Posts Tagged Sidney Crosby

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.

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

What Do Recent Injuries Mean For Penguins Trade Gameplan?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Opinion on January 9th, 2012

From time to time we may begin featuring an article from other sources. Today’s entry comes from of TheHockeyWriters.com.

Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma announced that James Neal and Jordan Staal are the latest injury victims during his ‘State of the IR’ report on Sunday. Staal suffered a left knee injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, while Neal broke his foot blocking a shot on Saturday night against New Jersey and will miss “weeks, not days,” according to Bylsma.

The Penguins were already without the services of Sidney Crosby (concussion-like symptoms), Kris Letang (concussion), Arron Asham (upper body), and Dustin Jeffrey (knee), before penalty-killing specialist Craig Adams also had to be helped off the ice on Sunday with a lower-body injury.

Losing Neal and Staal simultaneously is even more difficult to swallow given their contributions on special teams for the Penguins. Neal leads the entire NHL with 10 powerplay goals and Staal is widely regarded as one of the league’s best penalty-killing and shutdown centers.

Following a 2010-11 season that saw Pittsburgh lose 350 man-games due to injury, it was hard to envision a tougher scenario for the team to overcome. With Neal and Staal now out of the lineup for an extended period of time and no timetables available for Crosby and Letang’s return, the Penguins, who currently sit in 8th in the Eastern Conference, could be facing disaster. The team is already on pace for 431 man-games lost due to injury this year.

Read the rest of this entry »

, , , , , , ,

1 Comment

Crosby update and rumors … Burke like January trades … Lightning, Ducks, Blackhawks rumors … Leafs injury updates … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 6th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: On Sidney Crosby rumors that his season or career could be over.

    “Sidney is doing very well, he’s training, he’s going in the right direction,” agent Pat Brisson of CAA Sports told ESPN.com Friday. “The idea of retiring or shutting him down is not even in our vocabulary. Far from that.”

    “Absolutely zero truth to these rumors,” added Penguins general manager Ray Shero to ESPN.com on Friday.

    Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke tries to make a trade splash in January, well in advance of the trade deadline.

    “We are listening to a lot right now and there is a good chance something will happen but I don’t think it’s going to happen today or tomorrow,” Burke said. “This is like hunting. Sometimes when you’re hunting, you get a feeling you’re going to stumble on something, or birds are coming in and you get a sixth sense something is about to happen. I don’t sense that here right now. We’re talking to a lot of teams about a number of things — mostly we’re listening because we like our group — but I can’t sense if something is imminent or not. Right now I’d say it’s not.”

    Burke would like to add some size upfront, and they are not talking to anyone right now about adding a goaltender.

    Lightning GM Steve Yzerman may have to wait until the offseason to get a young starting goalie and a top 4 defenseman.

    “I think I look at both, short-term and big picture,” Yzerman said. “I’m not going to do something out of desperation that’s going to hurt us in the long run, by trading draft picks and a good prospect or something like that. Any deal has got to make sense for us long term. So that makes it tricky.”

    Ducks GM Bob Murray:

    “What I said is what I said, right now I’m listening to everything,” Murray told ESPN.com. “It would be very difficult to make the type of deals I want, but I’m listening for sure. I still think we have a decent core here, but we’re maybe going to have to change a piece or two.”

    “But sometimes blockbusters happen at the trade deadline, you never know,” Murray said.

    Blackhawks GM Stean Bowman has been looking for a deal for awhile. He’d like to acquire a 4-5 defenseman and a center that could play in the top 6.

    “Ideally, I’d like to find a center man,” Bowman said. “It doesn’t have to be a top center man, but somebody that can play and complement top players.”

  • Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca: Kypreos thinks that Sidney Crosby’s season is over based on his long-term health and the potential of a new contract. Crosby has one more year on his deal and can begin negotiations on July 1st. Crosby’s career could be in jeopardy with another concussion, and the next contract won’t come with an insurance policy that covers the Penguins from a career ending concussion. If Crosby is a “Penguin for Life,” the Penguins would be on the hook for the full amount, which could be as much as 10 years, $100 million.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: According to someone close to the Penguins, Sidney Crosby is doing better and is training. His goal is to back this season, though the timeline is still unclear.
  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis will be playing tonight. Paul Martin is in. Arron Asham is out. Zbynek Michalek and Richard Park are ‘iffy.’
  • Chris Botta talks with Darren Dreger about the current trade market.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

Injury notes involving Crosby, Chara, 5 Jets, Michalek, Staal, Stastny, Skinner, Nabokov and Hall

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 13th, 2011

  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Sidney Crosby is out indefinitely with recurring symptoms from his concussion. He started getting headaches again after taking an elbow to the head from Bruins forward David Krejci on Dec. 5th. “The next day, after the game, I didn’t feel right,” he said. Further tests showed no serious injury.

    “Three or four months ago, I was concerned he might never come back to play because of how long it was taking him to recuperate,” said Dr. Jack Wilberger, chairman of the department of neurosurgery for West Penn Allegheny Health System. “My concerns are further heightened now.” (Wilberger is not on Crosby’s medical team)

    Crosby is viewing this like the minor setback he experienced in August.

    “It is concerning that he is having symptoms again, but there is a very real possibility that Crosby and those around him are simply being extremely cautious, which is the proper course to take,” Stuart said. “This does not mean his career is in jeopardy.”

  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins coach on Dan Bylsma: “It’s frustrating for Sid. Sid knows his body better than anyone else. He’s not feeling 100 percent. He’ll return when he is 100.”
  • Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day. “There’s no time frame when I’m going to be back, but most likely I won’t be playing tomorrow,” Chara said. “Honestly, it’s in a stage where we can’t talk about anything more than 24 hours ahead.
  • Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Dustin Byfuglien (leg), Ron Hainsey (ankle), Nik Antropov (foot) and Eric Fehr (shoulder) are all questionable for tonight’s game. Defenseman Tobias Enstrom practiced with contact for the 1st time since breaking his collarbone, but he won’t play tonight.
  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek and Brian Strait returned to practice yesterday but won’t be ready for game action this week. Center Jordan Staal is day-to-day with a lower-body injury and it’s not known if he’ll be able to go tonight.
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller on forward Jeff Skinner: “As of right now I don’t think we’re going to have him.”

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment

Myers breaks wrist … Nash takes out Mason … Beleskey to waivers … Lines and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 21st, 2011

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason suffered a head injury at their morning sake. He was struck in the head with a Rick Nash shot.
  • Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau on Jay Beagle: “Last week he had a little bit of a setback, so he had to sort of start a little bit over.”
  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins lines and defensive pairings: Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis; Sullivan-Malkin-Neal; Cooke-Staal-Kennedy; Adams-Park-Asham (I think); Letang-Orpik; Martin-Z; Nisky-Engo.
  • 630ched.com: Oilers lines and defensive pairings: Ryan Smyth – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall – Sam Gagner – Ales Hemsky, Anton Lander – Shawn Horcoff – Ryan Jones, Darcy Hordichuk – Eric Belanger – Lennart Petrell, Ladislav Smid – Tom Gilbert, Theo Peckham – Jeff Petry , Taylor Chorney – Colten Teubert.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Carter-Clarkson; Pelley-Mills-Janssen; Extra: Palmieri.
  • Arthur Staple via twitter: Anders Nilsson will make his 1st NHL start tonight for the Islanders. Niederreiter and Comeau will be scratched. Ullstrom and Okposo will be in.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Sidney Crosby to return tomorrow

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 20th, 2011

TSN: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will be making his season debut tomorrow night against the Islanders.

Crosby hasn’t played since suffering a concussion last January 5th after he has hit by Lightning’s Victor Hedman.

,

3 Comments

Leafs getting offers for Franson … Kovalchuk to return … 2 to waivers … Grabovski out 2 weeks … Schenn practices … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 16th, 2011

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs have been offered a player and a 2nd round pick from an undisclosed team for defenseman Cody Franson. Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke told the Fan 590 that he’s getting “deluged with trade offers” for Franson but has no plans to deal him. Fan 590 audio: Brian Burke on the Fan.
  • Mark Spector via twitter: Spector thinks the Oilers have been calling about Maple Leafs defenseman Cody Franson. He thinks there is a trade to be made there.
  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils Ilya Kovalchuck will be back in the lineup. He’ll play RW with Zach Parise and Adam Henrique. Nick Palmieri will be on a line with Ryan Carter and David Clackson.
  • John Lu via twitter: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby won’t be playing tomorrow in Tampa Bay, but will be traveling with the team.
  • Paul Hendricks via twitter: Leafs forwards Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski are expected to miss at least 2 weeks. Matt Frattin was given a personal day today. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Coach Ron Wilson is unsure on MacArthur’s status. Leafs likely to dress 7 defenseman tomorrow against the Predators.
  • Tony Ambrogio via twitter: Maple Leafs lines at practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Connolly-Kulemin, Lombardi-Steckel-Brown, Rosehill-Dupuis.
  • Frank Seravalli via twitter: Flyers Brayden Schenn was back practicing with the team for the 1st time since fracturing his foot on Oct. 26th.
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow. There is a “minimal” chance that Ryan Malone plays, unsure on Teddy Purcell according to coach Guy Boucher.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

No Crosby this weekend … Kovalchuk could play tomorrow … Hagman to waivers … Alfredsson expects to play … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on November 10th, 2011

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk skated before practice. Coach Peter DeBoer said that he “may” join the morning skate tomorrow and might play on Friday.
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Oilers have reclaimed Taylor Chorney off waivers. The Ducks have claimed Ben Maxwell off waivers from the Jets.
  • Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Canadiens lines: Pacioretty-Plekanec-Gionta, Darche-Desharnais-Cole, Palushaj-Eller-Moen, Blunden-Nokelainen-Weber.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils tomorrow against the Capitals. He doubts he’ll play in back-to-back games.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Reimer’s mom speaks about his injury … Nabokov and Leafs ties … Markov travels with team … Mueller could return tonight … Backlund getting close

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 10th, 2011

  • Chris Botta via twitter: Botta suggests Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson could be reunited with goalie Evgeni Nabokov but wonders if the Islanders would trade a quality goalie to a team in the Eastern Conference for a draft pick or iffy prospect.
  • BD Gallof via twitter: The 2nd round pick that the Islanders may be interested in getting for Evgeni Nabokov is “likely a conversation starter or a dealmaker cost.” Gallof warns Islanders fans that Nabokov won’t yield the team an impact player, a small deal at best.
  • Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: From James Reimer’s mother on his injury:

    “He looks clear. His eyes look fine. But he says he still has that nagging headache,” Marlene said. “I think his doctor finally said, ‘Let’s take you off the ice and see if it improves.’ … I’m hoping there’ll be some good news pretty soon.”

    “That’s the frustrating part for us — not knowing what it is, and why they’re not calling it a concussion when they say ‘concussion-like symptoms,’” Marlene Reimer said. “Like, how is that not a concussion? … The initial test showed him to be clear of a concussion. But as it goes on, it’s kind of mystifying. He’s okay some days. And some days he’s definitely not okay.”

    Reimer’s mother added that he’s had “several” concussions and he suffered whiplash last season with the Marlies. His first concussion came when he was 16 years old.

  • Jesse Spector of the Sporting News: If the Blue Jackets decide to replace coach Scott Arniel, former Kings and Blues coach Andy Murray likely won’t be interested in the position as he’s happy coaching at Western Michigan. “There were NHL opportunities before, but I said no because I want to be here at Western Michigan,” Murray told Sporting News. “The Columbus one is new to me. I can’t talk to that situation, I haven’t talked to anybody from Columbus.” Former Senators coach Cory Clouston is a possible candidate for the position.
  • Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov accompanied the team on their flight to Arizona, and could begin practicing with the team. Andrei Kostitsyn and Scott Gomez are day-to-day, and could be ready to return to the lineup before the end of the week.
  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller could return tonight. He’s been out 12 games with post-concussion symptoms. He practiced on a line with Matt Duchene yesterday and will be re-evaluated this morning. JS Giguere will get the start in net. Lines at yesterday’s practice: Mueller-Duchene-Jones, Landeskog-O’Reilly-Kobasew (no Winnik), Lindstrom-Stastny-Hejduk, McLeod-Galiardi/McClement-Porter.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador was inserted on the 2nd power play unit. They are currently 5 for 57 on the man advantage. Center Dave Bolland is questionable for tonight’s game after taking a puck off the foot in their last game.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues may be offering recently fired coach Davis Payne an chance to remain in the organization and do some pro scouting.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Afternoon notes involving Crosby, Connolly, Markstrom, Alfredsson, Keith, Hemsky, Hurricanes, Blues and Devils

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 7th, 2011

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Sidney Crosby didn’t rule a Friday return date, but he didn’t suggest it’s any more likely that any other upcoming games.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes Gm Jim Rutherford said they won’t be shaking up their coaching staff but changes need to done to “strengthen our team.” The Canes are off to a 5-6-3 start. Eric Staal has just 6 points in 14 games, and is not injured according to Rutherford.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: If the Blues continue their struggling ways under new coach Ken Hitchcock, trades could be coming.

    “You’re going to see guys moved out of there,” the source said. “Those are the guys that you’re going to find out that they weren’t ready to buy into his program. He’s going to move them. Doug Armstrong is going to move them out and bring in people.”

  • Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Ken Hitchcock said he was offer the Blues head coaching position at 3 pm, and was heading to St. Louis in his car by 6:30 pm.
  • Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Oilers coach Tom Renney said that there is a “reasonable chance” that Ales Hemsky will get back in the lineup later this week.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines at practice: Parise-Henrique-Clarkson; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Carter-Palmieri; Pelley-Mills-Janssen. Rich Chere via twitter: Kovalchuk isn’t practicing today. Defenseman Andy Greene is practicing. Devils coach Peter Deboer said that Kovalchuk won’t play tomorrow unless there is a dramatic recovery overnight.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson is expected to start tomorrow against the Panthers. Luke Schenn will return to the lineup.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Grabovski could cost the Leafs … Devils looking at Gagner? Injury updates on Crosby, Keith, Hecht, Malone, Hemsky and Enstrom

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 1st, 2011

  • Mike Brophy of Sportsnet: Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski is in the final year of his contract where he earns $3.1 million, with a $2.9 million cap hit. Grabovski could easily command $4 – 4.5 million deal for 5 or 6 years. Phillippe Dupuis, John-Michael Liles and Jonas Gustavson will also be UFAs.

    “It depends on if he wants to stay in Toronto or if he wants to test the market and go to the highest bidder,” said one agent. “If he stays in Toronto he’ll probably take a little less than what he could get if he goes to another team.”

  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If Sean Avery is claimed off re-entry waivers, the new team would owe him 25%, the Rangers 25% and the Stars 50%.
  • Elliotte Freidman of CBC Sports: There were rumors that the Stars may be looking to trade Brendan Morrow, but he has a no-trade clause, and hasn’t been asked to waive it as of yet.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Oilers have a glut of centers and have moved Sam Gagner to the wing. The Devils are thin down the middle at the moment and may have already asked the Oilers about Gagner. The Oilers would reportedly want a young defensive prospect in return, possibly Matt Taormina or Alexander Urbom. They may also require a roster winger and draft pick.
  • Alan Robinson in the Globe and Mail: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby ruled himself out for this weeks games. November 11th is likely the earliest he’d return. He won’t be cleared for game action until doctors feel he can handle contact during practice. There hasn’t been much practice time for the Penguins lately.

    “It’s not just an automatic thing,” Crosby said. “To go through hitting is a big step. I just want to make sure I get through that. It’s the most important thing — however long that takes. I don’t want to get too far ahead. I just want to make sure it goes well and (I) give myself the best chance to handle it.”

  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres have put Jochen Hecht on the IR.

    “We’ve shut Jochen down at different times,” Ruff said. “If the doctors feel it’s best to shut him down for a period of time, we’ll shut him down. It’s really in their hands. It isn’t up to our medical staff, and it isn’t up to Jochen. We’re under some guidance, and we’ve got to trust what our people are telling us.”

  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Lightning forward Ryan Malone had X-rays on his upper body injury after Saturday’s game against the Jets, which were negative. He’s day-to-day and may not play tonight against the Hurricanes.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky could return in a week, and the Oilers will have to figure out what to do with Linus Omark, who’s been a healthy scratch for 5 consecutive games. He would have to clear waivers since he’s played over 60 games. The Hurricanes are looking for forwards.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

9 Comments

Schenn breaks foot … Crosby out for weekend … Carter doubtful for weekend … Devils lines … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on October 27th, 2011

  • Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Kovalchuk-Parise-Palmieri; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Tedenby-Henrique-Clarkson; Mills-Carter-Janssen. Defensive pairings: Greene-Fayne; Salvador-Volchenkov; Tallinder-Larsson; Fraser an extra
  • NY Islanders via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will start in net for the Islanders tonight against the Penguins. Rick DiPietro will be the back up. Defenseman Milan Jurcina is out.
  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Jonas Hiller will start in net for the Ducks. Dan Ellis might get the start on Sunday in Columbus.
  • Jason Gregor via twitter: Nikolai Khabibulin will start in net for the Oilers. Devan Dubnyk will start in net tomorrow in Colorado.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Crosby feels he’s close … Habs and Lightning looking for Dman … Jets could show interest in Bourque … Reimer and Backes injured … Duchene on 4th line

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 23rd, 2011

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby considers himself close to returning, but that doesn’t mean he’ll play in the next couple games.

    “I need to get in some contact, more than just one bump in a morning skate,” Crosby said. “It’s got to be a few days of that. Whenever we can get some of those days together — and, hopefully, I’ll respond well to that — then I’ll be much closer than I am right now.”

  • Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Evgeni Malkin missed his 5th straight game last night. He’s skated the past 2 days without any pain, and the Penguins believe he’ll be back soon. He’s been having issues with lingering scar tissue in his right knee. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek left in the 3rd period of last night’s game and they are unsure of the severity.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Canadiens have no idea when Andrei Markov will return. Unhappy with the with the way they’ve been playing, GM Pierre Gauthier may be willing to trade Andrei Kostitsyn to bring in some help. Kostitsyn will be a free agent after the season and is making $3.25 million. Kostitsyn is inconsistent but it might bring the team a veteran defenseman. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is also looking to add a defenseman. The Blue Jackets were rumored to have offered Steve Mason and Jakub Voracek to the Flyers for Mike Richards before the Jeff Carter deal was made. Flyers winger Scott Hartnell will have a cap hit of $4.2 million for the next 2 years and finds himself on the 3rd line. Coyotes aren’t shopping RFA holdout Kyle Turris but they are getting calls. Don’t be surprised if the Jets show interest in Flames Rene Bourque as they need help up front. The Canucks aren’t trying to trade defenseman Keith Ballard.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer left last night’s game after the 1st period. He was hit in the head by Brian Gionta and suffered “whiplash-type symptoms” according to coach Ron Wilson. “This early in the season, we didn’t want to risk it,” Wilson said of keeping Reimer in the room the rest of the night. “It was clearly an elbow to the head. I don’t know if you’d call it a head shot, but when you knock the goalie’s mask off …”
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers coach Tom Renny talked to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins about the comments on made on Friday about sitting RNH down. Renny didn’t tell him if he’ll remain with the team for the season. Matheson via twitter: Nugent-Hopkins swears he hasn’t been told if he’ll play past 9 games this year. Taylor Hall was told after 4 games last year that he’d be staying.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators Matt Carkner and Bobby Butler practiced with the team but both are a “still a distance away” from getting back in the lineup. Peter Regin re-injured his shoulder on Thursday and they are awaiting a prognosis from the doctors.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: After only registering 1 goal and 3 assists in 7 games, Avalanche center Matt Duchene found himself centering the 4th line of Jay McClement and Cody McLeod last night. He only played 11:35 minutes.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Penguins and Oilers injury and lineup notes … Sens and Devils lines … Perron practicing … More starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 20th, 2011

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Taylor Hall missed Tuesday’s game with the flu, but should be ready for tonight. Jordan Eberle was seen with a walking boot on, but will be in the lineup tonight. Sam Gagner, who has been out with a sprained ankle, might be ready for tonight but Saturday against the Rangers is more likely.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Zubrus; Kovalchuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Sykora-Clarkson; Boulton/Pelley-Mills-Janssen. Defensive pairings and goalies: Greene-Larsson; Tallinder-Fayne; Salvador-Volchenkov; Fraser. Goalies: Hedberg, Kinkaid.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Flyers in no rush to call up Schenn … Doughty to IR … Hemsky resting for 2-3 weeks … Kesler skating hard … Some starting goalies tonight

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 17th, 2011

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers are in no hurry to bring Brayden Schenn up from the AHL as he’s refining his game and there is a logjam on their roster. “When it’s the right time, he’ll be here,” general manager Paul Holmgren said on Sunday. “He’ll continue to play for the Phantoms for a little bit, anyway. I’m not sure, lineup-wise, where he’d fit in with the Flyers right now.” Blair Betts was placed on LTIR. Zac Rinaldo could be sent down when Jody Shelley finishes his 5 games suspension. They would have just enough cap space to recall Schenn at that point. If/when they do recall him, he could place him on the 3rd line with Sean Couturier and move Matt Read to the 4th line. It appears that Courturier will stick with the Flyers for the year.
  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings have put Drew Doughty on the IR. He’s expected to be out 7 to 10 days with a shoulder injury. The Kings have recalled Slava Voynov from the AHL.
  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Ales Hemsky will be resting his sore right shoulder for 2 to 3 weeks. It does not involve the labrum that was repaired last March. Ben Eager is expected to play his first game this week. Ryan Whitney should be returning soon too.
  • Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler skated hard yesterday for an hour without teammates. It’s not known exactly when he’ll return, but he is entering the 10 to 12 week window.

    “It’s smart for me to take my time now and let everything heal. I’m not a guy who plays on the perimeter, I want to get in there and battle. I’m getting closer but obviously I still feel it [hip] at times out there — just certain movements I don’t feel comfortable doing yet. I’m not going to come back until I feel comfortable or I’m 100 per cent.”

    Oct. 26th or Oct. 28th could be possible dates.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Crosby cleared for contact … Connolly injury update … No surgery for Markov … Erat to IR … Salak and Atkinson to AHL … Strome to OHL

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on October 13th, 2011

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby confirms he’s been cleared for full contact. How he responds to the contact will determine when he’ll be cleared to play. Bob McKenzie via twitter: “Given rate at which Crosby recovery has moved, no guarantee at all that game action is imminent, but that won’t stop the speculation.”
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Tim Connolly says he may not be day-to-day anymore, “I have to give it time.” Mirtle guesses at least another week. Darren Dreger via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke admits that Connolly’s injury is worse than initially thought, but does expect him back soon. Terry Koshan via twitter: Connolly on his upper-body injury: “Whether it is a week or two weeks before I am playing, I could not tell you.”

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

Afternoon notes on re-alignment, Stars, Malkin, Crosby, Salak, Crawford, Nystrom, Carter, Fisher, Flyers, Caps, Devils, Canes and “Shannabusiness” video

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 12th, 2011

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bob McKenzie is reporting that the Red Wings are likely moving to the Eastern Conference next year, with the easiest replacement being the Jets. The Stars and Wild are looking to change divisions. The Stars are playing in a division that is out of their time zone. The Wild would like to replace the Wings in the Central. Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis were a combined 1 for 17 in the shootout last year, so it’s not a surprise that they weren’t used on Monday night. With Avery’s demotion and Adam Pardy coming off the IR soon, the Stars will be $300,000 under the salary floor. GM Joe Nieuwendyk has been working the phones, likely for a forward since they are carrying 8 defenseman.
  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Evgeni Malkin missed his 2nd straight game with a “soreness” according to coach Dan Bylsma. “We do not think it’s a long-term thing, other than just being sore at this point in time,” Bylsma said. Sidney Crosby will have a medical evaluation sometime this week. It’s a routine check-up, but it’s possible he’ll get clearance for contact.
  • Tracey Myers via twitter: The Blackhawks have recalled goalie Alex Salak, Cory Crawford has a groin injury. Update 2:50 pm: Tim Sassone via twitter: Crawford’s groin is okay, missed practice with another issue. Ray Emery has the flu.
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson is expected to start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Islanders. Mattias Ritola should be in the lineup.
  • Iain MacIntyre via twitter: Flyers probable lines: Voracek-Briere-Simmonds; vanRiemsdyk-Giroux-Jagr; Read-Couturier-Hartnell; Rinaldo-Talbot-Nodl.
  • Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals lines at practice: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Brouwer; Semin-Johansson-Knuble; King/Chimera-Laich-Ward; Hendricks-Halpern/Perreault-Beagle.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Elias-Sykora; Kovlachuk-Josefson-Palmieri; Tedenby-Zubrus-Clarkson; Pelley-Mills-Janssen; Boulton, Henrique.
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes lines: Skinner-Staal-LaRose, Poni-Jokinen-Ruutu, Tlusty-Sutter-Dwyer, Stewart-Brent-Dalpe.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Stepan-Richards-Gaborik (1st time); Dubi-Anisimov-(was Cally), Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Christensen-Zuccarello

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No Comments

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).”

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

6 Comments

Looking at legal action against Cherry … Crosby could be cleared for contact … Stars may need to add to get to floor … Kadri healing quickly

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 11th, 2011

  • James Mirtle via twitter: Stu Grimson, Chris Nilan and Jim Thomson are “considering further recourse” against Don Cherry. “Cherry’s comments were … baseless and slanderous.” Josh Cooper via twitter: Stu Grimson: “Further recourse does include an investigation into what legal recourse might be available to this group.”
  • Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: Rangers defenseman is still receiving treatment for a his headaches and likely won’t be with the team this week. Tortorella received word on Saturday that Staal was “feeling good.” Asked if he’s prepared for a long-term Staal absence, Tortorella said: “I don’t know if you prepare that way. We just – whoever’s out there practicing, we’re preparing. And if someday Marc comes in and he’s there, we’re gonna prepare him the best we can to play a game.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: So with Sean Avery’s salary cap number not counting against the Dallas Stars cap number while he’s on the AHL, it may require them to add someone to make sure they don’t fall below the cap floor. The new player they add may have to make $1.2 million or more. Winger Tomas Vincour is only at $800,000 so he may have to move to the AHL for a more expensive player. Some free agents GM Joe Nieuwendyk could look at: Mike Grier, John Madden, Sergei Samsonov, Steve Bernier, Chris Clark, and Michael Nylander.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund will be out for up to a month as he’ll be having arthroscopic surgery on both knees today. He’s already on the IR, and hasn’t skated since Sept. 29th. “I’m going to say four to six weeks, but it really depends on how he feels, so it could be before that,” Yzerman said. The Lightning already have 7 healthy defenseman on the roster so it’s unlikely they look to acquire someone.
  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings power play is 0 for 9 to start the season, so they’ll try Jiri Hudler on the wing during Thursday’s game against the Canucks.
  • Eric Stephenson of the OC Register: Recently acquired Kyle Cumiskey is expected to head to the Ducks AHL team. Goalie Jeff Deslauriers and winger Brian McGrattan need to clear waivers before they can head to Syracuse.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs forward Nazem Kadri is recovering quickly, “The little bastard is back faster than I was led to believe,” Wilson said. Kadri suffered a knee injury in late September and may find himself playing for the Marlies for a bit to shed some rust. He was expected to be out 3 to 4 weeks, but is back on the ice after only 2.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

3 Comments

RNH makes the Oilers … Pens cut roster, put Crosby and 4 others on IR … Roster notes for the Blackhawks, Isles, Preds, Sharks and Leafs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on October 4th, 2011

  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will start the season with the Oilers. RNH was skating with Ales Hemskyand Taylor Hall.

    “Ryan will start the season with us,” said Renney. “We all understand the parameters there that he can operate within before we have to make a real concrete decision. Again, we’ll do it a game at a time, but he has had a very good camp.”

    When Sam Gagne returns from injury, Anton Lander could be sent to the AHL. Lennart Petrell could be the casualty when Ben Eager returns from a concussion.

  • Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins have their roster set at 23 players. They sent Alexandre Picard, Brian Strait and Jason Williams to the AHL, Joe Morrow to back junior, and put Sidney Crosby (concussion), Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Nick Petersen (concussion), Robert Bortuzzo (knee) and Boris Valabik (knee) on the IR. Defenseman Brooks Orpik could be close to returning.
  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks cut their roster to 27 yesterday by sending Jimmy Hayes, Marcus Kruger, Peter LeBlanc and Brandon Pirri and  Dylan Olsen to the AHL. They have 16 forwards, 8 defenseman and 3 goalies still in camp. Viktor Stalberg will likely be put on the IR. Jeremy Morin and Philippe Paradis are possible candidates to be sent to the AHL.
  • Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: The Islanders placed both Nino Niederreiter and Trevor Gillies on the IR with groin strains. Niederreiter was expected to make the team, and not be heading back to junior. He had been playing on the top line with John Tavares and Matt Moulson. The Isles still have 26 players on their roster. Jay Pandolfo is still in camp on an invite.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators forward Mike Fisher practiced with teammates for the first time yesterday after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Fisher did say that he won’t be ready for the season opener, and has not been cleared for contact yet. Defenseman Ryan Ellis was assigned to Milwaukee of the AHL so he can better understand the pro game. The Preds put Kyle Wilson on waivers.
  • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks assigned Justin Braun, Benn Ferriero and John McCarthy to Worcester of the AHL. Goalie Antti Niemi is looking like he’ll be able to go for the season opener. The Sharks still have 28 players on their camp roster, Antero Niittymaki and James Sheppard will be put the IR, leaving 3 moves that will have to be made.
  • Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Matt Ducheneis entering the final year of his entry level deal, and is likely to get a nice raise.

    “If I take care of business, that’s a reward. That’s not something that you aim for. It’s not a destination. It’s a byproduct,” he said matter of factly.

    Duchene has 1 more point in his short career than Islanders John Tavares, who recently signed a 6 year, $33 million deal. Duchene agent, Pat Brisson (Tavares’ agent as well), hasn’t talked extension with the Avalanche yet.

  • James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs center Tim Connolly is 50/50 for the season opener. Matthew Lombardi will start the year on the 4th line. Kevin McGran via twitter: Leafs defenseman Cody Franson will be the teams 7th defenseman to start the season.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

7 Comments