Posts Tagged Roberto Luongo
Sunday morning notes: Canadiens, Sharks, Leafs, Kings, Wild, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Blues and Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 18th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Whoever is the GM of the Canadiens this summer will be in charge of re-signing RFA goalie Carey Price. He could be getting a deal in the $5.5 million to $6 million range. Senators Erik Karlsson is also a RFA and could get a deal in the $5.5 to $7 million range. Predators Shea Weber is also a RFA this year. Pierre McGuire is a name to keep an eye on as candidate for the Canadiens GM job if it opens up. Garrioch wonders if the Sharks would trade one of Joe Thornton of Patrick Marleau if they miss the playoffs. Many wonder if Leafs Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel will thrive under new coach Randy Carlyle. Some people think Zach Parise could land in LA on July 1st, but with Lombardi possibly panicing and making the Carter for Johnson deal, it may have lessened their chances. The Wild have emerged as the favorites. Garrioch wonders if the Leafs would take a shot at Roberto Luongo this summer. Apparently if Scott Howson is still the GM of the Blue Jackets, he plans on drafting Filip Forsberg with the #1 pick ahead of Nail Yakupov.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: One league executive on the Blue Jackets if they win the draft lottery,
“They can’t pick a Russian so they can’t use the pick,” … “They’ll have to trade it.”
Along with trading Rick Nash, their options are:
1) They could keep the pick and not choose Yakupov, which would be counter-productive; 2) They could flip picks with another team, trading the first choice for another early choice, and getting an asset as well; 3) They could trade the pick to the highest bidder and begin rebuilding their team.
If Ducks college prospect Justin Schultz becomes a free agent, they Leafs will likely chase him again. They were interested in him when talking with the Ducks about Francois Beauchemin.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen is out indefinitely with a bad back. Dan Cleary has also been dealing with pain in his knee since Dec. 1st, and will need to have surgery again at some point. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson’s wrist is healing quick, but he’s still scheduled to return late this month. Joey MacDonald will have an MRI on his back when he gets back to Detroit.
- Derrick Goold of St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues coach Ken Hitchcock hass told Jason Arnott to take a week off.
“When I watched him play (last week), I saw a guy who was protecting himself on the ice and to me he was going out of the way to get out of the way,” Hitchcock said Saturday. “I felt like there was going to be a further injury. I could see how banged up he was. … We needed to get a better player on the ice.”
Hitchcock isn’t sure if Andy McDonald will join the team on their road trip.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild Mikko Koivu has been practicing the last couple days and is close to returning. “He is getting very close,” Yeo said. “But again, after talking with the doctors, we all felt it was best to hold him off for a couple more games.”
- Tracey Myers of CSNChicago: Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews hasn’t skated in 4 days. Coach Joel Quenneville,
“The process, I’m sure in his mind, is not a fun thing to be dealing with. You want to be optimistic; there was that stretch there where he was getting close. There’s hope, and that’re we’re at.s whe”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Mark Stuart was fined $2,500 for a late hit on Capitals Marcus Johansson on Friday.
Leafs have firm offers … Not much cooking for Wings … Custance list of trades he’d like to see
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs have a couple firm offers on a number of players. They are getting interest in their 2nd line but nothing is imminent.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Wings are looking to add a decent-sized forward. GM Ken Holland has had some talks but wasn’t close t a deal as of yesterday afternoon. Holland is not looking for a depth defenseman.
“I’ve talked to a few managers today, but nothing’s really cooking,” Holland said. “There’s not a lot of players (available). Maybe things change in the next 18 or 24 hours. We’ll see. So many teams are in the playoff hunt.”
Sabres Paul Gaustad and Canadiens Travis Moen could be options. Other players available are Sammy Pahlsson, Steve Ott, Mike Knuble, Mikael Samuelsson, David Jones, Daniel Winnik and T.J. Galiardi.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Admits deals are long-shots, but lists 10 trades he’d like to see: 1. Ryan Getzlaf for Matt Frattin, Luke Schenn and a 1st round pick. 2. Roberto Luongo for Jacob Markstrom and a 1st round pick 3. James van Riemsdyk for Steve Ott and a 1st round pick. 4. Patrick Kane for Derek Roy and Andrej Sekera 5. Ryan Malone for Paul Martin 6. Rick Nash for Tyler Seguin and a 1st round pick 7. Alexander Semin for Ryan Ellis 8. Jonathan Bernier for Clark MacArthur and Joe Colborne 9. Lubomir Visnovsky for Andrew MacDonald and a 2nd round pick 10. Dustin Byfuglien for Erik Gudbranson and 1st round pick.
Twitter notes: Ott, Hemsky, Nabokov, Spacek, Radulov, Wisniewski, Wallace, Bertuzzi … Stars, Oilers, and Devils lines … starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on February 23rd, 2012
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Stars forward Steve Ott on trade rumors: “It’s a compliment if teams are calling and asking for u but it’s nervewracking b/c you’ve been here for a long time.”
- Jason Gregor via twitter: Gregor is hearing that Oilers forward Ales Hemsky would consider a 2 year deal at $10 – $11 million.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Islanders and Evgeni Nabokov continue contract talks this afternoon.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Alexander thinks that Jaroslav Spacek gets traded, and that Bryan Allen stays.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: KHL’s Salavat pursuing Kuznetsov implies that Alex Radulov will leave for the NHL this summer. Chesnokov via twitter: (responding to my question) Alexander Radulov won’t return to the NHL this season, as he is set to play for Russia at the World Championships after the KHL season ends.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski is projected to be in the lineup tomorrow against the Avalanche.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Lightning have claimed Tim Wallace off waivers from the Islanders.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Todd Bertuzzi’s 2 year contract: $1.975 million next year, $2.175 million the following year. $2.075 million cap hit.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Ott-Wandell-Vincour. Nostrum-Fiddler-Dvorak. Petersen-Garbutt-Burish.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-Horcoff-Hemsky, Smyth-Gagner-Eberle, Paajarvi-Belanger-Eager and Hordichuk-Lander-Petrell.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Zubrus-Bernier; Carter-Josefson-Palmieri; Boulton-Veilleux-Janssen.
- Iain MacIntyre via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start in net against the Red Wings. Cory Schneider will start on Friday against the Devils.
- David Alter via twitter: Looks like Antti Niemi will start in net for the Sharks. Elliotte Friedman via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Leafs.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Justin Peters will start in net for the Hurricanes tonight.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils on Friday against the Canucks.
State of the Vancouver Canucks: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2012
Written by Errol N. Hannigan and can be contacted by email at enhannigan@hotmail.com
At this point in the season the Vancouver Canucks are a win away from tying Detroit for first place in the NHL. Last year Vancouver finished first overall with a record of 54-19-9 for a total of 117 points and based on their current production are on pace to equal that amount again this year. If that will be enough to be first again remains to be seen, as the Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers also look like strong contenders.
Vancouver has made a few personnel changes from the team that came within one win of hoisting the Stanley Cup last year, and they look like a team that should be able to contend again without making any deadline changes.
Since last year the Canucks have added some grit to their line-up in the form of Byron Bitz, Mike Duco and if he is able to return from the injury list Aaron Volpatti. Vancouver has two lines that can put up points with regularity. The Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, and the ever improving Alexandre Burrows are the number one line. With line number two being one of the fastest lines in hockey right now with the all USA born Kesler, Higgins and Booth. They also have good third and fourth lines that they can roll and use to wear down their opponents. They have one of the best face-off men in all of hockey in Manny Malhotra, who they use almost exclusively to win defensive zone face-offs.
Afternoon NHL rumors and notes: Carter, Kings, Radulov, Ruutu, Capitals, Stastny, ‘Hawks, Glencross, Duchene, Green … Devils and Leafs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 13th, 2012
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and Jeff Carter’s agents won’t speak publicly about the situation. Carter agent did confirm though that Carter has not requested a trade. There are probably 5 or 6 teams that would be in the market for Carter. The Kings, Flames and Maple Leafs could be in the hunt for him. If the Kings are involved, Jonathan Bernier would be in the mix. If Calgary is interested, maybe Jay Bouwmeester could be part of the deal. Portzline wonders if the Blue Jackets and Canucks would do a Carter (10 years, $5.27 million cap hit) for Roberto Luongo (10 years, $5.33 million cap hit) deal.
- David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:
“He’s a top-six forward that a lot of people would say we’re missing.” “He’s the best player not playing in the NHL.”
If/when he returns to the NHL, he still have 1 year left on his entry level deal. Once Salavat Yulaev is finished this season, Radulov is free to come back to the NHL and Predators if he chooses. Poile has been told that Radulov’s KHL deal has an ‘out’ clause. His NHL deal is for $980,000 and his KHL deal was a reported 3 years at between $8-$13 million. If Radulov was to return this season, the Preds would be adding a top 6 without having to give up a player or prospect.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: A decision to either re-sign or trade Tuomo Ruutu is not expected until later this week.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals owner Ted Leonsis: “wish us speedy recovery to some of our players – and hope we can add some jump via the trade markets during the next few weeks.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings fans are frustrated with the lack of deal for a scorer, but Bernstein assures that the Kings are considering many options, some of which are not publicized yet.
- The Fourth Period: Avalanche forward Paul Stastny could be in the Kings list of possible trade targets.
“(The Kings) healthy scratched Dustin Penner and put two rookies (Dwight King and Jordan Nolan) playing their first NHL game this season with Mike Richards against the Islanders, looks like they’ve hit the panic button to me,” an NHL insider said Saturday evening. “I know Statsny is a center, but so is Jeff Carter and Paul only has two years left on his deal and there are zero concerns with his attitude.”
The Avalanche could use Stastny to rebuild their defense and to add depth at forward. A source added if they could get Jack Johnson in a package, they look long and hard at a deal. Stastny has a $6.6 million cap hit through 2013-14. Lightning winger Ryan Malone could be another Kings target.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said that head coach Joel Quenneville is “absolutely the guy” and that he’s not looking for a goaltender.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Chris Higgins has been battling staph infections. Higgins should be skating today, and an update could be coming later. His progress could determine if GM Mike Gillis looks at their top 6 or bottom 6. Defenseman Keith Ballard’s neck injury should be updated today as well.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames winger Curtis Glencross is estimated to return the first week of March.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flames center Mikael Backlund suffered an upper body injury on Saturday and will be out at least a month.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Matt Duchene practice today in a no-contact jersey. It’s looking like he could be back soon.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green took part in Capitals optional skate today.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Zubrus-Bernier; Boulton-Josefson-Janssen.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel,MacArthur-Grabovski-Connolly, Crabb-Lombardi-Kulemin, Boyce-Steckel-Brown-Armstrong. (I made the Connolly correction from the tweet link)
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: “If a player waives his “no trade” clause once he no longer has a “no trade” clause in his deal.” … “A player can provide a letter saying he is only waiving his “no trade” clause for that purpose. If he doesn’t, he is open season.” Kevin McGran via twitter: according to 2 sources: “a player retains NTC /NMC clause even if he waives it to accept trade. Rec’v'g team accepts player and all terms of deal.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Thomas Greiss will start in net for the Sharks tonight against the Capitals. Michal Neuvirth said he’ll be starting tonight.
Blue Jackets will be active … Sharks carrying 3 goalies for now … Lehtonen to be actived, Raycroft to be waived … Luongo to start
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 28th, 2011
- Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson on his struggling team, “We’ll be active.”
“The first six or seven weeks of the season, it was too disjointed,” he said. “We had (James) Wisniewski out. We had (Jeff) Carter out. We had (Radek) Martinek out. We had (Mark) Dekanich out. … It was just too disjointed to get a clear picture. The picture is becoming clearer now. We aren’t playing well enough and … me as management has to find a solution to help the team.”
“Everything’s on the table,” he said. “We’ve got to look at everything. We’ve got to seriously look at everything. Now that’s different than saying, ‘I’m going to phone every GM tomorrow and say who do you want, (Rick) Nash, Carter or (R.J.) Umberger?’ but we’ve got to look at the whole situation and we’ve got to consider everything.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks management have their mid-season meetings on Jan. 14th, where they make some decision on what they’ll do before the Feb. 28th trade deadline.
“We’re carrying three goalies now and we can’t predict the future,” said Wayne Thomas, who doubles as the Sharks’ goalie coach and assistant general manager. “We can’t predict other teams’ needs, we can’t predict our needs. What we try to do is just keep all three of them ready. That’s the job.”
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks against the Sharks. Cory Schneider will start on Thursday or Saturday.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen should be ready to go tomorrow against the Blue Jackets. Lehtonen will need to be activated from the IR. As a result, Andrew Raycroft has been informed that he’ll be put on waivers today. Richard Bachman will be the backup after going 5-2-0 with a 2.76 GAA while Lehtonen was out.
- Erik Erendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning forward Martin St. Louis must wear a full cage for the next month as he recovers from an eye injury. Once he’s able to remove the full the full cage, he’ll be putting on a plastic visor for the 1st time in 15 years.
Botta answers questions on Preds and Canucks … Koivu and Lehtonen hope to return next week … Vanek leaves game … Neuvirth to start
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 23rd, 2011
- Chris Botta of the New York Times: Answering readers questions. As long as the Predators are in the playoff race, Botta doesn’t see them trading Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. After signing Pekka Rinne, Suter is next on their list, and Poile will try hard to re-sign him. The Canucks won’t trade Roberto Luongo. His long-term contract turns teams off. It’s possible that in a few years something could happen. The Canucks may be looking for blueline help, but the salary cap may come into play. If Botta were Mike Gillis and were taking offers for Cory Schneider, he would ask for a mid 1st round pick and a 20 minute a game defenseman in his prime.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu missed his 4th straight game with a leg injury, but there is hope that he’ll be ready for Monday’s game against the Avalanche.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen could be back for their Dec. 29th game against the Blue Jackets. Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars Stephane Robidas will miss his 2nd consecutive game tonight with a foot injury. He took shot off the foot in Tuesday’s practice. Defenseman Philip Larsen has a thigh contusion, has missed the last 2 games, but they’ll decide at the morning skate if he’ll be able to go.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Sabres winger Thomas Vanek left last night’s game after re-aggravating an upper-body injury. Vanek originally suffered the injury on Saturday and is listed as day-to-day.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Pagnotta doesn’t think the Canadiens will replace GM Pierre Gauthier until the summer. After the coaching change and losing 4 straight games, the roster needs a major change.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Michal Neuvirth will start in net for the Capitals against the Devils tonight.
Crosby out 2 games … Brassard will eventually be traded … Kings injury update … Booth out 4-6 weeks … Will Sutton get suspended?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins sent a news release out yesterday that Sidney Crosby will miss the next 2 games. He didn’t feel good after taking a hit on Monday against the Bruins.
“He saw Dr. Micky Collins of UPMC today and took an ImPACT test, which showed no problems. However, we all think it’s best that he sits out the next two games as a precaution,” Pens GM Ray Shero said in a release.
“We’re being cautious and keeping in mind he was off for a long time,’’ Shero later told ESPN.com via text message before a flight Wednesday evening. “Take a step back here and see how he feels in a few days.’’
Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will probably trade Derick Brassard at some point. His career has stalled in Columbus and his agent sounded off on the coaching staff. Brassard has been a healthy scratch for 8 of the last 12 games. His trade value is not high at the moment. His $3.2 million cap hit may look better as the season goes on.
- Pierre LeBrun chat on ESPN: LeBrun thinks if/when the NHL does decide to expand, another Toronto team, Quebec City and Seattle could work. Devils winger Zach Parise is not available for trade at the moment, but that could change later. Bobby Ryan could go back on the trade market if the Ducks continue to struggle. If Parise does become available, the Kings would be interested. Flames GM Jay Feaster wants to blow up the team but he has a dozen no-trade clauses to deal with.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Alec Martinez is fully cleared and is able to return to the lineup when ever the coaches decide to insert him. Winger Justin Williams status for today is not known, he took a shot off his hand. Willie Mitchell’s status for tonight could be decided this morning. Murray did say that both Martinez and Mitchell won’t return tonight. Center Mike Richards hasn’t skated since last Thursday: Murray said: “Richards is progressing. That’s all I can say. That’s all I know, really. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self.’’
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger David Booth sprained his MCL on a knee-on-knee hit from the Avs Kevin Porter, and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Vigneault confirmed that Roberto Luongo will start in net tonight in Montreal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Porter has a hearing with Brendan Shanahan today for the hit.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is about a week away from returning from his high ankle sprain. “I had no clue what it would take,” said Armstrong. “It’s a battle. It’s a lingering bitch of an injury. But as soon as they let me go, I can’t wait to get out.”
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius will be out weeks with a groin injury. He’s been out 68 of the last 92 Blue Jackets games.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks against the Islanders.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Senators.
- Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton could be looking at another suspension after his hit on Hurricanes Alexei Ponikarovsky. Do you think he’ll get suspended? How many games?
Brodeur isn’t thinking retirement. PHX moving to Quebec City next year? Blue Jackets reject ‘Canes trade offer … Injury notes for your fantasy hockey teams
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 7th, 2011
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Thoughts of retirement haven’t crept into Martin Brodeur’s mind yet.
“I haven’t given any thought to that,” Brodeur said. “There might be a time when I have to ask that question but I’m not ready to ask it yet.”
- Eric Francis via twitter: For those questioning 16 teams in the “West” and 14 in the “East” – “that will be taken care of when Phx moves to Que City next year”
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson turned down a trade offer from the Hurricanes last month. The ‘Canes offered Tomas Kaberble and a 2nd round pick for Derick Brassard.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers don’t have interest in free agent defenseman Bryan McCabe and Flames dman Cory Sarich. Even if Sarich was put on re-entry waiver (hasn’t been waived) they wouldn’t be interested.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo left last night’s game in the 2nd period after taking a shot to the throat by Gabriel L.
“I already told Alain I’m good to go Thursday,” Luongo joked. We think, although he is good to go. “The neck was fine,” he continued. “I just didn’t feel like myself for a little while there. Not that there’s much oxygen up there to begin with. I had trouble breathing for a few seconds there. I felt fine afterward, just a little light-headed the rest of the way. I was just basically trying to catch my breath.”
David Booth was involved in a knee-on-knee hit and will have a MRI done today.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Tyler Seguin was scratched last night for missing a mandatory team meeting and breakfast yesterday morning. “I did set an alarm. I woke up to it, but it wasn’t Winnipeg time, it was Boston time. I guess I got in late and didn’t think to change it. It was a mistake. I’ve got to live with it.” Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said it wasn’t the first time that he’s broken a team rule.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild goalie Josh Harding left after only 71 seconds into last night’s game. Harding was accidentally elbowed in the head by teammate Nick Schultz. Matt Hackett made his NHL debut. Devin Setoguchi also left the game with an undisclosed injury.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell missed his 2nd consecutive game, but coach Terry Murray indicated the he should be able to go on Thursday.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said James van Riemsdyk is available for tonight against the Sabres.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche winger Peter Mueller had been out with a groin injury, is now back to being out with a head injury. He’s only been able to play 18 games over the last 3 seasons.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche center Paul Stastny missed last night’s game with a torso injury.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen, who just came back from a foot injury, suffered an upper-body injury last night.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators forward Peter Regin is expected to be back by mid-December. He’s projected as a top 6 player.
Tradability of some Capitals … Gillis responds to Luongo rumors … Injury notes on Markov, MacDonald, Kubina, Martinez, Richards, Higgins and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 6th, 2011
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at the tradability of some Capitals if they can’t turn it around. Alex Ovechkin: Anything is possible, but he is the face the franchise. He has a cap hit of $9.5 million until 2020-21. Hard to imagine they’d move him. Mike Green: He’ll be a RFA at seasons end. Battling injuries all year, but could be a centerpiece of a Capitals shakeup. Alexander Semin: Carries a cap hit of $6.7 million and has been in the rumor mill for awhile. He would be the most likely ‘top’ player to be dealt if the Capitals decided to do something big. May only get a draft pick for him and not a player in return that would help win a Cup. Nicklas Backstrom: Like Ovechkin, pretty much an untouchable. Has a modified no-trade clause.
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis on Roberto Luongo trade rumors: “Not a chance”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s not his final season, “Not unless you know something I don’t.” On Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford giving up his GM post to Ron Francis, “That may happen at some point,” Rutherford said. “But it’s not just around the corner.” The Hurricanes could look to move Tuomo Ruuttu and Tomas Kaberle. A couple of GMs have said a players contract for this year can make it difficult to make a trade. Many teams are at the top of their budget or over due to injuries. Ducks GM Murray said many teams called about Ryan, some thought he was being “auctioned off. ” Toronto, Philadelphia, Rangers, Vancouver, Florida, Carolina, Minnesota and others had interest. Murray added that Selanne will retire a Duck. Some Cup contenders have some cap room this year: Sharks ($2.5 million), Bruins ($4.5 million), Blackhawks ($5.5 million) and Red Wings ($5.6 million). The Panthers were interested in Kyle Turris, but it may be difficult to mess with chemistry down in Florida now. Friedman wonders if the Flames would consider trading Miikka Kiprusoff. His no-movement clause ends at the end of the season.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Andrei Markov will be rehabbing for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald has been put the IR and is expected to be out 2 to 4 weeks with a right leg injury.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund suffered a “big” setback in his recovery. Pavel Kubina has a lower body injury and missed last night’s game. He is not ruling himself out for tonight’s game. “Let’s not kid ourselves,” Boucher said. “We’re not in a position as a team to lose defensemen and keep playing and look the same way. The reality is it’s something we know we have to improve, so it’s tough.” Mathieu Garon will likely start in net tonight.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings Alec Martinez has been medically cleared to return but will likely miss at least one more game. Mike Richards is “feeling better” but hasn’t returned to the ice and will miss at least the next 2 games due to being on the IR. Richards is able to ride a stationary bike.
- Monte Stewart of the Globe and Mail: Canucks will be without Chris Higgins tonight as he’s out with a staph infection in his foot. Viktor Oreskovich was recalled and will likely find himself on the 4th line.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars Brenden Morrow and Trevor Daley are still on target for a Thursday return.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Tuukka Rask will likely be in net tonight for the Bruins against the Jets.
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Coyotes. Unless according to coach Barry Trotz “he has the flu or falls down the stairs or something like that.”
Wings could look at Ruutu … Stars called about Iginla … Luongo dangled … Brassard getting interest … NHL realignment option
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 4th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Red Wings will look to add a veteran forward by the trade deadline, and don’t be surprised if they go after Tuomo Ruutu. The Stars have asked the Flames about Jarome Iginla but were told he’s not available. The Canucks may still look to acquire Kyle Turris. Expect the Flames to call the Senators about Filip Kuba since Mark Giordano is out for an extended period. The Rangers, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs and Flyers all looked into adding Bobby Ryan. The Ducks wanted a high-end young guy that’s already in the NHL, a top prospect and a 1st round pick. Talk is the Canucks dangled Roberto Luongo around the league but haven’t found anyone interested in his $5.3 million cap hit until 2021-22. Cory Schneider will traded at some point. Blue Jackets forward Derick Brassard is getting interest from the Kings, Senators, Canadiens, Coyotes, Panthers, Lightning and Rangers.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Cory Sarich denies that the made a trade request:
“We discussed a wide variety of topics,” Sarich said. “It was initiated by me, because I just wanted to be open and honest with him. I really wanted to express to him that I want to contribute to this team. I want to be part of this team.“I definitely did not demand to be traded,” he said. “As long as I’m in Calgary, I want to be here. I want to contribute…
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks it would be foolish for the Maple Leafs to sign Ron Wilson to contract extension until after the season. Simmons notes if the Leafs make the playoffs he gets an extension, if he doesn’t, he’s gone.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: (from several days ago) Anaheim is believed to have some interest in Drew Stafford.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks.
- HNIC Hotstove video link: One realignment options is 4 conferences.
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The Canucks goalie situation … On waivers today … Hedman to get extension … Perron close … Injury updates … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 30th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrunn and Scott Burnside of ESPN: Canucks goalie Cory Schneider trade value continues to rise, but the question is, should they trade him? Burnside would be shocked if they moved him this season, if at all. LeBrun says that through his talks with Canucks management, they still believe in Roberto Luongo. LeBrun would wait until the off-season before deciding how to handle the goaltending future. Burnside wonders what market their would be for Luongo. He mentions a Luongo-Lecavalier possibility. LeBrun shoots down Lecavalier and the Canucks with “You’re on crack” if you think they’d touch his contract.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Flames put Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond on waivers. The Rangers put Andre Deveaux on waivers. Devils Brad Mills and Avs Joakim Lindstrom clear waivers.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Lightning are expected to announce a contract extension today for defenseman Victor Hedman. The extension could be around 5 years at around $4 million per year, give or take $100,000.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars Brenden Morrow and Trevor Daley will be out a couple more games.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward David Perron is not expected to play on Friday, but Saturday could be a possibility.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators forward Nikita Filatov’s nose isn’t complete broken, x-ray revealed a fracture. Filatov says he should be able to go tomorrow against the Stars. He didn’t return last night because he had a headache/dizziness from the hit.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators forward Chris Neal (sprained ankle) said he could play tomorrow, but the Sens may be cautious with him.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Colby Armstrong is 7-10 days away from returning from an ankle injury.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Lines at Leafs practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel. MacArthur-Connolly-Kulemin. Crabb-Colborne-Frattin. Rosehill-Grabovski-Dupuis. Steckel.
- Rich Chere via twitter: NJ Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Carter-Clarkson; Boulton-Sestito-Janssen.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Semyon Varlamov and the Avalanche.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins tonight against the Maple Leafs.
Afternoon Amusement: Some bad/funny player buyouts that likely won’t happen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 18th, 2011
For your Friday afternoon amusement (or any other day that you happened to stumble across this post), I’ve put together some player ‘buyouts’. Some are because their contract could be bad (like a Scott Gomez) or funny due to the length/amount of the buyout (like an Ilya Kovalchuk).
Now, most of these likely would never happen, much to the chagrin of some, but it should be worth a good laugh. The magical powers of Capgeek.com made this entry possible. (Buyout numbers are based the next buyout period of June 15th 2012. A team could bury a player in the minors during the season, and buy them out afterwards.)
* The numbers listed beside the players name is what the buyout would be and the length of the buyout. The numbers listed beside the years are the Cap hits that would be applied to the team.
| Ilya Kovalchuk – New Jersey Devils *$58,666,667 over 26 years | |||
|
2012-13 -$2,076,923
|
2013-14-$2,376,923
|
2014-15-$2,376,923
|
2015-16-$2,676,923
|
|
2016-17-$2,876,923
|
2017-18 -$1,076,923
|
2018-19 $1,923,077
|
2019-20 $4,923,077
|
|
2020-21 $7,923,077
|
2021-22 $7,923,077
|
2022-23 $7,923,077
|
2023-24 $5,923,077
|
|
2024-25 $4,923,077
|
2025-26 $2,256,410
|
2026-27 $2,256,410
|
2027-28 $2,256,410
|
|
2028-29 $2,256,410
|
2029-30 $2,256,410
|
2030-31 $2,256,410
|
2031-32 $2,256,410
|
|
2032-33 $2,256,410
|
2033-34 $2,256,410
|
2034-35 $2,256,410
|
2035-36 $2,256,410
|
|
2036-37 $2,256,410
|
2037-38 $2,256,410
|
||
| Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals *$58,666,667 over 18 years | |||
|
2012-13 $3,797,721
|
2013-14 $3,797,721
|
2014-15 $2,797,721
|
2015-16 $2,797,721
|
|
2016-17 $2,797,721
|
2017-18 $2,797,721
|
2018-19 $2,797,721
|
2019-20 $2,797,721
|
|
2020-21 $2,797,721
|
2021-22 $3,259,259
|
2022-23 $3,259,259
|
2023-24 $3,259,259
|
|
2024-25 $3,259,259
|
2025-26 $3,259,259
|
2026-27 $3,259,259
|
2027-28 $3,259,259
|
|
2028-29 $3,259,259
|
2029-30 $3,259,259
|
||
| Vincent Lecavalier – Tampa Bay Lightning *$36,666,667 over 16 years | |||
|
2012-13 $18,939
|
2013-14 $18,939
|
2014-15 $18,939
|
2015-16 $18,939
|
|
2016-17 $1,518,939
|
2017-18 $6,018,939
|
2018-19 $8,518,939
|
2019-20 $9,018,939
|
|
2020-21 $2,291,667
|
2021-22 $2,291,667
|
2022-23 $2,291,667
|
2023-24 $2,291,667
|
|
2024-25 $2,291,667
|
2025-26 $2,291,667
|
2026-27 $2,291,667
|
2027-28 $2,291,667
|
| Brad Richards – New York Rangers *$32,000,000 over 16 years | |||
|
2012-13 -$3,333,333
|
2013-14 -$333,333
|
2014-15 $166,667
|
2015-16 $166,667
|
|
2016-17 $1,666,667
|
2017-18 $7,666,667
|
2018-19 $7,666,667
|
2019-20 $7,666,667
|
|
2020-21 $2,000,000
|
2021-22 $2,000,000
|
2022-23 $2,000,000
|
2023-24 $2,000,000
|
|
2024-25 $2,000,000
|
2025-26 $2,000,000
|
2026-27 $2,000,000
|
2027-28 $2,000,000
|
| Rick Nash – Columbus Blue Jackets *$31,600,000 over 12 years | |||
|
2012-13 $2,833,333
|
2013-14 $2,633,333
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2014-15 $2,533,333
|
2015-16 $2,533,333
|
|
2016-17 $2,433,333
|
2017-18 $2,233,333
|
2018-19 $2,633,333
|
2019-20 $2,633,333
|
|
2020-21 $2,633,333
|
2021-22 $2,633,333
|
2022-23 $2,633,333
|
2023-24 $2,633,333
|
| Roberto Luongo – Vancouver Canucks *$31,522,667 over 20 years | |||
|
2012-13 $195,467
|
2013-14 $195,467
|
2014-15 $195,467
|
2015-16 $195,467
|
|
2016-17 $195,467
|
2017-18 $195,467
|
2018-19 $3,527,467
|
2019-20 $5,291,467
|
|
2020-21 $5,909,467
|
2021-22 $5,909,467
|
2022-23 $1,576,133
|
2023-24 $1,576,133
|
|
2024-25 $1,576,133
|
2025-26 $1,576,133
|
2026-27 $1,576,133
|
2027-28 $1,576,133
|
|
2028-29 $1,576,133
|
2029-30 $1,576,133
|
2030-31 $1,576,133
|
2031-32 $1,576,133
|
| Rick DiPietro – New York Islanders *$27,000,000 over 18 years | |||
|
2012-13 $1,500,000
|
2013-14 $1,500,000
|
2014-15 $1,500,000
|
2015-16 $1,500,000
|
|
2016-17 $1,500,000
|
2017-18 $1,500,000
|
2018-19 $1,500,000
|
2019-20 $1,500,000
|
|
2020-21 $1,500,000
|
2021-22 $1,500,000
|
2022-23 $1,500,000
|
2023-24 $1,500,000
|
|
2024-25 $1,500,000
|
2025-26 $1,500,000
|
2026-27 $1,500,000
|
2027-28 $1,500,000
|
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2028-29 $1,500,000
|
2029-30 $1,500,000
|
||
| Marian Hossa – Chicago Blackhawks *$26,400,000 over 18 years | |||
|
2012-13 -$1,158,333
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2013-14 -$1,158,333
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2014-15 -$1,158,333
|
2015-16 -$1,158,333
|
|
2016-17 $2,741,667
|
2017-18 $5,741,667
|
2018-19 $5,741,667
|
2019-20 $5,741,667
|
|
2020-21 $5,741,667
|
2021-22 $1,466,667
|
2022-23 $1,466,667
|
2023-24 $1,466,667
|
|
2024-25 $1,466,667
|
2025-26 $1,466,667
|
2026-27 $1,466,667
|
2027-28 $1,466,667
|
|
2028-29 $1,466,667
|
2029-30 $1,466,667
|
||
| Alexei Yashin – New York Islanders * When he was bought out, $17,632,000 over 8 years | |||
|
2007-08 -$1,193,201
|
2008-09 $2,019,067
|
2009-10 $3,235,067
|
2010-11 $4,755,067
|
|
2011-12: $2,204,000
|
2012-13 $2,204,000
|
2013-14 $2,204,000
|
2014-15 $2,204,000
|
| Wade Redden – New York Rangers *$6,666,667 over 4 years | |||
|
2012-13 $3,166,667
|
2013-14 $3,166,667
|
2014-15 $1,666,667
|
2015-16 $1,666,667
|
| Scott Gomez – Montreal Canadiens *$6,666,667 over 4 years | |||
|
2012-13 $3,523,810
|
2013-14 $4,523,810
|
2014-15 $1,666,667
|
2015-16 $1,666,667
|
| Mike Komisarek – Toronto Maple Leafs *$4,666,667 over 4 years | |||
|
2012-13 $2,166,667
|
2013-14 $2,166,667
|
2014-15 $1,166,667
|
2015-16 $1,166,667
|
| Matt Stajan – Calgary Flames *$3,333,333 over 4 years | |||
|
2012-13 $1,833,333
|
2013-14 $1,833,333
|
2014-15 $833,333
|
2015-16 $833,333
|
Injury notes on Cammalleri, Upshall, Samuelsson, Grabovski, MacArthur, Luongo, Goligoski, Bogosian and Slater
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 16th, 2011
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have called up defenseman Frederic St. Denis as Hal Gill may not be able to go due to a flu, and Jaroslav Spacek is doubtful with an upper-body injury. Forward Mike Cammalleri expects to return to the lineup, a final decision will be made today. Andrei Markov practiced with the team for the 2nd consecutive day.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers winger Scottie Upshall will be out 6-8 weeks with a hip injury. They hope he won’t need surgery. Mikael Samuelsson should be joing the Panthers soon. He’s had some visa issues and hasn’t played with Panthers yet as he’s had complications from his sports hernia surgery.
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs lost 2/3′s of their 2nd line last night. Mikhail Grabovski left with a lower-body injury and Clarke MacArthur left with an upper-body injury. David Alter via twitter: If MacArthur and Grabovski are out, don’t expect the Maple Leafs to call up Joe Colborne as he’s coming off a lower-body injury.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks will start Cory Schneider tonight as Roberto Luongo is out with an upper-body injury. Coach Alain Vigneault said the injury was not serious.
“With what happened in the Buffalo-Boston game there, I’m going to just say it’s an upper body injury,” Vigneault said. “We’re not quite sure what’s allowed on the goaltenders and what’s not allowed.
“I’m very serious. I always in the regular season tell you what’s going on with the players.”
Luongo was hit in the mask with a Mark Streit shot on Sunday. Since Vigneault said it was an upper-body injury, it fuel speculation that he’s suffering from concussion-like symptoms. He also did the splits on the rebound, so it’s possible that he tweaked his groin.
- Dallas Morning News: The Stars have put Alex Goligoski on the IR with broken thumb.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian and forward Jim Slater were both injured during Monday’s game, and their status for Thursday is uncertain.
Kovalchuk a game-time decision … Huskins out 8 weeks … Connolly unlikely … Luongo not practicing … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on November 15th, 2011
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils coach Peter DeBoer originally said that Ilya Kovalchuk won’t play tonight. Rich Chere via twitter: Kovalchuk then said that he’ll take the warm-up and then make a decision. DeBoer then talked to Kovalchuk again and said that he’s a possibility for tonight.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues defenseman Kent Huskins is out for 8 weeks with a fractured foot.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson likely to get in the lineup on Thursday in Nashville.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Tyler Bozak continues to skate with the Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul, unlikely that Tim Connolly plays.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers lines: Hall-RNH-Eberle, Smyth-Horcoff-Hemsky, Lander-Belanger-Jones, Eager-Gagner-Petrell.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo isn’t practicing today. He stretched his groin on Sunday.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Looks like Ben Scrivens will start in net for the Maple Leafs.
- Lou Korac via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start in net for the Red Wings.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals in Nashville.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Looks like Niklas Backstrom will start in net for the Wild against the Blue Jackets.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers against the Islanders.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders, Al Montoya will be the backup.
10 teams looking for Dmen … Suter could become available … Turris notes … Flames have little patience … CBJ interested in Hextall? Gillis keeping Schneider for now
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 6th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: At least 10 teams have been looking for a defenseman, with league sources saying, “if you’ve got an extra defenceman, you might want to hold onto him.” The Canadiens, Rangers, Oilers, Canucks, Blues, Jets, Coyotes, Lightning, Jackets and Islanders have been looking for help. Garrioch thinks teams should be calling Predators GM David Poile as the belief is that he won’t be signing Ryan Suter to an extension and will become available. The Canucks and Flames have more interest than the Senators for Kyle Turris. Rene Bourque’s name pops up as trade bait, but the Coyotes are also looking for a 1st round pick as part of a deal. There are whispers that this could be the last season in Phoenix since no one has stepped up to by the team. Quebec City and Kansas City are the leading candidates. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau could be on a short leash. Islanders GM Garth Snow has been working the phones trying to move the pointless (8 games) Blake Comeau and his $2.5 million salary. He’ll be a RFA after the season. Comeau had 46 points last year. The Isles may be looking for a 2nd line center. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is willing to move defenseman Cody Franson. Garrioch wonders if it’s time for the Blue Jackets to consider trading Rick Nash.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Change may be coming in Calgary. Flames GM Jay Feaster:
“Every option that’s available and open to is going to be explored.”
“I’m not going to get into specifics on what my intent is, but I can assure you we don’t have a lot of patience organizationally right now. The goal is we expect to be a playoff team.
“My job is to improve the hockey team every day, and I’m going to avail myself with every possible means of doing that.”
“I have had some conversations with teams, that you’re kicking some ideas around and all of a sudden they reel off three or four straight wins and it’s, ‘We’re just going to sit for now,’ “ Feaster said. “That’s the reality of the business.
Feaster has no interest in trading draft picks. He won’t sacrifice long-term for a short-term fix.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline, “it’s hard to imagine there aren’t big changes coming” in Columbus. Word is that LA Kings assistant GM Ron Heztall could be headed to Columbus. Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi has said that no one has contacted him about Hextall. Teams would need permission to speak with Hextall. Ron Hextall on the Blue Jackets job: “I have not heard anything.” Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets may have to compensate a team with draft picks if they take a ‘high-ranking official’ part way through the season.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (Mailbag) There’s a market for Kyle Turris despite his limited success as he’s only 22 and still has potential. There is interest, but teams aren’t willing to overpay. Coyotes GM Don Maloney is still saying he won’t trade him until he signs, but some think he’s talking in code for not going to trade him for what he’s being offered. The Canucks aren’t putting Cory Schneider’s name out there as GM Mike Gillis likes the 1-1A theory. There may be a point in the season that Gillis deems he’s a movable asset, and teams will line up. The Blue Jackets and Devils will be in line. Moving Roberto Luongo would be more difficult task since his deal goes into his 40′s. He does have a couple of clauses in his deal that allows for a trade. There isn’t a sense in Edmonton that they need to acquire a defenseman right away. The Lightning could also be looking for a defenseman. The Maple Leafs and Hurricanes are willing to move a defenseman. The Flames aren’t shopping Rene Bourque but if the right deal came along for a young center they may consider. If the Canadiens were to consider buying out Scott Gomez it would cost them: 2012-13: $3,523,810, 2013-14: $4,523,810, 2014-15: $1,666,667, 2015-16: $1,666,667.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Look for Jonathan Quick to start on Monday.
Mystery trade suggestion … No talks yet for Neal-Penguins … Samuelsson sore … Armstrong out weeks … Stars-Ducks starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 21st, 2011
- Vancouver Province: (Editorial, no name attached) The mystery writer suggests the Canucks trade Roberto Luongo straight up for Vincent Lecavalier. Luongo signed a 12 year, $64 million deal in 2009. Lecavalier is on a 11 year, $85 million deal. The Lightning need goaltending and the Canucks need a power forward.
- Rob Rossi and Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero said there is no rush for them to sign winger James Neal to a contract extension.
“We’ll likely wait a little bit,” Shero said of potential extension talks with Neal’s agent, Pat Morris. “He has an agent I’ve dealt with well over the years. When the time comes, we’ll get something done. There’s no doubt in that.”
There have been no talks so far. Neal has a cap hit of $2.875 million. Sidney Crosby skated yesterday but remains uncertain when he’ll return.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are off to a disappointing 0-5-1 start, partly due to injuries and suspension. Team president Mike Priest have GM Scott Howson and coach Scott Arniel a vote of confidence. James Wisniewski is suspended. Kristian Huselius is out for another month or 2. Jared Boll and his broken thumb are a month away. Jeff Carter is out indefinitely with a broken foot.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets have shown interest in hosting the 2014 Heritage Classic.
- Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Mikael Samuelsson missed last night’s game due to soreness from an off-season hernia/abductor surgery.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche winger Peter Mueller has been ruled out for Saturday’s game with a head injury. He’s missed the last 3 games. “He’s not feeling well,” Sacco said. “After (Wednesday’s) practice he notified us he wasn’t feeling well. When we get back from our game in Chicago, we’ll see how he is the next day.” Mueller missed last season with post-concussion symptoms.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Colby Armstrong is out with a sprained ankle. There is no timetable, but looking at weeks and not months.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Nolan Baumgartner (Van) and Scott Jackson (TB) were put on waivers yesterday. Ivanans (CGY) and Bagnall (MIN) cleared waivers. Baumgartner was on the IR and is healthy, needs to clear waivers to be sent to the AHL.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray missed practiced yesterday but is expected to play tonight. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Morrow-Ribeiro-Ryder, Ott-Benn-Eriksson, Burish-Fiddler-Dvorak/Wandell, Nystrom/Barch-Dowell-Petersen. Defensive pairings: Goligoski-Pardy, Fistric-Robidas, Grossman-Daley.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: ESPNDallas is reporting that Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight. Jonas Hiller will start for the Ducks.
Brodeur out 7-10 days … Flames may be better off keeping Bourque … Seguin to 1st line … Flyers made need to make move … Kadri demoted, then recalled … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 20th, 2011
- Chris Botta via twitter: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur will be out 7-10 days as he rehabs his shoulder.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster declines to comment on trade rumors involving his team. In the past he has said that anyone not named Iginla, Kiprusoff, Giordano and maybe Glencross are fair game. Rene Bourque’s name has come up recently. He carries a $3.33 million cap hit for this year and the next 4 years, and has a modified no-trade clause. They may be better off to keep him unless they can get a something that would help the team now and in the future. Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and Olli Jokinen have also been in the rumors, but Jokinen has been one of their more consistent forwards so far.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tyler Seguin found himself on the top line at yesterday’s Bruins practice: Milan Lucic-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Nathan Horton, Jordan Caron-David Krejci/Rich Peverley-Benoit Pouliot, Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Jets rookie Mark Scheifele scored his first NHL goal last night against the Maple Leafs, but the decision on whether to send him to back to junior or keep him up for the year is fast approaching. Next Thursday will likely mark his 9th game, if he plays 10, he can’t go back. There are indications that the Jets don’t want to rush him along, so he may end up back with Barrie.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: After recalling Brayden Schenn yesterday, the Flyers are extremely close to the salary cap ceiling. At some point they are going to have to shed some major salary if they want to have some flexibility at the trade deadline.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Wojtek Wolski is in the final year of his deal, he carries $3.8 million cap hit, and appears to “becoming an unmistakable object of derision by coach John Tortorella.” Wolski has been out for 3 games with a groin issue. When Tortorella was asked if Wolski would be in against the Flames, Torts responded: “We can’t get him out of the tub.” When asked if it was part of treatment for the groin, he responded: “I guess.” Marty Biron might get the start tonight.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs assigned Nazem Kadri to the AHL yesterday. Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Nazem Kadri will now replace the injured Colby Armstrong.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Craig Anderson will get the start in net for the Senators.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Roberto Luongo will start in net for the Canucks against the Predators.
- Globe and Mail Podcast with Matthew Skekeres, Sean Gordon and James Mirtle.
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