Posts Tagged Tampa Bay Lightning
Radulov returning to Predators this week … Stuart leaving Wings after season … No broken bones for Backes … KHL wants to play in Brooklyn
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 19th, 2012
8:10 AM:
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Someone OTHER than Radulov bought out his contract for this year. It’s undisclosed who paid for it.
8:05 AM:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov will be on a plane for Nashville tomorrow according to Sport-Express. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Radulov bought himself out of his Salavat deal just for the remainder of the season. He’s still under contract for next season with them. Radulov wanted to keep his KHL options open in case he didn’t receive a good enough offer in the NHL.
7:55 AM:
- Darren Dreger via twitter: As of about 7:39 AM, the Predators remain optimistic about Radulov returning, but GM David Poile said they are still waiting for confirmation.
7:25 AM:
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Alexander Radulov and his KHL team Salavat have reached an agreement that would let Radulov leave for Nashville now. Salavat would keep his KHL rights. Reports are that he’ll fly to Ufa [today] and likely leave for Nashville later this week. Dmitry Checnokov via twitter: Radulov’s russian agent confirms that he’ll be joining the Predaotrs in the coming days. Curtis Zupke via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said that Radulov could fly to the U.S. by Tuesday, and that he’d “love” to see him in the lineup on Thursday. Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Comments from Ryan Suter, Mike Fisher and Shea Weber on Radulov:
Ryan Suter:“Whenever you have top players it makes the game a lot easier. Simple, easy plays, not a lot of panic. He’s a top player.”
Mike Fisher:
“Radulov has been here before and knows some of the guys. I don’t see him not fitting in fine. He’s going to add a lot. If he does end up coming, you can add a player like that late going into the playoffs, it’s going to be big for us.”
Shea Weber:
“Everyone knows what a good player he is and how dynamic he is and what he’s able to do with the puck. It adds another element and adds some depth and some exciting play.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Current Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart is a pending UFA and has made it known that he likely won’t be back with the Wings next season. His wife and 3 kids still live in California, and it’s too far with him in Detroit. The Sharks would be a perfect fit, and the Kings might have interest. Kings GM Dean Lombardi drafted Stuart.
- St. Louis Blues via twitter: Blues forward David Backes blocked a shot on Saturday and will be evaluated in a few days according coach Ken Hitchcock. Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Backes didn’t break any bones. Hitchcock said there is no return date yet. He’ll go on the West Coast trip and could play by the end of it.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning are signing goalie Sebastien Caron, who has been playing in Germany. Announce coming today. Dustin Tokarski likely heading back to the AHL.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The KHL wants to play regular season games in Brooklyn next year.
“We decided that when the basketball club [the New Jersey Nets, owned by Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov] finishes building its arena in Brooklyn, KHL Legends Game and regular season games will be held there,” Medvedev said in the interview. (Interview by SovSport)
“We are continuing to improve the relationship between the KHL and the NHL. I am hoping that the situation with [Alex] Radulov will not spoil it.”
Jaromir Jagr’s thoughts:
“They’re thinking of doing that?” Jagr asked. “No [bleeping] way would they draw. Who would go to the games? How they gonna fly here? It makes no sense.”
Afternoon notes on: 2 College FAs, Backstrom, Kulemin, Zajac, Toews, Leafs lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 15th, 2012
- Roger Millions via twitter: The Flames are interested in NCAA defenseman Dan DeKeyser of Western Michigan and winger JT Brown of UMD. John Buccigross via twitter: The Lightning are also interested in DeKeyser and Brown. The Red Wings are interested in DeKeyser.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals Nicklas Backstrom said he’s not going to rush back. Will not go on their road trip.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Nikolai Kulemin will be out 3 weeks with a broken finger.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils center Travis Zajac was been cleared for contact.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Jonathan Toews skated for a bit yesterday, but not today.
- David Alter via twitter: The Maple Leafs will go with 7 defenseman tonight. Jay Rosehill will be a scratch. Expected Leafs lines: MacArthur-Bozak-Kessel, Ashton-Grabovski-Frattin,Connolly-Steckel-Crabb,
Rosehill-Lombardi-Armstrong.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight. Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dustin Tokarski will start in net for the Lightning.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins tonight. Patrice Bergeron is a game-time decision.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
Mike Green to have disciplinary hearing for hit on Brett Connolly
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on March 9th, 2012
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green will have a disciplinary hearing today for his hit on Brett Connolly last night.
It looks like a suspendable hit. How many game do you think he’ll get?
Afternoon notes on: Parise, Red Wings injuries, Hall, Vokoun, Markov, Rask, Hedman, Pens top PP unit, and Leafs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 5th, 2012
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Zach Parise’s x-rays on his hand showed no broken bones, and GM Lou Lamoriello expects him to play tomorrow.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard’s ultrasound showed no real damage, and he’s hoping for Friday. Detroit Red Wings via twitter: Todd Bertuzzi, Dan Cleary, Jakub Kindle, Nicklas Lidstrom and Jimmy Howard are not skating today. Brian Hedger via twitter: Out for Wings tomorrow: “Howard, Kindl, Bertuzzi, Ericsson, Datsyuk, Eaves and likely Lidstrom; Cleary, Quincey, Hank also hurting.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall injured his left shoulder again and didn’t practice yesterday. Coach Tom Renney won’t rule Hall out for tonight.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals Tomas Vokoun aggravated a lower-body injury he suffered 10 days ago. Feeling better today.
- Arpon Basu via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov has been cleared for contact.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins Tuukka Rask is out tomorrow. He’ll be evaluated today.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman could play tomorrow.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins PP unit at practice: “Kennedy, Kunitz & Neal up front, Malkin & Sullivan at points”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: One pro scout on Dany Heatley: “That’s a long way from those 50-goal seasons. I don’t know if the game’s too fast for him now or he’s become a comfortable player.”
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Armstrong-Steckel-Kulemin, Brown-Lombardi-Crabb-Rosehill-Connolly.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Leafs Jay Rosehill clears re-entry waivers.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Mike Smith appears to be the starting goalie for the Coyotes.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Senators.
Lightning will likely turn to Schneider … Injury notes: Parise, Kindl, Howard, Timonen, Meszaros, Bogosian, Comeau and Downie
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 5th, 2012
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Since the Lightning weren’t interested in giving up a 2nd round pick for Ben Bishop, speculation is that they’ll turn to Cory Schneider in the summer. They have 2 1st round picks and likely 4 2nd rounders. Schneider has a career 32-14-4 record with a 2.36 GAA and .924 SV%.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils winger Zach Parise injured his hand yesterday, that may required him to get x-rays. He doesn’t think, and hopes it isn’t broken. He was hit in the hand with a Milan Jurcina shot.
- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl tried to play yesterday, but only last 2 shifts before leaving with an upper-body injury. More importantly for the Red Wings, Jimmy Howard left after the 1st period with a lower-body injury, and is day-to-day.
- Philadelphia Flyers via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren: Kimmo Timonen and Andrej Meszaros will be out indefinitely with lower body injuries.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets will be without defenseman Zach Bogosian for at least another week after re-aggravating his injury.
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames forward Blake Comeau is officially day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Roger Millions via twitter: Comeau looks to be out 2-3 weeks with a shoulder injury.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche forward Steve Downie has a shoulder injury, this timetable won’t be known until today.
GMs on the hotseat … Trades that didn’t happen … Injury notes on Toews, Gomez, Hedman, Bogosian, and Vokoun … Cherry goes off on Burke (video)
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on March 4th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: A couple GMs who could be under the gun this offseason: Scott Howson, Pierre Gauthier, George McPhee, Brian Burke, and Dean Lombardi. The Sharks might be willing to trade Joe Pavelski, prospects and picks for Rick Nash after the season. A Nash to Rangers deal didn’t happen because they wouldn’t include Chris Kreider. The Bruins and Blackhawks tried to get Sheldon Souray at the deadline. The Avalanche and Canucks tried to get Steve Ott. The Flyers were close to trading Sergei Bobrovsky, but decided against it due to Ilya Bryzgalov’s inconsistent play. The Lightning, Maple Leafs and Blackhawks were looking for goaltending. Flyers winger James van Riemsdyk was almost traded at the deadline. Sources say that 3 or 4 teams were bidding for him, including the Maple Leafs. The Ducks would have moved Teemu Selanne, but he didn’t want to go anywhere. The Rangers, Sharks, Bruins and Kings were interested. Sergei Gonchar could be moved in the offseason.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Predators weren’t shopping goalie Anders Lindback at the deadline, but he could be moved after the season. They could get a 2nd round pick at the draft.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Jonathan Toews has missed 6 games with a concussion, and will be out at least 2 more. He hasn’t started skating again, but has done some off-ice workout. There is a chance defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (concussion symptoms) plays on Tuesday.
- Toronto Sun: Canadiens forward Scott Gomez suffered an eye injury in the 3rd period against Minnesota the other night and is out indefinitely. He may have played his last game in a Canadiens uniform. There is the outside chance that he’s traded (2 years left on contract, $7.3 million cap hit), but it’s more likely he’ll be bought out or buried in the AHL. If he’s bought out, he’d have about a $1.6 million cap hit for the next 4 years.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Tuukka Rask’s injury is believed to be his left knee, which was previously scoped.
- Ira Haufman of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman missed his 4th straight game with an upper-body injury, but he’s expected to practice this week, and could be cleared to play for Tuesday. Their trainer said it is not a concussion.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defesneman Zach Bogosian left yesterday’s practice early after aggravating an injury. He’ll be a game-time decision on Monday.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Leafs put Jay Rosehill on re-entry waivers yesterday.
- Sky Kerstein via twitter: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun is day-to-day with a lower body injury.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen may not return until the final 2 weeks of the season.
- Don Cherry’s Coaches Corner: Cherry goes off Brian Burke’s lack of Ontario players on the Maple Leafs roster.
MLSE has faith in Brian Burke … Injury notes on Parse, Gagne, Backstrom, Clutterbuck, Palmieri, Letang, D’Agostini and Langenbrunner … Ott talks trade rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 3rd, 2012
Maple Leafs – Brian Burke Press Conference at 10:00 AM – Ron Wilson firing and hiring of Randy Carlyle.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: MLSE has faith in Brian Burke:
“Obviously the team is struggling,” Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and COO for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, said in a Thursday e-mail to the Toronto Sun. “It’s been disappointing for our fans, but it’s not over yet. We have faith in Brian and his people to get us back on track.”
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Scott Parse skated for the first time yesterday since he had hip surgery early this season. It’s still unlikely that he’ll play this season. Simon Gagne (concussion) is skating as well, but it’s still unknown when he’ll return to full-practice.
- Minnesota Wild via twitter: Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom will be out 2 to 4 weeks with a groin strain.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild lost Cal Clutterbuck and Nick Palmieri last night to upper-body injuries. The extent of the injuries are not known yet.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kris Letang has not been diagnosed with a concussion, though it remains possible.
“He’s got symptoms — not dramatic at this point,” Bylsma said. “But certainly (he’s) going to get home and get evaluated by our doctors.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Matt D’Agostini (concussion) could start skating next week. Jamie Langenbrunner is still in a walking boot, and is at least 2 weeks away.
- Dallas Morning News: Steve Ott on all the trade talk that surrounded him leading up to the trade deadline:
“For sure, I would be lying if I said it didn’t bother me. 12 years in the Dallas area that I’ve been in, my daughter is a Texan and I can go down the list on how I feel about the Dallas area being my home. Anytime you talk about uplifting yourself from a community that really you enjoy, it’s tough. I was thinking about it for a month and a half when I started hearing stuff and talking to people about it, but the professional side is you go out there and work as hard as you can and you continue to take care of the things you can control, and that’s kind of how I approached the whole situation. Obviously, Monday was a difficult day because I didn’t know where I stood until 2:05 when the deadline came in and you find out where you’re supposed to be. I had a couple of cocktails and. some Bud Light to relax. I had trade center on the whole night and tried not to pull my hair out or bite my nails off. I made it pretty clear that I wanted to be a Dallas Star and continue to be a Dallas Star.”
Simmons says there will be coaching change in Toronto … Karlsson will get a big deal … No contract talks for Jets … Should Nystrom be suspended for Letang hit?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on March 1st, 2012
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons looks at the Leafs under Burke’s reign. Next year will be his 5th season managing the teams. Simmons notes that it is clear now that there will be a coaching change. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Many people would be shocked to see Burke fire Ron Wilson. Garrioch notes it would make no sense to have Scott Gordon as an interim coach, Rick Dudley would lighten up the room.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators Erik Karlsson will be a RFA at the end of the season, and will be in line for a big, long-term contract. Karlsson may be in the same situation like Steven Stamkos was, with rumblings of teams sniffing around with possible offer sheets.
- Greg Brady via twitter: Brady is hearing that it’s very likely that Mikhail Grabovski’s contract extension will be done by the end of March.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said that they’ll get to contract talks for their 7 UFAs (Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Tim Stapleton, Randy Jones and Mark Flood) in due time, but right now they are focusing on getting to the payoffs.
- Adam Jahns of the Sun-Times: Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews did some physical activity yesterday, but there is still no timetable for his return.
- Peter Pupello of NHL.com: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman is out with an upper-body injury, but it may not be a concussion. The injury hasn’t been diagnosed, and he’ll see more doctors in the next few days. Vincent Lecavalier could be back in 10 days. Marc-Andre Bergeron is still being bothered by a bad back and it’s possible he’s done for the year.
- Jason Gregor via twitter: The Oilers have returned Yann Danis back to the AHL. Nikolai Khbabibulin will be ready to return on Friday.
- Shelly Anderson Pittsurgh Post-Gazette: Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy (high ankle sprain) has been cleared to practice. Kennedy has missed the last 10 games.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Kris Letang left last night’s game with a head injury after taking a hit from Eric Nystrom. Coach Dan Bylsma said Letang is day-to-day. Video below has the hit. Do you think Nystrom should be suspended?
Wings couldn’t find fit … Caps unsure on Backstrom … Wild may re-sign Harding … No offers for Allen or Spacek … Toews may have concussion
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 28th, 2012
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings were looking for a forward yesterday, but they couldn’t find a fit. Prices were high.
“Some teams are bigger,” Holland said. “They don’t have our skill. Let’s play. I don’t know that there was a move today that we could have made that would have gotten us bigger. The bottom line is, if you are going on a long playoff run, the top half of your roster for the most part has got to be healthy. You can have the odd injury. Part of it is matchup, part of it is luck.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee when asked if Niklas Backstrom will return this year: “I don’t know. Hope so, but we don’t know.”
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said he hasn’t ruled out re-signing goalie Josh Harding.
- John Shannon via twitter: The Panthers, Blues, and Coyotes, who are all in the hunt, weren’t able to make moves yesterday due to financial reasons.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said there wasn’t any offers for either Bryan Allen or Jaroslav Spacek. Teams called to see what it would take, but no offers.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: 5 winners from yesterday: Predators, Canucks, Sabres, Bruins and Lightning.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Hedger thinks that Blackhawks Jonathan Toews’ injury is a concussion.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at 5 moves that didn’t yesterday that will be getting interest in the offseason: Rick Nash, Cory Schneider, Ryan Suter, Alexander Semin and the Ducks (things may change in the summer for the Ducks. GM Murray is giving this group a chance to get back in it.)
GM Press Conferences after the deadline – Video and Audio
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades, NHL Videos on February 27th, 2012
We’ve put together some press conferences held by some teams GMs.
Audio files
New Jersey Devils – Audio Lou Lamoreillo
Phoenix Coyotes – Audio Dave Tippett
Due to the overall size that the post would be with all the videos, you’ll have to click on the below link to see Press Conference Videos for Boston Bruins – Peter Chiarelli, Calgary Flames – Jay Feaster, Carolina Hurricanes – Jim Rutherford, Columbus Blue Jackets – Scott Howson, Dallas Stars – Joe Nieuwendyk, Detroit Red Wings – Ken Holland, Edmonton Oilers – Steve Tambellini, Tampa Bay Lightning – Steve Yzerman, Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke, Washington Capitals – George McPhee and Winnipeg Jets – Kevin Cheveldayoff
Leafs trade Keith Aulie to the Lightning for Carter Ashton
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 27th, 2012
The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenseman Keith Aulie to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Carter Ashton.
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Burke in an email about Ashton: “Size and skill, big body with good wheels.”
Cory Pronman via twitter: “Wow Ashton. That’s a #win and a half for Toronto. Many pro scouts called Ashton Tampa’s best or second best prospect.” … “Upside is ok 2nd line forward very good 3rd liner. Not a tremendous haul, but then again you got him for Aulie.”
Cory Pronman via twitter: “Upside is ok 2nd line forward very good 3rd liner. Not a tremendous haul, but then again you got him for Aulie.”
@leafschatter via twitter: “As mentioned yesterday, Keith Aulie loses his waiver exempt status by end of season…#Leafs would have had 8 D (one too many) waiver exempt”
Follow link for stats
State of the Phoenix Coyotes: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 27th, 2012
Written by Jordan Gluck of dylanswisdom.com, and can be found at @dylanswisdom
When looking at the Coyotes at the start of the season, I and probably most of you think the same thing. Which players are going to be in there fire sale at the deadline? To the surprise of many they Dave Tippets team stays competitive and makes the playoffs as they’ve done the past 2 seasons and are on pace to again this season. Although they have no owner, GM Don Maloney have put a competitive team on the ice with a budget payroll.
With 73 points on top of the pacific division they will be looking to add but on a budget. They have already acquired Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets. One big area of concern is they’re last ranked power play. Radim Vrbata has had a tremendous season already reaching the 30 goal plateau. All star Keith Yandle has also had a very impressive season, so has coyotes points leader Ray Whitney and captain Shane Doan. I also look at how goalie Mike Smith is performing and who needs Bryzgolov (enjoy Philly only 8 years left). If not for Panthers coach Kevin Dineen and Blues coach Ken Hitchcock, Dave Tippet would be favored for the Jack Adams award.
Leafs and Panthers interested in Stastny … Burke quotes … Lightning called about Bishop … Would take more than Raymond for Ott
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
- The Fouth Period: Several teams have inquired about Avalanche center Paul Stastny, with the Maple Leafs and Panthers showing the most interest. Greg Sherman and Brian Burke have spoken frequently, and the Avalanche have scouted the Leafs several times this month. The Avs could be looking to move defenseman Ryan O’Bryrne.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke:
“We’ve spent three years putting together some depth here,” Burke told Hockey Night In Canada a half hour before the Leafs laid an egg against Washington. “We’re not going to blow it all up to try to squeak in the eighth spot.”
“Teams that think they’re close and are trying to load up, teams that are banged up and trying to patch holes, teams that have under-achieved … we don’t fall in any of those categories. So from my perspective, we’re in the hunt. If we can add a piece that gives up a better shot at getting in the playoffs, we’re going to do it.”
Burke on Mikhail Grabovski:
“I don’t intent to move him at this time. That could change, but I see him as a guy that we wait until the end of the year and see if we can sign him then.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: The health of some Sharks players will help determine if they make a move or not, mainly Martin Havlat and Douglas Murray.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman spoke with the Blues about Ben Bishop, but he didn’t want to give up a 2nd round pick for him.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Yzerman on the trade deadline: “We’ve made our major moves here. As far as acquiring impact players, it’s more likely at the draft”
- Mark Spector via twitter: Stars source said there’s no chance they trade Steve Ott to the Canucks for just Mason Raymond.
Report that Plekanec will waive NTC, his agent denies … Nabokov getting interest … Lightning will have to wait for Schneider
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2012
- Dave Stubbs of Hockey Inside/Out: Tomas Plekanec’s agent let it be known earlier this month that Plekanec would be willing to waive his no trade clause. Frustrations from a losing season and a parade of different wingers may have lead to this decision. Plekanec has dealt with 18 different line combinations. The Canadiens are looking for a winger with size in exchange for Plekanec.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Tomas Plekanec’s agent, Rich Curran, said that they’ve never had a conversation about waiving his no trade clause. Denies the report.
- Louis Jean via twitter: Jean has been looking into the Plekanec rumor for 3 days. None of the teams he’s talked have heard his name. Has also been told that he never expressed desire to leave.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Kypreos was told that Plekanec hasn’t been approached to waive his no trade clause and hasn’t given a minute of thought to leave the Canadiens.
- Katie Strang via twitter: The Islanders are not looking to move Evgeni Nabokov despite the interest they are getting for him.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: If the Lightning really want Cory Schneider, it won’t happen until the summer.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Russo thinks the Wild should trade Josh Harding. As far as Harding knows, there have been no contract discussions. Mikko Koivu skated and was shooting pucks, but there is no timetable for his return.
Wings OK with not making any more trades, but could look for a forward … What do Sens do in net? Markov practices … Kostitsyn wants to stay
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 25th, 2012
- John Niyo of the Detroit News: Wings GM Ken Holland on Thursday, “If we do nothing between now and Monday, I’m OK with it.” They have the cap space to make a move if they find one they like, which would likely be forward but the pickings are slim. Canadiens Travis Moen, Sabres Paul Gaustad and Blue Jackets Sammy Pahlsson would be nice rental additions.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: So Craig Anderson severed a tendon in his right finger cutting chicken. GM Bryan Murray wants to take the weekend to decide if he needs to go get a goalie. Alex Auld will start tonight, and Robin Lehner has been recalled. The Sharks called Senators and Leafs to see if they have any interest in picking Antero Niittymaki off waivers. Dwayne Roloson could be another option. Anderson had surgery on Thursday and could be 6-8 weeks, but Murray said he could be back on the ice next week.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Kings are still active on the trade front.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov practiced with teammates yesterday for the first time since December 5th. He said he isn’t experiencing any pain, but there is no timetable for his return, but he hopes to return before the end of season.
“I have to try a full contract practice,” he said. “I feel pretty good on the ice right now. As soon as I feel like I’m ready to play, I’ll play.”
- Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Canadiens forward Andrei Kostitsyn, “I want to stay.” Kostitsyn said earlier this season that he’d take a pay cut to remain with the Canadiens.
- Globe and Mail podcast: Roundtable talking about Jeff Carter trade and other possible moves.
Bruins looking for impact player … Blues not shopping Stewart … Quincey speaks about Avs … Lecavalier out 3 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 24th, 2012
- James Murphy of ESPN: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli may have changed his tune and could be after adding an impact player before the deadline. Nathan Horton’s concussion, Rich Peverley’s knee injury, and their lackluster play since January have all lead to this switch. They have $13.2 million in cap space that Chiarelli can add, but he may be hesitant to trade for a short-term rental as prices are currently “through the roof.” Players the Bruins could look at are forwards Ales Hemsky, Milan Hejduk, Kyle Okposo and defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, Jaroslav Spacek and Johnny Oduya.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland doesn’t think the Blues are shopping Chris Stewart, but you can assume his name as come up. AHL goalie, Ben Bishop, will come up in rumors, with the Lightning potentially interested. One source thought the Blues would eventually got Steve Downie for Bishop and a draft pick. Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey may be a fit for someone looking to bolster their blueline. He has a $4.5 million cap hit, but is only owed $3 million in salary next year. One Bruins source wondered if the Bruins would look at getting Michael Ryder back from the Stars. The Bruins will focus on re-signing Tuukka Rask. Sources are saying that the Canadiens won’t move Travis Moen. Contract extension talks haven’t begun yet though. Ryan Smyth will likely sign an extension with the Oilers.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Kyle Quincey after being traded to the Red Wings:
“Everyone is ready to get shipped out any day. There’s a lot of guys, their bags are packed beside the door, and they wouldn’t be unhappy to go – trust me. I know I had a big smile on my face, and all the guys were jealous. I think there’s a bunch of guys that were pissed off they weren’t in a package deal”
“I truly believe, if you have confidence in a player, then give it to them, show it to them,” Quincey said. “When there’s so much uncertainty if those guys are going to be there next year, it would be nice for guys to get extensions. But that’s their policy, and that’s what they do. Confidence, it comes and goes, and when it goes, it’s pretty tough to get it back.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier could be out for 3 weeks after an MRI revealed a fractured bone in a his right hand.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Sean Couturier is day-to-day with a lower body injury.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Kings are bringing up Slava Voynov after trading Jack Johnson.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Scouting the Maple Leafs – Sharks game: 2 Winnipeg, Avalanche, Oilers, Blackhawks, Canucks, Penguins, Blues, Rangers, Coyotes, Lightning, Senators and Bruins.
Steve Downie traded to the Avalanche … Kyle Quincey ends up with Red Wings … Lightning get 1st round pick
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on February 21st, 2012
The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded winger Steve Downie to the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Kyle Quincey. The Lightning then sent Quincey to the Detroit Red Wings for a 2012 1st round pick and defenseman Sebastien Piche.
The Avalanche currently sit 3 points out of the playoffs in the West, but would have to leapfrog 3 teams. They are tied with the Stars at 62 points. The Kings and Flames have 65 points.
Downie (24) carries a $1.85 million cap hit and will be a RFA at the end of the year. Quincey (26) carries a $3.125 million and will also be a RFA at the year. Piche (24) carries a $563,333 cap hit and will be a RFA
The Red Wings originally drafted Quincey in 2003 in the 4th round.
Steve Downie
Kyle Quincey
Sebastien Piche
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