Posts Tagged Phoenix Coyotes
Semin denies report … No charges for Kane … Avs-Hejduk talking … Price-Habs have talked … Videos of Doan and Hanzal hit
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 16th, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: When Alexander Semin arrived in Sweden, he denied that he’ll be leaving the Capitals for sure. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Whyno spoke with Semin’s agent who didn’t close the door on the Capitals. He questioned the teams direction, and is not considering the KHL.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Patrick Kane won’t be getting charged after his partying activities in Madison Wisconsin.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: There has been ongoing talk between the Avalanche and Milan Hejduk. Hejduk struggled in the 2nd half of the season, but would like to return. If they can’t get a deal done, he could consider signing elsewhere.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Carey Price just finished his 2 year, $5.5 million deal. His agent, Gerry Johannson has had a couple “cordial chats” with new GM Marc Bergevin.
“I’m pretty confident we’ll get something done,” the three-time all-star said. “I’m really not the type of guy who’s going to push everything to get (a contract) done faster. We’re trying to build a team here and we want to build it the right way. Rushing decisions isn’t the right way to do it.”
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: There have been no talks with pending UFA Matt Carkner and the Senators. It doesn’t mean there won’t be any though.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: On the Shane Doan hit, Lewis turns just before the hit, nasty result but not a suspension in his opinion. Martin Hanzal tracks Dustin Brown, he’ll get a suspension.
Torres hearing on Thursday … Semin not back with Caps? Vokoun done with Caps … Bigger list for Nash … KHL after Grigorenko
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres suspension appeal will be heard Thursday morning.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: According to Alexander Semin’s agent Mark Gandler, he has no intentions of re-signing with the Capitals and will become a UFA on July 1st.
“It was good while it lasted. With the lack of playoff success, with the direction they are going. They decided to change directions. That’s within their rights. Alex doesn’t fit into that system obviously,” Gandler told ESPN the Magazine. “It just doesn’t make any sense to him. He plays, he did the best he could under the circumstances and he earned his right to be a free agent.”
Semin would prefer to remain in the NHL rather than heading to the KHL. He would also like to get an expanded role, which includes penalty killing. He averaged 16:47 minutes per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year.
“I think the issue is with the organization, not necessarily with the coach,” Gandler said. “They told us Alex is not going to play short-handed, he’s not going to play in the last minute. He’s going to get the same icetime as everybody else … Alex is not ready to be a role player. He wants to be a full-time player. It’s important to him.”
Semin made $6.7 million last season.
“I don’t know what the market (for him) is going to be,” Gandler said. “I know there aren’t many players like Alex around.”
- Greg Brady via twitter: A scout told Brady at the trade deadline that GM George McPhee was pleading with other teams to trade for Alexander Semin.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Tomas Vokoun doesn’t have a deal in place with Lokomotiv of the KHL. He prefers to stay in the NHL. Chuck Gormley via twiiter: Vokoun said he never planned on playing with the Capitals for more than a year.
- The Fourth Period: A source told TFP that Rick Nash and his agent recently reviewed his contract with the Blue Jackets and could have an expanded list of teams he’d accept a trade too. The Sharks, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Canucks, Kings and Bruins had interest in Nash at some point this season.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Russian sources say that CSKA could make a big play for Mikhail Grigorenko. If true, it could hurt his draft stock.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Leo Komarov will join the Maple Leafs this summer. Gus Katsaros via twitter: At this point, Komarov would be a Marlies player.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings winger Simon Gagne has been cleared for contact but is long ways from playing. He remains in LA. He’s a long shot for returning this yeare.
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?
Torres appeals his suspension … Rads-Kostitsyn back at practice … Pietrangelo-Kovalchuk hope to return … Cervenka details
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on May 3rd, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Hearing that Raffi Torres is appealing his 25 games suspension. Saying that 25 games was “excessive.” The CBA says that discipline needs to be enforced in a “consistent” manner. The question is if the suspension is consistent others? The appeal will be heard by Bettman. He will decide if it’s a in-person hearing, by phone or none at all. Bettman must write a ruling upon his decision. Darren Dreger via twitter: Torres appeal could be held next week. A reduction is unlikely.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Alexander Radulov was skating with Andrei Kostitsyn and Craig Smith at Predators practice this morning.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues hope to get defenseman Alex Pietrangelo back tonight. He’s been battling a lower body injury as well as concussion like symptoms. He made it through yesterday’s practice, but it may depend on how his head feels.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Top 3 Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Clarkson; Sykora-Zajac-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Bernier. Rich Chere via twitter: Ilya Kovalchuck is skating with Ryan Carter and Stephen Gionta. Kovalchuk said he’s ready to play, a coaches decision. NJ Devils PR via twitter: Coach Peter DeBoer said that Kovalchuk wll be a game-time decision.
- Capgeek via twitter: Flames Roman Cervenka has bonuses “totalling $2 million for Hart, Richard, Selke and Conn Smythe voting, all-star team selection, and top-10 scoring stats.” Cervenka has a European assignment clause so if it doesn’t work out, he can leave.
Raffi Torres suspended for 25 games
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 21st, 2012
Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres was suspended for 25 games for his hit on Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa.
Tracey Myers via twitter: Coyotes GM Maloney: “Raffi plays a hard, physical game yet this contact crossed the line on what is acceptable in our game today.” … “We hope Marian Hossa makes a full and speedy recovery as we all enjoy watching him.” … “The Club accepts the NHL’s decision and will focus on our game tonight.”
Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger says the Blackhawks do a good job at protecting injury information. He thinks that Hossa was/is seriously injured with is a key factor in the suspension. Dreger adds “25 gms doesn’t establish new standard. Next player who delivers leaping hit to the head may only get 2-3 games. This is a message to Torres.”
Morning notes on: Torres, Lidstrom, Alfredsson, Luongo, Red Wings, Roy, Emery, Clifford, Parse and Blues sale
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres suspension is likely to be announced late morning or early afternoon.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom reiterated last night that a decision on his future won’t be made for several weeks. He’ll eventually meet with GM Ken Holland to,
“go over things. So I’ll see what he wants to do and what time table he’ll give me to make a decision.”
Coach Mike Babcock,
“I think Nick Lidstrom retires when he thinks he’s not a good player any more. But I think he’s been a pretty darn good player. He’s too good to quit.”
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson won’t be returning for Game 5. He didn’t practice with the team yesterday, and didn’t fly with them to New York .
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo said he isn’t reading papers or listening to the radio about speculation surrounding his future. Luongo added that he’s 100% behind Cory Schneider.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Red Wings did have interest in Rick Nash at the trade deadline, but it wasn’t the right timing for the Wings. The cost financially and structurally was also too much for the Wings. If they hit the open marketing, the Wings will have interest in landing one or both of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.
- Marianne White in the Montreal Gazette: Patrick Roy said yesterday that he hasn’t received a call from the Canadiens yet, “But my cellphone is always turned on.” Roy added,
“If I receive a phone call, I’m obviously going to listen,” he said.
“The NHL has been the best thing that’s happened to me in my life and I’m certainly not going to turn down calls from an NHL team. But am I going to make calls? No.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jahns wonders if the Blackhawks will go with Ray Emery for Game 5 over Corey Crawford.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kyle Clifford didn’t skate yesterday. Scott Parse took part in his first team practice since November. Parse is still weeks away from possibly playing.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gary Bettman said yesterday that the sale of the St. Louis Blues could be completed “soon.” Once the lawyers are finished, the NHL Board of Governors will meet with Tom Stillman to give their final approval.
“We remain singularly focused on Tom Stillman completing his proposed transaction to purchase the St. Louis Blues’ franchise. “The process is progressing positively, and we have no reason to think that it won’t get done in the relatively near future.”
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.
Afternoon notes: Torres, Martin, Alfredsson, Vokoun, McDonald, Chaput … Markham arena … Pens, Sens and Caps lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions on April 18th, 2012
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres will have an in-person hearing on Friday. Suspended indefinitely.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said that Paul Martin is out for Game 4.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Penguins lines: Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis; Kunitz-Malkin-Kennedy; Cooke-Staal-Tangradi; Jeffrey-Vitale-Park. Neal, Asham and Adams out.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said there is no update on Daniel Alfredsson.
- Erin Nicks of NHL.com: Senators lines: Milan Michalek – Jason Spezza – Colin Greening, Nick Foligno – Kyle Turris – Bobby Butler, Erik Condra – Zack Smith – Chris Neil, Zenon Konopka – Jim O’Brien – Jesse Winchester. Defensive Pairings: Filip Kuba – Erik Karlsson, Jared Cowen – Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips – Matt Carkner.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun said he had a pretty significant groin tear.
- Brian McNallty via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Johansson. Chimera-Perreault-Semin.Hendricks-Beagle-Brouwer. Knuble-Aucoin-Ward.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Markham will vote on the 19,000 seat arena proposal next week. A special general committee council on Friday at 1:30 pm and a special meeting next Thursday at 7 pm.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues forward Andy McDonald considered retiring last October due to his concussion.
“Early on, I was kind of down about my chances of getting back,” McDonald said Tuesday. “Having that (first concussion) and then going out so quickly this year after a hit that maybe wasn’t that severe – that was a red flag. So early on, I really didn’t know what was going to happen.”
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward Tomas Kubalik had should surgery, should be ready for training camp.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets are in talks with prospect Michael Chaput, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Flyers.
End of the line for Luongo? Staal deflects trade rumor … Fleury fine … Halak out … Video of Torres hit on Hossa
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on April 18th, 2012
- Jason Bothchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks haven’t announced who will be their starting goalie for Game 4. If Cory Schneider gets the start over Roberto Luongo, it “would be tangible evidence suggesting we may have seen the end of the Luongo era in Vancouver.” If Luongo gets the call, it’s because of his experience. If Schneider gets the call, it’s because of his numbers. Regardless, the team may be moving forward with Schneider in their plans, they don’t want to trade him. If they keep Schneider, Luongo may never regain the definitive #1 goalie status in Vancouver.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins Jordan Staal will be a free agent after next season (along with Crosby) and will likely be looking for a raise from his $4 million salary. When asked about speculation that he was unhappy with the Pens and that he could possibly be traded this summer:
“About me?” Staal asked. “What are they saying? No, not right now. That’s the last thing on my mind, for sure.”
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Marc-Andre Fleury said he’s not feeling any effects from a collision he had in a game against the Islanders towards the end of the regular season, and that it has nothing to do with his struggles. Paul Martin was given a maintenance day and is possible for tonight.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak won’t dress for the Blues on Thursday. Timetable for his return is not known yet.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Sharks may be looking at some lineup and possible line changes for Game 4.
“We can look at the line combinations, the potential lineup changes. There’s a lot we can do. It’s 2-1. We’ve been here many times and we’ve conducted ourselves appropriately and come back and won series.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Nobody in the Leafs management have confirmed or denied that Francois Allaire will be leaving the team.
- Coyotes Raffi Torres’ hit on Blackhawks Marian Hossa
Disciplinary hearings today for Carl Hagelin, Matt Carkner and Andrew Shaw
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on April 15th, 2012
Josh Rimer via twitter: There will be 3 disciplinary hearings today. Rangers Carl Hagelin for his hit on Daniel Alfredsson, Senators Matt Carkner for fight, and Blackhawks Andrew Shaw for his hit on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.
Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012
- Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
- Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8 unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Coyotes Radim Vrbata is day-to-day with an injury.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”
“I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.
“You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”
- Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.
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. | ||||||
Morning notes: Burke, Roy, Leafs draft watch, Parise, Lindback, Zajac, Toews and Melnyk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 25th, 2012
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks that Leafs GM Brian Burke has one year left to turn things around. Burke does have 2 more years under contract, and next season will be his 5th year leading the Leafs. It’s unlikely that Patrick Roy takes any position with the Montreal Canadiens. Simmons thinks he’s waiting for a possible relocation of the Coyotes to Quebec City. If the Maple Leafs draft around #5, it might be high enough to draft Alex Galchenyuk, who some think is better than Nail Yakupov. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello appears convinced he’ll be able to re-sign Zach Parise.
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs draft plan is to get one of Mikhail Grigorenko, Alex Galchenyuk or Radek Faksa up the middle. With their 2nd pick to draft Tom Wilson of Plymouth.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: If teams think he can handle a starter workload, teams may look at Predators Andres Lindback. Lindback will be a RFA at the end of the season.
- Dave Hutchinson of the Star Ledger: Devils center Travis Zajac will return tonight and could center Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexei Ponikarovsky. Zach Parise could be on a line with Patrik Elias and Danius Zubrus. Adam Henrique, David Clackson and Petr Sykora could make up the 3rd line. Martin Brodeur will start in net.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews practiced with the team yesterday for the 1st time in over a week.
“I feel like I’m getting back to that stage to where I’m progressing and getting closer to feeling the right way,” Toews said. “I’m just staying positive, hoping that this is the time that hopefully we break through.”
“Mostly, just when you wake up, you feel [the symptoms]. It’s not like there’s much there that’s bothering me on daily things. But when I come to the rink and try to do what I do, it’s all those things that just kind of set in. You just don’t feel right. You don’t feel like yourself.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is still waiting for his case to be heard with regards to getting his $4 million back. Dany Heatley blocked a trade Edmonton, which ended up causing the Senators to pay him a $4 million bonus.
NHL to look at Plan B for Coyotes … Hurricanes need winger for Staal … Is Dubnyk a #1? DeKeyser a 50-50 proposition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 22nd, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Plan B for the Phoenix Coyotes will begin next week unless progress happens this week. Seattle, Quebec City, Las Vegas and Kansas City are in the mix. 2 or 3 groups are still interested in buying the Coyotes, but they have to give Plan B consideration. David Pagnotta via twitter: Kansas City and Seattle are serious options for the league to consider.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Hurricanes have the core players, but they need a star winger to play with Staal. They’d also consider a top defenseman. Ownership is on board for the right player.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Devan Dubnyk hopes he’s done enough to show the Oilers management that he can be a number 1 goalie in the NHL. Matheson wonders if the Oilers are comfortable enough with Dubnyk being the main guy, or do they need to look at signing UFA Josh Harding or trading for Jonathan Bernier. If they bring in someone else, they could look at moving Nikolai Khabibulin ($3.75 million). They can’t buy him out as he signed his deal after he was 35.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Top college free agent defenseman Danny DeKeyser of Western Michigan is not better than a 50-50 proposition to leave school, or stay for his Junior season. Teammate Matt Tennyson is also in demand.
Doan gets 3 game suspension …. Keith should get more
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 22nd, 2012
Coyotes Shane Doan was suspended for 3 games for his elbow to Stars Jamie Benn.
Blackhawks Duncan Keith will be up for suspension after elbowing Canucks Daniel Sedin.
Radulov to have physical and presser this morning … Teams worried about drafting Russians … Howard day-to-day … Doan has hearing for elbow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 21st, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov will take part in the Predators morning skate [today]. Radulov will take his physical this morning as he was too tired to do it last night. GM David Poile and Radulov will have a press conference at 9:30 CT [today].
- Elliotte Friendman of CBC: The Russian factor may play a role in rumors that the Blue Jackets and Oilers could consider trading their high first round pick. Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Mikhail Grigorenko are expected to be high 1st round picks, and all play in the CHL. Teams are concerned that some players may pull a Radulov and bolt back to Russia during their entry level contract to make more money in the KHL.
- QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Patrick Roy denies rumors that he would be the next coach of the Canadiens. “It makes me laugh and I’m flattered that my name is circulating, but at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Molson, who will make decisions about who is going to be his coach and general manager,” Roy told the Journal de Quebec.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Canadiens Scott Gomez tells Stubbs that the buyout/Devils talk is news to him: “I’m just trying to get healthy & get back. Buyout’s never been brought up”
- Steve Buffery of hte Toronto Sun: With James Reimer’s and Jonas Gustavsson’s play this year, the Maple Leafs will have to go out and get a goalie through free agency or trade. Either way, it may take away assets (money/players) that may have been used in attempt to land a number 1 center. If Burke did try to trade away Phil Kessel, there is no way he would get back what he gave up.
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard will be day-to-day with a groin issue. Ty Conklin was recalled but he has to clear re-entry waivers.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock hopes that Nicklas Lidstrom will be ready for Saturday, but Lidstrom is not as sure.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall (concussion) took part in yesterday’s morning skate.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown is expected to skate this week. Joffrey Lupul will start skating in about 10 days.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Shane Doan will have a disciplinary hearing at 5 PM for his elbow on Stars Jamie Benn.
Top 25 2012 NHL Free Agents – Unrestricted
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion on March 12th, 2012
Not everyone will agee with it, but here is our Top 25 NHL free agent list for 2012 unrestricted free agents. In creating this list week we took into account a players age, position, and likelihood of re-signing with current team.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Teemu Selanne and Martin Brodeur were not included as we assumed that they will re-sign with their current team or retire.
| Rk. | Player |
’11-’12 Team
|
Pos.
|
’11-’12 Cap Hit
|
Notes |
| 1 | Zach Parise |
NJ
|
LW
|
$6,000,000
|
|
| 2 | Ryan Suter |
NAS
|
D
|
$3,500,000
|
|
| 3 | Alexander Semin |
WAS
|
LW
|
$6,700,000
|
|
| 4 | Nicklas Grossman |
PHI
|
D
|
$1,625,000
|
|
| 5 | Jiri Hudler |
DET
|
C
|
$2,875,000
|
|
| 6 | Matt Carle |
PHI
|
D
|
$3,438,000
|
|
| 7 | Evgeni Nabokov |
NYI
|
G
|
$570,000
|
Re-signed with the Islanders. 1 year, $2.75 million. No NMC or NTC. |
| 8 | Josh Harding |
MIN
|
G
|
$750,000
|
|
| 9 | Shane Doan |
PHO
|
RW
|
$4,550,000
|
|
| 10 | Dennis Wideman |
WAS
|
D
|
$3,875,000
|
|
| 11 | Brad Stuart |
DET
|
D
|
$3,750,000
|
|
| 12 | P.A. Parenteau |
NYI
|
RW
|
$1,250,000
|
|
| 13 | Ray Whitney |
PHO
|
LW
|
$3,000,000
|
|
| 14 | David Jones |
COL
|
RW
|
$2,500,000
|
|
| 15 | Johnny Oduya |
CHI
|
D
|
$3,500,000
|
|
| 16 | Olli Jokinen |
CAL
|
C
|
$3,000,000
|
|
| 17 | Paul Gaustad |
NAS
|
C
|
$2,300,000
|
|
| 18 | Bryan Allen |
CAR
|
D
|
$2,900,000
|
|
| 19 | Andrei Kostitsyn |
NASH
|
LW
|
$3,250,000
|
|
| 20 | Jaromir Jagr |
PHI
|
RW
|
$3,300,000
|
|
| 21 | Tomas Vokoun |
WAS
|
G
|
$1,500,000
|
|
| 22 | Milan Hejduk |
COL
|
RW
|
$2,600,000
|
|
| 23 | Pavel Kubina |
PHI
|
D
|
$3,850,000
|
|
| 24 | Jarret Stoll |
LA
|
C
|
$3,600,000
|
|
| 25 | Hal Gill |
NASH
|
D
|
$2,250,000
|
Afternoon notes on: Parise, Red Wings injuries, Hall, Vokoun, Markov, Rask, Hedman, Pens top PP unit, and Leafs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 5th, 2012
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise’s x-rays on his hand showed no broken bones, and GM Lou Lamoriello expects him to play tomorrow.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard’s ultrasound showed no real damage, and he’s hoping for Friday. Detroit Red Wings via twitter: Todd Bertuzzi, Dan Cleary, Jakub Kindle, Nicklas Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard are not skating today. Brian Hedger via twitter: Out for Wings tomorrow: “Howard, Kindl, Bertuzzi, Ericsson, Datsyuk, Eaves and likely Lidstrom; Cleary, Quincey, Hank also hurting.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall injured his left shoulder again and didn’t practice yesterday. Coach Tom Renney won’t rule Hall out for tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals Tomas Vokoun aggravated a lower-body injury he suffered 10 days ago. Feeling better today.
- Arpon Basu via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov has been cleared for contact.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins Tuukka Rask is out tomorrow. He’ll be evaluated today.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman could play tomorrow.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins PP unit at practice: “Kennedy, Kunitz & Neal up front, Malkin & Sullivan at points”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: One pro scout on Dany Heatley: “That’s a long way from those 50-goal seasons. I don’t know if the game’s too fast for him now or he’s become a comfortable player.”
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Armstrong-Steckel-Kulemin, Brown-Lombardi-Crabb-Rosehill-Connolly.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Leafs Jay Rosehill clears re-entry waivers.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Mike Smith appears to be the starting goalie for the Coyotes.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Senators.
Wings couldn’t find fit … Caps unsure on Backstrom … Wild may re-sign Harding … No offers for Allen or Spacek … Toews may have concussion
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2012
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings were looking for a forward yesterday, but they couldn’t find a fit. Prices were high.
“Some teams are bigger,” Holland said. “They don’t have our skill. Let’s play. I don’t know that there was a move today that we could have made that would have gotten us bigger. The bottom line is, if you are going on a long playoff run, the top half of your roster for the most part has got to be healthy. You can have the odd injury. Part of it is matchup, part of it is luck.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee when asked if Niklas Backstrom will return this year: “I don’t know. Hope so, but we don’t know.”
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said he hasn’t ruled out re-signing goalie Josh Harding.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Panthers, Blues, and Coyotes, who are all in the hunt, weren’t able to make moves yesterday due to financial reasons.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said there wasn’t any offers for either Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. Teams called to see what it would take, but no offers.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: 5 winners from yesterday: Predators, Canucks, Sabres, Bruins and Lightning.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Hedger thinks that Blackhawks Jonathan Toews’ injury is a concussion.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at 5 moves that didn’t yesterday that will be getting interest in the offseason: Rick Nash, Cory Schneider, Ryan Suter, Alexander Semin and the Ducks (things may change in the summer for the Ducks. GM Murray is giving this group a chance to get back in it.)
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