Posts Tagged Shawn Horcoff
Hemsky and Keith back in tonight … Green out again … Devils lines … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 8th, 2011
- Mark Spector via twitter: Ales Hemsky will be in the lineup on a line with Shawn Horcoff and Ryan Smyth. Magnus Paajarvi will be a healthy scratch. Cam Barker is in on the blueline.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith will be in the lineup tonight. John Scott and Steve Montador are the 3rd defensive pairing. Sean O’Donnell and Sami Lepisto will be scratches.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning put Mattias Ritola on $125 waivers which will make him eligible to have his contract terminated.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Rod Pelley and Mark Fraser have cleared waivers.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines at practice: Parise-Henrique-Clarkson/Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Carter-Palmieri; Pelley-Mills-Janssen. Martin Brodeur to start in net.
- Biran McNally via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green will miss his 6th game in the row. Michal Neuvirth will start in net for the Caps against the Stars.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for Maple Leafs. Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Flyers.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: Ryan Miller likely to start tonight for the Sabres.
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 notes for Oilers, Capitals and Avalanche … Nazem Kadri recalled by Maple Leafs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 15th, 2011
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky will have surgery on his shoulder, labrum tear, and is done for the year.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Shawn Horcoff is out at least 7-10 days with a small crack in his foot, wearing a boot cast.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Jason Arnott is said to be week-to-week according to Mike Vogl. Nicklas Backstrom (fractured thumb), Tom Poti (groin) and Semyon Varlamov (knee) are travellling with the team.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche John-Michael Liles and Paul Stastny are probable for tomorrow’s game against the Canucks. “We’ll see how they do at the morning skate, but it’s likely they’ll be in,” coach Joe Sacco. Liles has missed 2 games with a leg injury, Stastny has missed 1 with a back injury. Milan Hejduk will not play, but is with the team for their 3 game road trip. Brian Elliot will be in net for the Avs tomorrow.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: The Maple Leafs have called up Nazem Kadri.
Moves the Flames didn’t make … Cammalleri has separated shoulder … Hemsky has concussion, Eberle and Horcoff close to returning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 19th, 2011
- Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail: In November the Capitals called the Flames and proposed a Robyn Regehr for Tomas Fleischmann deal. The Flames obviously said no, Fleischmann went to the Avalanche for Scott Hannan, and has recorded 20 points in 21 games. The deal also would have saved the Flames $1.4 million in cap space.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Back in August Clarke MacArthur talked to 3 teams about a contract, the Leafs, Flames and Lightning. The Flames were close to the cap and dealing with uncertainty of Daymond Langkow’s health, but were willing to bury some contract to bring him in. As the Flames debated about their roster, the Maple Leafs moved ahead with a 1 year, $1.1 million offer. MacArthur has 14 goals and 23 assists in 44 games.
- Allan Robinson of the Globe and Mail: Sidney Crosby has missed his 6th game with a concussion and doesn’t know when he’ll be able to begin practicing. He’s still experiencing an occasional headache.
- Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: Mike Cammalleri was crosschecked awkwardly into the boards and initial reports are that he could be out 2 weeks with a separated shoulder. The Habs also lost Max Pacioretty, who took a shot from James Wisniewski in the mid-section. He was taken to hospital on a stretcher, hooked up to an IV, with reportedly a rib injury.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky left last night’s game after one shift in the 2nd period with a concussion. Hemsky didn’t sustain a hit last night, but seems to be an accumulation of a puck and elbow to the head, and a stick to the face in the last 6 games or so. Coach Tom Renney added, “He’s had some symptoms before this game and the doctor looked at him and I don’t know what conclusion they’ve drawn.” Renney on Horcoff being close to returning, “Horc wants to play, but I’ve got a protocol. I won’t play anybody who shouldn’t be in there. If he passes my stuff, he’ll play,” said Renney. (I guess his protocol on knee injuries is stricter than his concussion protocol. You’d think by now they’d wouldn’t allow a guy to play if he’s showing any symptoms of a concussion)
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Jordan Eberle is hoping to return to the Oilers lineup by the end of the month. He’s recovering from a sprained ankle and having appendix removed. Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff is also close to returning , he’s been out since Dec. 7th with a knee injury.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Teams are calling the Penguins about Alex Goligoski, but he’s likely staying. The Penguins have a crowded blueline, but Goligoski has a nice cap hit of $1.833 million and is under contract until after next season. Kings GM Dean Lombardi is looking to make a big deal but hasn’t much luck so far. Jack Johnson did his 7 year, $30 million contract himself, with an agent he may have gotten $3-5 million more. Stephane Da Costa looks to be the top college free agent this year, with one scout saying “everyone” is interested.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: NJ Devils defenseman Matt Corrente will be out 2-4 weeks with a shoulder injury that occurred in a fight with Steve Downie.
- Seth Rorabaugh of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins signed Mark Letestu to a 2 year, $1.25 million deal. This signing may ultimately effect Max Talbot’s status this off-season as he’ll be a RFA and could be let go by the team.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: There is a slight chance that Alex Kovalev returns to the Senators lineup on Thursday against the Flyers.
NHL trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Kings
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 12th, 2011
So yesterday Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period, went on a twitter tear, answering Los Angeles Kings trade questions all day and night. Some of the questions may have come from trade rumors, others were of the speculating type. Since I couldn’t convince Dennis to write up a nice summary for us to read, I’ve decided to attempt to breakdown his twitter account. Now I normally give you links to each ‘tweet’, but that would take up more time, so if you want direct links, you can get them from his account here (and is a good ‘follow’). I’ll also adjust the order posted and will try to lump specific player questions/mentions together, and combine the question and answer hopefully into one sentence. The Kings are looking for scoring help and a top 4 defenseman, so let’s begin …..
- If the Kings fall out of contention in February, look for them to move from buyers to sellers. They have a 10 game road trip that may determine their course of action.
- See’s a trade first before they make a change behind the bench.
- The Kings have plenty of of 20 goal guys, need a 35+ guy.
- Doesn’t see the Kings looking to deal goalie Jonathan Bernier. He wouldn’t bring back the forward the Kings need.
- The Kings could use a 2nd line center, but trading for a long term guy would create a log jam for Brayden Schenn next year, Stoll would replace Handzus as 3rd line center.
- See’s Wayne Simmonds as a solid 3rd line for years to come.
- Thomas Hickey doesn’t have much trade value, has a shoulder injury, could be wasted 4th overall pick.
- Kings looking at Francois Beauchemin and Robyn Regehr on defense, Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner on the wing.
Ottawa Senators
- Jimmy Murphy reported that Kings GM Lombardi was scouting the Senators-Bruins game.
- Here goes the Mike Fisher chatter.
- Fisher could be a target. Jason Spezza is still out for another month so he may be too late, need immediate boost.
- Fisher would fit as a #2 center but is not putting up good numbers and has a $4 million cap hit.
- Milan Michalek is a $4.3 million cap hit with 8 goals in 43 games, so not a likely target.
Calgary Flames
- Robyn Regehr may be the best defenseman option.
- Kicking tires on Alex Tanguay.
- If the Kings were to go after Regehr and Niklas Hagman, the Flames would want a Dman prospect included, Teubert or Voynov. It would take a big deal to get both.
- Simmonds would likely be in a deal for Regehr. Tanguay will be a UFA at end of year, has no-trade clause, so there wouldn’t be a high price.
- Jarome Iginla for Brayden Schenn doesn’t make sense. 2 years at $7 million each, with Drew Doughty contract still to do, not Lombardi’s style.
- The Kings would have less than zero interest in Olli Jokinen.
Edmonton Oilers
- Simmonds has been dangled by the Kings for Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner.
- They are looking at Hemsky or Penner, but their February road trip could determine if they want to pay the price.
- Shawn Horcoff not a great fit. He doesn’t put the puck in the net enough.
Toronto Maple Leafs
- There was talk of a Kris Versteeg, Francois Beauchemin and high prospect for Brayden Schenn. Brian Burke really wants Schenn, but Lombardi won’t move him.
- A Versteeg for Simmonds deal is not an upgrade.
Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers
- Since Jason Pominville has a cap hit of $5.3 million, has a NMC and has only 8 goals, so likely not a target of the Kings.
- David Booth and Tomas Vanek are possible but not likely.
- Booth has a long term deal with a limited no-trade clause.
One offs
- Andrei Kostitsyn likely not an option, Canadiens need goals too, so if he’s that good offensively, he’d stay. If they would move him, would want more than Simmonds.
- If Capitals decided to move Semin, they’d want full rental value, a lot more than Jarret Stoll. Ovechkin won’t allow the Capitals to trade him anyways.
- Niclas Bergfors is a right winger and has been a healthy scratch in December, so likely not interested.
- Kings never targeted Patrick Elias, 2 years left at $6 million.
- Martin Havlat’s salary doesn’t make sense.
- Tomas Kopecky to the Kings is as likely as Semin to Chicago for him.
- Scouts at Monday’s game were from the Lightning, Flyers, Canadiens, Boston, and Penguins.
Pronger skating … Backstrom groin problem? Stuart’s jaw broken, Kostopoulos to be suspended (video)? Horcoff 2 weeks away?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Audio, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 8th, 2011
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Chris Pronger skated yesterday by himself for the 2nd time since fracturing his foot. He could be back in the Flyers lineup around the All-Star game later this month.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Niklas Backstrom’s next start on Sunday could be in jeopardy with what might be a groin injury. Antti Miettinen will take the morning skate to see if he can go tonight.
- Ted Kuflan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Valtteri Filppula is day-to-day with a groin injury.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart had his jaw broken by a Tom Kostopoulos questionable hit last night (video at bottom of entry). The Wings hope he’ll be able to have surgery when they get to Vancouver.
“I’d assume they’d look at it and I’d assume he’s suspended,” Babcock said. “You’re supposed to protect the good players in the league and that’s a good player. I mean, I would have no problem if the guy buries him, he’s swinging at the puck, but you don’t have to hit him in the head. There’s no reason to do that. It’s disappointing.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers captain Shawn Horcoff was expected to miss 8 weeks with a sprained MCL (originally hurt on Dec.7th) but is ahead of schedule. There is a chance he’s back in the lineup in 10-14 days, 2 weeks ahead of schedule.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Chris Stewart is practicing but still wearing a non-contact jersey. He’s getting closer to returning.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Blue Jackets: Mike Commodore cleared waivers yesterday, and the team continues to try and trade him. If they can’t find a deal right away, they could send him to their AHL team, put him on re-entry waivers and hope someone bites at 1/2 the price or loan him to another AHL team to basically remove him from their organization (what the Oilers did to Sheldon Souray). GM Scott Howson will meet with Commodore first before saying what they may do with him.
- AP in New York Times: Lamoriello says the NJ Devils are not rebuilding, but wouldn’t rule out future deals, but not Martin Brodeur.
- Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke on HockeyCentral @ Noon talking about their victory over the Blues, “Ron Wilson’s job security, the progression of his young players and the struggles of Francois Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek.
Kane out 3 weeks … Poni to return Thursday, Mitchell Close … Phanuef could return Saturday … Horcoff out 8 weeks?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2010
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Patrick Kane will be out the Chicago Blackhawks lineup for about 3 weeks with a sprained ankle. “We’re going to leave it as a lower body (injury), but I think you can speculate what it is. Certainly that’s the extent of it and he’s progressing right now.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: If the Stars decide to move Brad Richards at the trade deadline “it’s only because (1) they weren’t able to sign him to an extension and (2) they’re offered the kind of deal that sets them up “for the next five years.” The Sharks continue to look for a top 4 defenseman. If Devils coach John MacLean can’t find a way to get Ilya Kovalchuk scoring (5 goals in 26 games), they should find someone who can (my fantasy team would appreciate this as well).
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers center Shawn Horcoff felt his knee ‘pop’ after colliding with Corey Perry. Coach Tom Renney guesses he could be out 8 weeks. Horcoff will have an MRI done today, he does have a damaged MCL. They could call up one of Linus Omark, Liam Reddox or Ryan O’Marra.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky (fractured finger) said he’ll be ready to go on Thursday vs. the Flames.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: LA Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell is getting closer to returning, as he practiced yesterday without his wrist brace. Mitchell will be examined on Thursday and will look to get clearance. Ponikarovsky was pronounced ready to return by Terry Murray and will be on the left side of Michal Handzus and Wayne Simmons.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Dion Phaneuf practiced with the Maple Leafs yesterday and could return on Saturday for their game against the Canadiens.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart has an upper body injury, more will be known today.
- EJ McGuire of the CSB talking 2011 NHL Draft on NYI Point Blank:
Beauchemin trade bait? Fits for coach Bob Hartley … Quincey cleared but sits … Ryan to center?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 20th, 2010
- Globe and Mail: Brian Burke’s daughter writes a letter to the Globe in response to Bruce Dowbiggin’s column early in the week.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche defenseman Kyle Quincey has been cleared to play after missing weeks with a concussion. He was a healthy scratch for last night’s game. The Avs are now carrying 8 defenseman and likely move one of them.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: With Joffery Lupul possibly returning soon to the Ducks lineup, they might consider moving Bobby Ryan to center, creating 3 lines with that could put the puck in the net.
- David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period: There are lots of rumors out there what the New Jersey Devils could do once they need to clear some cap space, but why would they trade center Travis Zajac?
- Craig Custance of the SportingNews: Bob Hartley’s name has been mentioned as possibly the next NY Islanders coach, but his best chance may be if/when Calgary Flames assistant GM Jay Feaster takes over the Flames. Larry Brooks wonders if Hartley would be a good fit in New Jersey or not since his did coach Ilya Kovalchuk in Atlanta.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs may have a trade chip in Francois Beauchemin for teams who are looking for a tough stay-at-home defenseman. Beauchemin is earning $3.8 million this season and next. Cox doesn’t think it’s too bad of a”‘cumbersome contract”, not sure if I agree with that. Devils forward Jamie Langenbrunner’s name keeps popping up in rumors. The Oilers may look to shake things up. Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky were both benched this week. Dustin Penner and Tom Gilbert have played poorly this season. All Oilers mentioned come with a big price tag, all in the $4 million plus.
Potential Stars owner backs out … Injury updates on Crosby, Franzen and Stajan … Teams losing money … and more
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 23rd, 2010
- Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: Sources told Pierre LeBrun yesterday that Calgary Oil man Bill Gallacher has pulled out of buying the Dallas Stars. In the past few months, it was rumored that he was close to a deal with current Stars owner Tom Hicks. Canadian businessman Tom Gaglardi still remains interested, and other groups may get back into it. The team is operating on a low internal budget which is limited what the team could do in terms of free agents and trades.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Matt Stajan separated his shoulder during the first period of Tuesday night’s game versus the Canucks, and will be out indefinitely. The Flames are already without Daymond Langkow who has a fractured vertebrae at the base of his neck. Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Stajan’s injury opens the door for Mikael Backlund to step up into the 2nd line roll. Backlund collected 10 points in 23 games last season, and welcomes the opportunity. Stajan could be out for a month if they’re lucky.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby sat out the 3rd period of last night’s game with a sore hip flexor. Crosby ‘tweaked’ it a bit, but doesn’t see it as a long term problem.
- George Sipple and Kirkland Crawford of the Detroit Free Press: Johan Franzen suffered a charley horse after being kneed by Brooks Orpik. Derek Meech also left the game with head injury.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Right now there doesn’t seem to be any urgency for the Vancouver Canucks to trade Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks did have 3 scouts watching the Columbus Blue Jackets in Traverse City, where the Jackets prospects were playing.
- Doug MacLean via twitter: Minnesota Wild owner said yesterday they lost money last year, joining the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks. The Washington Capitals got revenue sharing.
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Martin Hanzal and Vern Fiddler will be the Coyotes top 2 centerman, with the other 2 spots up for grabs. Eric Belanger, Kyle Turris, Kyle Wellwood, and Wojtek Wolski are vying for the spots. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If either Kyle Turris or Kyle Wellwood make the Coyotes, Wojtek Wolski would likely shift back to the wing, he’s been playing center at camp.
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Vancouver Canucks prospect Cody Hodgson had no pain/symptoms after first full contact practice.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks the Edmonton Oilers captaincy is down to Ryan Whitney and Shawn Horcoff, if the team goes with one this year.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said that if Matt Beleskey continues to get the puck to Cory Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, he might have a spot on that line.
Kaberle trade talk heating up … Spezza for the 4th pick? New GMs looking to make moves?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on June 9th, 2010
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Columbus Blue Jackets may be making a stronger push next season to make the playoffs, and could be kicking around the idea of trading their 4th overall draft pick. The Blue Jackets still need to find a center for Rick Nash, and Friedman wonders if they’d consider taking on Jason Spezza’s contract. Michael Leighton may be getting a 3 year contract offer from the Flyers, Friedman doesn’t think it would be for more than $1.5 million. The Florida Panthers may take a crack at Tomas Kaberle, Nathan Horton is a Burke type player.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Reiger did not want to talk about the rumor that they may be interested in Tomas Kaberle. The Sabres could use a power-play quarterback, and the Leafs could use some scoring. Two players that have to mentioned because of their subpar playoff performances are Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford. There are a few things that instantly pop in to my mind on this; would Burke trade his ‘all star’ dman to a division rival? Both are not ‘Burke’ type players (no toughness). Connolly is making $4.5 million in the last year of his contract and is one hit away from his carrier being over, Stafford hasn’t lived up to his offensive talents the past 2 seasons (34 pts in 71 games this past season, 45 pts in 79 games in 2008-09).
- Michael Traikos in the Montreal Gazette: Even though he loses his no-trade clause for the summer (starting at the Draft) his agent Rick Curran believes Tomas Kaberle still has a clout on where he could end up. “As of the draft, we don’t have a no-trade (clause),” agent Rick Curran said. “But it’s almost effectively a no-trade, because unless Tomas wants to go there most general managers that I’m familiar with are not giving up asset value for a one-year player who may not even want to come to my team. Especially with what Brian wants in return.” It’s being reported that at least 4 teams have inquired about Kaberle; Anaheim, Buffalo, Columbus, and New Jersey.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: With such a weak free agent class, GMs have been more involved with trade talks (salary cap issues also play a big part). Teams with new GMs may be looking to make an early impression as well. Dale Tallon in Florida would like to make some moves, possibly trading Nathan Horton ($4 million cap hit until 2013) and Rostislav Olesz ($3.125 through 2014), but teams would rather have Stephen Weiss and Keith Ballard. Steve Yzerman may make a pitch for Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak. The Oilers would like to move Shawn Horcoff ($5.5 million through 2015) and Sheldon Souray ($5.4 through 2012).
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile thinks it’s going to really tough to re-sign Dan Hamhuis, “I think it’s going to be very difficult,” Poile said. “But I’d like to continue having conversations this week and possibly reach out to Dan next week before we take our final position.” Hamhuis’ agent has said that talks have been positive and ongoing. If they are not able to re-sign Hamhuis, they may look to re-sign Denis Grebeshkov and/or UFA Francis Bouillon. Jonathon Blum or Ryan Ellis may be rushed a little a quicker than they originally wanted. The Predators are trying to lock up Patrick Hornqvist, but salary is hard to determine after 2 goals in 08-09, and 30 last season.
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: The Washington Capitals and Eric Fehr are talking a multi-year deal.
- Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News: 2010 NHL Draft prospect, Kiril Kabanov, is better known for his off-ice antics than his on-ice talent has seen is stock plummet into the 2nd or 3rd round instead of top 5-10 pick. He’s had issues with the KHL, his QMJHL junior team (Moncton) and the Russian U-18 team, and now must find a new agent, 2 weeks before the draft. JP Barry has decided to move as “It just wasn’t a fit”. George Malik of MLive: Malik notes that Neate Sager of Yahoo, and Bruce Ciski of Fanhouse, think that Red Wings could still be interested in Kabanov, but not in the 1st round.
LeBrun and Garrioch Sunday Rumors …
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 14th, 2010
- The Blackhawks have looked for available goalies around the league, but feel that it wouldn’t be an upgrade. They also don’t have a lot of cap room for this year, after the acquistion of Kim Johnsson.
- The Islanders are shopping Martin Biron, Dwayne Roloson and Andy Sutton. Roloson is 40 years old and will make $3 milllion next season ($2.5 million cap hit).
- Predators GM, David Poile, will meet with all his UFA’s during the Olympic break. If they are unable to re-sign Dan Hamhuis, they might look at trading him, despite being in a potential playoff spot.
- Dennis Seidenberg and Jordan Leopold are as good as gone from the Florida Panthers.
- The Capitals may be considering adding a goalie. GM McPhee has looked around, but their options may be limited as some teams aren’t in the selling mood. Marty Turco, Martin Biron and Jaroslav Halak could be options.
- The Rangers could be looking to do something, with Brandon Dubinsky’s name in the middle of it.
- The Bruins wouldn’t ask Tim Thomas to waive his no-movement clause until he has something in place. They’ve talked to 3 teams about Thomas.
- The Blue Jackets are shopping Raffi Torres, Jan Hejda and Milan Jurcina.
- Florida may be shopping Tomas Vokoun and his no-trade clause. Would he waive it to go to Philly?
- Florida could move Stephen Weiss to the Maple Leafs.
- Ray Whitney demanded a 2 year, $7 million contract extension from the LA Kings.
- The Oilers are trying to move Shawn Horcoff, Robert Nilsson, Sheldon Souray, Steve Staios, and Tom Gilbert.
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