Posts Tagged Teemu Selanne
Wings-Leafs 2013 WC rumor … Panthers talking to Versteeg and Garrison … Kopitar leaves game … Green to LTIR … Umberger has concussion symptoms
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2012
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: It’s expected that the NHL will announce the site of next year’s Winter Classic during the All-Star weekend. Rumor is they’ll be announcing a Red Wings – Maple Leafs match-up in Detroit. Wings owner Mike Ilitch may want it at the Tigers Stadium. Michigan Stadium holds 110,000 plus. Officially 104,172 attended The Big House (Michigan Stadium) to see the Wolverines and Spartans set the record for most people at a hockey game. Unofficially they figured the number was closer to 113,000. They don’t sell beer at college football games at The Big House.
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers GM Dale Tallon has said they are already working on contract extensions for Kris Versteeg and Jason Garrison. Talks have begun but nothing is imminent. They haven’t talked in weeks, but they have got things rolling.
- Dan Arritt of ESPN Los Angeles: Kings center Anze Kopitar left last night’s game with an upper body injury. He was checked head-first into the boards by Stars forward Brenden Morrow in the 3rd period. Coach Sutter said he just had a bloody nose and will be fine.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward RJ Umberer is out indefinitely with concussion like symptoms.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: The Capitals have put Mike Green on the LTIR. February 1st is the earliest he’ll be able to return. The Caps recalled forward Cody Eakin to take Green’s spot on the 23 man roster.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland on Nicklas Lidstrom not being named to the All-Star game: “Lidstrom wanted a few days off during the break & he’s looking forward to a few days off to rest the batteries.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Ducks Teemu Selanne was asked to go to the All-Star game but politely declined.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will make his 5th consecutive start for the Maple Leafs tonight in Buffalo. Coach Ron Wilson is not sure if James Reimer will play this weekend.
Anaheim Ducks rumors involving Getzlaf, Ryan and others … Leafs would have to be interested in Getzlaf
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 5th, 2012
12:40 PM:
- Damien Cox via twitter: “Problem with ANA rumblings is GM Murray seems to say one thing publicly, but something very different to other teams.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Staples thinks the Oilers should look at Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, more Getzlaf than Perry. He doesn’t think the Ducks would take Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner and a few prospects. Would the Oilers throw in “Linus Omark or a Magnus Paajarvi or a Jeff Petry or a Teemu Hartikainen or a few of them?” Staples thinks a Cam Fowler for Sam Gagner deal might make sense for either team, but they should look for “a finished product, not a work in progress.” The Oilers could look to pick up a Matt Smaby or Mark Fraser as a stopgap defenseman from the Ducks.
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Dupont figured it would be Bobby Ryan out of Anaheim before Ryan Getzlaf. Idea of moving Getzlaf and leaving Perry kind of feels like the Canucks trading one of the Sedins.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: DeCock doesn’t see a fit as the Hurricanes ‘core players’ include Staal, Ward, Skinner, maybe Sutter/Faulk. See what DeCock was referring to below.
- BD Gallof via twitter: For Islanders fans thinking Perry or Getzlaf, think Moulson or Okposo, Niederreiter or Strome, plus a prospect and draft pick. The price for established players is costly. Whatever players are on the block, Islanders fans should realize they are not in that market.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau has to be the biggest loser in the Ducks trade talk as he now has to motivate 21 of 23 players who are now traded bait.
8:23 AM:
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray isn’t ready to give up on this season just yet.
“At this point, no,” Murray said Wednesday before the Ducks’ home game against San Jose. “I’m not ready to. First of all, we do have a lot of really good core players. Everybody in hockey knows we have good core players.”
Teams are calling Murray, and he is listening. Both Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have no-trade clauses, and Murray doesn’t want to trade them. Corey Perry and Cam Fowler are likely untouchable. Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Jonas Hiller could be up for discussion if the team doesn’t improve. Murray said he isn’t just looking for draft picks if he were to deal someone.
“I still believe we have some core players. Now whether we have to change a few core players, so be it. They’re deciding who’s staying and who’s not staying at this point. They’re the ones deciding.”
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: You have to believe that the Maple Leafs would be interested in Ryan Getzlaf. He’s the type of player Burke has been after since he got to Toronto. Rumblings suggest that GM Murray would rather move Ryan over Getzlaf. According to Cox, “the Leafs don’t see a fit with Ryan.” Burke may be setting up for a deal as he sent Phillipe Dupuis to the minors and put Colton Orr on waivers yesterday, though they have injured players who may be close in Tyler Bozak, Mike Komisarek, Colby Armstrong, Mike Brown and John-Michael Liles. When the Leafs were inquiring about Mike Richards in the summer, they were believed to be asked for a package involving Luke Schenn and Nazem Kadri. The Leafs don’t have a #1 center to send the Ducks, but could offer Bozak or possibly Joe Colborne. Giving up both Kadri and Colborne seems unlikely. Defenseman Carl Gunnarson could also come into play. Getzlaf will be UFA after next season.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: On the possible availability of Ryan and others …. DeCock desn’t know if there is a fit with Hurricanes in what they have to offer as GM Murray may be wanting a core player back.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: One of the Ducks issues this season is the lack of depth. They are thin outside their top 6, and their blue line is a mish-mash of young and old. Trading Getzlaf could definitely improve their depth with players who are ready for the NHL. Trading a player with a ton a talent may not be a thing that Murray wants to do.
Ducks should trade Getzlaf? Bourque up for suspension … Blues sale terminated … Theodore out 2 weeks … Weber practices
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 4th, 2012
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Miller thinks the Ducks should trade Ryan Getzlaf if there is a deal that significantly improves the Ducks. Miller: “For whatever reason, this just isn’t working. It isn’t working for the Ducks, and it certainly isn’t working for Getzlaf.” Getzlaf has only 6 goals and 25 points, and is on pace for 55 points. He entered the year averaging .965 points per game. Selanne may want to finish his career on a contender: “You never say ‘never,’ ” Selanne explained. “But I don’t want to waste any thoughts on it right now. It’s time to have fun here. You just keep fighting as long as you can breathe.”
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Flames forward Rene Bourque has a hearing with the NHL over an elbow to the head of Nicklas Backstrom. Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals Niklas Backstrom left last night’s game after taking a Rene Bourque elbow to the head. He was removed from the game for precautionary reasons, and will be evaluated today. Video at bottom of entry.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The NHL has terminated the purchase agreement between the Blues and Matthew Hulsizer. Blues minority owner Tom Stillman has the opportunity to step in and purchase the team. Hulsizer didn’t make the NHL’s imposed deadline to buy the club. Hulsizer was attempting to restructure the financing of the deal several times. Some sources are saying that Stillman has an exclusive 75 day window to complete the deal, while other are saying the Blues can negotiate with anyone, including Hulsizer.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins Pascal Dupuis, out with an upper-body injury, skated before practice and is day-to-day. Arron Asham is also day-to-day, didn’t skate yesterday but isn’t walking around with a limp after taking a shot off the knee.
- Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes have activated goalie Mike Smith off the IR. Curtis McElhinney has been assigned to the AHL.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers James van Riemsdyk will fill in for the injured Jaromir Jagr on the top line with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. Ilya Bryzgalov is expected to start on Thursday.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore will be out at least 2 weeks with a knee injury.
- Mike Organ of the Tennessean: Predators defenseman Shea Weber practiced yesterday with limited contact for the 1st time since suffering a concussion 12 days ago. “There is still no time line on him,” Trotz said. “It’s when he feels comfortable; when he feels that he’s ready to go, then he’ll come and let us know. Between the doctors, the trainers and Shea, they’ll make that decision.”
Ducks in the rumor mill … Subban-Plekanec drop the gloves … RNH injures shoulder … Carcillo could face suspension
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on January 3rd, 2012
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Talk about what Teemu Selanne will do has already surfaced as the Ducks have struggled with a 10-21-6 record.
“I’ve read some stories in the papers too about what the situation could be,” said Selanne, who took the day off for maintenance. ”To be honest, I haven’t really thought about that too much. I still believe that we can make the playoffs. I don’t want to think about that thing before we’re out.
“So right now, I just think I’m going to be here. That’s the only goal I have right now. Right now, I can’t see that happening. The focus is still do the job here now and see how it goes. A lot of work to do. It’s a big challenge right now.”
Ducks GM Bob Murray may look to see what he can get for the few tradable assets he has. Bobby Ryan has already been on the trade block and Ryan Getzlaf’s name has crept into the rumor mill lately. GM Murray has already said that Selanne is retiring a Duck.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: It’s sounding like the Sabres could be shopping some players in effort to turn their season around. Coach Lindy Ruff’s job is safe. The Sabres sit in 11th spot, but they don’t need to blow up their roster. Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, Paul Gaustad and Ryan Miller haven’t lived up to expectations or their contracts.
- TSN: Canadiens P.K. Subban and Tomas Plekanec dropped the gloves at yesterday’s practice. No big bombs were landed and both players resumed practicing afterwards. “It’s nothing personal between me and P.K., it’s about the team and to realize we have to start playing as a team,” said Plekanec. “Those things happen.
- Jim Matheson via twitter: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins left last night’s game. There is no news on the severity of the shoulder injury. He’ll be out today against the Sabres. Mark Spector via twitter: The Oilers have recalled center Josh Green and Dman Colten Teubert to replace RNH and Tom Gilbert (see video below).
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers winger Jaromir Jagr took himself out of yesterday’s Winter Classic after he was speared in the calf. “It was swelling and getting worse and worse in my leg,” Jagr said. “I just couldn’t skate hard and I didn’t want to just be [on the ice] to be there. I knew at that point I couldn’t help my teammates.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance list 10 candidates for next year’s Winter Classic and beyond: 1. Detroit 2. Washington 3. New York 4. Minnesota 5. Toronto 6. Chicago 7. Colorado 8 Columbus 9. Green Bay 10. Las Vegas
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Canucks forward David Booth hopes to return to the lineup by Jan. 9th against the Panthers. Booth has skated for 3 straight days, but only for 15 minutes. Booth has been out with a sprained knee ligament since Dec. 6th. Defenseman Aaron Rome also skated but is still a ways from returning.
- Blackshawks Dan Carcillo’s hit on Oilers Tom Gilbert. This will definitely be looked by the league, and a suspension is likely. What do you think?
Change of scenery needed for Hemsky? Could the Oilers trade Smyth? Wings could use scoring winger … Wilson wants contract in stocking
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 24th, 2011
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky will be a UFA at the end of the season, but is struggling offensively (3 goals and 8 assists). It may be time for a change of scenery for Hemsky. Teams will be calling. The Red Wings, Predators, Penguins and Rangers could be interested. Teams will be calling the Ducks about Teemu Selanne, but Matheson could only see Selanne agreeing to play in Winnipeg if the Jets are in the hunt. Matheson wonders if the Oilers would go to Ryan Smyth to see if he’d want to play for a contender this year? “Absolutely, and, if the Oilers frame it right, they can assure No. 94, who should probably have his number retired here one day, that they’ll re-sign him after July 1 so he’ll have the best of both worlds.”
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Khan thinks the Red Wings will make a move by the deadline, and a scoring winger is at the top of their list.
- Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson via twitter: “This Xmas could be better if Santa stuffs a certain piece of paper in my stocking.
#whatcouldthatbe”.
- Stu Cowan in the Ottawa Citizen: Cowan thinks the Canadiens should hire Guy Carbonneau as the teams next head coach.
“I got fired by Bob (Gainey), and Pierre Gauthier was there, so I don’t know what Geoff would do,” Carbonneau said. “I loved what I did when I was in Montreal, I enjoyed everything that was around it, even if it was hard . . . I think there’s nothing that’s ever easy. But I definitely want to go back behind a (NHL) bench, and I think Montreal is a great place for that.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat had surgery and “can’t do much for the next two or three weeks.” Goalie Antero Niittymaki is back from his 3 game conditioning stint.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray left last night’s game with a lower body injury.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles missed last night’s game with a neck injury, but will be ready to return on Tuesday.
Stars not looking to make move just yet … Be patient Sabres fans … Selanne staying, Ryan maybe not … Injury notes: Havlat, Myers, Armstrong, Sanford
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 21st, 2011
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika doesn’t think Joe Nieuwendyk is looking to add a player just yet. If they are looking to improve the most, they might eventually look for a number 1 defenseman or center, but they are not easy to get.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Some Sabres fans are calling for trades, others to fire the GM and/or coach. Sabres president Ted Black said they are not going to fire Lindy Ruff or Darcy Regier. Black asks fans to be patient. Ducks GM Bob Murray on trading Teemu Selanne at the trade deadline:
“No, he’s retiring a Duck and that’s the way it’s going to be,” Ducks GM Bob Murray told ESPN.com on Tuesday. “But the way he’s playing, why should he retire?”
If the Ducks are still at the bottom of the league around deadline time, they could begin listening to Bobby Ryan trade offers again.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tamp Tribune: Lightning forward Martin St. Louis returned to practice yesterday wearing a full cage. No timetable has been set as to when he’ll return.
- Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Though it’s not 100% certain, but it’s looking like Claude Giroux will return tonight.
- Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea: Sharks winger Martin Havlav will not play before Christmas due to a leg injury. Coach Todd McLellan: “He won’t play before Christmas, and will be evaluated a little bit more over the next few days, but it’s probably going to be a little bit more longer term than what we originally thought. We’re not ready to put a timeline on it yet, but he won’t play before Christmas.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defeneseman Tyler Myers has been cleared to return to the team. He is now allowed to grip his stick as he begins him recovery from a broken wrist which happened on Nov. 19th.
- TSN: The Maple Leafs have placed Colby Armstrong on the IR due to his concussion. The Leafs have recalled Darryl Boyce from the Marlies.
- Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets goalie Curtis Sanford is expected to return today after he missed a start on Sunday and yesterday’s practice. Defenseman James Wisniewski also missed yesterday’s practice but he’s expected to return today.
Tradability of some Capitals … Gillis responds to Luongo rumors … Injury notes on Markov, MacDonald, Kubina, Martinez, Richards, Higgins and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 6th, 2011
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance looks at the tradability of some Capitals if they can’t turn it around. Alex Ovechkin: Anything is possible, but he is the face the franchise. He has a cap hit of $9.5 million until 2020-21. Hard to imagine they’d move him. Mike Green: He’ll be a RFA at seasons end. Battling injuries all year, but could be a centerpiece of a Capitals shakeup. Alexander Semin: Carries a cap hit of $6.7 million and has been in the rumor mill for awhile. He would be the most likely ‘top’ player to be dealt if the Capitals decided to do something big. May only get a draft pick for him and not a player in return that would help win a Cup. Nicklas Backstrom: Like Ovechkin, pretty much an untouchable. Has a modified no-trade clause.
- Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis on Roberto Luongo trade rumors: “Not a chance”
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s not his final season, “Not unless you know something I don’t.” On Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford giving up his GM post to Ron Francis, “That may happen at some point,” Rutherford said. “But it’s not just around the corner.” The Hurricanes could look to move Tuomo Ruuttu and Tomas Kaberle. A couple of GMs have said a players contract for this year can make it difficult to make a trade. Many teams are at the top of their budget or over due to injuries. Ducks GM Murray said many teams called about Ryan, some thought he was being “auctioned off. ” Toronto, Philadelphia, Rangers, Vancouver, Florida, Carolina, Minnesota and others had interest. Murray added that Selanne will retire a Duck. Some Cup contenders have some cap room this year: Sharks ($2.5 million), Bruins ($4.5 million), Blackhawks ($5.5 million) and Red Wings ($5.6 million). The Panthers were interested in Kyle Turris, but it may be difficult to mess with chemistry down in Florida now. Friedman wonders if the Flames would consider trading Miikka Kiprusoff. His no-movement clause ends at the end of the season.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Andrei Markov will be rehabbing for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald has been put the IR and is expected to be out 2 to 4 weeks with a right leg injury.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund suffered a “big” setback in his recovery. Pavel Kubina has a lower body injury and missed last night’s game. He is not ruling himself out for tonight’s game. “Let’s not kid ourselves,” Boucher said. “We’re not in a position as a team to lose defensemen and keep playing and look the same way. The reality is it’s something we know we have to improve, so it’s tough.” Mathieu Garon will likely start in net tonight.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings Alec Martinez has been medically cleared to return but will likely miss at least one more game. Mike Richards is “feeling better” but hasn’t returned to the ice and will miss at least the next 2 games due to being on the IR. Richards is able to ride a stationary bike.
- Monte Stewart of the Globe and Mail: Canucks will be without Chris Higgins tonight as he’s out with a staph infection in his foot. Viktor Oreskovich was recalled and will likely find himself on the 4th line.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars Brenden Morrow and Trevor Daley are still on target for a Thursday return.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Tuukka Rask will likely be in net tonight for the Bruins against the Jets.
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Coyotes. Unless according to coach Barry Trotz “he has the flu or falls down the stairs or something like that.”
Contract notes on Doughty and Turris … Free agent notes Selanne and McCabe … Injury notes on Markov, Kane, Brodeur, Salvador, Carter and Prust
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on September 19th, 2011
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Kings GM Dean Lombardi must realize know that the “take less for the team” pitch isn’t working with Drew Doughty. The Kings must change their approach if they can’t sign him soon. Word is they won’t trade him. The Kings are trying to buy some of Doughty’s UFA years, but they may have to shorten the term. There are rumors that Kyle Turris wants to be traded from the Coyotes. The Coyotes may be reluctant to deal as he’s only 22 and hasn’t reached his potential. Teams would have to pay a heavy price for him. Turris doesn’t have much leverage. The Jets and ‘some serious contenders’ were trying to get Teemu Selanne to leave Anaheim before he re-signed. Sabres GM Darcy Regier says he’s confident he can make a move (or two) to get under the cap, which they are currently about $3.6 million over. That might mean he already has a couple deals he do depending on what happens during the preseason. Bryan McCabe may not want to go too far from Florida where his family is, but he may not have much choice. Vancouver, St. Louis and the NY Islanders are said to be interested. Wade Redden wasn’t invited to the Rangers main camp.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov skated alone again today, he did pick the intensity up.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: A good sign for the Blackhawks, Patrick Kane scrimmaged again today.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur and Bryce Salvador have “lower-body” issues but are not serious according to Lou.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Jeff Carter only has a bruised right foot. It’s not broken after blocking a shot Sunday.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers forward Brandon Prust still hasn’t been cleared for contact. Prust had shoulder surgery 10 weeks ago. Coach Tortorella said “The doctors told us that Prustie needs a couple of more weeks before contact,” and that “He’ll get some exhibition games overseas.”
Schenn, Bailey and Selanne re-sign with their teams … Doughty and Turris still without deals
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on September 16th, 2011
- TSN: The Maple Leafs have re-signed RFA defenseman Luke Schenn to a 5 year deal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: The 5 year deal is for $3.6 million per season, $18 million total.
- Brian Compton via twitter: The Islanders have agreed to a 2 year deal with RFA forward Josh Bailey.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Drew Doughty is not expected to report to the Kings training camp today as they still haven’t come to terms.
“We’re committed to being engaged in discussions and we’re more than willing to talk,” Meehan said by phone Thursday. “I think the next step is for the Kings to respond to our correspondence.”
The Kings don’t want to pay Doughty more than Anze Kopitar’s $6.8 million. The Kings may have gone higher on a longer term, but Doughty wants a shorter term and more money.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the next 24 hours for Doughty and the Kings are critical. “This may, and I said may, be perilously close to going off rails.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: As of last night, there has been no movement/dialogue in the 24 hours on Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes, doesn’t look like anything will be resolved any time soon.
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Teemu Selanne will be back with the Ducks this year, signing a 1 year deal worth $4 million.
Sharp out 3-4 weeks … Bogosian without contract but with teammates … Byfuglien getting charged … Wings could make splash next summer
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 13th, 2011
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp underwent an emergency appendectomy last night and will be recovering for 3 to 4 weeks. If recovery takes the full 4 weeks, he could miss the season opener.
- Ted Wyman of the Winnipeg Sun: Zach Bogosian may still be unsigned, but he is in Winnipeg skating with teammates.
“I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t want to be here,” he told Global. “I’m not obligated to be here until actual training camp. The fact is I want to come in here before camp and get into a routine, get to know some of the new people that I (didn’t) meet last year. It’s good to get into a little bit of a routine.”
Most of the trade rumors involving Bogosian have been preposterous, especially the Bogosian for Scott Gomez. The Jets are just over the salary cap floor, so there is no good reason for them not to get him signed long-term. Bogosian and his agent may be waiting for Luke Schenn and Drew Doughty to sign first.
- Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will be getting charged with drunk boating. On August 31st he was “booked for “probable cause” on intoxicated boating, and for allegedly refusing a blood or urine test.”
- Katie Strang of ESPN: The Islanders and free agent Sergei Samsonov had talked earlier in the summer, but according to his agent, “It seems to be dead.” The Islanders were considering Samsonov on a tryout, but his agent said they are in discussions with another team.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Bryan McCabe has had discussions with several teams and is still considering his options. Mike Modano may be leaning towards retirement. Teemu Selanne and Ducks GM Bob Murray talk almost every day as Selanne is testing his knee this week to see if he thinks it can hold up for another season. The Red Wings are just about $5.8 million below the cap this year, and $21 million next year. They have Niklas Kronwall and Brad Stuart to re-sign at some point this year, but there are currently some big names that could be UFA’s next year: Zach Parise, Shane Doan, Ryan Suter, Ales Hemsky and Alexander Semin. The Rangers named Ryan Callahan their new captain.
- Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Hurricanes 2011 draft pick Victor Rask is debating if he’ll remain in North America for the season or head back to Sweden. His CHL rights are held by the Calgary Hitman of the WHL, or he could play in the AHL with Charlotte. “I haven’t decided yet,” Rask told NHL.com. “I like to play in North America, but have to wait and see what happens. Maybe I will, because it’s good hockey here.” Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford would like to see him stay in North America.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Devan Dubnyk may be splitting time, 50-50 with veteran Nikolai Khabibulin this year. Khabibulin will be 39 in January and carries a $3.75 million price tag this year and next. “Would I like to have a 50-50 split? Ideally, yes,” he said. “But I have to earn every start. I want to keep that mindset.” Dubnyk was 12-13-8 with a 2.71 GAA and .916 SV% last year.
Lokomotiv suspends operations for year … 6 prominent RFAs remain … Selanne decision may not come this week … Pronger and Kesler may not be ready start of season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 10th, 2011
- Slava Malamud via twitter: The team president, regional government and sponsors have decided that Lokomotiv won’t play this year. “Inability to assemble a competitive team (with not only players, but “chemistry” and a game plan) on a short notice cited as the reason.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn’s agent, Don Meehan, said in an email that they have a meeting with the Maple Leafs early next week.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: There are 6 prominent RFAs still unsigned: Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn, Zach Bogosian, Brad Marchand, Kyle Turris and Josh Bailey. Doughty has reportedly turned down a 9 year, $61.2 million deal and Turris may be looking for more than $4 million a season. One agent said, “Luke Schenn isn’t going to sign before Drew Doughty unless someone blinks.” Training camp starts next week, will there be any holdouts?
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Islanders forward Josh Bailey still remains unsigned, but both sides are working to get something done. “No question,” Bailey said. “I don’t even consider the other side of things. My focus is here. I’m an Islander and that’s the way I want it to stay.”
- Tim Campbell and Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The line of communication between RFA Zach Bogosian and the Jets are open but no deal is imminent. “Things are pretty much status quo,” the GM said. “There are conversations as we go. Time will play itself out.” Jets camp opens next Saturday.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne may put off his decision to play or not until after training camp opens next week.
“I might even go (into) the first week of training camp and just go as a tryout for starters,” Selanne said. “I know I’ve got to sign something to get into camp. But I think there would be benefits for the team and myself. I don’t want to just try it and say, ‘Sorry, I can’t do it.’”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Lou Lamoriello said that Travis Zajac would miss 3 months after he had surgery to repair Achilles tendon. Zajac has talked to some people who have had the same injury, for some it took 3 months, but for some others it took 4 to 6 months. He suffered the injury on Aug. 17th.
“It depends on the athlete and the person, but from guys I’ve talked to with the injury that (three months) seems like a reasonable timeframe for some guys and some guys were a little longer,” Zajac said. “Hopefully, if things progress well (he’ll be back in three months). I was told it’s the rehab that is the key part that’s going to get you back the quickest.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger had a positive step in his rehab, but it’s still a long shot that he’s ready for their Oct. 6th opener.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler doesn’t think he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kesler said his hip is still on 100%.
- Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks have acquired Jonathan Toews brother, David, from the New York Islanders for future considerations. David scored 20 goals and added 28 assists with Brandon of the WHL last year.
Murray optimistic with Selanne … Kane healing well … Cumiskey remains unsigned … Turris wants $4 million plus
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 7th, 2011
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ducks GM Bob Murray mentioned yesterday that Teemu Selanne “wants to come back and play from a mental perspective,” but it’s up to his surgically repaired knee.
“He is working out on and off the ice and trying to strengthen his knee. It’s not quite where he wants it yet,” Murray said Tuesday via email. “He wants to make a decision prior to training camp.”
Medical tests for the Ducks start on the 16th, and they hit the ice on the 17th.
“I’m optimistic, but certainly understand him not wanting commit unless the knee is straightened out,” Murray said. “I’m going to talk to him again later this week and see how he is progressing.”
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks winger Patrick Kane had offseason left wrist surgery and has said he’s “a little ahead of schedule.” He hopes to be able to get in up to 4 exhibition games.
“I get the splint off the 15th so after that I should be able to do pretty much everything,” Kane said. “I’ve been skating and working out. For a while there, I couldn’t go full equipment with the cast. Once I got the cast off that’s when I started trying to get back into the flow quickly.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche defenseman Kyle Cumiskey still remains unsigned. Cumiskey only made it in 18 games last year, but is 100% healthy according to his agent. His agent, Ross Gurney, wouldn’t go on record regarding why there hasn’t been a contract yet. Dater thinks a deal will get done before the start of camp next Saturday.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Former Oilers and Blackhawk Fernando Pisani is still looking for a contract. He’s not keen on doing a tryout with a team, competing with guys on a one-way deal. Steve Staios and Bryan McCabe are also looking for work. Jason Strudwick also doesn’t have a contract, and reportedly has had some coaching offers, but he still wants to play.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Underachieving Coyotes prospect Kyle Turris also remains unsigned. He has only scored 19 goals in 131 NHL games. League sources are saying that Turris is looking for a 3 year deal worth more than $4 million a season or a 2 year deal at more than $3 million. Turris’ agent told ESPN he won’t discuss numbers.
- Nick Montemagno of Blueshirt Banter: Last year Henrik Lundqvist played 68 games, but if Marty Biron can remain healthy, Montemagno would like to see him play closer to 60 games.
This will keep Lundqvist fresh, mentally and physically, throughout the course of the year, especially in the playoffs. I think we all noticed how fatigued Hank was by the fourth or fifth game of that first-round series against Washington back in April, and I’m sure that had a lot to do with the fact that he was forced to play out the entire final third of the season with Biron out. That will change in 2011-12.
- Harrison Mooney of the Vancouver Sun: Manny Legace, who played in Germany last year, will attend the Canucks training camp on a tryout.
Schenn, Doughty, Modano, Selanne and McCabe remain unsigned … Sutter could be on a short leash in Calgary … Boychuck could be trade bait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 5th, 2011
- Kevin Mcgran of the Toronto Star: There is still “no sense of panic on either side” when it comes to the contract of Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn. McGran does think “it’s a little unsettling” that they haven’t reached a deal yet. Schenn could be waiting to see what Drew Doughty gets, who could be looking for a long term deal around $6-7 million. Both are represented by Newport Sports. Mike Modano said he’d make a decision to retire or not by mid-September. He’s been looking at off-ice options. Teemu Selanne is still waiting to see how his knee holds up before making a decision to come back or not. Bryan McCabe is a still unsigned, with the Senators and Islanders possibly interested.
- Harrison Mooney of Yahoo! Sports: If the Flames struggle this season, coach Brent Sutter could find himself unemployed. “Jay Feaster has retained Brent Sutter for now, but both are under a lot of pressure to make things right in Calgary. And, since Feaster doesn’t have to look Brent Sutter in the eyes at Thanksgiving dinner, the Flames’ bench boss will likely have a much shorter leash this time around.”
- James Murphy of ESPN Boston: Murphy answering readers questions. The Bruins won’t have Marc Savard’s cap number on the books this year and will have $11.7 million in cap space this year. GM Peter Chiarelli could decide to fill some holes during the season or shake things up if he needs too. He’ll also have the room to sign a marquee UFA next summer. Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuck could find himself as trade bait if he doesn’t improve from last year. He has a good shot and is physical, but was just average on too many nights.
Crosby update … Signs pointing to 1 more year for Teemu … Scatchard retires … Quiet on trade front for Sabres and Coyotes … Kesler hopes for opener
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 23rd, 2011
- TSN: It’s not known if Sidney Crosby to will be ready for training camp. Reports from Halifax are that concussion symptoms have returned, and he’s cancelled some ice time.
“Sidney hasn’t been shut down by anyone,” Brisson said. “He has simply adjusted his summer program accordingly to the different needs for the appropriate recovery. Training camp is in three weeks from now. It is too premature to speculate all kinds of deliberate information at his point.
“Sidney will address the media at the appropriate time in order to give everyone an update. As far as I know training camp hasn’t started yet.”
Josh Rimer of NHL Home Ice Radio tweeted: “Also hearing from 3 sources now that Sidney Crosby won’t b ready 2 start season. I hope its not true because the NHL needs its best players!”
- Mike Brophy via twitter: “Source says Sidney Crosby pushing himself hard, but is not symptom free.”
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: Though he hasn’t made an official announcement, signs are pointing to Teemu Selanne returning for one more season. A Finnish report paraphrases him in translation that he’s knows his knee can’t withstand another year past this season. Selanne should be back in California next week to get his kids ready for school.
- Randy Starkman of the Toronto Star: Dave Scatchard announced yesterday that he is retiring from hockey due to concussions.
“I’m happy that the doctor basically told me straight out there was zero chance of me playing because it kind of put me in my place,” said Scatchard, sounding anything but happy. “I believe the doctor’s exact words were he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if he let me continue to play.”
“Even today I have trouble pushing my kids on a swing set,” said Scatchard from his home in Phoenix. “Just the motion makes me really nauseous. Wrestling around with them on the ground, I can only do it for a minute or two and then I just feel sick. Any rolling motions or spinning motions just completely send me for a loop.”
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: When at the R&D camp, Sabres GM Darcy Reiger said “It’s still pretty quiet. I was just talking to fellow GMs downstairs” in regards to trade talk. The Sabres sit around $3.5 million over the salary cap and would like to get below “probably through a trade.” Coyotes GM Don Maloney is looking for a centerman and is having difficulities as well:
“Every time you see people, you ask them – ‘What do you have going?’ It’s a quiet period, a lot of people have gone on vacation for a few weeks. We’re all kind of taking a deep breath,” Maloney told Sporting News.
- Ian Walker of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, 4 weeks removed from hip surgery, hopes to be ready by the season opener on Oct. 6th.
“It’s going good; small victories here and there,” Kesler told Joey Kenward, who replaces Kristen Reid as the face of Canucks TV. “I just got off my crutches and I’ll start strengthening so everything is back to normal. I’ll start skating here in the next couple of weeks and hopefully be back by that first game.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues received “multiple bids” at yesterday’s deadline but “confidentiality agreements preclude us from elaborating any further” on the number of bids received. It is known that Blues minority owner Tom Stillman put in a bid. It’s not known if Matthew Hulsizer put in a bid. Many beleive that “Game Plan” would accept other offers if it reached their targeted selling price.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets goalie Chris Mason is now closer to home, a product of Red Deer, had this to say about playing in Atlanta:
“It was tough in Atlanta because in my opinion it just wasn’t an optimal hockey market. The fans there were awesome but there just wasn’t a broad range of support, so it was tough some nights to have that feeling it didn’t matter so much and hockey wasn’t the most important thing. Going to Winnipeg, you’re not going to have that feeling at all. It’s going to be everywhere, it’s going to be the opposite spectrum.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers UFA defenseman Jason Strudwick hasn’t received any offers or training camp invites yet. He’s staying in shape in hope that he gets a call.
“I’d still like to play, but if I don’t, well, I can live with that. I don’t know if I’d want to go a camp for two or three weeks (on a tryout) and then, say, get cut,” said Strudwick.
A quiet Leafs summer … Hulsizer candidate to by Blues … Possible retirees this year and next
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 22nd, 2011
- George Popalis of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs have been quiet this summer with regards to the free agent market, not doing anything since Tim Connolly, and it’s probably a good thing. Over paying for someone and talking away a roster spot for a someone in their young core may not be the best for the team. Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Luca Caputi, Matt Frattin, Jerry D’Amigo, Jake Gardiner and Jesse Blacker are all in their early 20′s and deserve a good look at camp.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Matthew Hulsizer is one of the candidates attempting to buy the St. Louis Blues. It’s expected that Hulsizer will submit a bid to buy the Blues. The deadline to submit a bid is today. Current minority owner Tom Stillman is also expected to make a bid.
- Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey: Spector lists some players who could retire this year or next: Teemu Selanne, Mike Modano, Cory Stillman, Marty Turco, John Madden, Sergei Samsonov, Mike Grier. Possible candidates for retiring next summer: Martin Brodeur, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sheldon Souray, Jason Blake, Saku Koivu, Sean Avery, Jaroslav Spacek, Filip Kuba, Willie Mitchell, Jaromir Jagr, Ray Whitney and Steve Sullivan.
Sabres should get Myers deal done early … Bogosian free agent notes … R&D Camp rule tweaks … Plan B for no Selanne
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 10th, 2011
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Tyler Myers isn’t going to get Shea Weber money ($7.5 million, 1 year deal), but he could get around $6 million a year. Gleason thinks it would be a good idea to get a deal done early this season (he’ll be a RFA at seasons end) before he gains more leverage. He thinks a 5 year deal at $30 million makes sense.
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Zach Bogosian on contract talks with the Jets:
“Things are good. We’re talking. That’s about all I will say,” Bogosian said. “You’ve just got to sit back and let the agents and GM deal with all that kind of stuff.”
Bogosian has played in 199 games so far. He recorded 17 points in 71 games last year and was a -27. Bogosian and Luke Schenn should get a deal in the same neighborhood.
- Matt Reitz of Pro Hockey Talk: The Jets and Bogosian may be having trouble finding fair market value for him. There are question marks surrounding Bogosian’s game. The others from his draft class: Drew Doughty has already been a Norris Finalist, Alex Pietrangelo has shown signs that he could be a Norris candidate one day, and Luke Schenn “has already made a name for himself as a nasty defenseman.” From an NHL executive:
“They were comparable players in junior but haven’t been to date as pros. It’s difficult to know what Winnipeg has in Bogosian at this point. He may very well turn into a fine player but that has only been demonstrated in flashes so far.”
Reitz wonders if the systems of former coach Craig Ramsey didn’t give Bogosian a chance to succeed. He’s currently just an average defenseman, but do the Jets want to “gamble on a long-term contract hoping to lock him at a reasonable cap hit?” Should they sign him to a short-term deal to see how he develops?
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle lists 8 of the more interesting rule tweaks the NHL is testing at its R&D camp. 1. Changes only permitted on-the-fly. 2. No line change for a team committing an offside. 3. After offside, face-off goes back to the offending team’s end. 4. No icing permitted while shorthanded. 5. Overtime variation (four minutes of 4-on-4 followed by three minutes of 3-on-3). 6. All penalties to be served in their entirety. 7. Verification line (additional line behind the goal line) – if puck touches line, it’s a goal. 8. In-net camera: a mounted camera with view focused on the goal line to help verify goal. Mirtle lists other rules on the agenda, click here.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks GM Bob Murray on the chance that Teemu Selanne doesn’t play this year:
“You don’t replace him so you just have to …. we’d have to change the team. Yes, there’s a Plan B. We’d have to do some things that I don’t want to discuss right now.
“But we’d have to look at building the team a different way without Teemu. There’s no doubt about that. And you don’t replace him. You go about it a different way with your hockey team.
“That time is going to come. Of course, we talk about it.”
Pronger hopes to be ready for start of season … Murray talks Selanne rehab … Zherdev says he’ll return … Comrie has setback
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 9th, 2011
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Chris Pronger held a conference call with reporters yesterday as he continues to rehab his back and right hand.
“the goal is to be ready for Game 1 of the regular season. I’m starting to progress. . . . Once I get cleared, I can start getting into a full-lifting program.”
He feels his hand is 80-85% healed, which has put him 2 months behind in his strength program. He hopes to get clearance in a week to begin lifting weights.
“I don’t know that you could say I was breaking down with broken bones and being hit by pucks and all the rest,” he said. “Those are things that sometimes can be avoided. Perhaps now I may not block as many shots. I might just get out of the way and let our million-dollar goalie stop those things.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said yesterday that Teemu Selanne “has been struggling a bit” with his knee and thought “he was getting depressed” about the rehab. Murray noted that Selanne “intends to go pretty hard this week” and they’ll be in touch after. Murray added that there were a few days “where it wasn’t bugging him,” there is no timetable on when Selanne will make a decision to play or not.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Nikolai Zherdev said he didn’t receive any firm offers from the NHL. Zherdev added: “I will be back there. I am sure of that!”
- National Post: Mike Comrie recently suffered a setback in his rehab from hip surgery.
“In wanting to return to play after surgery, I pushed myself too early and that has not helped my recovery,” Comrie said in a statement. “I will return to the NHL when I am healthy and able to play at the level I have come to expect of myself.”
- Glen Andresen of NHL.com: With the Wild trading James Sheppard to the Sharks, it “further solidifies Fletcher’s intent to let younger Wild players like Colton Gillies, Cody Almond and Casey Wellman battle for roster spots among forwards.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexei Kovalev to SovSport: “In two season w/the #Sens I still couldn’t get Clouston’s game plan. It appeared he scoffed at some players.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Brett Lebda has cleared waivers and Predators will likely buy him out.
Kesler out 10-12 weeks … Neuvirth isn’t concerned with Vokoun … Hudler on a short leash … Islanders and Blues franchise notes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 3rd, 2011
- Ian Walker of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler had hip labral surgery on July 25th and will be out 10-12 weeks. It is likely that he’ll miss the start of the regular season. Kesler suffered the injury during Game 5 against the Sharks, and he had hoped to avoid surgery. He had a similar injury in 2006-07 that required surgery.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth isn’t that concerned about the teams addition of Tomas Vokoun.
“Yeah, that’s a pity,” he said to the Czech site. “But I don’t care who is number one and who is number two right now. It’s summer, the season has not even begun. These talks don’t harm me at all. I’m going to camp with the same position as every year. I want to play as many games as possible, whether at the expense of Tomas Vokoun or Varly. I just want to play.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings winger Jiri Hudler struggled last season despite being given opportunities to play with their top players. He’s expected to “be kept on a short leash.” If he doesn’t show that he’s capable of playing on the top 2 lines, the Wings may look to move him while he still has some value. He’ll be a free agent after the season.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne is still testing his knee, he’s been skating in Finland. If he returns next year is still unknown. Ducks GM Bob Murray has been in contact with Selanne all summer and remains confident that he’ll play if his knee is okay.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Colin White and Trent Hunter cleared waivers yesterday and are closer to being bought out.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow answered “We would look at all options to make our team better” when asked if they would consider re-signing Trent Hunter when he is bought out.
- Jeff Klein and Ken Belson of the NY Times: Charles Wang after the voters voted no,
“Right now, I have to tell you, it’s a very emotional time and we’re not going to make any comments on any specific next steps.”
If they can’t come up with a new or refurbished arena, the Islanders could move in 2015. They reportedly lose $20 million a season. If they consider relocation, the front-runners could be Brooklyn and Quebec City, with Kansas City, Hamilton and Seattle longer shots.
“We will continue to work closely with the Islanders to explore whatever options still may be available in light of what obviously is not a positive development,” Bettman said. “Our goal is for the team to remain on Long Island and we still hope that objective can be realized.”
- Larry Brooks via twitter: New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov’s spokesperson said he has, “no interest in purchasing another sports team at this time.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: 9 individuals/groups have expressed interest in buying the St. Louis Blues, and each have been sent a letter informing them to submit their formal offers by August 22nd. Matthew Hulsizer may have moved on as the asking price was too high.
Khabibulin doesn’t have to wear pink underwear … Hints on Modano … Canucks could make moves … Savard doubtful for this year
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on July 31st, 2011
- Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin arrived at jail yesterday for his 15 day stay. Officials have said he won’t have to wear the “black and white stripped uniform and pink underwear” during his stay at the tent city jail.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are still waiting to hear if Teemu Selanne will retire or come back for another season. If he does decide to play, it will be with the Ducks. Some players still remain unsigned: Mike Modano, John Madden, Chris Drury, JP Dumont, Cory Stillman, Nikolai Zherdev, Bryan McCabe, Scott Hannan, Nick Boynton, Chris Campoli, Paul Mara.
- Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano was on a Dallas radio show on Friday, and when asked if he’ll play again, Modano responded: “I don’t know. I think that was the swan song.” He later answered “Not yet” when asked if he wanted to make a retirement announcement on the show.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman said “We’re still looking at areas to improve the hockey team,” … “There is money to be spent.” A Brad Winchester signing is not imminent, the interest may be more from Winchester’s side and not from the Canucks. The Canucks could look at a trade as they have “a glut of borderline second liners and a backup goalie who is ready to be a starter for another team.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli won’t comment on Brad Marchand contract negotiations, but he’ll most likely be signed to a 2 year deal, possibly in the $2.25 million per season range. Center David Krejci is entering the final year of his 3 year, $11.25 million contract. They may begin talks with Krejci, who could be looking for a deal in the $5 million per year range. It is doubtful that Marc Savard plays this year. “As a layperson,’’ Chiarelli said, “I’d be very surprised if Marc will be playing this coming year.’’
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