Posts Tagged Sergei Gonchar
Kings and Canadiens coaching situation … Ruutu ignore rumors … Injury notes on Boyle, Little, Lehtonen, Giroux, Couturier, Armstrong and Michalek
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 20th, 2011
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings are expected to announce the hiring of new head coach Darryl Sutter sometime today. He’s expected to make his Kings coaching debut on Thursday against the Ducks.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Canadiens CEO Molson said that the “ability to express himself in both French and English” will be “very” important when they are looking to pick their next head coach.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu will be an UFA at the end of the season, and is trying to ignore the trade rumors. “I just live my life day by day,” he said, smiling again. “I don’t think I’m the only player with my name out there.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Flyers have made plenty of trades with the Hurricanes in the past, so they could target Bryan Allen or Tim Gleason. The Oilers could use a puck moving defenseman. The Oilers could move Ales Hemsky at the deadline if they decide not to re-sign him. They could get a prospect defenseman and a draft pick. Matheson wouldn’t be surprised if the Oilers were looking at Slava Voynov of the Kings.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikita Filatov has signed with CSKA for the remainder of the season. Will play his first game on Thursday.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle said he’s been playing with a broken foot since Nov. 10th. “My game is skating and I was definitely a step behind for many of those games and a little slower out there. I didn’t have the energy to get into every play,” he said. “It’s a factor. I don’t want to sit here and make excuses.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets center Bryan Little blocked a shot off his foot on Saturday and his day-to-day. They will see today if he is able to go. Antti Miettinen skated with Tanner Glass and Jim Slater and should get into to his first Jets game.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen has missed 9 games with a groin injury, but is targeting to return after Christmas. “First I have to have a couple more days just with the goalie coach,” Lehtonen said. “Then I need to start skating with the team and have a couple of those days, and then after that, we’ll see when I play. We haven’t talked about any dates, but probably sometime around Christmas.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: A source has said that Flyers forward Sean Couturier is only sore, and not concussed after taking a Kimmo Timonen shot off the head.
- Anthony San Filppo via twitter: Flyers center Claude Giroux practiced without a no contact jersey. San Filippo thinks we’ll be back this week.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks defenseman Aaron Rome will be out 3-4 weeks with a broken thumb.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is out with a concussion that he suffered on Saturday after a collision with Ryan Kesler.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Senators Milan Michalek is still listed as day-to-day. It is possible that he skates today, but not definite. Ian Mendes via twitter: Filip Kuba and Sergei Gonchar are both expected to play tonight against the Sabres.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Jordan Staal and Craig Adams are day-to-day but will skate today.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal on contact drills: “Close, in a few days if everything goes well.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rangers Steve Eminger is out 8 weeks. Jeff Woywitka is questionable for tonight. Tim Erixon will be recalled as insurance.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: There were 15 scouts from 15 teams at the Maple Leafs-Kings game last night.
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.
Pronger done for the year, and the fallout … Rolston out with concussion … Ohlund could be done for year … Lehtonen to practice within week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 16th, 2011
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: After being examined by neurologists on Wednesday, Chris Pronger will be shut down for the regular season and playoffs. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren:
“After consultation with respected concussion specialists Dr. Joseph Maroon and Dr. Micky Collins, it is the opinion of both doctors that Chris is suffering from severe post concussion syndrome.
“It is the recommendation of doctors Maroon and Collins that Chris not return for the remainder of the 2011-12 season or playoffs. Chris will continue to receive treatment and therapy with the hope that he can get better.”
The Flyers are likely going to wait a bit before the look to add a defenseman.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Pronger will continue to receive treatment and hopes to be able to play next year.
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside and LeBrun talk Pronger and concussions. A source told LeBrun that they won’t immediately look to add a Dman. Closer to the trade deadline day (Feb. 27th), they could look at Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Sergei Gonchar, Tim Gleason, Jaroslav Spacek and Bryan Allen.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein wonders if bringing back the clutch and grab is the only way to slow the game down. Would you want the pre-lockout style of hockey to return?
- Luke DeCock via twitter: DeCock wouldn’t be surprised if the Hurricanes are one of the first calls the Flyers make in search of a defenseman.
- TSN Insider Trading link: Panel talks Pronger injury and what next for Flyers. Kings and Darryl Sutter. Messier and the money the Canucks owe him.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: After the Christmas roster freeze, which begin on Dec. 19th, Matheson thinks the Oilers need to make a trade to shake things up.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings center Mike Richards will join the team today in Detroit. There is no word on when he’ll be able to practice.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders forward Brian Rolston is out with a concussion.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund has been out all year with bad knees, and could be done for the season. He had surgeries on both knees on Oct. 11th to clean out “loose bodies.”
“It just hurts him a lot more than what he would have expected or the doctors would have expected,” Boucher said. “It’s … difficult to manage because you can’t do much more than what’s been done. It’s pain tolerance. It’s a question of mobility. It’s a question of can he skate at the level in the NHL he needs to follow.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen could return to practice within a week. “It’s very positive right now,” Nieuwendyk said. “We’re not going to rush him, and we’re taking every precaution, but there is a chance that he’s a practice player within a week, so that’s great news.”
- Bob Cohn of hte PIttsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal will be a game time decision tonight. Zbynek Michalek is a go.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avs winger David Jones has a groin injury and missed last night’s game. Brandon Yip (groin), Chuck Kobasew (head), Peter Mueller (head), Mark Olver (head) and Ryan Wilson (head) are also out.
Fallout from the Kaberle trade … Pronger has concussion-like symptoms, Schenn mild concussion … Ryan to center … Gonchar doubtful
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 10th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: One GM told LeBrun that he was absolutely shocked that the Hurricanes were able to move Tomas Kaberle’s contract.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford on the signing of Kaberle: “I should have known better.” Rutherford added that he would have “preferred” to have dealt Kaberle for a forward but “there was not a deal out there.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey doesn’t think the Kaberle trade “doesn’t make sense on any level. ” The Canadiens now have $43 million tied into 12 players and have Carey Price, P.K. Subban, Josh Gorges, Raphael Diaz, Alexei Emelin and Lars Eller as RFAs.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger has “concussion-like” symptoms, and forward Brayden Schenn has a mild concussion. Pronger will be further evaluated on Wednesday by the same doctors who treated Sidney Crosby. GM Paul Holmgren on Schenn “We’ll keep him shut down through the weekend and see how he is Monday.”
- M Whicker of the OC Register: With Saku Koivu injured, the Ducks are shifting Bobby Ryan to center Teemu Selanne and Andrew Cogliano. Bruce Boudreau hopes to have defenseman Lubomir Visnovksy back “within a week to 10 days.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar is doubtful for tonight. He left Thursday’s game with an upper body injury. Filip Kuba is at least 3 weeks away from returning from his upper body injury.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Flames forward David Moss will return to the lineup next week.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: The Kings have placed forward Ethan Moreau on waivers.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars goalie Richard Bachman may get his first NHL start against the Kings tonight.
Weber has hearing today … Flames working phones … Sens have Dmen available … Dater’s trade proposals … Gomez injured … Flyers, Devils, Habs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 21st, 2011
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Predators defenseman Shea Weber has a hearing today at 2:00 pm for a boarding call last night.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Flames GM Jay Feaster:
“I’m not going to sit around and wait”, Feaster told ESPN.com Thursday. “There is urgency here. There’s very much a sense of urgency. We kept this group together for a reason this summer. We articulated what that was and articulated to the players. They talked about the need to get off to a good start. We saw what happened last season when you dig yourself a hole. We played like our pants were on fire in the second half last year and it [still] wasn’t enough. We’re all paying lip service to what we needed to do. Now we need to do it.”
“Obviously I’m making phone calls and people are making phone calls to me,’’ said Feaster. “It’s not something I’m looking to do, I want to win with this group. That’s what I want to do.
“We like the team we have. But we talked repeatedly about it all summer and in camp, the need to get off to a good start.’’
Senators GM Bryan Murray:
“Yes, and I hate to say this, but if there’s a need on another team for a veteran defenseman, we’ll probably one have available that we’d be willing to talk about.’’
Sergei Gonchar still has another year left at $5.5 million and a no-movement clause.
- Adrian Dater of SI.com: Dater runs through some players who could be traded, and who might be interested. 1. Rene Bourque (CAL) – The Avalanche could offer one of their top 3 defensive prospects and/or throw in winger TJ Galiardi. 2. Jay Bouwmeester (CAL) – Dater wonders about a Bouwmeester for Tuomo Ruutu deal. 3. Lots of Blue Jackets – Rich Nash is due between $7.5 and $8.2 million until 2017-18. The last 6 years of Fedor Tyutin’s deal are for $4.5 million. Marc Mathot has a 4 year deal at $3 million. James Wisniewski has a 6 year deal. Dater notes that other than Nash, the others may not get much interest. 4. Derek Morris (PHO) on a 3 year, $2.75 million per deal – Dater proposes a Morris for Alex Tanguay deal. Tanguay signed a 5 year deal at $3.5 million. Dater says that Olli Jokinen makes sense too. Adrian Dater via twitter: Some of the trade scenario talk was meant to have some humor too.
- Eric Engels via twitter: As for Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier giving Andrei Markov a 3 year deal, Gauthier said mid-season last year that they weren’t concerned about Markov’s rehab. That his injuries didn’t factor into their desire to want him to return and his want to re-sign with the Canadiens.
- Josh Yole via twitter: Evgeni Malkin is looking better as practice goes on today. Will be interesting to see if he’ll play tomorrow.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens forward Scott Gomez left last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He was initially hurt after taking a hit from Engelland, tried for one more shift after, but then left.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen injured his hand blocking a shot and it’s not known if he’ll play tomorrow.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Daniel Briere is centering Jakob Voracek and Scott Hartnell. Giroux is centering Jagr and Schenn. Read is centering Simmonds and JVR. Couturier is centering Talbot and Shelley/Nodl.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Cammalleri-Plekanec-Gionta, Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole, Moen-Eller-Kostitsyn, Darche-Engqvist-Palushaj.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Zubrus; Kovalchuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Sykora-Ckarkson; Boulton-Mills-Pelley-Janssen. Defensive pairings: Greene-Larsson; Tallinder-Fayne; Salvador-Volchenkov
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Looks like Nikitin, Reaves and Chorney are scratches from the Blues. Brian Elliott will be starting in net for the Blues tonight.
Flyers recall Schenn … Gonchar, DiPietro return to practice … Gardiner back in … Brodeur, Brewer miss practice … Early Goal of the Year? No way
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 19th, 2011
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: The Flyers have recalled Brayden Schenn and loaned Zac Rinaldo and Harry Zolnierczyk to the AHL.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Flames have put Raitis Ivanans on waivers. The Wild place Drew Bagnall on waivers.
- Don Brennan via twitter: Senators defenseman Sergei Gonchar returned to practice and he might return for Thursday’s game against the Jets.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning defenseman Eric Brewer is not practicing today and is day-to-day with an upper body injury.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer will be in net for the Maple Leafs tonight against the Jets. Jonas Gustavsson will go tomorrow night in Boston. Leafs coach Ron Wilson confirms that Jake Gardiner will be back in the lineup tonight, but won’t reveal who sits. Barry Davis via twitter: Looking like Cody Franson will sit.
- NY Islanders via twitter: Lines at Islanders practice: Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau; Okposo-Nielsen-Grabner; Rolston-Bailey-Comeau; Pandolfo-Reasoner-Martin, Gillies.
- Brian Compton via twitter: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is on the ice this morning at practice.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur is not practicing again today. There hasn’t been an update from the Devils regarding Brodeur’s visit with the doctors yesterday.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: The Hurricanes have assigned defenseman Justin Faulk to the AHL.
- So am I the only that thinks the below goal has been overrated? I’ve heard/read early goal of the year candidate. Sure it’s some great hussle and work by Benn, but has some really sloppy defense.
Injury notes on Carter, Whitney, Kesler, Malkin, Hossa, Krejci, DiPietro, Gonchar, Penner, Kennedy, Havlat, McDonald and Neuvirth
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 17th, 2011
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter is questionable for tomorrow’s game against the Stars.
“It’s a little hairline crack in his foot where he took a shot,” Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel said. “It’s an old injury. We’ll see where it’s at. It’s on the top (of the foot). We’re hoping it won’t be too long here. He’s questionable for Tuesday, but we might get him back for the weekend (vs. Detroit, vs. Ottawa). The ones on top you can sometimes play through.”
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will not be in the lineup tonight. It will be tomorrow or Thursday for sure.
- Ian Walker via twitter: Ryan Kesler will be in the lineup from the Canucks tomorrow.
- NHL.com: Evgeni Malkin did not travel with the Penguins on their 2 game road trip as he has soreness in his surgically repaired right knee. He’ll be re-evaluated before Thursday’s game.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa is questionable for tomorrow night against Phoenix. He will make the trip with the team.
- Joe McDonald of ESPN: Bruins forward David Krejci did not practice today due to his ‘core injury.’ Defensemen Adam McQuaid and Steven Kampfer practiced.
- Joe Haggery via twitter: Bruins coach Claude Julien said that Krejci is doubtful for tomorrow’s game.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Rick DiPietro skated before Islanders practice this morning. Coach Jack Capuano didn’t rule him out for their Florida trip. Andrew MacDonald, Milan Jurcina and Nino Niederreiter didn’t practice today.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators goalie Craig Anderson is not at practice for personal reasons. He is expected back tomorrow. Sergei Gonchar is day-to-day with a bruised ankle. Bobby Butler may go on the IR with a groin injury.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings forward Dustin Penner left practice after 20 minutes.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy has concussion like symptoms according to coach Dan Bylsma.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks forward Martin Havlat won’t talk to doctors until Wednesday for clearance, but McLellan expects him to be in the lineup on Friday.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald has been put on the IR with another concussion.
- Brian McNally of the Examiner: Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth only lasted 20 minutes at practice today. Neuvirth has been battling a right foot injury. “It’s big bruise and trying to ice it,” Neuvirth said. “It’s a lot of pain when I’m putting my skates on, and that’s the worst. I can’t really push on the ice or anything like that. I feel a lot of pain right now.” Lines at practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer, Semin-Johansson-Knuble, Chimera-Laich-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Halpern.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: (answering some of my questions) Malamud would be surprised if Vladimir Tarasenko doesn’t leave the KHL to join the Blues next year, but you can’t rule out the SKA’s “fleet of cash trucks.” Alexander Radulov wants to play for SKA. If he doesn’t get traded/extended during the season, it will be an interested summer for him. He’s attracted to “Money, big city, glamour, the works” that SKA can offer.
Nothing new on Marchand, Schenn contract talks … Some want out of Winnipeg … top 2012 free agents … Sens have 9 Dman for 7 spots
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 14th, 2011
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: There hasn’t been much movement on RFA Brad Marchand’s contract talks with the Bruins. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and Marchand’s agent wouldn’t comment on the situation.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Fan 590 radio host Bob McCown said that at least 3 members of the Winnipeg Jets are actively trying to get out of Winnipeg.
“Guys are not going to want to play there,” said McCown.
“I have first-hand knowledge of no less than three members of the Atlanta Thrashers, no fewer than three, who are now Winnipeg Jets, who are actively pursuing alternatives. Not the least of the problems, there’s no place to live, in the style that an NHL player has become accustomed to. Are there upscale homes? I’m sure there are. But they’re not available and they’re not for rent.”
Captain Andrew Ladd, who signed a 5 year deal with the team, had this to say in response:
“I haven’t heard that, but if there are guys that don’t want to be in Winnipeg then we don’t want them anyway,” said Ladd. “We want people that want to be part of a good hockey organization that’s going to create a winning culture. From everyone I’ve talked to — I haven’t heard any of that.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen lists his top 10 2012 free agents. 1. Ryan Suter 2. Zach Parise 3. Niklas Kronwall 4. Alexander Semin 5. R.J. Umberger 6. Ales Hemsky 7. Brad Stuart 8. Chris Kunitz 9. Shane Doan 10. Mikhail Grabovski
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have 9 defenseman under contract and expect at least 1 to be dealt. 6 are on 1-way contracts and Jared Cowen and David Rundblad have a good shot at making the club. They reportedly were shopping Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba at the draft but found no takers. Gonchar has 2 years at $5.5 million, Kuba has 1 year at $3.7 million. “They can’t afford to just give Kuba away if they are going to trade him,” said a league executive. “They’re going to have to be willing to take some salary back.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There are still some veteran UFAs out there who could be looking for a tryout. “We haven’t ruled out an invitation,” Burke told Sun Media. “But most likely we will give the kids a look.” Some of their young players include Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo and defencemen Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker. Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross and Greg McKegg are at least a year away. Agent Don Meehan said there is “Nothing new” on contract talks between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Michel Nylander says he wants to return to the NHL after his playing his first game since he broke his neck.
Blue Jackets want to trade and spend money this offseason … Avs could pass on Larsson … Ramsay interviews for his position
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 19th, 2011
Happy Father’s Day to all the dad’s out there.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are looking to move their 8th overall pick, and have money to spend on free agents. They could have traded Steve Mason to Philadelphia and others, but have decided to keep him for now. GM Scott Howson will look for a backup, but not one that may not initially challenge for the #1 spot. The Jackets need to add a player that could be on the top defensive pairing.
“We’re talking to a lot of teams about defensemen,” Howson said. “Certainly we’re going to get to free agency and see what’s there, too, but there are a number of avenues we might take. We’ve made it clear that we want to change our back end, but you can only do so much. If you don’t have a willing trade partner, and if the free agents aren’t what you thought they’d be, there’s not much you can do.”
Christian Ehrhoff, Andrei Markov, Ed Jovanovski, Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and James Wisniewski. Mike Commodore is expected to be bought out. The Blue Jackets could also use a top 6 center. Howson tried to get Jeff Carter but that didn’t work out. Signing Brad Richards would be nice, but a really though sell. Tim Connolly could be an option for the Jackets. If they bring in a top center, Antoine Vermette could move to the wing. Scottie Upshall wants to stay but he’ll likely move on. They’ll look to add a 3rd line player. Portzline thinks that if someone offers a 4th round pick, a middling prospect or a veteran for Nikita Filatov, they’d send him packing.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Adam Larsson will likely be a top 4 pick in this year’s draft, and could be the pick for the Colorado Avalanche. Larsson may not come over to North America for next season. From his agent, “Our belief is we’ll stay another year or two in Sweden.” Dater thinks that if he wants to stay in Sweden next year, the Avs may not want to draft him.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: If the Lightning aren’t able to re-sign Eric Brewer, they could bring in Kevin Bieksa, Christian Ehrhoff, Roman Hamrlik or Tomas Kaberle.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators would like to move up in the draft, they hold the 6th overall pick, and the Devils at #4 are said to be dangling the pick. The Sens are would rather trade one of their 3 2nd round pick instead of their 21st overall pick they acquired from Nashville. The Senators have tried to trade defenseman Sergei Gonchar and Filip Kuba with no luck so far. They look to sign a backup for Craig Anderson.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Winnipeg interviewed their coach Craig Ramsay yesterday, who has 1 year left on his contract. “It was a good talk,” Ramsay told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I enjoyed the conversation. There was no commitment and no timeline [for a hire]. Nothing has been decided.” GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has also interviewed Mike Haviland (CHI assistant), Claude Noel (AHL Manitoba), and Craig MacTavish.
- Matt Kalman of the Boston Herald: After Game 7 Mark Recchi said he’d be retiring, and several days of celebrating hasn’t changed his mind, “No, that’s it.” He’ll take some time off now and hopes to find a management position at some point.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Tanner Glass is one of Vancouver UFAs that hopes to be able to return. 3 other UFA forwards for the Canucks are Chris Higgins, Raffi Torres and Jeff Tambellini. Chris Higgins has also said he’d like to be back.
Perry was almost traded to Oilers … Injury notes on Spacek, Lecavalier, Clowe, Green, Hamhuis, Miller, Havlat and 3 Senators
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 5th, 2011
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: In 2003-04, the Anaheim Ducks almost traded Corey Perry to the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks were prepared to send Perry and a 2004 1st round pick to the Oilers for center Mike Comrie. Comrie was holding out, and the Oilers were wanting Comrie to repay $2.5 million of his original signing bonus. When he didn’t repay the signing bonus, the deal fell through, and he was later traded to Philly. The Ducks used the 2004 1st round pick to select Ladislav Smid.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Roman Hamrlik, a UFA at season’s end, hinted that it could be his last year in a Canadiens uniform. After the media named him the “Jacques Beauchamp Trophy” winner (goes to the unsung hero), “I’ve been doing this a long and especially (since) this is my last year, it’s an honour.” … “I know I’ve been playing with lots of good players this season. You guys had a choice and it’s a big honour for me.” P.K. Subban and Jaroslav Spacek are the only defenseman under contract for next year. Hamrlik, Andrei Markov, James Wisniewski, Hal Gill, Brent Sopel and Paul Mara are all UFA’s.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Quote of the Year: Jaroslav Spacek on how he knew his March 4th knee surgery was a success, “I woke up with two knees and no big boobs.”A decision if he’ll play tonight won’t be made until a couple hours before the game.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe left last night’s game after 3 shifts with what coach Todd McLellan called a lower body tweak after the game. He was being evaluated after the game and more could be known today.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green and Tom Poti didn’t travel with the team to Toronto for tonight’s game. Green took part in full practice yesterday but didn’t take any contact. He hasn’t ruled out getting into a game before the playoffs start. Alex Semin had a maintenance day yesterday to help heal some nagging injuries. Boudreau said there is a “chance” he could miss 1 of the team’s 3 remaining games.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Taylor Hall was asked to join Team Canada for the World Championships, but won’t be good enough shape to go. Sense around New Jersey is that they will do all they can to re-sign Zach Parise, but will he want to stay?
- AP on NHL.com: Sabres goalie Ryan Miller took some shots yesterday at practice. He still thinks he’s day-to-day and hopes to play on Saturday against the Blue Jackets. Jhonas Enroth will start tonight against the Lightning.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Rangers forward Chris Drury is hoping to get back in the lineup for the playoffs.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Vincent Lecavalier said he will have no choice and will wear a visor when he returns. He may continue to wear it next year if he can adjust to it. TB Lightning via twitter: There was no structural damage to Lecavalier’s eye, and he’ll be a game time decision today.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said that Martin Havlat is doubtful to play in the final 3 games, as he has an upper body injury.
- Chris Vivalmore via twitter: Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom won’t travel with the team to Nashville and New York.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators winger Daniel Alfredsson and defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson are all done for the season.
- Ben Kuzman via twitter: Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (out with a concussion) skated on his own yesterday.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: It’s sounding like Oilers center Shawn Horcoff is done for the year after having a setback last week.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs will have about $15 million in salary cap space next season after they re-sign RFA’s Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, James Reimer, and Luke Schenn. The Leafs are more than one player away, so spending a lot money on Brad Richards may not be the right move. It’s unlikely the Leafs will trade some of their young talent for expensive veterans. If Richards (31) is looking for a 3 year deal, he might be a fit for the Leafs, but he’ll be looking for longer term. Paul Stastny, if made available, could be a player the Leafs would be interested in. Cox wonders if Burke could try to package his 2 1st round picks and a Kulemin or Gunnarson to move up in the draft and grab a top prospect (top 4), but that would tough.
Injury updates involving Sens, Sharks, Capitals, Lightning … Audio involving Matt Cooke suspension
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 22nd, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks the Oilers should look at Capitals forward Brooks Laich, who’ll be a UFA on July 1st. But he also thinks the Capitals will give him a raise on his $2.4 million salary to keep him in Washington.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators could be getting Milan Michalek back this week, likely on Thursday against the Rangers. He’s been out since Feb. 26th with a broken foot. Sergei Gonchar will be out for at least a week with a concussion.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks rookie Logan Couture is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Andy Strickland of True Hockey: There doesn’t appear to be any fracture or ligament damage after Couture crashed heavily into the boards on Saturday. Sources tell Strickland there is a chance he misses the rest of the regular season.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Jason Arnott’s ‘undisclosed injury’ appears to be a groin injury, which has kept him out of the last 3 games, he’s still listed as week-to-week. Alex Ovechkin will rest for 7-10 days. Eric Fehr will play sometime over the next 3 games. John Erskine thinks he’ll be ready to go tonight. The Caps don’t know when Mike Green will be able to return from his concussion. Michal Neuvirth will get the start for the Capitals tonight against the Flyers.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Tribune: Steve Downie and Ryan Malone are wearing no-contact jersey’s at the Lightning’s practice yesterday. Downie has missed 8 games with knee and ankle problems, but could be ready to go on Friday. Malone has been out for 17 games with a mid-body injury, but could be ready next week. Simon Gagne (neck) could be in lineup tonight, Friday for-sure.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray said that Pascal Leclaire won’t be back with the team next season. They want Robin Lehner to develop in the AHL next year. The Sens are not sure yet if they’ll bring back Curtis McElhinney.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: CSKA President Slava Fetisov confirms they are talking to Andy Murray and Mike Keenan about coaching the team.
- Even Drexler of the Miami Herald: Panthers forward Sergei Samsonov has played well of late for the team, and they may consider re-signing him. The Panthers won’t name a captain until next season, Bryan McCabe was their captain before he was traded.
- Fan 590 audio: Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review talks Matt Cooke and what it means for the Penguins.
- Fan 590 audio: Glen Healy talks with Bob McCown and Damian Cox about Matt Cooke and impact it will have on Penguins and rest of the league.
Habs looking for top 6 and a Dman … Senators that are/might be available … White may be dealt soon … Flyers shopping Zherdev
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 17th, 2011
- David Pagnotta via twitter: The Canadiens are still looking for a top 6 forward, and adding Paul Mara doesn’t prevent them from adding another defenseman. Mara was a depth move with a cap hit of $210,000 for them. Still looking to add another Dman.
- Eric Engels via twitter: Canadiens fans may be excited that there team inquired about Tomas Kaberle and rumored Robyn Regehr, but they aren’t going in those directions.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray,
“I’m not trying to trade everybody,” said Murray following the Kelly deal.
“I’m trying to trade some other people or move some other people, but it’s certainly not a housecleaning by any means.”
Top candidates to be moved by the Senators: Chris Phillips, Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Neil (Pens and Habs interested), and Chris Campoli. Possible Senators on the move: Milan Michalek, Filip Kuba and Matt Carkner. They’ll try to move Sergei Gonchar and Alex Kovalev.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Carolina Hurricanes are considering a trade offer for Ian White, and he could be moved in the next day or two, or not at all.
“Teams out there are looking for different things, and we have something to consider,” Rutherford said in an interview Wednesday. “This could go one way or the other.
“We have an offer, so we decided to pull [White] back for a day or two. But he could be back in the lineup this week.”
It’s not known which team made the offer, if it was a player-for-player deal or draft picks or prospects.
- Mike Gillis (Canucks GM) via twitter: Trade rumors involving the Canucks [yesterday] are completely false. (He is referring to the rumors that they were acquiring Ian White)
- Anthony Sanfilippo of DelcoTimes: Ville Leino missed last night’s game but should be able to go Friday according to Paul Holmgren. The Flyers opted to use Jody Shelly instead of Nik Zherdev in Leino’s place. The Flyers are trying to trade Zherdev, and if they can’t find any takers he might get waived.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: When talking about Ales Hemsky trade rumors he asked, “What am I worth?” Matheson thinks that when looking at the deal the Senators and Leafs got for Mike Fisher and Kris Versteeg, it would be more than that. A 1st round pick and another draft pick or good NHLer?
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Atlanta Thrashers have begun contract talks with Andrew Ladd, and should have a deal done by the trade deadline. Strickland doesn’t see the Avalanche doing much. The Blue Jackets will look to move a Dman for a forward. Penguins are looking for a forward, with minor rumblings that they’d move Alex Goligoski. Don’t expect anything from the Blackhawks. If the Sabres fallout of playoff contention they might move Jordan Leopold. A couple teams are looking at Blues forward Brad Winchester, including the Canucks. The Blues have made Ty Conklin available and will consider Eric Brewer who would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the right team.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Dater can’t see a contender interested in Avs goalie Craig Anderson.
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Brunside doesn’t see the Flyers doing much more given their cap situation. The Lightning are looking for defensive help, and won’t give up a 1st or 2nd round picks in a trade. LeBrun doesn’t think the Hurricanes will move Joni Pitkanen unless the fall out of contention before the deadline. John-Michael Liles may be a fallback for the “failed Kaberle suitors.” Alex Kovalev could be a nice fit in Pittsburgh, maybe for a 4th or 5th round pick.
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