Posts Tagged Semyon Varlamov
Bruins not talking Thomas trade … Focus now turns to Ruutu, Allen and Pitkanen … Liles doesn’t think it’s a concussion … Kane back to Winnipeg
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said via email on Tim Thomas trade rumors: “Not trading him. I have not talked to anyone and I don’t plan to.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has a policy not to re-sign players during the season, but Tim Gleason was an exception yesterday. It was the first time he’s done that. Rutherford said he’s getting lost of calls for Tuomo Ruutu. Darren Dreger via twitter: Hurricanes trade focus now switches to Ruutu, Bryan Allen and Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen’s injury may not interfere with a trade.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster on the radio yesterday: “our mandate is to win now.”
- Jonas Siegel of TSN: Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles believes he doesn’t have a concussion, but his issues stem from a neck problem.
“Everybody wants to call it a concussion,” he exclaimed to TSN.ca. “Everybody says ‘Oh, if you have whiplash you have a concussion’ … I wasn’t sitting there going ‘Oh man I feel so foggy’ or anything like that, it just felt like I was just completely locked up and it was cutting off my focus and things like that.
“It all seemed like it was always neck-related and it almost felt like it was cutting off the flow to my brain sometimes just because it was so stiff.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane and Tim Stapleton are heading back to Winnipeg for further evaluation. Kane is out with a concussion and is not expected to play on their 4 game road trip. Dustin Byfuglien and Alex Burmistrov staked yesterday and are close to returning. They won’t play tonight, but could be in the lineup on Thursday.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Sidney Crosby will skate today and will be off tomorrow.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: The earliest Flyers forward Daniel Briere returns is this weekend. James van Riemsdyk is not expected to play tonight.
- Tony Marinario via twitter: The Canadiens said that Andrei Markov would be out 4 t0 6 weeks after his Dec. 5th operation. It’s been 8 weeks now.
- Ottawa Senators via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that forward Peter Regin will be out 4-6 months after left shoulder surgery.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Travis Zajac hasn’t resumed skating yet. He’ll need to get clearance from his doctor in Winnipeg before he can start.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zubrus-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Josefson-Bernier; Boulton-Mills/Carter-Janssen.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avalanche tonight against the Oilers.
Panthers say Turris rumors not true … Flyers options … Milbury charged for assaulting 12 year old … Paajarvi to AHL
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 17th, 2011
- George Richards via twitter: Any trade rumors involving the Panthers and Kyle Turris are not true. GM Dale Tallon has said he’s done, Christmas roster freeze is set.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren confirms that Chris Pronger’s concussion started with the high stick to the eye he got against Toronto.
- Craig Custance via twitter: The Flyers will gain almost $5 million in salary cap space when Pronger is put on the LTIR. Custance provides some options for the Flyers. 1. Increase the workload for the top four: Kimmo Timonen, Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn and Andrej Meszaros all average over 20 minutes (3 over 22 min.). “They take turns now, one of them usually ends up with 27 or 28 (minutes) every night,” Holmgren said. 2. Start leaning more on youth: They’ve like the way Kevin Marshall and Marc-Andre Bourdon have played, and Erik Gustafsson is about 10 days away. 3. A trade to add depth on defense: As the trade deadline gets closer, the market will clear up. GM Holmgren could call the Hurricanes to see about Joni Pitkanen, Jaroslav Spacek or Tim Gleason. The Senators could move Sergei Gonchar or Filip Kuba. Cody Franson of the Maple Leafs could be an option if he is available. 4. A Blockbuster: Holmgren could be in the mix if the Predators decide to trade one of Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. Brayden Schenn could be part of big deal if it were to happen.
- TSN: Mike Milbury has been charged with assaulting a 12 year old hockey player. Milbury is an assistant coach on his son’s team and “allegedly grabbed, threatened and shook the opposing player .” He has been charge with assault and battery and threats to commit a crime and disorderly conduct. Milbury denies the charges and his lawyer released a statement:
“He simply intervened in an altercation between his son and an opposing player,” the statement said. “No one was struck, no one was injured and no one was threatened.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Answering readers questions, Dater notes that Paul Stastny could bring back a 1st round pick if they were to deal him. But do the Avs give up on him, and how hard would it be to move his $6.6 million cap hit (2 years left)? He also thinks David Jones could possibly bring back a 1st rounder.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Mike Richards was to join the team in Detroit and is likely to practice with them on Sunday in Toronto.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have sent forward Magnus Paajarvi to Oklahoma City of the AHL.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: The 3 games Flyers forward Matt Read missed in November were due to a concussion.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Michal Neuvirth is expected to start in net for the Capitals tonight against the Avalanche. Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: It’s likely that Semyon Varlamov gets the start for the Avalanche.
The Canucks goalie situation … On waivers today … Hedman to get extension … Perron close … Injury updates … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 30th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrunn and Scott Burnside of ESPN: Canucks goalie Cory Schneider trade value continues to rise, but the question is, should they trade him? Burnside would be shocked if they moved him this season, if at all. LeBrun says that through his talks with Canucks management, they still believe in Roberto Luongo. LeBrun would wait until the off-season before deciding how to handle the goaltending future. Burnside wonders what market their would be for Luongo. He mentions a Luongo-Lecavalier possibility. LeBrun shoots down Lecavalier and the Canucks with “You’re on crack” if you think they’d touch his contract.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Flames put Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond on waivers. The Rangers put Andre Deveaux on waivers. Devils Brad Mills and Avs Joakim Lindstrom clear waivers.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Lightning are expected to announce a contract extension today for defenseman Victor Hedman. The extension could be around 5 years at around $4 million per year, give or take $100,000.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars Brenden Morrow and Trevor Daley will be out a couple more games.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward David Perron is not expected to play on Friday, but Saturday could be a possibility.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators forward Nikita Filatov’s nose isn’t complete broken, x-ray revealed a fracture. Filatov says he should be able to go tomorrow against the Stars. He didn’t return last night because he had a headache/dizziness from the hit.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators forward Chris Neal (sprained ankle) said he could play tomorrow, but the Sens may be cautious with him.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Colby Armstrong is 7-10 days away from returning from an ankle injury.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Lines at Leafs practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel. MacArthur-Connolly-Kulemin. Crabb-Colborne-Frattin. Rosehill-Grabovski-Dupuis. Steckel.
- Rich Chere via twitter: NJ Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Carter-Clarkson; Boulton-Sestito-Janssen.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Semyon Varlamov and the Avalanche.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins tonight against the Maple Leafs.
Nugent-Hopkins stays with Oilers … Gaborik-Richards broken up … Reimer ready for Sunday … Markov not skating … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 28th, 2011
- Mark Spector via twitter: Octagon agency announces that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will remain with the Oilers.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards were broken up at practice. Wolski-Christensen-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan.
- Terry Koshan via twitter: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson expects James Reimer to be ready on Sunday. Phil Kessel is expected to play tomorrow night. David Alter via twitter: Wilson said that Kessel is a little banged up from last night.
- Brian Wilde via twitter: Jacques Martin said that defenseman Andrei Markov hasn’t skated in 3 weeks. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Markov will skate for a few days before joining teammates.
- James Murphy via twitter: If the Bruins are looking for a forward, Murphy says to keep an eye on Johnny Boychuk as the odd man out.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Avalanche put Cedrick Desjardins on waivers. The Jets put Brett MacLean on waivers. Jets Aaron Gagnon clears waivers.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: The Ducks have sent Patrick Maroon and J.F. Jacques back to Syracuse of the AHL.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Corey Crawford will be in net for the Blackhawks. Ray Emery could get the start on Saturday against the Blue Jackets.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers against the Avalanche.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Brian Elliott will make his 4th straight start for the Blues tonight.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avalanche tonight.
- Kent Youngblood via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net for the Wild on Saturday. Zanon and Stoner are out.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside debate the Kyle Turris – Phoenix Coyotes issue
Webers talks coming to a stalemate … Caps don’t see any more changes, including Semin … Stars losing $1 mill a week? Dubinsky looking for $5 mill+
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 20th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators have an arbitration hearing set for August 2nd.
“We’ve had long talks; we seem to be coming to a bit of a stalemate. We still have time to work before the system kicks in,” Weber’s agent, Jarrett Bousquet said. “Shea would like to be a Predator. He enjoys playing there with a team that’s on the cusp of doing something great.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Predators GM David Poile said on Monday they they will continue to work on re-signing Shea Weber before their arbitration hearing. If they go to the hearing, Weber has the option of choosing a 1 or 2 year deal. The Preds could walk away but the is very unlikely. Weber is eligible to be a UFA after next season.
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: Alex Semin’s name has come up in trade rumors numerous times over the past few years, and have surface again recently. Capitals GM George McPhee had this to say regarding the Semin rumors,
“We like Semin because he can score goals,” McPhee said Monday, squashing the latest round of Semin trade tales. “Those guys aren’t easy to find.”
“We’ve made our moves,” he continued. “I don’t anticipate us making any other changes. If I go into the season with this group, I’m fine with that.”
The Capitals are currently over the salary cap, but they don’t think that Tom Poti is going to be able to start the season with them, and his $2.875 million cap hit could go on the LTIR.
McPhee on the Semyon Varlamov trade,
“I really didn’t want to do it, but he’d indicated that was going to go to play in the KHL and I started to think of different scenarios where we could end up with nothing for him,” said McPhee, citing the ongoing Evgeni Nabokov saga. “Colorado and four other teams were interested and it just came together pretty quick.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A Forbes report from Mike Ozanian is saying the Dallas Stars are losing a $1 million a week due to high debt and interest payments according to a source. A Stars source said it’s “unequivocally untrue.” From what Heika sees, the Stars are paying their bills and are not bouncing any checks. The Stars are controlled by the lenders who took over when Hicks Sports Group defaulted on 3 loans. Heika adds,
I have no doubt that a smart accountant can show you a sheet of paper that says the Stars are losing $1 million a week, but who are they losing it to? To the lenders, who are paying the bills and charging the interest? That just seems like a paper loss to me.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: When asked why the Lightning didn’t sign Steven Stamkos to a 7-10 year deal, he responds that both sides were comfortable with 5 years from the start and there’s uncertainty of the next CBA.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers and Brandon Dubinsky have an arbitration hearing set for tomorrow. They’ve been trying to get a 5 or 6 year deal done. Dubinsky is reportedly looking for a long term deal in the $5 – $5.25 million range. It’s believed that Dubinsky could get an arbitration ruling in the $3.8 – $4.4 million range.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Contract negotiations between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn will start “Certainly no later than by the end of next week,” according to Don Meehan, Schenn’s agent. The Leafs are about $4.4 million under the cap ceiling with 25 players signed. It’s likely that Meehan will negotiate with Claude Loiselle and Brian Burke.
- Greg Brady via twitter: The Red Wings are close to signing Ty Conklin, expect an announcement by Friday. George Malik via twitter: Malik is about 95% certain that the Red Wings will sign Conklin to be their backup by Friday at the latest. Craig Custance via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland says they will sign a backup goalie by the end of the week.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Negotiations between Zach Bogosian and the Winnipeg Jets continue.
“The conversations are continuing with his agent,” Cheveldayoff said. “There’s no time frame set in place to have that one done by. It’s a summer-negotiation type thing. Everyone’s respectful of the fact this is a down time for players and agents and management… those talks will continue and they’ve been good.
“It’s playing out exactly how we thought it would. It’s going to take some time. Each one of the negotiations — the (Andrew) Ladd, the Wheeler, the regular RFAs (restricted free agents) and Zach all have different nuances to them.”
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t ruled out adding some scoring for his top 2 line.
“You’re always looking for that,” Cheveldayoff said Tuesday. “It’s got to be the right fit for the group of guys that you have. You want it to mesh together. If you look at the roster right now there is probably some room if you could add some forwards. We think our defence is pretty deep with respect to the (NHL) depth side of things.
“Certainly if the right opportunity presents itself at forward or defence we’re going to look at it. You’re always looking, you’re always talking. But to say what you see today is what you’ll see tomorrow… it’s hard to say at this time.”
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: It’s unlikely that the Lightning are interested in Vinny Prospal, they are likely done with UFAs.
- Tom Panaccio via twitter: The Flyers will carry a $1.4 million bonus overage against the cap this year.
Stamkos talks continue, unfounded twitter trade rumor … Semin being shopped … Doughty talks moving slowly … Leafs re-sign Bozak
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 6th, 2011
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: The Lightning and Steven Stamkos continued negotiating yesterday. It’s “A work in progress” according to GM Steve Yzerman. Stamkos’ agent Mark Guy in a text, “Still working on it.” There was an unfounded twitter rumor that Stamkos’ rights would be sent to the Maple Leafs, and Evgeni Malkin would end up in Tampa Bay.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Capitals are rumored to be shopping Alex Semin around the league with the Canadiens, Predators, Maple Leafs, Flyers, Penguins and Sharks possibly interested. Jets Dman Zach Bogosian’s name has been linked to Semin.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that if Alexander Semin is traded, McPhee would ship him West.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Negotiations between Drew Doughty and the LA Kings aren’t moving along quickly. Kings GM Dean Lombardi,
“I am getting the feeling on Drew that unfortunately this could take a while. As we just saw this past week free agency produces a frenzy for players at all levels. We must be judicious about not getting into this market for our own players. Therefore it is critical with Drew that the dollars reflect a fair rate of return regarding the term of the contract. We must be prepared to do what it takes to get it right.”
Lombardi added that they’d match any offer sheet. The Kings may be waiting to see what kind of deal the Predators and Shea Weber come too. Doughty’s agent Don Meehan in an email, “There is nothing new to report concerning any further discussions concerning Drew Doughty.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Tyler Bozak re-signs with the Maple Leafs for 2 years, $3 million. (Last night there were reports that he signed for 2 years, $1.9 million)
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Capitals are about $545,000 under the salary cap with RFAs Troy Brouwer and Karl Alzner still unsigned. They are able to go over the cap by 10% during the summer, and in the fall they might put Tom Poti and Eric Fehr on LTIR if they are not fully healed. The Capitals could also look at some trades to create some flexibility. Ted Leonsis wrote, “We will look to make some trades in the off season maybe even sign another free agent. We will continue to look at all of our options. We may not be able to get anything done. We may be able to do something. Time will tell.”
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: After locking up Andrew Ladd yesterday, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is hopeful to get a deal done with Blake Wheeler soon,
“We had great conversations with his representative (Tuesday) and those will be ongoing,” said Cheveldayoff. “The fact he filed for salary arbitration doesn’t mean much at this time. We have a lot of time to get a deal done.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dipatch: The Blue Jackets are still looking to add a defenseman to play with newly re-signed Marc Methot on the 2nd pairing. They are talking with Bryan McCabe, Brent Sopel, Scott Hannan and some others.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Ales Hemsky will be in the last year of his deal and will make $4.1 million. It’s sounding like he’d like to re-sign with Oilers.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent has said that Varlamov has signed a deal with the Avalanche, and that talk about door being open to the KHL are lies.
Capitals trade Semyon Varlamov to the Avalanche
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2011
Washington trades Semyon Varlamov to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2012 1st round pick and a 2012 or 2013 2nd round pick (Capitals choice of which 2nd round pick).
Gord Miller via twitter: The Avalanche may have signed Varlamov to a deal similar to Carey Price, a 2 year deal worth $5.5 million.
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The reported 2 year, $5.5 million deal likely much more than what the caps offered.
NHL free agent rumors | NHL rumors and notes involving Hudler, Vokoun, Kings, Ducks, Jagr, Penguins, Avs, Coyotes, Kennedy, Jets, and Varlamov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2011
- Greg Brady via twitter: The Red Wings were offering Jiri Hudler to many teams at the draft.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs signed Jay Rosehill late Wednesday and he could fill Colton Orr’s role, who could be in doubt. Luke Schenn won’t be going anywhere. The Leafs aren’t a in hurry to get a deal done, and Schenn’s side may want to wait to see what comparables sign for. They won’t overpay Clarke MacArthur after 1 good season and appear fine with going to arbitration.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings will be focusing on ‘mid-range’ wingers during free agency. The Ducks will be looking at 3rd and 4th line players. The Kings have $16 million in cap space, but that will decrease with Drew Doughty’s deal. The Kings are unlikely to re-sign Alexei Ponikarovsky. The Ducks won’t re-sign Jarkko Ruutu, Brad Winchester, Andreas Lilja and Ray Emery. Teemu Selanne had arthroscopic surgery last week and won’t decide until later this summer if he’ll play or not.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche are sitting about $15 million below the salary floor. Their biggest need is between the pipes as they don’t have a starter or backup. Tomas Vokoun is likely the best option. The Coyotes could also be in the bidding for Vokoun. Other possibilities for the Avs are: Jose Theodore, Ray Emery, Pascal LeClaire, Mike Smith, Chris Osgood, Marty Turco, Ty Conklin, Josh Harding and Brian Boucher. The Avs could also look at adding a position player, possibly Ville Leino, Sean Bergenheim, and Joel Ward. They could be tempted to make an offer to Ed Jovanovski.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes will look at adding a goalie. Tomas Vokoun could be an option, he could be seeking a 3 year deal worth $9.5 million from Florida. “We’re having conversations with Fiddler’s agent, Vrbata’s agent,” Maloney said. “We’d like to retain (them) if the contracts make sense.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues don’t plan on making any major acquisitions today. They will look at adding a couple complimentary players. “The teams are making their decisions on their players, signing them and not letting them get to free agency,” Armstrong said. “If you’re trying to create your team on July 1st, I think that’s a very slippery slope.”
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jaromir Jagr’s “heart is in Pittsburgh.” according to his agent. Penguins GM Ray Shero spoke with Jagr’s agent again yesterday, and continue to wait on a decision if he’ll accept a 1 year deal in the $2 million range. Shero is making progress on a Tyler Kennedy deal. Reports are saying the Flyers could be interested in Jagr, but no offer has been made. The Canadiens could be a wild-card team.
- Brian Wilde via twitter: ESPN is reporting that Jagr’s agent was in Montreal last night, and Jagr has expressed in playing with the Canadiens.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Penguins should hear back from Tyler Kennedy this morning on a possible 2 year deal.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: As of yesterday afternoon the Jets weren’t close to re-signing Andrew Ladd or Zach Bogosian.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Lou Lamoriello has spoken with Andy Greene’s agent the last 2 days, and plans to do so again today.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent said that he won’t play for Lokomotiv of the KHL. If he can’t work out a deal to play for SKA, he will head back to the NHL.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Jonathan Ericsson signed a 3 year deal worth $9.75 million with Red Wings.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks that Ed Jovanovski or James Wisniewski are more likely than Tomas Kaberle in Detroit.
Afternoon rumors and news involving Wisniewski, Jokinen, Leino, missed qualifying offers, Vokoun, Varlamov, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Blues
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2011
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Canadiens trade the rights to James Wisniewski to the Blue Jackets. It will be a 2012 5th round pick if he signs, a 7th if he doesn’t.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Jussi Jokinen’s agent hopes to have a deal done with the Hurricanes by Friday.
- Dustin Leed: Leed and TheFouthPeriod think that Ville Leino hasn’t re-signed with the Flyers as the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Penguins, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Avalanche, Bruins, Rangers and Kings have interest in him.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: NHL statement on NHL team(s) improperly filing qualifying offers to RFA’s is: “We’re not aware of any defects relating to Qualifying Offers tendered by NSH to certain of team’s players as several media outlets reported. Those players, having timely received Qualifying Offers, will be Restricted Free Agents as of July 1, and both the players and the team…will be accorded the various rights and benefits of Restricted Free Agency as are set forth in CBA.” The NHLPA has raised the improper filing with agents of the player that are affected.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: “#NHLPA continues internal investigation throughout the day regarding #Predators potentially missing Q.O deadline on their respective RFA’s” … “Its up to #NHLPA to file grievance with #NHL against #Predators if they believe theirs sufficient evidence to support a case for the players.”
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers GM Dale Tallon on goalie Tomas Vokoun: “We’re in negotiations with him as we speak. We’re very hopeful. That’s all I can tell you.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent said he’s picked the KHL, but didn’t name the club. Varlamov’s rights are owned by Lokomotiv, but it’s unclear if he’ll sign with them or SKA. SKA filed a complaint with the KHL.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Stephens thinks the Ducks will look at free agents to fill their 3rd line.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets and Jan Hejda continue to work a deal, likely for 3 or 4 years. The Jackets will still look to sign a defenseman if they re-sign Hejda, 2 if they don’t.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: The Sabres re-sign Nathan Gerbe to a 3 year, $4.3 million.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues will have 1 or 2 forward spots open depending on if Matt D’Agostini is re-signed or not. They are looking to add a defenseman and possibly a back up goalie. Forwards they could look at are Tomas Fleischmann, Chad LaRose (re-signed by Car. after this article was written), Joel Ward, Chris Higgins, Andrew Brunette and Jamie Langenbrunner. Defenseman they could look at are Jan Hejda, Kent Huskins, Brent Sopel or Steve Montador.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: T.J. Oshie’s agent Matt Oates, says that “things are going well” in their negotiations with Blues GM Doug Armstrong.
Trouble could be brewing for Predators … Varlamov could head to KHL tomorrow … Cole to test market … Senators options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2011
Nick Kypreos via twitter: Some are questioning Predators missing qualifying offers on RFA’s Cal O’Reilly, Nick Spaling, Matt Halischuk and Sergei Kostitsyn.
Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov could sign a KHL contract tomorrow, 99% that it would be with SKA.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Erik Cole’s agent confirmed that he’d like to test free agency.
“Erik wants to see what the options are on July 1st,” Bartlett said via email. “That is in no way a slam on the Hurricanes or his appreciation of the role they have played in his career. He has never really explored free agency in his career and feels that he is at the age when it makes sense to see all offers before deciding on what he wants to do.”
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators currently have 15 players under contract at $43 million, and have a couple needs that would help bring them over the salary floor. 1. A forward who can put the puck in the net. 2. They need a backup goalie as they decided to let Curtis McElhinney walk. Some players they may go after are: Tomas Fleischmann, Michael Handzus, Tim Connolly, Josh Harding, Mike Smith, Alex Auld and Jose Theodore.
Canucks-Ehrhoff working on deal … Leafs had interest in Laich … Hamrlik gets 1 year offer from Habs … Canes-Cole not close … Penguins notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 28th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: There has been an offer and counteroffer between the Canucks and Christian Ehrhoff. An Ehrhoff deal would be around Kevin Bieksa and Dan Hamhuis money, a $4.5-4.6 million cap hit. Unlikely that he’d take less than either player. The Red Wings could be waiting if he doesn’t re-sign with the Canucks.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Tim Brent will join Fredrik Sjostrom, Darryl Boyce, Joey Crabb and Jay Rosehill as Maple Leafs UFAs. “We have made it clear that Tim would like to remain in Toronto to improve upon last year’s strong season,” Morris said in an e-mail to QMI Agency Monday night. “However, as of this late date, we would expect that Tim will be a free agent on Friday to look at his alternatives.”
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs were one of the teams that were very interested in Brooks Laich.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: KHL president Medvedev says that he will “help” younger players like Varlamov, Shirokov and Filatov come back to the KHL.
- Tom Reed via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson made several inquiries at the draft about defenseman, but couldn’t get anything done.
- JF Chaumont via twitter: Defenseman Roman Hamrlik has received a 1 year contract offer from the Canadiens.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: It’s not sounding like the Hurricanes and Erik Cole are close on a deal, things can change quickly though.
- Josh Yohe and Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Even though Tyler Kennedy wasn’t qualified yesterday, GM Shero wants to re-sign him by Friday. Shero also hopes to sign Jagr by then. The Pens may also be interested in re-signing Mike Rupp.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Jaromir Jagr’s agent, Petr Svoboda, is in Montreal and confirms that he spoke with Penguins GM Ray Shero this morning.
- Thomas Reed via twitter: Tyler Kennedy could make sense for the Blue Jackets if he doesn’t come to terms with the Penguins.
- NHL.com: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma on Sidney Crosby,
“He came back to Pittsburgh after a hiatus or vacation with some of his teammates,” Bylsma said. “The doctors here cleared him to go home and work out as he normally would be working out. He’s been working out two times a day and progressing along his normal road of summer activity. That’s what Sid has been doing. He’s got another two and a half months ahead of doing that.”
Bylsma on Evgeni Malkin,
“He really believed — and was trying to convince everyone involved — that he was going to be coming back as soon as possible to play in the playoffs if we could have moved on (to the next round),” Bylsma said. “He was progressing to the point where that was actually a real possibility. He was really doing very well strength-wise and he was ahead of schedule in terms of what the doctors could do with his rehab.”
Richards update … Lightning have plenty of free agents to deal with … All quiet in Leafland … Jets, Wings, Sens, Hurricanes, Caps and Flyers rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times during this Entry Draft weekend in Minnesota: “[Brad] Richards told [X] he wants to come to New York.”
And this, too: “Slats [general manager Glen Sather] is going to blow his brains out to sign Richards.”
Brooks thinks a front loaded ($11 million) $32.5 million for 5 years should be enough. Richards is coming off a concussion, but is worth the risk.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will be busy this week. Steven Stamkos will be an RFA on July 1st if a deal isn’t struck by then. Speculation grows that Stamkos may not be back in with the Lightning, the longer remains unsigned, though it is an unlikely scenario. An offer sheet could cost 4 1st round draft picks. Yzerman did meet with Stamkos’s agent at the draft, and will talk again this week. Yzerman will also speak with Dwayne Roloson’s agent.
“I’ve been in touch with virtually everybody’s agent, everybody will travel (Sunday) and get settled in to their offices and we’ll get back on the phone this week,” Yzerman said. “I’m optimistic, I believe that we will get things accomplished. We were able to get Eric (Brewer’s) done this week and we’ll chip away at our restricted guys and go from there.”
The Lightning have 14 players that they could send qualifying offers to, which must be done today. They may look at goaltending during free agency if Roloson doesn’t re-sign. Sean Bergenheim may sign elsewhere. Simon Gagne and Adam Hall are unlikely to return. The Lightning may be looking for a top 6, possibly Brad Richards.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: All is quiet from Brian Burke and team management with regards to their interest in Brad Richards. The Rangers, Flyers and Leafs are all expected to take a long look at signing the 31 year old free agent. Richards suggested after the season that he might take a discount to head back to Tampa Bay. Richards is likely looking for an 8 year deal in the $7 million range, which may be more than Burke would want to go. Burke believes that winger Matt Frattin may be able to make Leafs next fall.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had a few trade discussions with his former boss Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, but nothing materialized.
“Stan and I chatted on a couple of things, but Stan had some big things on the go that were maybe a little bit not in the direction I was looking at at this point in time,” said Cheveldayoff. “We had some good conversations, they gave me some good support along the way and we had a good couple of laughs.
“We’ll have to wait for our first Chicago-Winnipeg deal.”
Cheveldayoff had some “feeling out” discussions with other teams. Cheveldayoff wouldn’t comment if they were one of the teams interested in Mike Richards. One report was saying the Flyers were looking at a package of Evander Kane, the 7th overall pick and possibly Alexander Burmistrov.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland would like to add a top 4 calibre defenseman and possibly a backup goalie. Jaromir Jagr remains a possibility for the Red Wings and Penguins, but neither team wants to give him a huge salary. Holland is “in the same ballpark” with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, and are getting closer to a deal. Negotiations with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller aren’t going as smoothly. Kris Draper and Chris Osgood’s days as a Red Wing could hinge on how the free agency period plays out.
- Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $20 million in cap space, but won’t be going after a Brad Richards or Kevin Bieksa or Dwayne Roloson. If the price is right, Baines thinks the Senators should go after Zenon Konopka. If Brooks Laich is wanting 4-5 years at $3.5 million, that may be too pricey.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford met with the agents for Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen in the past week, and that “I’m at the point now that I do have hope that we’re going to be able to sign both players,” he says.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks there is “definitely a shot” that the Flyers will try to sign Brooks Laich. The Flyers have interest in Brad Richards but he could get a bigger deal elsewhere. Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, and Eric Cole are just a few of the possible replacements if Ville Leino walks.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Capitals have placed Tyler Sloan on waivers.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals.
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