Posts Tagged Shea Weber
Ducks should trade Getzlaf? Bourque up for suspension … Blues sale terminated … Theodore out 2 weeks … Weber practices
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 4th, 2012
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Miller thinks the Ducks should trade Ryan Getzlaf if there is a deal that significantly improves the Ducks. Miller: “For whatever reason, this just isn’t working. It isn’t working for the Ducks, and it certainly isn’t working for Getzlaf.” Getzlaf has only 6 goals and 25 points, and is on pace for 55 points. He entered the year averaging .965 points per game. Selanne may want to finish his career on a contender: “You never say ‘never,’ ” Selanne explained. “But I don’t want to waste any thoughts on it right now. It’s time to have fun here. You just keep fighting as long as you can breathe.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Flames forward Rene Bourque has a hearing with the NHL over an elbow to the head of Nicklas Backstrom. Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals Niklas Backstrom left last night’s game after taking a Rene Bourque elbow to the head. He was removed from the game for precautionary reasons, and will be evaluated today. Video at bottom of entry.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The NHL has terminated the purchase agreement between the Blues and Matthew Hulsizer. Blues minority owner Tom Stillman has the opportunity to step in and purchase the team. Hulsizer didn’t make the NHL’s imposed deadline to buy the club. Hulsizer was attempting to restructure the financing of the deal several times. Some sources are saying that Stillman has an exclusive 75 day window to complete the deal, while other are saying the Blues can negotiate with anyone, including Hulsizer.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins Pascal Dupuis, out with an upper-body injury, skated before practice and is day-to-day. Arron Asham is also day-to-day, didn’t skate yesterday but isn’t walking around with a limp after taking a shot off the knee.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have activated goalie Mike Smith off the IR. Curtis McElhinney has been assigned to the AHL.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers James van Riemsdyk will fill in for the injured Jaromir Jagr on the top line with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. Ilya Bryzgalov is expected to start on Thursday.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore will be out at least 2 weeks with a knee injury.
- Mike Organ of the Tennessean: Predators defenseman Shea Weber practiced yesterday with limited contact for the 1st time since suffering a concussion 12 days ago. “There is still no time line on him,” Trotz said. “It’s when he feels comfortable; when he feels that he’s ready to go, then he’ll come and let us know. Between the doctors, the trainers and Shea, they’ll make that decision.”
Caps may be getting a shakeup … Weber out Friday, unlikely for Sunday … Sens sign 2 1st rounders … Green hopeful for next week … Kane at center
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on December 29th, 2011
- Josh Rimer via twitter: “Been told if Washington Capitals Lose at home to NY Rangers tonight expect a Shake up, and when I say shake up I’m talking Trade.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Predators Barry Trotz said that Shea Weber is out for Friday and Sunday is unlikely.
- Don Brennan via twitter: The Senators have signed 1st round picks Matt Puempel and Stefan Noesen to entry-level deals.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Ducks forward Saku Koivu is doubtful according to Boudreau.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres Lindy Ruff on Nathan Gerbe: “Nathan is getting real close. He could possibly be an option for one of these two games, maybe.”
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee said Mike Green is “about 80 percent” and hopes to play next week.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The Blackhawks are moving Patrick Kane back to center.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues Kris Russell is out 3 weeks. TJ Oshie is quetionable.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers Stephen Weiss skating with a no-contact jersey.
- Tony Ambrogio via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight against the Hurricanes.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight against the Flames. Brian Rolston is in. Haley, Pandolfo and Staios are out. Jesse Spector via twitter: David Ullstrom was put on the IR by the Islanders. Brian Rolston was activated from the IR.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tomorrow against the Red Wings.
Injury notes on Weber, Byfugien, Peverley, Koivu, Blake, Russell and Higgins
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 28th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Barry Trotz said there is no timetable for Shea Weber’s return. He is holding out hope for Friday. Hard to predict concussion time frames.
- Gary Lawless via twitter: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was scratched last night due to a lower body injury. He’s had a knee issue for awhile.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Rich Peverley practiced yesterday for the 1st time in 9 days. There is a good chance that he plays on New Year’s Eve.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks center Saku Koivu practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision on Thursday. Winger Jason Blake practiced with the team as well. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Niklas Hagman-Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan-Nick Bonino-Teemu Selanne, Matt Beleskey-Andrew Cogliano-Andrew Gordon, Jean-Francois Jacques-Rod Pelley-George Parros, Kyle Palmieri-Saku Koivu-Jason Blake.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues defenseman Kris Russell left last night’s game in the 1st period with a lower-body injury. He’ll be re-evaluated today. Forward B.J. Crombeen was activated from the IR.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Chris Higgins may be out of the lineup with mysterious illness. He’s missed 2 games earlier this month from it.
Weber, Liles and Gagne out with concussions … Holmstrom out 10 days … Weiss, Phillips out … Green practices … Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on December 27th, 2011
- Nashville Predators via twitter: Predators defenseman Shea Weber is out with a concussion. He’ll be evaluated daily, there is no timetable for his return.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: The Maple Leafs have put John-Michael Liles on the IR with concussion-like symptoms.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Kings forward Simon Gagne is out with a concussion, and likely saves Andrei Loktionov from being assigned to the AHL.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom will be out 10 days with a groin strain.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Panthers forward Stephen Weiss is not expected to play tonight against the Leafs. It’s not a shoulder or knee injury, and is not considered serious.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators defenseman Chris Phillips won’t play tonight and is listed as day-to-day.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green practiced with the team for the 1st time since his groin injury. Chuck Gormley via twitter: Mike Green: “I just need a few skates to get my lungs and my legs back and I’ll be back in no time.”
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Flyers forward Brayden Schenn will be in the lineup tonight replacing Jody Shelley.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers lines: Flash-Matthias-Bradley; Kopecky-Santorelli-Versteeg; Barch-Kennedy-Repik; Thomas-Cullen-Dadanov
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Islanders lines: Moulson-Tavares-Okposo, Rolston-Nielsen-Parenteau, Grabner-Bailey-Niederreiter, Martin-Reasoner-Wallace.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Zajac-Clarkson; Boulton-Sestito-Carter-Janssen.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Patrick Kane, Marcus Kruger and Steve Montador not practicing for the Blackhawks today.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning. Matt Gilroy could be in.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs.
- Mike Zeisberger via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Leafs.
Botta answers questions on Preds and Canucks … Koivu and Lehtonen hope to return next week … Vanek leaves game … Neuvirth to start
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 23rd, 2011
- Chris Botta of the New York Times: Answering readers questions. As long as the Predators are in the playoff race, Botta doesn’t see them trading Ryan Suter or Shea Weber. After signing Pekka Rinne, Suter is next on their list, and Poile will try hard to re-sign him. The Canucks won’t trade Roberto Luongo. His long-term contract turns teams off. It’s possible that in a few years something could happen. The Canucks may be looking for blueline help, but the salary cap may come into play. If Botta were Mike Gillis and were taking offers for Cory Schneider, he would ask for a mid 1st round pick and a 20 minute a game defenseman in his prime.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu missed his 4th straight game with a leg injury, but there is hope that he’ll be ready for Monday’s game against the Avalanche.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen could be back for their Dec. 29th game against the Blue Jackets. Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars Stephane Robidas will miss his 2nd consecutive game tonight with a foot injury. He took shot off the foot in Tuesday’s practice. Defenseman Philip Larsen has a thigh contusion, has missed the last 2 games, but they’ll decide at the morning skate if he’ll be able to go.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Sabres winger Thomas Vanek left last night’s game after re-aggravating an upper-body injury. Vanek originally suffered the injury on Saturday and is listed as day-to-day.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Pagnotta doesn’t think the Canadiens will replace GM Pierre Gauthier until the summer. After the coaching change and losing 4 straight games, the roster needs a major change.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Michal Neuvirth will start in net for the Capitals against the Devils tonight.
Filatov having KHL issues … Flames weren’t 1 of 3 finalists for Turris … Suter/Weber update … Seabrook could have concussion … Team lines …
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 19th, 2011
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikita Filatov’s agent has asked for a trade from the CSKA of the KHL if the team doesn’t complete the paperwork by midnight. If CSKA doesn’t sign or trade him, Filatov will return to Ottawa.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Flames tried to trade for Kyle Turris before he was sent to the Senators for David Rundblad and a 2nd round pick, “But in the end, they weren’t one of the three finalists” according to Coyotes GM Don Maloney.
“We had eight to 10 teams that showed more than a passing interest in him, but three teams in the last couple of days made significant offers we could live with.”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Predators David Poile responds, ”Ask me on February 27,” to the question about what he is going to do with Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota and Philadelphia all have the cap room to add one of the 2 defensemen. Poile still hopes to sign them.
“If he trades one or both in February, he is going to get a huge return,” said another GM. “If he waits until [after the playoffs], it’s going to be much less.”
Poile also made is sound like that if they were still in the playoff race, he may not deal either. Coyotes GM Maloney asked the Senators for Mika Zibanejad or the Senators 1st round pick in exchange for Turris.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: After taking a hit from Rene Bourque last night, Brent Seabrook left the game with what could be a concussion.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals Jay Beagle has been cleared for contact.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t see the Kings making a deal before tonight’s roster freeze.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets split up Jeff Carter and Rick Nash for the first time. Carter played with Vinny Prospal and Mark Letestu. Nash was with Derick Brassard and RJ Umberger.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly has moved up between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. Tyler Bozak moves back between Matt Frattin and either Joey Crabb or Colby Armstrong. Mikhail Grabovski will center Clarke MacArthur and Nikolai Kulemin.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Moen-Plekanec-Cammalleri, Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole, AK46-Eller-Leblanc, Blunden-Nokelainen-Darche.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Zach Parise-Adam Henrique-Ilya Kovalchuk Sykora-Tim Sestito-Zubrus; Tedenby-Zajac-Clarkson;Boulton-Carter-Janssen.
- James Gordon via twitter: Senators lines: Greening-Spezza-Alfredsson, Condra-Turris-Foligno, Smith-Regin-Neil, Winchester-Konopka-Butler.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Anisimov-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Rupp-Fedotenko-Prust, Hagelin-Boyle-Mitchell, Wolski-Christensen-Avery.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Benn-Ryder; Morrow-Ribeiro-Ott; Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak; Dowell-Wandell-Petersen. Defensive pairings: Souray-Robidas; Grossman-Daley; Goligoski-Fistric.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs against Jonathan Quick and the Kings.
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.
Trade groundwork has been laid … Time running short for Turris … Devils and Kings talking … Krejci odd man out … Filatov on his way out
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 17th, 2011
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams are closing in on the point where they know what they have and what they may need. Blue GM Doug Armstrong:
“A lot of groundwork has been laid and (Tuesday) was more putting fertilizer on some of those seeds you planted to see what happens. You get more work done when you’re in the room with 30 people than trying to pick up the phone 30 different times.”
Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster:
“We have a lot of work to do,” Flames GM Jay Feaster said. “We’re not happy where we are. We need to improve in a lot of areas. This isn’t acceptable to be where we are right now.”
The Hurricanes are 1-5-0 in their last 6 and are in need of a shakeup. The Islanders have dropped to last in the Eastern Conference. The Jets may be thinking long-term and have 2 UFA’s in Chris Mason and Johnny Oduya. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff:
“I’m not a big believer on putting deadlines on anything,” he said. “You make decisions based on what the right timing is for you. The league puts a lot of deadlines on you for signing guys or trading deadlines, so you certainly have parameters. But I’m not going to put any deadlines on it.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The NHL board of governors will vote on realignment at the Dec. 5th-6th meetings. The Wings would like to move to the Eastern Conference, or at least play home-and-homes with the other Conference. Western Conference teams don’t want to see the Red Wings move to the East. Coyotes GM Don Maloney reiterated his stance with Kyle Turris.
“For the 15-hundredth time, we have no intention of trading him, regardless of the offer, at all whatsoever,” Maloney told ESPN.com.
Turris has 1 and 2 year offers from the Coyotes sitting on the table. The Blue Jackets have intensified their efforts to get a goalie. Antero Niittymaki won’t be back for another 3-4 weeks, but could be on the move at some point. Teams have inquired to see if he’s available.
- The Fourth Period: The LA Kings and NJ Devils maybe talking trade, they are both scouting each other. The Devils have been interested in Jonathan Bernier in the past, but sources close to the Kings have said they are not interested in trading Bernier at this moment, unless blown away by an offer. The Devils may also be looking for some scoring help, but that help likely isn’t coming from the Kings, unless they are interested in Dustin Penner. Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson could be trade candidates as well.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson notes the Predators have positioned themselves well to retain both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. They may be able to get Suter in the 7 years for $49 million range and Weber for 6 or 5 years at $7.5 million. Matheson doesn’t see them trading either defenseman and wouldn’t be surprised if Alexander Radulov returns to Nashville next season. Matheson also thinks that if Linus Omark isn’t called up in the next month, he’ll head back to Europe.
- James Murphy via twitter: Murphy calls the Rask for Nash rumors bogus and comical.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Haggerty thinks that David Krejci could be the odd guy out in Boston with Bergeron and Seguin down the middle. The Bruins aren’t sure he’s a $5 million a year guy.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: CSKA of the KHL is working on a loan with the Senators regarding Nikita Filatov.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has said again that he is not interested in Marty Turco. Names on Burke’s radar could be Scott Clemmensen (FLA), Evgeni Nabokov (NYI) and Antero Niittymaki (SJ). Saturday will mark 4 weeks since James Reimer has hit by Brian Gionta. Ben Scrivens will start tonight, marking his 6th start in the last 7 games.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein wonders if it’s time for the Trent Hunter experiment in LA to end, and to bring up a young speedy forward.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Blackhawks Rostislav Olesz is sent to the minors, they’ll have $6.95 million in cap space. Plenty of room for a center and/or a power play QB.
Poile has financial green light to sign both Suter and Weber … Troubles in Columbus … Teams interested in Letestu … Burrows injured … Omark has out clause
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 5th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Carey Price will be a RFA on July 1st. There haven’t been any talks yet, but there will before the offseason. 6 NHL team executives don’t think Predators will be able to sign both Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. GM David Poile told ESPN that ownership gave him the “financial green light” to get all of them signed to “fair-market value” deals. Now it just depends what the players think fair-market value is. LeBrun wouldn’t be shocked if Suter was looking for something in the $6.5 to $7 million range. The Carolina Hurricanes join the Maple Leafs as a team that may be looking to move a defenseman. Though it’s not known who they are looking to move, Bryan Allen will be a UFA at the end of the season.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Burnside hacks the Blue Jackets down calling them bad from “top to bottom, from bottom to top.” He calls Steve Mason the worst starting goalie in the league. The could fire coach Scott Arniel, and they could bring back Ken Hitchcock who is still under contract. Some flaws on how this team was built are: Mason has another year at $2.9 million. Antoine Vermette is owed $3.75 million until the end of 2014-15 (he hasn’t scored this season). Derick Brassard makes $3.2 million and has 3 points. Marc Methot makes $3 million for 3 more years. Nikita Filatov was a bust of a pick for them, passing over drafting Tyler Myers, Erik Karlsson or John Carlson.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: With Penguins being deep down the middle, they may be looking to move one of their centers in the near future. They have had conversations with multiple teams about Mark Letestu. Josh Yohe via twitter: Yohe adds to Strickland’s report by adding that it wouldn’t shock him and that Letestu looks lost right now.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Cancucks forward Alex Burrows left in the 2nd period of last night’s game with back spasms after he was checked from behind by Chris Stewart. He’s listed as day-to-day.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Linus Omark has an out clause in his contract that allows him to return to Europe if he’s playing in the AHL.
“I want to play (in the) NHL and if no one lets me do that then I’m going to go to Europe,” Omark told Gibbons after practice. “I take it one day at a time and we’ll see after that.”
“(The Oilers) have a lot of young guys,” Omark said. “And they believe in them more than me, I think. I want to play in the NHL, so I am going to do my best there. Hopefully, they call me up or … Yeah, we’ll see.
“I’m not here to stay the whole season, that’s for sure.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers forward Sean Avery will get into the lineup for injured Mike Rupp, who will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Avery will likely be on the wing with Brian Boyle and Brandon Prust. Ruslan Fedotenko will likely be with Derek Stepan and Marian Gaborik. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Rupp will be out 3 to 4 weeks.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks leading scorer Joe Pavelski was given yesterday off as he’s been battling a flu that has already hit Patrick Marleau and Dan Boyle. Coach Todd McLellan expects him to play on Saturday. McLellan also wouldn’t rule out Thomas Greiss starting in net tonight against the Predators.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green staked for an hour yesterday morning, which was the longest he’s gone since he injured his ankle on Oct. 22nd.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Only Dallas and Minnesota had people in to watch the Senators and Canadiens last night.
Coyotes won’t trade an unsigned Turris, 3 Canadien teams interested … Rangers callling Leafs … Predators FAs … Injury updates
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 2nd, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Flames are “very, very interested” in Coyotes RFA Kyle Turris, checking in on the situation each week, holding discussions with both the Coyotes and Turris’ agent Kurt Overhardt. Coyotes GM Don Maloney is adamant that they won’t trade him while he remains unsigned. The Flames can’t sign Turris to an offer sheet as they don’t have their 2nd round pick. Bob McKenzie said that the Senators are also interested in Turris, and have been told the same thing by Maloney. The Maple Leafs have also shown interest, though not as much as the Flames and Senators.The New York Rangers have been calling the Maple Leafs. Defenseman Cody Franson may be available in Toronto. One decision the Leafs face is do they break up the equilibrium in the dressing room by making a deal or do they wait until later?Ryan Suter’s agent will be in Nashville in 2 weeks time and will be discussing contract extension with them. Predators GM David Poile said that he talked with Pekka Rinne’s agent on Monday. Shea Weber’s agent said there hasn’t really been any contract talks since the summer. Weber isn’t able to sign a deal until after January 1st. LeBrun thinks Weber could be waiting to see what happens with Suter and Rinne before he decides what to do. “I know these guys all want to sign here,’’ Poile said. “But it’s just a matter of getting it done. The better we do on the ice, I think the better chance we have of signing them.’’ If Suter or Weber comes available, the Red Wings will likely be in on them.
- Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have sent Linus Omark to the AHL. The Oilers basically have 3 ‘top 6′ type players battling for 1 spot on a top line. Sam Gagner has potential. Ales Hemsky is getting closer to returning. Their may not be room for Omark to crack a top line, so he might be moved out at some point.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov skated yesterday, but there is no timetable for his return. Coach Jacques Martin said it’s impossible to speculate when Markov could return until he starts practicing with teammates. Center Scott Gomez also skated on his own, but won’t be ready for this weekend’s games.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will skate by himself for 15-20 minutes today.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson remain unsure of James Reimer’s status for this week. He’ll skate this morning and they’ll go from there.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Jussi Jokinen was ‘upright’ and is day-to-day, “It’s nothing catastrophic” according to coach Paul Maurice. Jeff Skinner could be moved back to center. Replays show Jokinen twisting his left leg while falling over Ryan Shannon.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars forwards Steve Ott and Jamie Benn missed practiced yesterday. Benn should be back, but Ott is questionable for Friday.
- The Globe and Mail: Martin Brodeur could be in net for the Devils. The Devils haven’t said if Brodeur or Johan Hedberg will start.
Weber fined … Sens could move Alfie … RNH could sit … “Nothing new” on Staal .. Josefson breaks clavicle … Koivu, Ladd questionable tonight
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 22nd, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Shea Weber was fined $2500 by the NHL for his boarding hit on the Canucks Jannik Hansen.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch wonders if the Senators will trade Daniel Alfredsson before the trade deadline. Alfie has a $1 million salary but a $4.875 million cap hit. He signed a 35+ deal, so if he decides to retire, his cap hit would stay on the books. Alfredsson has a no-movement clause.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers coach Tom Renny hints that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could sit tonight for Sam Gagner. He added that team may need to see what it’s like without RNH. Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson is baffled by the suggestion of sitting RNH. The Oilers didn’t sit Taylor Hall when he didn’t score for the first 8 games. RNH has 4 goals so far.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There is “nothing new” when it comes Mark Staal and his concussion. Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto and Tim Erixon have stepped up there minutes, but are still learning the game. The Rangers may seriously look at adding a top 4 defenseman. The obvious place to look is Nashville with soon-to-be UFA Ryan Suter and RFA Shea Weber. The Preds would obviously ask about Del Zotto, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and Dylan McIlrath. Assuming that Erixon and Ryan Callahan are off limits.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (Mailbag) The easiest way for the Devils to keep Zach Parise for the season is to be in the playoff race all season. If they were to consider moving him, it may take 2 NHL caliber players, a prospect and 1st round pick, same as what the Thrashers got for Kovalchuk. If the Flames don’t improve soon, Custance thinks they should make some moves to re-stock their system.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils center Jacob Josefson suffered a broken right clavicle last night after crashing into the boads. The Devils are already without Travis Zajac until Christmas. Adam Henrique could be recalled, or Lou Lamoriello could make a trade for a center.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu was cut on the chin by a skate on Thursday, is questionable for tonight’s game against the Canucks.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Andrew Ladd took a puck in the face that required 3 stitches above his nose, and 3 in it. It’s not known if he’ll be in the lineup tonight. Defenseman Ron Hainsey is likely out a week with a upper-body injury.
- The Fourth Period: Scott Hartnell is disappointed that his ice time has reduced. He’s aware of the trade rumors involving him. He has a no-trade clause.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: JP Dumont has a deal with Bern of the Swiss League. NHL teams have until Tuesday to sign him.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Johan Hedberg likely to start in net for the Devils against the Penguins.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Cory Schneider will get his 3rd start of the season 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.
Krejci injured … Players who may be traded … Turris may want trade … Habs injuries … Kronwall-Wings talking … No date for Crosby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 12th, 2011
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins center David Krejci left practice yesterday with an apparent leg injury. Krejci was in the middle of a drill when he pulled up and hunched over in pain. He’ll miss tonight’s game and according to the team: “Krejci will continue to be evaluated by the team’s medical staff in Boston and his status for Saturday’s game in Chicago will be determined later in the week.” Tyler Seguin is likely to take his place between Lucic and Horton.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance creates a list of 10 players who he thinks may be traded sometime during the season, 1. Zach Parise, 2. Kyle Turris, 3. Cory Schneider, 4. Sergei Gonchar, 5. Filip Kuba, 6. Evgeni Nabokov, 7. Tyler Bozak, 8. Sam Gagner, 9. Ales Hemsky, 10. Ryan Suter.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Coyotes Don Maloney re-iterated that he won’t trade Kyle Turris, and that if he wants to play this year, he be playing in Phoenix. After Friedman talked to a few people, it sounds like “Turris wants to be traded.” Another GM says he’d sign a reasonable contract with another team. The Coyotes would match any reasonable contracts. If Turris isn’t signed by Dec. 1st, he is ineligible to play this year. Maloney would like to follow the “Keith Yandle model. After his entry-level deal he signed for 2 year, $2.4 million contract before he got a big 5 year, $26 million deal. Calgary would be interested if Turris became available but they may not have the prospects to get it done. One GM on Nashville situation with needing to sign Shea Weber, Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter: “David Poile plays his cards very tightly. I don’t know what he’s going to do. But I’m preparing as if one of those players is going to become available [by trade].”
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild will know by noon if someone has claimed Eric Nystrom off re-entry waivers for half his $1.4 million salary. If he clears, they’ll have to make a roster move by before 4 today. They could make a trade, put someone on IR, or reassign someone who doesn’t require waivers. Players that don’t have to pass through waivers are Marco Scandella (not likely), Brett Bulmer, and Jared Spurgeon.
- CP in the Globe and Mail: Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri will miss 10 to 14 days with a deep cut on his leg, no muscle or tendon was cut. Jaroslav Spacek will be out up to 3 weeks. They are also without forward Ryan White and defenseman Chris Campoli and Andrei Markov.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: JP Dumont will wait a couple more weeks to see if there is any interest from an NHL team. European teams are interested.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler skated for over an hour yesterday. There was no update but they are still looking at a 18th or 20th return date.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Red Wings and Niklas Kronwall continued negotiations yesterday, progress was made but it’s a slow moving process.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Ryan Whitney doesn’t know when he’ll play. He’s not pain free but it’s been manageable for about a week.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Sidney Crosby: “Closer than I was yesterday, I can’t give you a date, I’d love them to tell me a date I could come back and play, but right now it’s the same. … It’s never fun watching, it’s nice to be getting closer, it’s nice going out there and going hard and not have anything that’s really worried me (for the last couple of weeks).”
Predators talking to Rinne and Suter … Maple Leafs working phones … Wings-Kronwall talking … Kadri out 3-4 weeks … Another headshot
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on September 29th, 2011
- PIerre LeBrun of ESPN: A Western Conference team was interested in defenseman Bryan McCabe but he wasn’t interested. The Rangers are looking for a defenseman, but not McCabe. Predators GM David Poile met with the agents for both Pekka Rinne and Ryan Suter last week about a contract extension. They are aggressively trying to sign both. Weber can’t do an extension until January 1st. There haven’t been any talks between Drew Doughty and the Kings. LeBrun thinks the Kings will reach out to Newport Sports soon. The Leafs have been working the phones, Carl Gunnarsson and Tyler Bozak have been discussed but nothing is close as of last night. Talks between Niklas Kronwall the Red Wings are underway regarding a contract extension. Dreger is reporting that Kronwall is looking for a long-term, front loaded deal similar to Christian Ehrhoff’s. On front-loaded deals the Sabres have been handing out: “I’m sorry, but that’s killing this industry,” one NHL GM, requesting anonymity, told ESPN.com. “We have to stop those front-loaded contracts in the next system.”
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Herald: Flames captain Jarome Iginla missed practice again but GM Jay Feaster “anticipate he’ll be on the ice by the end of the week.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri will be out 3-4 weeks with a knee injury.
- Jeff Marek via twitter: Jason Arnott is expected to miss 7 days following eye surgery.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have been working on their power play, trying to find someone to replace Andrei Markov. “In the absence of Markov, we’re trying to find someone to quarterback our power play on the first unit (and) we’re experimenting with a forward in that position.” Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban were on the first unit yesterday. Andrei Kostitsyn and Yannick Weber (switching with Raphael Diaz) were on the second unit.
- Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo! Sports: Christopher Moorhouse was taken into custody by the London Police as the suspect in throwing a banana at Wayne Simmonds during an exhibition game. London’s Police Chief said that Moorhouse “has been charged with engaging in a prohibited activity on a premises under the trespass to property act.” It’s a provincial statute that could result in a fine of “not more than $2,000.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Ben Smith took a shoulder to the head from Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith. Ben Smith will undergo more concussion tests today. Viktor Stalberg left the game with a leg injury and Quenneville added it’s “probably not good, either.”
2011-12 Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers – Defensemen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 28th, 2011
List below are the Top 30 Salary Cap Numbers for defensemen heading into the 2011-12 NHL season. Due to front-loading contracts (back-loaded in some cases), and teams having to deal with the salary cap, a players cap number takes precedence over their actual salary. Drew Doughty for sure, and possibly Luke Schenn could be added to this list once they sign.
| Rk. | Player | Team | 2011-12 Cap Number | 2011-12 Salary |
| 1 | Shea Weber | NAS | $7,500,000 | $7,500,000 |
| 2 | Brian Campbell | FLA | $7,140,000 | $7,140,000 |
| 3 | Zdeno Chara | BOS | $6,917,000 | $8,500,000 |
| 4 | Jay Bouwmeester | CGY | $6,680,000 | $6,600,000 |
| 5 | Dan Boyle | SJS | $6,667,000 | $6,667,000 |
| 6 | Dion Phaneuf | TOR | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 |
| Wade Redden | NYR | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 | |
| 8 | Kimmo Timonen | PHI | $6,333,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 9 | Nicklas Lidstrom | DET | $6,200,000 | $6,200,000 |
| 10 | Brent Seabrook | CHI | $5,800,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 11 | Andrei Markov | MTL | $5,750,000 | $5,750,000 |
| 12 | Lubomir Visnovsky | ANA | $5,600,000 | $5,000,000 |
| 13 | Duncan Keith | CHI | $5,551,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 14 | Sergei Gonchar | OTT | $5,500,000 | $5,500,000 |
| James Wisniewski | CLB | $5,500,000 | $7,000,000 | |
| 16 | Mike Green | WAS | $5,250,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Keith Yandle | PHX | $5,250,000 | $5,250,000 | |
| 18 | Dustin Byfuglien | WPG | $5,200,000 | $4,250,000 |
| 19 | Paul Martin | PIT | $5,000,000 | $5,500,000 |
| Michal Rozsival | PHX | $5,000,000 | $3,000,000 | |
| 21 | Chris Pronger | PHI | $4,921,000 | $7,600,000 |
| 22 | Kevin Bieksa | VAN | $4,600,000 | $7,000,000 |
| 23 | Joni Pitkanen | CAR | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
| Mike Komisarek | TOR | $4,500,000 | $5,500,000 | |
| Ron Hainsey | WPG | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| Dan Hamhuis | VAN | $4,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| 27 | Jack Johnson | LAK | $4,357,000 | $3,500,000 |
| 28 | Anton Volchenkov | NJD | $4,250,000 | $4,250,000 |
| Tomas Kaberle | CAR | $4,250,000 | $4,000,000 | |
| 30 | John-Michael Liles | TOR | $4,200,000 | $4,550,000 |
| Keith Ballard | VAN | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 |
2 groups interested in Coyotes … 10 players who could be in rumor mill … Aebischer gets tryout … Maloney wants to talk contract with Doan
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on August 20th, 2011
Lisa Halverstadt of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have 2 qualified buyers who are interested in purchasing the team. Former Sharks president and chief executive Greg Jamison is one of them.
“As indicated in June, the City of Glendale has identified two qualified buyers for the Coyotes team and is looking forward to finalizing documents with qualified buyers,” spokeswoman Julie Frisoni said in a Friday statement. “No bonds will be sold by the city as part of these proposed concepts.”
Lyle Richardson in the Hockey News: Spector looks at 10 Western Conference players who could be in the rumor mill this year: Shea Weber, Jarome Iginla, Ales Hemsky, RJ Umberger, Paul Stastny, Dustin Penner, Ray Whitney, Jiri Hudler, TJ Oshie and Cory Schneider.
Anaheim Ducks via twitter: Jonas Hiller has been skating in Switzerland for the past month, is symptom free, and should be ready for training camp.
Todd Cordell via twitter: The Jets have given former Avs and Canadiens goalie David Aebischer a pro tryout.
Andy Strickland via twitter: There was speculation that Chris Drury met with Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke a couple weeks ago, but it is a 100% not true.
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Coyotes GM Don Maloney wants to sit down with Shane Doan and discuss a new contract before training camp begins. Doan is in the last year of his deal.
“I would like to start dialogue to see where he is at, and what he is thinking,” Maloney said. “He is certainly a guy we would like to re-sign, and I would rather do it now and not next June 30.”
“Shane is in his mid-30s, but he still has that cowboy body,” Maloney said. “I think he could play another three or four years no problem and still play at a good, to very good, level.”
Drew Doughty update … Filatov gets a promise from Senators … Isles not interested in Komisark … The Gretzky trade that didn’t happen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 11th, 2011
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: There have been no new discussions between Drew Doughty and the LA Kings. The Kings have an offer on the table for Doughty, but this could drag on until late August/early September. Hammond points out that in 2002 Evgeni Nabokov held out, Don Meehan was his agent and Dean Lombardi was the GM of the Sharks. GM Lombardi said yesterday,
“I think it’s fair to say that in the last conversation, we set the parameters, as to where we feel his contract should be. We talked about a number of scenarios, and I guess now it’s their move. They never really responded.”
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: Answering readers questions. Hradek thinks the Wings (and many others) would be interested in adding Shea Weber even if Nicklas Lidstrom continues to play. Weber will be a RFA after next season if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal but the team won’t be able to choose the team-elected arbitration. Therefore teams could sign him to an offer sheet. Hradek says that there is a difference in both term and dollars for Drew Doughty and the LA Kings. He points out that when there is no urgency for a deal to get done, things have a tendency to move more slowly.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Senators winger Nikita Filatov tells the SovSport that he was promised a 1st or 2nd line spot and power play time.
- BD Gallof via twitter: The Islanders won’t likely be making a defenseman deal unless it falls into their lap. There is no interest in Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek.
- James Mirtle via twitter: The other day Brian Burke was on TSN Radio and said that the Canucks were in talks to acquire Wayne Gretzky from the Oilers 23 years ago. The Oilers wanted 1st round picks, $18 million, Greg Adams and another player.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Kansas City is still hoping to land an NHL franchise. KC has already hosted 3 exhibition games and will be hosting the Penguins and Kings on Sept. 27th.
“The NHL was involved in the development of the Sprint Center and made it clear it’s a very viable place as the home for an NHL team,” said Michael Roth, spokesman for the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which operates the rink for the city. “Kansas City has embraced hockey and the Sprint Center puts on a good show. We continue to look for the right opportunity (to further pursue a team).”
Sabres should get Myers deal done early … Bogosian free agent notes … R&D Camp rule tweaks … Plan B for no Selanne
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 10th, 2011
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tyler Myers isn’t going to get Shea Weber money ($7.5 million, 1 year deal), but he could get around $6 million a year. Gleason thinks it would be a good idea to get a deal done early this season (he’ll be a RFA at seasons end) before he gains more leverage. He thinks a 5 year deal at $30 million makes sense.
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Zach Bogosian on contract talks with the Jets:
“Things are good. We’re talking. That’s about all I will say,” Bogosian said. “You’ve just got to sit back and let the agents and GM deal with all that kind of stuff.”
Bogosian has played in 199 games so far. He recorded 17 points in 71 games last year and was a -27. Bogosian and Luke Schenn should get a deal in the same neighborhood.
- Matt Reitz of Pro Hockey Talk: The Jets and Bogosian may be having trouble finding fair market value for him. There are question marks surrounding Bogosian’s game. The others from his draft class: Drew Doughty has already been a Norris Finalist, Alex Pietrangelo has shown signs that he could be a Norris candidate one day, and Luke Schenn “has already made a name for himself as a nasty defenseman.” From an NHL executive:
“They were comparable players in junior but haven’t been to date as pros. It’s difficult to know what Winnipeg has in Bogosian at this point. He may very well turn into a fine player but that has only been demonstrated in flashes so far.”
Reitz wonders if the systems of former coach Craig Ramsey didn’t give Bogosian a chance to succeed. He’s currently just an average defenseman, but do the Jets want to “gamble on a long-term contract hoping to lock him at a reasonable cap hit?” Should they sign him to a short-term deal to see how he develops?
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle lists 8 of the more interesting rule tweaks the NHL is testing at its R&D camp. 1. Changes only permitted on-the-fly. 2. No line change for a team committing an offside. 3. After offside, face-off goes back to the offending team’s end. 4. No icing permitted while shorthanded. 5. Overtime variation (four minutes of 4-on-4 followed by three minutes of 3-on-3). 6. All penalties to be served in their entirety. 7. Verification line (additional line behind the goal line) – if puck touches line, it’s a goal. 8. In-net camera: a mounted camera with view focused on the goal line to help verify goal. Mirtle lists other rules on the agenda, click here.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks GM Bob Murray on the chance that Teemu Selanne doesn’t play this year:
“You don’t replace him so you just have to …. we’d have to change the team. Yes, there’s a Plan B. We’d have to do some things that I don’t want to discuss right now.
“But we’d have to look at building the team a different way without Teemu. There’s no doubt about that. And you don’t replace him. You go about it a different way with your hockey team.
“That time is going to come. Of course, we talk about it.”
Weber’s arbitration ruling creates some questions for Preds … Marchand talks starting … Canucks may look at trades … Sharp’s salary breakdown
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 4th, 2011
Craig Custance of the Sporting News: The Predators wanted to signed Shea Weber to a long-term deal, and still have plenty of time to do so. One NHL team executive said they have to consider trading him: “You’ve got no choice now,” he told Sporting News. “The relationship is probably already damaged.”If Brent Burns returned Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and a 1st round pick. Custance thinks Weber would bring back something “astounding.” A deal could give the Predators the scoring they need up front and more financial room to lock up Ryan Suter and Pekka Rinne who’ll be UFA’s after this season.
James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Bruins RFA Brad Marchand said talks are starting to pick up:
“I have no idea right now … what the numbers are or how long it’s going to be,” Marchand told Steve Murphy of CTV Atlantic when asked what kind of contract he may sign. “Right now, we’re just kind of getting into things. It’s been a long summer and people have been on vacation and enjoying the Cup so we’re going to start getting into it pretty heavily here and hopefully we’ll get something done soon.”
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks may look to make a trade closer to training camp. They could look to add a top 6 forward if the right one becomes available. Ryan Kesler is out 10-12 weeks and will miss the start of the season. Free agent Brad Winchester is still calling the Canucks trying to get a deal.
Slava Malamud via twitter: Nikolai Zherdev’s contract with Atlant of the KHL is only for 1 year as he hopes to continue his career in the NHL, but does the NHL feel the same?
Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Patrick Sharp contract breakdown: 2011-12 $2 million with a $4 million signing bonus. 2012-13 $3.5 million with a $3 million signing bonus. 2013-14 $4.5 million with a $2 million signing bonus. 2014-15 $5.5 million. 2015-16 $5 million.
Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Ray Emery will be given every chance to beat out Alexander Salak as the Blackhawks backup goalie in training camp.
“We figure it’s a good opportunity to see how (Emery) stacks up against Salak,” general manager Stan Bowman said Wednesday. “There were questions going into last year how would (Emery) recover from his injury. He kind of single-handedly got (the Ducks) into the playoffs when Hiller went down. He certainly has the ability. It’s going to make for good competition.”
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