Posts Tagged Semyon Varlamov

Backstrom still day-to-day … DiPietro back soon … Possible Avs goalie targets … Halpren and Plekanec injured

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 16th, 2011

  • Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is still day-to-day with a fractured thumb. He was on the ice taking shots yesterday, testing it out, no timetable is set. Semyon Varlamov, out with knee issues, is ready to start taking part in full practices, but won’t be ready to start for at least a week.
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro could travel with the team this week, and possibly get some starts in the next 2 weeks.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Injured Avalanche forward Tomas Fleischmann is a UFA at seasons end, and they’d proably like to keep him, though he may test the market. Many Avs fans may be hoping for a Tomas Vokoun free agent signing, but Dater would prefer Ilya Bryzgalov. (Complete list of UFA’s)
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Denis Grebeshkov is playing in the KHL this year, but would the Oilers be interested in bringing him back? They have the cap room next season and could use a defenseman. It’s possible that Telus could be bidder in sale of the Maple Leafs.

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Blues-Brewer haven’t talked, could be moved but … Conroy clears waivers, weighing options … Oilers would put Souray on re-entry

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2011

  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues and Eric Brewer haven’t talked contract extension. Brewer and backup goalie Ty Conklin will be UFA’s at seasons end, and could find themselves as on the trade block for the Feb.28th trade deadline day. Brewer does have no-trade clause, and is expecting a baby in the next couple weeks.
  • Katie Carrera via twitter: Semyon Varlamov will likely be in net for the Capitals tonight. It also looks like Matt Bradley will return.
  • Mark Spector via twitter: The Oilers would put Sheldon Souray on re-entry waivers if a team would indicate they were interested in him. Souray said, “It’s on me to make something out of this. To stay healthy and make a team say, ‘We need this guy.’”

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Sutter steps down in Calgary …. Rolston assigned to AHL with purpose of re-entry waivers … Svatos signs with Blues … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 28th, 2010

  • TSN: Darryl Sutter has stepped down as the Calgary Flames general manager effective immediately. Jay Feaster, who was the teams assistant GM, will take over as GM .

    “We will move forward under a new administration with Jay leading our hockey operations as Acting General Manager,” said King. “For the remainder of this season, Jay will be provided the opportunity to evaluate the team from the GM’s chair and build a long term plan. We believe that while we continue to compete for a playoff position this season, this period will provide both the organization and Jay time to decide on critical future decisions.”

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Brian Rolston has been assigned to the AHL and will be placed on re-entry waivers. Darren Dreger via twitter: Rolston will be available for half price, a couple teams said they would be interested in him on re-entry when he was originally waived. Capgeek via twitter: If he’s claimed on re-entry waivers, he’ll still count $2,531,250 against the cap.
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Marek Svatos signs with the St. Louis Blues. A 2-way deal that will pay him $800,000 in the NHL and $105,000 in the AHL. He must clear waivers first because he was playing in the KHL before.
  • Arthur Staple via twitter: Michael Del Zotto did not practice due to groin injury, and may not play tomorrow (may not have played even if groin was fine).
  • Will DePaoli via twitter: It doesn’t look like Jordan Staal will be playing in the Winter Classic. He’ll have more x-rays tonight.

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Rolston clears waivers, has never been asked to waive no-trade … Kane returns Friday? Seguin a healthy scratch? Roster notes and Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 15th, 2010

  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Patrick Kane is close to returning, “Friday is a possibility. I just have to see how I am (Thursday) in practice and Friday in the pregame skate.” Tim Sassone via twitter: David Bolland is likely in the lineup for the Blackhawks tonight. Fernando Pisani won’t be in the lineup.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rolston cleared waivers and will be in the lineup for the NJ Devils tonight. Tom Gulitti via twitter: Brian Rolston said he’s never been asked to waive his no-trade clause. He was asked if he would waive it, responded, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it”. Rolston expects to be in the lineup tonight.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Looks like Tuukka Rask will start tonight for the Bruins against the Sabres. Tim Thomas likely to start against the Canadiens.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t look like Senators GM Bryan Murray will be able to make a trade before the NHL holiday roster freeze (Sunday the 19th). The Senators want to add a top 6 forward and a rugged dman. Teams are looking young players in return for older, expensive underachievers, which is why it’s unlikely he’ll get something done (I’m thinking Murray will join this train of thought if he looks to deal Alexei Kovalev).

    “We talk about trades and we talk to other managers, but that’s very difficult,” said Murray. “As I talk to different teams, even teams that want to make something happen, I have a tough time. Getting equal value at equal money is difficult.”

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Phaneuf back tonight … Starting goalies … Del Zotto a healthy scratch … Devils put 2 on waivers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 9th, 2010

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Brian Elliott will start for the Senators tonight versus the NY Rangers. Ryan Shannon will be a healthy scratch.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Don’t expect any trades by the Maple Leafs today before Burke’s Christmas holiday roster freeze.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Michael Del Zotto will be a healthy scratch for the Rangers tonight, Matt Gilroy is in. Henrik Lundqvist will start for the Rangers.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Vinny Prospal won’t be back into the lineup until after Christmas. Chris Drury will be re-examined on Sunday.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Stephen Gionta and Olivier Magnan put on waivers by the NJ Devils. Calgary’s Ryan Stone clears waivers.

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Flames-Canes trade was in works for awhile … Ryder to minors? Guerin to Pens? Caps won’t trade a goalie … Bruins having trouble with trades

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 18th, 2010

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Flames-Hurricanes trade had been in the works for weeks, before Brett Sutter’s arrest. Bob McKenzie reports that the Flames had to call the Hurricanes to see if they would still be interested in Sutter after his arrest. Vickie Hall via twitter: According to Jay Feaster, with the Mark Giordano signing there was no chance that Ian White would be re-signed.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Haggerty thinks Michael Ryder and his $4 million will be sent to the minors when Marco Sturm and Marc Savard return from LTIR.
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: At the Lightning-Islanders game last night, Coyotes GM Don Maloney and their Director of Pro Scouting, as well as the Sharks Director of Pro Scouting (John Ferguson Jr.) and another scout.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: There is a good chance that Bill Guerin will join the Pittsburgh Penguins organization in an undefined role.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: The Maple Leafs are following Chicago’s use of Patrick Kane with the Nazem Kadri, keeping him on the wing and away from opponents top line. Last year the Avalanche were offering John-Michael Liles and his $4.2 million salary to anyone, he has 16 points in 17 games as of Tuesday. Capitals GM George McPhee said he won’t trade any of Semyon Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth or Braden Holtby. According to one GM speaking of the Boston Bruins, “No one’s interested in the first couple of players they are offering.” What about the third guy? “Yes, we’d have some interest, but the Bruins are not prepared to do that, yet.” Garth Snow said Scott Gordon’s firing was his call and not owner Charles Wang.

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Wednesday afternoon NHL lineup and injury notes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 10th, 2010

  • Jonas Siegel of AM640: The Maple Leafs had a players only meeting this morning, everyone spoke during the meeting. “What they found was a lacking enthusiasm and a work ethic in need of some spark.” Well no #$@%, anyone who has watched them play the couple weeks could have told them that.

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Monday afternoon injury and roster updates

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 8th, 2010

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: X-rays on Willie Mitchell’s upper-body injury showed no breaks or fractures, an MRI is being done today. The LA Kings also need to decide this week if they’ll be sending Kyle Clifford (9 games) and/or Brayden Schenn (8 games) back to Junior. Clifford has played more lately, getting some praises from his coach for his play. Schenn has been a scratch the last 2 games, and needs some work on the defensive side of things.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Brian McGratton was put on waivers by the Boston Bruins. Dustin Boyd was put on waivers by the Montreal Canadiens.
  • KuklasKorner via twitter: Defenseman Brian Rafalski will return to the lineup for the Red Wings tonight. Drew Miller a healthy scratch.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins lines: Patrice Bergeron centering Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton. Blake Wheeler centering Jordan Caron and Mark Recchi.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Marco Sturm could return in the first 7-10 days of December. Marc Savard “feeling better and could be ready to turn corner.”
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur’s elbow is still giving him trouble when holding his stick, though it’s improved 30% since Sunday. Brodeur thinks there is a chance he’s ready for Wednesday.

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Fowler has broken nose … Varlamov to start Thursday? Would Leafs be interested in Richards?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 19th, 2010

  • Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler suffered a broken nose after being hit by Shane Doan on Saturday night, but is listed as probable for their next game.
  • John Buccigross via twitter: Semyon Varlamov told Buccigross that he’ll be starting for the Capitals on Thursday night against the Boston Bruins.
  • Tim Wharnsby of CBC Sports: Wharnsby wonders if the Dallas Stars can’t re-sign Brad Richards, would the Maple Leafs be interested? I’m not sure if Richards would fit into Burke’s master plan, or if they have the assets to send back to Dallas. If the Leafs were interested at some point, that would be saying they were in the playoff hunt, and they are not loaded with high ceiling prospects or high draft picks.
  • Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Erik Christensen returned last night for the NY Rangers, but felt a ‘tug’ in his upper right leg in the first period, and saw under 10 minutes of ice time, mostly on the 4th line.
  • Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers brought in Marty Biron as a more stable backup, with the intent of giving Henrik Lundqvist more rest during the season. Biron hasn’t played a game yet, but the team has 3 game in 4 nights starting on Thursday, so he’ll most likely see action against one of Toronto (Thurs.), Boston (Sat.) or NJ (Sun.).

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Pavelec released from hospital … Varlamov to return this week? No talks yet between Kaberle-Leafs plus more

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 11th, 2010

Merry Turkey to our Canadian readers, Happy Columbus Day to our American readers.

  • Allan Walsh via twitter: Ondrej Pavelec was released from hospital yesterday and is back to home. Walsh thinks he’ll be “back in action soon”.
  • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Tomas Kaberle and Brian Burke have yet to meet on a contract extension, with Burke and Kaberle’s agent, Rick Curran, agreeing to let things wait for a bit. A deal may come down to money, Kaberle will likely looking for a raise from this $4.25 million. The Leafs already have a lot of cash tied up in their defensive corps. Kaberle,

    “I haven’t talked to Brian since the start of the season,” he said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not worried about it right now. I’m just going to worry about the games coming up, especially the first month of the season. It always shows the way the team is going to play. We have to be at least .500 to have a chance to go into the playoffs when the real season starts.”

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Zdeno Chara’s new contract (7 years, $45.5 million) probably won’t be used as a comparable for Predators defenseman Shea Weber. Better comparables would be Dion Phaneuf (6 years, $39 million) or Jay Bouwmeester (5 years, $33.4 million).
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Andres Lilja has signed with the Anaheim Ducks. An agreement was reached Saturday night, and Lilja is flying to Anaheim from Sweden.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson poor play has found himself down the 3rd pairing and could find himself in the AHL if his game doesn’t improve.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello might have to free up some cap space depending on the severity of the injuries to Brian Rolston and Anton Volchenkov. Lamoriello also wouldn’t say if they’ll appeal the loss of their 1st round pick and $3 million fine.
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Mark Giordano and the Calgary Flames started contract talks last year, but they are no closer to a deal. He’s said how much he enjoys playing in Calgary, but how much the Flames would offer and how much he might be able to get on the open market might be a big difference. Giordano may also not want to rush to a decision with the Flames until he sees what direction the team may be going in.

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Scenarios for Souray … Teams calling about Greiss? Seguin back to center? Varlamov not a #1 lock?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 29th, 2010

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are not really interested in sending Sheldon Souray to their AHL club in Oklahoma City. GM Steve Tambellini said that waivers are an option, but would rather make a trade that would help the Oilers. If they don’t trade him by October 6th, they could put him on the roster, taking the $5.4 cap hit, but would have to drop a defenseman, one who may have to go through waivers. The AHL is an option but they don’t want to go there yet. The Islanders may not want to spend the money. The Avalanche may be looking at Jamie Langenbrunner to get over the cap floor. Columbus is the best bet.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Several teams have called the San Jose Sharks about their goaltending situation. They have 3 capable NHL goalies, with Thomas Greiss the likely target, possibly Minnesota as one of the teams.
  • Scott Cullen via twitter: Semyon Varlamov is not entrenched as the number 1 goalie in Washington, Michal Nuervith could be at one point.
  • James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Tyler Seguin has been playing on the wing along side Patrice Bergeron and Mark Recchi. Coach Claude Julien said on Monday that he likes the idea of having Seguin play center while Marc Savard is out. Blake Wheeler could also be an option at center. Zach Hamill, Joe Colborne and Jordan Caron are also getting a look at center.

    “To be honest with you, I’d still like to see Tyler Seguin [at center] again, seeing now that he’s got a few games under his belt,” Julien said. “He handles it in the middle. I’d still like to see Blake Wheeler play center as well at some point and see if he can recapture his comfort zone that he had when he played that position when he was in school.”

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Matt Beleskey will start the season on the top  line in Anaheim with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. Ducks defenseman Toni Lydman won’t be ready for the start of the season, and could be out for a lengthy period. Lydman experienced double vision a couple weeks ago, and the cause of the episode has yet to be found.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Jeff Deslauriers and Devan Dubnyk are battling each other to back up Nikolai Khabibulin in Edmonton. The Oilers haven’t hinted at who has the upper hand, but Dubnyk may get the nod as Deslauriers could draw more interest on the trade market. Deslauriers is on a 1 year deal at $1.05 million, Dubnyk signed a 2 year deal. GM Steve Tambellini wouldn’t say if he’s talked to Wild GM Chuck Fletcher or not, the Wild may prefer to get Deslauriers off waivers.
  • Brian Compton via twitter: With Kyle Okposo injury, Compton wonders if Nino Niederreiter will stick with the Islanders or be sent back to junior after 9 games, therefore not burning a year on his contract.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Manny Legace, who has been skating with the Islanders to stay in shape, is receiving some interest from the Minnesota Wild.

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Horton dealt by Draft, to Sabres? St. Louis to get extension … Oilers getting calls for #1

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2010

  • Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Nathan Horton’s time as a Florida Panther could be close to coming to an end. It’s looking like he’ll be dealt by next weeks NHL draft, and it wouldn’t surprise his agent. Horton has 3 years left on his 6 years, $24 million contract. His no trade clause kicks in July 1st. The Buffalo Sabres definitely could use a winger with size, have shown interest, and have been rumored to be shopping Derek Roy and Tim Connolly.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steve Yzerman has started working on a contract extension for Martin St. Louis. What could complicate things a little are the numbers and term length, as St. Louis is 35 and the Lightning would be on the hook for the entire salary (and cap number) if he would retire early, so the deal has to make sense for them. Yzerman must also send a qualifying offer to Paul Ranger to retain his rights. Ranger missed all of last season for ‘personal injuries’, he would definitely improve their blueline. Yzerman will also look to re-sign Kurt Foster if the numbers make sense. The Lightning will take the best player available with the 6th overall pick, with a “remote” chance of trading it.
  • Darren Dreger on TSN: The Oilers continue to get inquiries about the 1st overall pick, and GM Steve Tambellini will continue to listen to offers, they are unsure what it would take to get the pick though. David Booth, Dmitry Kulikov and Jacob Markstrom could be the only untouchables for Florida. Nathan Horton and Steven Weiss are available. The Predators are interested in Kris Versteeg. No offers have been sent to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle yet. Teams may wait until the draft when the no-trade is lifted in fear that their proposal will be shopped to drive up the price. As many as 8 teams could put forth an offer.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins have received some offers for the #2 pick, and GM Peter Chiarelli was impressed with one of the offers. But … “I’m not moving it,” Chiarelli said of the No. 2 position. “We’re going to take one of those two forwards.”
  • Chris Koc of ChicagoBreakingsports.com: The Atlanta Thrashers have been granted permission to speak with Chicago Blackhawks associate coach John Torchetti. about their vacant head coaching position.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It’s the year of the goalie. UFA’s: Evgeni Nabokov, Martin Biron, Dan Ellis, Michael Leighton, Chris Mason, Jose Theodore, Antero Niittymaki, Vesa Toskala, Johan Hedberg, Patrick Lalime, Manny Legace, Wade Dubielewicz, Alex Auld, Steve Valiquette, Andrew Raycroft, Yann Danis and Curtis Sanford. Goalies available for trade: Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak, Tim Thomas, Cristobal Huet. Turco would be a good fit in Philadelphia, but they might not think so. Martin Biron could end up being a backup in Buffalo where he started his career. The Lightning have had some discussion with their UFA goalie, Antero Niittymaki. The St. Louis Blues have begun talks with Chris Mason in hope of re-signing him.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Could the Washington Capitals head in to next season with two, 22-year old goalies, Neuvirth and Varlamov? GM McPhee didn’t rule out bringing back Jose Theodore. McPhee basically said that Karl Alzner and John Carlson will be playing full time on the Capitals blueline. They are talking with Eric Belanger about re-signing him. The team has talked with Shaone Morrisonn, but he isn’t a lock to be re-signed.

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Vinny on the Block this Off-season … Rynnas Meets with Stars … Leafs/Flyers in on Scrivens

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 3rd, 2010

  • Jim Kelly of Sports Illustrated: Kelly thinks the Lightning should dump Vincent Lecavalier as soon as they can. Lecavalier’s cap hit is $7.7 million a season. Though it will be tough to move a contract like that, the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and Rangers are teams that could probably make it work somehow. But what would the Lightning want in return for big Vinny?
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Jussi Rynnas was wined and dined by the Dallas Stars Thursday. He has other visits scheduled. Rynnas has said he’s open to playing in the minors if he can’t win a starting or backup position. The Stars think Rynnas will make a decision within 3 weeks.
  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: The Maple Leafs and Flyers are among the teams that are interested in Cornell goalie, Ben Scrivens.
  • Tracee Hamilton of the Washington Post: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau has had to juggle his goaltenders, Theodore and Varlamov, for the last year or so. Boudreau has shown in the past that if one goalie struggles, he doesn’t hesitate to pull him and insert the other. So in the playoffs, it wouldn’t be surprising if both goalies got a shot, unless one steals the show.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers have searched the planet, put all names in a hat, and have pulled out Sebastien Caron. Caron was playing in the Swiss league, and was the 7th goalie to dress for Flyers, as he was the backup last night. Caron will make $25,906 for the remaining 10 days on the NHL schedule.

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Vinny Staying in Tampa? Modano Decided to Stay … Chelios Recalled … Cherry On Headshots Videos

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on March 11th, 2010

  • Martin Fennelly of the Tampa Tribune: New Tampa Bay Lightning owner, Jeffrey Vinik: “I have no problem having Vinny Lecavalier on the hockey team,” Vinik said. “He’s a great player, he’s an elite player, he’s part of the strong team we have here. All I can say is that this franchise is not going to be constrained by financial resources.” … “I’m going to invest for the long term. This franchise is not going to be constrained by financial resources.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mike Modanno was given the option by GM Joe Nieuwendyk to play for a Stanley Cup contender in what could be his last season. 3 teams asked about Modano’s availability, but he decided to remain with the only organization he’s known. Washington was one of the teams that inquired.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The 74-year-old 48-year-old Chris Chelios was recalled by the Atlanta Thrashers. Despite being so old, Chelios was pretty productive  in the AHL this year. In 46 games he had 5 goals and 17 assists, and was a plus 34.

  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: As the end of the season nears, and even with Semyon Varlamov’s return, Jose Theodore could be the number one goalie for the Caps in the playoffs.

  • From the Vancouver Sun: Don Cherry talks about Headshots. Click on the video area below to start video.

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    Niedermayer staying with Ducks? Two Leafs wanting a trade, Red Wings injury situation, Lehtonen on the Block?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2010

    • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: If the Ducks continue to gain ground on the last playoff spot, the decision for Scott Niedermayer staying in Anaheim becomes easier, he won’t be going anywhere.
    • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: A good article from Simmons about the situation Brian Burke finds himself in. Burke has been trying to make some changes, but has had no luck so far. Don’t expect much to happen (other than rumors) before March 3rd. According to Burke, “Unfortunately, (talking trade) is like being a farmer. You plant your crop and then you do nothing but wait.”
    • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Both Garnet Exelby and Jamal Mayers have spoken with Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, and they wouldn’t mind being traded at the deadline. The fact that Mayers was looking to move on, was leaked yesterday. “I’m willing to do whatever I can to help the team. If that means moving on, then that’s the way it has to be,” said Mayers. “I haven’t had a chance to win yet, so I’d certainly like that opportunity but I can’t control that. I certainly like to think I come to the rink every day to play hard.”
    • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen is due to return from his AHL conditioning stint next week. That will give the Thrashers 3 goalies (Lehtonen, Johan Hedberg and Ondrej Pavelec), and most likely a new home for one of them. Lehtonen is the most likely to go, but his back issues may scare some teams off.
    • TheFourthPeriod: The Capitals and Nicklas Backstrom are taking their time with regards to a contract extension. The Caps are reportedly in the market for a 2nd line center, and a top four physical defenseman. The Blues might be a team they are talking with.
    • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: If the trade deadline was tomorrow, Capitals GM George McPhee wouldn’t do anything. I’m not sure if this was said before Jose Theodore left Tuesday’s game with a lower-body injury. If healthy, Varlamov is their playoff goalie, but he’s been out for awhile, and his return is not known at the moment. I think they should consider another goalie option, as health could become a problem down the stretch and in the playoffs.
    • AP in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Unable to find a trade partner for Petr Sykora, the Minnesota Wild have sent him to their AHL affiliate, where he’s not expected to show up.
    • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: With Johan Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom, and Jason Williams returning to the Red Wings lineup soon, management may be forced to make some roster/salary adjustments. When Holmstrom and Williams return (and if there are no other injuries – below post might help a little) they will be over the roster limit of 23. Justin Abdelkader doesn’t need to clear waivers, so he will most likely be sent to the AHL. When Franzen returns, the Wings will have to shed $1.5 million in salary, as they’ll be over the cap limit.
    • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: With all the good news on the Detroit injury front, you knew something had to give. Brad Stuart left last night’s game in the first period with a sprained left shoulder.

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