Posts Tagged Shane O’Brien

Burke audio – Hopes to make a deal … A team wants Rangers to put Avery on re-entry … Crosby to skate … Mueller, Steen to return … Gionta tears bicep

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 12th, 2012

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said he’s looking to make a trade in hopes of boosting the clubs playoff run.

    “We’re a little small up front and we don’t have much playoff experience,” he noted. “If the playoffs started tomorrow, I would still like our chances. (But) we are looking to add and get better now.”

    “I’m a January guy,” he reminded “I set my price and try and let my team play through the deadine (without worrying about trades). The math doesn’t work at the deadline when 24 teams are buying. There can only be one (Stanley Cup) parade.”

    The cost to acquire a big center or winger could be 1 or more young assets or a 1st or 2nd rounder this year.

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Sean Avery is sitting in the AHL despite a team asking the Rangers to put him on re-entry waivers. GM Glen Sather rejected the request, and are trying to make a minor-league trade in which they take on additional money. The team acquiring Avery would then be responsible for putting him on re-entry waives and risk another team claiming him, therefore taking on the ‘dead cap space’ if claimed. If claimed on re-entry waivers, Avery would carry a $445,000 cap hit for each team.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will skate this week. Crosby last practiced on Dec. 7th.

    “He will be skating during this trip,” Bylsma said. “He also will, at some point in time, address the media. That will happen in the next few days. It isn’t a set plan, but it will happen.”

  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche have activated forward Peter Mueller off the IR, and he could be in the lineup tonight against the Predators. Mueller has been battling concussions and head issues for 3 seasons with the Avs. The Avs have put defenseman Shane O’Brien on the IR.
  • Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Alex Steen could return to the lineup tonight after missing the last 6 games with a concussion. Steen passed his baseline test yesterday and plans to see how he feels at their morning skate.
  • Tony Marinaro via twitter: Canadiens defenseman continues his rehab and barring any setback is set to return in early February.

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Richards would be interested in Lightning … Malhotra should be good for Game 2 … Leafs working out 40 top draft prospects … Penguins could trade free agents

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 4th, 2011

  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Both Brad Richards and his agent indicated that they listen to offers from the Lightning if they came calling.

    “I never really wanted to leave Tampa,” Richards told the St. Petersburg Times. “So, obviously, on July 1, if they talk to me, it’s going to be something I’ll listen to because of my history there.”

    “Brad is going to examine all his options, but it is clear and is publicly known that he didn’t want to leave Tampa,” his agent, Pat Morris, said. “If Tampa likes him, he’s certainly going to listen to what they have to say, among many, many other teams, I’m sure.”

  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Manny Malhotra is still listed as day-to-day, but he should be able to go for today’s Game 2. Timing and conditioning are the main issues now. He’ll been his face-off and penalty killing ability is he’s able to go.

    “I’ll see how I feel after the morning skate and we’ll make a decision,” Malhotra said. “I didn’t want this to be a sideshow. We always talk about in our dressing room that the whole is much greater than the individuals. We have a very strong focus in the room. It’s where it needs to be and I don’t want anything to sidetrack that.”

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators defenseman Shane O’Brien is a UFA and will likely be looking for a raise from the $1.6 million he made last year. With the Preds having a deep farm systems for defenseman, having to pay Shea Weber and a few others, they may not have the money to re-sign him.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs will be working out 40 of the top 100 draft eligible players will they are in town for the combine. “We’ve got a bunch of kids coming for a quick follow-up for us,” Morrison said as Friday’s physical testing was getting under way. “They will do a quick medical and what we call a fitness assessment to augment what they are doing here. There will be a lot of stretching and balance exercises. What we do is something a little different just to help us to get a better picture.” The Leafs have 2 1st round picks and 1 2nd. According to head scout Dave Morrison,

    “Brian has said it publicly: If we can (move up) to get somebody we want, we will do it. But by the same token, if it’s not there and we don’t make a deal we will be quite happy to pick with the picks that we have.”

    “You have to take the best player because even though players are making it quicker now than they did perhaps years ago, but normally it takes a guy a few years to get there and by that time our needs may have changed.”

  • Will DePaoli via twitter: Both forward Craig Adams and Penguins GM Ray Shero want to get a deal done, but talks are quiet this week.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero will look at all “available options via trade” for his UFA and RFA’s that aren’t signed by the Draft. The Pens currently have 17 players under contract at almost $56 million. Evgeni Malkin should be ready for training camp.

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O’Brien Suspended 2 games … No calls for Souray … Moreau out 3 more weeks … Starting goalies and roster notes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 14th, 2011

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The San Jose Sharks, or any other club for that matter, have not called Oilers GM Steve Tambellini about Sheldon Souray. Souray is out with a bad knee.
  • Tom Reed via twitter: Ethan Moreau will remain on the IR for an additional 3 weeks with cracked ribs.

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Canucks trade O’Brien to Nashville … Isles grab Grabner … More players on waivers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on October 5th, 2010

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Vancouver Canucks have traded Shane O’Brien and Dan Gendur to the Nashville Predators for Ryan Parent and Jonas Andersson.
  • Michael Traikos via twitter: Matt Lashoff is on the ice with the Maple Leafs as the 7th defenseman. Jeff Finger was on the ice earlier but is not with the main group.
  • Jesse Spector via twitter: New York Rangers coach John Tortorella confirms that Erik Christiansen will start the season centering Marian Gaborik and Alex Frolov.
  • Vicki Hall via twitter: At the Calgary Flames practice, Brendan Morrison centering Hagman and Bourque. Backlund centering Glencross and Jackman.
  • Kevin Allen via twitter: The New York Rangers have placed Todd White and Tim Kennedy on waivers. The Detroit Red Wings have placed Derek Meech and Kirk Maltby on waivers. Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers GM Glen Sather said that putting White and Kennedy on waivers creates some cap flexibility in case they want to take on a contract at a later date.

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Kadri will be sent down to the Marlies … Ryan back on LW … O’Brien odd man out? Fowler makes Ducks, for now?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 1st, 2010

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: According to Shoalts, the Toronto Maple Leafs made the decision awhile ago that Nazem Kadri will be heading to the Marlies. Kadri’s 3 point night against the Senators didn’t change anything, nor would a solid effort tonight. Kadri has been outplayed by Tyler Bozak and Mikhail Grabovsky, and is not suited for the 3rd line roll. Tim Brent holds the upper hand over John Mitchell for the 3rd line center position, with Christian Hanson locked in on the 4th line.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: By the end of the weekend, the Maple Leafs roster will be down to 23. Kadri looks to be in for an AHL-NHL season.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Shane O’Brien will make $1.6 million this season, and because Andrew Alberts will $1.05 million, he may get the nod over O’Brien. The Vancouver Canucks are $3 million over the cap, and if they decide to carry 7 defenseman, one will be on the move. When Sami Salo returns mid way through the season, another D will have to be moved. O’Brien, Alberts and Aaron Rome are battling for 6th spot. Rome makes $750,000, so most likely isn’t going anywhere. Coach Vigneault complimented Alberts play so far, and was luke warm towards O’Brien.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that they are still unsure if they will carry 21 or 22 players to start the season (23 is the max).
  • Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: The Bobby Ryan experiment at center may be over as coach Randy Carlyle had him back on left wing with Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne yesterday at practice. For the time being he’ll play on the left side.
  • Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: After waiving 2 more defenseman yesterday, the Anaheim Ducks are down to 7 healthy defenseman. So it appears, for at least the time being, that 2010 1st round draft pick Cam Fowler will start the year with the team. It looks like he’ll be with the team for at least the first 9 games of the season.
  • Michael Russo via twitter: If the Minnesota Wild put in a claim on Martin Gerber (will know today), he’ll earn $500,000 in the NHL, $200,000 in the AHL and a $15,000 claiming fee.
  • QMI Agency, Toronto Sun: Quebec City is moving ahead with their $400 million arena project, despite only have commitment for 55% of the funding. The Federal government haven’t said yet if they’ll contribute the remaining 45%.

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Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 29th, 2010

Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn’t receive a qualifying offer, they’ll become a UFA.

  • Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov and Dustin Boyd,  both acquired at the trade deadline for a 2nd round pick (Grebeshkov) and a 4th round pick (Boyd).
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers made qualifying offers to: Niclas Bergfors, Bryan Little, Ondrej Pavelec, Clarke MacArthur, Ben Eager, Peter Mannino and Anthony Stewart. They didn’t not send qualifying offers to: Chad Denny, Rylan Kaip, Scott Lehman and Matt Siddall. The Thrashers and Pavel Kubina are a little ways apart, he would like return but only at a fair price. They’ve made Maxim Afinogenov an offer, but he’s looking to test the market. Colby Armstrong will head to free agency. Eric Boulton has received a contract offer. There’s a bit of gap between the club and Johan Hedberg. They’ll probably allow Evgeny Artyukhin to go to free agency. The Thrashers are looking for a 15-goal scorer, which might come through a trade (A 15-goal scorer, I bet Thrashers fans are really excited now).
  • Sportsnet via Twitter: Maxim Afingenov has turned down the lastest contract offer from the Thrashers, and may be leaning towards going to the KHL.
  • Javier Serna of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that Ray Whitney is expected to test the free agent market. They also made qualifying offers to: Justin Peters, Casey Borer, Bryan Rodney, Nicolas Blanchard, Nick Dodge and Justin Pogge.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Canadiens: The Montreal Canadiens agreed to terms with RFA Benoit Pouliot, a 1 year, $1.35 million deal. The Canadiesns also re-signed Tom Pyatt. They now have a cap number around $50.6 million, with 17 players under contract. They still need to sign Carey Price, 2 players for the 3rd/4th lines, a backup goalie and maybe an extra Dman. The team will look at signing some undrafted players from the QMJHL.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks sent qualifying offers to Shane O’Brien, Mason Raymond, Jannik Hansen and Tanner Glass. The could be active in the free agent market, possibly Zbynek Michalek. Kevin Bieksa could be moved if they acquire another defenseman, possibly bringing in some experienced depth for the 3rd-4th lines. The Canucks have about $10 million for 6 players, not including Mason Raymond who will file for arbitration. O’Brien may also be heading to arbitration and has said he’d like a 2 year deal.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Reports that Turco sent a text to XM Radio’s crew for NHL Live, saying he rejected a $2 million deal from the Flyers. Multiple sources told the Daily News that the Flyers never made an offer. Reports are that Nabokov is looking for no less than $4.5 million.


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Around the Boards: Dubinsky and Leclaire returning soon, O’Brien to Leafs, Relocation to Canada?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 10th, 2009

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers center Brandon Dubinsky is getting closer to returning from a broken right hand. Tortorella thinks he might return in a week or so.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Pascal Leclaire could return to the Sens crease in about 10 days. Leclaire has been out since Nov. 23rd after having his cheekbone broken by a puck while sitting on the bench.
  • Puck Prospectus from ESPN: They are speculating that Canucks and Leafs could work out a deal with Shane O’Brien heading to the Leafs. We noted here a few days ago that O’Brien is being shopped, but I don’t see the Leafs trading for his $1.6 million salary. Yes he’s the type of player Burke likes but I don’t see where he’d fit in the Leafs D plans, unless you can unload either Jeff Finger or Garnett Exelby. The Leafs are close to the cap limit.
  • Canadian Press in the Globe and Mail: Talk is heating up again of the NHL adding to the number of Canadian teams. It would be a smart move for the NHL to bring one or two of the struggling American teams up to Canada, but that would mean the Gary was wrong about something. Can Bettman admit he was wrong about hockey in non traditional markets? I’m not so sure of that.

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Around the Boards: Players being shopped, coveted … Savard’s contact under investigation … Contract talks for some

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 6th, 2009

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
    • In their search for scoring, the New York Rangers have set their sites on an injured player, Pavol Demitra, once he gets healthy. Demitra is still recovering from his second shoulder surgery, and could return after Christmas. Demitra is a UFA at the end of the season and brings a $4 million cap for this season.
    • The League will be investigating Marc Savard’s 7 year extension, which isn’t much of a surprise after looking at his yearly salaries: $7 million, $7 million, $6 million, $5 million, $1.5 million, $525,000, $525,000.
    • The Oilers have Sheldon Souray’s name out there, and he was offered to an Eastern Conference team in a 4-player deal.
    • The Florida Panthers have been contact teams in an attempt to make a deal to improve their club, they need to make the playoffs this year.
    • The Nashville Predators will look to locking up goaltender Pekka Rinne, but might have trade defenceman Dan Hamhuis at the deadline as the Predators might not be able to afford him.
    • Aaron Ward of the Hurricanes has drawn interest from the Sharks, Senators and Blue Jackets. Teams are also calling about Ray Whitney, but Rutherford will give Whitney the choice as to where he’d like to go (if that team is interested).
    • Vancouver Canucks defenceman, Shane O’Brien, is also being shopped around the league.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
    • Pittsburgh has done well in locking up many of their core players, but they could have some trouble this off-season with UFA Sergei Gonchar and RFA Kris Letang. The Pens think they might be able to bring both back, but it would have to be at a really friendly price, which might not happen for Gonchar. KHL teams might throw a large amount of money for the 35 year old.
    • Contract talks between potential RFA Nicklas Backstrom and the Washington Capitals have gone well, and could be close to finalizing it. Talks with Alexander Semin have gone well, with the sides not talking since the start of the season. Semin is another player that will be in KHL rumors.
    • Vincent Lecavalier’s future in Tampa could be up in the air. He has a yearly cap hit of $7.7 million (receiving $10 million season for the next 7 years), which will be extremely hard to move. 3 teams that LeBrun mentions that might have an interest are the Rangers, Kings and Canadiens.
    • The Flyers and goalie Ray Emery can talk contract extension after January 1st, and there’s a chance that might happen.

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