Posts Tagged Ray Emery
Some free agent notes … Huselius out 4-6 months … Devils getting closer to naming coach … Canes basically done
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 14th, 2011
- Craig Custance of the SportingNews: Custance notes some intriguing players remain unsigned: Alex Kovalev (who’s not retiring according to his agent), Bryan McCabe, Scott Hannan and Ray Emery. The Bruins could use some help on the wing with Mark Recchi retiring and Michael Ryder heading to Dallas. The Rangers could use some scoring help up front, but a veteran along the blueline may be more important. Chris Osgood’s future with the Red Wings could be decided later this week. The Red Wings don’t want to spend much on their backup goalie. The Predators need to find some scoring help as only Sergei Kostitsyn and Patric Hornqvist scored over 20 goals. The Islanders are still $10 million below the salary cap floor. Kings GM Dean Lombardi continues to work the phones, and could be looking to add a winger.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius tore his pectoral muscle last weekend while bench pressing during a workout. He’s expected to miss 4 to 6 months after surgery (today in Columbus). Jackets GM Scott Howson will now look for a free agent winger who is able to play in the top 6. “I’m sure I’ll get some phone calls beginning (Thursday),” Howson said.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Though they are getting closer to hiring a new head coach, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said “it won’t be this week.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: The Blackhawks just started the negotiating process for RFAs Campoli and Frolik, there is no rush to get them signed.
- Dirk Hoag via twitter: Predators GM Poile “we’re in exactly the position we want to be competitive for a number of years. We have our window of opportunity.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said they are basically done for the summer unless a good “hockey deal” comes along. He will need to add a few depth AHL players.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Kris Draper wants to return next year, and Red Wings GM Ken Holland plans to talk to him soon. The Wings don’t have cap problems, but they 14 forwards under contract already. The 40 year old Draper had 11 points in 47 games, and didn’t complain when he was made a healthy scratch. If he’s not offered a contract by the Wings, he’ll likely be offered a position within the organization.
- Wayne Scanlan of hte Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators have signed their 2011 1st round draft pick Mika Zibanejad to an entry level deal.
“Obviously, if I don’t (make the Senators), I’m going back to Sweden,” said Zibanejad
“I don’t think that’s a bad idea to be there and maybe develop, get bigger and stronger. Sweden is the second-best league in the whole world, so I think that’s the plan.”
- Predators unveil their new jersey’s:
Coyotes 3-pronged goalie stategy … Hiller to skate in July … Callahan talks “just begining” … Balsillie could get team if he’s good
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 10th, 2011
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: Not re-signing Ilya Bryzgalov opens up some new windows for the Coyotes.
“It’s an opportunity to potentially spend less, hopefully find a way to be as good and use that excess resource in other ways to put a better team in front of our goaltending,” Maloney said. “So this to me isn’t something that we’re staring into our lemonade and going, ‘Woe is us.’ “
Coyotes GM Don Maloney has a 3-pronged strategy for his goaltending search. 1. Acquire top young goalie by trade: “There’s three or four in other organizations that may be available in a trade that would cost a good asset but may potentially solidify your goaltending for a long time; that’s one obvious way to look at it.” 2. Sign a UFA: “There’s two or three players in that grouping that we like. We think in our system with (goaltending coach) Sean Burke would be good fits for us.” Tomas Vokoun’s price may be too high. 3. Bring in a veteran goalie: “I’ve had a couple conversations (this week) regarding some very good established goaltenders on other clubs that for financial reasons they might be looking to make some changes.” The Coyotes expect to re-sign RFA Keith Yandle, and expect to pay a high price. Re-signing Vernon Fiddler, Radim Vrbata and Lauri Korpikoski are also on the Coyotes wish-list. Ed Jovanovski’s return is doubtful, Maloney hasn’t spoken with Jovo or his agent.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The decision has been made by the Rangers to buyout Chris Drury, a source added “He’s gone.” The buyout will save the Rangers $3.3 million, he was scheduled to have a $7.05 million cap hit. Ryan Callahan contract talks are “just beginning”
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller will resume skating in July. Hiller has been bother by vertigo since Feb.
“He’s fine,” Murray said. “He’s in good spirits. We talked about a couple of things. He’ll be skating on the ice sometime around the middle of July. “He’ll be doing a camp early in the week and then skate with some pros after that.”
Ducks GM Bob Murray hasn’t spoken with UFA goalie Ray Emery. “I haven’t really thought about it at this time,” Murray said when asked about re-signing Emery. “We have Jonas and Dan Ellis. Until something tells me we don’t have that, then I’ll deal with that.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini has been ‘talking out loud’ about the possibility of trading the 1st overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft. “I’ve had a few calls of people kicking the tires of how they can help me make the Oilers a better team,” Tambellini told reporters. “For me to move the No. 1 pick would have to be something exceptional. This is a huge building block again.” Staples thinks that if they were to trade the 1st pick, they would still need to pick in the top 5 or 6. The Oilers top scout sees Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Larsson as a cut above the rest (Jonathan Huberdeau, Dougie Hamilton, Gabriel Landeskog or possibly Sean Couturier).
- TSN: Forbes magazine is reporting that Gary Bettman has told Jim Balsillie that he could get an NHL team if he does not “create any more spectacles or bad publicity for the league”.
Daly says reports of Phoenix to Winnipeg are “not true” … Wideman 3 weeks away … Emery could go in Game 2 … Richards not in a rush
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 14th, 2011
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Deputy Daly shot down Sportsnet’s report that the Coyotes will be moving to Winnipeg once they are knocked out of the playoffs,
“No, it’s not true,” Daly said in an e-mail message. “The situation remains status-quo. Efforts to effectuate a sale remain ongoing.”
Matthew Hulsizer said in an e-mail he hasn’t given up and is “still working on it.”
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said that Dennis Wideman is recovering well and could return to the Caps lineup in 3 weeks.
Wideman’s “coming along, he’s walking now. I don’t expect him back for this series,” Boudreau said. “He’s a really determined young man. He’s rehabbing it pretty hard right now. He’s a lot better today than he was yesterday. I don’t know if that means anything, but if that rate of recovery is good then it wouldn’t surprise me — [if in] three weeks he’ll be ready.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Word from the Kings is that Justin Williams will be able to go in Game 1.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Martin St. Louis had a double root canal after the game last night, he was hit in the mouth by Michalek’s stick.
- Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks forward Tomas Kopecky lasted 4 shifts before suffering an upper body injury. He’ll be reevaluted today.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Dan Ellis was pulled 56 seconds into the 3rd period last night after giving up 4 goals. Ray Emery replaced him, his first action in a week as he has been out with a lower body injury.
“That was the plan if things didn’t go our way in the third period,” Carlyle said. ”We were going to give him some minutes because there’s always the option of using him. He hasn’t seen the net in a while.
“If you ask any goaltender, they’d like to see the net a little bit before they get an opportunity to play. So that gives us another option for Friday.”
- Dallas Morning News: Stars UFA Brad Richards,
“There’s been a little chatter, but it’s always come back to if I am going to sign and there’s no ownership, I am still kind of hesitant,” Richards said. “There may not be ownership by the time I have to make a decision. Right now, there’s no rush. There’s nothing that’s pressing me. I am going to try to see what happens. If there is no change, it doesn’t mean I am leaving. I’ll have to make a different type of decision at that time.”
Added Richards: “Right now it doesn’t look like it’s going to be in place, but like I said, there’s no deadline right now, so I can sit back. I am sure I will talk with [Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk] here in the next day or two and get a better idea. Then we’ll wait and see.”
Afternoon notes on Leafs, Flames, Crosby, Green, Ducks goalie situation, Pacioretty and Clowe
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 12th, 2011
- James Mirtle via twitter: Brian Burke, “We have a ton of cap room and intend to be active on July 1.”
- Calgary Flames via twitter: Jay Feaster, “Jarome isn’t going anywhere”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Sidney Crosby is making progress but doctors are not giving a timeline for his return.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Bruce Boudreau said that Mike Green would be ready to go for Game 1.
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: Ducks goalie Ray Emery is still being bothered by a lower body injury and may not be ready to go. Jonas Hiller is still dealing with vertigo symptoms. Dan Ellis is likely to be the start for Game 1. “You go with the hot hand. Dan has been very strong in the nets for us. He’s been a great guy as far as his work ethic and hasn’t wavered in is support of his teammates,” Carlyle said.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Despite skating on his own, Max Pacioretty “isn’t close to returning” according to coach Jacques Martin.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercry News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe should be ready for their playoff opener. “Clowe’s fine,” the coach said. “I talked to him after practice. He felt really good. He was smiling. I asked him about his legs and his lungs and he said everything felt good. Like I said before, we expect him to be playing and I think he expects himself to play.”
Leighton clears re-entry, to start on Saturday … Torres hearing at noon tomorrow … Some starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 6th, 2011
- John Shannon via twitter: Raffi Torres has noon hearing tomorrow via phone for his hit on Jordan Eberle.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Antero Niittymaki will make his first start for the Sharks tonight since Jan. 13th. Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ray Emery will start for the Ducks against the Sharks.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer will start for the Maple Leafs tonight and on Saturday.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Sharks winger Ryane Clowe won’t be in the lineup tonight, out with a lower body injury. Forward Scott Nichol will play in 2 of their last 3 games.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start on Friday for Flyers. Sam Carchidi via twitter: Sounds like Michael Leighton will start on Saturday for the Flyers. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Michael Leighton clears re-entry waivers.
Some RFA’s to keep an eye on … No Bryzgalov for Leafs … Capitals D update … Datysuk expects to play today
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 3rd, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks there are 3 restricted free agents to keep an eye on. Steven Stamkos: He probably would like one of those large 12 year, $120 million contracts, but the Lightning more interested in a 6 year, $8.5 million per season deal. Zach Parise: Parise could head to arbitration. He could sign a 1 year deal and become an unrestricted free agent next year. He could get a deal in the $5.5 million range. Shea Weber: The Predators aren’t big spenders, and Weber could be worth $6-6.5 million. Islanders coach Jack Capuano is likely to be named their full time coach. Ilya Bryzgalov and Tomas Vokoun are the top goalies on the market, look for the Avalanche to go after Vokoun. Garrioch thinks Ottawa’s Cory Clouston, Minnesota’s Todd Richards and Florida’s Peter DeBoer could all be looking for new work next year. Most managerial/coaching positions in Columbus may not be safe despite what their team president is saying.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: A source told LeBrun there is “no way” the Maple Leafs go after Ilya Bryzgalov this off-season. Goalie coach Francois Allaire and Bryzgalov don’t get along, and they also believe they have a starter in James Reimer. Their current plan is to see Jonas Gustavsson does in training camp. They could pick a goalie off waivers or bring back Giguere on a cheap one year deal. The Capitals hope to have Dennis Wideman back sometime during the playoffs. Mike Green feels he’s ready to go, and could play in a game or 2 before the playoffs. Tom Poti is skating, but they don’t know when he’ll return from the groin injury. It’s expected that Adam Foote could announce in the next 7-10 days that he’s retiring. The Ducks have some goaltending issues to address this offseason. Ray Emery will be a UFA, they are concerned about Jonas Hiller’s vertigo issues (3 more year, $4.5 million cap hit), and they have Dan Ellis for 1 more year at $1.5 million.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Ryan Miller is still unable to practice and did not travel with the team to Washington. He is still bothered by an upper body injury caused by a Dian Phaneuf slap shot. Jordan Leopold has been unable to see a hand specialist for the last week as he’s had the flu and then pneumonia.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Pavel Datsyuk is expected to play today. Niklas Kronwall is still not ready to go.
- Eric Stephens of OC Register: Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky left the game with an upper body injury after being hit by Doug Murray of the Sharks. He was favoring his shoulder and will be re-evaluated today.
- Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Alex Edler could return on Thursday against the Wild but Saturday against the Flames is more likely.
A Couple afternoon NHL notes involving the Red Wings, Devils, Ducks and Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 28th, 2011
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Jimmy Howard’s MRI results from yesterday showed only a sprain and no structural damage. Howard seemed hopeful for Wednesday, but “He’s going to take a little break and we don’t know when he’ll be back,” Babcock said. “The bottom line, like with any player that has an injury, he’s got to get back, get healthy and get playing. Ideally, it won’t be too long.” Joey MacDonald will start tonight, Thomas McCollum was recalled.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Johan Franzen is back in the lineup for the Red Wings. Pavel Datsyuk is still out.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Zach Parise practiced on a line with Travis Zajac today. New Jersey Devils via twitter: Parise’s status for Wednesday’s game will likely be determined after tomorrow’s practice.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ray Emery will start for the Ducks tonight.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets fans should keep Cory Schneider’s name in mind this summer. (reference Tom Reed’s article that we posted this morning)
Afternoon notes on Pronger, Arnott, Ovechkin, Crosby, Couture, Staal, Williams, and Letestu
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 23rd, 2011
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers GM Paul Holgren said he hopes that Chris Pronger will be able to return for the final 2 games of the regular season.
- Mike Vogl via twitter: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said he wouldn’t be surprised if Jason Arnott and Alex Ovechkin returned late next week. They could travel with the team to Ottawa-Montreal.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Sidney Crosby skated for 20+ minutes this morning.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks rookie Logan Couture will likely be in the lineup tonight against the Flames.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes center Eric Staal has a lower body injury but will be able to go.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings winger Justin Williams will miss 3-4 weeks with a shoulder injury. Lines at Kings practice today: Penner-Kopitar-Moller, Smyth-Handzus-Brown, Ponikarovsky-Stoll-Simmonds, Clifford/Lewis/Richardson/Westgarth.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins center Mark Letestu is close to returning but will miss his 3rd consectutive game.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland spoke with Andy Murray, and he has no interest in coaching in the KHL.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ray Emery is expected to start for the Ducks tonight against the Stars.
Nieuwendyk comments on Brad Richards … Peter Stastny Audio … Emery recalled, Hiller may practice tomorrow … Zherdev, Rivet, Svatos hit the waiver wire … plus plenty more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2011
- Peter Stastny Audio posted from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Paul Stastny’s dad is not happy about the Avs-Blues trade from last week.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “Nieuwendyk was asked on NHL Live ! about possibly trading Richards”:
“I’ve discussed it with some teams. All options are in play here. It’s certainly not my first choice, I’ve maintained all along that we’d like to keep Brad as a Dallas Star for a long period of time. There’s a lot of uncertainty with our side as far as ownership that are a concern for them. But, all options are open. It’s certainly going to have to be a good type of deal in order to pry him away from us because we are sitting tied for eighth right now and have a lot of home games coming up in March.”
Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Nieuwendyk added that all is quiet on the trade front right now.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Nieuwendyk also said that Richards is feeling better but there is no timetable on his return.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN: LeBrun notes that if Richards does become available, the Kings will definitely be talking with the Stars. The Rangers and Leafs would be interested in him if/when he becomes a free agent, and may need him to sign an extension before they made a trade for him. The Dallas wanted Jack Johnson from the Kings in a deal for James Neal. Ales Hemsky and David Booth are on the Kings wish list. Everyone seems to ask for Brayden Schenn. LeBrun thinks only a sign and trade that nets Richards would include Schenn. Burnside wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Stastny is being shopped around the league. LeBrun adds there has been no talks between the Kings and Avalanche regarding Stastny (as of Tuesday night). Toronto has kicked the tires on John-Michael Lieles. The Rangers are interested in Bryan McCabe but not at a high price. Atlanta may be interested in moving Ron Hainsey, but he has a limited no-trade and 2 years left with a cap hit $4.5 million. Johnny Oduya may also become available if the Thrashers continue to fall out of it. The Hurricanes aren’t shopping Joni Pitkanen, but teams are calling about him.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said they hope to have Jonas Hiller cleared for practice tomorrow. Helene Elliott via twitter: Ray Emery was called up by the Ducks today, and is expected to be the backup. Anaheim Ducks via twitter: GM Murray, “We hope to have Jonas by the weekend, but [now] is a good time [for Emery] to come up and work with our coaches and shooters.”
- Kevin Allen via twitter: On waivers today are Nikolai Zherdev, Craig Rivet, Marek Svatos, Ales Kotalik (re-entry) and Jeremy Colliton. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun doesn’t think the Blackhawks would be interested in Rivet.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is looking to add a defenseman who can kill penalties, and it would be a bonus if he was physical. “I think some teams are going to try to hold their guys close to the deadline,” Bowman said. “We don’t necessarily want to wait that long. If we find a guy we’re comfortable with, we’ll make it work.”
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Other teams have initiated trade talks with the Blue Jackets about Steve Mason, and those inquiries may be been made when the team was struggling last month.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning against the Coyotes.
Bogosian rumored to Edmonton … Possible Penguins targets … Bruins looking for D … Brodeur day-to-day … Emery Clears
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 8th, 2011
- Gene Principe via twitter: Rumored talk of Zach Bogosian possibly heading to Edmonton, 2 Thrashers scouts drove to Nashville in a snowstorm to see the Oilers play. Ben Wright via twitter: Wright says to stop this Ales Hemsky to Atlanta talk, not going to happen, he’s extremely confident it’s not happening.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: The Penguins could be looking for a top 6 forward, preferably a center with Malkin don’t for the year, and questions surrounding Crosby. Cap number is not an issue, and they could look at players like Stephen Weiss or Devin Setoguchi as examples. It might take Alex Goligoski in a deal to get Setoguchi. Jason Arnott could draw some interest. The Bruins are still interested in Tomas Kaberle but it’s hard to see them paying a premium to the Leafs. Chiarelli could look at Eric Brewer, Chris Phillips, Joe Corvo and Joni Pitkanen. With the uncertainty of Dallas ownership it doesn’t look like they’ll get a deal done before the trade deadline, but it’s unlikely Brad Richards will get moved. But there is the small possibility that Dallas could look to move him, and he might consider, especially if an extension was in place.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur is day-to-day with a ‘non-operable injury’ to his right knee.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ray Emery clears waivers and will start is comeback with Syracuse of the AHL. Ducks put Aaron Voros on waivers.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Alexander Semin will be in the lineup for the Capitals tonight, Michal Neurvirth will be in net. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Mike Green won’t play tonight be should be able to go on Saturday.
- Thomas Reed via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets.
Savard to LTIR … Brodeur to have MRI … Kessel Audio … Red Wings looking at Conklin … Blackhawks-Thrashers scouting each other
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 7th, 2011
- Boston Bruins: Announced that Marc Savard will be put on LTIR and is out for the rest of the season.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will have an MRI today on his right knee. Rich Chere via twitter: “Lemaire on brodeur: I don’t think we’ll have him tomorrow”
- The Fourth Period: The Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers have been heavily scouting each other this year, and might be setting something up for a future deal. The ‘Hawks could be looking for a Dman, and Brent Sopel could be an option. The Thrashers may like Jack Skille.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Red Wings aren’t looking at expensive goalies, such as JS Giguere. Chris Phillips will be easier to move than Sergei Gonchar as the later has 2 years remaining. The Calgary Flames aren’t trading Robyn Regehr or Jarome Iginla. Allen thinks Alex Kovalev could end up in Pittsburgh. The Predators are looking for scoring help.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: The LA Kings are looking for some scoring help, and Gleason thinks that Tim Connolly could be a fit. He mentions Kyle Clifford as a ‘prospect’ that could head to other way to Buffalo. Mark Stuart and Blake Wheeler could be trade bait for the Bruins.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues have already decided they won’t be re-signing goalie Ty Conklin, and have had discussions with the Detroit Red Wings. Ben Bishop would become the backup if Conklin is moved.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ray Emery signed with the Anaheim Ducks and was put on waivers at noon. Any team can claim but he’d have to stay in the NHL. If the claiming team wants to send him to the minors, he’d have to go on waivers again, and the Ducks could claim him.
- Mark Spector via twitter: The Rangers have been scouting Sheldon Souray and haven’t liked what they’ve seen. He’s too slow for AHL, let alone the NHL.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: Phil Kessel responds to comments he made yesterday, “Obviously, I love Toronto, I want to be here,” Kessel said, smiling. “I love this city. I love the fans. I love this team. The guys are great here. I don’t want any trade or anything like that. I want to be here for a very long time.”
- Phil Kessel Audio from The Globe and Mail:
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Pavel Datsyuk will be back in the Red Wings lineup tonight. Tomas Holmstrom is hoping to return on Wednesday.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ryan Getzlaf is back practicing with the Ducks and working with the 1st PP unit. Could be getting for their game against the Canucks.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start for the Lightning tonight against the Sabres. Ryan Malone will return to the lineup. Nate Thompson will not play tonight, may have suffered a concussion last yesterday. Malone practicing on top power play unit.
- Joshua Copper via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Oilers.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Roberto Luongo will be starting for the Canucks.
Afternoon rumor roundup, roster notes and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 3rd, 2011
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Trade discussions are heating up. The Blue Jackets may be the closest to making a big deal. Steve Mason, Jakub Voracek and Rostislav Klesla are believed to be getting some interest. A top center and defenseman are of interest to the Jackets. Dale Tallon and Pierre Gauthier spent some time talking before last night’s game, though Tallon said no groundwork was laid. Ray Emery has drawn interest from 3 teams, with the Ducks and Flyers as 2 of them. Teams could make a move in the next 48 hours.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mike Smith has cleared waivers and is expected to be assigned to the AHL.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Ray Emery’s agent JP Barry, “We are now exploring all possibilities and will have to make a decision relatively soon.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Wherever Emery signs, he’s likely to start off in the AHL.
- Andy Strickland via True Hockey: The LA Kings and soon to be UFA, Justin Williams, have talked contract extension. Williams may be looking for a multi-year deal in the $4.5 million range, which might be out the Kings range.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg appeared to have had a rough practice yesterday, and it’s still unknown if his comeback will be successful. Forsberg hopes he can make a decision soon, maybe by the weekend.
- Allen Panzeri via twitter: Jason Spezza has been practicing on a line with Alfredsson and Foligno and appears to be ready to go for Saturday.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Pavel Datsyuk had hoped to return on Friday, but Babcock said it might not be until next week.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: It looks like it might be quiet trade deadline for the Minnesota Wild. From GM Chuck Fletcher, “trying to make the playoffs with this group.” There has been no talks of moving any of their potential UFAs. Though he wouldn’t mind giving his team a boost, he won’t mortgage their future. Marek Zidlicky is 2 weeks away from practicing.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals coach Bruce boudreau doesn’t know if Alex Semin will make the trip to Tampa.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Mike Brown will be out a couple weeks with an upper-body injury.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Tuuka Rask will be going for the Bruins against Andrew Raycroft and the Stars.
- Joshua Cooper via twitter: Andres Lindback will start for the Predators tonight.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Cam Ward will be net for the Hurricanes tonight against the Maple Leafs.
DiPietro gets one-punched video … Thrashers want to trade … Ducks looking at Emery … Fedotenko out 3-4 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on February 3rd, 2011
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley is actively looking to make a deal as his team is struggling. The Thrashers hold a 1 point lead on the 8th spot,
“As of [Tuesday] night, yes [we are seeking a trade],” Dudley said. “Are we looking to do something? Absolutely. We don’t want to let this go. Obviously we haven’t given up on the season. It would be ludicrous. We haven’t given up on improving either. If it doesn’t come from within, it will come from outside.”
Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd (captain) had a meeting with coach Ramsey about ‘unnamed players’ showing a lack of effort and commitment to winning, which was a consensus with the team.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel: The Panthers have received offers for Stephen Weiss, and missing the playoffs each year may be getting to him. He has expressed that he’d like to remain a Panther.
“There are points where it really wears on you,” Weiss told NHL.com. “But at the back of my mind, I just want to try to play hard and when it does finally work here, it’ll feel that much better because you stuck it out. That’s not to say there haven’t been tough times, but this is where I got drafted and this is where I want to be.
“When the calls stop coming in and nobody wants you, that’s when you’re in trouble,” he said. “If you’re playing the way you should be, the interest will be there.”They would rather trade the expiring contracts of Bryan McCabe, Tomas Vokoun, Cory Stillman or Rostislav Olesz. GM Dale Tallon could be looking for draft picks.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Ruslan Fedotenko underwent an appendectomy yesterday and will be out 3-4 weeks. Fedotenko was originally out 2 weeks with a shoulder injury. Vinny Prospal will make his season debut against tonight against the Devils.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues have activated Andy McDonald from the IR and will be in the lineup tomorrow night. McDonald was practicing with David Backes and Brad Boyes. Philip McRae was assigned to the AHL.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie agrees that Anaheim is the most likely destination for Ray Emery. Eric Stephen via twitter: The Ducks are looking at Emery, though it would be as a number 3 goalie for the immediate future.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Though Ron Wilson wouldn’t say, it’s likely that James Reimer gets the start for the Maple Leafs tonight versus the Huricanes. Mike Brown is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rick DiPietro had facial x-rays after getting one-punched by Penguins goalie Brent Johnson, and they came back negative. (it was rumored last night that he might have had a fractured orbital bone)
Crosby cleared for light workouts … Healing Rangers … Roundup of names mentioned in trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
“There hasn’t been much real talk,” Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com this week. “Teams are saying ‘We’ll talk later, we’ll talk later.’ But that’s fine.”
“There’s been lots of talk going on, but it’s hard to jar anything loose right now,” Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said this week.
“Most of us have players that we would make available even right now for a trade, either because they’re underperforming and/or overpaid,” Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier told us this week. “But it’s impossible right now to get an agreement on values. We’re all hoping that we’re going to be able to just charge a cost without taking anything back, and that’s not reality. So I think, yes, we’re all sitting around to the last day or two again [before the trade deadline].”
The Maple Leafs and Senators have been trying to make trades (not with each other) for some time but haven’t had any luck. It doesn’t look like the Senators will move Erik Karlsson, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jason Spezza. The Leafs may be ready to take draft picks and prospects as ‘traditional hockey deals’ are harder to do nowadays. There’s the Tomas Kaberle and his no-trade clause question that will be brought up again. Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg will continue get interest. Sheldon Souray is still available. Dustin Penner should draw some interest. Future UFA’s the Sabres have are Tim Connolly, Mike Grier, Rob Niedermayer, Craig Rivet and Steve Montador.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby has been cleared by doctors to begin light workouts. He’s been out since Jan. 5th with a mild concussion. Crosby will have to be symptom free from the workout before he’ll be able to practice with the team.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources are saying that the Ottawa Senators are trying to move Sergei Gonchar. Gonchar has 2 year and $11 million left on his deal. The Sharks, Bruins, and Blue Jackets are teams that have shown interest in adding a defenseman. “You could deal him, but you’re going to have to take somebody back,” said one NHL insider. “It’s going to have to be a dollar-for-dollar, which means they’ll have to take someone’s big contract back. “This is going to be a really tough deal for (the Senators) to make.” Chris Phillips and Jarkko Ruutu have been the most talked about names.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: A list of players who’s names have come up the most in trade rumors: Mike Fisher (OTT), Tim Connolly (BUF), Daniel Alfredsson (OTT), Sergei Gonchar (OTT), Chris Phillips (OTT), Robyn Regehr (CAL), Bryan McCabe (FLA), Stephen Weiss (FLA), Tomas Vokoun (FLA), Cory Stillman (FLA), Drew Stafford (BUF), Tomas Kaberle (TOR), Francois Beauchemin (TOR), JS Giguere (TOR), Jason Arnott (NJ), Brad Richards (DAL), and Devin Setoguchi (SJ).
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Post-Dispatch: If the Columbus Blue Jackets fall out of the playoff race, they could look to move Jan Hejda, Kristian Huselius, Sammy Pahlsson, and Chris Clark.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers should get Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi back on Tuesday. Vinnie Prospal is close to returning, and before the trade deadline they’ll also get Erik Christensen, Brandon Dubinsky and Ruslan Fedotenko back. Spector polled fans to see what they wanted to the Rangers to do, the results: Stand pat: 36% Defenseman: 23% Center: 13% Trade a veteran: 11% Address a weakness only if the market price is good: 7% Any power play help: 5% Jason Strudwick-type defenseman who can also spell a forward: 3% Jarome Iginla: 2%. Specific defenseman named: Anton Babchuk (Flames), Brent Burns (Wild), Brian McCabe (Panthers), Steve Montador (Sabres) and Tomas Kaberle (Maple Leafs).
- Lisa Wallace of the Globe and Mail: Ray Emery is hoping to get a contract in the next couple of weeks, as he continues he comeback attempt. Last April he had bone grafted from his leg and inserted “into the ball of the hip.” He was on the ice in Ottawa with goaltending coach Eli Wilson. “I’m ready to go and start training in the American Hockey League and know that my body can take that kind of exertion,” Emery said. “The hockey’s not all the way there. I feel like a player at the end of the summer who needs some training and some games to get a feeling for the game again.”
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are looking to add another defenseman and a center. Players they might be offering as trade bait are Victor Stalberg, Jack Skille, and Nick Boynton. Defenseman that Sassone thinks they could look at are Bryan McCabe, Roman Hamrlik, Joni Pitkanen, and Chris Phillips.
Leafs shopping Beauchemin and Komisarek … Habs want to get bigger up front … Sens interested in Bieksa? Plus more injuries and rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 5th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ray Emery is working hard on his rehab from hip surgery and is hope to be back this season. In the next couple weeks he’ll likely begin skating with a OHL, then work his way up to the AHL on a 25 game pro tryout before a team is likely to take a chance on him. The Dallas Stars lenders are unlikely to grant the team the money to re-sign Brad Richards. With the Rangers being the top team to have interest in Richards since the Leafs are falling out of playoff contention. The Atlanta Thrashers will start working on a long term contract for their captain, Andrew Ladd. The Phoenix Coyotes still haven’t talked to Ilya Bryzgalov about a contact extension. Matthew Hulsizer will meet with the Board of Governors tomorrow regarding his potential purchase of the Coyotes. Francois Beauchemin ($3.8-million cap hit) and Mike Komisarek ($4.5-million cap hit) have been mentioned around the league, but their contracts makes them extremely difficult to move. The Montreal Canadiens would like to get bigger up front, and move Scott Gomez but his $7.34 cap hit makes it almost impossible (I still can’t believe Glen Sather was able to move him). Could the Habs be interested in Alex Kovalev? The Buffalo Sabres are trying to move captain Craig Rivet ($3.5 million) who’s been a healthy scratch 6 times this year.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks that Kevin Bieksa would be a good fit with the Ottawa Senators, who have liked him for awhile. Garrioch thinks the St. Louis Blues should be interested in Brian Lee, he could be a reclamation project like Carlo Colaiacovo.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Evgeni Malkin missed another game because of his sore knee. He’s been wearing a brace for a month, and he isn’t letting on how much it bothers him.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne had his knee scoped and he’ll be out 2-4 weeks. “Obviously it’s a big loss. Peks is not only our No. 1 goaltender, but he’s been playing terrific. Unfortunately, when they did the MRI and found out what they found out, they went in and scoped him. It’s unfortunate because he’s playing so well and we were sort of getting healthy. It would be nice to have some health, and then he goes down.” The Preds will roll with Anders Lindback.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky is out indefinitely with a right groin issue.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Chris Drury is likely a week to 10 days away from returning to the NY Rangers lineup. Drury can make passes but isn’t shooting yet. Vinny Prospal has begun skating without equipment, no ETA on his return yet.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Joffery Lupul returns to Anaheim but as of yesterday afternoon he hadn’t been given clearance to return just yet. He’s expected to meet with them this weekend, and could be in the lineup this afternoon.
Rumor round-up from LeBrun and Garrioch … HNIC Hotstove video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 17th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ray Emery hasn’t retired from the NHL, and is hoping to get back in the new year. “He’s working really hard. He wants to get back and he’s committed,” said agent J.P. Barry. Marc Savard passed his exertion test, and could resume skating soon. Owen Nolan is still skating in San Jose and hopes to sign on with someone, Pittsburgh could be a possibility. The New York Rangers are keeping their eye on the Brad Richards-Dallas Stars situation. The Rangers are looking to move Matt Gilroy. The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to add a tough defenseman and a centerman. They made a pitch for Brendan Morrison before he decided on Calgary. Coaches on the hotseat: Brent Sutter (Cal), Randy Carlyle (Ana), and Todd Richards (Min). Washington, Columbus, and Anaheim are keeping an eye on Sheldon Souray.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland will propose new overtime format at next months GM meeting, 4-on-4 for four minutes and 3-on-3 for the remaining four minutes. What LeBrun has been told the Oilers could be thinking with regards to Souray,
1. Do they eventually put him on re-entry waivers and live with paying him half of the remainder of his contract once another team picks him up at half the price?
2. Or do they continue to wait to make a hockey deal, which they’ve been doing for more than a year, and perhaps not move him until June, when he’s suddenly more attractive to teams because he only has a year left on his deal?
The Rangers are mildly interested in Souray, but only through re-entry. The Blue Jackets may no longer be interested in Souray. Marc-Andre Bergeron will have his surgically repaired ACL looked at to see how the progress is going. Teams looking for power play help will be interested.
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Ron MacLean, Eric Fancis, Glenn Healy & Pierre LeBrun.
Options for ‘Hawks if Niemi isn’t back … Stars would match most offer sheets for Neal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 23rd, 2010
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: There hasn’t been much progress between the Chicago Blackhawks and Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration date is set for July 29th (arbitration dates for all players). They could still trade him before the arbitration date, walk away from the ruling if they don’t like it, or possibly trade him after they accept the 1-year deal.
Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago: Blackhawk options if they lose Niemi: Corey Crawford could be the “best and most likely option.” Some organizational members liked him better than Niemi, and he makes $800,000. Marty Turco has already turned down $2 million a season from Philly, so he might be too expensive for Chicago. A lower salary for a chance to win the cup could sway him. Turco is talking with a couple teams, and has turned down more than Philly. Jose Theodore had a great record but a bad GAA last year, his career is on the tail end, and he’d have to take a big cut from his $4.5 salary (which he’d have to do anyways if he wants to stay in the NHL). Vesa Toskala (not if they want a shot at winning the cup next year) has a winning record every season except for last year. Would have to take a pay cut from $4 million. Has options in Europe if no one in the NHL wants him. Ray Emery could be cheap option, but he’s coming off hip surgery.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray and Teemu Selanne have talked this week, and plan to speak again next week, no decision yet on if he’ll return or retire.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars would match reasonable offer sheets for James Neal, if he were to sign one. If the deal was front loaded, it might be difficult, but they would probably find a way to do it. If the offer was for over $4.638 million, they might consider taking the 2011 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks (compensation for signing RFA’s). If RFA’s are not signed by Dec. 1st, they are ineligible for the remainder of the season.
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have shown mild interest in Aaron Asham. Asham could bring some toughness.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Colorado have been checking out Andrew Cogliano’s availability.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Dmitry thinks that Alexander Radulov could be back in the NHL next year (2011-12).
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Nikita Filatov and Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel will speak in the next couple days. Arniel says “I’m going to let him do most of the talking, but I’ll have something to say at the end of the conversation.“
Coyotes Staying in Phoenix? Sergei Kostitsyn done in Montreal … Flyers free agents
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 8th, 2010
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Sources have told ESPN Friday night that the Ice Edge Holdings group and city of Glendale are going to sign a letter of exclusivity on Monday, as they’ve agreed on all points on in a new lease agreement. The memorandum won’t be officially submitted to the city for voting until the city and NHL come to agreement on several points, which will be discussed on Tuesday. The NHL wants the city to cover the operating losses for the team if an owner is not found by next year, which could be in the $20-30 million range. If all goes well, it could still take 4-8 weeks before a deal could be finalized. Check out yesterday’s post on Coyotes situation for some more background on what’s been happening.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Sergei Kostitsyn has worn out his welcome in Montreal. The players, coaches and managment have about had it with him. He’s a skilled player and could help them out now, but he’s got a bad work ethic and a terrible attitude. Players may be wanting to send him away right away, but coaches and managment are trying to keep this distraction to a minimum.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: Gormley looks at the Flyers free agent situation this summer. Aaron Asham, Michael Leighton and Lukas Krajicek have all stated they’d like to return, but no word yet from management if there is an interest in bringing them back. Ray Emery isn’t expected to get a contract offer. The Flyers will most likely send qualifying offers to RFAs Daniel Carcillo, Darroll Powe, Braydon Coburn, and Ryan Parent.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres will be looking for a backup goalie this summer. Patrick Lalime is an option, but I doubt it, they didn’t seem to trust him that much down the stretch to give Miller the time off that he needed. Martin Biron is probably the leading candidate, though they can’t really admit it as he’s still under contract with the Islanders. The Sabres could also go ‘in-house’ with the 21-year old Jhonas Enroth who’s been in the AHL the past 2 seasons.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby’s final practice/game could be approaching. Currently he plans on training this summer like he’ll be returning, but he’s unsure if it will be with the Red Wings. The 37-year old is a UFA at seasons end, may not get a contract offer from the Wings, and may not see himself in another uniform.
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