Posts Tagged Tomas Plekanec

Tomas Plekanec re-signs with the Montreal Canadiens

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on June 22nd, 2010

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed Tomas Plekanec to a multi-year deal. Plekanec would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. The deal is believed to be 6 years for $30 million.

Plekanec scored 25 goals last season and added 45 assists. The 27-year old Czech native has 4 consecutive 20+ goal seasons to start is career. In 393 career games, he has 103 goals, 151 assists for 253 points.

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Ryan to Leafs unlikely … Volchenkov and Spezza update … Bruins how to trade Thomas this week

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 22nd, 2010

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Despite some wishes from Leaf Nation, it’s unlikely that Bobby Ryan will end up with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs have made no contact with the Ducks, but have been monitoring the situation. Ryan has been a little worried about the lack of progress on contract talks. He also denied reports that he’s looking for Corey Perry/Ryan Getzlaf money, $5.325 million. “I don’t want to force (management’s) hand and I don’t want them to force mine,” Ryan said. “I want to get it closed out before hand. There hasn’t been anything that’s gone in the right direction. But there’s no hostility.”
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If Anton Volchenkov and the Ottawa Senators can’t come to an agreement soon, the Senators may deal his negotiating rights. Volchenkov is looking for $4.5-5 million per season. If they don’t re-sign him, they will look to bring in a more mobile defenseman, possibly Sheldon Souray who they’ve shown a little interest in. The Sens hope to bring back Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton. It’s unlikely the Senators will move up from their 16th draft slot.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Senators are going to trade Jason Spezza, they’ll be hoping to get something done before July 1st, as Spezza is owed $4 million on Canada Day. I’m sure other teams know this and will look to make a deal afterwards. The Senators may find there are limited teams interested in taking on his remaining 5 years and $33 million, and that willing give back a fair return for him. Teams that could be in the market for a center; Panthers, Sharks, Flames, Bruins, Oilers, Kings, and Wild.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Bryan Murray isn’t going to trade Jason Spezza just for the sake of trading him. “He’s a player that we’re counting on being an important part of our hockey team, but like every player, there’s a possibility I get an offer that I can’t refuse,” Murray said Monday.
  • Joe Haggery of CSNNE: One of the Bruins top priorities heading in to this weekends draft is finding a trade partner for Tim Thomas. The San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning are said to have some discussions, and if the Flyers are able to shed some salary, they could enter the mix. Thomas had hip surgery after the playoffs, is owed $15 million over the next 3 years, and has a no-trade clause in 2 of the 3 years.
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: The Washington Capitals and Tomas Fleischmann don’t appear to be close on a deal for the RFA. The Capitals sent him a qualifying offer, a 5% increase on his 2009-10 salary of $725,000. Fleischmann is looking for a multi-year deal. Fleischmann may be using Tomas Plekanec as a comparable, he made $2.75 million last year, but is looking in the $5 million range on a new deal.
  • Richard Durrett of ESPN: Mike Modano told ESPN radio that if he decides to return to play another season, he hasn’t ruled out signing with someone other than the Dallas Stars if the team has a legitimate shot at the Cup.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland may look to add an enforcer through trade or free agency. The Wings currently sit at $54.2 million for 18 players, with several RFAs to re-sign, so it would have to be an enforcer/agitator willing to work for cheap. Possible players could be Kryotopher Barch, Derek Boogaard, Cody McCormick, Jody Shelley, and Georges Laraque (after he’s bought out).
  • Kevin Allen via Twitter: Dustin Byfuglien is definitely available. I think the ‘Hawks will capitalize on Byfuglien’s strong playoff performance.

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Spezza for #2 “Outlandish” … Kovalchuk situation … Center options for Gaborik … Price for Penner?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on June 15th, 2010

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Fluto calling Spezza to Bruins for the 2nd overall pick, “outlandish”.  He gives 5 reasons as to why it won’t happen. Do you think? Not a chance the Bruins would do that. That’s a Maple Leaf style rumor suggested by some crazed fan who calls in to a Fan 590 radio show (and starts off the call with “long time listener, first time caller”) or posted by some anonymous blogger.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils are still talking, but appears he’ll test the market (which doesn’t mean he won’t return to the Devils). Kovalchuk’s agent wouldn`t comment on the reports out of Russia about the supposed KHL offers. LeBrun (and many others) think the LA Kings is the prime landing spot for Kovalchuk, as they have the cap room and are a team that is seriously close to contending. Brian Burke told ESPN that they are not going to be involved in Kovalchuk talks. 10 or more teams have contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs about trading for Tomas Kaberle, but nothing serious at this point, which will probably change by the draft.
  • Timo Seppa and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: The Rangers could use someone to play with Marian Gaborik, and it doesn’t look like anyone on their current rosters is able to fit the bill. One option could be trading for Tim Connelly, though Hradek doesn’t agree with that suggestion. If they could fit it into their cap situation, Patrick Marleau would be worth a look. Tomas Plekanec and Matthew Lombardi may be the best options for the Rangers.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero said talks with his free agents will increase this week. He has 8 UFA’s, with Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke drawing the most interest. He’s had preliminary talks with both, and both have shown an interest to return.
  • Tom Awad and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Everyone and their mother knows that the Montreal Canadiens are a small team and need to get bigger. One off-season option would be for them to trade Carey Price for Oilers winger Dustin Penner (I’m not sure if straight up would work). The Oilers still have the Bulin wall but might be able to include him in a larger deal (I don’t see that happening as he’s a $4 million cap hit for 3 more years). 2 other options could be free agents Alexei Ponikarovsky or Freddy Modin.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: After reviewing a contract offer from the Atlanta Thrashers, Maxim Aginogenov and his agent agree that they are not close on the terms of the deal. The Thrashers and Colby Armstrong are also not close on a deal. There were also reports that Atlanta had signed Swedish winger Fredrick Pettersson, but those are false for the moment at least.
  • Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Vancouver Canucks winger Alex Burrows underwent shoulder surgery last week to repair a torn labrum, and may have to start next season without him. The shoulder started bugging him half way through the season, and affected his play down the stretch and in the playoffs.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Nothing is set in stone yet, but it appears that Doug Weight will be returning to the New York Islanders next season.

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Blackhawks off-season talk … Plekanec out-priced Montreal? Quick hits on Free Agents from Hradek

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 5th, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Hradek talked to Scott Niedermayer on if he’ll retire or not. A decision will be made in the next few weeks, Hradrek thinks he’ll retire. Where Ilya Kovalchuk signs is anyones guess, but Hradek doesn’t think it will be in New Jersey, with LA making the most sense. Paul Martin will have many suitors if he hits free agency. Marty Turco may be a good option for San Jose Sharks if they don’t bring back Evgeni Nabokov. He also goes on to say that if the Florida Panthers could move Tomas Vokoun, Turco would be a good fit. Dan Hamhuis could get plenty of interest if he doesn’t re-sign in Nashville, but it may come down to his asking price. Matthew Lombardi will get plenty of interest as well, he’s a solid 2-way player with a good offensive game, who’ll need a raise from his $1.817 million cap number. The St. Louis Blues would like to keep the 34-year old Chris Mason, but he may want to see how much more than the $3 million (last year’s number) he can get on the open market. Alexander Frolov may have worn out his welcome in LA (wanting $5 million plus will probably scare away many team).
  • Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald: Teams are getting an extended look at the Chicago Blackhawks during their Stanley Cup run, and are getting excited about what players might be available over the summer as the Hawks look to shed contracts. Kris Versteeg and Patrick Sharp are the most likely candidates. David Bolland would have been a potential candidate to moved, but his value has increased during the playoffs, and they may look to keep him. Dustin Byfuglien value has also increased tremdously and may have earned him another year in Chicago. After talk from the GM meetings, no teams are interested in taking on Cristobal Huet or Brian Campbell’s contract. The Blackhawks also have to worry about offer sheets for Hjalmarsson, Niemi and Ladd.
  • Jean-Francois Chaumont of Radio-Canada: After coming off a 70 point season, Tomas Plekanec is hoping to cash in a nice contract, rumored to be in the $5-6 million range. He’d like to stay in Montreal, but his asking price may be too high for the Canadiens. Plekanec’s agent, Brian Curran, met with Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier after the Canadiens were eliminated and are expected to meet again soon. I don’t see him returning to the Canadiens, unless it’s in the $4-4.5 million range (and that might not be possible either). Some question his playoff performance. What may help Plekanec get more money than he may deserve would be a weak offensive free agent class.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Alexander Svitov is looking to return to the NHL after bolting to Russia two years ago.  Columbus still owns his rights after qualifying him last summer, but they have no plans on him returning to the team next season. He’ll become a unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

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Kulemin-Maple Leaf talks at a standstill … Zherdev wanting to return to NHL … Capitals looking for a #2 center

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 28th, 2010

  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Nikolai Kulemin are at a standstill. It is rumored that Kulemin is after a $3 million a year contract, after putting up 36 points in 78 games. According to Brian Burke, “What he is asking for is not what we are prepared to pay”. I think $3 million is little much, but the threat of bolting to the KHL may increase his price. Kulemin started the year off slow, but his game, offensively and defensively, improved greatly as the season went along.
  • Jimmy Murphy via Twitter: A source told Murphy that Vincent Lecavalier would consider waiving his no movement clause for Boston, but he isn’t expecting to be dealt. I seen no reason why the Bruins would be interested in him with Savard, Bergeron, Krejci down the middle and his crazy contract.
  • Corey Masisak of CSNWashington: The Washington Capitals will be looking to add a #2 center and a top 4 defenseman this off-season. Masisak puts together a list of players who would fit the #2 center roll: Patrick Marleau, Saku Koivu, Matt Cullen, Tomas Plekanec, Matthew Lombardi, Eric Belanger, Brendan Morrison, and Vinny Prospal.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Moving up the off-season priority list for the Philadelphia Flyers is re-signing goalie Michael Leighton. The 29-year old waiver pickup will be unrestricted free agent at seasons end. After coming over from Carolina, Leighton put up a 16-5-2 record with a 2.48 GAA. So far in the playoffs he has a 5-1 record with a 1.37 GAA, .951 SV% and 3 shutouts.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Sharks: One goalies name who’s been left out of most discussions when it comes to the San Jose Sharks, is Swedish netminder Henrik Karlsson. The 26-year old, 6 foot 6 goalie posted a 2.45 GAA in 34 games with a .914 SV% with Farjestad.  Both sides are looking to extend his contract, though he might not be NHL ready yet.

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More on the Canadiens … Ryan and Ducks talking … Marleau to Toronto? Jacob Markstrom coming to North America?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 26th, 2010

  • Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens will have $13-14 million to fill out 9 roster spots. That is not a lot play when players like Tomas Plekanec, Jaroslav Halak and/or Carey Price are due for raises, if they want to keep them. Gordon thinks Halak’s price could be in the $3.55 million range, similar to Kari Lehtonen. Halak doesn’t want to think hockey right now, saying he needs a vacation. GM Pierre Gauthier will consider all options involving both goalies, even if it won’t be popular with fans. Signing Dominic Moore could be a priority for the team. The Habs will probably look to deal Roman Hamrlik, and the Kostitsyn brothers this summer.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Bobby Ryan’s agent, Don Meehan, confirmed yesterday that he’s had recent talks with the Anaheim Ducks regarding a contract extension, and expects more meetings in the upcoming weeks. It doesn’t sound like a deal will happen soon, but both sides appear to want to get something worked out over the summer.
  • Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail: Do Globe and Mail writers require a ‘comment quota’ they need to reach each month? The article title says it all “Marleau to Toronto makes sense” … It doesn’t make sense if Marleau wants to win a cup soon. Sure the Leafs would probably love to have this guy, but don’t count on it happening.
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM Dale Tallon met with top goalie prospect Jacob Markstrom about coming over to North America next season. If/when he’s signed, they’d ideally like him to get some action in the AHL to get adjusted to the North American style of play. The Panthers still have Tomas Vokoun and Scott Clemmensen under contract, but if a taker could be found for Vokoun, I’d be surprised if they didn’t move him and have Markstrom battle for the #1 spot.
  • Columbus Dispatch: One of the top candidates for the Columbus Blue Jackets head coach position, may also now be a top contender for the Tampa Bay Lightning position. Newly hired GM Steve Yzerman and Kevin Dineen have a strong friendship dating back years. The Blue Jackets are still waiting to meet with Guy Boucher of the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs, who play game 7 tonight.

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Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 25th, 2010

  • George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can’t re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has told the them he’ll let them know in a couple weeks. It doesn’t look like Brett Lebda, Jason Williams, and Doug Janik will be back. Derek Meech should get a qualifying offer from them.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Panthers GM Dale Tallon isn’t a fan of players who aren’t willing to pay the price, which means that Nathan Horton could be on his way out, as he known to not have a good work ethic. A Bruin, who has friends on the Panthers has been told that Norton has “No heartbeat”. “We weeded out people who didn’t want to pay the price,” Tallon said. “If you don’t want to pay the price and you don’t want to be involved here, you’re not going to be here.”  The Bruins have limited funds available to sign free agents, but could target Flyers winger, Aaron Asham.
  • Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The Montreal Canadiens currently have 14 players locked up for about $45.7 million. Tomas Plekanec is a UFA and it might take around $5 million to re-sign him. Their biggest off-season situation is obviously what to do with Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price. Halak has shown that he can the #1, but Price could be the future star. RFAs Maxim Lapierre, Tom Pyatt, and Benoit Pouliot should be back. Glen Metropolit, Marc-Andre Bergeron, and Paul Mara probably won’t be back. Halak playoff performance may get himself a contract offer from the Canadiens, maybe in the $3 million range. To clear up some salary space, they may try to get rid of Andrei Kostitsyn (1 year, $3.25 million) and Roman Hamrlik (1 year, $5.5 million), but that could be difficult. One option would be for the Canadiens to package one of them with Carey Price. Buying George Laraque out will free up $1 million. Andrei Markov will be a free agent after next year, and could be shopped around if they think he’ll be out of their price range ($7 million?) or not in their long term plans.
  • Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: It is possible that the Sharks could re-sign both Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov, but odds are they will only go after 1. Joe Pavelski and Devin Setoguchi will be getting pay increases, and cap space will be disappearing. If they let Nabokov go, they could go with Thomas Greiss and minor leaguer Alex Stalock, or look to bring in a less expensive goalie to challenge for the #1 spot.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Carolina Hurricanes majority owner Peter Karmanos Jr. has hired a New York investment firm to help him find a local buyer for a 49% stake in the team. Karmanos former co-owner, Thomas Thewes, passed away a few years ago, he owned the 49% of the team.

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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

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Leighton out 8-10 … Some Habs Returning Soon … Tkachuk Retiring? Contract Extension for Markov?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 19th, 2010

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers have lost #1 goalie, Michael Leighton for 8-10 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Brian Boucher is now the #1. I wonder if they are wishing they picked up another goalie at the trade deadline day. Then again, it is Philadelphia and they seem to prefer to have average to below average goaltending. It must be painful for Flyers fans that year-after-year they refuse to add a star goaltender, and that each year, goaltending is an issue.
  • Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Though he won’t be ready to go in tomorrow night’s game against the Maple Leafs, Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri is close to returning. Marc-Andre Bergeron could be back in the lineup tomorrow, and might play forward as coach Martin may not want to break up his defensive pairings. Tomas Plekanec missed his 2nd practice this week yesterday.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The soon to be 38-year-old Keith Tkachuk may be leaning towards retiring after this season. He hasn’t made a final decision, but after the season, he expects to make the decision quickly. “I know that I can still play, but it’s been a long time … a lot of hard games, a lot of hard years. I’ll talk to my wife and talk to (Blues general manager Larry Pleau) and we’ll make a decision.”
  • Marc Antoine Godin of La Presse: Andre Markov is finishing up his 3rd year of a 4 year deal that pays him an average of $5.75 million, and GM Pierre Gauthier is interested in signing him to a contract extension before he becomes a UFA after next season. Markov could not sign a deal until after July 1, as contract extensions can only be signed in the last year of a contract.

    “Pierre (Gauthier) have advised me during a recent visit to Montreal, he wanted to have discussions about Markov,” said Don Meehan, the agent of the Russian player.

    “He advised me at that time that the deadline of the transaction and the good of the team were his immediate priorities. But once the situation had stabilized and he would have time to relax a little, he would like to see discussed.

    “He is really interested in keeping it within the team.”

    • Andy Strickland St. Louis Blues Blogger: ‘The Monster” of 2010 could be Finnish goalie, Jussi Rynnas. The 6′5″, 23-year-old goaltender has drawn interest from as many as 18 teams. Rynnas may not be a #1 just yet, but could be a 2 or 3 on some teams depth chart.

    Tim Wharnsby of CBC Sports: The Philadelphia Flyers are close to signing Colorado College right winger, Mike Testwuide. Testwuide scored 21 goals in 39 games this season. His shortlist of teams that he narrowed it down to were, the Flyers, Capitals, Rangers and Avalanche.

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    Canadiens and Plekanec Put Contract Talks on Hold

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on March 16th, 2010

    The Montreal Canadiens and center Tomas Plekanec have put contract extension talks on hold until after the season. The 27-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

    Plekanec is arguably the top forward free agent this year, and is in line to get a big deal. So far this season he has 64 points (20 goals, 44 assists) in 70 games. Last season he struggled, recording only 39 points in 80 games. In 381 career games, Plekanec has recorded 98 goals, with 150 assists for 248 points.

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