Posts Tagged Sean Couturier

NHL Rumors I: The Fallout from yesterday

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 4th, 2013

From twitter unless otherwise noted

  • Elliotte Friedman: Flames GM Jay Feaster said that their only untouchables were Sven Baertschi, TJ Brodie, Curtis Glencross and Mark Giordano.
  • Randy Miller: Don’t understand the Flyers trading for Steve Mason, giving up a 3rd round pick. He’s struggled for years and is an RFA, so they would have to send him a qualifying of $3.2 million to retain his rights.
  • Jim Diamond: Predators GM David Poile on the Martin Erat trade: ”Marty came to us in recent days and indicated a trade might be in his best interests.”
  • Mike Harrington: Bets that the Wild initially asked the Sabres about Thomas Vanek before moving to Jason Pominville.
  • Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wasn’t interested in trading picks for short-term help.

    “The hardest thing for me is to try and accelerate a process that can’t be accelerated,” said Cheveldayoff. “It’s a vicious circle. If you don’t draft players and develop them into assets, then you can’t do anything on a deadline day. If you choose to trade your draft picks for assets for the now, you forgo the opportunity to build a sustainable system with a sustainable flow of players.”

    They listened for offers on Alex Burmistrov, but didn’t come up with anything they liked.

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Oilers offered Ryan Jones and a draft pick to the Senators for Ben Bishop. The Senators asked for Sean Couturier straight up. Tampa Bay hopes to find a 1a between Bishop and Anders Lindback. Both the Canucks and Canadiens were interested in Raffi Torres. The Coyotes settled with the Sharks offer of Florida’s 3rd round pick. The Rangers gained payroll flexibility for next season by trading Marian Gaborik. They have to re-sign RFAs Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh and Carl Hagelin. Also, they now have a better shot at signing Ryane Clowe.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Capitals received lots of interest in Mike Ribeiro, but they continue to work on an extension with him. The Canadiens were after a rugged winger but were unsuccessful. The Blue Jackets tried to get Tomas Fleischmann from the Panthers. The Blue Jackets may have offered one of their 1st round pick and Derek Dorsett for Fleischmann. The Devils, Canucks, Jets and Jackets showed interest in Drew Stafford. The Sabres considered Alex Burmistrov.

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NHL Rumors VII: Kiprusoff, Yandle, Miller, Vanek, Smith, Nabokov, Bruins, Bishop, Stafford, Pominville, Luongo and Ducks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 3rd, 2013

  • Bob McKenzie: As per Dreger, Miikka Kiprusoff struggling with moving and expects to remain with the Flames and may retire at the end of the year.
  • Nick Kypreos: The Coyotes are asking for significant pieces back for Keith Yandle if they were to move him. David Pagnotta: If the Flyers want Yandle, it would cost them Sean Couturier plus more. The Red Wings and Blackhawks have shown interest in Yandle. Sam Carchidi: Yandle has 3 years and a $5.25 million cap hit. Flyers could fit him in by moving players to LTIR. Elliotte Friedman: Price is two impact forwards. One who could be a No. 1 center. Won’t be traded unless get a deal they can’t refuse.
  • David Pagnotta: “Would the Sabres trade Ryan Miller? Yes. Would they move Thomas Vanek? Yes. Are deals likely to go down today? No… unless someone steps up”
  • John Vogl: Source on Thomas Vanek: ”I would be very surprised if he gets traded.”
  • Pierre LeBrun: Coyotes unlikely to trade Mike Smith. They still want to re-sign him, today or at a later date.
  • Arthur Staple: Source saying the Islanders are after Blackhawks Brandon Saad. Cost would be high. Craig Custance: Has been told that the Blackhawks wouldn’t consider trading Saad.
  • Terry Jones: Jones disagrees that the Oilers won’t do anything.
  • Arthur Staple: The Islanders and Evgeni Nabokov continue contract talks, but nothing is imminent. They won’t move him.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Will be interesting to see what the Bruins do if Patrice Bergeron is injured.
  • Bruce Garrioch: 6 teams that are interested in Ben Bishop: Oilers, Flyers, Flames, Coyotes, Lightning and Hurricanes. Bob McKenzie: The Coyotes are one of five teams interested in Bishop. Greater than 50% chance that he traded today.
  • Bruce Garrioch: 3 or 4 teams are interested in Sabres Drew Stafford.
  • David Pagnotta: The Wild, Blue Jackets, Kings and Red Wings are among the teams interested in Sabres Jason Pominville. The Blue Jackets are the only team of the four that would trade a 1st. (Blue Jackets have Kings 1st and would move it)
  • Arash Madani: Leafs GM Dave Nonis on adding a goaltender: ”At this point we’re not any closer to a trade in that area than we were a day ago.” … ”We’re not selling. That’s our position right now.”
  • Eric Stephens: Ducks are working trades, but won’t overpay. Unlikely to move their 1st or 2nd for a center/forward.

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NHL Rumors III: Ryane Clowe rumors update

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 1st, 2013

From twitter unless otherwise noted

4:45 PM

  • Sarah Baicker: Sources say that a Clowe trade to the Flyers won’t happen if the Sharks insist on Sean Couturier.
  • David Pollak: Clowe said he’s open to either a trade-and-sign or as a rental. Depends on where he’s trade to, and what is offered.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: GM Doug Wilson is considering offers from almost  a dozen teams.

    “I’m aware of what’s going on and anything happening with me has to go through me, so we’ll see,” Clowe said, declining to say whether he thought a deal would happen or not. “I don’t want to give a percentage or anything. Would I be surprised? Probably not. I wouldn’t be shocked.

    “If something didn’t happen and I stayed here, I’d handle it just like I handled the last three games,” he said. “I’d play my ass off just like I have.”

    “If I go somewhere, I’m not going to sign unless I see potential, but it’s definitely something I’d be open to,” Clowe said. “On the other hand, if it had to come down somewhere as a rental it wold probably be to a team that’s a top team looking at making a run. We’ll see.”

12:37 PM

  • Kevin Kurz: A Ryane Clowe trade is likely to happen today.
  • Bob McKenzie: McKenzie thinks the leading contenders are the Flyers or Wild. Rangers, Canucks and Canadiens in the mix. 50-50 it happens today. Rangers may only be intersted in Clowe as a rental. Flyers, Wild and Canucks are capable of giving Clowe an extension. The Sharks and Wild have dealt in the past.

10:46 AM

  • Pierre LeBrun: A Ryane Clowe trade could go down today. Teams that may have at least talked to the Sharks: Flyers, Wild, Canucks, Canadiens, Rangers and Bruins, possibly more.
  • Bruce Garrioch: Confirms a St. John’s report that the Flyers have made a offer for Clowe, and have had talks with his agent.
  • Sam Carchidi: The Flyers currently have $3.5 million in cap space and could add to that if they put Andrej Meszaros or Daniel Briere on the LTIR. They have lots of room to add a Jaromir Jagr or Clowe.
  • David Pagnotta: Source saying report of Clowe going to Flyers is “premature.” Flyers are one of many teams in play.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Lavoie has been told that the Bruins and Canadiens are not on the top of Clowe’s list.
  • Sarah Baicker: Source saying that the Flyers and Sharks are talking a couple different scenarios. One of them involves Clowe but the cost is high.
  • Bruce Garrioch: The asking price for Clowe is likely Sean Couturier.

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NHL Rumors I: Bouwmeester, Giordano, Yandle, Miller, Regehr, Jaskin and the Ducks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 29th, 2013

From twitter unless noted otherwise

  • Roger Millions: Flames defenseman Jay Bouwmeester admits that he’s talked with management about the possibility for a trade. As many as 6 teams are interested.
  • Helene Elliott: Elliott wonders if the Kings would be interested in Bouwmeester. Next season’s $6.8 million salary cap may scare them  off.
  • Roger Millions: There have also been inquiries about Flames defenseman Mark Giordano. Millions can’t see the Flames trading him.
  • Sarah McLellan: McLellan thinks GM Maloney would listen to offers for Keith Yandle, but it would take a lot for him to get trade.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hokey: Sabres Ryan Miller’s name is picking up steam. His list of 8 teams that he won’t accept a trade to was handed in at the beginning of the season. Miller might entertain a move out of Buffalo as he want to win. Are the Blackhawks that comfortable with their goaltending?The Kings and Blues have been tied to Sabres Robyn Regehr. Strickland isn’t sure on how interested the Blues are. Regehr’s skating is an issue. He might be the best veteran shutdown defenseman that is available though.Sources say that Sharks GM Doug Wilson will only trade Ryane Clowe if he gets exactly what he wants in return. Wilson may be looking for a roster player in return.

    The Blues will likely only trade draft picks and prospects, not roster players.

    Blues prospect Drimitrij Jaskin is working on a buyout with his Czech Republic team, opening the door to sign with the Blues.

  • The Fourth Period: The Ducks are still looking for a second line center. The OC Register is saying the will now give Peter Holland a try, but GM Bob Murray would like to bring in some more fire power. They have shown interest in Stars Derek Roy and Capitals Mike Ribeiro, but nothing is imminent. If the Capitals move him, they are believed to be looking for a high pick and top prospect. There are some reports that the Ducks and Flyers have talked about moving Bobby Ryan for a package including Sean Courturier. That may be more of a trade for the offseason and not for a team looking to make a run this year.

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NHL Rumors II: Luongo, Briere, Couturier for Ryan, Kiprusoff, Iginla, Jagr, Smid, Horcoff, Campbell, Trouba, Bobrovsky and the Blues

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

From twitter unless noted otherwise

  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger on TSN Radio: ”Leafs haven’t spoken to Vancouver in a long time about Luongo or anyone else.”
  • Todd Cordell: Dreger on TSN Radio: Daniel Briere to the Canadiens for a draft could happen if Briere is healthy and if willing to waive his no-trade clause.
  • Spector’s Hockey: Dreger speculates that the Ducks and Flyers could do a Sean Couturier for Bobby Ryan swap. Spector pointing out that likely in the offseason and not now. Richardson also adds that it’s not a certainty that the Ducks will move Ryan in the summer. Depends on how they want to spend $10.8 million in cap space for 7 roster spots.
  • Darren Dreger: Twitter noise of the Leafs interest in Miikka Kiprusoff as reported on TSN. Of course the Maple Leafs would inquire if he is available. Doing their due diligence. The Leafs would like to add a veteran goalie, but don’t confuse interest with trade talks or offers. If the Flames make Kiprusoff available, calls would be made.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Things remain tight lipped around Jarome Iginla and Flames. Iginla did say:

    “Honestly, we’ve made it this far in the year. There is a lot of speculation — about our team and me individually. Now, with an important win for our team, it will work itself out in whatever it is — a week away. I don’t want to contribute to it.”

    The Flames had hoped Iginla would expand the list a bit. Would the Blues be interested? Iginla controls his fate with the no-movement clause. Friedman has heard Iginla may consider going to the Ducks and Canucks.

    There is interest in Miikka Kiprusoff and his $1.5 million 2013-14 salary. The asking price is high. He has been hurt and before Sunday his save percentage was .866.

    The Penguins still have cap room, and Coyotes GM Don Maloney has been following them around.

    The Stars goal is to re-sign Jaromir Jagr and not trade him.

    The Coyotes coach staff remains unsigned for next season. The league is willing to re-sign them, but they want to know the future of the organization first.

    The Oilers GM Steve Tambellini on Ladislav Smid: ”We’ve had serious talks.”

    Tambellini shot down possibility of a Shawn Horcoff trade.

    Panthers GM Dale Tallon said Brian Campbell isn’t going anywhere. He has $21.4 million left over three years, and there was talk that if they ate about $2 million of his contact, there could be lots of interest.

    Jets prospect Jacob Trouba will decide this week if he’ll turn pro.

    The Blue Jackets will start contract talks with Sergei Bobrovsky. A comparable could be Semyon Varlamov’s 3 years, $8.5 million.

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: It’s doubtful that Blues GM Doug Armstrong with mess with their forward group now that they are back to 100% healthy. Winger Chris Stewart has been mentioned in trade rumors, but he seems to fit into their plans, unless they think it would cost to much to re-sign him. Armstrong has been looking to improve the left side of his blue line since last summer. Trading for Jay Bouwmeester could be one option, but at $6.6 million for next season, it may not fit.

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NHL Rumors III: Garrioch Roundup – Eastern Conference

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

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Top five Eastern Conference players that could be available: Marian Gaborik, Mark Streit, Mike Ribeiro, Jason Pominville and Robyn Regehr.

Team Trade Deadline Outlooks

Boston Bruins – The Bruins have the cap room and are looking to bring in an impact forward. They’ll go after Brenden Morrow or Jarome Iginla.

Buffalo Sabres – If GM Darcy Regier is going to be in charge of the rebuild, he’s got a lot of work to do. The word is they want to trade captain Jason Pominville. Drew Stafford and Ryan Miller will be mentioned in trade talk.

Carolina Hurricanes - There is talk they may talk to the Senators about Ben Bishop. They were looking to add a defenseman. Both Joe Corvo and Jamie McBain are available.

Florida Panthers – GM Dale Tallon is ready to sell, but they’ve been hit with injuries. Tomas Fleischmann is available. Jose Theodore could bring a team some goalie depth.

Montreal Canadiens – They would like to add a veteran defenseman and maybe Ryane Clowe. The Canadiens could use a little more grit.

New Jersey Devils – GM Lou Lamoriello has been looking for a top-six forward. They don’t have a lot to trade, and with the NHL in New Jersey this year, they may not want to trade their first round pick.

New York Islanders – GM Garth Snow has trade assets in Mark Streit, Lubomir Visnovsky and Evgeni Nabokov. They would like to re-sign all three. Streit is being coveted by several teams.

New York Rangers – They’ve been trying to do something for weeks. They’ve dangled Marian Gaborik. John Tortorella could be in trouble if they miss the playoffs.

Ottawa Senators – GM Bryan Murray may look to add a top-six forward. Matt Cullen would be an option. Players that could be traded are Peter Regin, Colin Greening and Ben Bishop.

Philadelphia Flyers – They’ve held talks with the Flames about Jay Bouwmeester. Some wonder if they would dangle Sean Couturier because he could help land a Pronger replacement.

Pittsburgh Penguins – The Penguins would like to add one more scorer. Iginla could be a fit. A shut-down defenseman would be a nice addition too.

Tampa Bay Lightning – Anyone but Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman could be had at the right price. It may be more of a quick re-tooling compared to a Yzerman trying to unload players. Martin St. Louis is a possibility.

Toronto Maple Leafs – Garrioch wonders if the Leafs will finally go after a goalie as James Reimer and Ben Scrivens have come back to earth. They’ve been linked to Jonathan Bernier and Roberto Luongo.

Washington Capitals – Mike Ribeiro, Troy Brouwer, Jason Chimera and Joel Ward are available.

Winnipeg Jets – They were trying to trade Ron Hainsey, but he’s been valuable and playing big minutes. Alex Burmistrov has been in the doghouse. They may be looking to add over looking to sell.

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Subban rumors … Luongo on way back to Vancouver … Canucks working on Edler, Burrows extensions … Wings get Colaiacovo?

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

  • Bertrand Raymond of RDS: (through google translate) P.K. Subban is not worried that he doesn’t have a contract with the Canadiens yet, and his agent said things are going normally. The Canadiens won’t admit that there were talks with the Flyers about Subban. It happened shortly after the Flyers lost out on Shea Weber. It’s presumed that the Flyers took the lead in inquiring about Subban’s status. They may not have went the offer sheet route as they were convinced the Canadiens would match it. One of the names mentioned was obviously Sean Couturier.
  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: Can forget the Subban trade rumors to the Flyers. According to source, there is nothing to it.
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM Dale Tallon spoke with Canucks GM Mike Gillis in June about a possible Roberto Luongo trade, but talks have since cooled. The Canucks want a number of the Panthers top young players, but the Panthers aren’t interested in that.

    “I don’t know what to expect. I’m just treating this as a regular start to a season,” he said. “For me, things are the same. I’m going back to Vancouver and I’m going to work hard. There are things I don’t control. But I’m going to make the best of it.

    “Of course this is strange. I don’t know what the future holds. You don’t know when a trade will happen or whether it even will. There have been some stressful moments. But I’m still here, doing the job I love.”

  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks are working on signing 3 players before Saturday’s lockout. They are they are trying to re-sign both Alex Edler and Alex Burrows and are holding out hope for Shane Doan. Edler and Burrows are entering the final year of their contracts. Botchford via twitter: GM Mike Gillis on a Luongo trade: “We’re one the league’s wealthiest teams. We don’t have fire sales.”
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland tweeted at 7:48 pm last night that the Red Wings signed Carlo Colaiacovo to a 2 year deal worth $5 million, $2.15 million this year and $2.85 million next year. Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: (posted at 8:30 pm last night) Red Wings GM Ken Holland told the Free Press last night that he is talking with Colaiacovo. Holland added that they are “close” to re-signing Justin Abdelkader.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche Gabriel Landeskog will likely play in the AHL this season. “As a general rule, only players in their “first” contracts can be assigned to AHL teams without waivers. That means the Avs are free to send him to LE if they want without fear of losing him. They can’t, therefore, send players such as Matt Duchene or Ryan O’Reilly to LE, because their first contracts have expired.”
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman said that he’s recovered well from the surgery he had in April to repair cartilage in his knee.
  • Terrell Williams of NHL.com: The Hurricanes added 5 investor groups yesterday, all locally based. Three of the investors are: Playmakers Management, LLC (Ron Francis), GreengardenDRC, LLC (Eliza Kraft Olander and Brian McHenry) and Ron de Lange. The other two are kept private.

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NHL and NHLPA to meet again today … Alfie considering Europe … Ovi to KHL … Flyers to AHL … Vanderbeek keeps control

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 8th, 2012

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Yesterday’s informal meetings were “to try and find a way to bridge the gaps” according to Don Fehr. Aaron Ward via twitter: In attendance yesterday were Bettman, Daly, D.Fehr, S.Fehr, Konopka, Hainsey, Regehr.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: A 50-50 revenue split looks and sounds fair, but a 7% drop for the players equates to $33 million per percentage point, $231 million total.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers GM Paul Homgren said yesterday that Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, Erik Gustafsson, Eric Wellwood, and Zac Rinaldo could play for the Adirondack Phantoms of the AHL if there is a lockout.
  • Lisa Hillary of CSN Philly: Alex Ovechkin confirmed he’ll head to the KHL if there is a lockout. Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk and Ilya Kovalchuk have already said the same.

    “Mainly I think it’s going to be a lot of additional marketing potential for the league and hockey itself as a game,” KHL vice president Ilya Kochevrin told The Canadian Press on Tuesday. “The stars bring additional attention … to a lot of people who probably don’t consider hockey the sport of choice.

    “I think as a marketing tool it’s a great opportunity.”

    No Flyers have made firm plans, but Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell have expressed interest in Finland, Danny Briere will stay in the area, and Ilya Bryzgalov needs to discuss with his family first what will be the best for them.

  • Josh Kosman of NY Post: Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek has reached an agreement with the lenders that will allow him to control the team for at least 2 years. The NHL agreed to a multi-million dollar advance on licensing that allowed Vanderbeek to secure a loan that would put off repayment for 24 months.
  • Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have signed Brad Marchand to a 4 year, $18 million contract extension, a $4.5 million salary cap hit. He’ll make $3 million this year.

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Bouwmeester’s stock rising … Sens offer for Nash was better … Senators and Flyers options … Leafs deal could be on horizon

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 25th, 2012

  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames defenseman Jay Bouwmeester’s stock is on the rise as he may be the top defenseman available. The Red Wings have lost Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart. The Flyers are looking for a defenseman, though Bouwmeester doesn’t really fit their mold. The Blues could use a veteran like Bouwmeester. The Oilers could be a fit as well. Bouwmeester has a no-trade clause and doesn’t appear interested in waiving it. The Flames currently have 9 defenseman on 1-way contracts, 10 if you include T.J. Brodie. The Flames may be interested in dealing away Anton Babchuk’s $2.5 million contact.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators offer for Rick Nash was better than what the Blue Jackets got, but he didn’t want to go to Ottawa. They offered Robin Lehner, Nick Foligno, Mika Zibanejad and a draft pick. The Blue Jackets could have had Joe Pavelski from the Sharks but it doesn’t look like they wanted to trade within the Western Conference. The Senators may now be looking to go another direction. They may not want to go down the Alexei Kovalev road with Alexander Semin. It’s believed the Sens have talked to the Ducks about Bobby Ryan. The Stars may be looking to move Brenden Morrow. Daniel Alfredsson has indicated he’s planning on playing, and sources say they may be working on a 1 year extension.
  • Rob Rossi via twitter: Rossi confirms that the Penguins haven’t talked to the Wild about a trade involving Pascal Dupuis and Paul Martin as part of a package for Dany Heatley.
  • Howard Berger via twitter: One of Berger’s “bird-dogs” insisted that the Maple Leafs are working on bringing in goalie help, a deal could be on the horizon. Maybe Jonathan Bernier?
  • Adam Kimelman of NHL.com: The Flyers defense still needs to be addressed, and addressing it internally may be their best option. Bruno Gervais will compete with Marc-Andre Bourdon, Erik Gustafsson and Brandon Manning for the final blueline spot. Matt Gilroy is the highest scoring UFA on the market, 20 points in 67 games last year. RFA options could be Michael Del Zotto, John Carlson, Dmitry Kulikov and P.K. Subban. The Flyers have a top 6 spot open and are looking at Shane Doan. Other UFA options could be Alexander Semin, Petr Sykora and Jason Arnott. The Ducks are listening to offers for Bobby Ryan, but they’d likely want Sean Couturier and/or Brayden Schenn, 2 players the Flyers have no interest in parting with.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rumors and Notes: Parise, Suter, Flyers, Wild, Nash, Hurricanes, Senators, Penguins, Ryan, Couturier and Winnik

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2012

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Like the Flyers, the Wild have also thrown the kitchen sink at Parise and Suter. Going rate on all offers are now a minimum of 12 years in the $80-90 million range.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Suter’s agent Neil Sheehy, “I am fielding many calls and methodically returning each one-by-one. It is going to take some time.”
  • Luke DeCock via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said that the Hurricanes expect an update from Parise soon as to whether or not they are on his short list. Suter process is moving slowly. Chip Alexander via twitter: A final Zach Parise decision may not come until tomorrow.
  • Ted Starkey via twitter: TSN reported that one GM said there is a 13 year offer worth $100 million on the table for Parise.
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Told that the Red Wings offer for Nash is not competitive. The Hurricanes, Senators and Flyers are not on Nash’s list.

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