Posts Tagged Tampa Bay Lightning

Some longterm contract notes … Savard staying … Ranger not attending Lightning camp

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 2nd, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: The VP of the KHL doesn’t think that Kovalchuk will end up in the KHL, means to much to the NHL, but added “if Kovalchuk decides to come over, he can sign any contract; SKA will pay the luxury tax; it’s democratic and free here”
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Just to repeat, Chris Pronger’s deal with Ed Snider’s Philadelphia Flyers has been approved. He’ll be 42 in the final season, and will make a combined $1.05 million in the final 2 seasons of his 7 year, $34.45 million deal.
  • Jack Edwards of NESN: Edwards shoots down any rumors that the Bruins are looking to trade Marc Savard. He lists many different reasons as to why he’ll be staying.

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Thornton-Sharks talking extension … On why Kovalchuk deal should be accepted … Devils moving Zajac?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 30th, 2010

  • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Joe Thornton is having preliminary talks with the San Jose Sharks about a contract extension. The 31-year old Thornton will be a UFA at seasons end. Thornton has a cap hit of $7.2 million this season according to capgeek.com.
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: On why the new Kovalchuk deal should get approved. Rejected deal had $2.75 million over the last 5 years. New deal, $10 million over the last 5 years.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Rumors are out there that Travis Zajac could be one of the players the New Jersey Devils move to make room for Ilya Kovalchuk. The Devils could be looking to move Bryce Salvador and Dainius Zubrus. The 25-year old Zajac is the teams number 1 center, and has a cap hit of $3.89 million for the next 3 years. Zajac had 25 goals and totalled 67 last year.
  • Mike Hume of ESPN: Trading Zajac would be a serious hit to the Devils. Jason Arnott would then be the teams top center. Zajac could bring back a decent return in prospects and/or draft picks. The Washington Capitals have been looking for a 2nd line center and have a deep farm system. 2009 draft pick, Jacob Josefson, would be a possible internal replacement.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Sources are telling Murphy that nothing will most likely come from the Marc Savard contract investigations. The investigation is hampering trade talks.
  • Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Kirk Maltby’s agent said they are negotiating with the Detroit Red Wings, and that a deal could be finalized this week. The deal will most likely be a 2-way deal.  Maltby did talk with other teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Penguins to decide on Guerin next week … Lecavalier under the knife … One rule change

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 22nd, 2010

  • Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune: Lecavalier will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to repair the meniscus. Recovery time is 3-4 weeks, so he’ll be ready for training camp.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero told his coaches that he’ll make a decision on Bill Guerin next week. Guerin would need to take a pay cut from the $2 million he made last year.
  • EJ Hradek via twitter: The NHL has confirmed one rule change, “Regulation/OT wins (shootout Ws EXCLUDED) now will be first way to break ties in the standings.”

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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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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The Kaberle Deadline is over, but there is still plenty of talk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 16th, 2010

We’ll the Tomas Kaberle trade deadline has past without him being moved. Now we should have a couple days of hearing why nothing happened and what deals might have been turned down by Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke.

  • Brian Burke on the Maple Leafs site:  Statement from Brian Burke:

    The hockey club confirms this evening that Tomas Kaberle remains a Leaf. While a number of Clubs made offers to trade for Tomas, none of them reflected Tomas’s value to our team. I understand a period like this is stressful to the player, and we are pleased that there is a resolution, and we can all continue to prepare for the coming season.

  • Mark Spector via twitter: Burke “Not upset at all” that Kaberle is still in Toronto, do you think the feeling are mutual?
  • Will DePaoli via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman called Ryan Malone’s agent, Mike Luit, just after 6:00 pm to say that Malone wouldn’t be dealt.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Doesn’t think will be able to, or ultimately choosing to sign Kaberle to an extension, with the money already committed to Phaneuf, Beauchamin, and Komisarek.
  • Dave Pagnotta via twitter: Doesn’t see how the Leafs will sign Kaberle to an extension, with a raise,  with Phaneuf, Beauchamin,  Komisarek and Schenn on the roster.
  • Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca: Teams won’t give up a part of their future for a 32-year old defenseman that will be a free agent at the end of the season. Kaberle’s market was softened with Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell available. Burke stood by his guns with regards to them keeping Kaberle if they didn’t get an offer they liked. Burke might be settling for a high draft pick at the deadline for Kaberle.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Burke says the situation is resolved, Cox doesn’t think so. “Yet Kaberle, viewed both within and without the organization as a talented offensive defenceman with suspect defensive skills, questionable heart and no leadership skill or interest, is still in the dressing room.” Kaberle is now a “diminished asset” caught in a awkward situation. Many fans will be wondering why keep a player when he’s not a player Burke feels is part of the solution for the hockey club. Not trading Kaberle is a step back in the rebuilding process. If Kaberle has an all-star season, and the Leafs are in/close to a playoff spot, they may be forced to keep him at the trade deadline.
  • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: With the Kings and Devils pre-occupied with Ilya Kovalchuk, it may have turned their attention away from Kaberle. The availability of Bieksa and Mitchell may have lessened the urgency for some teams. Not a lot of teams had the room to add $4.25 million in salary, unless their sending close to equal value back. Kaberle struggling during the second half of the season didn’t help either. Kaberle could be looking for $5-6 million on an extension. Would the Leafs want to commit over $30 million on their defensive corps?
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Several questions now face the Leafs after the failure to move Kaberle. How can 8 defenseman be happy when there are only 6 playing spots available? Will Burke really look at signing Kaberle to an extension? Would Kaberle waive his no-trade clause at the deadline if the Leafs ask him too? Burke has said they wen’t just going to give Kaberle away.
  • Greg ‘Puck Daddy’ Wyshynski of Yahoo! Sports: Burke’s refusal to move Kaberle is “entirely honorable or perilously stubborn.” Sure the Leafs could use a scorer upfront, but Burke was at the mercy of the market this summer. The UFA defenseman market was the deepest. Two potential suitors, Kings and Devils, were/are involved with Kovalchuk still. Teams are capped out or have their own internal cap (ie. Dallas).
  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets did make a play for Kaberle, but GM Scott Howson said there wasn’t a fit. Reed doesn’t see Kaberle signing an extension given what he’s been through. The price for Bieksa may have gone up given that Kaberle is off the market.

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No truth to Kaberle, Rosehill for Brown … Another Forsberg comeback? Donovan, Pisani looking for a deal

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 13th, 2010

  • There was a rumor floating around the internet last night that the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded Tomas Kaberle and Jay Rosehill to the Los Angeles Kings for Dustin Brown. The report was tied to Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider but he had nothing to do it. All of it was false.  Spector’s Hockey via twitter sums it up the best: “So, to sum up, folks: No truth to rumor the Leafs were about to trade Kaberle to the Kings for Dustin Brown. Total BS.” Daniel Tolensky (of TSN) via twitter: ”Does anyone really think Kings will trade their 25-year old Captain who scored 81 G over 3 yrs & has 4 yrs left @ $3.175 mil for Kaberle?”. Tolensky tweets that a top-6 forward for Kaberle would be bad contract (Malone)/project (Stafford)/prospect (Moller) and a pick, either a 1st or 2nd. Tolensky also thinks that Drew Stafford and a pick could be fair option for Kaberle.
  • Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy can see Kaberle going to Boston, and Marc Savard going to Ottawa. (A 3-team, inter-division trade, unheard of. I don’t know what Toronto would get/want from Ottawa’s roster.)
  • Kevin Allen via twitter: There’s a Swedish media report that Peter Forsberg is thinking about returning to the NHL.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Answering some questions from a reader. The Stars have 20 players under contract for next season at $40.6 million, and they should be able to get James Neal,  Nicklas Grossman, and Matt Niskanen under contract, under their internal cap ceiling. The Stars will probably hold tough on their offers. Heika thinks the Stars could be offering Neal a 2 year deal for $5 million, Grossman at around $2 million per season for 3-4 years, and Niskanen a 1-year deal for around $1 million.
  • George Malik of MLive: Andreas Lilja finds it “tough” and “a little frustrating” being without an NHL contract for season. The frustration comes from the family side of things and not on the professional side, finding a home, enrolling kids in school. Lilja’s theory as to why there are still so many free agents out there, “They want to drive down salaries.  At the same time, I believe that there are many teams that want to attract younger players and give them a chance to play”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Shean Donovan is hoping to get one more shot at the NHL. He’s 49 games short of 1,000. He’s talked to a couple teams, not no solid offers yet. He has 2 offers in Europe but will wait it out for a bit.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The 33-year Fernando Pisani is still hoping to play in the NHL next season, on a 1-way contract. He’s unsure if he’d take a 2-way deal or a training camp invite.

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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

  • 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.”
  • 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.

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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.”
  • 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.

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Setoguchi getting a 1 year deal … Caps interested in Niemi? Stars and Neal waiting it out

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 30th, 2010

  • Craig Custance of the Sporting News: The San Jose Sharks and Devin Setoguchi could be closing in on a 1-year deal, which could be done in the next week. They are also starting talks with Joe Thornton on an extension.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars and James Neal still haven’t been able to reach an agreement, both are playing the waiting game. The Stars could be looking for a 2 year deal in the $2.5 million range, with Neal wanting more. Possible comparables in Tomas Fleishmann and Mason Raymond signed in that range. Other RFA that could be used as comparables are Bobby Ryan, Devin Setoguchi, Chris Stewart and Patric Hornqvist.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: Reading between the lines to Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman comments, other teams may be looking into Antti Niemi’s availability.
  • NHL Sources Say via twitter: If the Blackhawks don’t like Antti Niemi’s ruling and he becomes available, the Capitals could be interested.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have 7 defenseman under contract, and GM Steve Yzerman could be looking for 1 more. Yzerman would like to bring Paul Ranger back, but Ranger is not ready to make a decision at this time. Ranger missed most of last season due to personal reasons.
  • Craig Custance via twitter: The Atlanta Thrashers still have some interest in bringing Maxim Afinogenov back, though negotiations may not be that active.

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Frolov getting interest from Rangers and Kings … Other Russian FA’s … Tampa Bay Lightning talk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Videos on July 26th, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Frolov’s agent has said the Rangers are very interested, and the LA Kings have shown interest in the last couple days.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: SKA of the KHL are interested in Alexander Frolov, Maxim Afinogenov, Denis Grebeskov and Ilya Kovalchuk according KHL President Medvedev (who owns the team).
  • The Hockey News video: Ryan Dixon, Ryan Kennedy, and Adam Proteau talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning. How Yzerman will fill out the roster, Victor Hedman’s development, Vinny Lecavalier, and Brett Connolly.

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