Posts Tagged Pittsburgh Penguins
Afternoon notes on: Crosby to return, Radulov, Avery, Letang, NHL rules, Bergeron, Parenteau, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 13th, 2012
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby will return on Thursday against the Rangers.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports out of Russia are that Alexander Radulov is leaning towards returning to the NHL, but the KHL leaders are doing their best to dissuade him.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Sean Avery tells the NY Post: “No, that wasn’t a joke, yes I’m retiring at end of season and its ok”
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is a maybe for Thursday. He said he wasn’t diagnosed with another concussion.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there is little support for removing the trapezoid or returning the red line.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Hearing there is support of hybrid icing, but he GMs want to refine the wording/interpretation before their formal vote.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Bruins Patrice Bergeron’s x-rays on his left leg came back negative.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Islanders forward P.A. Parenteau is out with an upper-body injury tonight.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Wellwood-Briere-Voracek, Read-Schenn-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Rinaldo.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Daniel-Henrik-Raymond Higgins-Kesler-Booth Burrows-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Lapierre-Kassian.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-Gagner-Hemsky, Jones-RNH-Eberle, Smyth-Horcoff-Omark, Hordichuk-Belanger-Petrell.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Burish. Garbutt-Wandell-Vincour.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start for the Red Wings tonight.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Marty Turco will start in net for the Bruins.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders.
- David Alter via twitter: Looks like James Reimer will start in net for the Leafs.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Ben Bishop will start in net for the Senators tomorrow. Craig Anderson won’t play in the 3 games this week.
Crosby not returning today … Toews hopes for Tuesday … Souray 50-50 for Tuesday … Thorburn out 3 weeks … Brodie out with UBI
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 11th, 2012
- Pittsburgh Penguins via twitter: Sidney Crosby won’t play today. He doesn’t have symptoms or had any setbacks. Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Crosby on his return, “Hopefully, it’s soon.” When asked if Thursday against the Rangers was possible, “That’s soon, so we’ll see.” Crosby added:
“A good amount of contact is the biggest test right now, so, hopefully, the next few days with the practices we have I can really get a good idea of where I’m at and go from there,” Crosby said. “I’ve been really happy with the way I’ve felt leading up to this point.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland and Kris Letang practiced yesterday. Engelland is out with a lower-body injury and hopes to return on Thursday. Letang practiced with the team as no other ice was available for him. He didn’t take any contact.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews hopes to return on Tuesday, but he hasn’t been cleared for contact yet.
“I’d love to be in on Tuesday, but again, I just have to focus on this afternoon and getting a good rest tonight and worrying about those little things right now, the way I have been, just taking it one step at a time,” Toews said. “Hopefully, it’s going to be sooner than later at his point.”
“I think so. I keep telling myself that,” Toews said. “If you can shoot for a date like that, even if it’s early, obviously you feel like you’re improving and you’re making strides and notice a difference. This past week I was hoping for Sunday and now I realize that’s not going to happen. We’ll shoot for [Tuesday].
“But again, I’m going to tell you guys [the media] the same thing every day. I’ll just take it day by day and it what happens.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray is listed as 50-50 to play on Tuesday. Souray suffered a lower body injury on Thursday and sat out yesterday’s game.
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets Chris Thorburn will be out at least 3 weeks with a lower body injury.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie suffered an upper-body injury didn’t travel with the team for Sunday’s game.
- Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: Jonas Gustavsson doesn’t have many starts remaining to show his bosses they should keep him around beyond the season. Coach Randy Carlyle yesterday morning after:
“I had to go by statistics and … everybody said Jonas Gustavsson has been the better of the two in performance, that’s what they told me.”
Crosby cleared for contact … Downie status TBD today … Brown, Ponikarovsky out tonight … lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 6th, 2012
- Dejan Kovacevic via twitter: Sidney Crosby has been cleared for contact. Crosby: “The big step is contact. Hopefully, I can do that for a few days and get back out there.”
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche forward Steve Downie will be examined today, and his status will be made after today’s skate.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Leafs Nikolai Kulemin on if his contract extension is next: “I want to stay in Toronto, too. I love the team. We’ll see what happens.”
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs forward Mike Brown out tonight. John-Michael Liles has the flu and will be assessed this afternoon.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils forward Alexei Ponikarovsky won’t play tonight, has a minor MCL sprain. Plans on practicing tomorrow.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames probable lines: Tanguay Jokinen Iginla-Glencross Stajan Moss-Kostopoulos Horak Jackman-Desbien Kolanos Nemisz.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators lines: Greening-Spezza-Michalek, Klinkhammer-Turris-Alfredsson, Foligno-O’Brien-Neil,Daugavins-Smith-Condra.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will be in net for the Capitals tonight against the Hurricanes.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Matt Hackett will start in net for the Wild.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Jonathan Quick will start in net for the Kings.
MLSE has faith in Brian Burke … Injury notes on Parse, Gagne, Backstrom, Clutterbuck, Palmieri, Letang, D’Agostini and Langenbrunner … Ott talks trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 3rd, 2012
Maple Leafs – Brian Burke Press Conference at 10:00 AM – Ron Wilson firing and hiring of Randy Carlyle.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: MLSE has faith in Brian Burke:
“Obviously the team is struggling,” Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and COO for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said in a Thursday e-mail to the Toronto Sun. “It’s been disappointing for our fans, but it’s not over yet. We have faith in Brian and his people to get us back on track.”
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Scott Parse skated for the first time yesterday since he had hip surgery early this season. It’s still unlikely that he’ll play this season. Simon Gagne (concussion) is skating as well, but it’s still unknown when he’ll return to full-practice.
- Minnesota Wild via twitter: Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom will be out 2 to 4 weeks with a groin strain.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild lost Cal Clutterbuck and Nick Palmieri last night to upper-body injuries. The extent of the injuries are not known yet.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kris Letang has not been diagnosed with a concussion, though it remains possible.
“He’s got symptoms — not dramatic at this point,” Bylsma said. “But certainly (he’s) going to get home and get evaluated by our doctors.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Matt D’Agostini (concussion) could start skating next week. Jamie Langenbrunner is still in a walking boot, and is at least 2 weeks away.
- Dallas Morning News: Steve Ott on all the trade talk that surrounded him leading up to the trade deadline:
“For sure, I would be lying if I said it didn’t bother me. 12 years in the Dallas area that I’ve been in, my daughter is a Texan and I can go down the list on how I feel about the Dallas area being my home. Anytime you talk about uplifting yourself from a community that really you enjoy, it’s tough. I was thinking about it for a month and a half when I started hearing stuff and talking to people about it, but the professional side is you go out there and work as hard as you can and you continue to take care of the things you can control, and that’s kind of how I approached the whole situation. Obviously, Monday was a difficult day because I didn’t know where I stood until 2:05 when the deadline came in and you find out where you’re supposed to be. I had a couple of cocktails and. some Bud Light to relax. I had trade center on the whole night and tried not to pull my hair out or bite my nails off. I made it pretty clear that I wanted to be a Dallas Star and continue to be a Dallas Star.”
Letang has concussion symptoms … Lidstrom uncertain for Friday … lines and starting goalies … Roenick and Milbury battle video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies, NHL Videos on March 1st, 2012
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Kris Letang has concussion symptoms.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Bruins Brian Rolston hasn’t decided if he’ll play next year or not. He talks like he’ll be retiring.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Zach Bogosian will be back in the lineup for the Jets tonight.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom didn’t practice and his status for Friday is uncertain. Kyle Quincey skates.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov: “I need to be ready 100 % mentally and physically before I play.” They are not sure if he’ll play this season.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Lines at Kings practice: King-Richards-Carter; Brown-Williams-Kopitar; Stoll C for Penner/Lewis/Westgarth; Fraser C for nolan/Clifford/Richardson.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Coyotes lines: “Whitney Hanzel Vrbata-Boedker Vermette Doan-Pyatt Gordon Korpikowski-Torres langkow Bissonette.”
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines: “Bouma Horak Jackman-Tanguay cammalleri Iginla-Glencross Jokinen Moss-Kostopoulos Stajan Comeau.” Defensive pairing and goalie: Giordano Hannan-Smith Bouwmeester-Brodie Sarich … Kiprusoff .
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers tonight.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks against the Senators.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tomorrow against the Oilers.
- Jeremy Roenick and Mike Milbury battle it out last night:
Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.
Simmons says there will be coaching change in Toronto … Karlsson will get a big deal … No contract talks for Jets … Should Nystrom be suspended for Letang hit?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on March 1st, 2012
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons looks at the Leafs under Burke’s reign. Next year will be his 5th season managing the teams. Simmons notes that it is clear now that there will be a coaching change. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Many people would be shocked to see Burke fire Ron Wilson. Garrioch notes it would make no sense to have Scott Gordon as an interim coach, Rick Dudley would lighten up the room.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators Erik Karlsson will be a RFA at the end of the season, and will be in line for a big, long-term contract. Karlsson may be in the same situation like Steven Stamkos was, with rumblings of teams sniffing around with possible offer sheets.
- Greg Brady via twitter: Brady is hearing that it’s very likely that Mikhail Grabovski’s contract extension will be done by the end of March.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said that they’ll get to contract talks for their 7 UFAs (Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Tim Stapleton, Randy Jones and Mark Flood) in due time, but right now they are focusing on getting to the payoffs.
- Adam Jahns of the Sun-Times: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews did some physical activity yesterday, but there is still no timetable for his return.
- Peter Pupello of NHL.com: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is out with an upper-body injury, but it may not be a concussion. The injury hasn’t been diagnosed, and he’ll see more doctors in the next few days. Vincent Lecavalier could be back in 10 days. Marc-Andre Bergeron is still being bothered by a bad back and it’s possible he’s done for the year.
- Jason Gregor via twitter: The Oilers have returned Yann Danis back to the AHL. Nikolai Khbabibulin will be ready to return on Friday.
- Shelly Anderson Pittsurgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy (high ankle sprain) has been cleared to practice. Kennedy has missed the last 10 games.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kris Letang left last night’s game with a head injury after taking a hit from Eric Nystrom. Coach Dan Bylsma said Letang is day-to-day. Video below has the hit. Do you think Nystrom should be suspended?
Koivu shutdown for 2 weeks … Versteeg out a week … Crosby travels with Pens … Rick Nash press conference video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 29th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu has been shut down without contact for 2 weeks after he aggravated his left shoulder again. Koivu has missed their last 6 games, and was out 8 games before that. Koivu initially injured his shoulder on Jan 14th. GM Chuck Fletcher on if he’ll be shut down for good: “It’ll be up to the doctors. I don’t even know if I want to speculate.”
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers forward Kris Versteeg will be out this week with a lower-body injury. Versteeg’s been bothered by the injury for about a week, and wanted to play through it.
- Chris Harlan of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Sidney Crosby will travel with the team on this road trip, but his status is still unknown. “(Crosby) would blow away any other acquisition that any team made at the deadline,” Bylsma said. “We like our team. We like our players. Our team is on the floor.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: There was little interest in Canadiens defenseman Chris Campoli at the deadline.
- Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun: There was no interest in Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin at the deadline.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Rick Nash:“I was informed by management (in January) that there was a (planned) rebuild, a reshape, of the team, and I personally felt I could be a huge part of that, toward bringing assets in,” Nash said. “I think that was … in my view, what was the best thing for me, the organization and, personally, for my career.”
- Rick Nash Press Conference
Morning rumors involving: Maple Leafs, Wild, Sabres, Islanders, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Stars, Red Wings and Predators
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Maple Leafs, Penguins and Senators are checking out the goalie market.The Pens and Sens are looking for depth, and have shown interest in Josh Harding. The Wild are looking for a top pick and prospect. The Leafs have talked to the Islanders about Evgeni Nabokov, but GM Garth Snow is saying he won’t be moved. There is plenty of interest in Sabres Derek Roy. The Leafs, Canadiens, Blackhawks and Kings were interested in Antoine Vermette before he was dealt to Phoenix. The Canadiens could be open to trading center Tomas Plekanec. The Islanders want to wait until after today’s game to decide whether they are buyers or sellers. P.A. Parenteau is interested in re-signing with the Islanders, but the Senators, Blackhawks, Bruins and Maple Leafs have shown interest in him. If the Hurricanes are able to re-sign Bryan Allen, they may move Jaroslav Spacek. It’s sounding like Steve Ott won’t be moved, Canucks and Leafs interested. Looking like Mike Ribeiro could be moved.
- The Fourth Period: One league executive is saying the Maple Leafs are looking to add 2 top 6 forwards, which may result in the Leafs dealing Mikhail Grabovski. It’s looking unlikely that he’ll be re-signing with the Leafs before the deadline. The Leafs have been offered a 2nd and a prospect. The Leafs are also eyeing Steve Ott, James van Riemsdyk and Paul Stastny.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews upper body injury is progressing. There is a chance he plays on Wednesday. Same goes for Niklas Hjalmarsson.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have a couple inquiries on Brian Rolston, so it won’t be a surprise if he gets claimed off waivers.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Don’t expect to see Red Wings Patrick Eaves back this season. He’s been out with a broken jaw and is still having headaches.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock likes his roster, but realizes you can’t have enough depth up front.
“We’re all focused on if we can improve our team,” Babcock said. “At the same time, we like our team. If there’s something there that can help us and makes sense, then that’s a great thing.
“Change just to change isn’t going to be the approach. We’ve already done a good job in giving ourselves depth on the back end (by acquiring defenseman Kyle Quincey on Tuesday). We want to get healthy up front, but if there’s something available to make us better, we’d like to acquire that.”
A list of players could include: Travis Moen, Paul Gaustad, Sammy Pahlsson, Steve Ott, Mike Knuble and Mikael Samuelsson.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile:
“This trading deadline is not setting up anywhere near the same, in my memory, as past trading deadline,” Poile said. “Now we have more situations where more teams are in the playoffs or ‘I’m two points out of the playoffs … I’m not sure If I’m a buyer or a seller.’ What we know for sure is how close the standings are and it’s really hard to identify very many sellers at this point.”
The Predators continue to look for a forward.
“We certainly could use more depth on our forwards,” Poile said. “You talk two things, a higher-end deal for a top-six or top-nine forward or you talk about your depth.”
Friedman talks Kings and Jackets … Pens could face cap crunch next year … Coyotes can make move .. Canadiens notes … McKenzie trade talk video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 21st, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Kings defenseman Slava Voynov’s solid play in 33 games may have led to Jack Johnson’s name in trade rumors. Jonathan Bernier and one of the 2 defenseman could land them a scorer like Jeff Carter. If they were split up, they may be able to get 2 scorers. Friedman doesn’t think the Blue Jackets will trade Rick Nash at the deadline unless the deal is incredible. Friedman notes there are some teams that aren’t big fans of Nash.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins have $59.59 million committed to 11 forwards, 6 defenseman and 1 goalie. It could become a problems as some small market owners want to lower the salary cap ceiling to the $60-$62 million range. Pierre LeBrun noted a temporary cap of $68-$69 million will be in place during the summer. Paul Martin is one player the Penguins might have to move at some point to reduce their payroll. He has a cap hit of $5 million through 2014-15.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Coyotes GM Don Maloney has the budget room to make a trade or 2. “Any of the big names and sexier deals won’t include the Coyotes but there a couple of players we think we can fit in that would make us a little stronger,” he said. 3 groups remain interested in buying the Coyotes.
- Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Canadiens are 6 points out in the East, and are limbo between being buyers or sellers. UFAs that could be moved are Chris Campoli, Andrei Kostitsyn, Travis Moen and Mathieu Darche. Defenseman Andrei Markov will travel with the team on their 3 game road trip, who is at least a couple weeks away from returning.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets blueprint going forward will be “Fast and competitive.” Heading into the this season, the Blue Jackets thought they had enough skill to skate 3 scoring lines.
- Bob McKenzie on the NHL Network talking trades
State of the Pittsburgh Penguins: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 20th, 2012
Written by Alison Myers of The Hockey Writers and can be found on twitter at @OnePunchBeej1
With the trade deadline a week away, the Pittsburgh Penguins sit in sixth place in a tight Eastern Conference with a record of 33-21-5 for 71 points. They are also third in the Atlantic Division.
The Penguins have been playoff contenders for the last five seasons, and there is no reason to believe they won’t be this year. But should Penguins general manager Ray Shero look to boost the team to try and give them an edge over the red-hot New York Rangers or the arch-rival Philadelphia Flyers?
One thing Shero does not have to do at the deadline is get more offense. With Sidney Crosby remaining on the sidelines, Evgeni Malkin has stepped up and filled the void left by Crosby’s talent. Malkin is currently second in the NHL with 32 goals and first with 71 points. He has nine points in his last five games, including a five-point performance over the Winnipeg Jets. Any concerns about lasting effects from his knee injury are in the past.
James Neal, acquired last season from the Dallas Stars, is having a breakout year. He has the first 30-goal campaign of his career under his belt and sits first in the NHL with 13 power-play goals. Neal was scheduled to be a restricted free agent this summer, but Shero put any questions about Neal’s future to rest on Sunday, signing him to a six-year deal worth $30 million.
Pens would like a 40 goal scorer, but … Sens interested in Ruutu, listening to offers on Kuba and Gonchar … Buyers, Sellers, etc … Havlat skating
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 20th, 2012
- Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero:
“We’re playing well, getting healthy, and that means more than anything. If I could get a 40-goal scorer or something that makes sense, I’d do that. But …”
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Many are looking to see what Senators GM Bryan Murray will do. The Senators are interested in Tuomo Ruutu, along with the Bruins, Rangers, Flyers, Blackhawks and Predators. Though there are some reports that he’s off the market, one executive said Saturday that he wasn’t. To get Ruutu could be costly, a top prospect (perhaps Mark Stone or Stefan Noesen) and a 1st round pick, which is not going to happen. The Senators have been listening to offers for Filip Kuba. It’s doubtful that it happens, but is possible. Sergei Gonchar could also get dealt.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: McGran lists teams that will be buyers, sellers or will stand pat. Buyers: Rangers, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Capitals, Sharks, Canucks, Kings, Predators, Blackhawks, Devils and Stars. Sellers: Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Oilers, Lightning, Sabres, Wild and Canadiens. Standing Pat: Red Wings, Flames, Islanders, Senators, Jets, Ducks, Bruins, Panthers, Penguins, Blues, Coyotes and Avalanche. Hot Commodities: Rick Nash, Ryan Suter, Jeff Carter, Luke Schenn, Sam Gagner and Ryan Miller. Buyer Beware: Scott Gomez, Rick DiPietro, Alexander Semin, Dustin Penner and Brad Boyes. Coveted Young Players: Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier, Sergei Bobrovski, James van Riemsdyk, Jake Gardiner, Cody Hodgson, Michael Del Zotto and Ryan McDonagh
- Randy Miller via twitter: Miller doesn’t think the chances of the Flyers re-signing Matt Carle are good.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks winger Marty Havlat is skating in San Jose and is aiming for a mid-March return.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin didn’t finish last night’s game after he tweaked his groin, but it may also have been exhaustion. Canucks defenseman Keith Ballard is out with concussion symptoms.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: The Devils have put defenseman Adam Larsson on the IR, and have recalled Peter Harrold.
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild have re-signed Kyle Brodziak to a 3 year deal worth $8.49 million.
James Neal signs 6 year extension with Penguins
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 19th, 2012
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed winger James Neal to a 6 year contract extension worth $30 million, a $5 million cap hit.
Neal is having a solid season, and currently sits tied for 4th in goal scoring with 30 goals.
The Penguins will have 18 players under contract for next at approximately $59.5 million according to capgeek.com.
Afternoon rumors involving: Blue Jackets, Jets, Sabres, Canadiens, Bruins, Flyers, Rangers, Kings, Avalanche, Islanders, Crosby, Hunter and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 17th, 2012
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets don’t expect to make any trades this weekend, but one phone call could change that.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said yesterday there’s no doubt he’s a buyer. “I’m always going to be trying to acquire assets. I’m always looking to make our team better for the future.” “It’s not just other teams asking about (our young players),” he said. “There are a lot of things that are talked about.” Cheveldayoff said there hasn’t been any contract extension talk with any of their pending UFAs: Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Tim Stapleton, Johnny Oduya, Randy Jones, Mark Flood and Chris Mason.
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside thinks it’s time for the Sabres to start making some deals. The Canadiens should find a taker for Hal Gill and perhaps Andrei Kostitsyn. Travis Moen and Chris Campoli could also be moved. The Bruins and Rangers will both be looking to add some depth along the blueline. A source said the Flyers could also be looking at adding another Dman. Hurricanes Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek will be UFAs. Luke Schenn could be had if it helps the Leafs land a top 6 forward. The Kings Jack Johnson could be in play, but they’d need to get a top forward back
- Adrian Deter of the Denver Post: Dater thinks the Avalanche will move a defenseman, with Shane O’Brien making sense. Dater also thinks teams will be interested Ryan Wilson, Ryan O’Byrne and Kyle Quincey.
- David Hutchinson of the Star Ledger: The Devils are looking for a veteran defenseman. Marek Zidlicky is one possibility, and he’s already waived his no trade clause for them.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Islanders are looking for a top 4 defenseman.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins Sidney Crosby skated with teammates today because of ice time availability. No change in his status.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins forward Rich Peverley is out 4 to 6 weeks with a grade 3 MCL sprain in his right knee.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Kings have put Trent Hunter on waivers.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Jonas Hiller will start in net for the Ducks tonight against Martin Brodeur and the Devils.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start for the Capitals against Jose Theodore and the Panthers.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Carey Price will start in net for the Canadiens against the Sabres.
Free Agent and injury notes involving: Ruutu, Bruins, Benn, Nugent-Hopkins, Potter and Zetterberg … Scouting the Flyers-Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 17th, 2012
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said a decision involving Tuomo Ruutu’s contract extension is now expected to come early next week. The “parameters” of extension are set. “Now we have to see where it goes. We don’t want this to drag on.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Bruins have made contract extension offers to pending UFAs Chris Kelly, Shawn Thornton, Gregory Campbell and Dan Paille.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars forward Jamie Benn suffered cut on his leg by Flames Mark Giordano’s skate. He’s listed as day-to-day. He is not likely to play on Saturday, but is a possibility for Sunday.
- Jim Matheson Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins practiced yesterday in a no contact jersey. He won’t play on Friday and is questionable for Sunday. Next Tuesday against the Flames could be the best bet. Defenseman Cory Potter, out with groin injury, skated yesterday but is not ready.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg has a lower body injury and won’t play tonight against the Predators. Jimmy Howard expects to play on Sunday.
- Randy Miller via twitter: Scouting the Flyers-Sabres game: 2 Blue Jackets and Sharks, Avalanche, Capitals, Canadiens, Penguins and Senators.
Confirmed: Leafs on Nash’s list … Oils getting calls on Gagner … Hawks looking for a goalie … Parenteau tables talks … Steen skates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 15th, 2012
- Damien Cox via twitter: Confirms that Rick Nash put the Maple Leafs on his willing-to-accept-trade-to-list.
- Daren Millard via twitter: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk said on HC@noon that he’s spoken with Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson in the last 24 hours. Added that he’s sure 28 other GMs have too.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are getting calls on Sam Gagner, but it would be a shock if they dealt him.
“I’ve said from the outset (even before his incredible splurge to tie Ryan Smyth for third in team scoring) that I believe in Sam. He’s played a lot of different roles for us over the last year and a half (centre or the wing) and I was so happy he had a couple of nights (eight points versus the Chicago Blackhawks and three the next game against the Detroit Red Wings), where you saw the potential come to reality. It was a lot of fun,” said Tambellini.
“I am not looking to sell anything that hurts our team and I hope Sam’s part of that (rebuild).”
GM Steve Tambellini wouldn’t say if there is any interest in Nikolai Khabibulin.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blackhawks are most certainly looking for a goalie.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: James van Riemsdyk said he’s still not feeling well enough to get back into the lineup, but making strides. He had some contact today.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Islanders P.A. Parenteau wants to shelve contract talks until after the season so he can just focus on helping the Isles make the playoffs. Parenteau has 12 goals and 39 assists so far this season, 2 points shy of his career high.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen took part in some drills today, but no timetable on his return to lineup.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Arron Asham hopes he’s able to go this weekend, but it will ultimately be up to the coaches.
Blue Jackets reportedly put Rick Nash on the trade market
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 14th, 2012
Feb. 14th 6:30 PM:
- Spector Hockey via twitter: Dreger lists the Rangers, Flyers, Kings possibly on Nash’s list. LeBrun believes the Leafs are on it, though they may be concerned about giving up too many assets. Bob McKenzie believes there are 5 teams on Nash’s list. LeBrun adds the Canucks could be on it.
- Spector Hockey via twitter: The Kings seem like a plausible destination for Nash, but maybe not at the deadline.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Garrioch thinks the Rangers, Flyers, Sabres and Sharks could be interested in Nash.
4:45 PM:
- Helene Elliott via twitter: A Kings source says there is no truth to the recent rumor that Nash is going to the Kings. (Rumored deal was Nash to Kings for Bernier, Penner, Hunter and a pick)
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson was given a list of teams that Rick Nash would waive his no movement clause for. Believed to be a short list.
- @b1rky via twitter: Pierre LeBrun said on TSN1050 that the Canucks and Kings have both talked to the Blue Jackets.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers have had preliminary discussions with the Blue Jackets about Nash. The asking price is in excess of a speculated package including Bandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and a 1st round pick. GM Scott Howson scouted the Rangers-Flyers game on Saturday.
- Katie Strang via ESPN: Strang also notes a package could include Dubinsky, Kreider and a 1st, if not more. The Rangers also have Tim Erixon, J.T. Miller, Christian Thomas and Dylan McIlrath.
12:45 PM:
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Rick Nash: “I’ve played my whole career here so it’s a special place to me. As of right now I’m a Blue Jacket.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: “History shows when dealing a star, team rarely gets equal value. Smart team empties vault for Rick Nash.”
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: 2 GMs inquired about Nash on Friday and were given a firm ‘No.’ Something changed quickly. This doesn’t mean Scott Howson will trade Nash at by the deadline, but he’ll definitely be listening to offers. LeBrun think Nash’s camp may have went to Howson and said he’d be open to moving. Burnside notes that the Kings, Rangers and Maple Leafs would be interested. The Blue Jackets may want a 1st round pick, a couple NHL ready prospects, maybe a young roster player. Howson will ask the moon. LeBrun notes the Kings, Rangers and Flyers would make sense. The Rangers have a nice piece in Chris Kreider. The Flyers have the Brayden Schenn, James van Riemsdyk or Sean Couturier. The Kings have Jonathan Bernier, forward Andrei Loktionov or Dmen Slava Voynov and Jack Johnson. The Canucks could be in the mix with Cory Schneider. Possibly the Sharks could be interested. The Leafs would for sure would be calling. One team executive said this morning, “My sense is that this will still wait until the summer, but it’s not totally impossible to get it done before the deadline.”
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: McKenzie writes, “Last week, in no uncertain terms, NHL teams were told Nash was not available and this week, he is. For the right team, anyway.” This doesn’t mean he’ll be traded. None of this trade talk would be going on without having Nash’s consent. Nash likely has a limited number of teams he’d consider moving to. Half the league would likely be interested in him, but maybe only a handful of teams that would interest him. Nash is in control with his no-movement clause.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Blue Jackets would insist on young roster players in any Nash deal. The location would be determined by Nash.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Lightning won’t make a play for Nash.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Anderson doubts any Jordan Staal for Nash rumors. Nash make twice as much as Staal.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: For the Rangers to acquire Nash, it’s unknown if he’d waive his no-movement clause to go to New York.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: Simmons wonders why Blue Jackets would let the likely to be fired GM Scott Howson trade their best asset.
10:20 AM:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Harder we dig, the more info that is beginning to surface re: Nash availability.” Sources are saying that the Jackets are open to do anything to help their team long-term.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Columbus holds all the cards on a Rick Nash deal. It’s up to GM Scott Howson to “hit it out of the park” if he trades him.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: Rick Nash is not even a possibility for the Blackhawks.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Rosen can’t believe a Nash deal will happen. The team needs changes but not Nash. Not good for Blue Jackets fans if he’s traded.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Because of salary cap reasons, Pagnotta doesn’t see Nash being dealt to the Rangers.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: 3 goalies the Blue Jackets to target in a Nash deal are: Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier and Tuukka Rask. Dupont thinks it would be fun for Nash to be with the Rangers or Maple Leafs, but they don’t really have the goalie piece for Columbus. Maybe a 3 team deal.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Dupont can see a Blue Jackets-Flyers-Maple Leafs deal. The Leafs get Nash. The Blue Jackets get Sergei Bobrovsky. The Blue Jackets and Flyers share some Leafs players.
Feb. 13th 10:24 PM:
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: 2 NHL sources told Lavoie that Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash is on the trade market. Nash has a no-movement clause.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: A Bruins offer for Nash would likely have to include Rask-Krejci or Rask-Lucic at core.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson through a spokesman declines to comment on the report that Rick Nash is on the trade block.
Nash has a salary cap hit of $7.8 million 2017-18. His yearly salary is $7.5 million this year, $7.6 million in 2012-13, $7.8 million in 2013-14, $7.9 million in 2014-15, $7.9 million in 2015-16, $8 million in 2016-17, and $8.2 million in 2017-18.
Carter will be moved … Smyth staying with Oilers … Rangers want top 6 … Zidlicky could be dealt within days … Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on February 14th, 2012
- Brian Huddle via twitter: Huddle noted that Aaron Portzline said on TSN1050 that Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter WILL be moved.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: The Rangers want to bring in a top 6 scorer, possibly a 3rd pairing, physical defenseman.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: GM Tambellini: “I have no plans to move Ryan Smyth. Ryan has made it clear that he wants to stay here and play for the Oilers.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Wild defenseman Marek Zidlicky could be moved within days.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: If Ales Hemsky would take a 2 year, $4.25 million per year deal, it would likely get done tomorrow. The Oilers are leery of a 4 or 5 year deal due to injury history.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning forward Ryan Malone said he’s playing tonight.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee on Mike Green, “…It’ll be no more than 7 to 10 days and it could be this wkend.”
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov is off his crutches and says that he’ll begin skating this week. Defenseman Jason Garrison will be out 7-10 days with a lower body injury.
- Tony Marinaro via twitter: Dreger said that the Canadiens wouldn’t get 1 call if they shopped Tomas Kaberle. One GM told Dreger that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is the executive of the year for trading Kaberle.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarsson was put on the IR with an ankle injury and will miss at least 7 days.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Ott-Benn-Vincour. Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Dowell-Wandell-Burish.
- Sam Kasan of NHL.com: Pittsburgh Penguins lines: Kunitz-Malkin-Neal, Cooke-Staal-Dupuis, Sullivan-O’Reilly-Jeffrey, Adams-Vitale-Park, (Asham).
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Zubrus-Bernier; Veilleux-Josefson-Janssen.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik. Hagelin-Richards-Callahan. Dubinsky-Boyle-Prust. Rupp-Mitchell-Fedotenko.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Connolly, Crabb-Lombardi-Kulemin, Boyce-Steckel-Brown.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net against the Ducks.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Leafs.
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