Posts Tagged Philadelphia Flyers
RFAs still looking to finalize contracts … Regehr admits he’s been shopped … Some UFAs hope to get deals soon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 9th, 2010
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars had talks with the agents for James Neal and Matt Niskanen on Tuesday. The team hopes to have them signed before the start of camp.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau expects Tomas Fleischmann to have a breakout season with the team. “Oh yeah. Those trade rumors, I think you can faithfully put all of them to bed,” Boudreau told Sporting News. “We laugh at so many of them that have no substance. I don’t know who makes them up. Some people have very vivid imaginations.”
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: There has been lots of ‘chatter’ between the Rangers and Marc Staal side, but there’s no word on a forthcoming deal.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: No deal between the Anaheim Ducks and Bobby Ryan yet, continuing to talk.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr has been linked to trade rumors this summer, and didn’t deny it. “Have I been approached about (a trade)?” repeated Regehr yesterday during a suddenly awkward exchange. “Ahhhhh, I can’t really … I’m not going to get into that. “It’s part of sports. That’s the way it is.” The Flames are over the salary cap, and Regehr’s $4 million salary (3 more years) could be one salary they might move out.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Mike Mottau’s agent thinks the UFA will have a contract by the start of training camp. They don’t have any offers they are considering, but have been in touch with teams over the summer. It’s still possible that Mottau could return to the Devils, once they clear out a bunch of cap space. Jay Pandolfo is still looking for a contract, and has talked to a few teams according to his agent.
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke talks with Bob McCown on Prime Time Sports about the Kovalchuk contract and the Michael Liambas rookie camp invite.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have an agreement with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League, in which the teams an loan players to each other. Will the Bruins bury a contact in Europe to reduce their cap number?
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Bill Guerin is still skating with some Flyers, and is still hopeful something can be worked out with the team.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Marcus Nilson has reportedly been invited to the New Jersey Devils training camp.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers. The 26-year old Meech has played 126 games in the last 4 years.
- Sherri Zickefoose of the Calgary Herald: Former NHLer Jason Smith has been arrested for domestic assault. Smith is being charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement against his wife and teenaged daughter.
Some longterm contract notes … Savard staying … Ranger not attending Lightning camp
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov thinks that if Kovalchuk’s Friday extension get extended again, he may leave for the KHL.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The VP of the KHL doesn’t think that Kovalchuk will end up in the KHL, means to much to the NHL, but added “if Kovalchuk decides to come over, he can sign any contract; SKA will pay the luxury tax; it’s democratic and free here”
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Just to repeat, Chris Pronger’s deal with Ed Snider’s Philadelphia Flyers has been approved. He’ll be 42 in the final season, and will make a combined $1.05 million in the final 2 seasons of his 7 year, $34.45 million deal.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchard writes that the League is not likely to void Roberto Luongo’s contract with the Canucks.
- Jack Edwards of NESN: Edwards shoots down any rumors that the Bruins are looking to trade Marc Savard. He lists many different reasons as to why he’ll be staying.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said that Paul Ranger won’t be attending training camp. Ranger has been away from the team since last October with personal reasons.
- Will DePaoli of InsidePittsburghSports: Word from Jordan Staal’s camp is that he won’t be full strength by training camp. His tendon injury may not be fully healed.
Price negotiations progressing … More on Guerin’s skate with some Flyers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 2nd, 2010
- TSN: According to Carey Price’s agent, contract negotiations are progressing, but there is still a ways to go. He hopes that a deal is in place before training camp. It was reported earlier that Price is asking for $3 million, and that he is ready to go on “strike” if he doesn’t get it.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Bill Guerin sent a text message to the Sporting News saying that he was just in town (Philadelphia), and that while he skated with some Flyers, there’s nothing more to it at the moment. Guerin’s agent, Bob Murray, said that he just needed a place to skate and that they’ve had discussion with a couple teams. Teams may be looking to use cheaper, younger players before committing to veterans like Guerin and Owen Nolan. Nolan’s agent, JP Barry, said that Nolan would prefer to stay on the West Coast.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Guerin said that his skate with the Flyers has been planned for weeks. A source said last week that the Flyers and Guerin talked right after the Penguins said they weren’t interested, but the Flyers can’t currently get him under the cap. Seravalli thinks they could fit him in if he signed for the league minimum or sent one of Darroll Powe , Dan Carcillo, Matt Walker or Oskars Bartulis to the AHL.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It’s a tough time for some of the remaining free agents looking for a contract; Patrick O’Sullivan, Ryan Potulny, Mike Comrie, Brendan Morrison, Marek Svatos, Ruslan Fedotenko, Jeff Halpern, Miro Satan, Bill Guerin and Owen Nolan are still looking for a deal. O’Sullivan has it a bit better than the others as he’ll be paid $450,000 for the next two seasons from his buyout. He’s only 25, and has put up 149 points in 280 games, and should get an offer of at least $500,000.
Post on Kovalchuk situation coming shortly, because I know you’re all not sick and tired of hearing/reading about him.
Niemi to sign with Sharks … Guerin skating with some Flyers, mutual interest?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on September 1st, 2010
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Source told Kypreos that Antti Niemi will be signing with the San Jose Sharks, possibly tomorrow. Could be 1 year at $2 million base.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Bill Guerin tells CSNPhilly that he hopes to get a tryout offer from the Flyers. GM says Guerin asked to skate/workout, agent hasn’t asked about contract or tryout.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Guerin skated with some Flyers who are in town for camp. Flyers have interested in signing him.
Kovalchuk decision today … New player in Phoenix ownership … Niemi close to new home
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 31st, 2010
- Tom Gulitti of the Record: The NHL spent Monday reviewing Ilya Kovalchuk’s 15 year, $100 million contract, with an announcement likely coming today. It is not known if the league has already let the Devils know their decision, before it would released to the public. The NHL must rule before 5:00 pm on Wednesday or the contract would deemed approved and registered. According to tweets by Nick Kypreos, Kovalchuk would be paid $90 million over the first 10 seasons, and $10 million over the last 5. In the last year of the deal he is scheduled to have a base salary of $4 million, with the average salary over the final 3 seasons being $2.6 million.
- Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal: An undisclosed wealthy person is interested in purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes from the NHL, and keeping the team in Glendale. Details are limited, but could be made public soon, they have asked to keep the negotiations private. The Ice Edge Holdings group have taken a backseat and they have been focusing on bringing an ECHL team to Thunder Bay, Ontario. If a deal is not in place by December 31st to keep the team Phoenix, they will look to sell the team to someone, and move them Canada.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Bill Guerin is trying to get a contract with the Boston Bruins or the Philadelphia Flyers.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: According to a source of Murphy, the Bruins are still “actively shopping” Marc Savard. His contract investigations have hampered talks. The Bruins are still over the salary cap ceiling and need to get under before the start of the season.
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli originally told Steve Begin that they wouldn’t be bringing him back, but according to Begin they are still interested, but currently sit $3 million over the cap. Begin told RDS that the Bruins are trying to do some things, but the market is slow.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: Source telling Rogers that Antti Niemi is close to deciding where he’ll play next season, with a decision possibly coming in the next 48 hours. He has offers from multiple teams.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke says there is some progress being made with RFA, Christian Hanson, and he expects it to be done by training camp.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: According to RDS, Andre Markov is back skating. Markov had off-season knee surgery.
- Mark Stepneski of ESPN Dallas: There is still no decision by Jere Lehtinen on if he’ll play next season, but according to a Finnish paper, Lehtinen is giving serious consideration into not playing next season. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said that he hasn’t been working out as much as he normally does when preparing for the season.
Kariya out next season … Could Guerin end up in LA? Oilers nixed a Souray-Hartnell deal last year?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 28th, 2010
- Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy: Paul Kariya’s agent, Don Baizley, issued a statement saying that Paul Kariya will sit out the 2010-11 season with post-concussion syndrome. Kariya has a history of concussion problems, and missed 6 games last season with a concussion. There was no mention of him retiring.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bill Guerin signed with the Los Angeles Kings. Kings GM Dean Lombardi and Guerin have a western Massachusetts connection.
- JP Hoornstra of the LA Daily News: Joffery Lupul’s mysterious blood ailment will keep him off skates until he’s re-evaluated on September 20th. He’s still confident that he’ll be ready for the season opener.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton TV sportscaster, Kevin Karius said the Edmonton Oilers came close to to sending Sheldon Souray to the Philadelphia Flyers for Scott Hartnell last season. Journal reporter Jim Matheson also confirmed that it almost happened as well.
“Steve Tambellini offered Sheldon Souray to the Flyers for Scott Hartnell. And Hartnell has a no-trade clause and Paul Holmgren went to Hartnell and said, ‘Listen, the Oilers are interested in you. Would you waive your no trade?’ And Hartnell said, ‘You know, I’d like to, I wouldn’t mind going to Edmonton and playing.’
“He’s a Lloydminster guy. He’s an Alberta guy. He likes it here. I think it would have been a kind of a homecoming for him. A power forward, kind of what the Oilers need. So he said, ‘Go ahead.’ So Paul Holmgren phoned Tamby back and said, ‘Here is the deal. It’s done if you want it,’ and Tamby pulled out.
- Greg Wyshynski of Puddy Daddy talked to a source close to Hartnell that said Hartnell has never waived his no-movement clause, or been asked to waive it.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Brendan Morrison, Jeff Halpren and Mike Comrie are just a couple UFA’s that don’t have any contract offers, and might have to take a training camp invite if they don’t get any offers between now and the start of training camp. The Penguins are looking at forwards who they could invite to camp. Patrick O’Sullivan is getting interest from several clubs who are interested in bringing him in on tryout basis. O’Sullivan is considered a bit of risk (and worth the risk in my opinion, there’s no doubting the kid is talented). Scouts say his fundamentals are flawed and there are concerns about his desire to play in the NHL. Indications are that the Penguins don’t have an interest, but O’Sullivan’s side has contacted the Penguins.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin may be suspended by the NHL for his drunk driving charges, to go along with his possible jail time.
Kovalchuk framework rejected … Staal hoping for offer sheet … Lehtinen undecided
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 25th, 2010
Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL criticized the framework of a contract between the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk that was presented to them on Monday. This could jeopardize Kovalchuk staying in the NHL, as the frameworks of his contract(s) have taken weeks to formulate, and the start of the KHL is just around the corner (Sept. 8th). Lou may not want to go back to the ‘drawing board’ on another contract. Training camp starts on the 17th, and he’ll need to move out players to get under the cap if Kovalchuk is signed.
Tom Gulitti of the Record: The Devils and Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, have been working on the framework of deal for the last 16 days, and only to have it not approved. Monday’s framework was not the first they submitted to the league.
Scott Burnside of ESPN: Flyers coach Peter Laviolette doesn’t have a sense when Chris Pronger will return from knee surgery, but isn’t that concerned.
Arthur Staple via twitter: It’s not definite that Marc Staal will be a training camp holdout. He has no leverage, and is still hoping for an offer sheet.
CapGeek via twitter: After the Vancouver Canucks signed Raffi Torres (1 year, $1 million), they now have 24 players on one-way contracts and are $3.6 million over the salary cap.
Adam Proteau of the Hockey News: Leafs coach Ron Wilson wants to sit down with Tomas Kaberle and have a face-to-face to talk about the rumors that they don’t get along. Kaberle’s father told a Czech publication that Tomas isn’t likely to re-sign with the team as long as Wilson is still the coach.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars winger Jiri Lehtinen is still undecided about returning next season. Lehtinen and GM Joe Nieuwendyk are expected to meet today.
Ben Wright of Blueland Blog: The Atlanta Thrashers have invited Kyle McLaren to their training camp on a tryout.
Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: It makes some sense that the Thrashers are possibly interested in Lee Stempniak, as they are looking to replace goals lost by Maxim Afingenov who left for the KHL.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Neither Jose Theodore or Vesa Toskala was interested in signing with the KHL’s Traktor.
EJ Hradek and Richard Pollock of ESPN: Though the Florida Panthers have 6 NHL caliber defenseman, their 2010 3rd overall pick, Eric Gudbranson will be given a shot at making the roster.
Mitchell and Bieksa rumors … Could Chara get 10 years? Blues interested in Sweatt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 17th, 2010
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Willie Mitchell has worked out for the Kings, Sharks, and Canucks. Capitals next. No confirmation on LA offer.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: No hometown discount for Mitchell and the Canucks, especially if the Kings may be offering a 2 year deal.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis would like to keep Mitchell, and he’d like to stay, but he may not get the best deal from Vancouver.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika is asked about the possibility of the Stars going after Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa will make $3.75 million this season, and the Canucks are close to the cap and may not want to take much salary back. The Stars are on a tight internal budget and it might not fit well, plus he’d on the last year of his deal. They would have up a good young prospect for him.
- Sports-Express: Alexander Shapiro is reporting that the Devils have offered Ilya Kovalchuk a contract for over 10 years. It could clear up in the next few days.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Kovalchuk contract rejection (and other investigations) could impact the contract extension for Zdeno Chara. The 33-year old Chara will be a free agent after this season, and given his dedication to fitness, it wouldn’t be a shock if he were able to sign a 10-year contract and play until he’s 43. A 10-year deal could be cap friendly with not a huge drop off at the end. Would the NHL go for it? The 2 sides have talked, and would like to get something done before the season, but it isn’t a necessity. The Flyers, Sharks and Capitals could be interested in Antti Niemi.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues interested in Bill Sweatt but won’t be meeting this week.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: As of mid yesterday afternoon, Penguins hadn’t connected Bill Sweatt.
- Andreas Liden of St.ru: Freddy Modin is heading back to his Columbus home, is still looking for a new team to play for this year.
Kaberle D-Day … Canucks have offer for Bieksa … 4-5 teams interested in Mitchell
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 15th, 2010
Back from a weekend of camping, catching up on things, some quick rumor hits for this afternoon. Kaberle deadline at midnight.
- TSN: Burke As of Sunday Morning, “If these offers are all we get…he’s staying put,”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: “I’d say there are three or four legitimate offers we needed to discuss,” Burke told the Toronto Sun. “There’s nothing worth taking — yet. If we end up with Kaberle (whose no-trade clause expires at midnight) that’s fine with me.” Tonight is also the deadline for the Leafs to sign Bill Sweatt before he becomes a UFA. Burke pulled their offer off the table weeks ago, and according to his agent, Sweatt never said no to the deal.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Burke talking players/prospects, not top-6 for Kaberle.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Joe Nieuwendyk says the Stars are not trying to trade for Kaberle today.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets could still be in on Kaberle.
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: The Ducks aren’t in on Kaberle.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Sharks have offered Derek Joslin and a 1st to Canucks for Kevin Bieksa. Not in on Kaberle.
- Dan Murphy (Sportsnet) via twitter: Willie Mitchell seen in LA with ‘Kings brass’.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Canucks still in on Willie Mitchell. LA and 3 other clubs interested.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Rumor that Sharks might offer LW Jamie McGinn or C Logan Couture for Bieksa. Ribeiro has been offered to every team in the league. Would have to offer more than Ribeiro for Kaberle. Tampa doesn’t want to trade LWer Ryan Malone, a player Burke may covet. Marc Savard hurt by all the rumors this summer. The Panthers, Capitals, Flyers, and Sharks are believed to have some interest in Antti Niemi.
- Daniel Tolenskyvia twitter: Stars have 3 key RFAs still unsigned, ownership uncertainty, so they are probably not trade candidates unless it’s a salary dump. (They’ve been looking to shed Mike Ribeiro and his $5 million salary through 2012-13).
Belanger to Caps, and Fleischmann on the way out? Kaberle interest varies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2010
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources saying Eric Belanger has reached a deal with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals might be moving out a forward for a defenseman before they announce the signing. Brian Burke has said they are not in discussion with the Capitals about Tomas Kaberle. The Capitals could be looking at Kevin Bieksa, Sheldon Souray or others. The Capitals are also said to be in on Willie Mitchell.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Capitals could be dealing Tomas Fleischmann for a defenseman.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The number of teams interested in Tomas Kaberle varies between 6 and 12 depending on the source, and levels of interest varies as well. The Kings and Devils may be more concerned with Ilya Kovalchuk. The Sharks may not want to part with a top-6 forward. The Ducks don’t want to trade Bobby Ryan. The Stars and Blues have their own salary cap. Red Wings are at the cap and have their top defensive corps set. Boston has cap issues, but would like to move Savard, Burke said in June he wasn’t interested in him. The Flyers have been interested in the past, but may not be willing to part with Jeff Carter anymore for him. Sabres are another team that could be interested, but they don’t make a lot moves in the off-season. Columbus has kicked tires but find the price a little high. The Lightning could be interested but they brought in Pavel Kubina earlier in the summer.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Kings could be looking to get back in on Kovalchuk, but he’ll renegotiate with the Devils first.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues GM Doug Armstrong doesn’t see anything else happening before training camp.


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