Posts Tagged Saku Koivu

Huet Done in Chicago … Ranger Talk … Not much movement for Bruins next year?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 26th, 2010

  • Mike Kiley of Chicago Now: Kiley wonders when, not if, the Blackhawks will buy out Cristobal Huet. Lastnight’s 8-3 lose could be the end of the line for Huet in the ‘Hawks net. But are they completely sold on Niemi?
  • Jay Greenberg of the NY Post: The New York Rangers need to find a center for Marion Gaborik, Ollie Jokinen isn’t the answer. He’ll probably walk at the end of the season, he’s a UFA, and the $5.5 million savings will be used to re-sign RFA’s Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. The Rangers are pretty much handcuffed with the over-priced Wade Redden ($21 million over 4 years, $6.5 mill next year), Michal Rozsival ($7 million over 2, $4 mill next year), and Chris Drury ($13 million over 2, $8 mill next year). The fans and media will once again call for Redden to be sent to the minors to clear up over $6 million in cap space.
  • James Murphy of NESN: With the recent signing of Andrew Ference (3 years, $6.75 million), the Bruins find their next seasons cap number around $45 million. After re-signing some of their RFA’s and UFA’s, they will be really close to the cap. There is a good chance their lineup could be the same next year, unless some moves are made via trades.
  • Alvin Chang of ESPN: The Oilers offered the Bruins Dustin Penner and Tom Gilbert for the Bruins 1st round pick (Toronto’s). There is still the rumor that Bruins are still interested in Tomas Kaberle, and that the Leafs would love to get their 1st round pick back.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Saku Koivu’s season hasn’t turned out the way he had hoped. The soon to be UFA see’s the potential in Anaheim, but the 35 year old may be looking for a contender. The Ducks have shown interest in bringing him back next year.
  • RussianProspects.com: The Flyers have been scouting Russian forward Evgeny Bodrov (they signed his brother Denis in January) and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Mattias Ohlund may return to the Lightning lineup Saturday versus the Sabres. Ohlund has missed the last 7 games with an ankle injury.

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    Rumors from the Pacific … Hawks-Panthers Talking? Interest in Kozlov

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek and Puck Prospectus of ESPN:
    • Doug Wilson and the Sharks would like to add some secondary scoring and a puck moving Dman. It would have to be a rental player, as Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov need to be re-signed. The Sharks may also look at adding a backup goalie with some experience.
    • The LA Kings are looking to add a scoring winger and will look at Ray Whitney, Freddie Modin, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Paul Kariya, and Raffi Torres. They may also look at a goaltender with experience.
    • The Phoenix Coyotes might be one team that is looking to add players that won’t be UFAs after the season. Peter Mueller has been rumored all season to be on the outs. Andrew Brunette of the Wild might be a good fit with the Yotes.
    • The Anaheim Ducks have UFA’s Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, and Saku Koivu that will draw some interest. Bob Murray has said that Niedermayer isn’t going anywhere. James Wisniewski’s name has been mentioned with the Blackhawks (for Cam Barker before he was dealt).
    • Dallas Stars need an upgrade on the blueline. They won’t be bringing in any big contracts. Marty Turco is the most likely player to be moved. Mike Ribeiro, Stephane Robidas, Fabian Brunnstrom and Steve Ott, could find themselves playing in a different city after the deadline.
  • Harry Teinowitz on ESPN Radio: I don’t know how reliable this guy is, but he mentioned on Monday of a trade rumor between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. The Hawks would send Cristobal Huet, Corey Crawford, and Kris Versteeg to the Panthers for Tomas Vokoun and an defenseman (maybe either Dennis Seidenberg or Jordan Leopold).
  • TheFourthPeriod: The Kings, Bruins, and Red Wings are rumored to have an interest in Slava Kozlov. UFA’s for the Atlanta Thrashers that could be moved are: Kozlov, Colby Armstrong, Jim Slater, Maxim Afinogenov, Eric Boulton, Pavel Kubina, Christoph Schubert, Mark Popovic and Johan Hedberg. Kozlov, Kubina, and Armstrong should draw the most interest.
  • Jeremy Roenick on ESPNChicago: Roenick is putting his hand in the rumor mill, saying that Jaroslav Halak wants out of Montreal, and he’d be better suited to lead Chicago to the Cup than Antti Niemi and/or Cristobal Huet. Vokoun would be a perfect fit in Chicago.

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    Are the Preds and Ducks Buyers or Sellers? Injury to Getzlaf, Franzen Returns Tonight

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 9th, 2010

  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have not asked Tim Thomas to waive his no trade clause, not yet at least.
  • Mike Heika of the Star-Telegram: With Tom Hicks and the Dallas Stars having some money issues, they will once again be under a tight budget for next year. The Stars have an internal cash budget of $45 million. They’ve had trouble selling the more expensive seats, and will be rolling back some of those prices next year.
  • John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Preds are another team that aren’t sure if they are buyers or sellers. They could use some scoring depth and a penalty killer. Dan Hamhuis and one of Dan Ellis or Pekka Rinne could be available for trade, as all will be UFA’s at the end of the season.
  • Andy Strickland via Twitter: The Blues have told other GM’s that Carlo Colaiacovo is available.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are unsure if they are buyers or sellers this year, as they are hanging around the last playoff spot. They could bring in some guys to bolster their playoff chances, or they could become sellers with assets like Scott Niedermayer, Saku Koivu, Teemu Selanne, and others.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Andy Sutton and Dwayne Roloson might become available on the Isle. A few teams have inquired about Sutton already.
  • George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings will welcome back Johan Franzen tonight, Drew Miller is also expected to play. Niklas Kronwall won’t be in the lineup as he’s still waiting for a knee brace. Tomas Holmstrom is a game time decision. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen cleared waivers and was assigned to Grand Rapids of the AHL.
  • Robyn Norwood of the LA Times: Ducks all-star and Team Canada member, Ryan Getzlaf, suffered an ankle sprain last night. Initial X-Rays were negative, and a MRI is scheduled for today.
  • Ray Parrillo of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Ray Emery missed his 3 straight game because of a sore hip. He had an MRI done on it to determine what is causing the issue. They are optomistic that it’s not a long term problem.

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    Plan B for some, Torres, Whitney and Ponikarovsky … Pony for at least a 2nd, Lou looking for a center now

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2010

    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Plan B for teams who missed out on the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes. Raffi Torres of the Columbus Blue Jackets is up for grabs. LeBrun thinks Torres would fit in nicely in Pittsburgh, Burnside mentions the Kings and Avalanche. The Kings would like Ray Whitney and offered him a 1 year contract extension, he wants a 3 year deal from them. As of Thursday, the Penguins haven’t called the Hurricanes about Whitney. The Pens are tight against cap and may wait until the deadline day when a new salary will be at it’s lowest. Alexei Ponikarovsky could be nice fit for Pittsburgh, LA, and maybe the Thrashers to go along side Slick Nic Antropov.
    • Darren Dreger of TSN via Twitter: As many as 10 teams have an interest in Maple Leafs forward Alexei Ponikarovsky, and they should get at least a 2nd round draft pick for him. If 10 teams would offer a 2nd round pick, I think it might take a 1st or a 2nd plus prospect to get him.
    • Bill Watters mentioned during the Leafs-Devils intermission that the LA Kings offered a 1st round pick and a prospect to the Hurricanes for Ray Whitney.
    • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: There could be a bidding war for Ray Whitney between the Sharks and Penguins. The Sharks or Blackhawks may call Burke about Tomas Kaberle. Dan Hamhuis and Kari Lehtonen should draw some interest. Preds GM David Poile plans on talking to the agents of Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne over the Olympic break, if one re-signs, the other will most likely be traded, with the Blackhawks potentially interested. The Blackhawks are looking for a defenseman and quietly shopping for a goalie.
    • TheFouthPeriod: New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello may not be done dealing. They had an interest in Matt Stajan before he was dealt. They are now keeping an eye on Saku Koivu, Matt Cullen and possibly Mike Modano.
    • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Though the Sabres have struggled recently (2-5-1), GM Darcy Regier said improvements will come from within, for now at least. “The focus isn’t to look right now for outside help,” he said. “It’s how do we all get better internally. I think we’re all focused on that.”
    • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have lost rookie Erik Karlsson until after the Olympic break with a shoulder injury.

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    Phaneuf on the block despite what Sutter says? Flames looking for a #1 center, Devils looking to trade

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2010

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: An NHL GM told the Post that the Calgary Flames are ‘desperate’ to trade Dion Phaneuf. Flames GM Darryl Sutter scouted the Rangers-Flyers game on Thursday. The Rangers couldn’t make a move for Phaneuf without unloading Redden and/or Rozsival’s contract, and I don’t see the Flames wanting Redden. If they took Rozsival, the rest of the package would have to be really good. The Flames would be looking for a center, so Brandon Dubinsky would probably be the main player involved.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek wondering a few things. Would the Thrashers be interested in Ponikarovsky if they trade Kovalchuk, potentially for a 1st rounder? Would the Penguins be interested in Nikolai Kulemin and would the Leafs trade him (Kulemin has a Malkin connection)? The LA Kings may be the only trade destination for Teemu Selanne, who will most likely retire at the end of the season. Colby Armstrong or Alex Tanguay to the Flames? (Not really his thoughts on Armstrong and Tanguay, as they were mentioned last week in a couple articles)  Dallas Stars starting goalie for next could be Halak, Lehtonen or former Star, Dan Ellis.
  • E.J. Hradek of ESPN: The Flames need a number 1 center for Jarome, and they might have to trade one of their top 4 Dman to get it.
  • Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman thinks Huet and Niemi are good enough to lead them to the Cup. The Hawks have plenty of skill up front and on the blue line, but they still might look to add something.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: I wrote yesterday that Canucks GM Mike Gillis was scouting the Blues-Canadiens game earlier this week, and that he could be interested in several Blues. Botchford brings up that he might have been looking at some Canadiens, Josh Gorges and Ryan O’Bryne and some of their pricier blueline veterans. Another possibility could be Tomas Plekanec, a UFA who’ll want big money. I don’t see the Canadiens trading Plekanec, especially if they are close to a playoff spot.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have struggled scoring lately, and might be looking to make a deal. The names Scott Niedermayer and Saku Koivu come up again. Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Iginla don’t appear to be untouchable according to Everson. Zach Parise would be the only Devil that is not available. Saying that Jarome Iginla is tradable is a  big statement to make, and I don’t believe it one bit.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Trade Deadline deals but Brian Burke. He’ll be looking for draft picks, and not Kovalchuk.

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    Around the Boards: Leafs haven’t approached Kaberle just yet, A good time to move Phaneuf, Selanne to Boston a reasonable option, Stajan to Devils?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 14th, 2010

    • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Tomas Kaberle says he hasn’t been approached by Brian Burke about being traded, and when asked about submitting a list of teams he might be willing to go to, “(Burke) got the list last year,” Kaberle said. “Besides, he has not come to me about being traded. Nothing has changed.
    • Brian Costello of the Sporting News (via The Hockey News): Despite the denial that Dion Phaneuf is going anywhere, Costello offers 3 reasons why it would be good for the Calgary Flames to deal him. 1. “Phaneuf’s market value will never be higher” 2. “The Calgary defense is just fine without him” 3. “The need for secondary scoring”
    • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: While Ilya Kovalchuk would be the top choice for the Boston Bruins, winger Teemu Selanne may be a more reasonable option.
    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson shoots down a Jaroslav Halak to Edmonton rumor, and says that GM Steve Tambellini will go with the kids for the remainder of the season.
    • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils could be in the market to add a center, and may have Saku Koivu or Matt Stajan on their radar.
    • Adrian Dater of the Colorado Avalanche: Colorado Avalanche forward Marek Svatos can be had, and some teams are ‘intrigued’. It might take a 3rd rounder to get him, which some may feel is too high. Svatos is currently out with a groin injury and will be an unrestricted free agent at season end. Dater has heard that the Maple Leafs and Senators have called, and maybe the Bruins.
    • MIke Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk thinks they have the team to fight through this slide, so I wouldn’t expect any major deals out of Dallas just yet.

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    Around the Boards: Souray will waive ‘no-trade’ clause, Kovalchuk-Thrashers continue talks, Savard out 2-3 weeks

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 9th, 2010

    • Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: Sheldon Souray has let it be known that he’d be willing to waive his ‘no-trade’ clause if it ‘makes sense’ for his family. His family is out in California, so if he gets traded, expect it to be to a west coast/conference team. Souray has 3 years left on his contract at $5.4 million cap hit. He’s making $5.5 mill this year, and $4.5 mill the next 2 seasons.
    • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Thrashers aren’t giving up on re-signing Ilya Kovalchuk.

      On the ongoing contract talks with Ilya Kovalchuk, Waddell said: “Talks continue on. We met in Saskatoon (at the World Junior Championships). Our priority still remains to get him signed. We’ve made some progress but we are obviously not ready yet to put a signature on a contract.

      “The positive thing is the talks have continued. They haven’t broken down. We talk almost daily. To me, that’s all part of the process. If talks break down because one side puts their shoes too far in the sand then you know you’re probably at an impasse. At this point, that hasn’t happened. Both sides continue to talk and try to find away to make this deal work.”

    • Chris Zupke of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne expects to return to the Ducks lineup tonight. Changes could be coming for the Ducks if they continue to sit near the bottom of the Western Conference. JS Giguere, Scott Niedermayer, Saku Koivu, and Todd Marchant, could find themselves with another team before seasons end.
    • Paul Hunt of the Toronto Star: Hunt lists some names who are unrestricted free agents this year that could be dealt at the trade deadline: Slava Kozlov, Colby Armstrong and Pavel Kubina (Atlanta), Saku Koivu (Anaheim), Paul Kariya (St. Louis), Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen (Carolina), Jeff Halpern, Antero Niittymaki and Alex Tanguay (Tampa), Martin Biron and Doug Weight (Islanders), Raffi Torres (Columbus), Steve Ott and Jere Lehtinen (Dallas), Alexei Ponikarovsky, Matt Stajan, Lee Stempniak and Vesa Toskala (Toronto)
    • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs are now allowed to negotiate with RFA Jonas Gustavsson, but have yet to do so. The Leafs don’t feel any pressure or urgency to get something worked out right away.
    • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Boston’s Marc Savard could be out for 2 to 3 weeks with a sprained knee. The Bruins were stayed healthy last season, the same can’t be said for this year.

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    Around the Boards: Devils Interested in Koivu and Neidermayer? Gainey Wants to Re-sign Plekanec, Bergeron Breaks Hand, and plenty more …

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 6th, 2010

    • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are on a roll, but still might look to add to their roster by the trade deadline. Saku Koivu and/or Scott Neidermayer could be possibilities.
    • John Mackinnon of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers fans may have to wait until closer to the trade deadline day to see some changes to the roster. “Unless you’re getting close to the (March 3 NHL trading) deadline, where people actually want to make deals — there’s the odd one that takes place — but normally things don’t change a lot,” Tambellini said in a telephone interview from Saskatoon where he is attending the world junior hockey championship.
    • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey hopes to be able to re-sign Tomas Plekanec, but that could be easier said than do. The Canadiens already have $45 million in salaries for next season and the Plekanec has been rumored to be looking for around $7 million a season. Plekanec is making $2.75 million this season.
    • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron will miss at least 2 weeks with a broken right thumb after taking a shot off of his hand Monday night. He’ll be back in plenty of time to take part in the Olympics for Team Canada.
    • Chris Botta of NYI Point Black: It looks like Rick DiPietro will be between the pipes for the New York Islanders at some point during their 3 game road trip to Colorado, Dallas and Phoenix.
    • Robert Tychkowski of Slam! Sports: Things aren’t looking good for Nikolai Khabibulin and his disc problem, and it’s looking more like he’s done for the season.
    • Frank Seravalli of teh Philadelphia News: Philadelphia Flyers defenceman, Ryan Parent, who has not skated for 11 days with a lower body injury/back injury. GM Paul Holgren said he’s to start skating in a few days, with a return about 2 weeks away. But now it’s being reported that Parent has a herniated disc, and saw a second doctor yesterday. That doesn’t sound like good news if you are to begin skating a couple days.
    • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Johan Franzan is back on skates, but is still not close to returning to the Red Wings lineup. Franzan tore his ACL back on Oct. 8th, and isn’t expected back for another 2 months. Jason Williams isn’t expected back until the end of the month at the earliest. Henrik Zetterberg and Danny Cleary are hopeful of returning Thursday night.
    • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Another injury for the Carolina Hurricanes to deal with, as Scott Walker will be out 4 to 6 weeks after shoulder surgery. WIth Sergei Samsonov also sidelined, the ‘Canes recalled Zach Boychuk and Jiri Tlusty.

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    Around the Boards: Niedermayer, Selanne and Koivu out in Anaheim? Hitch safe for now, Zetterberg back tonight? Bieksa out 3 months

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 5th, 2010

    • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: If the Anaheim Ducks continue to fall further from playoff contention, there is a good chance that several veterans will find themselves being offered around the league. Scott Neidermayer, Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu might be given some say of where they would like to play. Nick Boyton, James Wisniewski and Todd Marchant could also be on their way out for a pick or prospect.
    • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: GM Jim Rutherford says that trades could be coming soon for the Carolina Hurricanes, “Things are starting to open up now as far as moving players.”
    • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Despite the rumors that some Blue Jacket players are unhappy with coach Ken Hitchcock and that the team isn’t playing near expectations, GM Scott Howson has given his coach another vote of confidence.
    • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Both Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary took part in a full practice yesterday and could be a go for tonight against Anaheim, though it’s not a 100% that either will play.
    • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks Dman, Kevin Bieksa will out at least 3 months with 2 severed tendons above his left ankle. Wow … what a shocker, Bieksa hurt, this guy has had some bad luck.

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    Saku Koivu on His Way to Anaheim

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 8th, 2009

    Saku Koivu has left the Montreal Canadiens and signed a 1 year deal with the Anaheim Ducks. Koivu will earn $3.25 million next year. It was apparent that the Canadiens weren’t going to sign him, especially after they for some reason traded for Gomez and overpaid for Cammalleri.

    Saku will most likely center fellow Fin, Teemu Selanne. Many, and myself included, thought Saku might sign with the Minnesota Wild and finish his career playing with his brother Mikko. I’ve never really been a fan of Saku, and thought he was a bit over-hyped in Montreal, and not a #1 center. That being said, we should be a decent 2nd or 3rd line center with the Ducks.

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    Koivu wants to stay in Montreal

    Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2009

    Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette quotes Saku Koivu’s agent Don Baizley as saying ”Saku would like to stay in Montreal, but we’re waiting to see what the team has in mind.”

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    Habs Offer Contract and Captaincy to Kovalev

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on May 27th, 2009

    TSN reports that “The Montreal Canadiens have offered the team’s captaincy to pending unrestricted free agent Alex Kovalev and that Saku Koivu is no longer in plans for the team”…

       What? Kovalev a captain? The guy shows up to play pretty much whenever he feels like it and you want your team to follow that example? Crazy if you ask me.

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