Posts Tagged Toronto Maple Leafs
Morning Rumors involving the Coyotes, Islanders, Senators, Ducks, Lightning, Leafs, Flyers, Pens, Canadiens, Rangers, Kings, Wild, Stars and Blues
Posted by Neal Wright in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 10th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: If the Coyotes fall out of contention, Ray Whitney could become available. Whitney has a no-movement clause that lists 8 teams he’s willing to be traded to. The Bruins, Rangers and Sharks could be interested. Islanders GM Garth Snow on the trade front and re-signing of Evgeni Nabokov: “We have no intention of moving Evgeni,” Snow said. “He’s been great for us. His performance speaks for itself.” … on re-signing “Yeah, we’d consider all options, we’re just not at that point yet.” Snow has begun talks with P.A. Paranteau. Senators GM Bryan Murray: “We’ll see if there’s anything that makes sense, but in all likelihood it’s status quo at the moment, anyway.” If the Ducks are going to move one of their big players, it may happen in the offseason as opposed to the deadline. The Ducks could move Lubomir Visnovsky, but they aren’t going to give him away. Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina has a limited no-trade clause. Kubina submits a 5 team list, he hasn’t been asked yet. Mikhail Grabovski’s agent, who recently met with the Leafs:
“I spoke with Maple Leafs management a couple days ago and I believe they understand our position and we understand their position,” Greenstin told ESPN.com via email Wednesday. “Like I said before, Mikhail loves the city, organization and the fans, and we know the fans like him too. He would like to stay in Toronto and win the Stanley Cup with them, but he is in his prime years in his hockey career and this has to be right for Mikhail and it has to be right for the Maple Leafs.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: (Chat) LeBrun doesn’t think the Ducks will trade Getzlaf or Ryan at the deadline unless they get a crazy offer. The Flyers are trying to add a defenseman with experience. LeBrun also thinks the Flyers should add some depth at forward. It’s hard to tell if the Blue Jackets will be able to find a taker for Jeff Carter at this point. On the Penguins search list are Travis Moen and Dominic Moore. The Canadiens could move Hal Gill and Moen. The Blues may look to add a forward if one of Andy MacDonald or Alex Steen doesn’t make it back or isn’t playing like their old self. LeBrun doesn’t think they’ll get their #1 center by the deadline. The Rangers are not interested in Marek Zidlicky. The Lightning could move defensemen Brett Clark and Pavel Kubina. The Kings are looking to upgrade their top 6.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said “It’s very quiet,” with regards to the trade front.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo thinks the Wild have a strong interest in Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu. The asking price is high as their are many teams interested in him. Rutherford hopes to have a decision made by the start of next week as to whether they will re-sign him or trade him. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Rutherford told ESPN: “So our priority now is to try and re-sign him.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika doesn’t think the Stars will be buyers at the deadline unless they win their next 6 or 7. They should have a better idea on Feb. 20th. Heika thinks they need to either sign Nicklas Grossman to a 4 or 5 year deal at $3 million a season or trade the pending UFA.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks it might be a good idea to keep Mike Ribeiro as opposed to trading him, especially if they bring in another top 6 to play with Jamie Benn. Riberio is being used in a #1 center role, but may be better suited as a #2 center.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Gordon doesn’t see why there are rumors that the Blues need to add a defenseman like Hal Gill or Andy Sutton. Their pairings are playing well and they have Kent Huskins in reserve.
- Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star: Luke and Brayden Schenn shrug off trade rumors:
“(The Luke-to-Philly rumour) has obviously been tossed around for the past month and a bit,” Brayden said. “It’s hard to go around naive and don’t read anything or hear anything or watch TV. You come to the rink the next day and there’s going to be someone talking about it. Obviously (Luke’s) name has been tossed out there over the past month and a bit. But those are just rumours and I guess we’ll see what happens.”
Said Luke: “One day it would be cool to play together down the road. But right now I’m happy in Toronto and would love to be a part of the Leafs organization. In saying that, you also can’t control what goes on as far as trades go and the trade deadline . . . Anyone can get traded.”
Hawks looking for trade partners … Options for Pacific teams … Carle could cash in … Koivu could be in … MacDonald close, Steen unknown
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 9th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman would love to find a trading partner.
“There’s a lot of guys looking for players and not a lot willing to part with players,” he said during a Tuesday phone conversation. “I don’t know if it’s going to change a ton the next couple weeks.”
The Lightning and Islanders aren’t ready to be sellers just yet.
“Teams that are out of it are looking more towards the future,” Bowman said. “If that’s the case, there’s nothing you can do. Those teams are looking at the summer and going, ‘You know what? Why are we going to trade him away?’”
If the right center was made available, they would be interested despite recently acquiring Brendan Morrison. They will target defensemen. Canadiens Hal Gill would be an option.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the Blackhawks could end up trading for Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov to become their starter.
- Corey Masisak of NHL.com: The Sharks might be looking for a 3rd line energy guy who can kill penalties. They could deal Antero Niittymaki, but they won’t get much return for him. The Kings will be looking to add scoring. They have Jonathan Bernier to trade, but they’ll want a big return for him. The Coyotes could use some scoring up front. If they become sellers, they have Ray Whitney and Daymond Langkow to move. If the Stars are buyers, they could use a top 6 forward. If they become sellers they may look to move Nicklas Grossman and/or Sheldon Souray. If the Ducks won’t make Teemu Selanne or Saku Koivu available, they could consider moving any of Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky.
- Dave Lozo of NHL.com: The Red Wings have room to take on $24 million in cap space. Travis Moen and Ales Hemsky could be options.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: It’s unclear if the Flyers and defenseman Matt Carle have held serious contract talks. Carle will be a UFA and there is belief that he could get a deal similar to James Wisniewski’s 6 years, $33 million on the open market.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and could return tonight. Coach Mike Yeo on a possible trade:
“The one thing our entire team needs right now is just to go out on the ice with the idea that we’re good enough because we are. Obviously, if we can do things to make our team better I know there’s not a GM in the league who’s working harder than Chuck [Fletcher] on this. But having said that, we’ve beaten all the good teams in the West. We’ve proven ourself. When we play our game, we’ve proven what we can do.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Andy MacDonald should be back either Sunday or Tuesday. Alex Steen hasn’t skated this week, so his return is unknown.
- Eric Francis via twitter: Francis thinks the Flames can’t afford NOT to re-sign center Olli Jokinen.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets signed Vinny Prospal to a 1 year contract extension worth $2.5 million. He also got a no-trade clause.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Scouting the Ducks-Hurricanes game last night: Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Coyotes, Flyers, Predators, Rangers and Blues.
- Rich Chere of Star-Ledger: Johan Hedberg said he will start in net for the Devils tonight.
Not so fast on Smyth to Rangers … Kubina, Malone and Moore linked to teams … Kings interested in Kulemin and MacArthur … ‘Hawks to wait
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 4th, 2012
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: A source is saying that Ryan Smyth would consider waiving his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Rangers. Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: Ryan Smyth said he hasn’t heard from the Rangers and may not be that interested in a short stay there.
“I haven’t even really thought about it to be honest,” he continued. “They would have to approach me first and nobody’s approached me. It’s not something that I’ve thought much about.”
“I’ve moved four times in the last five years,” he said. “I wanted to come back here for a reason?”
Ales Hemsky hasn’t talked contract with the Oilers, and wouldn’t mind staying, depending on the money.
“Of course I would like to stay, but it depends on the terms. I like the guys here, I like the city, the fans are great and I have lots of friends here. I’ve always been happy here so I’d like to stay.”
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: The next 5 games will likely determine if the Lightning will be a buyer or seller. Yzerman said many teams are in a feeling out pattern. Pavel Kubina has been linked to the Rangers and Flames. Ryan Malone has been mentioned with the Kings. The Penguins and Senators may have interest in Dominic Moore. Adam Hall and Marc-Andre Bergeron may be ready to return during this homestand.
- John MacKinnon of Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky and Andy Sutton as UFAs at seasons end. Sam Gagner could get some interest, but the Oilers may realize that he’s better suited in a 2nd line role.
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Cordell made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN1050 radio that the Kings are interested in Maple Leafs Nikolai Kulemin and Clarke MacArthur.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman will wait and see how the Brendan Morrison trade works out before making a move for another center, maybe Sam Gagner. Islanders Steve Staios and Mark Eaton could get some trade interest. The Islanders would rather sign P.A. Parenteau than trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Panthers defenseman Jason Garrison will be a UFA after the season, and signs are pointing to him hitting the open market. It’s possible the Panthers could move him, rather than lose him for nothing. Sources are saying he could be looking for something in the $4.5 million range.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: With Jimmy Howard’s hand injury, Burnside notes a Evgeni Nabokov deal makes sense.
- Ben Meyer-Abbott of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks have dropped 5 straight, and GM Stan Bowman said there is no help coming. “I like our personnel. We’re trying to upgrade. It’s not like we’ve got guys playing that can’t play in the NHL. We certainly have guys that can improve on their level of play. But at the same time, we’re just trying to enhance our group as opposed to completely remake it.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Kyle Brodziak hasn’t had contract talks with the Wild yet. “As long as things make sense, why wouldn’t we want to sign Kyle Brodziak?” Fletcher said. “He’s been a good player for us, he fits in well, I think he’s enjoyed playing in Minnesota, and he’s had success here. We enjoy having him here, so hopefully we can make it work.”
Blues could look at Ruutu … Stewart may be available … Carter may interest Leafs … Green skating … Stempniak on crutches
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 2nd, 2012
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues may look at Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu. Strickland thinks the Blues can find their scoring touch internally, but that doesn’t mean they should not try to improve their roster. It might take someone like Chris Stewart to get him though. Stewart has struggled this year and will be due at least $3.25 million, a RFA after the season. Moving Stewart could come back to bit them if they did move him. For the right price they might move him, but it might not make sense doing it for a rental. T.J. Oshie and David Perron will also need new deals in the summer. The Blues biggest need may be a top 4 defenseman that can play the left side. An experienced, rugged Dman would be ideal. The Blue Jackets aren’t moving Rick Nash, but they wouldn’t mind moving Jeff Carter, and Strickland doesn’t think it will be as hard to do as most think. Ray Whitney may not be a fit with the Blues.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: If the rumors out of St. Louis are true that Chris Stewart could be available, Dater thinks the Avalanche should look at bringing him back. Stewart hasn’t happy when he was dealt to the Blues, and is still friends with some of the Avs. Stewart replacing Hejduk as a top 6 winger would make sense. Dater would offer up David Jones, who also has lost his scoring touch this year. Stewart is a RFA at seasons end, Jones is a UFA.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Mitchell thinks that Jeff Carter would look good between Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul. The Blue Jackets gave up a 1st round pick which turned out to be Sean Couturier and Jakob Voracek, so they would still need to get a good return back. Why it could happen: Carter has struggled this year but he is a 30-40 goal scorer. They may be able to get him at a discounted rate due to 10 years left on his contract. Why it won’t happen: He has a no trade clause, he has 10 years left at $5.27 million cap hit, and Burke doesn’t like long contracts.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins Nathan Horton will have missed his 3rd consecutive game with a ‘mild concussion. “He’s still where he was a few days ago. He’s feeling better, but not the stages of where he’s working out,” said Julien. “The day he does [feel better], I’m going to be the first to let you know that he’s on the bike now and that he’s moving forward.”
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals defenseman Mike Green said he’s on schedule from his sports hernia surgery. He was expected to be out 4 to 6 weeks. Stephen Whyno via twitter: Mike Green skated the last 3 days.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames winger Lee Stempniak left the arena on crutches and a soft boot on his left foot, could be long-term.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Alex Steen and Andy McDonald skated with the extras today, so it looks like they may not be ready for tomorrow.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson is getting closer to making a decision if he’ll play another season. He said 50% yes, the other 50% was up to his wife. They’ll talked about it over the next couple days.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Regardless of what the NHL turns up in their investigation to the Kings-CBJ clock issue, the game stands with a Kings win. Lisa Dillman via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi in an email: “Those clocks are sophisticated instruments that calculate time by measuring electrical charges called coulombs. Given the rapidity and volume of electrons that move through the measuring device the calibrator must adjust at certain points which was the delay you see – the delay is just recalibrating for the clock moving too quickly during the 10 – 10ths of a second before the delay – this insures that the actual playing time during a period is exactly 20 minutes – that is not an opinion – that is science.”
Top 5 Bubble teams and who they could have available … Things easier for Nieuwendyk … Targeting Tuomo … Armstrong, Liles back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance ranks trade deadline bubble teams who will have a crucial next 10 days. 1. Tampa Bay – Dominic Moore and Ryan Malone could come up in talks. 2. Montreal – Travis Moen, Hal Gill, Chris Campoli and Andrei Kostitsyn are trade possibilities 3. Dallas – Brenden Morrow and Sheldon Souray could come up. 4. Phoenix – Shane Doan, Daymond Langkow, Adrian Aucoin and Ray Whitney will be free agents 5. Anaheim – Bobby Ryan, Jason Blake and Teemu Selanne could find themselves on the move if the Ducks will be sellers.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Since Tom Gaglardi bought the Stars, GM Joe Nieuwendyk is finding things a little easier:
“What I’m finding now is I can get in on more conversations and at least test the waters more, and we’re doing that,” Nieuwendyk said. “We’re asking and we’re listening, and we’re trying to make sure of every opportunity that’s out there. Then, it’s up to us to make smart decisions.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Tuomo Ruutu and Vinny Prospal could be targeted by the Kings.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are believed to be interested in Tuomo Ruutu, but the asking price is high.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Cal O’Reilly was claimed by the Penguins on re-entry waivers.
- George Richands via twitter: Panthers forward Scottie Upshall will have sports hernia surgery tomorrow. He’ll likely be out for 2 months. Jack Skille could be back by the weekend.
- Barry Davis via twitter: Colby Armstrong confirms he’ll play tonight. John-Michael Liles won’t say he’s 100% playing but he should be back. James Reimer will start in net.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Sourcing LeBrun for Maple Leafs assigning Nazem Kadri and Keith Aulie to the Marlies.
Bruins not talking Thomas trade … Focus now turns to Ruutu, Allen and Pitkanen … Liles doesn’t think it’s a concussion … Kane back to Winnipeg
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said via email on Tim Thomas trade rumors: “Not trading him. I have not talked to anyone and I don’t plan to.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has a policy not to re-sign players during the season, but Tim Gleason was an exception yesterday. It was the first time he’s done that. Rutherford said he’s getting lost of calls for Tuomo Ruutu. Darren Dreger via twitter: Hurricanes trade focus now switches to Ruutu, Bryan Allen and Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen’s injury may not interfere with a trade.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster on the radio yesterday: “our mandate is to win now.”
- Jonas Siegel of TSN: Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles believes he doesn’t have a concussion, but his issues stem from a neck problem.
“Everybody wants to call it a concussion,” he exclaimed to TSN.ca. “Everybody says ‘Oh, if you have whiplash you have a concussion’ … I wasn’t sitting there going ‘Oh man I feel so foggy’ or anything like that, it just felt like I was just completely locked up and it was cutting off my focus and things like that.
“It all seemed like it was always neck-related and it almost felt like it was cutting off the flow to my brain sometimes just because it was so stiff.”
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Evander Kane and Tim Stapleton are heading back to Winnipeg for further evaluation. Kane is out with a concussion and is not expected to play on their 4 game road trip. Dustin Byfuglien and Alex Burmistrov staked yesterday and are close to returning. They won’t play tonight, but could be in the lineup on Thursday.
- Dave Molinari via twitter: Sidney Crosby will skate today and will be off tomorrow.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: The earliest Flyers forward Daniel Briere returns is this weekend. James van Riemsdyk is not expected to play tonight.
- Tony Marinario via twitter: The Canadiens said that Andrei Markov would be out 4 t0 6 weeks after his Dec. 5th operation. It’s been 8 weeks now.
- Ottawa Senators via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that forward Peter Regin will be out 4-6 months after left shoulder surgery.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Travis Zajac hasn’t resumed skating yet. He’ll need to get clearance from his doctor in Winnipeg before he can start.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zubrus-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Clarkson; Ponikarovsky-Josefson-Bernier; Boulton-Mills/Carter-Janssen.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Semyon Varlamov will start in net for the Avalanche tonight against the Oilers.
Oils want a Dman … Bruins want depth … MacArthur “Rumors suck” … CSKA wants Radulov … Koivu close … Filatov demoted … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 31st, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Don’t be surprised if Predators GM David Poile announces that he won’t trade Ryan Suter. The Preds were one team who sent a private jet to pick up there All-Stars: Suter, Shea Weber and Craig Smith. The Oilers are letting teams know they want a defenseman if/when they trade some of their assets. Bruins coach Claude Julien would like to see them add an experienced depth defenseman and a depth forward.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs and Mikhail Grabovski are not involved in serious contract talks. Grabovski shrugs off trade rumors that involve him as part of a package. Clarke MacArthur’s name is also coming up in rumors.
“There is always something every day,” MacArthur said. “Usually if I don’t hear it, I get a text message from someone saying they heard a rumour. It’s tiring, it’s hard on you, but it is a part of the job.
“(Rumours) suck, but what are you going to do? If you look close, I have a few grey hairs.”
The Leafs have been linked to Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, Ales Hemsky, Tuomo Ruutu and Ryane Clowe recently.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks need to add a top 4 defenseman as insurance and some grit up front. Mason Raymond will hear is name is rumors often. The Canucks could use someone like Travis Moen.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: CSKA is making a pitch for Alexander Radulov with intent of signing him to a long-term contract. CSKA has lots of oil money. Radulov has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Salavat that he can leave for the NHL (Preds) this summer despite his contract. CSKA is trying to buy his rights.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof says not to assume that the Islanders will trade Evgeni Nabokov.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Brent Burns is expected to return tonight. Forward Ryane Clowe status is uncertain.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild Guillaume Latendresse and Mikko Koivu were practicing yesterday, but neither’s return is imminent. Josh Harding will start tonight.
“They’re going to need some time getting acclimated to the group again and getting involved in practices and doing things at game speed and executing at that level before they can jump into the lineup,” said Yeo, adding that he believes Koivu is “much closer” to playing than Latendresse.
- Pavel Lysenkov via twitter: Nikita Filatov has been assigned to the CSKA’s minor league team.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Leafs coach Ron Wilson doesn’t expect John-Michael Liles, Colby Armstrong and Darryl Boyce to play tonight. Wednesday is a possibility.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning’s Ryan Malone and Marc-Andre Bergeron won’t play tonight. Mathieu Garon will start in net.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Cory Schneider will start in net for the Canucks tonight against the Blackhawks.
- David Alter via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net tonight against the Penguins. Wednesday’s starter is not determined yet.
Watters drops a big Maple Leafs – Blue Jackets rumor
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
1:06 PM:
Darren Dreger via twitter: “A couple of sketchy trade rumours out there. Can tell you the Leafs, according to Burke have never discussed Nash trade…”Ever.”"
10:10 AM:
Bill Watters via twitter: Watters drops this NHL rumor today …. The Maple Leafs would get Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius from the Blue Jackets for Mikhail Grabovski, Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Mike Komisarek.
I think a similar rumor was dropped a week ago by @Incarceratedbob
Nash carries a $7.8 million cap hit until 2017-18. Huselius carries a $4.75 million cap and will be a UFA at the end of the season. Combined total for this year is $12.55 million.
Grabovski carries a $2.9 million cap hit this year and will be a UFA at the end of the year. Schenn signed a 5 year contract with a $3.6 million cap hit before this season. Kadri will have one more season after this year with a $1.72 million cap hit. Komisarek has a $4.5 million hit for the next 2 years. Combined total for his year is $12.72 million.
Morning rumors involving: Ruutu, Clowe, Moen, Carter, Thomas, Canadiens, Hurricanes, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Crosby, Duchene, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 30th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Hurricanes have taken lots of calls on Tuomo Ruutu and he could be moved this week. Sharks GM Doug Wilson said there was no chance Ryane Clowe is going anywhere. The Canucks and Red Wings are just a couple of the teams that would be interested in Moen. One source is saying Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier is telling teams he’s not ready to start trading yet. The Blue Jackets will be looking to move their pending UFAs and possibly Jeff Carter. Carter doesn’t really want to be in Columbus, but can Howson find someone interested in his contract? He has 10 years left at a $5.27 million salary cap hit.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch doesn’t think the Bruins will move Tim Thomas when his no-movement clause expires on July 1st. The Canadiens haven’t decided if they will be buyers or sellers. GM Gauthier is looking for a big center. There was talk that they could be interested in Sabres center Derek Roy, but he’s 5’8″. Since it doesn’t look like Ryan Suter and Shea Weber will be available at the trade deadline, the Flyers will look at Hurricanes Tim Gleason, Bryan Allen and Jaroslav Spacek. A Jeff Carter trade would more likely happen in the summer. The Maple Leafs would like to add a center, and he’d like to get something done in the next 48 hours (starting yesterday). Tuomo Ruutu is a possibility, but the Hurricanes are asking a lot for him.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The results from Sidney Crosby’s MRI and CAT scans could be released today. He returned to Pittsburgh over the weekend, and continued skating.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Yesterday marked the 4 week anniversary of Avalanche forward Matt Duchene’s knee injury that was to sideline him for at least a month. Though there is no official word on when he’ll return, Dater guesses it will be at least another couple weeks.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: The trade deadline is a month away, and Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is not done. Sassone thinks they’ll a defenseman, maybe 2, or possibly another forward.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: Don’t look for the Jets to be looking for a rental player by the trade deadline. They could be sellers if they remain out the playoffs.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Expect a roster move today by the Blue Jackets as they have 12 healthy forwards and 6 defenseman. Jeff Carter could be close.
Late morning rumors involving: Karlsson, Parise, Moore, Grabovski, MacArthur, Gleason, Mason, Subban, Thomas and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators will start serious talks with defenseman Erik Karlsson’s agent next week.
“We do have to talk,” Murray said Saturday. “In the next week or so, we either have to make a phone call or they have to make a phone call to at least initiate some discussion.” Murray said
Don’t expect the Devils to trade Zach Parise. He’s a UFA on July 1st and there haven’t been any talks. The Kings and Wild will be interested in Parise on July 1st. Lightning Dominic Moore is getting interest, and the Sens may make a pitch. The Maple Leafs have been tossing Mikhael Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur’s names in trade talks.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks could have interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason, as would half a dozen other teams. The Blue Jackets are trying to move Steve Mason but are not finding takers with his $3.2 million salary. They may have to put him on re-entry to see if someone would take him at half price. Don’t expect the Canadiens to move P.K. Subban. Tim Thomas’s no trade clause expires July 1st. Thomas would be in the last year of his deal, and will have a $3 million salary with a $5 million cap hit. Matheson thinks that Brenden Morrow could be a good fit with the Sharks, Canucks or Red Wings.
Suter clears the air … Crosby has fractures to C1 and C2 vertebrae … Possible Flyers targets … A couple Bettman notes … NHL Sources Say video
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Trades on January 29th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ryan Suter wanted to clear the air a bit on comments he made Friday (see yesterday’s post). Suter contacted ESPN and his GM David Poile.
“I was watching TV this morning and one guy said I was definitely going to test the open market,” Suter told ESPN.com. “I never said that. So I just want people to know that I’m focused on helping our team win and I think that’s the most important thing right now.”
“It made it seem like I was giving up on my teammates and I don’t like the sound of that, because it’s not true at all,” Suter said.
“I hope I don’t get traded; I hope I can stay in Nashville,” Suter said. “Because we have a chance to win, we have a pretty good team.”
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins medical staff may have mis-diagnosed part of Sidney Crosby’s injury. Crosby appears to have fractured vertebrae that was missed by team doctors for weeks. Possible fractures to the C1 and C2 vertebrae may have been discovered, to go along with his concussion according to his agent Pat Brisson. Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: It is not a career-threatening injury, and there is a chance that he could be back this season if his concussion symptoms are resolved.
“The diagnosis of Dr. Robert S. Bray, a neurological spine specialist based in Los Angeles, is that Sidney Crosby had suffered a neck injury in addition to a concussion. Dr. Bray reports that the neck injury is fully healed. Those findings will be evaluated by independent specialists over the next few days. The most important goal all along has been Sidney’s return to full health, and we are encouraged that progress continues to be made.”
- Sam Carchdi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: There rumblings that Shea Weber or Ryan Suter could become available. Suter would be more likely to be traded before Weber. If the Flyers were to make a deal, they’d want assurance that he would sign a long term deal with them. Other potential blueline targets for the Flyers could be Tim Gleason and Bryan Allen (Car), Luke Schenn (Tor), Hal Gill (Mon), and Mark Eaton (NYI).
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Shinzawa goes through some players the Bruins could be interested in. Hurricanes Tim Gleason could be a good fit. The Bruins could use some bottom 6 depth. Coyotes Ray Whitney and Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu are possibilities.
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Gary Bettman says the NHL isn’t subsidizing the New Jersey Devils. Spector adds: “That doesn’t mean the league isn’t providing cash advances or whatnot.”
- Jesse Spector via twitter: Bettman says the League is ready and waiting for the NHLPA to start CBA talks, he’s unsure on when they will begin.
- David Shoalts via twitter: Bettman added there have been no talks regarding the City of Glendale getting another $25 million extension for next season.
- Chris Botta via twitter: As far as Botta has heard, there is nothing major or even moderate going on with Islanders trade talks.
- HockeyCentral: NHL Sources Say: “news that next year’s all-star festivities will take place in Columbus, and talk the latest financials for St. Louis and New Jersey.”
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