Posts Tagged Saku Koivu
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- 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.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2012
- 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.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: More will be known about Jonathan Toews injury after practice today. The Blackhawks have only 1 game before the All-Star break.
- 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.
Anaheim Ducks rumors involving Getzlaf, Ryan and others … Leafs would have to be interested in Getzlaf
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 5th, 2012
12:40 PM:
- Damien Cox via twitter: “Problem with ANA rumblings is GM Murray seems to say one thing publicly, but something very different to other teams.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Staples thinks the Oilers should look at Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, more Getzlaf than Perry. He doesn’t think the Ducks would take Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner and a few prospects. Would the Oilers throw in “Linus Omark or a Magnus Paajarvi or a Jeff Petry or a Teemu Hartikainen or a few of them?” Staples thinks a Cam Fowler for Sam Gagner deal might make sense for either team, but they should look for “a finished product, not a work in progress.” The Oilers could look to pick up a Matt Smaby or Mark Fraser as a stopgap defenseman from the Ducks.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Dupont figured it would be Bobby Ryan out of Anaheim before Ryan Getzlaf. Idea of moving Getzlaf and leaving Perry kind of feels like the Canucks trading one of the Sedins.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: DeCock doesn’t see a fit as the Hurricanes ‘core players’ include Staal, Ward, Skinner, maybe Sutter/Faulk. See what DeCock was referring to below.
- BD Gallof via twitter: For Islanders fans thinking Perry or Getzlaf, think Moulson or Okposo, Niederreiter or Strome, plus a prospect and draft pick. The price for established players is costly. Whatever players are on the block, Islanders fans should realize they are not in that market.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau has to be the biggest loser in the Ducks trade talk as he now has to motivate 21 of 23 players who are now traded bait.
8:23 AM:
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray isn’t ready to give up on this season just yet.
“At this point, no,” Murray said Wednesday before the Ducks’ home game against San Jose. “I’m not ready to. First of all, we do have a lot of really good core players. Everybody in hockey knows we have good core players.”
Teams are calling Murray, and he is listening. Both Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have no-trade clauses, and Murray doesn’t want to trade them. Corey Perry and Cam Fowler are likely untouchable. Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Jonas Hiller could be up for discussion if the team doesn’t improve. Murray said he isn’t just looking for draft picks if he were to deal someone.
“I still believe we have some core players. Now whether we have to change a few core players, so be it. They’re deciding who’s staying and who’s not staying at this point. They’re the ones deciding.”
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: You have to believe that the Maple Leafs would be interested in Ryan Getzlaf. He’s the type of player Burke has been after since he got to Toronto. Rumblings suggest that GM Murray would rather move Ryan over Getzlaf. According to Cox, “the Leafs don’t see a fit with Ryan.” Burke may be setting up for a deal as he sent Phillipe Dupuis to the minors and put Colton Orr on waivers yesterday, though they have injured players who may be close in Tyler Bozak, Mike Komisarek, Colby Armstrong, Mike Brown and John-Michael Liles. When the Leafs were inquiring about Mike Richards in the summer, they were believed to be asked for a package involving Luke Schenn and Nazem Kadri. The Leafs don’t have a #1 center to send the Ducks, but could offer Bozak or possibly Joe Colborne. Giving up both Kadri and Colborne seems unlikely. Defenseman Carl Gunnarson could also come into play. Getzlaf will be UFA after next season.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: On the possible availability of Ryan and others …. DeCock desn’t know if there is a fit with Hurricanes in what they have to offer as GM Murray may be wanting a core player back.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: One of the Ducks issues this season is the lack of depth. They are thin outside their top 6, and their blue line is a mish-mash of young and old. Trading Getzlaf could definitely improve their depth with players who are ready for the NHL. Trading a player with a ton a talent may not be a thing that Murray wants to do.
Caps may be getting a shakeup … Weber out Friday, unlikely for Sunday … Sens sign 2 1st rounders … Green hopeful for next week … Kane at center
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on December 29th, 2011
- Josh Rimer via twitter: “Been told if Washington Capitals Lose at home to NY Rangers tonight expect a Shake up, and when I say shake up I’m talking Trade.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Predators Barry Trotz said that Shea Weber is out for Friday and Sunday is unlikely.
- Don Brennan via twitter: The Senators have signed 1st round picks Matt Puempel and Stefan Noesen to entry-level deals.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ducks forward Saku Koivu is doubtful according to Boudreau.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres Lindy Ruff on Nathan Gerbe: “Nathan is getting real close. He could possibly be an option for one of these two games, maybe.”
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee said Mike Green is “about 80 percent” and hopes to play next week.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The Blackhawks are moving Patrick Kane back to center.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues Kris Russell is out 3 weeks. TJ Oshie is quetionable.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers Stephen Weiss skating with a no-contact jersey.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight against the Hurricanes.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight against the Flames. Brian Rolston is in. Haley, Pandolfo and Staios are out. Jesse Spector via twitter: David Ullstrom was put on the IR by the Islanders. Brian Rolston was activated from the IR.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tomorrow against the Red Wings.
Injury notes on Weber, Byfugien, Peverley, Koivu, Blake, Russell and Higgins
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 28th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Barry Trotz said there is no timetable for Shea Weber’s return. He is holding out hope for Friday. Hard to predict concussion time frames.
- Gary Lawless via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was scratched last night due to a lower body injury. He’s had a knee issue for awhile.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Rich Peverley practiced yesterday for the 1st time in 9 days. There is a good chance that he plays on New Year’s Eve.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks center Saku Koivu practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision on Thursday. Winger Jason Blake practiced with the team as well. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Niklas Hagman-Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan-Nick Bonino-Teemu Selanne, Matt Beleskey-Andrew Cogliano-Andrew Gordon, Jean-Francois Jacques-Rod Pelley-George Parros, Kyle Palmieri-Saku Koivu-Jason Blake.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues defenseman Kris Russell left last night’s game in the 1st period with a lower-body injury. He’ll be re-evaluated today. Forward B.J. Crombeen was activated from the IR.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Chris Higgins may be out of the lineup with mysterious illness. He’s missed 2 games earlier this month from it.
Fallout from the Kaberle trade … Pronger has concussion-like symptoms, Schenn mild concussion … Ryan to center … Gonchar doubtful
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 10th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: One GM told LeBrun that he was absolutely shocked that the Hurricanes were able to move Tomas Kaberle’s contract.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford on the signing of Kaberle: “I should have known better.” Rutherford added that he would have “preferred” to have dealt Kaberle for a forward but “there was not a deal out there.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey doesn’t think the Kaberle trade “doesn’t make sense on any level. ” The Canadiens now have $43 million tied into 12 players and have Carey Price, P.K. Subban, Josh Gorges, Raphael Diaz, Alexei Emelin and Lars Eller as RFAs.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger has “concussion-like” symptoms, and forward Brayden Schenn has a mild concussion. Pronger will be further evaluated on Wednesday by the same doctors who treated Sidney Crosby. GM Paul Holmgren on Schenn “We’ll keep him shut down through the weekend and see how he is Monday.”
- M Whicker of the OC Register: With Saku Koivu injured, the Ducks are shifting Bobby Ryan to center Teemu Selanne and Andrew Cogliano. Bruce Boudreau hopes to have defenseman Lubomir Visnovksy back “within a week to 10 days.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar is doubtful for tonight. He left Thursday’s game with an upper body injury. Filip Kuba is at least 3 weeks away from returning from his upper body injury.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Flames forward David Moss will return to the lineup next week.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings have placed forward Ethan Moreau on waivers.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Richard Bachman may get his first NHL start against the Kings tonight.
A quiet Leafs summer … Hulsizer candidate to by Blues … Possible retirees this year and next
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 22nd, 2011
- George Popalis of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs have been quiet this summer with regards to the free agent market, not doing anything since Tim Connolly, and it’s probably a good thing. Over paying for someone and talking away a roster spot for a someone in their young core may not be the best for the team. Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo, Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker are all in their early 20′s and deserve a good look at camp.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Matthew Hulsizer is one of the candidates attempting to buy the St. Louis Blues. It’s expected that Hulsizer will submit a bid to buy the Blues. The deadline to submit a bid is today. Current minority owner Tom Stillman is also expected to make a bid.
- Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: Spector lists some players who could retire this year or next: Teemu Selanne, Mike Modano, Cory Stillman, Marty Turco, John Madden, Sergei Samsonov, Mike Grier. Possible candidates for retiring next summer: Martin Brodeur, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sheldon Souray, Jason Blake, Saku Koivu, Sean Avery, Jaroslav Spacek, Filip Kuba, Willie Mitchell, Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney and Steve Sullivan.
Kovalchuk sleeping on Kings offer … Selanne returning?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 2nd, 2010
Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: Pavel Kubina is close to signing with the Lightning.
Helene Elliot via Twitter: The LA Kings are the only team in on Ilya Kovalchuk, the Devils are said to be out.
Nick Kypreos via Twitter: The Kings sent Kovalchuk a multi-year offer, he told them he’d like to sleep on it. New Jersey could still be an option.
Nick Kypreos via Twitter: The Flyers might be looking to move Simon Gagne, Tampa could be interested.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: LeBrun thinks that Saku Koivu would re-sign with the Ducks if he didn’t think Teemu Selanne was returning.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: LeBrun think the Flyers may still look at signing Nabokov or Turco.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins had conversations with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks about Marc Savard but nothing came from the discussions. Chiarelli is looking for a top 4 defenseman.
Kings getting ready to pursue Kovalchuk … Wild interested in Cullen?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have about $13 million in cap space, and they are still trying to re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk and Paul Martin. Both would require about all of that, and they still have other roster spots to fill, 3 forwards and 3 defense. Odds are they won’t sign both (possibly neither), and will use that extra money on bolstering their defense. John Madden may be on his way back to New Jersey. Clarkson re-signed with the Devils, 3 year, $8 million.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are getting ready to pursue Ilya Kovalchuk, and hoping it won’t cost too much. The Kings aren’t expected to bring Jeff Halpern, Fredrik Modin and Taitis Ivanans back. The Anaheim Ducks are still waiting to hear what Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu are going to do next year. Ducks may look at signing a mid-level defenseman.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sergei Gonchar and Bill Guerin are certain to test the market. The Pens were still trying to get Dan Hamhuis locked up before noon EST. Jordan Leopold and Mark Eaton are still possibilities to return the club.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild are in the market for a center, and homegrown Matt Cullen could be an option.
Kings may look at Kovalchuk, Martin, and Hamhuis … Saku to Minny? Colaiacovo and Weaver may be done in St. Louis
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 30th, 2010
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are still the front runners to land Ilya Kovalchuk. The Kings may also look at signing Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis, if they are available. They will have to keep in mind that Drew Doughty, Jack Johnson and Wayne Simmons will be RFA next season, so they can’t let their salaries get out a whack.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are close re-signing tough guy Jody Shelley, possibly to a 2 year deal worth around $850,000 a season. Erik Christensen rejected a 2 year deal for about $1.5 million, and will become a UFA.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The St. Louis Blues have been talking with defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and Mike Weaver, but all sides don’t appear to be close and they will probably hit the open market.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Despite acquiring Keith Ballard at the draft, the Vancouver Canucks are still on the lookout for defenseman. The Canucks had a terrible time last season with injuries to the blueline, so they’ll be looking for inexpensive, non-injury prone Dmen. Kevin Bieksa is a $3.75 million cap hit, is projected as their 5th defenseman, and could be moved for a ‘battle-tested forward’.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: If Saku Koivu wants to join his brother Mikko in Minnesota, it’s probably his choice. Last season the Wild offered Saku a 2-year deal worth $8 million and 3-year for $10 million, instead he took 1-year at $3.25 million. He turned down the offer because “I wanted him to have his own privacy … and make his own name and career”. The Wild could use another centerman and may talk Saku again this year.
- Vicki hall of the Calgary Herald: Though Ales Kotalik was placed on waivers by the Calgary Flames, he may not be bought out, but the team still has the option to do so.
Ducks defenseman situation … Souray to Sabres/Sharks? Thrashers still not done?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 24th, 2010
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: The Ducks will have to rebuild their defensive corps this off-season, and potentially 2/3rds of their 2nd line if Selanne retires and Saku Koivu moves on. RFA James Wisniewski is wanting more money than they want to pay him. The Ducks will look to bring in 2 defenseman through either trade or free agency. Ruslan Salei would be interested in returning to Anaheim. The Ducks own the 12th and 29th picks, and could try to move up to grab one of the top Dman prospects.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Sheldon Souray made his way to Edmonton to have his formerly broken hand checked out. If any team is going to acquire him through trade, they’ll want to know for sure if he’s completely healthy. The Oilers don’t want Souray in camp next fall. Souray has a no-trade clause until July 1st. The Buffalo Sabres could be interested, as well as the San Jose Sharks.
- Chris Botta of NYI Pointe Blank: There is a chance the Islanders try to make their way in to the mid- late 1st round by using some of their later picks. They already have the 5th overall pick.
- Ben Wright via Twitter: Thrasher GM Rick Dudley would still like to add a ’20-goal scorer and a 2nd round pick’.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Both tough guys Cam Janssen and DJ King received qualifying offers from the St. Louis Blues, but it’s likely that one of them will be dealt.
Salary cap could increase $2 million which would the Penguins and others … James Wisniewski may seek #2 Dman money and/or be traded … NHL Draft Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 29th, 2010
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the league received some good news in that according to Gary Bettman, the salary cap could be going up by about $2 million from it’s current $56.8 million. This might make it a bit easier for the Penguins to re-sign Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke. GM Ray Shero said that Ruslan Fedotenko won’t be back, and that they are talking to Jay McKee, but they might go a different direction. Bill Gurein wants to play next year, but the Pens have to see if he fits in to their plans. No decision has been made on whether they want to bring Alexei Ponikarovsky back or not.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks will retain the negotiating rights with James Wisniewski by offering him a qualifying offer before the June 25th cut off date. Wisniewski may be looking for a nice raise on his one-year, $2.75 million deal he signed last year. He was 20th in ice time and may be seeking #2 Dman money. If that is the case, look for the Ducks to continue to try and trade him (at the deadline they were trying to move him). Ducks GM Bob Murray has yet to meet with Saku Koivu or his agent. Murray has talked to the agent of Sheldon Brookbank.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: They can’t talk contract extension until after July 1st, but Lightning GM Steve Yzerman plans to start conversations with Steven Stamkos. Stamkos agent told the paper he’d “welcome” the discussion.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there won’t be a major overhaul of the club. The Canadiens have about 11 million to sign 7 players. They’ll look to trade both Kostitsyn’s but that could be difficult. The 6’5″ Ryan O’Byrne could also be trade bait. Gauthier and Tomas Plekanec’s agent have talked but no offer has been made, and it’s doubtful the Canadiens will overpay for him. He’s rumored to be after $5 million a season. Jaroslav Halak has arbitration rights, and has put up numbers similar to goalies in the $4-5 million range.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN: The Florida Panthers might be willing to trade down from their #3 draft slot. One Eastern Conference GM said he thinks draft prospect, Jack Campbell, could be a top-10 pick. Kirill Kabanov’s draft stock continues to be surrounded by red flags. One top scout said they won’t interview him, therefore won’t draft him. He met with 17 teams. Brett Connolly who’s draft slot has been in question due battling an injury all season (hip injury), survived the testing and looked good. He’s projected as a top-10 pick, possible a top-5 if further medical tests are good.
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