Posts Tagged Tomas Plekanec

Garrioch Rumors Update .. The Cost of Shot-Blocking, Stay-at-Dman is in $4 Million Range … Summit Series Anniversary Matchup?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 14th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
    • With Antti Niemi taking over the starting job from Cristobal Huet, and with a raise he’ll be getting this off-season, the ‘Hawks may bury Huet and his $5.625 in minors or buy him out.
    • The price for shot-blocking stay-at-home bluelines, Zbynek Michalek (Pho.), and Anton Volchenkov (Ott) could be in the $4-4.5 million range. Michalek will most likely have out priced himself in Phoenix. Volchenkov and the Senators are hoping to work something out.
    • The Ducks asked Teemu Selanne if he wanted to go anywhere at the trade deadline, he wanted to say. The Kings called about him.
    • After July 1st, the Bruins can talk to Zdeno Chara about a contract extension. He’ll be a UFA in 2011, and currently carries a $7.5 cap hit.
    • Sheldon Souray’s no-movement clause expires on July 1st, and Oilers will work hard to move him. He’d prefer the west coast to be closer to his family. The New York Rangers will most likely make a pitch.
    • The Canadiens didn’t want to move Jaroslav Halak at the deadline but may look deal him before the NHL Draft.
    • Contract talks between the Penguins and Sergei Gonchar are not going well. He could hit the open market and get in the $6-7 million range, the Pens were hoping for a hometown discount.
    • Jaromir Jagr is still a possibility for the Oilers next year, and the Rangers would like to get him back …. “But some believe it’s a risky move. “I just don’t know about Jagr. I understand why (the Oilers) want to make the move, I’m just not sure they should do it. I’m not sure if there is any gas left in that tank,” said one league executive”
  • Pierre LeBrun of the ESPN: The Russians have talked to Hockey Canada about a 2012 Summit Series, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the ’72 event. LeBrun thinks the Canada and USA should do the same. Signs are pointing to the Canadiens resigning Tomas Plekanec, but they would probably have to move out some salary to make it happen.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke said in a radio interview the other day that he expects Tomas Kaberle to remain a Maple Leaf next season, and coach Ron Wilson hopes he’s back as well. If Burke gets a really good offer for Kaberle, he might end up pulling the trigger.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Manny Legace has played really well of late for the Carolina Hurricanes, but it still may not be good enough to earn a new contract from the ‘Canes. Carolina may go with the 23 year old Justin Peters as Cam Ward’s backup next year, instead of the 37 year old Legace. But Legace thinks some team will come calling for next year.

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    Almost Trade Deadline Day

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

  • 3:59 PM: TheFourthPeriod: Alexei Ponikarovsky is close to be dealt. The Kings, Penguins, and Predators have shown serious interest. The Leafs are hoping for a 1st round pick, but might take a 2nd and top prospect.
  • 10:57 AM: Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Finding some 3rd line scoring is on the wish list of Canucks coach, Alain Vigneault. If GM Mike Gillis agrees, he may look at Steve Reinprecht, who he considered bringing in last season. Other options could be Eric Belanger, Doug Weight, or Jeff Halpern. If they are worried about Willie Mitchell’s health, they might look at Aaron Ward or Andy Sutton. 2006 1st round pick, Michael Grabner, might be bait to bring in some help.
  • 10:52 AM: Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Don Waddell tells Chris he’ll be a buyer more than a seller. He’d like to add a forward with size, and some scoring to make up for Kovalchuk’s departure. He’s talked to 15 teams, but there isn’t a lot of options available. A few teams have called about Slava Kozlov.
  • 10:46 AM: Chuck Gormley of the Courier-Post: The Flyers may also be talking to the Predators about goalie Dan Ellis. This would make a lot of sense for the Flyers as Ray Emery is on LTIR and Michael Leighton is their starting goalie. It would make sense for them even if Emery wasn’t on LTIR.
  • 10:43 AM: TheFouthPeriod: The Kings may have moved on from Ray Whitney and may target, Slava Kozlov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Raffi Torres or Paul Kariya.
  • 10:39 AM: Chris Botta at NYI Point Blank: The Isles have had a couple offers, 2nd round picks for Andy Sutton but they may hold out for a 2nd rounder plus an additional pick.
  • 10:36 AM: Frank Seravalli of the Philadephia Daily News: Sources are saying the Flyers will send Ryan Parent and Braydon Coburn to the Preds for Hamhuis. May happen when Cote and Syvret clear waivers at noon today.
  • 10:31 AM: Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: The Flyers and Predators have talked about Dan Hamhuis. The Preds have asked about several players, including Ryan Parent, who they sent to Philly in the Forsberg deal in 2007.
  • 10:25 AM: Sam Carchiki of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers freed up $2 million in cap room by placing Ray Emery on LTIR and waiving Riley Cote, bringing their total cap room up to $2.8 million. They have shown interest in Alex Frolov, Raffi Torres, and Colby Armstrong. Dan Hamhuis could be their main target.
  • 10:23 AM: Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens and Tomas Plekanec’s agent held talks during the Olympic break, and will continue to talk after the trade deadline day.
  • 10:19 AM: Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland doesn’t expect to make any moves at the deadline, but if he does do something, it will have to be dollar-for-dollar as they are against the cap. “Our trade deadline was Franzen, Lilja and Kronwall,” he said, referring to the healthy return of Johan Franzen, Andreas Lilja and Niklas Kronwall. “Not too many teams are going to do any better than that.”
  • Steve Gorten of the Sun-Sentinel: After trading Jordan Leopold yesterday, and Dominic Moore before the Olympics, the Panthers may still not be finished dealing. Tomas Vokoun, Dennis Seidenberg, Rostislav Olesz, Cory Stillman, and Steven Reinprect, could be some of the few that are moved.
  • Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers acquired a 2nd round pick for Denis Grebeshkov yesterday, and they will still make several other moves. From GM Steve Tambellini, “I wouldn’t say everyone is on the block, but given where we are I’d be crazy not to listen to everything,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we’re going to do it, but I’ll listen to everything.”
  • Michael Russo and Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild and Marek Zidlicky have contract that is all but complete. It is a 3 year deal for the 33 year old, but the sticking point is the full no-trade clause that Zidlicky wants. The Wild only want to include a no-trade clause for part of the contract. If they can’t agree on the contract, they’ll most likely trade Zidlicky. They are also getting some calls about Owen Nolan, and it’s also rumored that they might be willing to trade Eric Belanger.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Marek Svatos is waiting to be traded, his bags are already packed, now he’s just waiting for the Avalanche to trade him. Svatos was in the lineup last night playing on the 2nd line, with scouts from at least 2 teams in attendance, the Blackhawks and Sharks.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Ladislav Smid’s name was creeping into a few trade rumors, but that will probably be the end of them as he has bulging disc in his neck. In the next few days he’ll visit a neurologist to decide if he’ll just need a short rest, or if it will be a season ending injury, that might require surgery.

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    Turco on the Move Now? Sexton working 9 deals, Price and Halak staying put for the time being?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 10th, 2010

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: So with the Stars trading for Kari Lehtonen, they now have 3 NHL calibre goalies. It would appear that the Stars will now look to moving Marty Turco. That’s putting a lot faith in Lehtonen and Auld to help them make the playoffs, especially for Lehtonen who’s been battling injuries for years.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers could be the frontrunners to trade Marty Turco if he becomes available. The Flyers would have to shed salary, almost equal to Turco’s $5.7 million cap number, if they were going to bring him in.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Stars trade for Lehtonen was a buy-low gamble. Halak or Schneider would have cost more. The Flyers or Blackhawks could look at adding Marty Turco. The Flyers could look at Pekka Rinne or Dan Ellis, both come with a lower salary number for this year, meaning they wouldn’t have to get rid of nearly as much salary. Martin Biron is another low cost option. Burnside thinks the Stars may jump on one of these goalies.
  • Tim Baines, Don Brennan and Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks the Senators need a forward and a Dman, and mentions the names Pavel Kubina and Dustin Penner. Garrioch says the Sens have only $500,000 in cap space left, and that Penner may not be available. Burying Cheechoo’s $3 million contract in the minors could free up some space.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: There haven’t really been any negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and Tomas Plakanec, but that might change with Gauthier taking over. New GM, Pierre Gauthier as said that they will keep both Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak for the time being.
  • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Burnside and LeBrun discuss the Price-Halak situation, as well as Tomas Plekanec. Gauthier and Plekanec’s agent had a meeting in January, and both sides agreed that they’d like to keep Plekanec in Montreal. Having the cap room to sign Plekanec long term will be an issue.
  • George Richards via Twitter: Florida Panthers GM Randy Sexton is working on 9 different trades.
  • Eric Francis of Canoe – Slam! Sports: A number of GMs around the league were not happy that they were not in on the Dion Phaneuf trade discussions. Many were not aware that he was available, and would have offered more than what the Maple Leafs gave them.

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    Kings and Hurricanes might have had a trade worked out, but … Flames looking for a Center? Ponikarovsky, Staying or Going?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 3rd, 2010

    • Bob McKenzie of TSN: The Kings and Hurricanes were far enough in talks, that the Kings talked to Whitney about an extension. Whitney wanted 3 years, the Kings were thinking 1. The Kings were going to give a draft pick, most likely a 2nd rounder, and a prospect (McKenzie guesses either Colten Teubert or Viacheslav Voinov). Some think Whitney is raising the bar until a team that he really wants to go to steps in, mainly the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins haven’t inquired yet.
    • Darren Dreger of TSN: With the Edmonton Oilers pushing hard to make a move, Ethan Moreau is one name on the block. If they were to sweeten the pot with a draft pick, they Leafs could offer up Garnet Exelby or Lee Stempniak. Moreau is under contract for next year at $2 million.
    • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Even with the recent trades made by the Flames, they still could use a #1 center. They may take a run at Mike Ribeiro or Tomas Plekanec.
    • Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks or maybe the Kings might have an interest in Paul Kariya.
    • Bill Lankhof of the Toronto Sun: So far Alexei Ponikarovsky has dodged any trades made by Brian Burke. He is only 1 of 2 Leafs players (Kaberle the other) who have been with the team for more than 2 years. There is a good chance that he’s dealt at the deadline (Pittsburgh?), for a high draft, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Burke keeps him and resigns him. If someone offered them a 1st rounder, I’m sure Burke would jump on that, but if it’s only a 2nd rounder, he might think of keeping him. The Leafs still need to score goals and win games this year and next.
    • TSN Staff: The Vancouver Canucks have halted contract talks with Ryan Kesler, Mason Raymond and Willie Mitchell.
    • Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks, and soon to be UFA Evgeni Nabokov, will not be talking contract extension until after the season
    • Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: Michael Ryder of the Bruins has been made available.
    • Kevin Allen via Twitter: Petr Sykora should decide this week who his new team will be.

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    Plenty of NHL Rumors to go along with some Injury news

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

    • Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports:
      • The Leafs wanted to send Jeff Finger to the Ducks instead of Jason Blake, the Ducks said no.
      • Friedman thinks the Canucks might have been scouting Tomas Plekanec the other night, though he thinks there won’t be a deal.
      • The Blues probably won’t deal any of their young core, including David Backes. Eric Brewer could be had though.
      • The Kings have the money and assets to make a run at Kovalchuk or Lecavalier. The Thrashers would want Wayne Simmonds, but the Kings may be reluctant to do that.
    • Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN: LeBrun and Burnside talk about potential Ray Whitney suitors. Teams that might be interested are the Senators, Bruins, Kings (if no Kovalchuk or Lecavalier), Rangers, Canucks, and 2 dark horses, the Coyotes and Predators
    • Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames may not be done dealing. Sutter may swing for the fences with Ilya Kovalchuk, or look to add a player like Ray Whitney, Alex Tanguay, or maybe Kristian Huselius.
    • James Murphy of NESN: The Bruins may be looking to acquire Blues forward Keith Tkachuk. They almost had a deal last year that would have sent Phil Kessel to the Blues for David Perron and Keith Tkachuk.
    • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens will be without Michael Cammalleri of 6 to 8 weeks with a damaged MCL. Cammalleri joins the list of Andrei Kostitsyn, Paul Mara, and Jaroslav Spacek on the sidelines.
    • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Jay McKee, a healthy scratch last night, might interest in the Chicago Blackhawks. The ‘Hawks might also look at Aaron Ward, Garnet Exelby or Sean O’Donnell.
    • James Murphy of NESN.com: Potential trade targets for the Boston Bruins; Ray Whitney, Aaron Ward, Matt Cullen, Raffi Torres, and Peter Mueller.
    • Mike Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Niklas Backstrom, out with an illness, rejoined the team in Dallas but is doubtful for tonight’s game. The Wild are still in the playoff hunt, so they probably won’t be sellers. If they are buyers, it won’t be a significant deal. They are still hoping that P-M Bouchard will be able to return this year. If they do become sellers, the Wild have 4 players who might interest other teams; Marek Zidlicky, Kim Johnsson, Owen Nolan and Eric Belanger.
    • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Andres Lilja has been assigned to the AHL by the Detroit Red Wings on a conditioning loan. Lilja as been out since last February 28th with a concussion. He’ll play at least 3 games with Grand Rapids, then they’ll re-evaluate.

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    Phaneuf on the block despite what Sutter says? Flames looking for a #1 center, Devils looking to trade

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2010

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: An NHL GM told the Post that the Calgary Flames are ‘desperate’ to trade Dion Phaneuf. Flames GM Darryl Sutter scouted the Rangers-Flyers game on Thursday. The Rangers couldn’t make a move for Phaneuf without unloading Redden and/or Rozsival’s contract, and I don’t see the Flames wanting Redden. If they took Rozsival, the rest of the package would have to be really good. The Flames would be looking for a center, so Brandon Dubinsky would probably be the main player involved.
  • Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek wondering a few things. Would the Thrashers be interested in Ponikarovsky if they trade Kovalchuk, potentially for a 1st rounder? Would the Penguins be interested in Nikolai Kulemin and would the Leafs trade him (Kulemin has a Malkin connection)? The LA Kings may be the only trade destination for Teemu Selanne, who will most likely retire at the end of the season. Colby Armstrong or Alex Tanguay to the Flames? (Not really his thoughts on Armstrong and Tanguay, as they were mentioned last week in a couple articles)  Dallas Stars starting goalie for next could be Halak, Lehtonen or former Star, Dan Ellis.
  • E.J. Hradek of ESPN: The Flames need a number 1 center for Jarome, and they might have to trade one of their top 4 Dman to get it.
  • Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman thinks Huet and Niemi are good enough to lead them to the Cup. The Hawks have plenty of skill up front and on the blue line, but they still might look to add something.
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: I wrote yesterday that Canucks GM Mike Gillis was scouting the Blues-Canadiens game earlier this week, and that he could be interested in several Blues. Botchford brings up that he might have been looking at some Canadiens, Josh Gorges and Ryan O’Bryne and some of their pricier blueline veterans. Another possibility could be Tomas Plekanec, a UFA who’ll want big money. I don’t see the Canadiens trading Plekanec, especially if they are close to a playoff spot.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have struggled scoring lately, and might be looking to make a deal. The names Scott Niedermayer and Saku Koivu come up again. Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Iginla don’t appear to be untouchable according to Everson. Zach Parise would be the only Devil that is not available. Saying that Jarome Iginla is tradable is a  big statement to make, and I don’t believe it one bit.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Trade Deadline deals but Brian Burke. He’ll be looking for draft picks, and not Kovalchuk.

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    Around the Boards: Devils Interested in Koivu and Neidermayer? Gainey Wants to Re-sign Plekanec, Bergeron Breaks Hand, and plenty more …

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 6th, 2010

    • Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are on a roll, but still might look to add to their roster by the trade deadline. Saku Koivu and/or Scott Neidermayer could be possibilities.
    • John Mackinnon of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers fans may have to wait until closer to the trade deadline day to see some changes to the roster. “Unless you’re getting close to the (March 3 NHL trading) deadline, where people actually want to make deals — there’s the odd one that takes place — but normally things don’t change a lot,” Tambellini said in a telephone interview from Saskatoon where he is attending the world junior hockey championship.
    • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey hopes to be able to re-sign Tomas Plekanec, but that could be easier said than do. The Canadiens already have $45 million in salaries for next season and the Plekanec has been rumored to be looking for around $7 million a season. Plekanec is making $2.75 million this season.
    • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron will miss at least 2 weeks with a broken right thumb after taking a shot off of his hand Monday night. He’ll be back in plenty of time to take part in the Olympics for Team Canada.
    • Chris Botta of NYI Point Black: It looks like Rick DiPietro will be between the pipes for the New York Islanders at some point during their 3 game road trip to Colorado, Dallas and Phoenix.
    • Robert Tychkowski of Slam! Sports: Things aren’t looking good for Nikolai Khabibulin and his disc problem, and it’s looking more like he’s done for the season.
    • Frank Seravalli of teh Philadelphia News: Philadelphia Flyers defenceman, Ryan Parent, who has not skated for 11 days with a lower body injury/back injury. GM Paul Holgren said he’s to start skating in a few days, with a return about 2 weeks away. But now it’s being reported that Parent has a herniated disc, and saw a second doctor yesterday. That doesn’t sound like good news if you are to begin skating a couple days.
    • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Johan Franzan is back on skates, but is still not close to returning to the Red Wings lineup. Franzan tore his ACL back on Oct. 8th, and isn’t expected back for another 2 months. Jason Williams isn’t expected back until the end of the month at the earliest. Henrik Zetterberg and Danny Cleary are hopeful of returning Thursday night.
    • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Another injury for the Carolina Hurricanes to deal with, as Scott Walker will be out 4 to 6 weeks after shoulder surgery. WIth Sergei Samsonov also sidelined, the ‘Canes recalled Zach Boychuk and Jiri Tlusty.

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    Around the Boards: Rumors from LeBrun, Phaneuf requests trade? Payne replaces Murray in St. Louis, Avs interested in Versteeg?

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 3rd, 2010

    • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
      • If Ilya Kovalchuk goes to the trade block, the Chicago Blackhawks could be a team that is interested. A deal would help clear some cap for next year. No talks between the 2 teams have taken place, it’s a theory presented by an executive from a Western Conference team.
      • Winter Classic talks for next at Heinz field in Pittsburgh for a Pens-Caps match-up. One problem is Pittsburgh has already been in a Classic game. Elliotte Friedman stated that Dallas might want to host a game at Dallas stadium. Not sure how that one would work.
      • Miroslav Satan signed with the Bruins for $700,000.
    • Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove Video:
    • Randy Workman of Hendricks Hockey: Don’t know how reliable Randy or the Hendricks site is, but he is reporting that Dion Phaneuf has requested a trade. This is coming from his “confidential source” … Ahhh, not just a source, a confidential source, so it must be legit. I think I’d file this one under ‘not true’. Could Phaneuf get traded? Sure, but I doubt he’s requested a trade.
    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Avalanche might be interested in the Blackhawks Kris Versteeg in the summer, and could offer a 2nd round pick and prospect Kevin Shattenkirk.
    • ESPN Rumors via Ranger Rants: ‘Ranger Rants’ says they value Chris Drury a lot, and despite his no-movement clause, they would lean to keeping him. Yeah right, I doubt they could find a sucker for that bad contract. Players who won’t be moved by the Rangers: Michael Del Zotto, Marc Staal, Ryan Callahan, Artem Anisimov, Matt Gilroy and Brandon Dubinsky. It still boggles my mind how Sather still has a job after all these years of making terrible signings.
    • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Interview with newly appointed coach of the St. Louis Blues, Davis Payne. Payne replaced Andy Murray on an interim basis after Murray was fired yesterday. Payne has been given job until at least the end of the season, then they’ll determine which way they want to take the organization.
    • Marc Antoine Godin of Cyberpresse.ca: Andrei and Sergie Kostitsyn of the Canadiens could both be out the lineup Sunday afternoon for a game against the Sabres.
    • Rejean Tremblay of the Cyberpresse.ca: The Montreal Canadiens are now able to start negotiations with Tomas Plekanec. A problem facing GM Bob Gainey is that Plekanec will be looking in the $7 million range. Throw in the fact that both Halak and Price are RFA’s, and there is not a lot wiggle room for next years salary cap. This brings me back to a question I asked early last off-season, Why in the Hell did they trade for Scott Gomez and his awful contract?

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    Around the Boards: Thurs. Oct. 29th

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 29th, 2009

    • From the RDS, through translation: Ilya Kovalchuk could be close to signing a 9 year deal with the Thrashers for more than $100 million, averaging $11.3 million per season. We’ll write a separate blog to comment on this.
    • James Murphy of NESN: If the Thrashers are unable to sign Kovalchuk, the Bruins might be a fit. The trading of Kobasew and the with Lucic and Savard on the IR, it has saved the club some much valued cap space. They also have lot of draft picks to dangle.
    • Elliotte Friedman of CBCSports.ca: Has Jaroslav Halak taken over the goalie of the future for the Canadiens? Are the Canadiens playing Halak more lately in an attempt to motivate Price.
    • A quote mentioned in the Friedman’s blog (link above) … Ilya Bryzgalov on being named NHL first star of the week. “I don’t care,” according to the Arizona Republic. “I don’t like to run in front of the train because the train at some point can run over you.”
    • Jason Hendricks of HendricksHockey.com: From one the Hockey Insiders sources, the Canadiens and Oilers could be looking a trade. The Oilers like Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Kyle Chipchura. The Canadiens like Tom Gilbert, Denis Grebeshkov, & J.F. Jacques.
    • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: There is a chance the Maple Leafs may look to trade Tomas Kaberle again. Dallas and Boston will be mentioned again as possible destinations.
    • Wayne Fish of the Bucks County Courier Times (via Phillyburbs): Surgery was recommended for Simon Gagne’s 2 sports hernias, so he’s seeking a second opinion, though it sounds like surgery is the only option to fix the problem.
    • Tampa Bay Tribune: A potential buyer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Greene, is no longer interested in buying the club. So this leaves 2 Florida franchises that are having trouble finding an owner.

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    Around the Boards: Wed. Oct. 28th

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 28th, 2009

    • Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Fernando Pisani, who’s had some tough luck with injuries the past couple seasons is close to returning to the Edmonton Oilers. It may not be the best time to return to the Oilers dressing room as players, staff and members of the media that follow the Oilers have been getting sick. Ladislav Smid was confirmed as having the Swine Flu (H1N1).
    • Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Coach Sacco confirmed that backup goalie, Peter Budaj, has been diagnosed with the Swine Flu. John-Michael Liles (shoulder) and Tom Preissing (knee) are both back skating with the club, but remain out.
    • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Joe Pavelski and Torrey Mitchell took part in their first practice yesterday. Setoguchi is doubtful for tonight’s game.
    • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Yesterday Brennan wrote that Erik Karlsson would most likely be sent back to Sweden, today Karlsson finds himself on his way to Binghamton, the Sens AHL club. They won’t lose a year on his contract by sending him to the AHL.
    • Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: 2009 1st round pick Dmitry Kulikov’s solid play to start the season will keep him with the Panthers. Kulikov has been averaging over 17 minutes a game so far this season.
    • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Philadelphia is going to miss Simon Gagne for an extended period of time as it was revealed that he has 2 small sports hernia’s. He’s been placed on IR and could be moved to LTIR. The course of action to fixed the injury has yet to be determined.
    • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Eric Stall has been moved to the point in an attempt to kick start the Hurricanes powerplay. Rod Brind’Amour, Ray Whitney and Sergei Samsonov, are the 1st line powerplay forwards with Stall and Joni Pitkanen on the point.
    • David Satriano of the New York Post: It appears that Marian Gaborik will miss tonight’s game against the Islanders.
    • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Answers a readers question about a Tom Gilbert to Buffalo for Drew Stafford trade rumor. Matheson says this rumor has been out there for a year.

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    Trade Rumors involving the Montreal Canadiens

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on October 14th, 2009

    I don’t know if there is any truth to these as it’s coming from a ‘source’, but it’s worth posting. I’ve never heard of this site before, but they’re mentioning several rumors involving the Montreal Canadiens. Maybe this is the French Anonymous Blogger.

    Canadiens send Sergei and Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec, and a 2nd round pick to the Predators for Jason Arnott and Teemu Laakso.

    Canadiens send Sergei and Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec, and Jaroslav Halak to the Coyotes for Adrian Aucoin, Keith Yandle and a 1st round pick.

    Canadiens send Sergei Kostitsyn and Glen Metropolit to the Devils for Cory Murphy and Colin White

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    Some Numbers Just Don’t Add Up

    Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 22nd, 2009

    Every free agent period there are always going to be some head scratchers, either for dollar value, length of contract or both. There’s not need to go over Hossa’s, Gionta’s, Cammallari’s or Antropov’s contact again, but let’s take a look at 2 recent signings that I don’t understand. Before I get to these signings let me make a couple quick points.

    NHL GMs are falling into the trap of giving higher dollar figures to young players based on potential. They are overpaying players knowing that they won’t get true value yet. Players don’t earn contracts like they use to. With having a salary cap, (especially next season when it is suppose to down a lot) it’s going to cause problems for a lot of teams. Also, a young players salary/contract does not seem to decrease if they don’t produce but there is some potential. This brings us to 2 signings I’d like to comment on. Tomas Plekanec and Denis Grebeshkov.

    Tomas Plekanec just re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens for 1 year at $2.75. Now $2.75 million isn’t a huge number, and Tomas can be a decent player, but the problem I have is that he received almost a $1 million raise. Last year he made $1.8 million. Here’s a quick look at his numbers the last 4 years, and will someone then please justify why he received a big raise after he recorded 30 less points:


      GP G A PTS +/-
    2008-09 80 20 19 39 -9
    2007-08 81 29 40 69 +15
    2006-07 81 20 47 47 +10
    2005-06 67 9 29 29 +4

    Denis Grebeshkov re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers, a 1 year deal worth $3.15 million, a nice healthy raise from the $1.5 million he made in 2008-09. Grebeshkov had a solid season in 2008-09, recording 39 points (7 goals and 32 assists) and was +12 in 72 games. The 25 year old now has 63 points in 176 games, that’s 24 points in 104 games entering last season. I just don’t see how 1 decent season should justify a jump up to $3.15 million.

    How many years in the future will these guys (and countless others) be paid on what they might do, compared to what they do? If they put up numbers that are not as high has this past season, will they take a pay cut? I doubt it, the NHL doesn’t work that way. Maybe they’ll sign a 12 year deal, those are the new fad lately.

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