Posts Tagged Tampa Bay Lightning

A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 7th, 2012

  • John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
  • Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
  • The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?

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

3 Comments

Petrov, Mayorov sign in KHL … Preds still hope to re-sign Suter and Weber … Coaching notes for Sharks, Canadiens … 5 priorities for Sens

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 3rd, 2012

  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The two 2011 Stanley Cup Finals goaltenders, Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas, could find themselves on the trading block this summer. Luongo has given the Canucks a short list of teams he’s accept a trade too: possibly the Panthers, Lightning, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has heard the rumors on Thomas:

    “I’ve seen speculation about moving a goalie, but I’m certainly not inclined to do that,” Chiarelli said.

    “Tim didn’t have statistically the year he had the year before, but I thought he had a very good year. We have, if not the best, one of the top goaltending tandems in the league.”

    The Predators still believe they’ll be able to re-sign Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Predators chairman Tom Cigarran:

    “We were going to keep the very best players to the extent we can, to the extent they want to play here,” Cigarran told the Tennessean. “To the extent they want to play here, we would step up and make sure we had the money available to pay them.”

  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson got a vote of confidence from ownership, but the coaching staff hasn’t received one yet. Wilson is still in the review process, which should be completed over the next couple weeks. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Coach Todd McLellan has 2 years left on his deal, and LeBrun thinks he’ll remain with the team. New Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin would definitely be interested in Alain Vigneault if the Canucks fired him. Marc Crawford could also be in the mix for the Canadiens job. Darren Dreger reported that Bob Hartley and Michel Therrien are in consideration. The sale of the St. Louis Blues to minority owner Tom Stillman is “very close.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators top 5 offseason priorities: 1. Bring back Daniel Alfredsson 2. Sign defenceman Erik Karlsson 3. Re-sign center Chris Kelly as a UFA 4. Trade defenceman Sergei Gonchar 5. Buy out winger Bobby Butler.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues tried to upgrade their blueline at the trade deadline, but were unsuccessful. Kent Huskins will likely replace Ian Cole tonight. Matt D’Agostini could replace Alex Steen on the line with Andy McDonald and David Backes. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wanted to rule Jaroslav Halak out of the series to eliminate any potential distraction.

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

No Comments

Grossman not cleared yet … 2 or 3 weeks for Habs GM? Alfie to take some time … Could Bruins trade Thomas? Seguin needs surgery

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 27th, 2012

  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman said he hasn’t been cleared yet. Hopes to play on Sunday.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson will take some time deciding his future:

    “I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off.”

    “This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.”

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause will expire on July 1st. Thomas has 1 year left on his 4 year, $20 million contract. Tuukka Rask will be a RFA on July 1st as well. If the Bruins were to move Thomas, Anton Khudobin would backup Rask if/when they re-sign him. If they moved Thomas’s $5 million cap hit, they could use the money elsewhere. Zach Parise will be a UFA, has played for Julien before, but may be looking for $7 million plus. Toronto, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Florida, Edmonton, and Columbus may be looking for goaltending help this summer. The Bruins may not get much return for Thomas due to age and contract, but would give the B’s cap relief.

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

No Comments

Canucks need to lock up Schneider before dealing Luongo … More on Luongo … Theodore starts … Norris finalists

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 26th, 2012

  • Craig Custance via twitter: One GM noted that the return the Canucks get for Roberto Luongo may be better than we think. Only takes 2 teams to drive up the price. Jim Matheson via twitter: Tampa Bay already has 1 long contract in Vinny Lecavalier, would they really want another in Luongo? Matheson thinks they’ll look younger with Jonathan Bernier. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger thinks the Canucks will have to take a contract back in a Luongo trade. He’s still an elite goalie, but may only have 4 good years left and lots of term. James Mirtle via twitter: Mirtle points out (through capgeek) that you just can’t buy Luongo out after 6 year under the currently CBA:
    SEASON SALARY CAP HIT BUYOUT SAVINGS BUYOUT CAP HIT
    2018-19 $3,382,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $2,798,667 $2,534,667
    2019-20 $1,618,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $1,034,667 $4,298,667
    2020-21 $1,000,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $416,667 $4,916,667
    2021-22 $1,000,000 $5,333,333 $583,333 $416,667 $4,916,667
    2022-23 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333
    2023-24 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333
    2024-25 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333
    2025-26 $0 $0 $583,333 -$583,333 $583,333

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

4 Comments

Luongo to submit list … Thomas could hit market as well … Stars may look at Nash … Could Hawks gauge interest in Keith or Sharp?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 26th, 2012

  • James Duthie via twitter: Sources are saying that Roberto Luongo will submit a short list of teams the he would waive his no-trade clause to go to next week. The Maple Leafs will be on it. Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Canucks didn’t even have to ask Luongo to waive his no-trade. He tells them during his exit meeting with he wants out of Vancouver. Dan Murphy via twitter: Murphy confirms that the Maple Leafs will be on Luongo’s list. Tampa Bay will also be on it. James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks that the Canucks and their fans should expect a homerun if they trade Luongo. There are not a lot of teams that will be interested, and he has 10 years left on his contract. Tim Thoams, Miikka Kiprusoff and others could become available. Mirtle thinks if the Canucks could get a late 1st rounder or a middling prospect, it could be a fair deal. They might even have to take back some salary. Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Buffery doesn’t think trading for Luongo is a good idea. “Besides the fact he’s 33 years old and has 10 more years in his deal, there is a reason why he is expendable in Vancouver … because he’s 33 years old and has 10 years left on his contract.”He notes that the Leafs aren’t close to a cup, so why not go with the youngsters – James Reimer, Ben Scrivens, Mark Owuya and Jussi Rynnas.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars may be open to the idea of trading for a player like Rick Nash due to the limited number of scores on the free agent market. One key point regarding Nash is whether is okay numbers are a result of being in a bad system in Columbus or if he could break out on a line with Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson. What the Blue Jackets would want is another question. Would the Stars be willing to part is a solid player, a top prospect or 2 and a high draft pick? The Stars may think higher of Zach Parise and may see what he’ll do if he hits the open market.
  • David Haugh in the Chicago Tribune: Haugh thinks the Blackhawks should look at the trade interest in defenseman Duncan Keith or forward Patrick Sharp. Keith hasn’t been the same since 2010 and could bring more back than Brent Seabrook. Sharp is a more tradeable asset than Marian Hossa, and Toews and Kane remain untouchable.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom on whether his 39-year old body can handle another summer of training and long season:

    “I love the game, I would love to play three, four more years,” Holmstrom said. “It’s so much fun to come to the rink and everything. It’s just if the body can take it one more year or two more years. There’s lots of wear and tear on the body. Mentally, the last couple of years, you’ve got to go through the soreness, aches and pain, and it can be pretty tough during the regular season.”

    Possibly the only way that Holmstrom is in a Wings uniform next season is if Nicklas Lidstrom says he’d like to have him come back too.

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: At the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs were given a choice between 24-year old Steve Downie (a RFA looking for more than $3 million) or 20-year old Carter Ashton for defenseman Keith Aulie.
  • Toronto Sun: Reports are that Patrick Roy has met with Serge Savard at a restaurant recently, but Savard denied they met in-person, but spoke on the phone.

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

No Comments

Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2012

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
  • Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”

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

No Comments

Luongo a tough move … JVR ready … Halak still in boot … Could it be Lidstrom’s final game … Roy knows Habs will call

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2012

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: One GM laughed when asked if Roberto Luongo’s contract is movable, and another responded:

    “No,” he answered. “Unless the trading team was allowed to subsidize the deal.”

    Options for the Canucks this summer: 1. Pray for an amnesty clause – if he was bought out at the end of the season without the amnesty, Luongo would come off the books in 2031-32.  2. Trade him – he has a no-trade clause and tough contract to move. “There’s a limited amount of teams,” an NHL source said. “A very limited amount of teams.” The Lightning are looking for a goalie this summer. Luongo has ties to the state of Florida. The Panthers have Jacob Markstrom on the way. The Leafs are looking for a goalie as well, but Burke doesn’t like long contract, plus “Why would he want to go from one fishbowl to another?” one source said. 3. Keep him – this would be a tough sell and Luongo likely wouldn’t be happy being a backup. With Schneider needing a new contract, a lot of money would be tied up in the position.

  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts thinks the only teams that may need goaltending are the Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The Devils could be looking for a goalie due to Martin Brodeur’s age, but there financial situation would likely prevent bringing in Luongo.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Reimsdyk skated for the 4th straight day yesterday and appears ready to return to the lineup. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gustafsson or Brandon Manning would take Grossman’s place if he’s not ready to go.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak’s return to the lineup doesn’t appear to be imminent. He is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot, and missed his 2nd straight game. Halak tested it out on the ice on Tuesday, but it didn’t go that well.
  • Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Simon Gagne: “I don’t even know if he’s in North America.”
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings lose tonight, it’s possible that Nicklas Lidstrom has played his final NHL game. Lidstrom will be 42 in a week.

    “I’ve been hearing that same story for about five years now,” Babcock said Thursday. “I haven’t thought much about Nick. I’d be shocked if he retires, but I’ve been shocked before.”

    “It’s crossed my mind,” Jimmy Howard said, “but you try not to think about it. It’s been quite the honor to play with Nick, and I hope he comes back, but that’s up to him.”

    Lidstrom has said he’ll take some time to relax after the season, then him and his wife will make a decision on next year.

  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts are out of the playoffs, and he knows a call from the Canadiens will be coming.

    “Going there would definitely interest him. He thrives on challenges,” said the above friend. “Winning one or two Stanley Cups was not enough for him; he wanted more. And, when the Avalanche traded for Ray Bourque, it became his mission to win another one.”

    Serge Savard told the Montreal Gazette mid season that he thought the Roy would coach the Canadiens under “certain conditions.” Guy Lafleur thinks Roy would be a better GM than coach.

  • Martin Lunden via a Swedish site: (tweeted by Bruce McCurdy) Oilers 2011 1st round draft pick Oscar Klefbom is set to a sign a 3 year entry-level deal with the team.

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

1 Comment

Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 19th, 2012

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
  • Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
  • Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.

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

No Comments

Afternoon notes on Alfredsson, Hanzal, Smith, Wolski, Gill, Backstrom, Asham, Moore, Leighton and Shaw’s 3 game suspension video

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 17th, 2012

  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Daniel Alfredsson had a setback yesterday afternoon. He’ll be evaluated tomorrow.
  • Chris Kuc via twitter: Coyotes Martin Hanzal and Mike Smith will be game time decisions. Lauri Korpikoski will be out.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Gionta-Bernier.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins Arron Asham waived his right to an in-person hearing and will be done by phone at 5:00. He can be suspended for 6 games or more.
  • Blackhawks Andrew Shaw was suspended for 3 games for his hit on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.

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

No Comments

JVR could practice today … Lindback will get trade interest … Oilers looking for 1 or 2 top Dmen … CBJ unlikely to move 2nd overall

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 14th, 2012

  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Viemsdyk began skating on Sunday and could practice with the team today. He had surgery on March 6th on his fractured foot. His possible return for the 1st round is not known.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that are looking to add a goaltender this summer will be looking at RFAs, Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier and even Tuukka Rask. Predators Anders Lindback is another RFA goalie that could find himself playing on another team next year. Custance points out that if someone signed Lindback to an offer sheet, that Preds don’t have a lot of free money to match. A 2 year, $3 million offer would only cost a 3rd round pick in compensation. A trade is a more likely scenario, as they will look to recoup that picks they moved at the deadline. In the last 2 years the 6 foot 6 Lindback posted a 16-13-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .914 SV%. The Lightning have a stockpile of draft picks. The Blue Jackets are looking at upgrading their goaltending. The Maple Leafs are also said to be looking at adding a goalie, but they may be looking for a veteran goalie.
  • Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): The Oilers would like to add 1 or 2 top-end defenseman, and the 1st overall pick will likely be brought up in several cases. He doesn’t see them interested in a Rick Nash or Jarome Iginla.
  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told that it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets trade the 2nd overall pick, but it’s not out of the question. They’d gladly move the pick they get from the Kings.
  • Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins will be in the running for the Flames head coaching position. Other possibilities for the Flames are Troy Ward, Mike Sullivan, Craig MacTavish, Bob Boughner and Bob Hartley.
  • Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Before the 2011 NHL Draft, an Eastern team scout said that a team is going to get a steal in Sean Couturier. The scout knew his team would not be in a position to draft him and added that Philadelphia would be a perfect fit as they have success with young French players.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins 2010 1st round pick Beau Bennett signed an entry level deal and will leave the University of Denver. Dave Molinari via twitter: He has a $900,000 cap hit. He has a $810,000 salary, $90,000 signing bonus and a minor league salary of $67,500.

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

No Comments

Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012

  • Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
  • Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8  unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”

    “I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.

    “You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”

  • Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.

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

No Comments

Afternoon notes: Price, Myers, Toews, Gunnarson, Tallinder, Parenteau, Steckel, Lines and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 4th, 2012

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s “doubtful” that Henrik Tallinder will be able to play in the playoffs, but Tallinder is still hopeful. Jacob Josefson won’t need surgery on his wrist.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Canadiens have asked the Maple Leafs for permission to talk to Claude Loiselle, who are expected to grant permission.
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Frattin-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Lombardi-Crabb, Connolly-Steckel-Brown, Rosehill-Ashton-Armstrong-Colborne.
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson, Chimera-Perreault-Semin, Hendricks-Beagle-Laich, Knuble-Aucoin-Ward-Eakin-Halpern.

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

No Comments

Afternoon notes: Briere, Gonchar, Segal, Komarov, Leafs goalies, Flyers lines and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 3rd, 2012

  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers Daniel Briere hopes to be able to return for the start of the playoffs, but said there is no timetable.
  • Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that Sergei Gonchar will be out tonight with a lower-body injury.
  • Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs are hopeful they can lure forward Leo Komarov (2006 6th round draft pick) over next year. He’s been playing for Moscow Dynamo (stats at bottom).
  • The Leafs Nation Audio: Justin Goldman (@TheGoalieGuild), Ian (@67Sound) and (@JPNikota) talk about the Leafs goaltending situation and Francois Allaire. (@TheGoalieGuild is an excellent twitter follow, really informative)
  • Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Schenn-Read-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Voracek, Shelley-Wellwood-Rinaldo. Defensive pairings: Timonen-Coburn, Carle-Kubina, Lilja-Bourdon.

Leo Komarov

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

No Comments

Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
  • Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”

    “It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.

  • Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.

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

13 Comments

Ehrhoff day-to-day … Vinny returns … Price for Nash for Leafs would be steep …Isles sign Grahame … Howard out Friday

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was re-evaluated yesterday.

    “He’ll miss some time,” said Ruff, who declined to elaborate whether it was day-to-day or week-to-week. “It’ll be a period of time.”

  • Howard Berger via twitter: Given what the Blue Jackets wanted for Rick Nash at the trade deadline, it would cost the Leafs Jake Gardiner, Nazem Kadri and their 1st round pick in June.
  • Steve Conroy of hte Boston Herald: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask is progressing well from his March 3rd, groin/abdomen strain.

    “I’m doing exercising, biking, all kinds of stuff. It’s looking really good. I’m just trying to get the strength back and be ready to go,” Rask said yesterday. “I think we’re shooting for (a return for the playoffs) and it’s looking good now.”

    “If everything goes well, I’ll go out there and maybe get some shots, not do much but just go by the feel,” Rask said. “You can’t rush these kind of injuries.”

  • Islanders Point Blank: The Islanders have signed John Grahame for the rest of the year to back up Al Montoya. Arthur Staple of Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov left Tuesday’s game and is listed day-to-day with a lower-body injury, it looks like he may not play another game this season.
  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be in the lineup on Friday. Howard missed his 4th straight game on Wednesday with a groin issue.

    “It’s Babs’ call and he’s the coach, he makes the decisions,” Howard said. “That (playing Friday) was the plan all along, but Coach has decided to go in a different direction, and as a player I have to respect that.

    “I hope he changes his mind, but I don’t think it’ll happen.”

  • Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens was recalled yesterday on a temporary basis and will be returned today. Jussi Rynnas will likely take his place. The Maple Leafs may have given Scrivens a day of NHL pay. He’s a big part of the Marlies AHL playoff run and they don’t want to disrupt that.

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

3 Comments

Could change be coming for the Flames? Parenteau talks to start … Time running out for Hejduk, Morrow? Should Oils trade pick? Burke staying

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun thinks the Flames need to re-tool, if not a total rebuild. Flames GM Jay Feaster is giving this group one last chance. If it doesn’t work, changes are coming. They will have 6 UFA s and 3 RFA at the end of the season. Jarome Iginla will have one more year at $7 million, and would he want to be around for another rebuild? They may need to have a “heart to heart” with Iginla after the season.
  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: Pending Islanders free agent P.A. Parenteau wants to remain with the club. Talks are likely to begin this week. Parenteau could be looking a deal in the $4 million per season range.

    “I’ve said all along that I want to be here, and nothing’s changed,” he said. “I love these guys and I want to be here for when we turn it around.”

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk’s production has been non-existent in the 2nd half, and it could be the “the end of the line for the classy Avs captain.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars captiain Brenden Morrow has been moved down to the 4th line, and his minutes have been reduced. He’s been dealing with injuries all year, and it’s affecting his play. Heika asks the question if Morrow’s time in Dallas is coming to an end? He doesn’t think so.
  • David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Former Lightning GM Brian Lawton said the Oilers should trade down in the draft.

    “The  time has come for the Edmonton Oilers to look to create another asset and if they do, in fact, end up with the number 2 pick, they should look to trade down. There are so many quality defencemen that are available. Morgan Reilly’s been injured this year but he’s out there. Mathew Dumba, very intriguing player. Ryan Murray, probably the top-rated guy in that group and, of course, the very last guy Griffin Reinhart.”

    Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:

    “Go out and draft the best player. … You can always make trades. You need assets, you need commodities within your organization.”

    Fan voting: (as of 8:55 am on the 28th) 41.46 % – Draft the best player available, even if that’s a Russian forward. 35.79% – Trade it for as good a veteran defenseman as the team can get. 22.75% – Trade down a few spaces, then draft the best defenseman available.

  • John Buccigross via twitter: Buccigross is hearing that college free agent J.T. Brown (UMD) is down to the Flyers, Bruins and Lightning.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Someone within MLSE doesn’t expect any of the new ownership to demand that Brian Burke be fired as the Leafs GM before the end of the 2013-14 season.

    “You have two choices: you can trust your general manager or you can fire your general manager,” the insider said. “At the end of the day, you can criticize [MLSE] for not hiring the right GM. But the decisions are made by the general manager. They really are. Brian Burke is running the show.”

    “[Burke] can do pretty well what he wants. Brian has no shackles of any consequence at all.”

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

No Comments

Hall out 5-6 months … No contact yet for Toews … Roster notes for Pens, Devils, Preds, Wings … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 27th, 2012

  • Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall will not return to this season as he’ll be having labral shoulder surgery. According to Steve Tambellini: “Recovery time will be between five and six months, so our hope is that Taylor will be ready for the start of next season.”
  • Mike Morreale via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
  • Pens Inside Scoop: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Ben Lovejoy had knee surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks.

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

No Comments

Quick hits on: DeKeyser, Brown, Biship, Franzen, Ericsson, Howard … Caps, Flames, Lightning lines … Bryz starts

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 26th, 2012

  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Western Michigan University defenseman Dan DeKeyser is expected to get interest from all 30 teams. The Flyers appear to a candidate to land University of Minnesota-Duluth forward J.T. Brown.
  • Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Laich-Brouwer, Chimera-Perreault-Semin, Johansson-Halpern-Aucoin, Hendricks-Beagle-Ward/Knuble. Backstrom extra.
  • Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines (Jokinen didn’t skate today): Tanguay Cammallei Iginla-Glencross Horak Moss-Kostopoulos Jones Jackman-Comeau Stajan Stempniak.
  • Adam Kimelman via twitter: Tampa Bay Lines (dressing 7 Dmen): Purcell-Stamkos-St.Louis, Malone-Pyatt-Connolly, Wallace-Smith-Wyatt, Labrie-Segal. Defensive pairings: Hedman-Brewer, Lee-Clark, Commodore-Mikkelson, Aulie.

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

No Comments

Morning notes: Sedin, Hall, Horcoff, Sutton, Gagne, Parise, Harding, Spurgeon, Backstrom, Vokoun, Zuccarello and Keith suspension video

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 24th, 2012

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall has been off the ice for the last 2 days. He won’t play on Sunday. Captain Shawn Horcoff left last night’s game with a sore back. Defenseman Andy Sutton has a minor knee issue.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings Simon Gagne has been out since December 26th with a concussion, continues to skate but hasn’t practiced and won’t travel with the team on their 4 game road trip. If he’s not cleared for practice soon, the chances of him playing this year are not high. When asked if Gagne will play again this year, GM Dean Lombardi said “Doubt it.”
  • The Fouth Period: It’s believed the Wild will try to sign Zach Parise this offseason if he’s not re-signed by the Devils before July 1st. Goalie Josh Harding is expected to test the open market and is not likely back with the Wild. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Senators could take a look at Harding.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun skated yesterday for 30 minutes and took some shots.

    “Hopefully it stays the same and I can do a little bit more tomorrow,” Vokoun said after an extremely sparsely attending morning skate. “Then we’ll see, maybe shoot for some time next week.”

  • Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight.
  • Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended for 5 games for his elbow on Canucks Daniel Sedin.

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

No Comments

More on Radulov … Helm out 4-6 weeks … Wild injury updates … Pitkanen close … Canucks lineup changes and starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 19th, 2012

4:45 PM:

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov’s return to Nashville is conditioned on him returning to the KHL next year (from Medvedev via @plysenkov). He was allowed to buy out this year only with condition he’d be back. If not, he’d have to pay 2/3 of next years back. Radulov’s KHL salary for next year would be for around $5 million. KHL president Medvedev also implied that SKA will try to buy Radulov’s and Evgeni Kuznetsov’s rights. In response to my question to be clear, Chesnokov said that Radulov can re-sign with the Predators after the season, but has pay the 2/3rds back.

2:50 PM:

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Predators GM David Poile on Alexander Radulov:

    “We’ve been in contact with Jay Grossman, Alex’s agent, throughout process of trying to return Alex to NSH and NHL.”

    “Though the complicated process has yet to be concluded, every indication is Alex will be returning to NSH in near future.”

    No updates are expected until tomorrow until at the earliest.

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Chesnokov wonders how Radulov was able to get out of his contract. He’s re-read the KHL rules and it looks impossible legally. Article 30 (7) – “No player can terminate contract from the start of playoffs until April 30.” Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun responds to Chesnokov that “no player under NHL contract is supposed to bolt to another league either.” Slava Malamud via twitter: Malamud notes that if KHL president Medvedev allowed Salavat to “skirt KHL rules,” may expect to see a favor back to SKA, possibly trading Radulov to SKA. One possibility could be the Radulov is traded to SKA, then signing Capitals prospect Evgeni Kuznetsov, with SKA promising not to go after Kuznetsov. Shawn Simpson via twitter: Simpson spoke with Val Kamesky. Radulov is heading to Nashville for this season, but must return to Ufa next year. Slava Malamud via twitter: Radulov return to the Predators won’t set a precedent as it’s a unique case in that he left before the KHL-NHL had an agreement with contract.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and is listed as day-to-day. Niklas Backstrom’s groin injury is almost back to normal. Center Matt Cullen is expected back in the lineup against the Canucks.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom did a few drills today at practice. It’s the most he’s done since his ankle injury.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac was on the ice this morning, but is not expected to play tonight.
  • Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik Dubinsky-Stepan-Callahan Zuccarello-Boyle-Mitchell Rupp-Fedotenko-Prust.
  • Jim Jamieson via twitter: Canucks forward Mason Raymond will be a healthy scratch. Alex Burrows will be back with the Sedin twins. Manny Malhotra is back in. Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks.

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

1 Comment