Posts Tagged Pittsburgh Penguins

Kozlov to KHL … 3 NHL caliber goalies in SJ … Fehr wants $7.5 mill through 2012 … More on Staal, Savard and Maltby

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Fehr’s price tag for being the NHLPA executive director is $7.5 million through 2012, players start to “hmm and haw”.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks now have 3 NHL caliber goalies after signing Antti Niemi. Antero Niittymaki (signed this off-season for $2 million a year, 2 years) and Thomas Greiss were expected to battle for the starting position before the Niemi signing. Niittymaki doesn’t feel that concerned, but Greiss was more disappointed, as he’s probably the #3 goalie now. Greiss has talked to GM Doug Wilson about the situation, which might involve a change of scenery.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Antti Niemi’s agent said that he had “four or five offers” before he decided to sign with the Sharks.
  • Steve Zipay of Newsday: Speculation, not a rumor. The Bruins could send Marc Savard to the Rangers for possibly Matt Gilroy, Sean Avery and a 2nd round pick.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland met with Kirk Maltby on Wednesday, and is waiting to hear back from him. Maltby would have to earn a spot on the roster, and it might take an injury or 2 to get a spot.
  • Terry Frei of the Denver Post: RFA Chris Stewart signed a 2 year contract worth $5.75 million, $2.5 million this year, $3.25 million next year. Peter Mueller still remains unsigned by the Avalanche. The Avs currently sit $950,000 below the cap floor.

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Some longterm contract notes … Savard staying … Ranger not attending Lightning camp

  • 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 addedif 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.
  • 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.

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Staal’s return delayed … Ducks looking for D depth … Bergfors-Thrashers not close … Pens not talking to Kariya or Svatos

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal has “experienced a couple of setbacks” from the torn tendon is his foot. They will take it easy with him and there is no need for concern if he misses a couple days or weeks.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are looking to add some ‘low cost depth options’ on the point, but it’s possible they enter camp with what they have. The Ducks have considered trading for Kevin Bieksa, but the Canucks aren’t in a rush to move him any more.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Jiri Lehtinen isn’t ready to make a decision yet if he’ll return to the Stars or retire. Mike Ribeiro’s no-trade clause stipulates that he can name 10 that he doesn’t want to be traded to (that doesn’t sound like much of a ‘no-trade’ clause to me if you name teams you don’t want to be traded to).  The Stars want to sign RFA James Neal to a 2 year deal, Neal is fine with a 1 or 2 year deal.
  • Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens have yet to talk to Andre Markov about a contract extension. Markov is a UFA after the season, GM Pierre Gauthier told Markov’s agent “(Gauthier) wants to wait until the right time”.
  • Eric Engels via twitter: Engels thinks the Canadiens would be foolish if they weren’t interested in Bill Guerin.
  • Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley says that they remain ways apart with RFA Niclas Bergfors, not close on “value of player.”
  • The Hockey Writers: Marek Svatos’ agent Richard Evans, “Marek would certainly be able to provide offence for a team like Pittsburgh,” Evans told THW Tuesday.  “Pittsburgh is a team that Marek would be very interested in joining…on paper it looks like a good fit — but ultimately that is up to Ray [Shero].”

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Kovalchuk to the KHL? Pens and Bruins say no Guerin

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: With the KHL season starting on Sept. 8th, there is the possibility that Kovalchuk starts there, then returns to the NHL when is contract is finalized.
  • Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Lysenkov called Kovalchuk’s Russian agent, who confirmed that he called Medvedev’s assistant, not the KHL president.
  • Will DePaoli via twitter: A source told DePaoli that the feeling was that GM Ray Shero was interested in bringing Bill Guerin back, but the rest of the organization/coaching staff wasn’t.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The St. Louis Blues have been contacted by the Anaheim Ducks equipment people about Paul Kariya. It appears that he’ll be playing with the Ducks, but he still won’t say that he’s playing next year.

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Penguins to decide on Guerin next week … Lecavalier under the knife … One rule change

  • Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune: Lecavalier will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair the meniscus. Recovery time is 3-4 weeks, so he’ll be ready for training camp.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero told his coaches that he’ll make a decision on Bill Guerin next week. Guerin would need to take a pay cut from the $2 million he made last year.
  • EJ Hradek via twitter: The NHL has confirmed one rule change, “Regulation/OT wins (shootout Ws EXCLUDED) now will be first way to break ties in the standings.”

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Mitchell and Bieksa rumors … Could Chara get 10 years? Blues interested in Sweatt

  • 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.
  • 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.

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League to look at other long-term deals? More ‘Hawks Options … Turco to decide in 7-10 days

  • William DePoali via twitter: Gary Bettman said yesterday that if the league wins its case against Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look in to other long-term deals.
  • Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: According to his agent, Marty Turco is going to play for a contending team next season. He has 3 potential landing spots, and will make a decision in the next 7 to 10 days.
  • Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks and Antti Niemi have submitted their written briefs before their Thursday arbitration hearing. The ‘Hawks would like to keep Niemi but it all comes down to the price. One option to save cap space would be to go with a 21 man roster (2 below the max, which most carry), with the 21st player being able to play both forward and defense. If Niemi’s salary is below $2.5 million (and Victor Stalberg is sent to minors, saving $300K) they could do that (they’d also have a $1 million cushion for injuries). If the number is between $2.5 and $3 million, they’d have to make another move. If it’s over $3 million, he may not be their starting goalie next season. Marty Turco could be an option if they lose Niemi, they might be able to get him between $2 and $2.5 million.
  • Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Niemi is likely seeking between $3 and $4 million a season, the ‘Hawks probably closer to $2 million. The ‘Hawks could accept any ruling either way, and look to trade him, or someone else.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Boston Bruins are talking to Bill Guerin, but would need to make a roster move first. Penguins are still interested in him.
  • Michael Arace of the Colubus Dispatch: (written before the Blue Jackets and Anton Stralman settled before their arbitration, 1 year, $1.95 million.) The Blue Jackets will look to improve their defense, and will look via trades and not free agency. 3 options could be Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray. Arace believes the Blue Jackets have made a pitch for Kaberle, inquired about Bieksa, and made a ‘token’ call about Souray. Nikita Filatov’s name probably would come up.
  • Tim Benz of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero hasn’t completely ruled out bringing Bill Guerin back next season, and is still in touch with him. But at the moment they are looking at young kids to fill the holes.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a 1 year deal with the Kings (for $3.2 million cap hit). He wanted a 4 year from the Leafs on a ‘big ticket’ when he was with them.
  • Michael Russo via twitter: Willie Mitchell could be a possibility for the Wild, but he’s not looking to take physicals just yet.

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Canucks to be $4 million over cap … Devils could get fined … Stralman-Jackets far apart

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The league did try to get a maximum of 5 year and 7 year contracts in the last CBA, but the PA wouldn’t go for it unless they were granted other terms. If the Maple Leafs found takers for Jeff Finger and Mikhail Grabovski, their free cap room number would be about $8 million. The Vancouver Canucks could be about $4 million over the cap after Mason Raymond’s arbitration case this week.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: There is the possibility that the NHL will fine the New Jersey Devils a $1 million (up to $5 million) for circumventing the CBA. Kovalchuk could get between $250,000 and a $1 million fine. The NHLPA has until tomorrow afternoon to file a grievance.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackest and Anton Stralman are about $1 million apart, arbitration is set for Wednesday. If Stralman’s ruling is too high, the club may walk away.
  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Paul Martin took a 5 year, $25 million deal from the Penguins on July 1st over other offers from Los Angeles, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Toronto.
  • Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres continue to talk with Tim Kennedy, his arbitration hearing is set for July 27th. The Sabres don’t have any trade talks going on at the moment.

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That free agent guy … Bieksa getting some interest … No rush for Modano

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: A source close to Ilya Kovalchuk is saying he’s still deciding between a couple teams, but the saga is close to ending. One source is saying the Kings have a 50-50 chance of signing Kovalchuk. The New Jersey Devils still hope he’ll sign with them, and reportedly have offered more money.

Kingscast.net: 15 day documentry/short film on the Ilya Kovalchuk-LA Kings saga.

  • Randy Youngman of the OC Register: Is Bobby Ryan not signing the 5 year, $25 million deal with the Ducks because he’s looking for a 3 year deal, as he thinks “he’ll be worth more than $5 million in the final years of the contract”? Or is he trying to get a bigger offer sheet from someone? Ducks GM is looking to add a top 4 defenseman, and Canucks Kevin Bieksa is drawing their interest. San Jose and Columbus have also shown some interest.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Mike Modano is no closer to making a decision if he’ll be joining the Detroit Red Wings, but they appear to fine with letting him take his time. Apparently there is an offer on the table for 1 year at $1.25 million.

Should the Bruins trade Marc Savard:

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Kovalchuk and Kings close … Market to open up soon? Malkin to the wing with Crosby

  • Nick Kyperos via Twitter: 8:40 AM Post - “A big swing in the Ilya/Kings talks. Major stumbling blocks have been rectified. A source now described it to me as “close but not done”
  • Mike Russo via Twitter: Lockout protection has been a ’sticky part’ in the Ilya Kovalchuk - Los Angeles Kings talks.
  • Tom Gulitti via Twitter: (last night). Devil’s GM Lou Lamoriello said they will be patient while Kovalchuk makes up his mind. “I think we have to understand what he’s going through.”  Waiting for Kovalchuk won’t interrupt any other potential transactions. If there is a deal to make them better, they’ll do it.
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli thinks that once Kovalchuk signs, the markets will open up again. He’s been shopping Marc Savard and Tim Thomas for awhile, but things have come to a halt. “I think once a player of that caliber moves, there’s probably a couple of other players just under him who might move in a couple of deals” Chiarelli said. The Bruins signed Gregory Campbell and Adam McQuaid to 2 year deals, Jeff LoVecchio and Andrew Bodnarchuk received 1 year deals.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN there is no truth to the rumor linking him to the Blackhawks. Former Predator, Denis Grebeshkov has been getting some interest, but nothing concrete. Some of the interest is coming from the KHL, but he’d prefer to stay in the NHL. LeBrun thinks that if the Sharks think Kaberle’s price is too high, Grebeshkov could be an option.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There is nothing going between the Anaheim Ducks, James Wisniewski and Bobby Ryan, but they’ve been talking with Teemu Selanne.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguin management has concluded it might be time to move Malkin to the wing on Crosby’s line, bumping Staal to the 2nd line center. If the move doesn’t work, they can easily go back to having all 3 of them at the center position.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Derek Meech was re-signed by the Red Wings for $500,000 yesterday, but he may not get much playing time as a 7th or 8th defenseman, and may find himself with a different club by the start of the season. If he makes it to camp, he’ll be battling Jakub Lindl, Brandon Smith and Doug Janik for the 6th spot. GM Ken Holland was scheduled to talk to Mike Modano late yesterday afternoon, a decision wasn’t expected to be made. They’ve also had talks with Kirk Maltby regarding a 1-way and 2-way contracts.
  • Ralph Strangis of the Dallas Morning News: If the Stars make any acquisitions, it would have to be at least dollar-for-dollar. Unless they would consider moving Benn or Neal, there isn’t much interest in any of their players. Once the new ownership is in place, they may be able to add some players/contracts.

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