Posts Tagged St. Louis Blues
Kovalchuk decision by Wednesday … Staal not looking for offer sheet … 5 teams interested in Kennedy … Penner to Kings?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 29th, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The NHL has until Wednesday to decide if they are going to reject or accept the latest Ilya Kovalchuk contract. The contract is said to be 15 years and $100 million, a $6.67 million cap hit. The Devils will then have to shed more than $3 million in salary, plus an extra couple million for injury call-ups. Some say Lou has some deals ready to go if the contract is accepted. Dallas could be interested in Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million) and Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million) could be moved.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Kovalchuk saga could be coming to an end soon (thank god). Kovalchuk may have received some interest throughout this process from the Kings, Islanders, Stars, Blues and KHL SKA St. Petersburg. During Monday’s meeting with the league, Kovalchuk reportedly gave a weekend deadline for the leagues approval and threatened that the KHL could be possible.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tim Kennedy is still one of the unsigned forwards looking for an NHL contract. 5 teams have shown interest in Kennedy, possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes and Atlanta Thrashers. He thinks he can get a one-way contract but realizes he might have to take two-way deal.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: Getting an offer sheet isn’t being focused on by Marc Staal’s agent, Paul Krepelka. Krepelka said there is no truth to the rumor that they were hoping to get one.
- Matthew Barry (hockeybuzz) via twitter: The Edmonton Oilers are shopping Dustin Penner and the Los Angeles Kings are very interested.
Kovalchuk to the KHL? Pens and Bruins say no Guerin
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 26th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: With the KHL season starting on Sept. 8th, there is the possibility that Kovalchuk starts there, then returns to the NHL when is contract is finalized.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: KHL is still offering Kovalchuk 1 to 3 year contracts.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Lysenkov called Kovalchuk’s Russian agent, who confirmed that he called Medvedev’s assistant, not the KHL president.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Kovalchuk-KHL … “there is a fact of negotiations on Kovalchuk”.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: A source told DePaoli that the feeling was that GM Ray Shero was interested in bringing Bill Guerin back, but the rest of the organization/coaching staff wasn’t.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Haggerty has been told that the Bruins are not interested in Bill Guerin.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The St. Louis Blues have been contacted by the Anaheim Ducks equipment people about Paul Kariya. It appears that he’ll be playing with the Ducks, but he still won’t say that he’s playing next year.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Ducks may be looking to finalize the Bobby Ryan contract situation before turning to Kariya.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini continues to try and trade Sheldon Souray. He’s not looking for any more players to add to the roster.
Tikhonov, did he or didn’t he request trade … Blues call Sweatt … Likely rule changes could be ….
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 19th, 2010
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Phoenix Coyotes forward Viktor Tikhonov has requested a trade according to his father, and 15 teams are interested.
Scott Burnside via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Malony says there is no truth to Tikhonov requesting a trade.
Andy Strickland via twitter: St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong spoke with Bill Sweatt in effort to bring the free agent forward to St. Louis.
The Hockey News via twitter: An NHL executive said the rule changes that are the likeliest to be approved are: 1. Modified icing 2. Shallower nets 3. 3-3 OT and 4. No line change on offsides.
Lyle ‘Spector’ Richardson of FoxSports: The length of contracts wanted by teams and remaining restricted free agents is making it harder for them to come to terms. Bobby Ryan is looking for 3 years, Ducks want 5. The Stars are offering 2 years to James Neal, he’d like a longer deal (and probably more money than the $2.5 a season they were offering). Carey Price is after 2 years, the Canadiens offered 5.
Mitchell and Bieksa rumors … Could Chara get 10 years? Blues interested in Sweatt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 17th, 2010
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Willie Mitchell has worked out for the Kings, Sharks, and Canucks. Capitals next. No confirmation on LA offer.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: No hometown discount for Mitchell and the Canucks, especially if the Kings may be offering a 2 year deal.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis would like to keep Mitchell, and he’d like to stay, but he may not get the best deal from Vancouver.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika is asked about the possibility of the Stars going after Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa will make $3.75 million this season, and the Canucks are close to the cap and may not want to take much salary back. The Stars are on a tight internal budget and it might not fit well, plus he’d on the last year of his deal. They would have up a good young prospect for him.
- Sports-Express: Alexander Shapiro is reporting that the Devils have offered Ilya Kovalchuk a contract for over 10 years. It could clear up in the next few days.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Kovalchuk contract rejection (and other investigations) could impact the contract extension for Zdeno Chara. The 33-year old Chara will be a free agent after this season, and given his dedication to fitness, it wouldn’t be a shock if he were able to sign a 10-year contract and play until he’s 43. A 10-year deal could be cap friendly with not a huge drop off at the end. Would the NHL go for it? The 2 sides have talked, and would like to get something done before the season, but it isn’t a necessity. The Flyers, Sharks and Capitals could be interested in Antti Niemi.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues interested in Bill Sweatt but won’t be meeting this week.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: As of mid yesterday afternoon, Penguins hadn’t connected Bill Sweatt.
- Andreas Liden of St.ru: Freddy Modin is heading back to his Columbus home, is still looking for a new team to play for this year.
Audio on Kaberle … Free agent news from around the league
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 16th, 2010
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The idea the the St. Louis Blues were going to trade David Backes was laughable.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues had said for weeks that Kaberle never made sense since he could walk away at the end of the year.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: Kaberle was willing to sign a long term contract if he was traded to a city he liked, but no one asked.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Responding to Simmons …. Only if right city. Kaberle’s agent has said of his desire to stay in the Eastern Conference.
- Damien Cox on the Fan 590: Audio on the non-trade and what the future holds for the Leafs.
- Doug MacLean on the Fan 590: Audio, talking Leafs and the non-trade of Kaberle.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Some agents are saying that many of the established veterans may not be signing anywhere until mid-to-late September. Teams are looking for younger, cheaper 3rd-4th liners. They don’t have any cap space, but the Bruins are looking at veteran free agent wingers. They’re keeping in touch with Bill Guerin and Miro Satan. Raffi Torres has drawn minimal interest and may have to settle for a 1 year deal around $800,000 to low $1 million. Willie Mitchell in talks with 5 teams; Kings, Sharks, Lightning, Capitals and Canucks. The Anaheim Ducks are looking for a defenseman before turning their attention to Paul Kariya. Ruslan Fedotenko has received an invite to Islanders training camp, the Wild may also be interested. Slava Kozlov wants to go to a contender but not getting a lot of interest, KHL is option but not being pursued at the moment. A couple of teams have called about Jeff Halpren, but he’s yet to receive an offer.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: The Islanders are not interested in Antti Niemi, disputing some reports.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Thinks the only logical spot for Niemi is San Joseba possibly the Capitals if they are not sold on their two young goalies.
Belanger to Caps, and Fleischmann on the way out? Kaberle interest varies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2010
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources saying Eric Belanger has reached a deal with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals might be moving out a forward for a defenseman before they announce the signing. Brian Burke has said they are not in discussion with the Capitals about Tomas Kaberle. The Capitals could be looking at Kevin Bieksa, Sheldon Souray or others. The Capitals are also said to be in on Willie Mitchell.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Capitals could be dealing Tomas Fleischmann for a defenseman.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The number of teams interested in Tomas Kaberle varies between 6 and 12 depending on the source, and levels of interest varies as well. The Kings and Devils may be more concerned with Ilya Kovalchuk. The Sharks may not want to part with a top-6 forward. The Ducks don’t want to trade Bobby Ryan. The Stars and Blues have their own salary cap. Red Wings are at the cap and have their top defensive corps set. Boston has cap issues, but would like to move Savard, Burke said in June he wasn’t interested in him. The Flyers have been interested in the past, but may not be willing to part with Jeff Carter anymore for him. Sabres are another team that could be interested, but they don’t make a lot moves in the off-season. Columbus has kicked tires but find the price a little high. The Lightning could be interested but they brought in Pavel Kubina earlier in the summer.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Kings could be looking to get back in on Kovalchuk, but he’ll renegotiate with the Devils first.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues GM Doug Armstrong doesn’t see anything else happening before training camp.
More on the Front-Loaded contract investigation … Sharks offering Clowe and 1st for Kaberle? Phillips and Sens talking extension
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2010
- Helene Elliott via twitter: She thinks the Kings are figuring Kovalchuk and the Devils will rework their deal.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Kovalchuk’s agent hasn’t discussed the KHL with him. SKA wants Kovalchuk to let them know what he wants. His Russian agent has said that SKA has 1 to 8 year offers, and an “up to you” offer where Kovalchuk picks the terms.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Chris Pronger won’t be ready for training camp, and may be ready for the season opener, his knee has atrophy.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The NHL has been investigating Roberto Luongo’s contract for a year, they only “conditionally” approved it. The League wasn’t happy with the Canucks and they would checking in to see if the Canucks were attempting to circumvent the salary cap. The investigation has no timelines, and is on-going. The Canucks were told to take the last 2 years off the contract, making it a 10-year, $64 million deal. That would make the new salary cap number $6.4 million instead of $5.3 million. If they did that, the Leauge would give the deal their blessing. The NHL wanted all emails, paperwork, voice mails, etc. and interviewed GM Gillis and their cap expert. It’s believed that Pronger and Hossa had the same investigation, the players have not cooperated. Nothing may happen to the Luongo contract, as they’ve finished the investigative work and nothing has been done. Also, Luongo’s deal never pays less that $1 million.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Chris Pronger’s 7 year, $34.45 million contract will continue to be investigated despite going into effect July 1st. Bill Daly wrote, “No timetable and no deadline. Yes, the contract can be de-registered in the event a circumvention is found. Nothing is different than before [Ilya] Kovalchuk ruling.” Peter Luukko, the Flyers president, stands behind the deal, and thinks it doesn’t hold relevance to Kovalchuk’s contract.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: Bill Daly says the NHL doesn’t have any problems with Vincent Lecavalier’s 11 year contract, that pays him an average of $7.727. It is front loaded, but not to the extent of some of the others, and only takes him to the age of 39.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Teams interested in Kaberle are the Bruins, Stars, Kings, Devils, Sharks and Lightning. Sharks offering Clowe and 1st round pick, Burke not interested in draft picks. (The 27-year old Clowe has a cap hit of $3.625 million for the next 3 years. If this offer for Kaberle is true, it might be one that Burke has to consider).
- Nicholas Cotsonika of Yahoo! Sports: “The deadline is Sunday, and I don’t expect to see anyone’s best cards until probably Friday,” Burke said. “That being said, the offers improved dramatically over the weekend. We’re at a double-digit number of teams that are in. Unilaterally, without any phone calls from us, two teams dramatically improved their offer over the weekend. It’s going the way I thought it would go.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators and Chris Phillips are talking contract extension. Phillips would be a UFA next summer.
- Jim Gintonio via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes continue to negotiate with both Lee Stempniak and Martin Hanzel, though nothing is iminant with either.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko, a St. Louis Blues 2010 1st round pick (16th overall), is close to signing a deal with Sibir of the KHL. Chesnokov has said in the past that he would be staying in Russia for at least another year, despite other reports.
- RDS: Reporting that Eric Belanger has signed a 1 year deal with someone, but can’t disclose who just yet. Yesterday there were reports that it could be the Maple Leafs, but other said that was not the case. James Mirtle via twitter says Belanger is not signing with the Leafs. NHLSourcesSay via twitter: Deal not being announced as the team is preparing a trade that impacts the salary cap.
Savard rumors to heat up or on hold … Kronwall back to Europe? Stempniak interest increasing … Maltby still in Wings plans?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 11th, 2010
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Tomas Kaberle has been link to Bruins since the 2009 draft. Marc Savard has been link to the Leafs for awhile as well, especially after Savard said he’d waive his no-trade to go there. With Kaberle’s no-trade clause kicking back in on 15th, Savard and Kaberle rumors could be heating up again. Savard’s contact being under investigation could put a damper on things though.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames defenseman, Staffan Kronwall, would rather play in Europe than play the final season of his 2 year deal with Flames. “I want to leave and play in Sweden or elsewhere in Europe. Not that I’m uncomfortable in any way with the town and the club — I liked it — but because I want to get a bit closer to my family.” The Flames have been trying to trade him to an Eastern Conference team so that his commuting distance is shorter or help arrange something in Europe.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes, and few other teams are interested in signing Lee Stempniak.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings and Kirk Maltby are still talking. They already have 15 players under contract, so Maltby might have to play part of the season in the minors. They could do a two-way deal, Maltby wouldn’t have to clear waivers if it’s for less than 10 games or 30 days.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues are interested in Ryan Potulny, but on a two-way deal.
5 days left for Kaberle … Kariya next for Ducks? Savard may waive ‘no-movement’ now
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 10th, 2010
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Kovalchuk ruling will make is even more difficult for Brian Burke to trade Tomas Kaberle (unless the Devils and Kovalchuk have another deal close to being done). Sure other teams are interested, but 2 teams in on Kovalchuk, could also be front-runners for Kaberle, the Kings and Devils. Kaberle has made it be known in the past that he’d rather be in the Eastern Conference, Western teams may not offer up as much. The Sharks, Blues, Stars have some interest in Kaberle, as do the Bruins and Lightning. Burke has said he won’t trade Kaberle to the highest bidder, a deal has to get him exactly what he wants. If they don’t trade him, the Leafs could look to signing him to an extension, he’d probably be looking somewhere along Phil Kessell money, $5.4 million.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs have 5 days to trade Kaberle. The Leafs are looking for a top forward in return, but it’s unknown if teams will re-visit Kovalchuk instead of looking at Kaberle. “The situation as this week goes on is no different than other weeks,” Curran said (Kaberle’s agent). “The player is owned by the Leafs and the only way we’d be aware of a change is if we were provided permission to talk to a team or if maybe the Leafs were interested in talking about a contract extension.”
- A look back at some of our Tomas Kaberle rumors over the past weeks/months.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray all but confirmed their interest in Paul Kariya during a conference call. “Teemu obviously knows Paul very well so that was a good source to go to. I don’t know if Paul’s decided if he’s going to play again or not. That remains to be seen. We need the answer to that question first.” If they were to offer Kariya a contract, it would be at a lower base salary plus bonuses, something similar to Mike Modano’s.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Marc Savard never waived his ‘no-movement’ clause as reported earlier this summer. Though, if he was asked now “he probably would” as he’s been unhappy with all the trade rumors.
- Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times: The Ducks want Ryan for 5 years, Ryan wants less. “We’re going to try something different,” Murray said of the Ryan talks. “And that’s all I’m going to say.”
- George Malik of MLive: The signing of Ruslan Salei by the Red Wings basically eliminates Andreas Lilja from any of their plans.
- Scott Norton (Norton Sports) via twitter: His client, Bill Sweatt, will sign a BIG contract by the end of August. Sweatt was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Kris Versteeg deal, but he was unable to come to terms with them before the signing deadline, he’s now a UFA.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Toronto offered Sweatt that maximum amount allowed. Burke blamed Norton for the failed negotiations. “I believe a more experienced agent would have got this done,” he said. The Leafs should be signing Jerry D’Amigo to a 3-year entry level deal shortly.
Mitchell’s agent talked with Detroit … Savard trade chatter … Blues talk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Ken Holland has spoken with Willie Mitchell’s agent about the possibility of bringing him to Detroit. According to CapGeek.com, the Wings have about $1.6 million in cap space available. Mitchell wants to play for a contender, and there are rumors that the Capitals, Sharks, and Canucks are also interested.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy’s is getting Marc Savard trade ‘chatter’ today.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A couple of days ago it looked like Bill Guerin would have been signed by now, today Guerin told Strickland he’s still in ‘limbo’.
- Michael Russo via twitter: If Detroit wasn’t interested in Mike Modano, he would have retired.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Q&A with Rutherford from yesterday. Nothing concrete on the Ryan Potulny rumor, they have lots of forwards already, not sure where the fit would be. 2010 1st round draft pick, Vladimir Tarasenko, will be playing in Russia this year, maybe in N.A. the following season. The Blues may be interested in trading a defenseman. Though Tomas Kaberle would be a good fit, and he’s sure the Blues have investigated, there doesn’t appear to be anything there. The Blues still need a scorer, a puck moving D, and more time for younger kids to develop. The Blues have tried to trade Eric Brewer, but had no luck.
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