Posts Tagged Taylor Hall
Malone and Edler won’t be suspended for their hits over the weekend
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Videos on October 3rd, 2011
Nick Kypreos via twitter: Lightning forward Ryan Malone won’t be suspended for his head hit on Canadiens defenseman Chris Campoli. Canucks defenseman Alex Edler won’t be suspended for his hit on Taylor Hall. NHL sees it as “examples of head moving forward just prior to contact.”
Kings refine Doughty offer … GMs may not like van Riemsdyk deal … Lombardi free of concussion symptoms … Dent in Stanley Cup (video)
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on August 31st, 2011
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings have refined some of the concepts in their offer to RFA Drew Doughty, and added some choices for length of contract, likely 6 to 8 years.
“Everything’s been amicable. We’re waiting to hear back from them. They said they’d get back to us in a day or two,” Lombardi said. “So in terms of distance, I’ll probably have a better handle on that when we hear back.”
The Kings also filed their grievance over the Colin Fraser trade with the Oilers, with the Oilers having a few days to respond. Bettman will late decide if they need to hold a hearing or not.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: GM’s of other teams may not be too thrilled with the 6 year $25.5 million contract the Flyers gave James van Riemsdyk yesterday. Teams will now have to deal with van Riemsdyk comparables when trying to sign some of their young guys. If Taylor Hall gets 55 points this year, do the Oilers have to give him $5 million in a 6 year deal? Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi could be in a similar situation.
- John Buccigross via twitter: James van Riemsdyk salary breakdown: 2012-13 $2.5 million, 2013-14 $3.75 million, 2014-15 $4.5 million, 2015-16 $4.75 million, 2016-17 $5 million, and 2017-18 $5 million.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs forward Matthew Lombardi has been declared free of concussion symptoms but he still could miss the start of training camp according to GM Brian Burke.
“He is cleared for full activity on the bike,” Burke said in a phone interview. “The last report I got he was doing 20-plus minutes without symptoms. He has been declared symptom-free and now it’s about getting the workload back up.”
Burke also added that “Right now, I’ve got nothing going,” and “This is the group we’re likely to head in with.” Luke Schenn’s agent said that he expects to meet with the Leafs later this week and Burke said “We remain optimistic that we’ll sign him before camp.”
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: 39 year old Mike Knuble signed a 1 year deal with the Capitals but wants to sign an extension.
“I’m out there playing for another deal,” he said. “I’m not riding off into the sunset. I want to make that point clear to everybody. This is no farewell song.”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: After missing last season with a concussion, Devils defenseman Bryce Salvador is symptom free and has suffered no setbacks during/after “full tilt” workouts.
“I’m back in full training, full everything, so I’m excited for the season,” he said today.
“There’s really no concern about my long-term health, actually,” he said. “The doctors have already put me through a lot of those tests, so I’m pretty excited about that. If I get hurt, I get hurt. That’s just the game. I’m in a good situation where I don’t have to be concerned about a lot of things.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: Sources are saying that the Islanders re-signing Alexei Yashin are “unlikely.”
- Katie Strang via twitter: The Islanders have shown interest in winger Sergei Samsonov but it sounds like he’s looking for a deal and not a tryout.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is planning on having Ryan Malone play the final 2 preseason games and havgin him ready to go for the start of the regular season.
- Michael Ryder’s day with the Stanley Cup leaves it with a nice dent. (The guy with the white gloves should have been there to catch it)
Perry was almost traded to Oilers … Injury notes on Spacek, Lecavalier, Clowe, Green, Hamhuis, Miller, Havlat and 3 Senators
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 5th, 2011
- Randy Youngman of the OC Register: In 2003-04, the Anaheim Ducks almost traded Corey Perry to the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks were prepared to send Perry and a 2004 1st round pick to the Oilers for center Mike Comrie. Comrie was holding out, and the Oilers were wanting Comrie to repay $2.5 million of his original signing bonus. When he didn’t repay the signing bonus, the deal fell through, and he was later traded to Philly. The Ducks used the 2004 1st round pick to select Ladislav Smid.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Roman Hamrlik, a UFA at season’s end, hinted that it could be his last year in a Canadiens uniform. After the media named him the “Jacques Beauchamp Trophy” winner (goes to the unsung hero), “I’ve been doing this a long and especially (since) this is my last year, it’s an honour.” … “I know I’ve been playing with lots of good players this season. You guys had a choice and it’s a big honour for me.” P.K. Subban and Jaroslav Spacek are the only defenseman under contract for next year. Hamrlik, Andrei Markov, James Wisniewski, Hal Gill, Brent Sopel and Paul Mara are all UFA’s.
- Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Quote of the Year: Jaroslav Spacek on how he knew his March 4th knee surgery was a success, “I woke up with two knees and no big boobs.”A decision if he’ll play tonight won’t be made until a couple hours before the game.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe left last night’s game after 3 shifts with what coach Todd McLellan called a lower body tweak after the game. He was being evaluated after the game and more could be known today.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Mike Green and Tom Poti didn’t travel with the team to Toronto for tonight’s game. Green took part in full practice yesterday but didn’t take any contact. He hasn’t ruled out getting into a game before the playoffs start. Alex Semin had a maintenance day yesterday to help heal some nagging injuries. Boudreau said there is a “chance” he could miss 1 of the team’s 3 remaining games.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Taylor Hall was asked to join Team Canada for the World Championships, but won’t be good enough shape to go. Sense around New Jersey is that they will do all they can to re-sign Zach Parise, but will he want to stay?
- AP on NHL.com: Sabres goalie Ryan Miller took some shots yesterday at practice. He still thinks he’s day-to-day and hopes to play on Saturday against the Blue Jackets. Jhonas Enroth will start tonight against the Lightning.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: Rangers forward Chris Drury is hoping to get back in the lineup for the playoffs.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Vincent Lecavalier said he will have no choice and will wear a visor when he returns. He may continue to wear it next year if he can adjust to it. TB Lightning via twitter: There was no structural damage to Lecavalier’s eye, and he’ll be a game time decision today.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said that Martin Havlat is doubtful to play in the final 3 games, as he has an upper body injury.
- Chris Vivalmore via twitter: Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom won’t travel with the team to Nashville and New York.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators winger Daniel Alfredsson and defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Erik Karlsson are all done for the season.
- Ben Kuzman via twitter: Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis (out with a concussion) skated on his own yesterday.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: It’s sounding like Oilers center Shawn Horcoff is done for the year after having a setback last week.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs will have about $15 million in salary cap space next season after they re-sign RFA’s Tyler Bozak, Clarke MacArthur, James Reimer, and Luke Schenn. The Leafs are more than one player away, so spending a lot money on Brad Richards may not be the right move. It’s unlikely the Leafs will trade some of their young talent for expensive veterans. If Richards (31) is looking for a 3 year deal, he might be a fit for the Leafs, but he’ll be looking for longer term. Paul Stastny, if made available, could be a player the Leafs would be interested in. Cox wonders if Burke could try to package his 2 1st round picks and a Kulemin or Gunnarson to move up in the draft and grab a top prospect (top 4), but that would tough.
Hall’s season is over … Could Savard’s career be over? Vokoun gave 3 team list … Gillies suspended 10 games (video)
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Videos on March 5th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Taylor Hall’s season is over as he’ll be out 8 weeks with a high ankle sprain he suffered in a fight with Derek Dorsett. Hall was sitting in 3rd spot for most points by a rookie with 42, Jeff Skinner has 47 and a Logan Couture has 44. “He punched me and I dropped my gloves and I said to him, ‘Really?’ ” Dorsett said yesterday, “I’m not going to let him pound on me even if he’s the first overall pick (draft). He’s a big strong kid, too.”
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Murphy thinks (hasn’t been told anything) that Marc Savard’s hockey career is done. He see’s him attempting a comeback and then hanging them up.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Colton Orr is out with a suspected concussion, and Brian Burke doesn’t know if he’ll be able to return this year. Orr has been out since Jan. 20th. “We have not been given a timeline for Colton’s return,” general manager Burke said in an e-mail. “He will not be permitted to play until cleared by the doctors.”
- Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun gave the Panthers a list of 3 teams he would have waived his no-trade clause for at the deadline, but the Panthers never approached him. The Panthers will not offer any contract extensions during the season.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko won’t be play playing in North America this year. He’s still out with a shoulder injury. He will be meeting with team doctors, and will likely be signed to an entry level deal. The Blues are only able to recall one more player this season from the minors after they recalled Ian Cole.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel: The Panthers will likely look to bring Marty Reasoner back next season. Rostislav Olesz is owed just under $12 million in the next 3 seasons and will be hard to move.
- Trevor Gillies was suspended for 10 games for his hit on Cal Clutterbuck
Injury notes on Hall, Hemsky, Richards, Foote and Crosby
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 4th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Taylor Hall collects his first Gordie Howe hat trick, but injured his ankle is his fight with Blue Jackets Derek Dorsett. I was Hall’s first fight. “I probably shouldn’t have had my first one against him … I know how he plays. He did hit me with a good punch,” said Hall, who would rather fight his own battles than have a teammate help him out. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie is hearing a high ankle sprain, MRI today, could be done for season since only 5 weeks are left.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers will also be without Ales Hemsky for about 3 weeks with a rotator cuff injury to his right shoulder. Hemsky has missed 104 in the last 5 seasons, and has had shoulder issues the last 2 years, left shoulder last year, and now the right. Theo Peckham is out with a concussion.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brad Richards and Nicklas Grossman both took part in the Stars full practice yesterday. “It was a step forward, but I really don’t know yet,” said Richards, who has been skating in Frisco on his own. “This was the first time with people on the ice and contact, and it was a little different than skating on my own. I’ll have to see how I react. It was not as easy as just going out on my own to skate.”
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Sidney Crosby is still suffering from concussion symptoms, but is doing some light exercises on a bike. Last week they were saying a mid-April return would be the best case scenario. It may turn out that the Penguins would need to win a round or 2 before he’s able to return, if at all.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Adam Foote practiced yesterday for the first time with teammates yesterday and hopes to play on Saturday.
Pronger injured … Callahan breaks hand … Sutter would do Phaneuf trade again, um what? Sturm targets next Wednesday
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on December 16th, 2010
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger suffered a lower body injury in the 2nd period last night, and did not make it out for the 3rd period.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: New York Rangers forward Ryan Callahan broke his hand while blocking a shot. Early word is that he could miss 6 weeks. Todd White will likely return to the lineup tonight in place of Callahan.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Herald: Flames GM Darryl Sutter says he would make the Dion Phaneuf trade over again (in case you forgot the deal was Dion Phaneuf, Freddie Sjostrom, and Keith Aulie for Matt Stajan, Niclas Hagman, Ian White and Jamal Mayers). Sutter said if they didn’t trade Dion, they would have lost Rene Bourque and Mark Giordano. Bourque signed for six years, $20 million and Giordano signed for five years, 20.1 million. To me this doesn’t make sense. Phanuef and Sjostrom carry about a $7.25 million cap hit this year. Stajan is at $3.5 million (crazy deal he signed this summer), Hagman is a $3 million cap hit, and they had signed White to a 1 year, $2.999 million deal before trading him to Carolina. According to my math, that’s almost $9.5 million in salary they added compared $7.5 million heading to Toronto (and I’m not including the money they wasted on signing Jokinen).
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Taylor Hall’s role with the Edmonton Oilers may expand to include penalty killing. Oilers coach Tom Renney almost did so on Tuesday against the Leafs but decided against it. The Oilers struggles this year allows them to try things they may not otherwise have done.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Christian Ehrhoff remains ‘status quo’ with regards to his concussion, he’s missed the last 4 games.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Marco Sturm finally joined his new Kings teammates yesterday for practice. He practiced on the 4th line as he still recovers from knee surgery. He is targeting next Wednesday for his LA Kings debut against the Oilers.
- Thrash, the Atlanta Thrashers mascot steals team zamboni and goes for a joyride.
Pavelec takes to the ice … Could the Kings be interested in Richards or Iginla if they become available? Pominville takes 1st step to returning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on October 20th, 2010
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec returned to practice yesterday for the first time since his collapse the other week. After many tests, it was determined he had a neurocardiogenic syncope episode, or in English, a fainting spell. When he banged his head off the ice, it gave him a concussion. What caused him to faint is still unknown. “They said there are so many reasons it could have happened, but they couldn’t find it. A lot of times it will never happen again. Hopefully, it never happens again.” No timetable is set for his return to game action, it will depend on how quickly he can get into game shape. Pavelec said it was the 4th concussion he’s suffered, 2 from soccer, 2 from hockey.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Matt Green will likely return to the LA Kings lineup later this week. The Kings also have available salary cap room to add a big name player if they chose. If the Dallas Stars consider trading Brad Richards, the Kings could be interested. If Calgary wants to rebuild and Jarome Iginla becomes available, he could be an excellent fit in LA.
- Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston: Marc Savard skated for the 3rd time yesterday. “I’m obviously feeling better because I’m out skating,” Savard told ESPNBoston.com on Tuesday after his skate. “That’s good news, but I’m still definitely not 100 percent. I still have some issues, but a lot of them aren’t from the injury. My head isn’t screwed up after I work out right now. Obviously, there are other on-going issues.”
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers coach Tom Renney is trying out some new line combinations. Ales Hemsky – Shawn Horcoff – Magnus Paajarvi, Dustin Penner – Sam Gagner – Jordan Eberle, and Taylor Hall – Andrew Cogliano – Gilbert Brule.
- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks played last night without 2 of their key off-season acquisitions, Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard. Ballard missed his 2nd consecutive game after suffering a concussion on Friday, he didn’t make the trip with the team and won’t play tonight. X-rays were negative on Keith Ballard’s foot after blocking a shot on Sunday.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres winger Jason Pominville said he never saw Niklas Hjalmarsson coming on the hit that gave him a concussion. Pominville took part in an off-ice, light workout yesterday for the first time since the injury. If he has no symptoms today, he’ll increase the workload slightly.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Matt Walker has yet to play a game for them since being acquired for Simon Gagne, and will be out 10-12 weeks after undergoing surgery on a bony impingement and a torn labrum in his right hip.
- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitiution: Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom is already the teams leading scorer for a defenseman, and will become the clubs new ironman, playing in his 252nd consecutive game tonight. He hasn’t missed a game since joining the club in 2007-08.
More on Salvador and possible options for the Devils … Toni Lydman skates with Ducks … Backup in Nashville settled
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on October 1st, 2010
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Travis Zajac’s name continues to float around. Two GM’s think that the New Jersey Devils will carry 20 or 21 players on their roster. Teams must dress 20 players for each game. Keeping 21 players could save them $1 million, 20 players $1.5 million. If they keep 21, including the injured Bryce Salvador (can’t really do anything with Salvador while he’s injured), they would have to get rid of $2.5 million in salary.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoirello says that Salvador has a concussion and will out indefinitely. No decision has been made if he’ll be placed on LTIR.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Doesn’t see anyone trading for Brian Rolston. Allen also doesn’t think Dustin Byfuglien will stay on defense for the entire season. Magnus Paajarvi could outscore Taylor Hall this year. The Predators could look to sign a veteran goalie.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Toni Lydman was on the ice for his first on-ice workout with the Anaheim Ducks. Lydman had an episode of double vision almost a month ago and has missed all of training while they try to figure out what caused it, which they haven’t been able to pin-point as of yet.
- Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Mark Dekanich was assigned to Milwaukee, which means that Andres Lindback won the backup job in Nashville.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Martin Brodeur will 40 years old in 2 years when his contract expires.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be that’s all after this,” he told me today. “I plan the long-range (with) what I have (with his contract) and that’s what I’m focusing on, to be as good as I can be for those two years and have that goal. We’ll see how I feel next year. Next year, in the middle of the season, that’s when you’re going to start thinking about it more because there’s a lot of things that could happen with the NHL and the NHLPA. That (the end of the CBA) comes right after that season. So, who knows? I can’t just commit myself and then have a lockout or if there’s a lockout (for a full year), do I go back the year after?”
Rumors centered around the NHL Draft
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 22nd, 2010
There are plenty of entries of rumors this morning, so we’ve broken them down in to 3 separate entries.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has had talks with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, not about moving up, but sending an asset to the Oilers not to take the player they want. It has been rumored the Bruins target winger Taylor Hall. The Bruins won’t be trading the #2 pick and will select Tyler Seguin if a trade can’t be worked out with the Oilers, and the Oilers select Hall. The Bruins also hold the #15, #32, and #45 and may consider moving up or down in the draft.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Continuing on with the top 2 picks and a possible trade. The Bruins may have the #15 pick, RFA winger Blake Wheeler, or Mikko Lehtonen (prospect) in play. Chiarelli told Boston reports that they haven’t had moved forward with “that type of discussion”. Edmonton won’t know who’ll they take until they sit down one more time with their scouts.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: One top draft pick whose stock could be all over the lottery range is Brett Connolly. Arguably the 3rd best forward behind Hall and Seguin, could be drafted in the top 5, or fall down to 15th. Connolly played for the woeful Prince George Raiders of the WHL, but was limited to only 16 games. On 4 different occasions he was forced out of the lineup with hip flexors, at first to the right side, then to the left. All teams have been given his medical reports, and spoke to him about injuries at the scouting combine. MyNHLdraft.com has him going at #5 to the NY Islanders. I don’t see him dropping any further than 10th to the Rangers and I think he’ll be gone before then. Isles at #5, Tampa at #6, Atlanta at #8, and Minnesota at #9 are strong candidates to draft him.
- Mike Russo of the Star Tribune: Draft options for the Minnesota Wild at #9. LWer Brett Connolly. C/RW Jeff Skinner, RW Nino Niederreiter, C Ryan Johansen, C Alex Burmistrov, C Mikael Granlund.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: With the stock piling of defenseman in the past couple years with their top picks, look for the St. Louis Blues to move in a different direction with their 14th overall pick.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators (drafting 16th) are in a similar situation to the St. Louis Blues, depth on the blueline when it comes to prospects/young players. They aren’t against moving up to get a top propect unless it’s reasonable, but without a 2nd round pick it may be difficult. The Sens may also consider moving back in the draft, picking up some extra picks.
- Jon Lu of TSN (video): The Canadiens may focus on center’s that have size. John MacFarland or Riley Sheahan could be possibilities.
Plenty of free agent rumors and trade options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 13th, 2010
- Jim Kelly of SportsIllustrated: Kelly throws out a new Blackhawks name as possible trade bait to elevate their cap situation, Marion Hossa and his 12 year, $62.8 million contract. Though it would be hard to see someone biting on the $5.2333 million per season salary hit for the next 11 years.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Stephens brings up the Tomas Kaberle-for-BobbyRyan rumor again. Ducks GM Bob Murray called it ‘ridiculous.’ The Ducks are still negotiating with Ryan, and waiting to hear what Scott Neidermayer’s decision is on retirement. Stephens thinks if the Leafs were to included Luke Schenn or Nazem Kadri in the conversation, it might make the deal more do-able ….
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Chicago’s Niklas Hjarmalsson played himself into a top 3 or 4 defenseman, and might get an offer sheet from someone. Bruins scouts are split on Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, so it doesn’t appear they’ll push hard for trade with Edmonton for the #1 pick.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If teams are looking to re-make their teams this off-season throught the free agent market, it isn’t going to happen with this year’s weak crop. It is rumored that Steve Yzerman has talked with the Canadiens about Carey Price. The Canadiens would want scoring in return, Martin St. Louis? Garrioch’s top-10 UFAs: 1.Patrick Marleau 2. Ilya Kovalchuk 3.Scott Niedermayer 4.Tomas Plekanec 5.Evgeni Nabokov 6.Dan Hamhuis 7.Anton Volchenkov 8.Alexander Frolov 9.Sergei Gonchar 10.Marty Turco
- Courier Post: The Flyers have until the end of the month (for exclusive negotiating rights) to decide if Michael Leighton will be their #1 goalie next season as he’ll become a UFA. If they’d like to move in a different direction, potential UFAs that might interest them are; Marty Turco, Evgeni Nabokov. If they go the trade route there are plenty of options; the usual Price or Halak, Tomas Vokoun and Tim Thomas, but the article also mentions Jonathan Quick or Jonathan Bernier, both of the Los Angeles Kings. They could use Jeff Carter as trade bait for a Canadiens or Kings goaltender.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers will continue to try and trade Ethan Moreau, Patrick O’Sullivan and Robert Nilsson. From June 15th to the 30th, they’ll also have the option to buy each player out for 2/3rds their contract. The Oilers will also try to move Sheldon Souray, possibly to the Sharks who will be looking to replace Rob Blake. Though Souray’s cap number is $5.4 million, his actual salary is $4.5 million. The Oilers have to decide if they which of their 15 Group 2 RFAs they want to qualify.
- Michael Trailkos of the National Post: After posting a 26-7-4 regular season record with a 2.25 GAA, and winning the Stanley Cup, Antti Niemi is looking to be piad like a #1 goalie after just one seaon in the league and won’t be taking a discount. From his agent, “He’s going to get his money,” Zito said. “But the term is going to have something to do with it too.”
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: With only 6 picks in this year’s NHL draft, and no action until #62, Toronto Maple Leaf scouts may have an easy time. But with Brian Burke at the helm, they have to be ready for anything. Head amateur scout, Dave Morrison and his staff have put together their list of top 210 prospects, and are ready to go with any additional picks the Leafs may get. Burke has stated that he’s not actively looking for extra picks, though I’m not entirely sold on that.
NHL Draft Rumors for June 1st
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Rumors on June 1st, 2010
- James Murphy of NESN: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said he’ll select either Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin with the 2nd overall pick, and he may work at getting another high pick in the draft. The Bruins also own the 15th, 32nd and 45th picks. They like Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley, but those 2 should be selected in the 3-6 range. The Bruins could package some of their extra picks, and a prospect/player to move up and grab one of them.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson will be meeting with 4 or 5 potential draft picks for individual workout and more interviews over the next couple weeks. The Jackets have the 4th overall pick. They’ll be looking at enough players that would allow to be prepared if they dropped back a few slots in the draft. Though the rumor of Kaberle for the 4th pick is a fair trade according to Portzline, and would immediately help the Jackets, it may not make much sense for them as Kaberle is a free agent after next season. I think they if a team is going to make a solid offer to the Maple Leafs for Kaberle, they’ll want to sure they have a legitimate chance to re-sign him. I doubt Columbus is near the top of teams Kaberle would want to sign long term for.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames are without a 1st and 2nd round pick this year (have two 3rds and two 4th round pick), and Sutter doesn’t expect to actively pursue additional picks. To get a 1st round, Sutter says “I’d say impossible unless you’re going to trade a top player, and I don’t think we’re going to do that.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens will have less input at this year’s draft as 6 scouts won’t be given a new contract.
Boston: Buyout for Ryder, trade Wheeler? Kaberle and more for the 4th overall pick? Boston to trade up for #1?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 30th, 2010
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: GM Chiarelli says that one of either Hall or Seguin will have an impact on the how the organization will move forward in the future. “Yes,” said Chiarelli, “it will have a bearing in what direction we go in.” Dupont notes that Michael Ryder could be bought out, which would save them $2.64 million against the cap. Marco Sturm will make $3.5 million next year but can’t be bought out due to the fact that he has a knee injury, but if they could be convince that recovery is too long and he were to retire, he’d come off the books. Blake Wheeler and his $2.85 million could be dealt.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Blue Jackets may be under pressure this year to make the playoffs, and could the #4 overall pick be available? Simmons thinks that Brian Burke could offer Tomas Kaberle and more for the pick.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: It’sbeen rumored that the Bruins favor Taylor Hall over Tyler Seguin, and if they want to ensure they get him, they could attempt to make a deal with Edmonton for the #1 overall pick. The Bruins are already deep at center, so Hall would be a better fit for them. The Oilers are in need of centerman more than they are of wingers. Chiarelli hasn’t met with Oilers GM, Steve Tambellini yet, but he plans on it. Harris wonders what it would take to move the one spot, Blake Wheeler or Tim Thomas?
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets expect to announce their next coach in the next 7 to 10 days.
Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove:
Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2010
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has been told that the Penguins “are not entertaining the possibility of trading C Evgeni Malkin”.
- Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn’t think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei Gonchar, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Jordan Leopold, Ruslan Fedotenko, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke (depending on how much money he wants) and Mark Eaton are the best possibilities to be brought back by the Pens.
- Ken Weibe of QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Windsor Spitfires coach thinks Taylor Hall should be the #1 pick (not a surprise since he coaches him). Part of the belief that the Oilers could select Tyler Seguin with the #1 pick is that they need a ‘center of the future’. Coach Bob Boughner says Hall is naturally a center … “Taylor is a centre naturally, he’s playing left wing on our team but he’ll take some draws once in a while and he’s good on draws,” said Boughner. “I don’t doubt that if he goes to the next level and they need a centre, he could play centre as well. He’s pretty strong on the puck. “The reason I put him on the wing is to conserve his energy and expose other teams wide because he has that speed.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Atlanta Thrashers have talked with 2 of their UFAs, Pavel Kubina and Maxim Afinogenov, and come away thinking they have a good chance at re-signing them. Allen thinks Kubina will want a deal in the 4 year, $16 million range, which might be problem for the Thrashers. It doesn’t look like Colby Armstrong will be back with the Thrashers next season.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: Canucks RFA Mason Raymond could be on the trade block this summer. The going rate for a 25 goal scorer is around $2.5-3 million, but how do you offer him over $2 million when Alex Burrows makes that much and scored 38 goals. Raymond’s game is also similar to another RFA, Michael Grabner. The Canucks could trade him for a top-4 defenseman, or for some more size up front (if they are giving him up for more size, that player has to have some skill as well).
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: There are currently 4 teams without a head coach: Atlanta, Columbus, New Jersey, and Tampa. Custance goes through top coaching candidates out there. “The AHL Contingent” – Guy Boucher (Hamilton), Scott Arniel (Manitoba), and Kevin Dineen (Portland). “Top NHL Assistants” – Craig Ramsey (Boston), Paul MacLean (Detroit), Brent Peterson (Nashville). “Stanley Cup Winners” – Bob Hartley and Ken Hitchcock. “Recent NHL Experience” – Craig MacTavish, John Stevens, and Rick Tocchet.
Rumors from Beantown
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 19th, 2010
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins backup goalie, Tim Thomas, plans on bouncing back from a sub-par season, and thinks he can be a number 1 goalie again. Where he could be the number 1 is the bigger question. Though he has a no-trade clause, he won’t just waive it to anywhere as his family would play an important role. The Bruins would have $6.25 million for both Thomas and Rask, so it’s a good number and would provide them insurance with the 23-year old Rask.
- James Murphy of NESN: Tim Thomas indicated that he might not mind staying with the Bruins and help ‘finish what they’ve started’ with the current team. He also added this when talking about his no-trade clause, “There’s a lot of other factors in every decision that people make,” he added. “Not just you guys but us guys too. You know I have family, I have kids in school — I have other things to think of. So having that kind of control of a no-trade clause is comforting.”
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins and Dennis Seidenberg’s agent have begun contract negotiations last week, and Seidenberg is confident something will get done. He’s coming off a 1 year, $2.25 million deal, and might be looking for something around $4 million. I’d be surprised if it was that high, maybe in the $3-3.5 range.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli will make some changes for next season, some younger players will be a given a chance. Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin could be a new addition. 2009 1st round pick Jordan Caron will get a serious look. The Bruins will also use patience with their young guys if they feel they are not quite ready, and could bring back Mark Recchi and Shawn Thornton.
Ribeiro on the Move? Devils want Ilya Back … Injury Notes from Ottawa … Plenty from Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2010
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal:
- Matheson wonders if the Dallas Stars would trade Mike Ribeiro for Sheldon Souray. The Stars have Brad Richards as their #1 and Jamie Benn could step up in to the #2 spot. Sure, the Stars could use a puck moving, power play defenseman, but I don’t see them moving Ribeiro for Souray.
- Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks owes about $674 million, and it doesn’t seem like anyone wants to buy the Stars and half of the American Airlines arena.
- The New Jersey Devils want to bring Ilya Kovalchuk back, but will they give him Crosby-Malkin type money, $8.7 million?
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Ottawa Senators defenseman Filip Kuba could be done for the season with a wonky back. Kuba originally hurt his back at the Olympics. Milan Michalek was back at practice yesterday, and there is a chance he’ll be in the lineup on Monday.
- Andy Sutton, acquired at the deadline by the Senators from the Islanders, didn’t rule out signing with the Islanders after July 1.
Hockey Night In Canada: Tomas Plekanec contract negotiations going well with Montreal. The Salary Cap could be going up by $900,000 next season, mainly due to the strong Canadian dollar. Edmonton to let scouts decide if Hall or Seguin. More on the Phoenix situation. NHL in Europe
Gagne for Thomas? Zherdev Coming back to NHL? 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 29th, 2010
- Mathson thinks the Blackhawks will buyout Cristobal Huet after this season. It would be a $1.8 cap hit for the next 4 years.
- The Detroit Red Wings could offer Nicklas Lidstrom a “Joe Sakic one-year-at-a-time” contract at around $5 million a year.
- If Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne retire, there should be plenty of room to re-sign Bobby Ryan and bring in a top blueliner. Matheson thinks Ryan could be re-signed for about $4 million a year, a deal similar to Nathan Horton’s 6 year, $24 million. I think it will take more than that, somewhere in the $4.5 to $5 million neighborhood.
- The Edmonton Oilers are one of about 8 teams interested in Finnish goalie, Jussi Rynnas.
- Matheson thinks it makes more sense for the Oilers to take center Tyler Seguin over LWer Taylor Hall. Seguin could center RWer Jordan Eberle and LWer Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. If the Bruins win the Lottery with the Maple Leafs pick, they’d most likely take winger Taylor Hall as they have Savard, Krejci and Bergeron up middle.
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