Posts Tagged Sergei Gonchar
Senators about to enter re-building mode
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 24th, 2011
- Roy MacGregor of the Globe and Mail: In many minds, the Ottawa Senators season is a write off, and it’s time to look towards next season. The fans will likely accept a complete rebuild. Bryan Murray is rumored to be moving to a Senior Adviser role with the club. Eugene Melnyk has said the Cory Clouston will finish the year out as the teams coach, Murray will finish the year before handing the team off to someone else. Pierre McGuire has already been interviewed for the GM job, and there will be more interviews to take place. Coaching replacements could be Kirk Muller, Craig MacTavish and Kevin Dineen. Whoever is hired as the next coach will be chosen by the next GM. Murray will continue to look to unload his ‘assets’. Under-achieving Alex Kovalev could be moved, as well as defenseman Sergei Gonchar. Daniel Alfredsson and Chris Phillips may be asked to waive their no-trade clauses.
- Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Bryan Murray will continue to attempt to find new homes for Chris Phillips, Jarkko Ruutu, and Alex Kovalev, and bring in prospects and draft picks. Owner Melnyk said the team needs a ‘game changer’ but that will likely have to wait until the draft where they’ll likely pick in the top 5. They will look to build the team from within, and not go after any expensive free agents this off-season.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch lists Jarrko Ruutu, Filip Kuba, Alex Kovalev, Sergei Gonchar and Chris Phillips as players that could be traded.
Pat Burns still alive … Marc Savard out with Post Concussion Syndrome … Ryan at Center
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 17th, 2010
- Toronto Sun: It was reported earlier today the Pat Burns had passed away, but that is not the case. TSNs Bob McKenzie spoke with the Burns …
“Pat Burns just called me. Seriously,” McKenzie posted. “Here’s what he said, ‘Here we go again. They’re trying to kill me before I’m dead. I come to Quebec to spend some time with my family and they say I’m dead. I’m not dead, far f—— from it. They’ve had me dead since June. Tell them I’m alive. Set them straight.’”
- TSN: Marc Savard has been suffering from post-concussion syndrome for the past couple weeks. Team team will be cautious with him, and they’ll take it day by day. The team was unaware that he had been having problems the last couple weeks.
- Mike Zeisberger via twitter: While Marc Savard is out, Tyler Seguin will play center.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murry confirms that club will try Bobby Ryan as a 2nd line center.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Sergei Gonchar and Chris Phillips will be paired together at the start of camp.
Ottawa Senators sign Sergei Gonchar
Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010
Veteran defenceman Sergei Gonchar has signed a three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators worth $5.5 million per year.
The contract also includes a no-trade clause. Gonchar had 11 goals and 39 assists for the Pens last season. This gives the Sens a great puck-moving defencemen for the power play for the next couple years, after which they will likely be in the re-building mode.
Rangers targeting Johan Hedberg … Sens options may be limited … Lightning after Mason, Martin?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Sens have to be careful spending their money this off-season. They have almost $49 million committed to 13 players, with RFAs Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, and Jesse Winchester. Players they could target: Anton Volchenkov, Sergei Gonchar, Ray Whitney, Zbynek Michalek, Kurtis Foster, and Dan Hamhuis.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New York Rangers in the market for a backup goalie and their primary target is Johan Hedberg.
- Craig Custance via Twitter: Johan Hedberg and the Thrashers are still talking. Other options for Hedberg are Rangers, Canadiens and Devils.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Steve Yzerman may not do anything on today. He’s looking for another goalie, possibly targeting Chris Mason. Yzerman still wants to re-sign Kurtis Foster, and might have an eye on Paul Martin.
Maple Leafs have other targets … Flames also interested in Savard? Cheechoo being bought out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: The Calgary Flames may also be interested in trading for Marc Savard. The Maple Leafs are rumored to be looking at free agents Dan Hamhuis and Zbynek Michalek, possibly exploring a trade for Jeff Carter before they move on to Marc Savard. Michalek may be more interested in heading to Ottawa to play with his brother. The Flames will buy out Alex Kotalik, and will cost them $1 million against the cap the for the next 4 years. If the Leafs were to deal for Savard, it probably wouldn’t happen until next week. The Leafs did not qualify John Mitchell.
- TSN: Brian Burke was on the Fan 590 radio station yesterday. Fan 590 Audio. The Leafs have some trade options but none involve Marc Savard. They have 4 offers for Kaberle but one is “a joke”. They are not going to trade him for the best offer, but one that gives them what they need, a top 6 forward.
- Damien Cox via Twitter: “So funny there are actual news stories saying the Leafs aren’t talking to Boston about Marc Savard. Seriously folks? Cmon.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have place Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers, with the purpose of buying him out. Cheechoo would then be a salary cap hit of $1.165 million over the next 2 seasons. The Sens are still negotiating with Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen. They would also like to add a forward and a Dman. Shean Donovan may end up going to Europe.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dan Hamhuis spoke directly but numbers weren’t discussed. Shero discussed why he’d be a good fit, what they have, and why they’d like to have him. He told Hamhuis that “if over the next day or so he wants to move forward with that – well, let’s talk.” Shero has the option of signing him to a long term deal. Gonchar is looking for a 3 year deal at no leass than $5 million.
- William DePaoli (InsidePittsburghSports.com) via Twitter: Colby Armstrong agent, Don Meehan, expects a stong market for his client, and is seeking a 4 year deal from a ‘hockey market’.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN (Insider registration): Joyce runs through this years draft class and when they may be in the NHL.
This year: Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Erik Gudbranson, Nino Niederreither, Mikael Granlund.
Second rounders that could make it this year: John McFarland, Alexander Petrovic, Jared Knight and Ryan Spooner.
Maybe this year: Brett Connolly, Jeff Skinner
Next year: Ryan Johansen, Alexander Burmistrov, Cam Fowler, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Dylan McIlrath
2012-13: Brandon Gormley, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarsenk, Joey Hishon, Beau Bennett, Quinton Howden, Austin Watson,
2013 and beyond: Jack Campbell, Derek Forbort, Nick Bjugstad, Riley Sheahan, Jarred Tinordi, Mark Pysyk, Kevin Hayes, Mark Visentin, Charlie Coyle, Emerson Etem, and Brock Nelson.
Oilers want 1st and 2nd overall pick … Ballard being traded out west?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 25th, 2010
- John Shannon via Twitter: Keith Ballard may be going west, but it won’t be to St. Louis.
- Bruce Garrioch via Twitter: The Blues have shown interest in Ballard.
- Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Player most likely traded today could be Florida’s Keith Ballard. Western conference teams showing the most interest.
- Andy Strickland via Twitter: Florida is looking to cut salary.
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: Sergei Gonchar looking for a 3 year deal, Penguins wanting to go 2 years.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: “I was told I would get two more last night,” Burke said. “I expect them today. I would say at this point it’s unlikely he is going anywhere today.” “He” of course being Kaberle. Tampa Bay might be interested in Tim Thomas but they couldn’t take on his contract unless they shed some salary.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Bruins and Oilers have talked several times today. Edmonton has been trying to get the 2nd pick from Boston. “But he inquired about trading for the second pick and I have to give him credit. He’s been really persistent in trying to get that pick. But I told him, as I’ve been telling everyone else, that I’m not moving the second pick.”
Rumor roundup from LeBrun … Oilers to draft Hall? When will Kaberle to Bruins talk start-up again? Canucks interested in Ladd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2010
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the Ducks will move to ‘Plan B’ with their defense needing an overhaul. Teemu Selanne is still undecided if he’ll retire or not, the two sides will talk again next week. Three Eastern executives have said that Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, and Kris Versteeg are being shopped, Patrick Sharp isn’t. The asking price for Byfuglien is a 1st round pick and a prospect (good luck with that one). One GM said they are asking too much for each of the three. GM Dale Tallon said after he traded Nathan Horton to Boston that he had offers of players and no draft picks, and offers of draft picks and no players. He felt getting a top-4 defenseman and 1st round pick was the right mix. A dozen teams inquired about Horton, but only 3-4 serious bidders. Matt Cooke re-signed with the Penguins for 3 years, and a $1.8 million cap hit. Penguins GM Ray Shero and Sergei Gonchar’s agent will meet in LA at the draft to continue their talks on getting a deal done. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson once again says that there have been no discussions with Ottawa about Jason Spezza.
- Terry Jones in the Toronto Sun: Pat Quinn may have inadvertently tipped the Oilers drafting plan. In the press conference where he was named the senior advisor and his head coaching job was given to Tom Renney.
“This team could have three kids come in at 19 years old and I’ve worked with all of them,” he said.
Quinn coached Taylor Hall to a gold medal at the 2008 IIHF U-18 championship. He’s never coached Tyler Seguin.
“Depending on who they draft, of course,” Quinn added.
- Darren Dreger via Twitter: Dreger wonders how long it will be before Kaberle to Bruins discussions start. Nothing yet. Savard is rumored to be available.
- Larry Brooks via Twitter: Marc Savard has been aggressively shopped since the end of the season.
- Caylan Davis of NESN: From Peter Chiarelli, “I’m not going to trade away the No. 2 pick but certainly I’d like to trade away the other picks because certainly we’d like to get better now too. ” The Bruins have 2 2nd round picks this year, 2 2011 1st round picks and 2 2011 2nd round picks.
- David Pollack of the San Jose Mercury News: Evgeni Nabokov has been informed by Sharks GM Doug Wilson that he is no longer in the their plans. Nabokov will now hit the open market on July 1st. It appears the Sharks will go with the new NHL fad in going with cheaper goaltending. Wilson will now focus on re-signing UFA Patrick Marleau, and other free agents: Joe Pavelski, David Setoguchi, Manny Malhotra, Scott Nicol and Nicklas Wallin.
- TSN: The Vancouver Canucks may be one team that is interested in acquiring potential Chicago Blackhawks salary cap casualty Andrew Ladd. What makes this interesting is that Andrew Ladd and Ryan Kesler have had a running battle this past season.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: One of Peter Regin’s agents (Regin plays for the Ottawa Senators in case you haven’t heard of him) told a Danish TV station that Regin could get an offer sheet similar to what Tomas Vanek received from Edmonton, which in case you forgot was $50 million. I wonder if his agent is familiar with who Peter Regin is.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Cross one player off the Maple Leafs wish list with the trading of Nathan Horton to the Bruins. It was rumored the Leafs liked Horton, but it’s not known the level of interest the Leafs had, or if they made an offer.
- Chip Alexander via Twitter: The Carolina Hurricanes are expected to stay at #7 in Friday’s draft.
Rumor Roundup from Dreger and LeBrun
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2010
- Darren Dreger of TSN: There’s a good chance that Sergei Gonchar and the Penguins won’t reach a deal by July 1st, and the Pens could look at trading his rights. Gonchar could get upwards of $6 million on the open market. Firm offers for Tomas Kaberle could start coming in on Wednesday or Thursday, but the Maple Leafs may wait until later in the summer. The Chicago Blackhawks may not be interested in trading Patrick Sharp; they’re getting interest for Andrew Ladd, Kris Versteeg, and Dustin Byfuglien. Panthers GM Dale Tallon is getting some interest in players other than Nathan Horton and Stephen Weiss.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Oilers are still saying they are undecided as to who they will take with the 1st overall pick in the NHL draft. GM Tambellini told ESPN they’ll wait until Friday morning to make a final decision (I don’t believe that one bit, they’ve had months to decided between 2 players). The Bruins will have to decided if they want to send an extra piece to Edmonton to see if they can get the player they want. The Predators will be looking to add some scoring, either through trade or free agents (not sure the free agent route will turn up much scoring help), but they won’t be looking at Jason Spezza. There is very good chance Nathan Horton will be dealt before the start on the draft. Since last Thursday’s trade that Jaroslav Halak to the Blues, the Bruins have been receiving calls about Tim Thomas.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Panthers will listen to any offers that come their way. They want to remain a competitive team, but also collect extra draft picks. They will likely keep Tomas Vokoun to help stay competitive. Action on Tomas Kaberle is picking up. “We have received several offers we have had to discuss, and expect another today,” Leafs GM Brian Burke told ESPN.com on Monday morning. “Nothing we have received to date meets our requirements.” The Maple Leafs need a legitimate top-6 forward in return. Lou Lamoriello continues to talk with Paul Martin and Ilya Kovalchuk. If Kovalchuk hits the open market, he’ll still the Devils in mind.
Horton on the move before the draft? Stars need a pucking moving defenseman … To get Chiarelli’s attention, Oilers could ….
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 21st, 2010
DJ Been of WEEI: There were reports that this weekend that the Bruins were close to trading for Nathan Horton, but it hasn’t happened yet. Several teams may also be close on a deal for him. The Maple Leafs are another possible destination for him.
Bob McKenzie via Twitter: Nathan Horton hasn’t been moved yet, but will be moved, the Bruins are right in it.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: If the Oilers wanted to see if they land the top 2 picks, offering Ales Hemsky and Jordan Eberle or Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson might get Chiarelli’s attention. Chicago could be asking for a 2nd round pick to get Kris Versteeg, plus taking Brent Sopel’s $2.2 million contract off their hands. The Sabres could use a defenseman like Sheldon Souray. The Sabres are looking to move Derek Roy, Tim Connolly, and Drew Stafford. The Sabres aren’t that interested in re-signing Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have a surplus of left handed forwards (no right handed centers, and potentially only 1 right handed forward. The Stars could really use a puck moving defenseman, and could send out one of their top-6 wingers, James Neal, Jamie Benn, Brenden Morrow or Steve Ott.
Craig Custance of the SportingNews: The San Jose Sharks could be looking for a top-tier defenseman with possible targets, Anton Volchenkov, Paul Martin, Sergei Gonchar, and Zbynek Michalek.
Penguins in negotiations with Gonchar … Devils still hope to sign Kovalchuk and Martin after Arnott trade
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 20th, 2010
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Talks between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sergei Gonchar have now turned to negotiations. Both sides will meet again on Monday. Gonchar is looking or a multi-year deal, and may not consider taking a pay cut from the $5 million he made last season.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Even with the acquisition of Jason Arnott and his $4.5 million salary, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello still thinks it’s possible to re-sign Paul Martin and Ilya Kovalchuk.
“No. You have to do other things to make room,” the GM said. “We didn’t win. We’re going to have to make some changes. There are going to be some changes that might surprise some people.
“We definitely will do everything we can. The priority right now is to get David Clarkson signed and Paul Martin signed. And we’ll see what Ilya Kovalchuk’s thought process is.”
If they are able to re-sign Kovalchuk, they will have to make some deals to get rid of some contracts.
- Tim Panaccio of the CSN: Talks between the Flyers and newly acquired Dan Hamhuis are scheduled for Monday.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets are expecting to hold on to their 4th overall pick, but they are listening to offers. If they were to trade it, they’d like stay in the top 9. Two players they may target if they move down are Austin Watson and Jeff Skinner, both have had private meeting with the club.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: With the trading of Lars Eller, the probable departure of Paul Kariya and the retirement of Keith Tkachuk, the Blues may be lacking the depth upfront. The Blues will be looking for some scoring help.
- Jeremy Rutherord of St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Montreal Canadiens went right after Lars Eller when talks with St. Louis started about Halak. They project Eller to be a second line center, and he could be with the big club next season.
Bruins trading for the 4th overall pick? Weiss not getting traded?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 18th, 2010
- Brandon Worley of the NBCsports.com: I’m shaking my ahead over this one, as there seems to be many holes. According to Worley’s ‘reliable source’, the Boston Bruins would send Marc Savard, RFA Blake Wheeler, and the 15th overall pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 4th overall pick. Oh yeah, Savard also has a no-trade clause. It isn’t for certain that the Bruins are offering the 15th pick.
- Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: The Florida Panthers have talked to Oilers and Bruins about moving up in the draft with no luck. Teams have also been calling them about their 3rd overall pick. They are still unsure of who’d they take if they keep the pick. The Panthers may not be looking to trade Stephen Weiss, if they did, their number one center would be Steven Reinprecht followed by Shawn Matthias. Weiss also makes a reasonable $3.1 million.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Gauthier conceded that part of the decision to trade Halak was for salary cap reason. What was Halak looking to sign for? Gauthier doesn’t know as the 2 sides never talked.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks if the Penguins would consider trading the rights to Sergei Gonchar before July 1st. Molinari writes that Shero probably wouldn’t do that until he was completely convinced that he couldn’t re-sign Gonchar.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It doesn’t appear that Matt Cooke and the Pittsburgh Penguins are close to coming to a deal. Talks between Andy Sutton and the Ottawa Senators are moving along slowly as the team attempts to keep Anton Volchekov in town. Things are slow for Matt Cullen as well. The New York Rangers have not talked to Ollie Jokinen at all. Jokinen wants to stay in the NHL and not go to the KHL.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Scott Niedermayer’s agent has said “It’s probably Anaheim or nothing”.
- Chraig Custance of the Sporting News: So it appears that UFA Chris Mason is done in St. Louis with the Halak deal. Mason’s agent offers up teams that could be looking for a starting goalie … “There could be surprises,” he said. “With Steve Yzerman going into Tampa, does he think he needs to make a change there? San Jose, do they make a change? What does Philadelphia do? It could be there are no jobs and there could be five jobs.”
- Elliotte Freidman via Twitter: Nothing new on the New Jersey Devils-Paul Martin talks.
- Michael Russo Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher thinks the team will try and go the trade route to improve his team rather than go the free agent route as it isn’t the greatest. The Wild are looking for top-6 forward, mainly a #2 center. They have some depth on the blueline that they might be able to use to acquire a forward. Brent Burns and goalie Josh Harding, as well as their 1st round pick could all be in play.
Kovalev not retiring … Extra money could keep Gonchar and Cooke in Pitt … No talks for Martin-Devils until coach is found
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2010
- Ottawa Citizen: Despite reports (and wishes from some Senators fans}, Alex Kovalev won’t be retiring and will be returning to the Sens lineup next season at $5 million. Kovalev had a disappointing first season with the Senators, scoring 18 goals and adding 31 assists in 77 games before injuring his ACL.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero will begin talks with Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke next week. Shero has talked about the “parameter [for contracts], but there’s nothing concrete at this point”. A potential $2 million increase in the salary cap could help bring the players back. Brooks Orpik is a couple weeks away from having surgery to repair an abdominal injury that will require 2-3 weeks recovery.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: There’s nothing really new to report on the Evgeni Nabokov-San Jose Sharks talks. “We don’t really have any information from Doug (Wilson) at this time,” Meehan said just before the holiday weekend. “Doug is the kind of individual, I know he’ll get back to us when they have a better idea what they have in mind.” GM Doug Wilson said last week that he still needed to talk with his coaching staff and other management personel before any he got into talks with the teams free agents.
- Julie Heroux of CKAC Sports: Marc-Andre Bergeron is a UFA with the Montreal Canadiens, and he expects to get a contract offer from them. Bergeron has already told GM Pierre Gauthier that he’d like to stay in Montreal longterm.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are close to re-signing 32-year old defenseman Mike Mottau. Until a new coach is found, Paul Martin and GM Lou Lamoriello have agreed that they won’t talk about potentially re-signing him. Though they’ve had some talks, Ilya Kovalchuk will test out the free agent market to see how big of a contract offer he could get from all teams.
Salary cap could increase $2 million which would the Penguins and others … James Wisniewski may seek #2 Dman money and/or be traded … NHL Draft Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 29th, 2010
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the league received some good news in that according to Gary Bettman, the salary cap could be going up by about $2 million from it’s current $56.8 million. This might make it a bit easier for the Penguins to re-sign Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke. GM Ray Shero said that Ruslan Fedotenko won’t be back, and that they are talking to Jay McKee, but they might go a different direction. Bill Gurein wants to play next year, but the Pens have to see if he fits in to their plans. No decision has been made on whether they want to bring Alexei Ponikarovsky back or not.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks will retain the negotiating rights with James Wisniewski by offering him a qualifying offer before the June 25th cut off date. Wisniewski may be looking for a nice raise on his one-year, $2.75 million deal he signed last year. He was 20th in ice time and may be seeking #2 Dman money. If that is the case, look for the Ducks to continue to try and trade him (at the deadline they were trying to move him). Ducks GM Bob Murray has yet to meet with Saku Koivu or his agent. Murray has talked to the agent of Sheldon Brookbank.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: They can’t talk contract extension until after July 1st, but Lightning GM Steve Yzerman plans to start conversations with Steven Stamkos. Stamkos agent told the paper he’d “welcome” the discussion.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there won’t be a major overhaul of the club. The Canadiens have about 11 million to sign 7 players. They’ll look to trade both Kostitsyn’s but that could be difficult. The 6’5″ Ryan O’Byrne could also be trade bait. Gauthier and Tomas Plekanec’s agent have talked but no offer has been made, and it’s doubtful the Canadiens will overpay for him. He’s rumored to be after $5 million a season. Jaroslav Halak has arbitration rights, and has put up numbers similar to goalies in the $4-5 million range.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN: The Florida Panthers might be willing to trade down from their #3 draft slot. One Eastern Conference GM said he thinks draft prospect, Jack Campbell, could be a top-10 pick. Kirill Kabanov’s draft stock continues to be surrounded by red flags. One top scout said they won’t interview him, therefore won’t draft him. He met with 17 teams. Brett Connolly who’s draft slot has been in question due battling an injury all season (hip injury), survived the testing and looked good. He’s projected as a top-10 pick, possible a top-5 if further medical tests are good.
Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2010
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has been told that the Penguins “are not entertaining the possibility of trading C Evgeni Malkin”.
- Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn’t think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Jordan Leopold, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke (depending on how much money he wants) and Mark Eaton are the best possibilities to be brought back by the Pens.
- Ken Weibe of QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Windsor Spitfires coach thinks Taylor Hall should be the #1 pick (not a surprise since he coaches him). Part of the belief that the Oilers could select Tyler Seguin with the #1 pick is that they need a ‘center of the future’. Coach Bob Boughner says Hall is naturally a center … “Taylor is a centre naturally, he’s playing left wing on our team but he’ll take some draws once in a while and he’s good on draws,” said Boughner. “I don’t doubt that if he goes to the next level and they need a centre, he could play centre as well. He’s pretty strong on the puck. “The reason I put him on the wing is to conserve his energy and expose other teams wide because he has that speed.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers have talked with 2 of their UFAs, Pavel Kubina and Maxim Afinogenov, and come away thinking they have a good chance at re-signing them. Allen thinks Kubina will want a deal in the 4 year, $16 million range, which might be problem for the Thrashers. It doesn’t look like Colby Armstrong will be back with the Thrashers next season.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks RFA Mason Raymond could be on the trade block this summer. The going rate for a 25 goal scorer is around $2.5-3 million, but how do you offer him over $2 million when Alex Burrows makes that much and scored 38 goals. Raymond’s game is also similar to another RFA, Michael Grabner. The Canucks could trade him for a top-4 defenseman, or for some more size up front (if they are giving him up for more size, that player has to have some skill as well).
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: There are currently 4 teams without a head coach: Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, and Tampa. Custance goes through top coaching candidates out there. “The AHL Contingent” – Guy Boucher (Hamilton), Scott Arniel (Manitoba), and Kevin Dineen (Portland). “Top NHL Assistants” – Craig Ramsey (Boston), Paul MacLean (Detroit), Brent Peterson (Nashville). “Stanley Cup Winners” – Bob Hartley and Ken Hitchcock. “Recent NHL Experience” – Craig MacTavish, John Stevens, and Rick Tocchet.
Extension for Backstrom today? Kicking tires on Miller? yeah right … Time to trade Malkin? Tim Tomas for Brian Campbell?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 17th, 2010
- TSN: There is a good chance that Nicklas Backstrom will be signing a long term contract extension with Washington Capitals this morning. The Capitals are only saying, “significant player-related announcement” is coming on Monday.
- George Malik of MLive: Rob Parker of WDIV’s Sports Final Edition did a terrible job trying to create a rumor involving the Red Wings, saying they will kick tires on acquiring Ryan Miller. Okay Rob. I don’t know what say about this other than; is Rob Parker, Eklund ‘the anonymous hockey blogger’?
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM, Ken Holland will begin working towards signing some of their free agents. Tomas Holmstrom is slam dunk to re-sign with the Red Wings, Todd Bertuzzi is a good possibiliy. They also have an interest in re-signing Andreas Lilja at a lower salary from the $1.25 million he made this past season. Don’t count on seeing Jason Williams, Brad May and Brett Lebda back in a Wings uniform next season.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi thinks the Penguins should look at moving Geno Malkin, and it would have to include a top-line winger, top 2 defenseman, 2 roster players and either 2 prospects or 2 1st round picks. He thinks re-signing Gonchar to anything more than $4 million on a multi-year deal is a risk. Mark Eaton should be re-sign at around $2 million a season. Ben Lovejoy should be re-signed. Rossi also thinks the Penguins should go after Dan Hamhuis, offering a 4 year deal at a cap hit around $3.25 million. I think it would take more the $3.25 million to get Hamhuis
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont thinks the Bruins and Blackhawks could work on a Brian Campbell – Tim Thomas deal this off-season. Thomas has 3 years and $15 million left on his deal, Campbell has 6 years left with a cap hit of $7.14 million. Mark Recchi will most likely play another season for the Bruins.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Conroy wonders if the Bruins are able to trade Tim Thomas this off-season, is Rask ready to take the reins without a safety net? If they can deal Thomas, I’m sure they’ll bring in someone to help Rask along, he’s only 23-years old.
- Adrian Date of the Denver Post: With 12 players locked up for about $28.2 million (cap number), the Colorado Avalanche have the cap room to add some significant pieces. Dater lists 3 possibilities: Ilya Kovalchuk, Dan Hamhuis, and Brian McGrattan.
Senators looking ahead to Draft … Gonchar is key piece to Penguins off-season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 15th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are preparing for the NHL Draft and Bryan Murray has said, “Ideally, if we could get a skilled centre, that’d be great. If we can’t, then it’s the best player available.” The Sens are picking at #16, and feel there is a drop off after #20-21, according to their lists. They traded away the two 2nd round picks they had for Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton. The Sens contract talks with UFAs Volchenkov, Cullen, and Sutton haven’t progressed that much. Murray’s top priorities are to sign RFAs: Regin, Foligno and Campoli. They are close to signing their 2004 5th round selection, RWerRoman Wick of Switzerland.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: It’s more and more unlikely that Sergei Gonchar will not be back with the Penguins if he’s wanting $5 million or more. Despite Kris Letang’s solid play, and extension he signed during the season, the Pens may not see him as a replacement for the the #1 spot Gonchar occupied. The Penguins need to find a stay-at-home defenseman that can be used to shut down their oppositions number one line. They also need to improve on the wings. The 32-year old Matt Cook is looking for a 3 year deal, which he might not get from Pittsburgh.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The 36-year old Sergei Gonchar is probably looking at his last NHL contract, and even though he loves playing in Pittsburgh, he knows he could have played his last game in Penguins jersey. “It’s not [just] about the length of it,” Gonchar said. “It’s going to be a little bit about everything. I want to be happy. This is a place I was happy the last five years … but at the same time you do have to work and both sides have to be fair. When I’m going to look at my contract, it’s the last one, so I’m going to weigh in everything.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Last night could have been the last game in Bruins jersey for 5 free agents: Steve Begin, Mark Recchi, Miroslav Satan, Shawn Thornton, and Trent Whitfield. The 42-year old Mark Recchi could be back if he decides not to retire.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Trivia question: Who’s Martin Brodeur backup? He’s a UFA and has been no indicaton if he’ll be back next, though Lou Lamoriello say he was happy with everything he did this past season, and his attitude. He’d love to re-sign with the Devils.. Answer, Yann Danis.
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