Posts Tagged Sami Salo
NHL suspends Marchand for 5 games
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Suspensions on January 9th, 2012
The NHL suspends Bruins forward Brad Marchand for 5 games for clipping Canucks defenseman Sami Salo.
Alfie getting closer … Raymond skates for 1st time since compression fracture … Connolly speaks … Parse injured last night
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 9th, 2011
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson skated yesterday for the 2nd consecutive day and was meeting with doctors to see where he stands regarding his concussion. He won’t play tonight, but could join on the team on their 5 game road trip that starts on Friday. He won’t get results from his baseline test until this morning. If he passes, he’s expected to start practicing with the team.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Mason Raymond skated with teammates yesterday for the first time since he suffered a compression fracture in his back in the Stanley Cup final. Defenseman Sami Salo may practice today and Alex Burrows is still day-to-day.
- Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly spoke yesterday about his most recent injury.
“It was just a little bit of a cross check … I kind of felt right away that there was something wrong but I just tried to battle through it,” Connolly said of the injury. “I’m just giving it a couple of days to settle down and then I’ll be right back to working out, skating and getting prepared to get back in the lineup.”
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Scott Parse left last night’s game in the 1st period with a lower-body injury. Terry Murray said he’s “a little more than day-to-day.”
NHL Free Agent tracker for July 1st
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2011
We’ll be updating NHL free agents signings from today in the chart below and in (hit F5 to refresh page) our Top 25 free agents page.
| Players | Old Team | New Team | Contract Notes |
| Ruslan Fedotenko | Rangers | Rangers | 1 year, $1.4 million |
| Sean Bergenheim | Lightning | Panthers | 4 years, $11 million |
| Michael Handzus | Kings | Sharks | 2 years, $5 million |
| Andrew Ebbett | Coyotes | Canucks | 1 year, $525,000 |
| Tanner Glass | Canucks | Jets | 1 year, $750,000 |
| Dan Carcillo | Flyers | Blackhawks | 1 year, $775,000 |
| Corey Potter | Penguins | Oilers | 1 year |
| Francis Lessard | Senators | Senators | 1 year |
| Chuck Kobasew | Wild | Avalanche | 2 years, $2.5 million |
| Brian Elliott | Avalanche | Blues | 1 year, $600,000 |
| Eric Belanger | Coyotes | Oilers | 3 years, $5.25 million |
| Curtis Sanford | Canadiens | Blue Jackets | 1 year, $600,000 |
| Tomas Fleischmann | Avalanche | Panthers | 4 years, $18 million |
| Jim Vandermeer | Oilers | Sharks | 1, year, $1 million |
| Sheldon Souray | Oilers | Stars | 1 year, $1.65 million |
| Ryan Potulny | Senators | Capitals | 2 years, $1.05 million |
| JS Giguere | Maple Leafs | Avalanche | 2 years , $2.5 million |
| Alexei Ponikarovsky | Kings | Hurricanes | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Marco Sturm | Capitals | Canucks | 1 year, $2.25 million |
| Ville Leino | Flyers | Sabres | 6 years, $27 million |
| Benoit Pouliot | Canadiens | Bruins | 1 year, $1.1 million |
| Michael Ryder | Bruins | Stars | 2 years, $7 million |
| Alex Auld | Canadiens | Senators | 1 year, $1 million |
| Cam Barker | Wild | Oilers | 1 year, $2.25 million |
| Darcy Hordichuk | Panthers | Oilers | 1 year, $825,000 |
| Erik Cole | Hurricanes | Canadiens | 4 years, $18 million |
| Roman Hamrlik | Canadiens | Capitals | 2 years, $7 million. |
| Marty Reasoner | Panthers | Islanders | 2 years, $2.7 million |
| Joel Ward | Predators | Capitals | 4 years, $12 million |
| Steve Sullivan | Predators | Penguins | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Mike Commodore | Blue Jackets | Red Wings | 1 year, $1 million |
| Michael Rupp | Penguins | Rangers | 3 years, $4.5 million |
| Peter Budaj | Avalanche | Canadiens | 2 years, $2.3 million |
| Brian Boucher | Flyers | Hurricanes | 2 years, $1.9 million |
| Derek Meech | Red Wings | Jets | 1 year, 2-way $700,000 |
| Max Talbot | Penguins | Flyers | 5 years, $9 million |
| Radim Vrbata | Coyotes | Coyotes | 3 years, $9 million |
| Johan Hedberg | Devils | Devils | |
| Marcel Goc | Predators | Panthers | 3 years, $5.1 million |
| Andreas Lilja | Ducks | Flyers | 1 year |
| Andrew Brunette | Wild | Blackhawks | 1 year, $2 million |
| Vern Fiddler | Coyotes | Stars | 3, years, $5.4 million |
| Ed Jovanovski | Coyotes | Panthers | 4 years, $16.5 million |
| Tim Brent | Maple Leafs | Hurricanes | 2 years, $1.5 million |
| Radek Dvorak | Jets | Stars | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Jan Hejda | Blue Jackets | Avalanche | 4 years, $13 million |
| Boyd Gordon | Capitals | Coyotes | 2 years, $2.65 million |
| Mark Mancari | Sabres | Canucks | 1 year, $525,000 |
| Matt D’Agostini | Blues | Blues | 2 years, $2.3 million |
| Raffi Torres | Canucks | Coyotes | 2 years, $3.5 million |
| Jaromir Jagr | KHL | Flyers | 1 year, $3.3 million |
| Mike Smith | Lightning | Coyotes | 2 years, $4 million |
| Jeff Halpern | Canadiens | Capitals | 1 year, $825,000 |
| Scottie Upshall | Blue Jackets | Panthers | 4 years, $14 million |
| Chris Butler | Flames | Flames | 2 years, $2.5 million |
| Sean O’Donnell | Flyers | Blackhawks | 1 year, $850,000 |
| Adam Pardy | Flames | Stars | 2 years, $4 mllion |
| Jose Theodore | Wild | Panthers | 2 years, $3 million |
| Brett McLean | Blackhawks | 1 year, 2-way $525,000 | |
| Ben Eager | Sharks | Oilers | 3 years, $3.3 million |
| Jamal Mayers | Sharks | Blackhawks | 1 year, $550,000 |
| Mathieu Garon | Columbus | Lightning | 2 years, $2.6 million |
| Cody McCormick | Sabres | Sabres | 3 years, $3.6 million |
| Andy Greene | Devils | Devils | 4 years, |
| Drew Miller | Red Wings | Red Wings | 2 years, $1.65 million |
| Tyler Kennedy | Penguins | Penguins | 2 years, $4 million |
| Chris Higgins | Canucks | Canucks | 2 years, $3.8 million. |
| James Wisniewski | Columbus | Columbus | 6 years, $33 million. |
| Sami Salo | Canucks | Canucks | 1 year, $2 million. |
| Josh Harding | Wild | Wild | 1 year, $750,000 |
| Patrick Eaves | Wings | Wings | 3 years, $3.6 million. |
Wisniewski, Salo and Eaves all re-sign before free agency starts
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 1st, 2011
James Wisniewski signs a 6 year, $33 million deal with the Blue Jackets.
Sami Salo signs a 1 year, $2 million deal with the Canucks.
Patrick Eaves signs a 3 year, $3.6 million deal with the Red Wings.
NHL free agent rumors involving Jagr, Salo, Bergenheim, Torres, Cole, Rupp, Harding, Fleischmann, Leino, Wisniewski, and Hejda
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 1st, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: There are possibly 4 teams still in on Jaromir Jagr. The Penguins, Red Wings, Canadiens and 1 other team, not the Flyers. The Flyers are still talking about the possibility.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: The Canucks and Sami Salo are still working on a deal, wouldtn’ be a surprise if it gets done today.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Sean Bergenheim agent, Todd Diamond, is “expecting a ton of interest.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Raffi Torres will hit the open market, but communication with the Canucks is still open.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Erik Cole loved his time in Carolina and may still re-sign with the Hurricanes.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Red Wings hope to re-sign Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: The Avalanche may have an interested in Michael Rupp.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Wallace thinks that Josh Harding would be a perfect fit in Ottawa.
- Rob Rossi via twitter: Penguins still in the mix for Jagr, GM Shero won’t pull offer.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks the Kings could kick tires on Tomas Fleischmann and Ville Leino.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Teemu Selanne had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee yesterday.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Flyers may look to move defenseman Andrej Meszaros.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Talks involving James Wisniewski, Jan Hejda and the Blue Jackets will resume this morning.
- Daniel Tolensky via twitter: On offer sheets: No 2012 or 2013 1st round picks have been traded. Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Philadelphia, San Jose and Washington have traded their 2nd round picks. Anaheim, Nashville, San Jose, Toronto and Vancouver have traded their 3rd round picks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangerse are believed to be interested in Michael Rupp, Tanner Glass, Anton Babchuk and Jan Hejda.
Free agent updates involving Jagr, Doughty, Tanguay, Selanne, Bryzgalov, the Canadiens and Red Wings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 21st, 2011
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Multiple sources confirmed that Jaromir Jagr approached the Pittsburgh Penguins about a possible return. The Red Wings, Rangers, Capitals and Canadiens are also of interest to Jagr. The Penguins may be open to the idea, the Pens were waiting for Jagr to contact them. The Penguins have 17 players under contract at $55.5 million.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have 15 players under contract for next year after the signings of Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. Andrei Markov’s side and GM Pierre Gauthier are still working on a deal and will meet at the draft. The Canadiens will have about $20.3 million available with the cap going up to about $64 million. Yannick Weber’s signing should be announced soon. They should have plenty of space available after Markov and Josh Gorges are signed to add a top 6 forward.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they continue to negotiate with Jonathan Ericsson. They will decide in the next 10 days whether to offer a contract to Ruslan Salei. Rookie Brendan Smith will be given every opportunity to make the team. On trade talks, “We’ve received a few calls over the last week or so,” Holland said of potential trade opportunities. “Teams out there know we have a need on defense and we have cap space.” Jiri Hudler and Valtteri Filppula could be dangled. If they go the free agent route, Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Sami Salo, James Wisniewski, Joni Pitkanen and Ed Jovanovski could be options.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames would like to bring winger Alex Tanguay back, but there are large difference between the two sides, “it’s money” according to GM Jay Feaster. He’s likely looking for a big raise from the $1.7 million he made last year.
“Well, I’d like to think we can (sign him). But we’re not where we need to be, and there’s still a lot of work to be done,” Feaster said. “We’ll have to see where it goes.
“I think the fact we’re talking is a good thing.”
Feaster has talked with other teams about moving up or down in the draft.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne is still silent on whether he’ll return next season or retire. He’s said for months that he’ll decide by July 1st.
- Tim Rohan of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren on Ilya Bryzgalov talks,
“Well, we would like that to get resolved at some point,” Holmgren said Monday on a conference call. “There is still enough time after the draft to get a deal done. The important thing is that there was progress made when Ilya [Bryzgalov] and his agent, Ritch Winter, were in town. I don’t see any reason why that’s not going to continue.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, so I can’t really give you a definitive answer. There is enough progress, which kind of gives me hope, anyway, that we can make a deal at some point.”
Holmgren added that at some point there needs to be a compromise on years and amount. TSN is reporting that the salary cap will be set at $64 million with the floor being $48 million. After July 1st, teams are able to go over the salary cap by 10%. Holmgren would also like to re-sign Ville Leino.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Drew Doughty’s contract negotiations,
I went up there (to Toronto) four weeks ago and opened up the dialogue (with agent Don Meehan). It was very clear, at that time, where it looked like it was headed. We came back and did our planning, looked at our options and what we could offer him, looked at the market, went to the GM meetings and then I flew up to Toronto from those meetings for another meeting (with Meehan). When you have the first meeting, you’re kind of laying the ground rules or whatever. This one was a little more focused. Things become clearer and we say, `OK, if this is going to get done, this is probably where it needs to be.’ Then I think we made a very serious offer to him this past week. I’m hoping to really push this forward at the draft.”
Twitter NHL rumors and notes involving: Jagr, Weber, Parise, Richards, Bryzgalov and Canucks UFAs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 18th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Jaromir Jagr’s agent said he had more talks with the Red Wings yesterday and plans to have more talks with other teams.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Nashville elects salary arbitration with Shea Weber, the same goes for New Jersey and Zach Parise. Other teams are now prohibited from putting an offer sheet on Weber and Parise.
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Shea Weber’s side and the Predators talked late into the night last night trying to get an extension in place. Negotiations have been going on for 2 days.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Erlendsson thinks there is a strong possibility that Steve Yzerman and the Lightning could be interested in Brad Richards.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Ilya Bryzgalov have talked different scenarios and will talk again next week. Panaccio thinks they are close and will get a deal done, but they need to move out salary because of the tagging rules.
- Matthew Sekeres via twitter: Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff and Sami Salo suggest they would take less to remain with the Canucks.
Lidstrom decision by Wednesday … Canucks may have plan to keep both Bieksa and Ehrhoff … Keeping Kaberle could be good for Bruins … Maple Leafs notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 18th, 2011
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Nicklas Lidstrom decision to either retire or continue playing for the Red Wings should be made known by next Wednesday’s NHL Awards Show. “Nick said he’ll have a decision by then,” said Holland.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks may have a plan to keep both Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff, but both would have to slight discount. Keith Ballard has 4 years at $4.2 million per season, and would be hard to trade on his own, but if they packaged him with Cory Schneider a deal might be able to get done.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Kevin Bieksa could remain with the Canucks. “The unrestricted free agent is expected sign a contract extension with the Presidents’ Trophy winners because his play has dictated that consideration. And he’s willing take a discount, too.”
“I think everybody takes less to be play here,” the 30-year-old Bieksa said Friday. “It’s such a great organization that you want to be here. It’s the culture. It’s like Detroit. If you want to win, you take less. It’s a great team and a great one for a long time and you want to be a part of that. The bonus is the core guys I’ve grown up and the strong friendships. That factors into the decision-making process.
“There’s no need to draw anything out. I’m pretty optimistic we can reach an agreement.”
Sami Salo could be thinking the same thing. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has shown interest in bringing Salo back. They currently have 13 players signed for $45.6 million.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Many think that Tomas Kaberle won’t be re-signed by the Bruins, but Conroy thinks that may not be a good idea,
They’ve been hunting for a puck-moving defenseman and it’s an element the B’s need. They might not match his current salary of $4.25 million, but there aren’t a lot of options. He’s no shutdown defenseman, but the B’s have those in Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara.”
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Ilya Bryzagalov spent a couple days in Philly, and left without a contract. Both sides agreed to continue talking next week. Bryzgalov reportedly has been looking for 6 years at $6 million per season. The Flyers would like to have a deal in place by the NHL Draft next Friday. A deal wouldn’t be able to be signed until some cap space has been shed. They have about $59 million tied up so far for next year, with the cap going up to about $63.5 million.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs have around $23 million in cap space with 3 notable RFAs to sign (Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur and Tyler Bozak). They obviously would like to find a centerman for Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. They could also use a puck-moving, power play defenseman. Options could be Christian Ehrhoff, James Wisniewski, Joni Pitkanen, Kevin Bieksa, and Andrei Markov. If Toronto is going to sign one of their needs on July 1st, it’s likely on the blueline. The Leafs could free up more cap space by making a trade and having Ben Scrivens as the backup, or by demoting Brett Lebda. They may be stuck with Mike Komisarek and his $4.5 million. Burke won’t be drafting by position, and priorities are “character” and “footspeed.”
Roloson to start … Thornton played with separated shoulder … Red Wings options … Leafs and Richards … A Souray buyout coming?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 25th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: “Sorry Wpg, it’s inching closer, but there still is no firm deal with ASG and there will not be an announcement today. From a key source.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: “As for WPG, principals still grinding out detail work. Hearing Thurs as earliest possible date for announcement, perhaps Fri or later.”
- Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: Dwayne Roloson will be between the pipes for Tampa Bay in Game 6.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Joe Thornton played last night with a separated shoulder.
- Brian Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Brian Rafalski will retire at an 11 am press conference. The Wings now have an extra $6 million to work with this summer. Possible free agent defenseman the Red Wings could look at are Canucks Kevin Bieksa, Sami Salo and Christian Ehrhoff, Joni Pitkanen (Car), Tomas Kaberle (Bos), Ed Jovanovski (Pho), Eric Brewer (TB) and Scott Hannan (Was). RFA’s that would require multiple 1st round picks in an offer are Drew Doughty and Shea Weber.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If Nicklas Lidstrom returns to the Red Wings, he’ll join Niklas Kronwall, Brad Stuart, and Jakub Kindl. Jonathan Ericsson might be brought back as they have a bit more financial flexibility with Rafalski retiring, but they won’t overpay for him. Ruslan Salei is likely done with the Wings. 2007 1st round pick Brendan Smith has a shot at making the team. They could bring in 35 year old Ed Jovanovski to eat up minutes. Kevin Bieksa could be another option, as well as Joni Pitkanen, Sami Salo, Eric Brewer, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe and Roman Hamrlik.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Lidstom will let the Red Wings know of his plan to retire or to come back again likely before the NHL draft.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs want to be in the Brad Richards sweepstakes. It has been suggested that Burke could possibly offer a deal in the 7 or 8 year range, which goes against his usual philosophy. Richards could get more than $7 million, possibly up to $8 million. The Rangers or Kings might consider offering more. Without having an owner and coach in place, it would be difficult for Nieuwendyk to re-sign Richards. The Leafs could look to acquire his rights before July 1st, but not if it requires them to send Nazem Kadri the other way.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are considering options again with regards to defenseman Sheldon Souray. He’s still owed $4.5 million with a $5.4 million cap hit. They could buy him out after June 15th for 2/3′s salary, cap hit spread out over 2 years. He could also be sent to the minors. The Oilers are still pursuing Swedish goalie Viktor Fasth and are interested in Finnish Dman Ville Lajunen. Zach Stortini could be traded by the entry draft.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins have yet to contact Arron Asham about a possible contract.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward David Perron is making some progress with his post-concussion syndromes.
“We’ve talked to David, and he’s feeling better, but he’s not at the point where he’s coming back to St. Louis to take the necessary tests before he can train,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “He’s taking small steps ahead, but not to the point where he has passed his tests to begin his summer training program.”
Armstrong had said that if Perron still have symptoms in July, they would have to plan to start the season without him.
Salo in for Canucks … Off-season Blackhawks questions … Arnott and Sturm likely not back for Capitals … Thrasher sale update
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 5th, 2011
- Damien Cox via twitter: Predators forward Colin Wilson will be in the lineup for injured Steve Sullivan. Sami Salo is in for the Canucks, Andrew Alberts is likely out. Keith Ballard a scratch. Dan Murphy via twitter: Salo in, Alberts out. No other changes for the Canucks, lines the same.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has some easy decision in the re-signing of Corey Crawford and Michael Frolik, but tougher one’s involving Viktor Stalberg and Troy Brower (both are RFA’s). Tomas Kopecky is a UFA. Jake Dowell could be out because of money or team need to be bigger. Chris Campoli made $1.4 million last year and his return will likely depend on money. Marty Turco may not be back unless he takes less than the $1.3 million he made this past season. Fernando Pisani is likely done. Another team may offer Ryan Johnson more money and a bigger role. Niklas Hjalmarsson could be trade bait, he has 3 years at $3.5 million per season, but Bowman may not be eager to deal him, “I look back at his season and he was rock solid for us,” Bowman said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can contribute offensively. Not everybody has to put up points. There’s value in the style he plays.”
- CSN Chicago via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Chris Campoli had knee surgery, recovery will be 2 months.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Jason Arnott and Marco Sturm will likely not be brought back by the Capitals.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres forward Mike Grier will either return or retire, “If I play again, it’ll be here,” Grier said last week after cleaning out his locker. “If not, that’ll probably be it.”
- Tim Tucker of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: There has been limited progress on finding a new owner/investors for the Thrashers.
“We continue to have discussions with different prospective investors or buyers of the franchise,” Gearon told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution this week. “The comments I made in February generated some preliminary interest. I wish there was more. There are some people we are talking to, but nothing that is far enough along at this stage that it deserves further comment.”
The Winnipeg group could target the Thrashers for relocation if Coyotes remain in Glendale. There is no indication if any local deal is close to keep the team in Atlanta.
Schneider left due to cramp … NY Rangers have some off-season decisions to make … Malkin back before Crosby … Niemi to start
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2011
- Cam Cole of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks goalie Cory Schneider left with under 3 minutes to go in the 3rd period. He had to be helped off the ice after his leg cramped up.
“The cramps, he said, “I could feel coming on after the second and sure enough, on that penalty shot, I just extended my leg and it completely seized up. I felt bad making Lou go in cold in the third.”
Now the question will be, who will start game 7?
“Oh, if I would tell you who I’m going to play, would you believe me now?” said Vigneault, who said he didn’t actually lie, he just “went with the gut.”
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks defenseman Sami Salo lasted only 3 shifts last night with an undisclosed injury. Aaron Rome or Keith Ballard could replace him for Game 7.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers have 7 RFA’s to deal with this off-season. Forwards, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Artem Anisimov, and Brian Boyle. Defenseman Matt Gilroy and Michael Sauer and goalie Chad Johnson. They’ll likely want to bring back UFA Ruslan Fedotenko, and possibly Vinny Prospal. Alex Frolov likely won’t be back. Steve Eminger and Bryan McCabe are UFA’s on the backend. The Rangers will likely go after 31 year old Brad Richards. The Rangers wouldn’t confirm a report that coach John Tortorella signed a 3 year contract extension.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The NY Rangers summer salary cap number is at $47.6 million, with the projected cap number of next year at $62.2 million. Their cap number doesn’t include any of their 6 RFA’s (Brooks didn’t include Chad Johnson), which should about $12 million to sign the 6. If Wade Redden doens’t retire, the Rangers will be on the hook for his contract again, and can’t remove it until they waive him in training camp. Buying out the last year of Chris Drury’s contract would save them $3,333,333 in cap space this year, but would carry a $1,666,667 in 2012-13. Wojtek Wolski carries a $3.8 million next year, and if bought out, would save them $3,333,333 next year. A Sean Avery buyout would save them $1,333,334 in cap space next year. Vinny Prospal, Bryan McCabe and Steve Eminger likely won’t be offered a contract. They won’t offer Matt Gilroy a $2.1 million qualifying offer, but are expected to give him a 2 year offer worth half that.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has heard from someone close to the Penguins organization that he would expect to see Evgeni Malkin back in the Penguins lineup before Sidney Crosby. Malkin may be able to return if the Penguins get deep in to the playoff, Rossi asked that organization what deep meant, and “was told deep meant conference finals or Stanley Cup Final.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Antti Niemi will start Game 6 for the Sharks. “Nemo will play tomorrow. He is our guy,” coach Todd McLellan said Sunday after practice. “We don’t expect him to be perfect,” McLellan said of Niemi. “We expect him to be a little bit better and I think he expects that of himself.”
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: With the Ducks eliminated from the playoffs, questions regarding whether Teemu Selanne will retire or not are already appearing. When asked late in the season, Selanne said he’d make the decision before July 1st. Selanne is coming off a 31 goal, 80 point season.
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