Posts Tagged Ryan Malone
Not so fast on Smyth to Rangers … Kubina, Malone and Moore linked to teams … Kings interested in Kulemin and MacArthur … ‘Hawks to wait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2012
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: A source is saying that Ryan Smyth would consider waiving his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Rangers. Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Ryan Smyth said he hasn’t heard from the Rangers and may not be that interested in a short stay there.
“I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest,” he continued. “They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.”
“I’ve moved four times in the last five years,” he said. “I wanted to come back here for a reason?”
Ales Hemsky hasn’t talked contract with the Oilers, and wouldn’t mind staying, depending on the money.
“Of course I would like to stay, but it depends on the terms. I like the guys here, I like the city, the fans are great and I have lots of friends here. I’ve always been happy here so I’d like to stay.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: The next 5 games will likely determine if the Lightning will be a buyer or seller. Yzerman said many teams are in a feeling out pattern. Pavel Kubina has been linked to the Rangers and Flames. Ryan Malone has been mentioned with the Kings. The Penguins and Senators may have interest in Dominic Moore. Adam Hall and Marc-Andre Bergeron may be ready to return during this homestand.
- John MacKinnon of Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Andy Sutton as UFAs at seasons end. Sam Gagner could get some interest, but the Oilers may realize that he’s better suited in a 2nd line role.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN1050 radio that the Kings are interested in Maple Leafs Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will wait and see how the Brendan Morrison trade works out before making a move for another center, maybe Sam Gagner. Islanders Steve Staios and Mark Eaton could get some trade interest. The Islanders would rather sign P.A. Parenteau than trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA after the season, and signs are pointing to him hitting the open market. It’s possible the Panthers could move him, rather than lose him for nothing. Sources are saying he could be looking for something in the $4.5 million range.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: With Jimmy Howard’s hand injury, Burnside notes a Evgeni Nabokov deal makes sense.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks have dropped 5 straight, and GM Stan Bowman said there is no help coming. “I like our personnel. We’re trying to upgrade. It’s not like we’ve got guys playing that can’t play in the NHL. We certainly have guys that can improve on their level of play. But at the same time, we’re just trying to enhance our group as opposed to completely remake it.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Kyle Brodziak hasn’t had contract talks with the Wild yet. “As long as things make sense, why wouldn’t we want to sign Kyle Brodziak?” Fletcher said. “He’s been a good player for us, he fits in well, I think he’s enjoyed playing in Minnesota, and he’s had success here. We enjoy having him here, so hopefully we can make it work.”
Top 5 Bubble teams and who they could have available … Things easier for Nieuwendyk … Targeting Tuomo … Armstrong, Liles back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance ranks trade deadline bubble teams who will have a crucial next 10 days. 1. Tampa Bay – Dominic Moore and Ryan Malone could come up in talks. 2. Montreal – Travis Moen, Hal Gill, Chris Campoli and Andrei Kostitsyn are trade possibilities 3. Dallas – Brenden Morrow and Sheldon Souray could come up. 4. Phoenix – Shane Doan, Daymond Langkow, Adrian Aucoin and Ray Whitney will be free agents 5. Anaheim – Bobby Ryan, Jason Blake and Teemu Selanne could find themselves on the move if the Ducks will be sellers.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Since Tom Gaglardi bought the Stars, GM Joe Nieuwendyk is finding things a little easier:
“What I’m finding now is I can get in on more conversations and at least test the waters more, and we’re doing that,” Nieuwendyk said. “We’re asking and we’re listening, and we’re trying to make sure of every opportunity that’s out there. Then, it’s up to us to make smart decisions.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Tuomo Ruutu and Vinny Prospal could be targeted by the Kings.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are believed to be interested in Tuomo Ruutu, but the asking price is high.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Cal O’Reilly was claimed by the Penguins on re-entry waivers.
- George Richands via twitter: Panthers forward Scottie Upshall will have sports hernia surgery tomorrow. He’ll likely be out for 2 months. Jack Skille could be back by the weekend.
- Barry Davis via twitter: Colby Armstrong confirms he’ll play tonight. John-Michael Liles won’t say he’s 100% playing but he should be back. James Reimer will start in net.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Sourcing LeBrun for Maple Leafs assigning Nazem Kadri and Keith Aulie to the Marlies.
Oils want a Dman … Bruins want depth … MacArthur “Rumors suck” … CSKA wants Radulov … Koivu close … Filatov demoted … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 31st, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Don’t be surprised if Predators GM David Poile announces that he won’t trade Ryan Suter. The Preds were one team who sent a private jet to pick up there All-Stars: Suter, Shea Weber and Craig Smith. The Oilers are letting teams know they want a defenseman if/when they trade some of their assets. Bruins coach Claude Julien would like to see them add an experienced depth defenseman and a depth forward.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs and Mikhail Grabovski are not involved in serious contract talks. Grabovski shrugs off trade rumors that involve him as part of a package. Clarke MacArthur’s name is also coming up in rumors.
“There is always something every day,” MacArthur said. “Usually if I don’t hear it, I get a text message from someone saying they heard a rumour. It’s tiring, it’s hard on you, but it is a part of the job.
“(Rumours) suck, but what are you going to do? If you look close, I have a few grey hairs.”
The Leafs have been linked to Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, Ales Hemsky, Tuomo Ruutu and Ryane Clowe recently.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks need to add a top 4 defenseman as insurance and some grit up front. Mason Raymond will hear is name is rumors often. The Canucks could use someone like Travis Moen.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: CSKA is making a pitch for Alexander Radulov with intent of signing him to a long-term contract. CSKA has lots of oil money. Radulov has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Salavat that he can leave for the NHL (Preds) this summer despite his contract. CSKA is trying to buy his rights.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof says not to assume that the Islanders will trade Evgeni Nabokov.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Brent Burns is expected to return tonight. Forward Ryane Clowe status is uncertain.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild Guillaume Latendresse and Mikko Koivu were practicing yesterday, but neither’s return is imminent. Josh Harding will start tonight.
“They’re going to need some time getting acclimated to the group again and getting involved in practices and doing things at game speed and executing at that level before they can jump into the lineup,” said Yeo, adding that he believes Koivu is “much closer” to playing than Latendresse.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Nikita Filatov has been assigned to the CSKA’s minor league team.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Leafs coach Ron Wilson doesn’t expect John-Michael Liles, Colby Armstrong and Darryl Boyce to play tonight. Wednesday is a possibility.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning’s Ryan Malone and Marc-Andre Bergeron won’t play tonight. Mathieu Garon will start in net.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks tonight against the Blackhawks.
- David Alter via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net tonight against the Penguins. Wednesday’s starter is not determined yet.
Wings-Leafs in 2013 Winter Classic … Red Wings looking for scorer, depth … Potential Leafs targets … Hall gets nasty cut
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 18th, 2012
- Ansar Khan of MLive: A source confirms that a deal has been finalized with the NHL, Red Wings, and Maple Leafs to hold the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. A rink will also be built at Comerica Park and will host events leading up to the Winter Classic on January 1st. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Earlier this week University of Michigan Athletic Director said there could be scheduling conflicts and other issues, such as liquor licenses.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings are having 3 days of pro and amateur scouting meeting this week. They’ll be evaluating potential trade targets and this summers free agent crop. The Red Wings are looking for a scoring winger and or a 3rd/4th line forward. The Wings have $5.7 million in cap space and will likely be offering up draft picks, middling prospects and/or fringe players. They will likely just be adding depth and not a star player.
“We like the way the team has performed. A lot of people have had good first halves,” Holland said. “But the trade deadline is coming. We have a lot of cap space. We’ve done a lot of drafting and developing since 2005, saving our picks. I don’t know if we have to do anything, but certainly in the next six weeks we’re going to explore.”
The Wings are believed to have interest in Tuomo Ruutu and Ales Hemsky. If Teemu Selanne decides to waive his no-trade clause, the Wings could be interested. Ryan Suter and Zach Parise could become available, but the Red Wings may opt to chase them in the summer.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk, Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Malone, Derick Brassard, Paul Stastny, and Jeff Carter.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall was held out of last night’s game after a pre-game mishap where his head took a nasty gash from the skate of defenseman Corey Potter.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been off skates for the past 11 days due to his concussion. GM George McPhee said, “Nick’s doing really well. I’m I guess happy to report he’s progressing.”
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Petr Sykora is unsure if he’ll return next year, he’s taking it one year at a time according to his agent Allan Walsh.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He left Monday’s practice after taking a blow to the head.
Afternoon NHL rumors involving the Maple Leafs and Ducks (Bobby Ryan), Flames, Clowe, Oilers, Sabres, Rangers, Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 17th, 2012
- Anthony SanFilippo via twitter: There is no deal for the Maple Leafs today but there could be something in the works between them and the Ducks involving Bobby Ryan. Darren Dreger via twitter: In general, Dreger has been told that trade discussions with the Maple Leafs are currently very quiet.
- Brian Burke via twitter: “Speak with all 30 clubs as often as daily. Our top guy Dave Nonis shares this load. In quiet times, once every 10 days.”
- Dan Rosen via twitter: “Ownership’s intention is this player will finish his career with the Flames,” Feaster said. “There is no appetite to trade Jarome Iginla.”
- David Pollak via twitter: Trade rumors involving Sharks forward Ryane Clowe are bogus. Makes less sense with Martin Havlat injured.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Agent Pat Morris is meeting with Oilers GM Tambellini in Columbus regarding UFAs Ryan Smyth and Andy Sutton. Both are expected to be re-signed.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Time may be running out for the struggling Sabres. “There’s a growing notion that the continuity in Buffalo has made things a bit stale. The same GM. The same coach. The same core group of players.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Rangers don’t want to place Sean Avery back on re-entry waivers as they don’t want to have the $2 million cap hit if he gets claimed. Have to think the Rangers might do something with Wojtek Wolski and his $3.8 million cap hit. Teams ready to make a move now are: Maple Leafs, Sharks and the Blackhawks are hovering. The Ducks are one of the teams watching Leafs farmhand Korbinian Holzer closely. The Blackhawks have shown some interest in Blue Jackets Derick Brassard. The Coyotes say they won’t trade Shane Doan.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that if Ryan Malone and his $4.25 million cap hit (3 more years after this year) becomes available, the Leafs may be interested.
- What is Bobby Ryan Trade Value? Teams who could be interested are: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Kings, Flyers, Canadiens, Predators, Sharks and Capitals.
NHLPA rejects realignment … No big changes in Buffalo are imminent … Stars could deal Grossman … Roy injured … Huselius to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 7th, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The NHLPA rejects realignment for next season, the jets will stay in the Southeast. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Players are not a fan of one conference have 14 teams and the other 16, a better chance of playoffs for the one conference. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger warns us to get ready for a brawl between the NHL and NHLPA in the upcoming months. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The NHL could file a grievance against the NHLPA if they feel they can prove the union unreasonably withheld consent.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: There will be plenty of teams calling about Ducks Bobby Ryan, who is the most likely of the ‘big 3′ to get dealt. The Red Wings, Maple Leafs and Sabres are expected to busy on the trade front, but pretty much every team would be intereted.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Regier said after their 7 loss in 9 games that no big changes are imminent.
“At this time of the year and where we are, I’ve done a lot of talking to teams around the league, so I’m aware of some of those situations,” Regier said. “Right now there’s nothing imminent, and that’s part of the business. We’ll keep working.”
“I wouldn’t call it a shake-up,” Regier said. “If there’s a move that makes sense for us, we’ll do it if something is going to improve our hockey club. There’s nothing imminent, as I said, right now.”
“Without specific rumors, there’s truth to those rumors,” Regier said. “But the price right now, and I think things will build between now and the trade deadline. I think teams that are going to be sellers are going to try and maximize what they can get for what they are selling. I think that will build as we get closer to the trade deadline.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mailbag: The Stars have a decision to make with Nicklas Grossman. If they don’t sign him to an extension before the trade deadline, they could trade him for an offensive player.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres center Derek Roy suffered an upper-body injury and left last night’s game.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning forwards Adam Hall and JT Wyman suffered upper-body injuries on Thursday. Brett Connolly is returning to the team. Ryan Malone has missed 2 games with a lower-body injury is day-to-day but seems ready. With the addition of Brendan Mikkelson, the Lightning have sent Evan Oberg to the AHL.
- Blue Jackets via twitter: Blue Jackets forward Kristian Huselius has been placed on the IR. He’s week to week with a lower body injury.
Carcillo to have hearing … Blue Jackets on rumors … Semin out, Green in … RNH out at least 2-3 games … Pitkanen out 4 weeks … Sabres notes
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 3rd, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Daniel Carcillo will be hearing from the NHL, logistics for either a conference call or in-person hearing are being worked out.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Flames have put Raitis Ivanans on re-entry waivers. The Canucks have put Byron Bitz on waivers.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets RJ Umberger on rumors:
“It’s nerve-racking coming to the rink and not knowing what is going on,” forward R.J. Umberger said. “It’s a lot of extra tension.”
Derick Brassard on trade rumors:
“It kind of plays in your head all the time if your name is out there,” Brassard said. “But it’s something you can’t control. If you don’t (block it out), you’re waiting for it, and if it doesn’t happen, you’re disappointed.”
Umberger added trades are harder for older players as they don’t want to uproot their families.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals forward Alexander Semin won’t play tonight, and that they will go with 7 Dmen. Brian McNally via twitter: Mike Green will make his return to the lineup.
- David Staples via twitter: Staples thinks that if the Oilers make a trade, they should trade for 2014 or 2015 option to swap 1st round picks with a fading team.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is still waiting to be examined, He’ll be out at least 2-3 games. Tom Gilbert will be out tonight.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Flyers winger Jaromir Jagr has a mild left groin strain and is out for 7 to 10 days.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen had surgery on his left knee, and is expected to be out for 4 weeks.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning forward Ryan Malone will be out tonight with a lower body injury.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs coach guesses that Colby Armstrong is 7 to 10 days away from returning to the lineup.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: Sabress forward Ville Leino thinks he might be able to play on Saturday. Defenseman Tyler Myers joined the morning skate today. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff is optimistic that forward Jason Pominville (flu) will play tonight. Brad Boyes status is unknown as he suffered a stinger to his ankle. Ryan Miller will start in net against Nikolai Khabibulin.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Looks like a Jonas Gustavsson – Mathieu Garon goalie match-up.
Change coming in Carolina? Suter-Preds talking … Emery kept for trade value … Staal gets clearance … Gustafsson out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 17th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Hurricanes are running out of options, with Dreger expecting a trade or coaching change. Chip Alexander via twitter: GM Jim Rutherford said that there are no coaching changes or player trades planned for today. Some players could be reassigned to the AHL and some recalled. Faulk is one option. Rutherford: “I have a lot of ideas in my head right now but no conclusions.” Rutherford on potential trades: “There’s not anyone out there right now who’s available. But there might be some who come available.”Rutherford: “Once we get through the weekend, we should have a better idea of the overall picture, where we’re going.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ryan Suter’s agent Neil Sheehy said that he had talks with Predators GM David Poile yesterday and today but no deal is imminent.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: An “insider” told Hedger a few weeks ago that the Blackhawks signing and keeping goalie Ray Emery was mainly for trade value. Hedger wonders if Maple Leafs are #1 in line.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Erlendsson responds that the Lightning are probably interested Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson, but unlikely to make a move on him.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: There is no further update on Leafs Clarke MacArthur. He’ll get a couple days off.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Expect Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Gardiner to see a few shifts on the 4th line tonight. He was a forward in High School.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers Sam Gagner is out tonight. Paajarvi is in on a line with Belanger and Jones. Lander centering the 4th line.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal has been given clearance to begin light physical activity. There is no timetable for his recovery.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green, out the last 2 games with a strained groin, hasn’t skated since last Friday and won’t play on their road trip.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers Erik Gustafsson will be out 6 weeks after having wrist surgery.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rostislav Olesz (CHI) and Cody Bass (CBJ) have cleared waivers.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning forward Ryan Malone is hoping to return on Saturday.
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets forward Eric Fehr has received clearance to play and is close to returning. He had shoulder surgery in May. Chances of him playing on Saturday are slim but possible.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will start in net for the Capitals.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Dan Ellis will start in net for the Ducks tonight. Jonathan Quick will start for the Kings.
Leafs getting offers for Franson … Kovalchuk to return … 2 to waivers … Grabovski out 2 weeks … Schenn practices … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 16th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs have been offered a player and a 2nd round pick from an undisclosed team for defenseman Cody Franson. Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke told the Fan 590 that he’s getting “deluged with trade offers” for Franson but has no plans to deal him. Fan 590 audio: Brian Burke on the Fan.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Spector thinks the Oilers have been calling about Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson. He thinks there is a trade to be made there.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Ilya Kovalchuck will be back in the lineup. He’ll play RW with Zach Parise and Adam Henrique. Nick Palmieri will be on a line with Ryan Carter and David Clackson.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blackhawks have put Rostislav Olesz on waivers. The Blue Jackets put Cody Bass on waivers.
- John Lu via twitter: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby won’t be playing tomorrow in Tampa Bay, but will be traveling with the team.
- Paul Hendricks via twitter: Leafs forwards Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski are expected to miss at least 2 weeks. Matt Frattin was given a personal day today. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Coach Ron Wilson is unsure on MacArthur’s status. Leafs likely to dress 7 defenseman tomorrow against the Predators.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Maple Leafs lines at practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Connolly-Kulemin, Lombardi-Steckel-Brown, Rosehill-Dupuis.
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Flyers Brayden Schenn was back practicing with the team for the 1st time since fracturing his foot on Oct. 26th.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils tonight against the Sabres.
- Paul Hendricks via twitter: Ben Scrivens will start in net for the Maple Leafs tomorrow.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow. There is a “minimal” chance that Ryan Malone plays, unsure on Teddy Purcell according to coach Guy Boucher.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net for the Blues tomorrow.
Visnovsky and Goligoski out 4 weeks … Hagman on re-entry waivers … Green out … Blue Jackets looking for goaltender
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 12th, 2011
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky will out 4 weeks with a broken finger. Curtis Zupke via twitter: The Ducks aren’t expected to make any moves today. Kurtis Foster has been their 7th defenseman.
- Eric Francis via twitter: The Flames have put Niklas Hagman on re-waivers. Have to wait until 10 am on Monday to find out if anyone has claimed him. (He has a $3 million cap hit, he can be had for $1.5 million).
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Alex Goligoski has a broken thumb and is out about 4 weeks.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green will not be in the lineup tonight. Alexander Semin will play.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter will return tonight. Goaltender Mark Dekanich suffered a groin injury and could be out weeks. GM Scott Howson said they are not actively pursuing a goaltender. Evgeni Nabokov is a name they might consider. Joe Yerdon of Pro Hockey Talk: The Jackets could also call the Panthers about Scott Clemmensen or pursue free agent Marty Turco.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets lines: Nash – Carter – Umberger; Prospal – Letestu – Johansen; Vermette – Pahlsson – Dorsett; Calvert – MacKenzie – Boll. Steve Mason will start in net with Allen York as his backup.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning winger Ryan Malone is still not skating but they are hopeful for Monday in Winnipeg.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tonight. Brian Lee will replace David Rundblad on the blueline.
- John Vogl via twitter: Ryan Miller will start in net for the Sabres tonight against the Bruins.
Hitchcock replaces Payne in St. Louis … Wild free agent and trade notes … Reimer-Scrivens could be 1A-1B next year … What is Nash worth?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 7th, 2011
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Ken Hitchcock has been named the St. Louis Blues head coach after the team fired Davis Payne yesterday. Hitchcock agreed to a contract through the end of next season. The Blues assistant coaches are expected to remain. The Blues are off to a 6-7 start. John Shannon via twitter: Confirmed that Blues asked the Blue Jackets permission to speak with Hitchcock yesterday afternoon, so everything moved quickly. Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland notes that GM Armstrong wouldn’t make this decision on a whim and obviously had Hitchcock on his mind for awhile.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman was injured in Friday’s game. He suffered an upper-body injury and was unable to go last night. Forward Ryan Malone left yesterday’s game in the 2nd period with an upper-body injury and his status for Wednesday is uncertain.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Russo thinks that with $9 million in cap space this season, the Wild have the trade deadline flexibility and flexibility for free agent signings. He thinks the Wild will pursue Zach Parise if he becomes a free agent. If the Wild are to trade a defenseman this year, it could be Greg Zanon. The Wild would like to be moved to the Central division when realignment takes place. If Josh Harding is the heir apparent to Backstrom (UFA after next season), they’ll re-sign Harding (RFA after this season), continue to develop Matt Hackett and Darcy Kuemper and trade one of them.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Follower thinks that Krejci, Knight and a 2nd rounder would be enough for Rick Nash. Dupont doesn’t think so, a “player, prospect, and pick won’t do it.”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks the Maple Leafs may be moving towards a James Reimer and Ben Scrivens – 1A and 1B duo for next season. Jonas Gustavsson will be a UFA at the end of the season. Gustavsson is on a 1-way deal so he’ll likely be sticking around this season.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Fernando Pisani hasn’t been getting much interest from NHL teams, but is getting some interest from Europe.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Lines at Kings practice yesterday: Gagne-Kopitar-Williams, Penner-Richards-Brown, Clifford-Stoll-Parse, Moreau-Lewis-Richardson
Grabovski could cost the Leafs … Devils looking at Gagner? Injury updates on Crosby, Keith, Hecht, Malone, Hemsky and Enstrom
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 1st, 2011
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet: Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski is in the final year of his contract where he earns $3.1 million, with a $2.9 million cap hit. Grabovski could easily command $4 – 4.5 million deal for 5 or 6 years. Phillippe Dupuis, John-Michael Liles and Jonas Gustavson will also be UFAs.
“It depends on if he wants to stay in Toronto or if he wants to test the market and go to the highest bidder,” said one agent. “If he stays in Toronto he’ll probably take a little less than what he could get if he goes to another team.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If Sean Avery is claimed off re-entry waivers, the new team would owe him 25%, the Rangers 25% and the Stars 50%.
- Elliotte Freidman of CBC Sports: There were rumors that the Stars may be looking to trade Brendan Morrow, but he has a no-trade clause, and hasn’t been asked to waive it as of yet.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Oilers have a glut of centers and have moved Sam Gagner to the wing. The Devils are thin down the middle at the moment and may have already asked the Oilers about Gagner. The Oilers would reportedly want a young defensive prospect in return, possibly Matt Taormina or Alexander Urbom. They may also require a roster winger and draft pick.
- Alan Robinson in the Globe and Mail: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby ruled himself out for this weeks games. November 11th is likely the earliest he’d return. He won’t be cleared for game action until doctors feel he can handle contact during practice. There hasn’t been much practice time for the Penguins lately.
“It’s not just an automatic thing,” Crosby said. “To go through hitting is a big step. I just want to make sure I get through that. It’s the most important thing — however long that takes. I don’t want to get too far ahead. I just want to make sure it goes well and (I) give myself the best chance to handle it.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres have put Jochen Hecht on the IR.
“We’ve shut Jochen down at different times,” Ruff said. “If the doctors feel it’s best to shut him down for a period of time, we’ll shut him down. It’s really in their hands. It isn’t up to our medical staff, and it isn’t up to Jochen. We’re under some guidance, and we’ve got to trust what our people are telling us.”
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Lightning forward Ryan Malone had X-rays on his upper body injury after Saturday’s game against the Jets, which were negative. He’s day-to-day and may not play tonight against the Hurricanes.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky could return in a week, and the Oilers will have to figure out what to do with Linus Omark, who’s been a healthy scratch for 5 consecutive games. He would have to clear waivers since he’s played over 60 games. The Hurricanes are looking for forwards.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom was hit in the 2nd period by Panthers Jack Skille and didn’t return for the 3rd period.
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