Posts Tagged Simon Gagne
State of the Los Angeles Kings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2012
Here is the 2nd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.
Written by Dennis Bernstein of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @DennisTFP
Needs: Nothing but a scorer will do. Although ranked last in offense, Los Angeles is in the top eight in the West due to the stellar work by goaltender Jonathan Quick, the team’s clear cut MVP. With 20 of the Kings final 32 games on the road, their margin for error is miniscule and they must deal for a top six finishing forward in order to qualify for the post season. With the heat on GM Dean Lombardi from ownership to win now, he will likely have to broker a blockbuster along the line of the Mike Richards trade to overcome the lack of production from Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll, a natural center shuttled to the wing on the second line but unproductive.
In order to bring back a player of that caliber, the Kings will have to deal from their strength, defense and goaltending with Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier the assets being offered to the market. While they’d take a producer on either wing, the gaping hole that exists on the left side has not been filled since the departure of Ryan Smyth over the summer. They have over $ 3 million of cap space availability, so to bring in a high priced player for half a season is doable even without a roster player departing. Injured Simon Gagne is not close to being ready and there is increasing talk that he will be landing on Long Term Injured Reserve prior to the deadline for further cap relief. There is some chatter of interest in New Jersey’s Zach Parise given the Devils reported precarious financial standing but the cost of Dustin Brown and Bernier may only occur if Kings drop out of the top eight in the next month.
Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter and Schenn … Red Wings eye Parise … Oils like Ellis … Green out 4-6 weeks … Ribeiro to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2012
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk:
“If we continue on our road and we’re healthy, we’ll certainly look at doing something prior to the trade deadline and, at the very least, we’ll be looking at doing something.
“But a lot also has to do with not screwing around with a good thing,” he said, noting the players are pleased with their current situation.
“But if they are behind it, this is the one time you let the players speak and they’ll tell you in a heartbeat, yeah, we need this and we need that and that’s it.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: (mailbag) Oilers forward Ben Eager could get some interest at the trade deadline. He has 2 years left on his deal at $1.1 million.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Frustrated Sabres goalie Ryan Miller: “We’ve got to find it from in here. We can’t sit and wait for somebody else to (bleeping) do it.” and “Do you guys really think there’s any kind of trade made … that’s going to affect this team any more than we can affect it … ?”
- Sportsnet.ca: According to a report from Bruce Garrioch, if the Blue Jackets decide to replace GM Scott Howson, former Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is a possible replacement.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Flyers continue to monitor Predators defenseman Ryan Suter. James van Riemsdyk could have been a piece, but he is currently out with a concussion. He has a muscle tear in his abdomen and has a hip that will require surgery this offseason. Would the Flyers consider moving Brayden Schenn as Sean Couturier may have passed him on the depth chart? They have their 1st round pick in play and possibly blueline prospect Marc-Andre Bourdon. A condition on a Suter deal would be for him to sign a long-term deal before July 1st. The Flyers like a Luke Schenn for James van Riemsdyk deal if they can’t land Suter. His concussion could put things on hold for now. The Lightning won’t be buyers at the deadline, but they’ll be taking offers on UFAs like Dominic Moore. GM Yzerman won’t look for a goalie now, and may wait for the offseaon and look at Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier or Cory Schneider. Matheson says the Red Wings could be interested in Zach Parise this summer. They have the cap space to offer him a 5 year deal at a $8.25 million cap hit. The Penguins could use a guy like Tuomu Ruutu. The Oilers would love to get Predators dman Ryan Ellis. The Preds would be willing to move Jonathan Blue as he’s fallen out of favor.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman will be out 4 to 6 weeks as he will undergo abdominal surgery. He’ll have the surgery today to hopefully repair damage from his now-chronic groin issue.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby said late last week that he is still experiencing some trouble with motion and balance, will see a concussion specialist in chiropractic neurology. Crosby didn’t suffer any setbacks after skating on Friday and Saturday.
- Dallas Morning News: The Stars have put center Mike Ribeiro on the IR with a lower body injury.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: There is no update on Kings winger Simon Gagne. He’s been out since Dec. 26th with a concussion. He is not doing any hockey activity, nor is he with the team.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore should be back this week on the road.
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.
Wilson gets 1 year extension … Flyers injuries … Whitney has tendinitis … Gagne injured … Carcillo close … Smith-Pelly breaks foot
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 27th, 2011
- Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail: Ron Wilson’s contract extension with the Maple Leafs is only for 1 year.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen has been dealing with chronic back pain. Forward James van Riemsdyk is said to have a “cam impingement in his hip” and a ‘banged up” knee. Sources say that he could require offseason surgery on the hip. Daniel Briere expects to be able to go tonight.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney missed 47 games last year after dislocating a tendon in his right ankle, and has missed 18 games this year with ankle issues, now has tendinitis in the surgically repaired ankle. He missed yesterday’s game but could be ready for Thursday.
Tom Renny: “The ankle has been a little bit weak because he’s pushing himself to get back to where he wants to be and it’s inevitable that there’s some residual pain there. He’s developed the tendinitis because he’s pushed it. We’re being safe. On the heels of the Christmas break, if we can give him five or six days off, I think it’ll help him a lot.”
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings winger Simon Gagne did not return for the 3rd period last night and will be evaluated today.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks forward Daniel Carcillo skated yesterday for the 1st time in days. He suffered an upper-body injury (or a possible concussion) on Dec. 14th. He’s missed the last 5 games, but could be ready to return once he gets his conditioning back. He hopes to play tomorrow against the Kings.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward T.J. Oshie will miss 2 games due to a ligament injury in his left wrist. They expect him to return on Friday.
- Washington Post: Capitals center Mathieu Perreault went to the hospital with an upper-body injury last night. He stayed overnight in Buffalo and will return to Washington today. He was injured in the 3rd when his stick got stuck in the boards and jammed into his midsection.
- Gord Miller via twitter: World Junior Championship players by NHL team: Ana: 6 Bos: 2 Buf: 2 Cgy: 3 Car: 2 Chi: 6 Col: 1 CBJ: 5 Dal: 4 Det: 4 Edm: 4 Fla: 7 LA: 3 Min: 6 Mtl: 4 Nas: 2 NJ: 2 NYI: 2 NYR: 1 Ott: 4 Phi: 0 Phx: 3 Pit: 3 StL: 3 SJ: 1 TB: 4 Tor: 1 Van: 1 Was: 1 Wpg: 2.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks prospect Devante Smith-Pelly broke a bone in his foot during Canada’s victory over Finland yesterday at the WJC. He’ll be out 4-6 weeks.
Murray out, Stevens in, and who could be next? Isles not looking to move goalie … Kadri being scouted … Murray talks Filatov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on December 13th, 2011
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings have fired Terry Murray. John Stevens will be their 23rd head coach, but on an interim basis.
“The challenge for a coach as well as players when you have expectations it’s driven more to results. It’s harder, at times, to look for those victories within losses. That’s just the state of the franchise right now,” Lombardi said from Boston, where he flew Monday to deliver the news to Murray at the team’s hotel.
The Kings are only averaging 2.24 goals per game, even with the additions of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne this summer. Richards is now hurt. Drew Doughty hasn’t put up the offensive numbers yet. Dustin Penner only has 2 goals, Justin Williams with 4. Anze Kopitar has been streaky. The 3rd and 4th lines haven’t established identities.
- Steven Marcus of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow has said he isn’t looking to move any of his 3 goaltenders. He did express some urgency in turning things around for a playoff run. Evgeni Nabokov is getting close to returning from his 2nd groin injury. Rick DiPietro has a similar problem, no timeline on when he’ll be back.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Tony Granato has lots of ties to the Kings front office. GM Lombardi also likes Darryl Sutter. Lombardi blamed the players for the firing of Murray. One GM on why teams may not be calling a concussion, a ‘concussion’ right away: “That word is so negative right now, teams just want to stay away from it…Behind the scenes, I’m sure these players are getting proper treatment. But every story you hear about concussions is so bad that I think they’re worried about the effect it has on players and media.” Friedman thinks a Oilers may have to send Magnus Paajarvi to the AHL soon. Maple Leafs prospect Nazem Kadri appears to be getting scouted hard, and could become a trade chip soon.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Pagnotta notes that Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is still looking to deal, but he may not have the final say.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning have signed free agent forward Antti Miettinen to a 2 year deal worth $1.5 million per season. He gets a $500,000 signing bonus an a no-movement clause. He must clear waivers first since he appeared in a European league this year.
- Bryan Murray Audio: Senators GM Murray talks about Nikita Filatov heading back to Russia.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets tonight against the Canucks.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Richard Bachman will start in net for the Stars tonight against the Rangers.
Avery clears waivers … Johansen staying … Sabres PP lines … Devils lines … Briere and Read out Wednesday … Green not practicing
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on November 1st, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Sean Avery has cleared re-entry waivers. Trevor Gillies (NYI) and DJ King (WAS) also clear waivers. The Penguins place Boris Valabik on waivers.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Blue Jackets forward Ryan Johansen will stick with the team and won’t be sent back to the WHL.
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild have taken Marek Zidlicky off the 1st power play unit tonight, with Jared Spurgeon replacing him.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres power play units: Boyes-Vanek-Pominville, with Myers-Roy; and Stafford-Leino-Adam, with Leopold-Ehrhoff.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Kovalchuk-Parise-Clarkson; Tedenby-Henrique-Palmieri; Boulton-Carter-Janssen; Extras: Pelley, Mills. Defensive pairings: Tallinder-Larsson; Greene-Fayne; Salvador-Volchenkov. Extra: Fraser.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is out another 5-7 weeks.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers forwards Daniel Briere and Matt Read will not play on Wednesday.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Sounding like Kings winger Simon Gagne will be in the lineup Thursday against the Oilers.
- Mike Vogel via twitter: Capitals Jay Beagle has been put on the IR. Katie Carrera via twitter: Capitals Mike Green not practicing with team, but skated before without pads.
NHL Free Agent tracker for July 2nd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 2nd, 2011
| Players | Old Team | New Team | Contract Notes |
| Rick Rypien | Canucks | Jets | 1 year, $700,000 |
| Kent Huskins | Sharks | Blues | 1 year, $1 million |
| Randy Jones | Lightning | Jets | 1 year, $1.15 million |
| Tomas Vokoun | Panthers | Capitals | 1 year, $1.5 million |
| Ian White | Sharks | WIngs | 2 years, $5.75 million |
| Alec Bolduc | Canucks | Coyotes | 1 year , $575,000 |
| Simon Gagne | Lightning | Kings | 2 years, $7 million |
| Anthony Stewart | Jets | Hurricanes | 2 years, $1.8 million |
| Tim Connolly | Sabres | Leafs | 2 years, $9.5 million |
| Nolan Baumgartner | Canucks | Canucks | 1 year, $525,000 |
| Chris Bourque | Capitals | 1 year, $1 million | |
| Matt Gilroy | Rangers | Lightning | 1 year , $1.4 million |
| Brad Richards | Stars | Rangers | 9 years, $60 million |
Richards update … Lightning have plenty of free agents to deal with … All quiet in Leafland … Jets, Wings, Sens, Hurricanes, Caps and Flyers rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times during this Entry Draft weekend in Minnesota: “[Brad] Richards told [X] he wants to come to New York.”
And this, too: “Slats [general manager Glen Sather] is going to blow his brains out to sign Richards.”
Brooks thinks a front loaded ($11 million) $32.5 million for 5 years should be enough. Richards is coming off a concussion, but is worth the risk.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will be busy this week. Steven Stamkos will be an RFA on July 1st if a deal isn’t struck by then. Speculation grows that Stamkos may not be back in with the Lightning, the longer remains unsigned, though it is an unlikely scenario. An offer sheet could cost 4 1st round draft picks. Yzerman did meet with Stamkos’s agent at the draft, and will talk again this week. Yzerman will also speak with Dwayne Roloson’s agent.
“I’ve been in touch with virtually everybody’s agent, everybody will travel (Sunday) and get settled in to their offices and we’ll get back on the phone this week,” Yzerman said. “I’m optimistic, I believe that we will get things accomplished. We were able to get Eric (Brewer’s) done this week and we’ll chip away at our restricted guys and go from there.”
The Lightning have 14 players that they could send qualifying offers to, which must be done today. They may look at goaltending during free agency if Roloson doesn’t re-sign. Sean Bergenheim may sign elsewhere. Simon Gagne and Adam Hall are unlikely to return. The Lightning may be looking for a top 6, possibly Brad Richards.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: All is quiet from Brian Burke and team management with regards to their interest in Brad Richards. The Rangers, Flyers and Leafs are all expected to take a long look at signing the 31 year old free agent. Richards suggested after the season that he might take a discount to head back to Tampa Bay. Richards is likely looking for an 8 year deal in the $7 million range, which may be more than Burke would want to go. Burke believes that winger Matt Frattin may be able to make Leafs next fall.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had a few trade discussions with his former boss Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, but nothing materialized.
“Stan and I chatted on a couple of things, but Stan had some big things on the go that were maybe a little bit not in the direction I was looking at at this point in time,” said Cheveldayoff. “We had some good conversations, they gave me some good support along the way and we had a good couple of laughs.
“We’ll have to wait for our first Chicago-Winnipeg deal.”
Cheveldayoff had some “feeling out” discussions with other teams. Cheveldayoff wouldn’t comment if they were one of the teams interested in Mike Richards. One report was saying the Flyers were looking at a package of Evander Kane, the 7th overall pick and possibly Alexander Burmistrov.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland would like to add a top 4 calibre defenseman and possibly a backup goalie. Jaromir Jagr remains a possibility for the Red Wings and Penguins, but neither team wants to give him a huge salary. Holland is “in the same ballpark” with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, and are getting closer to a deal. Negotiations with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller aren’t going as smoothly. Kris Draper and Chris Osgood’s days as a Red Wing could hinge on how the free agency period plays out.
- Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $20 million in cap space, but won’t be going after a Brad Richards or Kevin Bieksa or Dwayne Roloson. If the price is right, Baines thinks the Senators should go after Zenon Konopka. If Brooks Laich is wanting 4-5 years at $3.5 million, that may be too pricey.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford met with the agents for Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen in the past week, and that “I’m at the point now that I do have hope that we’re going to be able to sign both players,” he says.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks there is “definitely a shot” that the Flyers will try to sign Brooks Laich. The Flyers have interest in Brad Richards but he could get a bigger deal elsewhere. Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, and Eric Cole are just a few of the possible replacements if Ville Leino walks.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Capitals have placed Tyler Sloan on waivers.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals.
Sharp could have extension this summer … Lightning-Brewer close … Winnipeg Jets? … Flyers looking to move up in draft … Richards could be looking for 8/$50-55 million
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 24th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has met with Patrick Sharp’s agent. Sharp is a UFA after next season, both sides agreed to talk again in a few weeks. The Blackhawks are confident that they can get a contract extension done with Sharp this summer.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Lightning and Eric Brewer are closing in on a 4 year deal worth $16 million.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Maple Leafs source saying there is nothing imminent at the moment.
- Dean Molberg (Fan 960) via twitter: “Rumors in Minny suggest True North has bowed to public pressure and will go with Winnipeg Jets after all.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Winnipeg to announce team name before making the 7th overall pick. Michael Traikos via twitter: Mark Chipman hinted that Winnipeg team name will be unveiled at draft, but they may not have a jersey. Update: Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger has a strong belief that Winnipeg team will be named the Manitoba Jets. Dreger corrects: “Secret is out. Wpg Jets returns.”
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Panaccio thinks that Lavy may prefer winger Erik Cole over Brad Richards on July 1st.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers have been “absolutely drooling” over Gabriel Landeskog, and may be interested in moving up. Florida #3 could be the spot they would need to jump to. Seravalli thinks that Kris Versteeg and the #8 pick would be enough. If the Flyers aren’t able to move and they keep the pick, look for them to draft a defenseman, maybe Dougie Hamilton or Ryan Murphy. Brad Richards most likely won’t end up in Philadelphia. Seravalli reports that Steven Stamkos “isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.” The more people he talks to, the more it sounds like it could be a possibility. The Flyers may have a deal in place with Ville Leino before leaving the draft this weekend.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks maybe making RFA Troy Brower available.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brad Richards (31) could be looking for a 8 year deal in the $50-$55 million range, and could grow if a bidding war starts.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein thinks Gagne and Jokinen could be on the Kings radar.
Lemieux speaks with Jagr … Kings maybe looking for a LWer … Smyth to CAL or EDM … Kings may go after the other Richards … Leafs looking to deal
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 24th, 2011
We will continue to post rumors and trades all day long, so check back often for more Draft and Trade rumblings.
- Josh Yole of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Mario Lemieux came away encourage from his talk with Jaromir Jagr. The Pens haven’t made an offer to Jagr, and are unsure if he’d take less money then he may get elsewhere. Detroit could offer more money. Jagr can’t sign anywhere until July 1st as it’s a “blackout period” now as stipulated in the CBA. Sources are saying Pens GM Ray Shero may not want to pay more than $1 million for Jagr.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The LA Kings left wing wish list could line up like: Eric Cole, Simon Gagne, Ryan Malone, Alex Tanguay, and Cory Stillman.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames are interested in trading for Ryan Smyth, though their level of interest isn’t known. If they don’t think they can get Alex Tanguay signed, they would have a hole on the left wing and would have a “net presence on the powerplay.” Maybe the Kings would take Ales Kotalik and his $3 million, could bury him in the minors.
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Ryan Smyth asked to be moved close to home. Kings GM Lombardi is down to 2 teams, started with 3. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Kings had more trade talks with the Flames and Oilers yesterday about Smyth, he’s going to end up in Alberta.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: If the Kings are able to move out Ryan Smyth, don’t rule a them making a move for Brad Richards.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A high draft pick will likely be packaged with Ryan Smyth in any trade to accommodate taking on his contract.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t look like the Ottawa Senators will be able to move up from the #6 spot in tonight’s draft.
“We’ve been asked if we’d be willing to move a player with a pick rather than two picks,” Murray told The Team 1200. “It depends on the player. I think one team did ask about a little Swedish defenceman (Erik Karlsson) and the sixth overall and it was politely declined. There are lots of ideas out there that we don’t agree with and there will be lots of offers. You just have to pick the right one.
“I can see us moving two picks for sure, if not three, but I believe the price for moving up for one pick is usually two picks, not three picks. That’s what it has been in the past. I could see us moving a couple of picks. We could be talking about (keeping) eight or nine picks, but we could be talking 11. I would guess that we would probably trade two picks.”
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Brian Burke,
“I’ve got lots of lines in the water,” the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager said. “But I have no idea what’s going to happen.”
The Maple Leafs are trying to land a #1 center or move up in the draft. They have the #25, #30, and #39 picks but they are not enough to get close to the top 5 picks. He may not be that interested in moving the #25 pick to get “to the teens” as picks from #10 to around #26 are not much different in quality. Burke couldn’t answer questions regarding whether he was in on Mike Richards and/or Jeff Carter as it would violate NHL tampering rules. Darren Dreger reported that the Flyers called about Nazem Kadri and Nikolai Kulemin but never got to Burke (see one of yesterday’s posts for a little more info on it).
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke wants to see if winger Clarke MacArthur is a one year wonder before giving him a long-term deal, “The problem is I’m not prepared to commit to a long-term contract for a player who really had one productive year.”It would seem that negotiations for the RFA have come to a halt.
“Putting a value on that is not easy either. That’s why we haven’t been able to sign him. It’s not that he’s being unreasonable, it’s just ‘What is he?’
“Is he a 70-point player or is he a 35-point player where he has been most of his career, so I’m not surprised we’re having a difficult time arriving at a value.”
Burke on RFA Luke Schenn,
“There doesn’t appear to be any urgency on that one from their side,” Burke said of negotiations with Schenn’s camp. “They’ll probably wait and see if other teams sign contracts that they think might help them.”
- CP in the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed Andrei Markov to a 3 year, $17.25 million deal, a $5.75 million cap hit.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov’s contract breakdown: “$10M, $6.5M, $8M, $6M, $6M,, $5.5M, $5.5M $2.25M, $1.25M.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Robyn Regehr was going to sleep on the proposed trade that would send him to Buffalo. He’s already spoken with Darcy Regier and Terry Pegula.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Sources are saying Chris Pronger will be offered the Flyers captaincy.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Max Talbot rejected a 3 year offer from the Penguins last week. It’s believed to be a “slight” decrease in pay from his previous $1.05 million salary, possibly in the $800,000 range. If Talbot is going to take a reduction in pay, he may be wanting a 4 year deal.
Blues may be shutout for UFA’s … Jackets dangling #8 … Richards rumors … Flyers should go after Thomas again … Leafs were in on Erixon
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 6th, 2011
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Jeremy Rutherford notes that until the Blues are sold or new investors are brought in, they can’t afford a “legitimate” free agent goal scorer. With the free agent crop a little week, Blues fans shouldn’t expect them to be as active as they may like. Dan O’Neill doesn’t think a goal scorer is the Blues biggest off-season need. Andy Strickland thinks the Blues could explore the trade market. They would have to shed some salary if they were to take on a player like Paul Stastny.
- Larry Brooks of USA Today: Brad Richards will likely be looking for a long term deal at $7+ million a season, which may be more than the Rangers want to do. Richards may take less to return to Tampa. The Rangers could look at Jason Spezza who has 3 years at a $7 million cap hit, though he has a no-trade clause and the Sens may want too much in return. Stephen Weiss will also draw the Rangers interest. The Rangers were interested in Patrick Sharp last year, but he may not be available and/or would require a lot. Brandon Dubinsky wants a multi-year deal at $4.5 million per season.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The scouting department for the Columbus Blues Jackets is likely to be completely reconfigured after the draft at the end of the month. Most of their scouts contracts expire at the end of the month, and their contracts haven’t been renewed. If the Blues Jackets are going to trade their 8th overall pick at this year’s draft, don’t rule out the Flyers as an interested partner. Both GM’s have talked on and off since early last year.
- Chuck Gormley of the Delco Times: Gormley thinks the Flyers should go after Tim Thomas again this off-season. Over a year ago the Bruins wanted Jeff Carter in return for Thomas. Both teams don’t have a lot of free cap space. The Flyers could send Matt Carle and his $3.4 million salary but it would take more. They don’t have a 1st or 2nd round pick this year. Gormley thinks Carle and Kris Versteeg could get the deal done.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Could the Tampa Bay Lightning fit Brad Richards in even though they need to re-sign RFA Steven Stamkos and possibly UFA Eric Brewer? The Lightning have $38.37 million tied up in 11 players and buyouts. Free agents they may want to re-sign are Sean Bergenheim, Teddy Purcell, Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith. Yzerman could also make some trades to free up some salary. If Simon Gagne would take a nice pay cut from the $5.25 million he made last season, they may be more willing to re-sign him. If they don’t re-sign Gagne, they could use that money towards Richards.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: If the dollar amount and term get out of hand for Brad Richards, Stephen Weiss could be plan B for the NY Rangers. The Red Wings could be an option for Richards if he’s interested in a short-term, cap friendly number. The Rangers, Kings and Leafs will likely be offering more.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Herald: According to Maple Leafs source, they were in on Tim Erixon trade talks with the Flames before he was traded to the NY Rangers. Francis thinks the Sharks should go after UFA Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa is “most apt” to take a hometown discount to remain with the Canucks. Christian Ehrhoff will likely go after the most money, and it’s unlikely the Bruins will want to re-sign Tomas Kaberle.
Winnipeg press conference for 11 am Central, 12 pm Eastern … Lightning off-season notes … Panthers sign Skille
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on May 31st, 2011
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: An announcement will be made at 11 am Central time regarding the Thrashers move to Winnipeg, pending Board of Governor’s approval. Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: NHL network is carrying the press conference at 11 am Central, 12 pm Eastern. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Winnipeg will play out of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference next season, and realignment will happen the year after. No decision on team name yet, ownership may be moving away from the “Jets” name, but public support for “Jets” is only reason they may be still undecided.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Christian Ehrhoff and Aaron Rome will be in the lineup for Game 1. Ehrhoff suffered what looked to be a shoulder injury in Game 3 against the Sharks. Rome was dazed in Game 3 after a hit from behind.
- The Fourth Period: Steven Stamkos’s agent told The Fourth Period that he’ll be discussing a multi-year deal with the Lightning “in the near future.” They could work on a 5 year deal.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune answered numerous questions on twitter yesterday about the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chances are slim that the Lightning re-sign Simon Gagne, Eric Brewer a notch above that. It’s believed that it’s taking so long to get Steven Stamkos re-signed because of the lack of CBA beyond next year is a factor in term/salary structure. Erlendsson thinks a Stamkos’ deal will be longer than 5 years, and less than $8 million. Lightning off-season needs are to find a mobile defenseman, goaltending, and a power play quarterback. He thinks that Dwayne Roloson will return next season as their starter. “It’s always possible” that Brad Richards returns to Tampa. Erlendsson thinks that both Teddy Purcell and Sean Bergenheim will re-sign with the team.
- Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Two Canadiens players have signed with Barys Astana of the KHL, Nigel Dawes and Justin Boyd.
- Slava Malamud (of Sport Express) via twitter: SKA of the KHL offered Jaromir Jagr a 1 year deal woth $4.5 million according to a Czech Republic report. SKA is officially denying the offer.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins won’t be signing 2009 draft picks, center Andy Bathgate and Dman Viktor Ekbom. Bathgate was a 5th round pick and recorded 60 point in 64 games with Belleville of the OHL. He’s missed a lot of time with a shoulder injury the last 2 1/2 years. Ekbom was a 6th round pick, recording 8 assists in 96 games the last 2 seasons with Linkoping in Sweden’s Eletserien. Both will re-enter the draft.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators signed prospects Jakub Silfverberg and Louie Caporusso to entry level deals yesterday. Silfverberg was a 2nd round pick in 2009, and Caporusso was playing at the University of Michigan.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Panthers have re-signed Jack Skille to a 2 year deal with a $825,000 cap hit.
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