Posts Tagged Ray Whitney
Twitter rumors and Free Agent signings quick hits
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010
6:01 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: “Just hung up phone with Dean Lombardi. Asked him if he was closing in on Kovalchuk, “No.” Asked if he’s still in the mix, “Not sure.””
5:59 PM: Adrian Dater via Twitter: Kovalchuk to the Kings is getting closer.
5:57 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Saku Koivu to the Ducks for 2 years, $5 million.
3:45 PM: Bruce Garrioch via Twitter: The Flames are working on a 2 year deal with Olli Jokinen ….. (I wonder if Sutter is trying to get fired to collect his full pay)
3:44 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Canucks are favorites to land Dan Hamhuis, LA, Tor, and SJ still in it.
3:38 PM: James Mirtle via Twitter: Leafs not pursuing Raffi Torres as of yet. Armstrong may fill that role.
3:15 PM: NHLSourcesSay via Twitter: Islanders and Sabres have sent offers to Pavel Kubina.
3:01 PM: Darren Dreger via Twitter: Tony Lydman signs with Anaheim for 3 years, $9 million.
3:00 PM: Andy Strickland via Twitter: Alex Steen’s deal is for 4 years, $13.45 million. $2.75 million next year, $3.56 million the next 3 years.
2:50 PM: Frank Seravalli via Twitter: “Holy god. I thought Shelley was bad. Boogard to Rangers; 4 years at $1.65M per season… He hasn’t scored a goal in 4 years.”
2:33 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Leafs in on Dan Hamhuis
2:30 PM: Tweet of the Day so far - Adrian Dater: “Darcy Tucker is still available folks.”
2:24 PM: NHLSourcesSay: 3 teams interested in Ray Whitney: Panthers, Sabres, and Flames
2:15 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Martin could end up in LA or Pitt. Hamhuis still possible in Pitt.
1:05 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Dan Ellis is close to signing with someone, but it’s not Montreal.
12:53 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Paul Martin is eager to sign with Pittsburgh, and vise versa.
12:50 PM: Jeremy Rutherford via Twitter: Alex Steen re-signs with the Blues, 4 years.
12:34 PM: Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Savard to Calgary for Regher is being talked about. Savard hasn’t been asked to waive his no trade clause yet.
Alex Tanguay signs a one year deal with the Calgary Flames according to RDS.
Braydon Coburn re-signs with the Flyers for 2 years, cap hit of $3.2 million.
Eric Christensen signs a 2 year deal with the NY Rangers, $925,000 a season.
Ray Whitney Signs With Phoenix Coyotes
Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010
The Phoenix Coyotes have made another move signing free agent winger Ray Whitney to 2 year, $6Million dollar contract. The is a good signing for the `Yotes, bringing in a veteran presence as they try to continue their climb in the Western Conference landscape.
Rangers targeting Johan Hedberg … Sens options may be limited … Lightning after Mason, Martin?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Sens have to be careful spending their money this off-season. They have almost $49 million committed to 13 players, with RFAs Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, and Jesse Winchester. Players they could target: Anton Volchenkov, Sergei Gonchar, Ray Whitney, Zbynek Michalek, Kurtis Foster, and Dan Hamhuis.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers in the market for a backup goalie and their primary target is Johan Hedberg.
- Craig Custance via Twitter: Johan Hedberg and the Thrashers are still talking. Other options for Hedberg are Rangers, Canadiens and Devils.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Steve Yzerman may not do anything on today. He’s looking for another goalie, possibly targeting Chris Mason. Yzerman still wants to re-sign Kurtis Foster, and might have an eye on Paul Martin.
Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd, both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
- Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
- Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes and Derek Morris are still talking, but are far apart.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Flyers have permission to speak to both Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco (who did receive an offer, but wants to test free agency).
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: ESPN reported that Marty Turco turned down a 3 year deal worth over $6 million.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.
Trade Rumors still going on … Eyes turning to Free Agency
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The LA Kings made a play at the rights for Ilya Kovalchuk, but the New Jersey Devils reject as they still hope to re-sign him. If Dan Hamhuis and the Pittsburgh Penguins don’t reach a deal, the Kings could also be interested in signing him. The Kings like Tomas Kaberle but it may not fit as the Leafs want a top-6 forward, and so do the Kings. The Devils are still trying to sign Paul Martin, but it looks like he maybe heading to the open market. Kaberle could be an option for the Devils if they are unable to sign Martin. The Sharks re-signed Niclas Wallin and Scott Nichol to one year deals. The Phoenix Coyotes still hope to re-sign Zbynek Michalek, but are running out of time.
- Bruce Garrioch in the Toronto Sun: Ray Whitney could sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He could get a 2 year deal at $3.5 million per season. Minnesota made a run at David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron and Stephen Weiss. The Oilers offered Andrew Cogliano and another player to Boston for the 2nd overall pick. The Bruins are still working on moving Marc Savard. The Coyotes, Rangers, Leafs, and Thrashers are looking for a center. Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are on Savard’s list of preferred teams.
- ChicagoBreakingSports: Niklas Hjalmarsson has received a qualifying offer from the Chicago Blackhawks. Andrew Ladd and Jordan Hendry have yet to receive qualifying offers and may hit unrestricted free agency.
- Pat Hickey: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier must decide this week if he’ll re-sign Dominic Moore. Glen Metropolit and Paul Mara appear to be headed to free agency. He’ll also start working on signing Carey Price to a long term contract.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: With the Minnesota Wild unable to make any trades during the draft, they may be more active in the free agent market than originally planned, or they may just hold course. The Wild need to address the lack of depth at center. They are hoping that Pierre-Marc Bouchard is able to return from his concussion that happened 17 months ago.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Yzerman told LeBrun that they were not acquiring the rights to Chris Mason.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas may have waived his no trade clause. The Flyers have shown interest (this was written before Flyers acquired Nabokov’s rights).
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: The Maple Leafs have shown some interest in Marc Savard. Tomas Kaberle won’t be part of a deal if it happens.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Burke put Kaberle talks on hold Saturday and focus on the draft. After free agency starts on July 1st, he expects talks to heat up after the free market for offensive defenseman is set.
- Michael Obernauer of the New York Daily News: The New York Rangers and Marc Staal don’t appear close to a deal at the moment.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a wide gap; it’s more like a chasm.
“I’d like to have it done,” Sather said. “In Staal’s situation, he’s in exactly the same position Dubinsky was in last year. Where that’s going to end up is anyone’s imagination. He’s a good player, we like him - just like Dubinsky: we’d like to have him back, we think he’s got a long future, we’re going to treat him fairly. Sometimes agents don’t recognize that - leverage works both ways.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The Flyers may have a verbal agreement with the San Jose Sharks that would send the Flyers 2011 7th round pick to the Sharks for the rights to Evgeni Nabokov.
More teams interested in Kaberle … Murray and Spezza to meet … Good fit for Nabokov could be Washington
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2010
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke mentioned the other day that 2 teams have shown interest in Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle, and according to Simmons, that number may have increased to at least 6 suitors. The return they’d get for Kaberle would be higher if he were to get an extension from that team, rather than them trading for a player with only 1 year left on his contract. Burke would like add a winger in his 20s that can score and has some size. If he isn’t moved by/at the draft, Burke may look at the possibility of an extension.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray hopes to sit down with Jason Spezza in the next 3 weeks to discuss Spezza’s ‘unhappiness’. Spezza was booed in the 1st round by Sens fans, and already has complained to Murray about it. There were rumors that he requested a trade during their initial meeting, but Murray wouldn’t say. Murray has talked to several teams about trading the rights to Anton Volchenkov, but teams are frightened about the money at the moment. Volchenkov turned down 5-years and $20 million before the Olympics. The Capitals and Rangers may be interested in him.
- E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Hradek thinks that Nabokov could be a good fit in Washington, mentoring along Semyon Varlamov. If they went after Nabokov, they wouldn’t be able to go after Anton Volchenkov. Tampa Bay could also use a goalie, but Yzerman will most likely be interested in a younger, chearper goalie.
- AP in the New York Times: Coming out the GM meetings yesterday was that the GMs unanimously recommended that blindsided hits to the head will result in a 5 minute major and game misconduct. They are also looking at overtime/shootouts. Nearly 25% of games this past season went to a shootout, and 61% of games went to OT, also went to a shootout.
- Chip Alexander and Luke Decock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr. indicated that a decision to buy out Rod Brind’Amour or not may not happen for awhile. Sergei Samsonov is in the final year of his contract at $2.8 million, he could be bought out or they could try and trade him. GM Jim Rutherford will be meeting next week with UFA Ray Whitney. Anton Babchuk and his agent are in Raleigh to discuss the return of the defenseman to the NHL.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Though the Colorado Avalanche have plenty of salary cap space, don’t expect them to be spending it on free agents, they will continue “build from within.” The Avs have a cap number of $30.2 million for 14 players.
Whitney and Babchuk back in Carolina? Dale Tallon and the Panthers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 19th, 2010
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is confident that Ray Whitney and Anton Babchuk will be back with the Canes next season. Rutherford has also met with Rod Brind’Amour once, and will meet again in June, to discuss if he’ll back for his final season on his contract, or retire. Either way, Brind’Amour salary will count against the cap.
- David Neal of the Miami Herald: From Dale Tallon’s news conference after being named the new GM of the Florida Panthers, “We’re going to build from the drafts and hire a top-notch scouting and hockey [operations] staff. We’ve been given the budget to do so.” The Panther#3 overall pick, along with 3 2nd round picks. The Panthers haven’t had a lot of success with the draft, but hope to change that going forward.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Dale Tallon has had some success through trades and through the draft when he was the GM of the Blackhawks, so the Panthers could be in good hands. He basically acquired Patrick Sharp and Kris Versteeg for nothing, and got rid of players such as Tyler Arnason, Mark Bell, and Kyle Calder, who were once thought to be part of the rebuilding core for the Hawks. Who he’ll feel as ‘core’ players for the Panthers is not yet known.
Teemu Back? Kozlov Rips Coaches in Atlanta … Koivu Wants to Stay … Maple Leafs Coaches Safe
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 13th, 2010
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: It’s sounding more and more like Teemu Selanne might return to the Ducks next season and put off retirement for atleast one more season.
•”If you had asked me two months ago, it would have been easy to think, ‘This is it.’ But the way we have played since then (23-14-4 in the second half), after I got healthy, it’s been so much fun.”• “Obviously, I’m going to have a lot of time to rest this summer. It’s disappointing, because we had way too good a team to miss the playoffs. But in some ways, the tank doesn’t feel even close to empty.”
•”I feel I can still play. I still have my speed and my strength – those are the skills that make me successful. If they weren’t good enough to play at this level, it would be easy to do something else.”
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Slava Kozlov had some parting shots at the Atlanta Thrashers, blaming the coaching staff for the team’s failure to make the playoffs, citing lack of preparation and poor systems. Kozlov was a healthy scratch for 26 of the teams final 31 games. Kozlov had only good things to say about his teammates and organization as a whole, only bashing the coaches. He has a list of 5 or 6 teams that he’d consider signing with this off-season, and if that doesn’t pan out, he’ll head back to Russia and the KHL.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Saku Koivu has said he’d like to remain in Anaheim, and hopes negotiations will start before July 1st, but realizes that management has lots to evaluate with the season just ending.
- Lance Horby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs assistant GM Dave Nonis has held some talks over the last 10 days with Jonas Gustavsson’s agent, Joe Resnick. Talks are moving forward on a multi-year deal.
- Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News: Cowlishaw has heard that players still don’t understand Marc Crawford’s system, even after playing in it for season. The Stars should bring back Lehtinen, but is a good time for Mike Modano to hang up the blades.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke has said that his coaching staff is safe, and all will be brought back for next year. Coach Ron Wilson will focus more on the sad Maple Leafs power play from the get go at training camp.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Matt Duchene was on the ice yesterday, and might be ready to go for Avalanche in their series opener on Wednesday. Duchene was wearing an extra chest pad, covering his sternum. He suffered a ‘torse injury’ on Saturday.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: It is unknown at this point if Ray Whitney and Rod Brind’Amour will be returning to the Hurricanes next season. Whitney is a UFA and might re-sign. Brind’Amour is still under contract for 1 year, but at 39, he might retire.
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