Posts Tagged Steve Yzerman
Afternoon notes on Comeau, Bergfors, Perron, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Ryan, Jagr, Pitkanen, Bogosian, Filatov, Ennis and Backstrom
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 24th, 2011
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have placed forward Blake Comeau on waivers. He has no points in 16 games and is a -11. BD Galiof via twitter: Galiof wonders if a team like the Blue Jackets will take a chance on Comeau. Comeau on waivers means that no team was offering value back, or the Islanders think he can pass through. The Islanders were close to trading him in the summer before GM Garth Snow was able to get the price down on a new contract. Expect the Islanders to be willing to do the same with Reasoner and Rolston if their play doesn’t pick up. Galiof thinks that Comeau could be better on a low-end teams 2nd line. Didn’t play well on the Isles 3rd/4th lines.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Predators have put Niclas Bergfors on unconditional ($125) waivers. If he clears, they will mutually agree to terminate contract.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues winger David Perron is itching to get playing, and is getting closer.
“There’s no date,” Perron said. “It’s just a matter of getting into practices and seeing how I react. It’s only been like four or five days (since he was cleared for contact) and I haven’t done a whole lot of it. We have a lot of games right now and a lot of optional skates and when it’s optional, it’s more about shooting and conditioning, so we haven’t gotten a lot of (physicality) yet.”
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman:
“I never believe you do something just to do something,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. “You just try to make the team better, whether that’s through recalling somebody or a trade. I’m not going to react. You just have to assess your team.”
“In general, teams really are not looking to take on contracts, take on money this time of the year and it’s hard to make a trade,” Yzerman said. “It’s hard to find a fit with teams because teams don’t want to give up their draft picks. Teams don’t want to give up their young guys.”
- Eric Stepens of the OC Register: Ducks forward Bobby Ryan suffered a hip contusion and didn’t come out for the 3rd period last night.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers winger Jaromir Jagr aggravated his groin last night, and will likely miss at least 2 games. “We got two games and then five days off,” Jagr said. “I think I’m not going to play those two games and make sure when I come back I want to come back strong.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen could return on Sunday according to coach Paul Maurice. No decision on who will come out.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes lines at practice: Skinner, Staal, Ruutu; Poni, Jussi, LaRose; Tlusty, Sutter, Dwyer; Brett Sutter, Brent, Stewart.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer is taking part in his 1st practice since Nov. 1st. Reimer will be out at least another 10 days.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacA-Connolly-Kulie, Frattin-Colborne-Crabb, Steckel-Dupuis-Rosehill, extras, Orr,Grabovski. David Alter via twitter: Grabovski will be out at least another week.
- Jonas Gustavsson via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs tomorrow.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Shanahan video ruling on Zach Bogosian won’t come until tomorrow.
- Joy Lindsay via twitter: Nikita Filatov says he’ll have a meeting with Senators GM Bryan Murray in the future, to discuss his future. Expects it to be next week.
- John Vogl via twitter: Sabres forward Tyler Ennis will not play on Friday. Patrick Kaleta is also out, so they will need to call up a forward.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom missed last night’s game due to personal reasons and is expected to return to the team in a few days.
- Brent Sopel via twitter: Sopel says that he’s turned down 3 NHL teams as he won’t break his current contract.
Nabokov would need to clear waivers before a trade … Red Wings done for now … Coyotes interested in Campoli … Stamkos press conference video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on July 23rd, 2011
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Evgeni Nabokov’s agent said he’ll stick it out in the NHL this season. He has a 1 year deal worth $570,000 and is property of the NY Islanders. The Islanders already have 5 goalies in their organization, so where Nabokov fits in a good good question. He will likely be traded by the Islanders. Capgeek via twitter: If Nabokov was traded, he would have to clear waivers first.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Yashin is being offered no more that $2 million, presumably from the Islanders.
- Josh Gorges signed a 1 year, $2.5 million deal with the Canadiens before their arbitration hearing. Brian Wilde via twitter adds “Of course there’s no guarantee he’ll leave as UFA now. But I can guarantee one thing – he wouldn’t with a long term deal. Why roll dice?”
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland doesn’t expect to make any more signings or trades before the season starts. The Wings have about $5.8 million in cap space, which would allow them to make a move or two during the season.
“I think we can compete and I like our cap space,” Holland said. “If, after 60 games, we get to the (trade) deadline and are in a playoff position, we can make a deal. We haven’t had that (cap space) the last couple of years.”
The Red Wings tried to sign a top 6 forward. They made an offer to Jaromir Jagr, and had interest in Tomas Fleischmann and Scott Upshall.
“I’d like to add a top-six forward, but so would every other team in the league,” Holland said. “We wanted to add a guy like (Danny) Cleary, a good, two-way forward. We explored but came up short on a few (players), either in dollars or term.”
Holland will meet with Kris Draper soon and it should be known by next week if he’ll be back or not.
“If he plays another year, his role is diminishing,” Holland said. “We need young players to push and eventually take away older players’ jobs. If that’s not happening, we’re not doing our job.
“We’re talking about (whether) he’s comfortable with the (diminished) role.”
- Tom Reed via twitter: Is hearing the NY Rangers aren’t certain to buy out Wojtek Wolski.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Phoenix Coyotes are one team that has shown interest in Chris Campoli.
- Steven Stamkos, Steve Yzerman Press Conference
Smyth traded back to Edmonton … Quick notes involving Maple Leafs and Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on June 24th, 2011
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Ryan Smyth is traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Gilbert Brule and a 4th round pick.
- Paul Hunter via twitter: Leafs assistant GM Dave Nonis says the Leafs will sign free agent on July 1st “if the price tags make sense for us.”
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Steve Yzerman on Sean Bergenheim talks,
“I’m not real optimistic at this time that we’re going to be able to reach any agreement.”
- Damien Cox via twitter: Maple Leafs are unlikely to make another significant move, may trade down from the 25th pick.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: A Ryan Smyth trade could open up space for LA to go after Brad Richards, but it’s hard for Brooks to envision GM Lombardi with 2 massive veteran contracts.
- Follow us on Twitter for some quick notes during the draft.
Yzerman won’t trade top draft picks … Canucks Dman update … Salary dump in Ottawa … Semin out 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2011
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: As the trade deadline approaches, don’t expect Lightning GM Steve Yzerman to include any 1st to 3rd round 2011 or 2012 draft picks to in bring some additional help. Yzerman added “I don’t want to hold myself up to say we’re not going to do anything. But I think it would be very difficult to add without giving something up of great value I wouldn’t want to give up.”
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Though he’s back practicing, there is no guarantee that Sami Salo will play again this year. Canucks GM Gillis told the Sun, “I think people are really jumping the gun,” “For some reason, people want to discount the type of injury he had. He suffered a 95% rupture of his Achilles tendon. There are people who never walk after something like that. We don’t know if he’s going to play. He’s three practices in and it’s going OK, but it’s still a long ways off.” Gillis also said he won’t talk about contract extensions for Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff until the season is over.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 sources have told the Sun that the Senators GM Bryan Murray is trying to dump salary. Trade candidates could be Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Alex Kovalev, Peter Regin, and Milan Michalek.
- James O’Brien of ProHockeyTalk: Alexander Semin will miss at least the next 2 games according to coach Boudreau.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Senators winger Alex Kovalev will miss at least a week with his ongoing knee injury. Mike Fisher is expected to be able to go against the Bruins, he blocked a shot with his knee over the weekend.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks center Ryan Kesler has an injured thumb, but is expecting to play tomorrow.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Colby Armstrong is likely able to go for the Leafs tonight according to coach Ron Wilson.
Iginla at ease … Wild wanted Yzerman last year … Burke scouted Hawks-Ducks … Ducks sticking with 8 Dmen
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 22nd, 2010
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Jarome Iginla’s said his mind is at ease after he was told he won’t be traded this year.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leopold had hoped to convince Steve Yzerman to be teams GM after Doug Risebrough was fired after the 2008-09 season. The Oilers could look to trade Dustin Penner before the trade deadline as he’s struggled and lacked passion this year.
- Kevin Paul-Dupont of the Boston Globe: Brian Burke was seen scouting the Chicago Blackhawks – Anaheim Ducks last Sunday. Burke has done deals with both teams in the last year. I don’t see that either team has top center that they’d be interested in dealing.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have 8 defenseman on their roster, and may go against the norm, and keep all 8. “It’s proven you need defensemen because you get (injuries). Look at our schedule. We’re going to need players.”
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings power play has gone 1 for 15 in their last 4 games, coach Terry Murray is considering switching Jake Muzzin for Peter Harold.
- Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: It looks like Devan Dubnyk may start all the games while Nikolai Khabibulin is out. Martin Gerber was hoping to get into a game.
Sunday morning NHL Rumor Roundup with Hotstove and SourcesSay video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on November 14th, 2010
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: “The level of talk has heated up quite a bit,” said a league executive. “I get the sense some teams are getting antsy.” Brian Burke is the most active. The San Jose Sharks would like to add a veteran blueliner and might be willing to deal D Niclas Wallin and D Kent Huskins. Teams may be reluctant to give up 2nd round picks this year as it’s looking like a deep draft. The Canucks could be looking to move a Dman with soon, possibily Christian Ehrhoff or Kevin Bieksa. The Devils are also looking for defensive help, “They look to me like a team with a bad defence, an aging goalie and a superstar (Ilya Kovalchuk) that’s having a hard time fitting in. That can be a bad recipe,” said a league executive. If the Panthers fall out of the playoffs they could look to trade goalie Tomas Vokoun and winger Chris Higgins. The Sharks could be interested in Vokoun. The Panthers are also trying to move Rostislav Olesz and his 3 remaining years and $3.125 million cap hit.The Lightning are looking for blueline help. The Penguins are looking for a top 6 forward, Bill Guerin doesn’t seem like a possibility at this time.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks have offered Christian Ehrhoff a contract, they counter offered, both sides are apart, and will table talks until later on in the season. Shea Weber’s side will talk with GM Poile this week when the Predators are in Toronto. Several teams have are talking to Miro Satan. Contract talks between Brent Seabrook and the Chicago Blackhawks haven’t taken place yet. Steve Yzerman has met with Steven Stamkos’s agent, they’ve begun contract extension talks, but it will take awhile. The Ottawa Senators and Chris Phillips’ side have had initial contract talks.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: 16 of the 20 Maple Leafs dressed last night were brought in by Brian Burke (Phaneuf and Armstrong not included). He’s done okay bringing in some better players like Kessel and Phaneuf, but the team still needs a Brian Skrudland/Doug Risebrough type center “who makes teams better without necessarily scoring goals.”
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove with Ron MacLean, Eric Francis, Mike Milbury & Pierre LeBrun
- John Shannon of Sportsnet (video) talks about Jeff Carter’s contract, Mark Cuban could be interested in buying the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils might look to change coaches, Miro Satan has a list of 3 teams. Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mark Cuban said in an email he’d only be interested in the Stars as a minority partner, and “only to help him with control of the American Airlines Center.”
Tampa Bay Signs Goaltender Dan Ellis
Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on July 1st, 2010
Steve Yzerman is continuing to make a splash in the free agent market signing goaltender Dan Ellis to a 2 year deal reportedly worth $1.5 Million dollars.
Ellis was traded to the Montreal Canadiens last week for Jaro Halak but was unwilling to play back up to Carey Price.
Horton dealt by Draft, to Sabres? St. Louis to get extension … Oilers getting calls for #1
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 17th, 2010
- Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Nathan Horton’s time as a Florida Panther could be close to coming to an end. It’s looking like he’ll be dealt by next weeks NHL draft, and it wouldn’t surprise his agent. Horton has 3 years left on his 6 years, $24 million contract. His no trade clause kicks in July 1st. The Buffalo Sabres definitely could use a winger with size, have shown interest, and have been rumored to be shopping Derek Roy and Tim Connolly.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Steve Yzerman has started working on a contract extension for Martin St. Louis. What could complicate things a little are the numbers and term length, as St. Louis is 35 and the Lightning would be on the hook for the entire salary (and cap number) if he would retire early, so the deal has to make sense for them. Yzerman must also send a qualifying offer to Paul Ranger to retain his rights. Ranger missed all of last season for ‘personal injuries’, he would definitely improve their blueline. Yzerman will also look to re-sign Kurt Foster if the numbers make sense. The Lightning will take the best player available with the 6th overall pick, with a “remote” chance of trading it.
- Darren Dreger on TSN: The Oilers continue to get inquiries about the 1st overall pick, and GM Steve Tambellini will continue to listen to offers, they are unsure what it would take to get the pick though. David Booth, Dmitry Kulikov and Jacob Markstrom could be the only untouchables for Florida. Nathan Horton and Steven Weiss are available. The Predators are interested in Kris Versteeg. No offers have been sent to the Leafs for Tomas Kaberle yet. Teams may wait until the draft when the no-trade is lifted in fear that their proposal will be shopped to drive up the price. As many as 8 teams could put forth an offer.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins have received some offers for the #2 pick, and GM Peter Chiarelli was impressed with one of the offers. But … “I’m not moving it,” Chiarelli said of the No. 2 position. “We’re going to take one of those two forwards.”
- Chris Koc of ChicagoBreakingsports.com: The Atlanta Thrashers have been granted permission to speak with Chicago Blackhawks associate coach John Torchetti. about their vacant head coaching position.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It’s the year of the goalie. UFA’s: Evgeni Nabokov, Martin Biron, Dan Ellis, Michael Leighton, Chris Mason, Jose Theodore, Antero Niittymaki, Vesa Toskala, Johan Hedberg, Patrick Lalime, Manny Legace, Wade Dubielewicz, Alex Auld, Steve Valiquette, Andrew Raycroft, Yann Danis and Curtis Sanford. Goalies available for trade: Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak, Tim Thomas, Cristobal Huet. Turco would be a good fit in Philadelphia, but they might not think so. Martin Biron could end up being a backup in Buffalo where he started his career. The Lightning have had some discussion with their UFA goalie, Antero Niittymaki. The St. Louis Blues have begun talks with Chris Mason in hope of re-signing him.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Could the Washington Capitals head in to next season with two, 22-year old goalies, Neuvirth and Varlamov? GM McPhee didn’t rule out bringing back Jose Theodore. McPhee basically said that Karl Alzner and John Carlson will be playing full time on the Capitals blueline. They are talking with Eric Belanger about re-signing him. The team has talked with Shaone Morrisonn, but he isn’t a lock to be re-signed.
News and Rumors involving the Red Wings – June 3rd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2010
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: With Nicklas Lidstrom returning next season at a friendly $6.2 million, the Detroit Red Wings can now turn their attention to the other free agents. They have just under $9 million (that’s saying the cap will increase $2 million), and are expected to re-sign both UFAs Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi, and RFAs Darren Hel, Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller and Patrick Eaves. That won’t leave much for any other free agents. They could re-sign Andreas Lilja or a 3rd pairing free agent defenseman. GM Ken Holland also proposed at the GM meetings to extented overtime past the current 5 minutes in an attempt to lower the amount of shootouts.
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Lidstrom’s signing at $6.2 million may mean that UFA Kirk Maltby and RFA Derek Meech might be re-signed. One must not forget that they’ve already added Jiri Hudler to their roster for next season. The Wings won’t be bringing Brett Lebda and Jason Williams back.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Red Wings GM Holland told the media in Detroit that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has asked permission to speak with the Wings director of hockey administration, Ryan Martin, about an assistant GM position. Martin was responsible for managing the Wings salary cap.
Salary cap could increase $2 million which would the Penguins and others … James Wisniewski may seek #2 Dman money and/or be traded … NHL Draft Rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 29th, 2010
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the league received some good news in that according to Gary Bettman, the salary cap could be going up by about $2 million from it’s current $56.8 million. This might make it a bit easier for the Penguins to re-sign Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke. GM Ray Shero said that Ruslan Fedotenko won’t be back, and that they are talking to Jay McKee, but they might go a different direction. Bill Gurein wants to play next year, but the Pens have to see if he fits in to their plans. No decision has been made on whether they want to bring Alexei Ponikarovsky back or not.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks will retain the negotiating rights with James Wisniewski by offering him a qualifying offer before the June 25th cut off date. Wisniewski may be looking for a nice raise on his one-year, $2.75 million deal he signed last year. He was 20th in ice time and may be seeking #2 Dman money. If that is the case, look for the Ducks to continue to try and trade him (at the deadline they were trying to move him). Ducks GM Bob Murray has yet to meet with Saku Koivu or his agent. Murray has talked to the agent of Sheldon Brookbank.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: They can’t talk contract extension until after July 1st, but Lightning GM Steve Yzerman plans to start conversations with Steven Stamkos. Stamkos agent told the paper he’d “welcome” the discussion.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there won’t be a major overhaul of the club. The Canadiens have about 11 million to sign 7 players. They’ll look to trade both Kostitsyn’s but that could be difficult. The 6’5″ Ryan O’Byrne could also be trade bait. Gauthier and Tomas Plekanec’s agent have talked but no offer has been made, and it’s doubtful the Canadiens will overpay for him. He’s rumored to be after $5 million a season. Jaroslav Halak has arbitration rights, and has put up numbers similar to goalies in the $4-5 million range.
- Gare Joyce of ESPN: The Florida Panthers might be willing to trade down from their #3 draft slot. One Eastern Conference GM said he thinks draft prospect, Jack Campbell, could be a top-10 pick. Kirill Kabanov’s draft stock continues to be surrounded by red flags. One top scout said they won’t interview him, therefore won’t draft him. He met with 17 teams. Brett Connolly who’s draft slot has been in question due battling an injury all season (hip injury), survived the testing and looked good. He’s projected as a top-10 pick, possible a top-5 if further medical tests are good.
Steve Yzerman named new GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 25th, 2010
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersbrug Times: It came as a bit of surprise today that Steve Yzerman was named the new General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. For weeks it was thought that he wasn’t interested in taking the position. A few days ago, he offered a ‘no comment’ when asked about his interest in it, which then led one to believe he was back in the running.
The deal could be for 5 years, and with the possibility of Yzerman being one of the top paid GMs in the league (one of the top paid GMs was mentioned on the Fan 590 today).
New Lightning owner Jeff Vinik said “Steve is the right man to bring a winning atmosphere back here and build a world-class organization”. “Vinik lauded Yzerman’s leadership, integrity and loyalty and ‘intelligent, thoughtful approach to making decisions.’”
Yzerman will now look to hiring a new coach, and preparing for the NHL Draft on June 25th-26th which they have the 6th overall pick.
Options if Lidstrom Retires … Yzerman still considering Tampa? A new look Shark team next year?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 22nd, 2010
- George Malik of MLive: If Nicklas Lidstrom retires, Brian Rafalski could step up into a larger role. One option available for the Red Wings would be to call up the Maple Leafs and see what it would take for Tomas Kaberle. They could also look at 2nd tier defenseman like Henrik Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Derek Morris, Joe Corvo, and Kim Johnsson.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: There are mixed reports on if Steve Yzerman is still considered a candidate or interested in the Tampa Bay Lightning GM position. It was report earlier that he wasn’t interested, but that may not be the case. When asked about it, “My response has always been not to comment,” Yzerman said. That might lead one to speculate that it’s still an option for him.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet: The Sharks are down 3-0, and it will take a miracle for them to come back and win the series versus the Blackhawks. Big changes could be coming from them in the off-season. Odds are looking good that Patrick Marleau won’t be back with the Sharks next season. Evgeni Nabokov is 34 and a UFA, and despite solid regular season numbers, he has a history of not performing in the playoffs. No one questions Joe Thornton’s talent, but the playoffs have a tendency of not bringing out the best of him, he’s a -10 heading into last night. GM Doug Wilson will also be on the hotseat as he’s the one who’s put together this team that has had some playoff woes the past couple seasons.
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