Posts Tagged Saku Koivu

Morning Hits: Stars, Koivu, Selanne, Niederreiter and Blues

  • Eric Stephens: Ducks GM Murray said the team will be different next year. He indicated that he’d like Saku Koivu to return, and will talk to Teemu Selanne over the next little while.
  • Anaheim Ducks: Murray on Teemu Selanne: “I’ll wait a while, go hit a few (golf) balls, go play with him and let him beat me, and then we’ll decide.”
  • Brian Costello: The Dallas Stars were cheering for the Bruins. If the Bruins make the Eastern Conference final, the Stars will get their 1st round pick. If they don’t, they’ll get a 2nd round pick. From the Jaromir Jagr trade.
  • B.D. Gallof: “Just to make this VERY clear… Nino Niederreiter is NOT being actively shopped. See his name coming up like forgone conclusion. To expand on Nino thoughts: yes, he is a tradable asset. however, when has Garth ever just traded off asset? Has to be right scenario. Also do not believe #isles will spend ANY rebuild assets for a goalie when vets aplenty.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: A couple Blues GM Doug Armstrong quotes in case you missed them.

    “This is a public cry that for any GMs that have any 50-goal scorers that want to just send them to St. Louis, give me a call,” Armstrong said. “I spent the last two days going over the top 20 scorers the last few years, and most of them are drafted by their own teams. Reality is with free agency the way it is now, teams tie up those elusive top-end goal scorers.

    “If I can find a guy that can come in and help us score goals, certainly we’re going to look at doing it. But to think that that player is out there and teams say, ‘Geez, it’s St. Louis’ time to win, we’ll give you (Alex) Ovechkin,’ you’ve got to deal in reality. … It’s incumbent upon the players in this room to find out how to produce when the lights are the brightest to score those goals.”

    “We have players that have produced in the past that haven’t been able to get us over the hump in the playoffs, but they’re still in those prime years,” Armstrong said. “I believe that the home-grown talent can produce at those times. The easiest thing is to show somebody the door. It’s foolish if you’re not bringing in somebody that’s better.”

    Andy McDonald will be a UFA and is not expected to re-sign. Armstrong said they expect to re-sign all their RFAs including Chris Stewart and Patrik Berglund.

    “I don’t see this being a huge free agency offseason for us,” he said. “I see it more taking care of our own business and then seeing if we want to re-arrange some of the chairs via trade.”

    Stewart, Berglund and David Perron could be players the Blues consider trading.

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NHL Rumors II: Senators looking to add, Stewart trade speculation, Not so fast on Ryan, Time for a Sharks reset

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are in a good spot and GM Bryan Murray is thinking about adding and not subtracting. Their top prospects won’t be available.

    “I don’t know that there’s a specific (approach yet). We’ve got another two weeks,” said Murray. “I’m going to see how we are. If we’re still playing hard and well, then I may take a look to see if we can do something.

    “I’m certainly not going to give up a top young player at this point, but if there’s an ability to acquire someone who can help us as we go forward, absolutely.”

    Milan Michalek is likely headed towards surgery. There are more buyers than sellers, with only the Panthers and Avalanche out of the race.

    “I don’t know how you ever get a scorer in the NHL anymore, but if you can get a top-six forward it’s always the objective,” said Murray. “I haven’t identified anybody who is going to be moved.

    “There’s only a couple of teams that are going to say today that they’re probably going to trade a couple of kids. (Teams) want to keep the best part of their core and then try to add to it as well. It certainly makes it difficult to make trades.”

  • TSN: (last Thursday) Blues Chris Stewart keeps coming up in trade speculation according to Darren Dreger.

    “Stewart’s name is out there, and when a name like that surfaces based on how well he’s played this year and he continues to produce, then you know that there’s an expected high level of return,” Dreger explained. ”St. Louis and Doug Armstrong have been looking for a defenceman since basically the start of the year.”

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Many people will jump to the conclusion that Bobby Ryan and his $5.1 million salary will be moved in the summer. It is possible, but you need to wait and see what happens with UFAs Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The time for a San Jose Sharks reset may be coming. Some nights the Sharks have shown they can compete, while other nights they look worn down. They could use some tweaks. They have a nice core in Antti Niemi, Brent Burns, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Justin Braun, Matt Irwin and 2012 first-rounder Tomas Hertl. One issue with a reset is that they currently sit 8th in the West. They may want to get some draft picks and/or young assets without breaking up the roster too much. Sources are saying that GM Doug Wilson has listened to offers on several of his players. 36-year old defenseman Dan Boyle could be on the move at the deadline or in the summer. The Rangers could use someone like Boyle. Martin Havlat is another name that could be moved, but he has got two more years at $5 million and a full no-movement clause. Ryane Clowe and Douglas Murray are both UFAs after this season.

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Player notes involving: Del Zotto, Nash, Braun, Stuart, Koivu, Hecht, Smyth, Hartnell, Hamerlik, Murray and Scheifele

  • Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Mark Stuart signed with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Saku Koivu has been skating with TPS Turku of the SM-liiga. He owns a part of the team, along with his brother Mikko and Miikka Kiprusoff. Sources are saying that he won’t be suiting up for them right away, maybe not until after Christmas or possibly only if the NHL season is cancelled.
  • Ottawa Sun: Free agent forward Jochen Hecht signed a 2 year deal with Adler Mannheim of the German league. Hecht had spent the last  nine seasons playing for the Sabres.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Ryan Smyth hasn’t played during the lockout, but it’s possible that he joins Team Canada for the Spengler Cup. The Canadians could also have forwards Tyler Seguin, John Tavares, Patrice Bergeron, Brooks Laich, Danny Briere, Joffrey Lupul, Sam Gagner, Jamie Benn and Tyler Ennis. Along the blueline they could have Stephane Robidas, Jared Spurgeon and Andrew Ference. In net, Jonathan Bernier could be an option.
  • Ottawa Sun: Flyers Scott Hartnell doesn’t think any of Roman Hamrlik’s Capitals teammates will stick up for him on the ice after the comments Hamrlik has made during the lockout.

    “I don’t think anyone other than Roman Hamrlik in Washington — a guy who has made $50-to-$60 million from the (NHL Players’ Association) — has turned on us. You’re going to have guys like that,” Hartnell told the radio station. “I can’t wait to see what his teammates do when guys go after him. To sell the whole PA under the bus and to stick up for a guy like that is going to be tough.”

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets Ryan Murray’s agent, Rick Valette, told the Columbus Dispatch that Murray’s surgery has been pushed back from yesterday to mid-January.

    “If waiting a month allows it to recover to 105 percent, that’s what we’re after. If he’s ready July 1 instead of June 1, no big deal.”

  • Terry Koshan via twitter: The Jets have said that Mark Scheifele will remain with the Team Canada for the World Junior Championship, regardless if a new CBA gets done.

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Sides exchange emails … Fehr speaks … Jokinen and Koivu heading overseas … Myers, Gardiner and Nash injuries

  • Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Don Fehr spoke to the CAW (Canadian Auto Workers) yesterday, and spoke to the media afterwards.

    “It seemed to me that we ought to have been able to move forward and finish it off but so far they have not indicated they are willing to continue discussions.” Fehr told the media after giving his speech.

    “There had been some movement. We responded with some movement.” Fehr said. “We think we’re done on the dollars or very close to it with the exception of one issue, transition, which we haven’t even discussed yet.”

    “The way this negotiation sits, the percentage that players get out of industry revenue, assuming that the current proposals on the table hold, would result in massive concessions to the owners,” Fehr said. “When they say they’re negotiating against themselves, what exactly is it?

    “What has moved in the players’ direction? It’s not salaries. It’s not the length of contract.”

    “So far there has been no indication from the other side that there is any drop-dead date. All I can tell you is that when you’re in a negotiation, you keep at it and find a way to reach an agreement,” Fehr said.

  • Bob Stauffer via twitter: The NHL won’t be making a “big” move to the NHLPA in the next couple days. To avoid the cancellation of more game, the players are going to have to make the next move.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Senators Kyle Turris has left the FEL for personal reasons. Hurricanes Jussi Jokinen will take his place.
  • Mike Harrington via twitter: There are reports out of Austria, that Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers is having a MRI on his ankle after suffering an injury on Friday night. Through another sites translation, Myers has stretched ligaments in his ankle, but could return to the lineup next Friday. Myers has 2 goals, 7 assists and is -8 in 16 games.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: On Rick Nash’s groin injury that has led him to fly from Zurich to New York.

    “It’s purely precautionary, but we’re taking the ‘Better safe than sorry’ approach,” Joe Resnick, Nash’s agent, told The Post. “There’s nothing for anyone to be alarmed about.”

    “Once Rick sees the doctors, he’ll decide whether to return [to Switzerland],” Resnick said. “It seems like we might not be too far away from a deal here on a CBA, so what everyone is hoping is that he can get onto the ice with the Rangers as soon as possible.”

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: After scoring his 2nd goal of the game, and eventual game winner, Marlies Jake Gardiner was pulled from the game.

    “He wasn’t in a concussion state, just not feeling quite right,” coach Dallas Eakins said. “With all of our players, we err on the side of caution. We’ll re-evaluate him later tonight and tomorrow.”

  • Bob Stauffer via twitter: If the NHL gets back to playing sometime in January, and with Andy Sutton’s injury status, the Oilers may need to add some depth along the blueline.

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Another list of players heading overseas during lockout

  • Szymon Szemberg via twitter: The coach/GM/owner of Geneva-Servette of the Swiss league said he’s in negotiations with Anze Kopitar.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Nikolai Kulemin will be finalizing a deal with Metallurg. Michal Handzus will play with Banska Bystrica in Slovakia.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Jussi Jokinen has a contract with Karpat in Finland for 1 month. He’ll be taking it 1 month at a time.
  • Juha Hittela via twitter: Scott Hartnell said he wants to play in KalPa. Kalpa’s GM said that Adam Hall is a possibility.
  • Matias Strozyk via twitter: Weaker rumors of players going overseas: M. Koivu, Korpikoski to TPS; Filppula, Selänne to Jokerit; Ekman-Larsson to Tingsryd; Grossmann to Södertälje.

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Rumors and Notes: Red Wings, Sharks, Nash, Whitney, Dmen for trade and the Doan situation

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Don’t rule out Sharks GM Doug Wilson, who likes to lie in the weeds. If they really want Nash, they could get it done quickly.
  • Gus Katsaros via twitter: Katsaros thinks that Ray Whitney would be a good replacement for Jiri Hudler if he leaves the Wings.
  • Davied Pagnotta via twitter: Defenseman that are available for trade: Yandle, Bouwmeester, Hjalmarsson, Franson, Methot, Diaz, Gonchar, Martin, Vlasic.
  • Sarah McLellan via twitter: Coyotes GM Maloney thinks their roster may change more through trade than free agency. They will target a couple players. A Shane Doan deal didn’t get done because of the uncertainty of the team in Phoenix. He could take a 1 year deal, but wants the term as it’s likely his last multi year deal. GM Maloney believes that Doan will give the Coyotes a chance even after listening to other offers. Maloney, “”If we’re in PHX, there’s no question that he would sign a multi-year deal. I’ve had enough discussion w/ his agent. We’d be able to do a contract.”
  • The Fourth Period: The earliest that Doan would sign a contract would presumably be July 8th, when there will be a clearer picture about what is going on with the team in Phoenix. Doan’s side will take from calls and entertain offers from teams from today until to the 8th.

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Zidlicky should be ready … Preds-Suter to talk in a couple weeks … Some Habs candidates … Jagr to wait … Koivu re-signs

  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Marek Zidlicky is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury but should be ready for the next round.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Ryan Suter said he spoke with GM David Poile Wednesday morning.

    “We talked about everything and the future, and how everything will go, and I think we’re going to meet again in a couple of weeks and kind of make a decision,” he said.

    Suter wants to take some time unwind.

    “Wherever I sign I want to be there for the rest of my career, and that affects my family, my wife, my kid (and) if we have more kids,” Suter said. “Everything plays into it.”

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Canadiens are expected to interview a wide range of candidates: Marc Crawford, Bob Hartley, Patrick Roy, Michel Therrien, Benoit Groulx (Gatineau), Sylvain Lefebvre (Colorado assistant). Bryan Marchment could join the Sharks coaching staff. The Predators must “sit down with Ryan Suter and ask for an honest appraisal of his future. If he won’t sign (or give you enough assurance), it’s time to let teams talk to him in advance of July 1. Get what you can. ” The Blue Jackets will likely pass on taking the LA Kings 1st rounder this year as it will be in the bottom 4.
  • Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: The Flyers will likely have the cap room to re-sign Jaromir Jagr if they want, but Jagr isn’t ready to commit to next year just yet.

    “Right now I don’t know,” he said about his future following Game 5. “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford wouldn’t be surprised if Roberto Luongo’s list is more than 5 teams. Would he really want to come back to Vancouver and play 30-35 games? Some people claim that Ryan Suter has a list of teams he wants to play for, and the Predators aren’t on it. If Suter leaves, it puts more pressure on the Shea Weber situation. If they aren’t able to lock him up long-term, the Preds will have to either sign him to a 1 year deal or look to trade him. Botchford wonders if the Canucks would have enough to pull off a Weber trade. Ryan Kesler is damaged goods at the moment. Kevin Bieksa is locked up with a no-trade clause. Jannik Hansen might interest the Predators, but only as an add on piece. Defenseman Alex Edler would fit in nice at $3.25 million, but he has only 1 year left before he becomes a UFA.

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Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games

  • Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
  • Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8  unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”

    “I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.

    “You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”

  • Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.

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State of the Anaheim Ducks: NHL Trade Deadline Edition

Written by J.P. Hoornstra of Allpuck and the Los Angeles News Group and can be found on twitter at @jphoornstra.

“I have two players who are unavailable,” Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray declared to a pair of Southern California newspapers on Jan. 4, a saliva-inducing statement as the other 29 NHL teams began to pick apart the Ducks’ roster.

More than a month later, where do those two players and the rest of the team stand on the eve of the Feb. 27 trade deadline?

Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu, who possess no-trade clauses, are still in Anaheim – and that remains unlikely to change. The main reason: A 12-3-3 run since Jan. 1 (through Monday) that has kept the team on the fringe of the playoff conversation. Be assured that Murray’s phone is still ringing, but he might wait until the last minute before committing to joining the sellers’ camp

Be assured, too, that Murray is listening. The GM has been quite active in advance of deadlines past.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Hawks looking for trade partners … Options for Pacific teams … Carle could cash in … Koivu could be in … MacDonald close, Steen unknown

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman would love to find a trading partner.

    “There’s a lot of guys looking for players and not a lot willing to part with players,” he said during a Tuesday phone conversation. “I don’t know if it’s going to change a ton the next couple weeks.”

    The Lightning and Islanders aren’t ready to be sellers just yet.

    “Teams that are out of it are looking more towards the future,” Bowman said. “If that’s the case, there’s nothing you can do. Those teams are looking at the summer and going, ‘You know what? Why are we going to trade him away?’”

    If the right center was made available, they would be interested despite recently acquiring Brendan Morrison. They will target defensemen. Canadiens Hal Gill would be an option.

  • Corey Masisak of NHL.com: The Sharks might be looking for a 3rd line energy guy who can kill penalties. They could deal Antero Niittymaki, but they won’t get much return for him. The Kings will be looking to add scoring. They have Jonathan Bernier to trade, but they’ll want a big return for him. The Coyotes could use some scoring up front. If they become sellers, they have Ray Whitney and Daymond Langkow to move. If the Stars are buyers, they could use a top 6 forward. If they become sellers they may look to move Nicklas Grossman and/or Sheldon Souray. If the Ducks won’t make Teemu Selanne or Saku Koivu available, they could consider moving any of Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky.
  • Dave Lozo of NHL.com: The Red Wings have room to take on $24 million in cap space. Travis Moen and Ales Hemsky could be options.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: It’s unclear if the Flyers and defenseman Matt Carle have held serious contract talks. Carle will be a UFA and there is belief that he could get a deal similar to James Wisniewski’s 6 years, $33 million on the open market.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and could return tonight. Coach Mike Yeo on a possible trade:

    “The one thing our entire team needs right now is just to go out on the ice with the idea that we’re good enough because we are. Obviously, if we can do things to make our team better I know there’s not a GM in the league who’s working harder than Chuck [Fletcher] on this. But having said that, we’ve beaten all the good teams in the West. We’ve proven ourself. When we play our game, we’ve proven what we can do.”

  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Andy MacDonald should be back either Sunday or Tuesday. Alex Steen hasn’t skated this week, so his return is unknown.
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Scouting the Ducks-Hurricanes game last night: Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Coyotes, Flyers, Predators, Rangers and Blues.

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Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes

  • Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:

    “Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”

  • Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
  • Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
  • Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
  • Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
  • Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
  • John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.

    “We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:

    “The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”

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Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
  • Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
  • David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.

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