Posts Tagged Ray Whitney

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.
  • 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.

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No big offer for Kovalchuk from KHL? No over-paying on Kulemin … Bertuzzi gets 2 year offer

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 8th, 2010

  • Chris Botta of AOL Fanhouse: It was rumored yesterday that Ilya Kovalchuk received a $14 million per season contract offer from the KHL, but a ‘reliable source’ tells Fanhouse that, that is not the case. New Jersey’s 1st round playoff loss may have leassened the chances of him returning. The Devils could use his star power to fill some seats, but they also have another LWer in Zach Parise, who be looking for a new contract after next season.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Burke would like to re-sign Nikolai Kulemin, but not a salary based on ice-time on a bad team. Burke doesn’t want to lose a promising young player, but he won’t overpay for it. Kulemin has good size, skill and improved greatly as the season progressed, but he’s not a 1st player just yet. Two former Leafs, Ian White and Matt Stajan were in the same boat, more playing opporunity than might have received on a better team, which is one reason they were moved out as their contract demands would have been higher. Stajan signed for 4 year and $14 million. If you’ve watched Stajan over the years, you’d know that Stajan isn’t worth $3.5 million a season. A handful teams have confirmed to touched base with Burke regarding Tomas Kaberle.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: By now everyone and mother knows that the Blackhawks have a rough summer ahead of them trying to get some players re-signed, and shedding others. Allen thinks the Antti Niemi could ask for a deal in the $4 million range. They also have to look ahead to next summer when Dustin Byfuglien and more importantly, Brent Seabrook, will be restricted free agents.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM (Ken Holland) and assistant GM (Jim Nill) will be signing extensions later this week. The Red Wings have also sent Todd Bertuzzi a 2 year contract offer, and extended qualifying offers to Justin Abdelkader, Patrick Eaves, Darren Helm, Derek Meech and Drew Miller. They $6.5 to sign the above players, and possibly Andreas Lilja and/or a gritty forward.
  • Minneapolis Star Tribune:The Wild may be looking to move a defenseman this off-season. Cam Barker, Marek Zidlicky (no-trade clause) and Greg Zanon are probably not going anywhere. Nick Schultz would be a prime candidate but his 4 years at $3.6 million a season could be difficult to move. That leaves Brent Burns as the most likely candidate. The wild hope/think they may be able to get a top center or top 6 winger.
  • TSN: Jerry Reinsdorf has said “it was time to move on” from his pursuit of purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes, leaving the Ice Edged Group as the only local buyer. I’m actually surprised he lasted this long in this sale farse. I’d love to hear the comments he tells his buddies from the other leagues.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr. has said the ‘Canes will be younger and that they won’t be spending over $50 million next season, it could be in the $44 million range. They won’t be active in the free agent market. It is also unlikely that they will be re-signing Ray Whitney before the July 1st free agent date.

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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.

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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.

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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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Some Trades That Didn’t Happen at the Deadline

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 5th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
    • The Flyers, Canucks, Capitals and Ducks all talked to the Maple Leafs about Tomas Kaberle. Burke was looking for a 1st round pick, a mid-round pick, and a top prospect. The Flyers would have had to convince one of Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, or Simon Gagne to waive their no movement clause to fit Kaberle in. The Maple Leafs will most likely look to move Kaberle in the summer when his no trade clause doesn’t apply.
    • The Islanders weren’t sure of the health of Rick DiPietro (shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone), so they decided to hold on to Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. The Blackhawks, Flyers and Capitals all inquired.
    • Ray Whitney refused to waive his no trade clause without getting a contract extension of 3 years and $10.5 million. He could re-sign with the Hurricanes.
    • The Bruins were interested in bringing in Wojtek Wolski, but didn’t have the have the young prospect to send the other way.
    • The Capitals inquired about Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov, but the Sens want to make a strong playoff push.
    • The Canucks called about Raffi Torres, but he went to the Sabres.
    • The Panthers tried to trade Tomas Vokoun but couldn’t get the return they wanted. They will most likely try to deal him at the Draft, and the Capitals might be interested. They could offer Karl Alzner in a package.
    • 10 teams called the Predators about Dan Hamhuis, but Preds GM David Poile wouldn’t lower his 2nd round pick and a top prospect demand.

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    NHL Trade Rumors on Twitter on Trade Deadline Day

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Trades on March 3rd, 2010

    4:35 PM: James Mirtle: The Leafs were offered a 2nd and 4th round picks for Ponikarovsky, but liked Caputi better.

    4:21 PM: Chris Johnston: Canucks GM Mike Gillis says the going rate was a 2nd round pick for an expiring contract.

    3:12 PM: Darren Dreger: Lee Stempniak to Phoenix for a 4th and 7th round pick

    3:11 PM: Bob McKenzie: Capitals acquire Joe Corvo for Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala.

    3:00 PM: John Shannon: Poile confirms taht Dan Hamhuis staying in Nashville.

    2:53 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers could be making move on Lee Stempniak.

    2:46 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Appears that Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron will stay on the Isles

    2:45 PM: Bob McKenzie: Milan Jurcina back to Washington.

    2:39 PM: Frank Seravalli: St. Louis may have offered Brad Boyes and Carlo Colaiacovo for Dan Hamhuis.

    2:35 PM: Darren Dreger: The Leafs are done yet

    2:24 PM: Sportsnet: Raffi Torres traded to the Sabres by the Blue Jackets.

    2:16 PM: Frank Seravalli: Talks between the Flyers and Islanders about Roloson have died down.

    2:06 PM: NHLSourcesSay: Canucks back off talks with Columbus about Milan Jurcina.

    2:04 PM: Michael Russo: Teams are calling about Owen Nolan, but Wild are saying no at the moment.

    1:40 PM: Darren Dreger: Kaberle says he has an agreement with Burke. Burke will tell him what the offers are.

    1:32 PM: TheFourthPeriod: Jeff Halpern is traded from the Lightning to the Kings.

    1:26 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Mathieu Schneider going to Phoenix from Vancouver.

    12:20 PM: Craig Custance: Leafs not getting calls on Grabovski. Atlanta willing to move Devil’s #1 pick.

    12:18 PM: Steve Zipay: Enver Lisin and Aaron Voros clear waivers.

    12:15 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers are still in the hunt for Dan Hamhuis.

    12:08 PM: Nick Kypreos: Oilers claim Ryan Jones off waivers from Nashville.

    12:04 PM: Adrian Dater: Bruins inquired about Wolski, but Avs would want a 1st rounder, not likely

    12:01 PM: Andy Strickland: Flyers shopping Matt Carle, Lightning shopping Mike Smith, both getting little attention.

    11:48 AM: Chip Alexander: Carolina sends Aaron Ward to Anaheim for Justin Pogge and a 4th round pick.

    11:34 AM: Bob McKenzie: Florida sends Seidenberg and Bartowski to Boston for Craig Weller, Byron Bitz, and a 2nd round pick

    11:30 AM: Kevin Allen: Thrashers getting interest in Slava Kozlov. Undecided on what to do with Colby Armstrong. Looking for a top 6 forward.

    11:22 AM: Ben Wright: Kubina may be close to an extension with the Thrashers, doesn’t look like he’ll be moved.

    11:16 AM: Ian Mendes: Doesn’t look like the Senators will be doing anything today.

    11:15 AM: David Pagnotta: The Blue Jackets have inquired about Oilers Tom Gilbert (before Olympic break), another team in mix.

    11:05 AM: Adrian Dater: Svatos to Phoenix is a possibility.

    11:03 AM: Kevin Allen: Leafs not close to anything for Stempniak, Exelby, or Primeau

    10:58 AM: Bob McKenzie: Leafs send Martin Skoula to the Devils.

    10:54 AM: Larry Brooks: Islanders getting calls on Richard Park.

    10:25 AM: Bruce Garrioch: Deal is pending, Derek Morris going to Phoenix.

    10:23 AM: Craig Custance: Thrashers aren’t interested in trading Pavel Kubina.

    10:21 AM: Bruce Garrioch: Ray Whitney is getting interest from Washington.

    10:19 AM: David Pagnotta: Oilers and Rangers are talking, Souray not involved in talks.

    10:07 AM: Craig Custance: Custance asked Kaberle camp if they would consider waiving no trade clause for the right team, “No true” was the reply.

    10:04 AM: Frank Seravalli: Panthers are asking for Jeff Carter for Tomas Vokoun. They have no interest Simon Gagne. Vokoun did waive his no trade clause.

    10:02 AM: Bob McKenzie: Columbus asking for a 1st round pick for Raffi Torres.

    9:54 AM: Tim Panaccio: Tomas Vokoun might have just waived his no-trade clause.

    Twitter Rumors from earlier this morning

    Darren Dreger: Nashville may keep Hamhuis for the playoffs and trade his rights in the summer.

    TheFourthPeriod: The Ducks called the Leafs about Tomas Kaberle, told he won’t waive no-trade.

    John Shannon: If the Hurricanes can trade Aaron Ward and Scott Walker, Ray Whitney may stay.

    TheFourthPeriod: Word out of Montreal is that they want Nathan Horton.

    Darren Dreger: 3 or 4 teams interested in Dennis Seidenberg, who is owed a $1 million plus bonus at end of June.

    Bruce Garrioch: The NY Islanders have shown interest in Oilers Andrew Cogliano.

    Steve Simmons: Kaberle not in play, though that could change as the day progresses. There is no list.

    Kukla’s Korner: Doubtful that Whitney gets traded today.

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    Trade Rumors on Trade Deadline Day

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 3rd, 2010

    Here are a bunch of Trade Rumors for you on Trade Deadline Day. Follow trades on our Trade Tracker page.

    9:35 AM: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Flyers, Capitals, and Blackhawks could be looking at Vokoun, Turco, Ellis, and Roloson. The Predators have asked for a high-end prospect and a #1 pick for Dan Hamhuis, though they might keep him and hope to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Bruins, Canucks, Flyers, Devils, Rangers and Kings have all tried to land Hamhuis. The Leafs will look to move at least Stempniak and Primeau. The Thrashers are trying to sign Pavel Kubina to an extension before he becomes a UFA at seasons end. The Canucks, Capitals and Bruins may look at Joe Corvo.

    9:31 AM: Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Tomas Vokoun hasn’t been asked yet to waive his no trade clause. Paul Kariya won’t waive his no trade clause and Keith Tkachuk may not want to move as well. The Blues could move Brad Boyes if they could find a taker.

    9:23 AM: James Murphy of NESN: Targets for the Bruins could be  Ray Whitney, Erik Cole and Tomas Kaberle. The 2010 first-rounder likely won’t be available back from Boston, but Chiarelli could net Kaberle with the Bruins’ original 2010 first-rounder, possibly a second-rounder and a young roster player. The chances of this happening were unlikely as of Tuesday night, but “don’t rule it out,” the source said. “Anything can happen.” There was also a rumor that the Bruins and Oilers were talking a deal that would get the Bruins a defenseman and possibly Andrew Cogliano.

    9:20 AM: Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers are looking into Dwayne Roloson now that Ray Emery is done for the year. Roloson is a $2.5 million cap hit and is under contract next season.

    9:15 AM: Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM  Peter Chiarelli will continue to look for scoring help. They may look at; Teemu Selanne, Ray Whitney, Keith Tkachuk, Cory Stillman, and Erik Cole.

    9:11 AM: Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Canadiens may look to free up some cap space, and might look to see if they could shed Roman Hamrlik’s $5.5 million salary next season. That might be tough to do. The Habs may also look to move some salary for draft picks, with Maxim Lapierre, Glen Metropolit, and Paul Mara as potential players that could be moved out.

    9:07 AM: Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Washington Capitals are showing interest in Oilers Dman, Steve Staios. Staios is 37, and has another season at $2.7 million. John Erskine and a draft pick could head the other way.

    9:00 AM: Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: It looks like the Canadiens will hold on to both Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price.

    Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are still trying to trade Cristobal Huet and his %5.625 million cap hit. Rumors are that they are talking to the Panthers, Islanders and Leafs.  The Leafs shot down their interest yesterday.

    Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo initially thought that Wild would be trading Owen Nolan, but now he’s not so sure. Unless they get a big offer, they’ll probably keep him. The Wild could be willing to move Eric Belanger.

    Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs have put Wolski’s name out there, with the Coyotes Peter Mueller mentioned as a possible return. The Avalanche could look at bringing in Joe Corvo.

    Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning could use some scoring and a puck moving defenseman. They could also do some selling with Jeff Halpern, Mike Smith, Mattt Smaby, David Hale, and Alex Tanguay’s name being mentioned.

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    Trade talk is picking up as Olympic Freeze is Over

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 1st, 2010

  • 11:05 AM: John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Predators coud use some scoring depth, and/or someone that can kill penalties. They’ll most likely look to add a rental player, instead of one with a longer contract. Dan Hamhuis and/or Dan Ellis could be moved out. If they move Hamhuis, they’d definitely need to bring in another Dman or 2. Potential targets could be Maxim Afinogenov, Colby Armstrong, Jeff Halpren, Ethan Moreau, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Rob Niedermayer, Lee Stempniak, Raffi Torres, and Ray Whitney.
  • 10:57 AM: Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Contract talks between the Penguins and Sergei Gonchar will be put on hold until after the season.
  • 10:53 AM: Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings probably won’t make a significant move, but will may look to add some depth at forward.
  • 10:47 AM: Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: The Lightning could be after a scoring winner, a puck-moving defenseman and a gritty 3rd-4th liner. Cheaper options could be Shean Donavan or Marek Svatos. Freddie Modin, Ponikarovsky or Torres are other options. Kris Versteeg would be a dream addition.
  • 10:39 AM: Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes are looking for another scorer, especially one that could help their 29th ranked power play.
  • 10:33 AM: Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: If Marek Zidlicky isn’t signed to an extension by the trade deadline, it would be surprising if he wasn’t moved.

    • 9:30 AM

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM, Petter Chiarelli has got a couple deals going, but nothing is fore sure yet. He’s looking to get a top 9 forward that has an offensive side, and will most likely be a rental player. Ray Whitney’s price might be too high, with other possibilities, Selanne, Ponikarovsky, or Kozlov. On the Dman side of things, Dan Hamhuis and James Wisniewski could be options.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: 10 teams have contacted the Hurricanes over the last 4 days. Ray Whitney is getting the most interest, but other names are being brought up. “I am getting inquiries on more players than I expected,” Rutherford said. “That doesn’t mean more players will be traded, but it’s more inquiries than I anticipated.” Rutherford also said he won’t trade Ray Whitney unless he gets a 1st round pick in the deal, or a player equivalent to a 1st rounder.
  • James Murphy of NESN: The Coyotes and Bruins could come together on a deal. The Bruins could end up with Peter Mueller, and the Coyotes are looking to add a veteran forward and defenseman. The Bruins might have a couple deals in place, and that they could be announced today. Whitney, Torres and Ponikarovsky are also on the Bruins radar. The Penguins are supposedly the frontrunners for Ponikarovsky.
  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the teams showing strong interested in Raffi Torres. The Blue Jackets are looking for a 2nd round pick, but the Flyers are without a 1st and 2nd round pick this year.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Alex Ponikarovsky is getting ready for the trade deadline day, but doesn’t really want to talk about it until it happens. So far Burke hasn’t been happy with the trade offers he’s getting for his UFAs, and might hold on to them right until the end.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars and Steve Ott are still trying to hammer out a contract extension before the trade deadline. Both sides realize that if an agreement isn’t reached, he’ll most likely be traded.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Trade talk has picked up the last couple days. Penguins GM, Ray Shero will look for a scoring winger, a physical defenseman, but not an enforcer to fill in for the injured  Eric Godard.
  • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers and Team Slovakia defenseman, Lubomir Visnovsky, has been reprimanded by the IOC for violating anti-doping rules. Visnovsky took Advil Cold & Sinus during the qualification round, that urine sample came back positive. Before and after the semifinal round, he tested negative. He consulted Oilers trainer, Slovakian team doctor, and admitted taking it on his doping control form.

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    Vokoun to Caps? Hamhuis Would Like to Remain a Pred? Auld to Rangers? Kozlov Requests Trade …

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2010

  • TheFourthPeriod: The Vokoun to the Blackhawks for Huet, Crawford, and Versteeg rumor has been dismissed by several sources. An “unconfirmed” rumor has Vokoun heading to Capitals for Jose Theodore, one of either John Carlson or Marcus Johnsson, and a draft pick package.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Team USA (are) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (eventually) will be built around the same mold; younger, hungrier, and faster players. “Burke wants to bring the average age of his Leafs down while bringing its intensity up. He wants to change the culture both inside the dressing room and out on the ice.”
  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Marc Savard hopes GM Peter Chiarelli can land some scoring help by the trade deadline. Ray Whitney is one possibly. Harris thinks Teemu Selanne would be a good fit. On the blueline, Kaberle and Aaron Ward’s name keep coming up.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Teams looking to add a cheap backup goalie, could take a look at Alex Auld. Auld cleared waivers, and will be put on re-entry waivers. The NY Rangers are one team that will look at claiming him. Auld carries a $500,000 cap number, and would cost a team around $125,000 for the remainder of the season.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Until Tomas Kaberle comes out and says he’s “waiving his no-trade clause” or he “won’t be waiving his no-trade clause”, rumors will continue to surround the Maple Leafs Dman.
  • John Glennon of the Tennessean: Subject of many trade rumors, Dan Hamhuis is still hoping to be a Nashville Predator. He’d like to remain a Predator for the playoff run and hopefully sign a deal after the season. The Preds are in a bit a of cash strap right now which might be preventing them from locking Hamhuis up.

    “That’s kind of what we’re hoping for and kind of what we’ve heard — that the financial situation right now is not where it needs to be to get the deal done,” Hamhuis said. “We’re hoping that with making the playoffs and making the playoff run, that with some money generated from that, that maybe at the end of the season, something could be worked out.”

  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Unhappy with his lack of playing time, Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov has requested a trade. He’s been a healthy scratch of late, and the Kings, Bruins, and Red Wings could be interested.

    “I don’t know if I’m going to be on this team or another team,” Kozlov said. “If we can find a team which I like and which is good for me and my family I will go. If not, I’m going to be here. …

    With coach not playing me, what can you do? That’s why I feel I could go play for somebody that needs my help. Is so, I’ll waive my no trade clause.”

  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Article title “Rumours swirl as trade deadline looms for Edmonton Oilers” is a little misleading, no trade rumors mentioned.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: A healthy scratch since January 19th, Shean Donovan could find himself in a different city after deadline day. Several teams have called the Senators about Donovan.

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    Rumors from the Pacific … Hawks-Panthers Talking? Interest in Kozlov

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek and Puck Prospectus of ESPN:
    • Doug Wilson and the Sharks would like to add some secondary scoring and a puck moving Dman. It would have to be a rental player, as Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov need to be re-signed. The Sharks may also look at adding a backup goalie with some experience.
    • The LA Kings are looking to add a scoring winger and will look at Ray Whitney, Freddie Modin, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Paul Kariya, and Raffi Torres. They may also look at a goaltender with experience.
    • The Phoenix Coyotes might be one team that is looking to add players that won’t be UFAs after the season. Peter Mueller has been rumored all season to be on the outs. Andrew Brunette of the Wild might be a good fit with the Yotes.
    • The Anaheim Ducks have UFA’s Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, and Saku Koivu that will draw some interest. Bob Murray has said that Niedermayer isn’t going anywhere. James Wisniewski’s name has been mentioned with the Blackhawks (for Cam Barker before he was dealt).
    • Dallas Stars need an upgrade on the blueline. They won’t be bringing in any big contracts. Marty Turco is the most likely player to be moved. Mike Ribeiro, Stephane Robidas, Fabian Brunnstrom and Steve Ott, could find themselves playing in a different city after the deadline.
  • Harry Teinowitz on ESPN Radio: I don’t know how reliable this guy is, but he mentioned on Monday of a trade rumor between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. The Hawks would send Cristobal Huet, Corey Crawford, and Kris Versteeg to the Panthers for Tomas Vokoun and an defenseman (maybe either Dennis Seidenberg or Jordan Leopold).
  • TheFourthPeriod: The Kings, Bruins, and Red Wings are rumored to have an interest in Slava Kozlov. UFA’s for the Atlanta Thrashers that could be moved are: Kozlov, Colby Armstrong, Jim Slater, Maxim Afinogenov, Eric Boulton, Pavel Kubina, Christoph Schubert, Mark Popovic and Johan Hedberg. Kozlov, Kubina, and Armstrong should draw the most interest.
  • Jeremy Roenick on ESPNChicago: Roenick is putting his hand in the rumor mill, saying that Jaroslav Halak wants out of Montreal, and he’d be better suited to lead Chicago to the Cup than Antti Niemi and/or Cristobal Huet. Vokoun would be a perfect fit in Chicago.

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    Some Players that Could be Moved … Senators looking for Dman Rental

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2010

  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Canadiens are looking to remake their roster. Tomas Vokoun, David Booth and Nathan Horton could draw some interest. The Blue Jackets are looking to move Raffi Torres, Jan Hejda, and Milan Jurcina. The Flyers, Capitals, and Blackhawks could upgrade their goaltending. The Penguins could be interested in Ray Whitney and/or Blues Dman, Barret Jackman.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators GM, Bryan Murray will be looking to add a rental defenseman. Some of their options could be Pavel Kubina, Dennis Seidenberg, Jordan Leopold, Dan Hamhuis or Brendan Bell. The Sens are still trying to sign Anton Volchenkov to a contract extension, but it might cost them Mike Komisarek dollars (5 years, $22.5 million). The Sens think that 2009 1st round pick, Jared Cowen, could be ready for the NHL next season. 2008 2nd round pick, Patrick Wiercioch, could leave the University of Denver early.

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    Pens Looking for Winger, Dman … Trade Talks Involving Hamhuis Pick Up … Ott Getting Interest

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on February 21st, 2010

  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Ray Shero is looking for a goal scoring winger for Evgeni Malkin and a physical defenseman. The Pens 22 man roster is about a $1 million below the cap ceiling. Their rental options are Alexei Ponikarovsky, Raffi Tores, Lee Stempniak, and Ray Whitney.
  • James Murphy of NESN: Trade discussions involving Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis have intensified, and he could be dealt as soon as the Olympic roster freeze is lifted. The Bruins, Penguins and Sabres are at the top of list of teams looking to acquire Hamhuis. The asking price is a scoring forward and a late 1st round, or early 2nd round draft pick. Raffi Torres and Alexander Frolov are also linked to the Bruins.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Stars:  Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk will meet with Steve Ott to see if they can get him re-signed. If not, they might look at dealing him. They’ve already received offers for him. Nieuwendyk is also looking for a top 4 defenseman, but knows it’s costly to acquire those.

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    Another Kaberle Rumor … Something to Happen in Buffalo?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 18th, 2010

  • Ken Campbell of The Hockey News: The Tomas Kaberle rumors won’t go away despite Burke saying he won’t ask him to waive his no-trade clause, and Kaberle saying he wants to stay. This one has the Leafs sending Kaberle to the Canucks for prospect Cody Hodgson.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM, Darcy Regier has made a trade at the deadline in each of his 11 seasons. Does Regier look to add a power-play quarterback, like a Joe Corvo? Could they go after a Cory Stillman or Nathan Horton from Florida, or the gritty Ben Eager from Chicago?
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will be trading Raffi Torres, who said he’d be fine with re-signing with them even if he’s traded, but that probably won’t happen. The money they save should go into a fund to upgrade their defense. Hejda or Klesla may not be back next season. Mike Commedore’s contract makes him hard to trade. Milan Jurcina is trade bait.
  • Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins don’t plan on trading a 1st round pick and a prospect for anyone. Cross off Ray Whitney then. Max Talbot, if he can return healthy, will be like adding someone at the deadline. The Penguins could use a big, tough, physical defenseman. Alex Goligoski might bring in that type of player.

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    Cullen Gone by Tomorrow .. Turco in Limbo .. Armstrong Drawing Interest .. Some Panthers on the Block

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 11th, 2010

  • The Triangle Business Journal: Hurricanes GM, Jim Rutherford, expects to trade Matt Cullen before the Olympic roster freeze (tomorrow), and Ray Whitney after the break.
  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Tim Thomas hasn’t been approached about waiving his no-trade, and “Thomas told CSNNE.com he “won’t respond to something that’s completely fictitious” and thus won’t address trade rumors that have kicked up with the Vezina Trophy winner.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Marty Turco hasn’t heard anything about what the Stars plan on doing with him. “I don’t have any qualms or problems. You put yourself in Joe’s shoes, and that’s it. Then you just focus on your job, and that’s all you can do,” Turco said. “A lot of people know how I feel and where my heart is, and if I keep playing like I’m playing now, then I’ll be OK and look back at everything and have a great big smile on my face.”
  • Patrick Caisse of Canoe: The LA Kings and Montreal Canadiens are rumored to be working on a deal that involves Alexander Frolov. Though the Kings might be looking to acquire Ray Whitney or Slava Kozlov before they deal Frolov.
  • James Murphy via Twitter: Sources have told Murphy that Dan Hamhuis of the Predators is on the block, the Preds want scoring in return.
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers forward Rostislav Olesz has a broken hand, so it might quite trade rumors for him. Richards doens’t think he’d be traded anyways, but others could be available; Jordan Leopold, Dennis Seidenberg, Gregory Campbell and Kamil Kreps.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Colby Armstrong is drawing plenty of interest, and the highest return for the Thrashers may be just before the deadline.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche defenseman Ruslan Salei  is about to return after being out for 3 months, and could be a good depth acquisition for someone.
  • Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press: Walters wonders with the emergence of Wild goalie Anton Khudobin, if they’d consider moving Josh Harding.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Mike Komisarek underwent surgery on the torn labrum in his right shoulder. He’ll be out 4-6 months.

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    NHL Rumors from Twitter – Feb. 10th

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 10th, 2010

    4:50: John Shannon: According to Mike Brophy, if Ryan Getzlaf can’t go for Team Canada, Jeff Carter will be his replacement.

    4:30: Craig Custance: If the Panthers lose on Thursday to the Canucks, they could be open for business. They are getting calls for Dominic Moore, Dennis Seidenberg, and Jordan Leopold.

    12:30: Bob McKenzie: Los Angeles Kings put Brandon Segal on waivers. New Jersey Devils put Mike McKenna on waivers.

    12:25: TheFourthPeriod:The Kings still like Ray Whitney, but other options are opening up.

    12:15: Tim Panaccio: Despite the trade rumors that the Flyers are interested in Marty Turco, the Flyers continue to say no. A bit cap hit.

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    Blackhawks interested in Parros and Wisniewski, Goaltending situation in Dallas, Lehtonen back in Atlanta

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL Rumors on February 8th, 2010

  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The countdown for the Olympic roster freeze has begun (Feb. 12th, 3pm), so GM’s have a few days to go over their plan B’s (well for those of who were interested in Kovalchuk), which of course is headed by Ray Whitney. Cam Ward is getting an MRI done on his back, and if the results are not good, he could be shut down for the year.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks might be talking to Anaheim about George Parros. They also have inquired about James Wisniewski.
  • Steve Simmons from the Ottawa Sun: The Maple Leafs have tried to include Jeff Finger in almost all their trade talks, with no success. This should come as no surprise as he still has 2 years left at a $3.5 mill cap number. He could find himself in the minors or being bought out.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has plenty of goaltending options to consider. He can keep his goalies for the remainder of the season, and hope that Marty Turco can return to his prior form. He can trade Turco and bring in another goalie. Tim Thomas could be on the market (see yesterday mornings post). Cory Schneider is buried in the minors, with no hope of overtaking Roberto Luongo in Vancouver. Jaroslav Halak might be available. Kari Lehtonen is also available.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled Kari Lehtonen from his 2 week conditioning stinct. Lehtonen allowed 11 goals on 109 shots (.899 save %), with a GAA of 2.67. Let the trade rumors begin as the Thrashers now have 3 NHL capable goalies on their roster.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Tomas Holmstrom and Drew Miller left Saturday’s game with an injury, but both are expected to play on Tuesday. Niklas Kronwall might be ready to go as well, the same with Johan Franzen.

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    Tim Thomas on the Block? What the Kings offered for Kovalchuk, Price the odd man out? More Injuries for the Red Wings

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 7th, 2010

    • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
      • Boston has held talks with teams who are looking for goaltender. The 35 year old Tim Thomas has a no-movement clause, and has a $5 million cap hit until 2011-12. Chicago could be interested, but would have to bury Huet in the minors or find a trade partner for him. The Stars, Blues and Blue Jackets could be interested, though the price would be steep. Garrioch thinks they’d be able to get a top 6 forward, top 4 defenseman, and a backup goalie.
      • The Kings offered Alexander Frolov, Teddy Purcell and a 2nd round pick for Kovalchuk, Waddell wanted Jack Johnson.
      • Oilers GM Steve Tambellini tried to make the Kovalchuk sweepstakes in to a 3 way deal, offering Horcoff, Souray and Visnovsky as part of any package.
      • The Blackhawks would like to get Jaroslav Halak, but it might look like Price is the odd man out.
      • There could be up to 15 teams calling about Ray Whitney. The Penguins, Rangers, Flyers, Senators, Flames and Canucks will be interested.
      • San Jose is looking for another Dman, after the Wallin trade fell through.
    • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
      • The Blues and Flyers were in running for Ilya Kovalchuk. The Thrashers wanted T.J. Oshie as part of the package, the Blues wouldn’t budge on that. Wadell wanted either James van Riemsdyk or Claude Giroux to be included.
      • Ray Whitney and Niclas Wallin used their no-trade clause to nix deals to the Kings and Sharks as they both didn’t get the contract extension they wanted. Whitney wants 3 years, the Kings offered 1. They might be able meet half way at 2 years. (During HockeyCentral last night on Sportsnet, they said that Whitney could be looking for 2 years, at over $10 million.)
      • Marek Svatos is still be shopped around. His cap number is $2.05 million.
    • Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks and Ducks could be looking at a Cam Barker for James Wisniewski deal. Wisniewski is a RFA after season, and is making $2.75 million this year. Barker is at $3.1 for another 2 years.
    • Steve Gorten of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers GM Randy Sexton is trying to make some moves, but is having trouble finding a partner. He’s been speaking more frequently to Western Conference teams compared to Eastern Conference teams. He’s looking for a forward that could play on the power play, and depth on defense. “If you’re going to acquire a player, what teams want from you in return is ridiculous,” Sexton said. “I don’t mind paying a fair price for a player we’re going to keep, but for some of the rental players that are out there, some of the prices being asked are ridiculous.”
    • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Even after Niclas Wallin wouldn’t waive his ‘no-trade’ clause on Friday to go to San Jose, the teams continue to discuss the trade. I don’t understand this.
    • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings were finally getting healthy, well that was until yesterday. Tomas Holmstrom left in the first period with a bruised knee. Patrick Eaves sprained his ankle in the second. Drew Miller left after taking a shot off the ankle. All will be re-evaluated today.
    • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Ray Emery was held out of last nights game due to ‘tightness in his left hip’ and is listed as day-to-day. Jeff Carter is an alternate for Team Canada if a forward is injured.

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    Plan B for some, Torres, Whitney and Ponikarovsky … Pony for at least a 2nd, Lou looking for a center now

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2010

    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Plan B for teams who missed out on the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes. Raffi Torres of the Columbus Blue Jackets is up for grabs. LeBrun thinks Torres would fit in nicely in Pittsburgh, Burnside mentions the Kings and Avalanche. The Kings would like Ray Whitney and offered him a 1 year contract extension, he wants a 3 year deal from them. As of Thursday, the Penguins haven’t called the Hurricanes about Whitney. The Pens are tight against cap and may wait until the deadline day when a new salary will be at it’s lowest. Alexei Ponikarovsky could be nice fit for Pittsburgh, LA, and maybe the Thrashers to go along side Slick Nic Antropov.
    • Darren Dreger of TSN via Twitter: As many as 10 teams have an interest in Maple Leafs forward Alexei Ponikarovsky, and they should get at least a 2nd round draft pick for him. If 10 teams would offer a 2nd round pick, I think it might take a 1st or a 2nd plus prospect to get him.
    • Bill Watters mentioned during the Leafs-Devils intermission that the LA Kings offered a 1st round pick and a prospect to the Hurricanes for Ray Whitney.
    • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: There could be a bidding war for Ray Whitney between the Sharks and Penguins. The Sharks or Blackhawks may call Burke about Tomas Kaberle. Dan Hamhuis and Kari Lehtonen should draw some interest. Preds GM David Poile plans on talking to the agents of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne over the Olympic break, if one re-signs, the other will most likely be traded, with the Blackhawks potentially interested. The Blackhawks are looking for a defenseman and quietly shopping for a goalie.
    • TheFouthPeriod: New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello may not be done dealing. They had an interest in Matt Stajan before he was dealt. They are now keeping an eye on Saku Koivu, Matt Cullen and possibly Mike Modano.
    • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Though the Sabres have struggled recently (2-5-1), GM Darcy Regier said improvements will come from within, for now at least. “The focus isn’t to look right now for outside help,” he said. “It’s how do we all get better internally. I think we’re all focused on that.”
    • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have lost rookie Erik Karlsson until after the Olympic break with a shoulder injury.

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    Komisarek done for the year, Nic Wallin to Sharks? Extension for Emery? Possible Moves for Dallas and Boston

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2010

    • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Toronto Maple Leafs and the USA Olympic team took a hit yesterday, when it was announced that defenseman Mike Komisarek is done for year. Komisarek has already been out for a month, will required season ending shoulder surgery.
    • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson is heading out on the road with his team on a 10 day, 6 game road trip, but he’ll also be checking out other games as he looks for potential trade partners. He’ll be watching some NHL games, as well as junior and college games. The Sharks have been rumored to be looking for some defensive depth, and Niclas Wallin (Carolina) could be waiving his no-trade clause to join the Sharks.
    • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren plans on meeting with Ray Emery’s agent in March to discuss contract extension. Emery has a 16-11-1 record, 2.64 GAA, and a .905 save percentage in 29 games.
    • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars could move Marty Turco, but they would need to acquire a goalie in that deal, or acquire one beforehand. The Stars are still in the playoff race, and don’t want to give up on the season. Jaroslav Halak and Cory Schneider are options, but the price is high. Kari Lehtonen of Atlanta is also an option, but he’s just coming back from back surgery and doesn’t have a good medical history. The Stars are trying to resign Steve Ott who’s a UFA at seasons end, but he could be dealt if they don’t think they can resign him. He’s looking for something in the 3 years/$9 million (Dustin Byfuglien) and 4 years/$15.5 million (Sean Avery) range. Mike Ribeiro has 3 years at $5 million a season could also be trade bait for a top level defenseman.
    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Martin Biron is most likely and on move. The Canadiens might have an interest if they move either Price or Halak. The Kings might look for a veteran goalie like Biron or Turco (A smart idea in my opinion). The Sabres could be looking for a backup goalie, Biron is an option.
    • James Murphy of NESN: Some trade possibilities for the Boston Bruins. The Oilers are listening to offers for Andrew Cogliano, though he’d cost more for the Bruins than a Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen or Aaron Ward. Lubomir Visnovsky has a high salary, so he’d be a difficult move. Tomas Kaberle could be back in play for the Bruins (I’ve thought about this for a couple weeks, would the Bruins send Toronto’s 1st round pick back to the Leafs for Kaberle?). Cam Barker and Patrick Sharp are other possibilities, but Chicago may not want to break up the chemistry.
    • TheFourthPeriod: With Mike Cammalleri out for 6 weeks, the Canadiens could be looking for some scoring help, and have been linked to Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya.
    • TSN Staff: The Islanders have place Brendan Witt on waivers. Witt has missed most of the last month with a knee injury, and was just activated off of IR.

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