Hossa hopes to be ready for next year … Improving FAs … Thinking Price at $5.5 million
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 4th, 2012
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks and Sharks future coaching situations are still up in the air. Alain Vigneault and Todd McLellan could be looking for new jobs this offseason. McLellan could interest the Canucks and Flames. Vigneault would get interest from the Canadiens. If the Canucks let Vigneault go, they could also look at Craig MacTavish and Scott Arniel. They could also wait it out and see what happens with the disgruntled Joel Quenneville in Chicago. Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Vigneault left town before having a his ‘postseason court’ with the media and isn’t available to talk about his future. He has 1 year remaining on his contract.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Blackhawks Marian Hossa said that this is the “biggest concussion” he’s ever had. He’s feeling better and progressing. He also added that there is quite awhile until training camp and he’s confident that he’ll be ready to play by then.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Potential free agents who have been increase value during the playoffs: Dustin Penner (LA), Francis Bouillon (NASH), Alexander Semin (WAS), Bryce Salvador (NJ), Matt Carle (PHI) and Mike Knuble (WAS).
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Many people don’t think that Dale Hunter will be back in Washington. GM George McPhee said he would like him to stay. Once the Kings made the playoffs, coach Darryl Sutter told his team the worst was over and it’s time to relax and have fun. The average that some league executives think Carey Price will get on a new deal is $5.5 million per season. Some noted that Price has leverage which could drive up the price. Some GMs aren’t certain the Bruins will keep Tim Thomas, and there would be a market for him. The annual “Trade Marleau” watch is on.
Radulov and A. Kostitsyn Suspended by Predators … Kovalchuk out for Game 2 … Devils and Flyers lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on May 1st, 2012
- Predators on NHL.com: The Predators have suspended Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn for Game 3 for violating team rules.
“The Nashville Predators have a few simple rules centered around doing the right things,” Poile said. “We have always operated with a team-first mentality and philosophy. Violating team rules is not fair to our team and their teammates.”
- Chris Stevenson via twitter: Rumors are that Radulov and Kostitsyn were out late before Game 2.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile:
“Pretty easy decision,” he said. “Our creed is always to try to do the right thing. I try to do that in my personal life, so I should try to do it in my business life, and we’ve just done the right thing. We put the team ahead of a couple of individual players and we’ll see where we go from there.”
“It’s just a team rule,” he said. “Everybody has the same team rules, and what they did was unacceptable, and coaches and myself had to come to the plate and do the right thing for the team.”
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Alexander Radulov:
“It was something I didn’t do right.” “They did what they had to (do).”
- Devils PR via twitter: Devils Ilya Kovalchuk is day-to-day and has been dealing with the injury since the 1st round. GM Lou Lamoriello said that Kovalchuk will miss Game 2.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Elias centers for Parise and Clarkson; Zajac centers for Sykora and Zubrus. D Peter Harrold on 4th line with Gionta and Carter.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Read-Schenn-Simmonds, Rinaldo-Briere-Voracek, Talbot-Courturier-Wellwood.
Grossman not cleared yet … 2 or 3 weeks for Habs GM? Alfie to take some time … Could Bruins trade Thomas? Seguin needs surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 27th, 2012
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman said he hasn’t been cleared yet. Hopes to play on Sunday.
- Stu Hackel of Hockey Inisde/Out: Renaud Lavoie wrote that it’s possible that the Canadiens could have a new GM in place in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson will take some time deciding his future:
“I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off.”
“This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause will expire on July 1st. Thomas has 1 year left on his 4 year, $20 million contract. Tuukka Rask will be a RFA on July 1st as well. If the Bruins were to move Thomas, Anton Khudobin would backup Rask if/when they re-sign him. If they moved Thomas’s $5 million cap hit, they could use the money elsewhere. Zach Parise will be a UFA, has played for Julien before, but may be looking for $7 million plus. Toronto, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Florida, Edmonton, and Columbus may be looking for goaltending help this summer. The Bruins may not get much return for Thomas due to age and contract, but would give the B’s cap relief.
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins Tyler Seguin needs surgery, likely on his left hand.
Afternoon notes on: Torres, Grossman, Martin, Neuvirth, Halak, Bryzgalov, Garrison, Silfverberg … Bruins and Rangers lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 20th, 2012
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Raffi Torres hearing was at 12 CST in New York.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman’s upper-body injury is believed to be a concussion. Sam Carchidi via twitter: Sounding like he’s out at least for the rest of the series. Dan Rosen via twitter: Look for Erik Gustafsson to play in place of Grossman.
- Joe Depto via twitter: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma confirms that defenseman Paul Martin is out tonight.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: The Capitals have assigned Dany Sabourin to the AHL, which likely means Michal Neuvirth will be the backup for Game 5.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland doesn’t think Jaroslav Halak will be able to backup Brian Elliott tomorrow night.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust (Hagelin extra) Kreider-Mitchell-Rupp (Scott extra)
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins lines: Lucic-Krejci-Rolston. Paille-Bergeron-Peverley. Caron/Pouliot-Kelly-Seguin. Marchand-Campbell-Thornton.
- Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Panthers defensman Jason Garrison was a late scratch last night due to 2 lower-body injuries, and is listed as day-to-day.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators prospect Jakob Silfverberg won’t be leaving for North America until Sunday.
Luongo a tough move … JVR ready … Halak still in boot … Could it be Lidstrom’s final game … Roy knows Habs will call
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: One GM laughed when asked if Roberto Luongo’s contract is movable, and another responded:
“No,” he answered. “Unless the trading team was allowed to subsidize the deal.”
Options for the Canucks this summer: 1. Pray for an amnesty clause – if he was bought out at the end of the season without the amnesty, Luongo would come off the books in 2031-32. 2. Trade him – he has a no-trade clause and tough contract to move. “There’s a limited amount of teams,” an NHL source said. “A very limited amount of teams.” The Lightning are looking for a goalie this summer. Luongo has ties to the state of Florida. The Panthers have Jacob Markstrom on the way. The Leafs are looking for a goalie as well, but Burke doesn’t like long contract, plus “Why would he want to go from one fishbowl to another?” one source said. 3. Keep him – this would be a tough sell and Luongo likely wouldn’t be happy being a backup. With Schneider needing a new contract, a lot of money would be tied up in the position.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts thinks the only teams that may need goaltending are the Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The Devils could be looking for a goalie due to Martin Brodeur’s age, but there financial situation would likely prevent bringing in Luongo.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Reimsdyk skated for the 4th straight day yesterday and appears ready to return to the lineup. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gustafsson or Brandon Manning would take Grossman’s place if he’s not ready to go.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak’s return to the lineup doesn’t appear to be imminent. He is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot, and missed his 2nd straight game. Halak tested it out on the ice on Tuesday, but it didn’t go that well.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Simon Gagne: “I don’t even know if he’s in North America.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings lose tonight, it’s possible that Nicklas Lidstrom has played his final NHL game. Lidstrom will be 42 in a week.
“I’ve been hearing that same story for about five years now,” Babcock said Thursday. “I haven’t thought much about Nick. I’d be shocked if he retires, but I’ve been shocked before.”
“It’s crossed my mind,” Jimmy Howard said, “but you try not to think about it. It’s been quite the honor to play with Nick, and I hope he comes back, but that’s up to him.”
Lidstrom has said he’ll take some time to relax after the season, then him and his wife will make a decision on next year.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts are out of the playoffs, and he knows a call from the Canadiens will be coming.
“Going there would definitely interest him. He thrives on challenges,” said the above friend. “Winning one or two Stanley Cups was not enough for him; he wanted more. And, when the Avalanche traded for Ray Bourque, it became his mission to win another one.”
Serge Savard told the Montreal Gazette mid season that he thought the Roy would coach the Canadiens under “certain conditions.” Guy Lafleur thinks Roy would be a better GM than coach.
- Martin Lunden via a Swedish site: (tweeted by Bruce McCurdy) Oilers 2011 1st round draft pick Oscar Klefbom is set to a sign a 3 year entry-level deal with the team.
Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 19th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad will likely replace injured Marian Hossa for Game 4.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
- Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.
Shanahan suspension videos for Arron Asham, James Neal and Nicklas Backstrom
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 18th, 2012
Penguins Arron Asham was suspended for 4 games for his cross-check on Flyers Brayden Schenn.
Penguins James Neal was suspended for 1 game for charging Flyers Claude Giroux.
Capitals Nicklas Backstrom was suspended for 1 game for cross-checking Bruins Rich Peverley.
Afternoon notes on Alfredsson, Hanzal, Smith, Wolski, Gill, Backstrom, Asham, Moore, Leighton and Shaw’s 3 game suspension video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 17th, 2012
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Daniel Alfredsson had a setback yesterday afternoon. He’ll be evaluated tomorrow.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Coyotes Martin Hanzal and Mike Smith will be game time decisions. Lauri Korpikoski will be out.
- Terry Koshan via twitter: Panthers Wojtek Wolski will be a healthy scratch tonight.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said that Hal Gill will not play tonight.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom had his disciplinary hearing at 3:30 today.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins Arron Asham waived his right to an in-person hearing and will be done by phone at 5:00. He can be suspended for 6 games or more.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Sharks Mike Moore and Flyers Michael Leighton have cleared re-entry waivers.
- Blackhawks Andrew Shaw was suspended for 3 games for his hit on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.
Neal gets 2 hearings, Asham 1 … Shanahan changed mind on Weber … Alfie concussed but might play … Gil skates … Still no Neurvirth/Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions on April 16th, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Penguins James Neal will have 2 separate disciplinary hearings tomorrow. Aaron Asham will have an in-person hearing at 11 am. Dan Rosen via twitter: Neal’s hearings are for his hit on Sean Couturier and his charging on Claude Giroux.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Brendan Shanahan said he was close to giving Shea Weber a 1 one game suspension, but Red Wings GM Ken Holland told him that Henrik Zetterberg was okay, and it changed his mind.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: If the Rangers are going to appeal Carl Hagelin’s suspension, they’ll have to do it before tonight. Shanahan won’t reduce Hagelin’s suspension after the fact based on whether Daniel Alfredsson will be able to play or not.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean confirms that Daniel Alfredsson passed his baseline test, and if he’s ready, he’ll play. Brent Wallace via twitter: Alfredsson confirms that he suffered a concussion on the hit.
- Bob Duff via twitter: A NHL executive: “Colin Campbell always did what he thought was right and didn’t worry about what people thought. Shanahan just wants to be liked.”
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have let assistant coaches Dan Chynoweth and Scott Allen go.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators defenseman Hal Gill took part in his first full practice this series.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Johansson-Backstrom-Semin, Chimera-Beagle-Perreault, Aucoin-Hendricks-Ward.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvirth and Tomas Vokoun were not at practice this morning. Dany Sabourin will be the backup.
JVR could practice today … Lindback will get trade interest … Oilers looking for 1 or 2 top Dmen … CBJ unlikely to move 2nd overall
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 14th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Viemsdyk began skating on Sunday and could practice with the team today. He had surgery on March 6th on his fractured foot. His possible return for the 1st round is not known.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that are looking to add a goaltender this summer will be looking at RFAs, Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier and even Tuukka Rask. Predators Anders Lindback is another RFA goalie that could find himself playing on another team next year. Custance points out that if someone signed Lindback to an offer sheet, that Preds don’t have a lot of free money to match. A 2 year, $3 million offer would only cost a 3rd round pick in compensation. A trade is a more likely scenario, as they will look to recoup that picks they moved at the deadline. In the last 2 years the 6 foot 6 Lindback posted a 16-13-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .914 SV%. The Lightning have a stockpile of draft picks. The Blue Jackets are looking at upgrading their goaltending. The Maple Leafs are also said to be looking at adding a goalie, but they may be looking for a veteran goalie.
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): The Oilers would like to add 1 or 2 top-end defenseman, and the 1st overall pick will likely be brought up in several cases. He doesn’t see them interested in a Rick Nash or Jarome Iginla.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told that it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets trade the 2nd overall pick, but it’s not out of the question. They’d gladly move the pick they get from the Kings.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins will be in the running for the Flames head coaching position. Other possibilities for the Flames are Troy Ward, Mike Sullivan, Craig MacTavish, Bob Boughner and Bob Hartley.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Before the 2011 NHL Draft, an Eastern team scout said that a team is going to get a steal in Sean Couturier. The scout knew his team would not be in a position to draft him and added that Philadelphia would be a perfect fit as they have success with young French players.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins 2010 1st round pick Beau Bennett signed an entry level deal and will leave the University of Denver. Dave Molinari via twitter: He has a $900,000 cap hit. He has a $810,000 salary, $90,000 signing bonus and a minor league salary of $67,500.
Afternoon notes on: Radulov, Sedin, Gill, Krejci, Kubina, Rome, Ebbett, Preds and Wings lines, Halak starts
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 13th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Predators Alexander Radulov’s Russian agent: “Radulov will most likely spend the next season in Russia.”
- Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Daniel Sedin won’t be in the lineup tonight.
- Craig Custance via twitter: Predators Hal Gill won’t be in the lineup tonight but he’s making progress. He’ll travel with the team to Detroit. Josh Cooper via twitter: Gill: “I’m going to give it some more time. I don’t think at this point I can help the team.”
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Bruins David Krejci thinks he’ll be able to go for Game 2.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers defenseman Pavel Kubina will be back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch. He’ll replace Marc-Andre Bourdon who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: For Game 2 Aaron Rome will replace Keith Ballard, and Andrew Ebbett is in for the suspended Byron Bitz.
- ESPN: Predators lines: S. Kostitsyn – Fisher – Erat , A. Kostitsyn – Legwand – Radulov, Bourque – Spaling – Hornqvist , Yip – Gaustad – Halischuk. Defensive Pairings: Suter – Weber, Klein – Josi, Bouillon – Hillen/Ellis … Red Wings Lines: Franzen – Datsyuk – Bertuzzi , Filppula – Zetterberg – Hudler, Nyquist – Albdelkader – Cleary, Miller – Emmerton – Holmstrom. Defensive Pairings: Lidstrom – Ericsson, Kronwall – Stuart, Quincey – White.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start Game 2 for the Blues.
Elliott day-to-day … Zibanejad to AHL … Rangers-Kreider talking … Brian Burke press conference
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Trades on April 10th, 2012
- Sean Gentille of the Sporting News: Blues goalie Brian Elliott is now day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in practice. He should be available for Game 1. It increases the odds of Jaroslav Halak starting.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Mika Zibanejad won’t play in their first 2 games. He’ll go to the AHL for the weekend.
- Katie Strang of ESPN: The Rangers and Chris Kreider are in contract discussions. It’s believed that Kreider will forego his senior year at Boston College and go pro. If he signs, the Rangers may send him to the AHL. ** Update: Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Rangers and Kreider have agreed on an entry level contract.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Raymond-Henrik-Burrows Lapierre-Kesler-Booth Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Bitz-Kassian.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers defensive pairs: Coburn-Grossmann, Carle-Timonen, Bourdon-Lilja. Kubina skating as the extra blueliner
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said they need to get bigger, and a top priority is goaltending. Scott MacArthur via twitter: Burke still believes in James Reimer, and basically shuts down on Jonas Gustavsson returning. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke said he won’t trade their first round draft pick for a goaltender. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke isn’t really interested in what’s available in free agency and will address team issues via trades. Center and goal are biggest needs.
- Brian Burke full press conference
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.
15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.
| RK | TEAM |
2011-12
AVG |
%
Capacity |
2010-11
AVG |
2009-10
AVG |
2008-09
AVG |
| 1 | Chicago |
21,533
|
105
|
21,423
|
21,356
|
22,247
|
| 2 | Montreal |
21,273
|
100
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
| 3 | Philadelphia |
20,433
|
107.4
|
21,273
|
19,535
|
19,545
|
| 4 | Detroit |
20,114
|
100.7
|
19,680
|
19,546
|
19,865
|
| 5 | Toronto |
19,506
|
103.7
|
19,354
|
19,289
|
19,312
|
| 6 | Ottawa |
19,356
|
101.1
|
19,289
|
19,260
|
18,949
|
| 7 | Calgary |
19,289
|
100
|
18,378
|
18,269
|
19,289
|
| 8 | Vancouver |
18,884
|
102.5
|
18,860
|
18,810
|
18,630
|
| 9 | St. Louis |
18,809
|
98.2
|
19,150
|
18,883
|
18,554
|
| 10 | Pittsburgh |
18,566
|
102.7
|
18,240
|
17,078
|
16,975
|
| 11 | Buffalo |
18,550
|
99.9
|
18,452
|
18,529
|
18,531
|
| 12 | Washington |
18,506
|
101.3
|
18,397
|
18,277
|
18,097
|
| 13 | Tampa Bay |
18,468
|
96.2
|
17,268
|
15,497
|
16,497
|
| 14 | NY Rangers |
18,191
|
100
|
18,108
|
18,076
|
18,949
|
| 15 | Los Angeles |
17,920
|
100
|
18,083
|
17,313
|
16,488
|
| 16 | Minnesota |
17,772
|
98.4
|
17,565
|
17,388
|
17,039
|
| 17 | Boston |
17,564
|
100
|
17,562
|
17,558
|
17,039
|
| 18 | San Jose |
17,562
|
100
|
18,012
|
18,415
|
17,488
|
| 19 | Edmonton |
16,839
|
100
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
| 20 | Nashville |
16,690
|
97.5
|
16,142
|
14,979
|
15,010
|
| 21 | Florida |
16,628
|
86.6
|
15,685
|
15,146
|
15,621
|
| 22 | Carolina |
16,042
|
85.9
|
14,820
|
13,947
|
16,572
|
| 23 | Colorado |
15,498
|
86.1
|
14,775
|
15,535
|
15,429
|
| 24 | New Jersey |
15,396
|
87.4
|
16,415
|
15,240
|
15,790
|
| 25 | Winnipeg |
15,004
|
100
|
13,469
|
13,607
|
14,626
|
| 26 | Anaheim |
14,760
|
86.4
|
14,738
|
15,168
|
16,990
|
| 27 | Columbus |
14,660
|
80.8
|
13,658
|
15,416
|
15,543
|
| 28 | Dallas |
14,226
|
76.8
|
11,059
|
12,735
|
17,680
|
| 29 | NY Islanders |
13,191
|
81.3
|
15,073
|
17,215
|
13,733
|
| 30 | Phoenix |
12,420
|
72.5
|
12,188
|
11,989
|
14,875
|
| Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers. | ||||||
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