Posts Tagged Ryan Suter

Morning Hits: Jagr, Calvert, Brodeur, Zidlicky and Elias

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 24th, 2013

  • Randy Miller of the Courier Post: Jaromir Jagr said that the Philadelphia management didn’t want to negotiate a contract until after they knew the outcome of the two $100 million offers they had on the table. By the time Zach Parise and Ryan Suter knew where they were going to sign, Jagr had moved on.

    “We made an offer to Jaromir back in February,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said of Jagr, who signed with Dallas and then was traded last month to Boston. “It didn’t go anywhere. They decided to wait until after the season was over. We talked a number of times between the end of the year and free agency. I talked to his agent (Petr Svoboda). He called me the day that Jaromir signed with Dallas. He said, ‘We’re getting close, where are you guys at?’ At that point, we weren’t in a position to do anything because we had offers out on other guys.”

    The Flyers may not have wanted to give Jagr a raise from $3.3 million to anything past $4 million. Jagr responded to a question that if waiting for Suter and Parise drove him away.

    “Well, the thing I understand is that if you give two offers to free agents … you cannot give two offers to somebody else,” he said. “Because if they grab it, with the salary cap, what are you going to do? So (Flyers management) had to wait for those players to say no and it took them a week. So it’s the whole free market.

    “I was happy (in Philadelphia). Everybody knew it. I loved that team. I loved the fans. I loved the city. But on the other side, I always believe in God. And I always believed He would find the best place for me. I had a faith that something good would happen to me even if (returning to Philadelphia) didn’t happen.”

  • Blue Jackets.NHL.com: The Blue Jackets have re-signed Matt Calvert (2 years, $1.975 million). In 42 games this season, the 23-year old Calvert has nine goals and seven assists with 32 penalty minutes.

    “Matt is a dynamic young winger that plays with great tenacity at both ends of the ice and we look forward to his continued development and contributions to our hockey club,” said Kekalainen.

  • Rich Chere: Devils Martin Brodeur confirms that he’ll play next season.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Neither Marek Zidlicky or Patrick Eliashas spoken with the Devils about a contract extension.

    “I don’t know yet. It’s pretty tough to say right now,” Zidlicky said. “I would like to come back. I don’t know what Lou wants to do with the team for next year. I’d like to stay here. He knows that.”

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Three teams contracted Habs about Subban as talks don’t progress … Gardiner to AHL … Perry/Getzlaf the new Suter/Weber

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2013

  • Louis Jean via twitter: Source said there is no real progress today on Subban talks. His agent suggested coming down from offer for 5 plus years to Jamie Benn’s numbers. There is still a philosophical divide. Nick Kypreos via twitter: Hearing no progress in negotiations today. Louis Jean via twitter: There was speculation that talks could yield a new offer, but that is not the case. Source suggested that both sides will take the weekend off to re-assess positions. Subban’s camp asked for  the meeting. May not have been a step back, but not a step forword.   Dave Stubbs via twitter: Subban’s agent, Don Meehan, in a text: ”We met with (#Habs) Marc B today. P.K. will take weekend to reflect & we will meet P.K. again on Monday”
  • David Alter via twitter: The Maple Leafs have sent defenseman Jake Gardiner to the AHL. No one has been called up to replace him, and they’ll stay with 22 players for the time being. Darren Dreger via twitter: “Gardiner simply needs the minutes to get back up to speed. Might have been a good idea to give him a few AHL games to warm him up.” Damien Cox via twitter: “Not sure why so many Leaf fans believe playing in the AHL is bad for a player, or somehow an insult. Just part of the process.”
  • Damien Cox via twitter: “And since I know this question is coming, no, the Leafs are not more likely to trade Gardiner in a Luongo deal. Won’t happen.”
  • Mike Halford via twitter: Halford thinks that Ducks Corey Perry/Ryan Getzlaf will be this years Ryan Suter/Shea Weber. Minus the “Philly’s crippling offer sheet” subplot. Halford could see Getzlaf staying in Anaheim, and Perry signing a huge deal with someone, maybe with Detroit. The Flyers of course would be interested.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons brings up the questionable goaltending by Ben Scrivens, and that James Reimer allowed a pair of weak goals in his only start. The Canucks will eventually have to lower their asking price for Roberto Luongo. There is evidence that the Maple Leafs are playing better under Randy Carlyle. Nazem Kadri is playing well. Despite not scoring often, Phil Kessel is working hard. Dion Phaneuf is gambling less. The goaltending needs to be stabalized if the Leafs want to be in a position to win more often.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: The Oilers waiver claim on goalie Niko Hovinen is not an NHL move, don’t expect him to be added to their roster.
  • Bob Stauffer via twitter: Note for the Flames – Oilers game [tonight]. All of the Oilers top 6 forwards played during the lockout. None of the Flames top 6 played, Glencross-Tanguay-Iginla or Cammalleri-Backlund-Stempniak.

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Players who are not considering going overseas at this time

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 19th, 2012

  • The Fourth Period: Gabriel Landeskog has been approached by a couple Norwegian teams. Matt Duchene is not considering playing in Europe unless the entire NHL season is lost. Jan Hejda will wait until November before deciding what to do. Paul Stastny may be looking to pay in Germany with his brother Yan if the lockout drags on.
  • Josh Rimer via twitter: Martin Brodeur on playing overseas, “Not now for sure only if it drags on I’ll look into it.”

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Flames lease close to expiring … 6 Predators and Hurricanes questions … Lilja out … Klefbom not ready … Horton cleared

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 13th, 2012

  • Tamara Gignac of the Calgary Herald: The Flames lease at the Scotiabank Saddledome expires in 2014 and the Flames would like a modern building to enable them to compete financially with other NHL teams. They are being tight-lipped about when or where they could break new ground. The Flames can extend their lease until a new arena is built.

    “We certainly won’t be ready to move by 2014,” King said.

    “If we dropped the flag and started building today, I don’t think we’d meet the deadline. We have an arrangement to be here as long or frankly, as short, as required.”

  • Brian Compton of NHL.com: 6 questions facing the Predators heading into this season. 1. Can the Predators overcome the loss of Ryan Suter? 2. Can anyone on this roster score 30 goals? 3. Can Pekka Rinne duplicate his success? 4. Is this the year Mattias Ekholm makes an impact? 5. Is Colin Wilson ready to take the next step? 6. Can the Predators reach 100 points again?
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers confirmed that defenseman Andreas Lilja had a hip injury and will miss the start of the season. Lilja told a Swedish newspaper that he might be out until December, but GM Paul Holmgren doesn’t agree.

    “He did have surgery [and] should be back late October or early November,” Holmgren texted CSNPhilly.com on Sunday afternoon.

  • Mike Morreale of NHL.com: 6 questions facing the Carolina Hurricanes. 1. How will coach Kirk Muller use Jordan Staal? 2. Where does Alexander Semin fit in? – they could have Eric Staal center Semin and Chad LaRose, Jordan Staal centering Jeff Skinner and Jussi Jokinen. Tuomo Ruutu centering Jiri Tlusty and Patrick Dwyer.  3. Do the acquisitions of Staal and Semin make Carolina a Cup contender? 4. How will Muller fare in his first full season behind the bench? 5. Do the Hurricanes have enough depth on defense? 6. Who will serve as Cam Ward’s backup?
  • Josh Yohe via twitter: If the Penguins have any interest in the Ducks Bobby Ryan, now might be the time to make a move as the Flyers may have to concentrate on defensemen.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers prospect Oscar Klefbom to NHL.com: “Edmonton wants me to come over and try but I don’t want to come over and feel like I’m not ready.”
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Nothing new on Tim Thomas. Another team may look at him to reach the salary floor depending on the new CBA. Nathan Horton has been cleared to resume full contact once training camp opens.

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Rumors and notes: “a hell of an offer” for Nash, Semin, Weber, Kostitsyn, Doan, Parise, Suter, Streit, Luongo, Bernier, Kane and Boyle

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 18th, 2012

  • Ansar Khan of MLive: According to someone with knowledge of the situation, the Red Wings made “a hell of an offer” to the Blue Jackets for Rick Nash. Which got them no counteroffer, no negotiating, nothing. It’s unclear what the Red Wings offered. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson likely doesn’t want to see Nash in a Red Wings jersey 6 times a year. Howson told TSN that he’s looking for at least 2 NHL ready forwards. Though it’s unlikely that Detroit would move them both, the Blue Jackets may be interested in guys like Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula.
  • Michael Traikos via twitter: You can’t really fault the Blue Jackets for not dealing with the Red Wings, but one less team hampers ability to get value for Nash.
  • Matias Strozyk via twitter: CSKA GM Sergei Fedorov said they are negotiating with Alexander Semin, but “there are more questions than answers”.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said he spoke with Shea Weber’s agents on Monday.

    “It’s ongoing and hopefully we’ll talk later in the week,” Poile said. “I would say (we discussed) everything about the Predators, where we are and where we’re going and what part Shea has with that.”

    “Right now my priority is to see Shea signed and hopefully finalize a longer term deal with Shea,” Poile said. “To me it all revolves around that decision.”

    The Predators and Sergei Kostitsyn have a arbitration hearing set for August 2nd.

    “We’re talking to his agent (Don Meehan) on one hand. On the other hand, we’re preparing with our counsel for arbitration, and that’s August 2,” Poile said. “We still have time on that, but we’re preparing for that.”

    If Shane Doan decides to move on the Coyotes, that Predators would be interested:

    “First of all, I’m hoping the Phoenix situation gets resolved and he can stay there and finish his career in Phoenix,” Poile said. “If he decides it’s not a fit for him and would like to pursue other opportunities, the Predators would be very interested.”

  • L.A. Lariviere via twitter: The Penguins are the front-runners for Doan, not far from the Sharks and Canadiens. The history, tradition and market are key.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Zach Parise got several $100 million offers immediately. Buffalo reportedly let both Parise and Ryan Suter know that they would give them $100 million. Suter wasn’t interested in going to the Eastern Conference. By July 2nd other teams figured it was down to the Wild and Red Wings. It’s believed that Parise considered at least 9 teams to varying degrees: Devils, Wild, Penguins, Flyers, Bruins, Sabres, Red Wings, Blackhawks and Kings. One source said Parise eliminated Eastern teams as he was unwilling to compete directly with the Devils. Parise later said it came down to the Devils and Wild. About 24 hours before the Wild signed the pair, they signed Jake Dowell, a close friend of Suter with the same agent. With some big name UFA/RFA’s for next year, some may look to get a deal done before the new CBA in case there is a term limit. The Oilers look a long look at Mark Streit, Islanders GM Garth Snow said in a text, “I have no intention to trade Streit.” The Panthers feel the Canucks are wanting too much for Roberto Luongo, and the Canucks feel the Panthers are squeezing too hard. The Panthers are unwilling to move Jacob Markstrom, Erik Gudbranson or Jonathan Huberdeau. The Canucks may have interest in Nick Bjugstad or Quinton Howden, and it’s unlikely the Panthers like that idea. The Canucks don’t want to take on a bad salary. If a deal with the Panthers doesn’t happen, they’ll have to ask him for more teams. Have to believe that Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke did inquire about Jonathan Bernier, wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t. There are doubts about Burke’s seriousness in Bernier. The Predators may have to ultimately ask Shea Weber: “Look, we just went through this with Ryan Suter. We need an honest answer.” The Coyotes are looking for offensive help and really like David Krejci. Friedman isn’t sure if the Bruins are shopping him. This could be where all Keith Yandle rumors came from. Teams have been told that Patrick Kane isn’t going anywhere. The 36 year old Dan Boyle’s name has popped up, his no-trade is now limited, so teams are calling.

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A look at 6 teams that could trade for Rick Nash … Could Flames deal Bouwmeester to the Oilers?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 12th, 2012

  • Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Fox looks at 6 teams that could trade for Rick Nash. Boston Bruins: They still believe they are a contender and could take a run at their 2nd cup in 3 years. Tyler Seguin, Milan Lucic, and Dougie Hamilton would likely be targeted by the Blue Jackets. Detroit Red Wings: The Wings lost out on Suter, Parise, Salo, Carle and Schultz and have the cap room to add Nash. They have prospects Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar that might interest the Blue Jackets. They may not be interested as they have a bigger hole on the blueline. Alexander Semin is still available and may be a short term fix. Why would the Blue Jackets trade within their division? New York Rangers: The Rangers have lots of young talent and the Blue Jackets are reportedly interested in Ryan McDonagh and Chris Kreider. They don’t score a lot of goals and will be without Marian Gaborik for a bit as he recovers from shoulder surgery. They may not do a deal because they may not find it worth giving up so many young assets.  Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers have the assets (Sean Couturier and/or Brayden Schenn) to make a deal that could improve their chances on getting a cup now. May not happen as they likely won’t want to trade Schenn since they traded for his brother. They may not want to give up Couturier since the moved a young forward in James van Riemsdyk to the Leafs. Pittsburgh Penguins: The trade of Jordan Staal means they have more ice available for an impact forward. Sidney Crosby could use a scoring winger. The Pens could be worried what the Rangers and Flyers would be like if they had Nash. Deal breaker could be Paul Martin. The Pens may have to move his salary in a deal, but the Blue Jackets seem to be looking for forwards over defenseman. It’s doubtful that Martin and prospects would be enough. San Jose Sharks: They are deep in forwards, and the Blue Jackets like Logan Couture. The Sharks don’t want to include Couture. Would the Sharks be willing to a accept a deal included Ryane Clowe instead of Couture?
  • Gord Stellick via twitter: With Ryan Suter and Zach Parise going to the Wild and not a “top contender,” it has taken some heat off the better teams to not overpay for Rick Nash and Bobby Ryan.
  • Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Willis wonders if the Flames would trade Jay Bouwmeester to the Oilers? Flames GM Jay Feaster:

    “When all the dust settles after the first week of free agency, if there are teams still looking on their blueline, we’re going to get a lot of phone calls. I do believe that’s one of the things that will happen is that the trade market will open up.”

    Pierre McGuire said that Bouwmeester would be a fit for the Oilers, and they may try to trade for him. Starting points for a deal could be Ales Hemsky, Ryan Whitney and Nick Schultz. The Flames are looking to shed salary, so Schultz would get the nod over Hemsky, and they would need some prospects. Sam Gagner is one possible player, but it’s hard to image the Oilers trade him within their division. Willis doesn’t think it will happen. Both sides would be worried that a deal could blow up in their faces.

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Quick hits on: Vlasic, Penguins winger search, Suter, Hamill and the Winter Classic

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 11th, 2012

  • Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kovacevic doesn’t get the sense that the Penguins are that keen on Alexander Semin. The Penguins preference may be to find a young 20 goal scored on someone’s roster for one of their young defensemen, similar how they got James Neal. The Oilers could be a perfect partner. The Penguins could send Shane Doan a big one year offer to give GM Ray Shero another year to find his next Neal.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Ryan Suter believes he was straight forward with the Predators during his contract talks.

    “It’s something that happened. And the fact that I do get to be close to home with my wife and my kid, for me to be close to home, it all worked out,” Suter said. “It was no agenda, and that’s how it played out.”

    “I have never tried to hide anything from anybody,” Suter said. “I wanted it to work in Nashville, but the decision I made was to move on, and I’m sorry for the hurt that it has brought to David Poile and to the Predators.”

    Suter said he never promised Poile the last chance at him in negotiations.

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Some intriguing UFA names left … Flyers notes … Maple Leafs top priorities … Subban – Canadiens talks ongoing

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 8th, 2012

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: There are really only 3 places for Canucks to trade Roberto Luongo to: the Blackahwks, Panthers and Maple Leafs no matter how long it drags out. Simmons wonders if someone will sign the 38 year old Jason Blake. Some intriguing names still out there: Peter Mueller, Wojtek Wolski, Cal O’Reilly, Chris Campoli and Alex Semin.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers tried and failed to sign Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Matt Carle, and Jaromir Jagr. They did sign Ruslan Fedotenko and 3rd pairing Bruno Gervais. They might still add a veteran piece or two. They are interested in Shane Doan if he becomes available. Mike Knuble could be a possibility. Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan won’t be coming to the Flyers unless the Blue Jackets and Ducks lower their demands.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke’s top 3 priorities: “(a) getting bigger (b) adding a veteran goaltender and (c) adding another top two centre.” Not easy holes to fill even with $12 million in cap space. This Leafs team needs more top end talent, and to keep the puck out of their net. Mirtle thinks their top 3 priorities should be: “1. A top four (and preferably top two) defenceman. 2. Another NHL calibre goaltender. 3. A top six forward (preferably a centre) who has the ability to play against other team’s top lines.”

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Flyers offered $110 million for Parise … 11 teams interested in Doan … Tallon won’t rule out anything … Oilers need to make a trade?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 8th, 2012

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher came close to acquiring Ryan Suter at the draft. Zach Parise was reportedly offered $110 million by the Flyers. Suter was offered more than $100 million. Parise took less than what the Wild had offered him.
  • Paola Boivin of the Arizona Republic: 11 teams have inquired about Shane Doan according to his agent on Friday. The Kings, Rangers, Red Wings and Canadiens are among the teams interested. “It’s heartbreaking for him,” Bross said. “Heartbreaking.” Doan wants to stay and set a Monday deadline, but the complicated ownership situation may delay a decision. Signatures are due on Monday for the petition to make the lease agreement a referendum in November. A sales-tax initiative petition has also been recently presented. Doan wants a multi-year with the Coyotes and 1 year deal with the promise of an extension if the team stays in Phoenix won’t cut it.

    “I’ve told them, if you want to wait for Shane, understand you may be waiting in vain,” Bross said. “Shane would wait until the cows come home.

    “Unfortunately with these things, there is a business aspect to all of this and, at some point, Shane is going to have to fish or cut bait.”

  • Jim Matheson via twitter: There are certainly 10 teams that would love to sign Doan for his leadership and skill. Doan would be a perfect fit for the Red Wings or Rangers.
  • Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers GM Dale Tallon said he won’t rule out anything with regards to Roberto Luongo. Canucks GM Mike Gillis said he’s not in a rush. Luongo said on the Friday:

    “[Florida] is definitely one of the spots I’d be willing to go to,” Luongo said Friday during a radio interview on the Jeff O’Neil Show on 99.3 The Fox in Vancouver. “At the end of the day, I think it’s time to move on. And I’m OK with that. I had a great six years in Vancouver. It’s a really wonderful city. I really enjoyed my time there. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring a Stanley Cup there. Probably my biggest regret. But it’ll be remembered for six great years.

    “I think there’s a lot of cities that are great to play in, and Chicago’s definitely one of them. But you have to realize that it works both ways. There’s not only me involved in this decision. It’s also a question if the Blackhawks would be interested, if the team would be interested in trading me there, and if I wanted to go there.”

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Preds need to handle Weber like the Pens did with Staal … Poile still upset … Pens not shopping Martin … Extending Getzlaf and Perry a priority

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 7th, 2012

  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen thinks the Predators have to handle Shea Weber like the Penguins did with Jordan Staal. Offer him the best contract extension you can afford, if he doesn’t accept it, trade him. Allen thinks they should offer him Sidney Crosby’s contract, 12 years and $104.4 million. That offer shows the Predators fans they are doing everything they can to re-sign him, and it puts all the cards on the table. Preds GM David Poile doesn’t want to trade him, but if turns down a $100 million deal, he doesn’t have much of a choice. They can’t have a situation with Weber like they did with Suter. If they were to move Weber they should be able to get an exceptional prospect, a 1st round pick, and a couple players to help them now.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile is still a little upset:

    “Playing with (captain) Shea Weber, that one point, whether this franchise is in Timbuktu, the one point of not choosing to stay and play with Shea Weber, I will never, ever understand that,” Poile said.

    Added Poile, “It doesn’t go down easy. Why should it go down easy?”

    Poile has spoken with Weber and his reps:

    “He believes in us, sees himself as the leader of our hockey club, and I think he, a lot like us, is disappointed with the outcome with Ryan,” Poile said. “So having said that, we have to both get back up on the horse and find a way to fill the hole and move forward. Hopefully that will be together. Right now, if you ask me, I think Shea feels that way.”

    “Shea is the player we want to build our franchise around,” Poile said. “He’s our captain, he’s our leader and at some point we would like to enter into a longer term contract with him. That’s what our goal is and we’ll see over the next little while if we can make that happen.”

  • Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers GM Dale Tallon said he expects Kris Versteeg to be a Panther for a long time, he filed for salary arbitration. Nick Bjugstad denied the Panthers offered him deal and that he turned them down.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: (from last week) Ducks GM Bob Murray said extending both Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry is a priority:

    “I think it’s imperative for the hockey team,” he said. ”We’ve reached out to the agents and that will be an ongoing process. I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight.  But we’ve reached out to both sides.

    “It’s something that will be ongoing and we’ll work at it. I don’t think it’s something that you need to read in the paper every day. We’re going to work at it and when we get it done, we’ll tell you.”

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Suter, Nash, Ryan, Colaiacovo, Red Wings, Hurriances, Semin, Yandle, Penguins, Bouwmeester, and Blackhawks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 5th, 2012

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that Nashville did everything that Suter wanted, including a big contract offer. Suter said he choose the Wild for family reasons.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The ball is now in the Blue Jackets court. The Red Wings, Penguins, Rangers, Flyers and Sharks are all on Rick Nash’s list, and possibly the Hurricanes. There has to be a ‘homerun’ offer in that group.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Teams looking to add 30 goal scorers now have to look at Nash and Ryan. It’s confirmed that the Red Wings, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins and Sharks are on Nash’s list, but there may to another team or two on it. There has also been hints that Nash may expand his list. Neither side wants a be faced with Nash being a Blue Jacket in September. If Nash expands his list, the Hurricanes may be a team that is added. The Rangers have tried to get Nash without giving up any proven NHL players (other an Brandon Dubinsky) or top level prospects.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Options for the Red Wings now are Matt Carle (written before he signed) and Carlo Colaiacovo. Colaiacovo is injury prone and they wouldn’t want to commit a lot of term for him. They could go the trade route. They have 5 defenseman under contract for next year (Niklas Kronwall, Jonathan Ericsson, Ian White, Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl) and they are working on re-signing Kyle Quincey. The Wings will look at Shane Doan if he hits the open market, and they will continue to explore a Rick Nash trade.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings could use another defenseman and a high-end forward. “We’ll explore what’s left on the market. We’ll talk to some teams to see if there are any players available (by trade).” Forward possibilities through free agency or trade are: Alexander Semin, Shane Doan, Rick Nash and Bobby Ryan. Possible defenseman: Matt Carle, Keith Yandle, Carlo Colaiacovo, Shea Weber and Jay Bouwmeester.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Oberserver: The Hurricanes are pushing hard for Nash, and are thought to have made a strong offer. The Penguins could now ratchet up the ante. It’s not known what the Hurricanes offered. It’s believed that Jeff Skinner would not be part of any package.
  • Todd Cordell via twitter: Semin’s agent Mark Gandler: “All I can tell you is that Alex will sign with an NHL team.”
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: It would take a really good offer to get Keith Yandle out of Phoenix. If he is moved, LeBrun figures could be to Eastern Conference where several teams are interested. Tab Bamford via twitter: If Yandle is available, and Ray Whitney’s replacement is Steve Sullivan, would have to think Shane Doan is considering a new home.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: There are now more suitors for Rick Nash now that Parise has signed with the Wild. Matheson isn’t sure if the Penguins or Red Wings have the young forwards that the Blues Jackets would want though.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: The Penguins have a hole in their top 6.

    “If we could (find center Sidney Crosby) a winger, that would be fantastic,” Shero said. “It would make my life a lot easier, (but) Sid does pretty well whoever he plays with. I’d love to get a winger for Sidney, but those guys don’t fall off trees.”

    The Penguins best free agent options could be Shane Doan or Alexander Semin. Ryan or Nash could be available through trade. They have young defenseman assests in Simon Despres, Joe Morrow, Scott Harrington, Olli Maatta and Derrick Pouliot.

    “We’ll go with what we have at this point,” Shero said. “We’ll see what’s available. … If you can improve your team, you’re going to do that. One thing that we have now that we haven’t had in a while is cap space.” “We like our defense the way it is. If there’s a chance to upgrade, certainly we’re going to do that. But there are a lot of teams looking for defensemen. They’re not easy to find.”

    Shero hasn’t ruled out having one of their current forwards moving up to their top 6, maybe Tyler Kennedy.

  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero on Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan: “They’re under contracts. There’s only so much I can say. But if there’s a trade that makes sense, we’ll look.”
  • Roger Millions via twitter: The Flames haven’t tried to trade Jay Bouwmeester. Teams have expressed interest. Could find out quickly if that is so.
  • Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks the Wild defense is a little sketchy even with the Suter addition. He wonders if they would deal Devin Setoguchi for defensive help.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks have lost out on Parise, Suter and Brodeur. Their only addition has been Sheldon Brookbank. Sources are saying that GM Stan Bowman is under significant pressure from management to improve the team. “We’re going to keep pursuing different things,” he said. “It’s only July 4 — the summer hasn’t played itself out yet.” Chris Boden via twitter:
    Bowman wouldn’t say if trades are more likely than free agency now.
  • Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks are still dangling defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson.

    “Our objective is not to make a splash,” said Bowman, who confirmed his pursuit of goalie Martin Brodeur. “Our objective is to win hockey games.“Our objective is to put a team on the ice that is going to give us the best chance to win the Stanley Cup next year. You have to look, and it’s not like we have seven holes to fill.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk on Derek Roy being a UFA after this season:

    “I think we want to see what’s going on with the CBA. There’s still a lot of uncertainty with the CBA. I think we’ll all catch our breath now, he’ll get situated in Dallas, and we’ll go from there.”

  • St. Louis Post Dispatch: Are Carlo Colaiacovo’s (UFA) days as a Blue numbered? Jeremy Rutherford thinks it’s 50-50 that he’s re-signed. The Blues are looking at other options in their attempt to bring in a defenseman. If they can’t find an upgrade, he could be back. Dan O’Neill says it’s unlikely he’s back.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: UFA Jesse Winchester is still waiting to be picked up. The Senators don’t have a forward spot open for him. He was injured for a good part of last season with a concussion. He passed his baseline test last week.

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Suter, Lamoriello, Carle, Ryan, Weber, Flyers, Semin, Kings, Stars, Burke Audio and Bruins

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 4th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said their offer to Parise “was competitive.” Lamoriello confirms that Parise told him, had he not gone back home to Minnesota, he would have stayed with the Devils. From tone of both media calls, Lamoriello taking it better than David Poile. Lamoriello said that he reached out to Ryan Suter as well, but Suter didn’t have any interest coming East.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Predators GM David Poile said that he’s already talked to Shea Weber’s camp about a long-term deal, going to turn his attention to that.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Pierre Maguire said on TSN radio that an East teams is interested in a defenseman from the Kings roster, giving currency to their suggestion of a Rob Scuderi move.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: People were asking Murphy if the Stars would move Brenden Morrow after the addition of Jaromir Jagr, Derek Roy and Ray Whitney, Murphy doesn’t think so. Morrow is a leader and money isn’t an issue anymore.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke vows to improve the Maple Leafs with more roster moves. Burke said: “We need to get some sandpaper in there as well,” and that Tim Connolly needs to pick up his game.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: The Bruins are still looking for a puck moving defenseman. “Obviously we’ve tried to [develop a puck-mover] a little bit in the last few years, or bring in a player of that ilk,” said Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney. Dougie Hamilton hold the inside track on the 6th defensive spot heading into next year.

    “You look at what Doug Hamilton may or may not be able to bring and what he was able to do at the junior level. You hope that [his offensive skills] translate and that he’s gonna be a puck mover,” said Sweeney. “Is he a prototypical guy . . . sometimes you describe those guys as being small and skilled wise? No, those guys are big and skilled now. It’s the best of both worlds in that regard.

    Other options from within are David Warsofsky, Torey Krug and down the road Matt Grzelcyk.

    “It is expensive to acquire that [puck-moving defenseman] as it would be to sign a player; Dennis Wideman’s contract is what it is,” said Sweeney. “Ideally, you’d like to develop that, and you would be homegrown in every position. We look for [the puck-moving defenseman], of course.”

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