Posts Tagged Toronto Maple Leafs
Torres hearing on Thursday … Semin not back with Caps? Vokoun done with Caps … Bigger list for Nash … KHL after Grigorenko
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Coyotes Raffi Torres suspension appeal will be heard Thursday morning.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: According to Alexander Semin’s agent Mark Gandler, he has no intentions of re-signing with the Capitals and will become a UFA on July 1st.
“It was good while it lasted. With the lack of playoff success, with the direction they are going. They decided to change directions. That’s within their rights. Alex doesn’t fit into that system obviously,” Gandler told ESPN the Magazine. “It just doesn’t make any sense to him. He plays, he did the best he could under the circumstances and he earned his right to be a free agent.”
Semin would prefer to remain in the NHL rather than heading to the KHL. He would also like to get an expanded role, which includes penalty killing. He averaged 16:47 minutes per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year.
“I think the issue is with the organization, not necessarily with the coach,” Gandler said. “They told us Alex is not going to play short-handed, he’s not going to play in the last minute. He’s going to get the same icetime as everybody else … Alex is not ready to be a role player. He wants to be a full-time player. It’s important to him.”
Semin made $6.7 million last season.
“I don’t know what the market (for him) is going to be,” Gandler said. “I know there aren’t many players like Alex around.”
- Greg Brady via twitter: A scout told Brady at the trade deadline that GM George McPhee was pleading with other teams to trade for Alexander Semin.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Tomas Vokoun doesn’t have a deal in place with Lokomotiv of the KHL. He prefers to stay in the NHL. Chuck Gormley via twiiter: Vokoun said he never planned on playing with the Capitals for more than a year.
- The Fourth Period: A source told TFP that Rick Nash and his agent recently reviewed his contract with the Blue Jackets and could have an expanded list of teams he’d accept a trade too. The Sharks, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Canucks, Kings and Bruins had interest in Nash at some point this season.
- Slava Malamud via twitter: Russian sources say that CSKA could make a big play for Mikhail Grigorenko. If true, it could hurt his draft stock.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Leo Komarov will join the Maple Leafs this summer. Gus Katsaros via twitter: At this point, Komarov would be a Marlies player.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings winger Simon Gagne has been cleared for contact but is long ways from playing. He remains in LA. He’s a long shot for returning this yeare.
Coaches Corner: Hunter, Wilson, Richards, Renney, McLellan, Leafs, Canadiens and Flames … Conditions on Dudley leaving Leafs for Habs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2012
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Dale Hunter made the tough decision of leaving the Capitals to go back to the London Knight after talking with his family. Tarik El-Bashir via twitter: “It was a tough decision. But it was the right one for me and my family.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee is in no hurry to hire a new head coach, he could wait until July or August to find Hunter’s replacement. McKenzie wouldn’t hold his breath waiting for Ron Wilson to be named coach.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards gets a 2 year deal, no longer the interim coach. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks the Richards extension is a vote of confidence from ownership for GM Scott Howson.
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Leafs assistants Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin are expected back. The Canadiens are in the process of touching base with some head coaching candidates, such as: Michel Therrien, Guy Carbonneau, Marc Crawford, and Bob Hartley. The Flames are planning on narrowing their 10-12 head coaching list down to 5 or 6 for interviews. Bob Harley and Troy Ward are prominent. Nothing to report on Tom Renney’s expiring contract. GM Steve Tambellini’s contract is expired too, but many believe he has an extension in place,
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie thinks that Todd McLellan will be back coaching the Sharks next season, but not surprised if they brought in an experienced or veteran assistant coach.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Flames AHL head coach Troy Ward is the leading candidate for the head coaching position according to Bodog’s prop (7/4 odds). Bob Hartley (5/2) is a close friend GM Jay Feaster is also a candidate. Craig MacTavish is listed at 6/1.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Dudley could leave the Maple Leafs for the Canadiens by the end of the month. It would be conditional on him not helping the Canadiens with the draft. Pending negotiations with the Canadiens, Dudley has the Leafs blessing to move on as long as he isn’t involved with the draft.
Parise opens up a bit … 4 teams that make sense for a Staal deal … Carle deal has to wait … Nash’s name back in rumors … CF schedule
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 13th, 2012
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Pending Devils UFA Zach Parise opens up a bit:
“I’ m enjoying this, we’re playing well. It’s not even crossing my mind,” Parise said, at first.
“It means a lot,” Parise told The Post. “It means we have a lot of good, young players who are going to be here a long time.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: If Jordan Staal hits the open market after next season, he could get around $7 million. The Penguins already have $40 million committed to 10 players, not including Sidney Crosby who may get $10 million. Reports are that the Hurricanes and Oilers could be interested. Yohe offers up the most logical trade partners for the Penguins. 1. Carolina Hurricanes – have the cap room and assets. They could offer center Brandon Sutter. They have the 8th overall pick this year and some other strong prospects. 2. Toronto Maple Leafs – Brian Burke is a big Staal fan, and Ray Shero and Burke are friends. The Leafs have Nazem Kadri and stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn, a type of Dman the Penguins need. 3. Edmonton Oilers – the Oilers could use and accomplished center. The Oilers have the 1st overall pick. 4. Minnesota Wild – the Wild are a “no-name squad looking for an identity” and could use a name like Jordan Staal. Cal Clutterbuck and Devin Setoguchi may be 2 players that would interest the Pens. The Wild also have the 7th pick in the draft.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Due to the salary-cap tagging rule, the Flyers won’t be able to sign Matt Carle before July 1st. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he wants to re-sign Carle. Carle earned $3.47 million this past year, and could get in the $5 million range on his next deal.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t work out a deal,” Holmgren said. “His demands, when I spoke with him and his agent, nothing was ever out of line. Could we get him under market value? I would say that we probably could. I don’t see any issues there.”
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: There are different reports on what was/wasn’t offered by the Rangers at the trade deadline for Blue Jackets Rick Nash. The Rangers weren’t willing to move Chris Kreider. The Jackets were asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Dreider and a 1st round pick. Another report was they wanted Dubinsky, another forward like Stepan, a prospect (not Kreider) and a 1st round pick, maybe 2. This offseason, teams will have move flexibility with their roster and salary cap. The Sharks and Bruins should be interested, possibly the Rangers again.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the next stop for Alexander Semin is the KHL. He had 3 goals and 1 assist in 14 playoff games. The Blue Jackets have quietly continued to try and trade Rick Nash, but it’s hard to fin serious interest now. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is rumored to be interested in revisiting talks. Wilson may have told the Jackets that they could sweeten the pot in June. Expect the Maple Leafs to make a pitch for the 1st overal pick. Expect the Flyers to make a pitch for Ryan Suter’s rights if he doesn’t re-sign with the Predators. The Wings and Wild will be interested as well.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: NHL release of Conference Finals Schedule:
2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Networks
Game 1: Monday, May 14 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 2: Wednesday, May 16 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
Game 3: Saturday, May 19 1 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBC, CBC, RDS
Game 4: Monday, May 21 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 23 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Friday, May 25 8 p.m. NY Rangers at New Jersey NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Sunday, May 27 8 p.m. New Jersey at NY Rangers NBCSN, CBC, RDS2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL SCHEDULE
Date Time (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #8 Los Angeles Networks
Game 1: Sunday, May 13 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 2: Tuesday, May 15 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 3: Thursday, May 17 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, TSN, RDS
Game 4: Sunday, May 20 3 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBC, CBC, RDS
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 22 9 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 6: Thursday, May 24 9 p.m. Phoenix at Los Angeles NBCSN, CBC, RDS
*Game 7: Saturday, May 26 8 p.m. Los Angeles at Phoenix TBD, CBC, RDS* If necessary
Radulov-Kostitsyn broke curfew by an hour … Preds notes … Semin done with Caps, NHL? Kreider moves up to 2nd line
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 12th, 2012
- Michael Farber of SI.com (via Dirk Hoag of On the Forecheck): Predators Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn broke curfew by 1 hour, which earned them their 1 game suspension. They were poolside at the W, an alcohol free soiree according to a source.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Ryan Suter’s free agent decision will affect Shea Weber’s situation. Throw in Radulov’s free agency and curfew violations, it’s going to be busy offseason for the Predators. They have 15 total free agents. 3 things that we know for sure: “1. The Suter, Weber, Radulov story lines will dominate the offseason for Nashville. 2. If Suter does decide to leave, it won’t be a ll doom and gloom for Nashville. 3. The Predators must make a decision on Sergei Kostitsyn.”
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has called Brian Burke several times to try and persuade him to allow Rick Dudley to join the Habs before the Draft, but it’s not a top priority for Burke. There is a window that allows Dudley to leave, and the Leafs control the situation until it opens. At the next GM meetings, some GMs will bring up compensation for head coaches, GMs, and assistant GMs that are hired by other teams. Dreger says that Ryan Suter has earned the right to test the free agent market, and it won’t be an easy decision for him to sign elsewhere. It is possible that they could keep both Suter and Shea Weber, but it would have a financial strain on the team, depending on the new CBA.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Alexander Semin could be playing in his last game for the Capitals, and maybe his last NHL game. He’ll be a UFA and the Capitals “won’t re-sign him.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Sports.ru is reporting that Kirill Kabanov will play of Salavat of the KHL. BD Gallof via twitter: KHL is better money than the AHL. Isles fan shouldn’t worry if Kabanov says there for a year, if it’s 2 years, then worry.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Apparently the Flyers have so many players that may require surgery, they won’t be able to sort it out until next week.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils coach Peter DeBoer expects Anton Volchenkov and Marek Zidlicky to be ready for Game 1 of the conference finals.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers forward Chris Kreider was practicing with the 2nd line, Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan, yesterday.
A deal in place to buy the Coyotes … Radulov-Kostitsyn could return … Trade Anderson? Staal to ‘Canes makes sense … Giroux hit could get a look at
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on May 7th, 2012
- John Manasso of NHL.com: Predators coach Barry Trotz said there is a “high probability” that Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn will return for Game 5. The Predators are down 3-1 in the series and were shut out in their last game.
- Dave Zorn via twitter: TV reports that there is a deal between the NHL and Greg Jamison to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. Gary Bettman and Jamison will be in town and have a press conference on Tuesday. David Pagnotta via twitter: The sale still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors and by Glendale City Council. Lisa Halverstadt via twitter: Sources are saying that Jamison is trying to get an item on the Glendale City Council agenda for Tuesday.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: It’s unlikely to happen, but Brennan thinks it might be a good time for the Senators to trade Craig Anderson, especially if Daniel Alfredsson is going to retire. Some of their offensive prospects still may need some time in the minors, and they may not be able to get any offensive players in free agency. Dealing from their strength, goaltending, could be an option. Putting Anderson in a package could get them a point producing forward and a defensive defenseman. The Lightning, Devils, Jets and Blue Jackets may be eager to talk. Malcolm Subban could be a draft option at #15.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Reasons that Jordan Staal may be dealt are the Penguins burgeoning payroll, how the new CBA may look, and that he’s 3rd on the Pens depth chart behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens wouldn’t make a draft day trade with the Oilers for the #1 pick just to make a splash since the draft is in Pittsburgh. A trade to the Hurricanes to reunite with his brother Eric does make some sense. The Hurricanes have defenseman Justin Faulk, Staal wannabe Brandon Sutter (not as much offensive upside) and the 8th overall pick.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens are in discussions with the Maple Leafs to bring in Rick Dudley. A move from the Leafs to the Canadiens is complicated in that both teams have high picks in the draft, and Dudley has done the prep work on it for the Leafs. The Leafs would prefer to wait until the draft is over before Dudley became the Canadiens assistant GM.
- The League will look at Flyers Claude Giroux’s hit on Danius Zubrus, but will a suspension come down?
Petrov, Mayorov sign in KHL … Preds still hope to re-sign Suter and Weber … Coaching notes for Sharks, Canadiens … 5 priorities for Sens
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 3rd, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov signed a contract extension with with Ak Bars.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Ak Bars has also signed Blue Jackets defenseman Maxim Mayorov. Aaron Portzline via twitter: It’s believed that the Blue Jackets will qualify Mayorov and keep his rights.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The two 2011 Stanley Cup Finals goaltenders, Roberto Luongo and Tim Thomas, could find themselves on the trading block this summer. Luongo has given the Canucks a short list of teams he’s accept a trade too: possibly the Panthers, Lightning, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has heard the rumors on Thomas:
“I’ve seen speculation about moving a goalie, but I’m certainly not inclined to do that,” Chiarelli said.
“Tim didn’t have statistically the year he had the year before, but I thought he had a very good year. We have, if not the best, one of the top goaltending tandems in the league.”
The Predators still believe they’ll be able to re-sign Ryan Suter and Shea Weber. Predators chairman Tom Cigarran:
“We were going to keep the very best players to the extent we can, to the extent they want to play here,” Cigarran told the Tennessean. “To the extent they want to play here, we would step up and make sure we had the money available to pay them.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson got a vote of confidence from ownership, but the coaching staff hasn’t received one yet. Wilson is still in the review process, which should be completed over the next couple weeks. Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Coach Todd McLellan has 2 years left on his deal, and LeBrun thinks he’ll remain with the team. New Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin would definitely be interested in Alain Vigneault if the Canucks fired him. Marc Crawford could also be in the mix for the Canadiens job. Darren Dreger reported that Bob Hartley and Michel Therrien are in consideration. The sale of the St. Louis Blues to minority owner Tom Stillman is “very close.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators top 5 offseason priorities: 1. Bring back Daniel Alfredsson 2. Sign defenceman Erik Karlsson 3. Re-sign center Chris Kelly as a UFA 4. Trade defenceman Sergei Gonchar 5. Buy out winger Bobby Butler.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues tried to upgrade their blueline at the trade deadline, but were unsuccessful. Kent Huskins will likely replace Ian Cole tonight. Matt D’Agostini could replace Alex Steen on the line with Andy McDonald and David Backes. Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wanted to rule Jaroslav Halak out of the series to eliminate any potential distraction.
Grossman not cleared yet … 2 or 3 weeks for Habs GM? Alfie to take some time … Could Bruins trade Thomas? Seguin needs surgery
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 27th, 2012
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Flyers Nicklas Grossman said he hasn’t been cleared yet. Hopes to play on Sunday.
- Stu Hackel of Hockey Inisde/Out: Renaud Lavoie wrote that it’s possible that the Canadiens could have a new GM in place in the next 2 or 3 weeks.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson will take some time deciding his future:
“I will see how I feel physically and mentally after taking some time off.”
“This year has been unbelievable. I’ve had a lot of fun. It’s been great to be part of a great group of guys. They kept me upbeat and happy when I’m a grumpy old man. They’ve made this year very enjoyable.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tim Thomas’s no-movement clause will expire on July 1st. Thomas has 1 year left on his 4 year, $20 million contract. Tuukka Rask will be a RFA on July 1st as well. If the Bruins were to move Thomas, Anton Khudobin would backup Rask if/when they re-sign him. If they moved Thomas’s $5 million cap hit, they could use the money elsewhere. Zach Parise will be a UFA, has played for Julien before, but may be looking for $7 million plus. Toronto, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Florida, Edmonton, and Columbus may be looking for goaltending help this summer. The Bruins may not get much return for Thomas due to age and contract, but would give the B’s cap relief.
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins Tyler Seguin needs surgery, likely on his left hand.
Luongo to submit list … Thomas could hit market as well … Stars may look at Nash … Could Hawks gauge interest in Keith or Sharp?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 26th, 2012
- James Duthie via twitter: Sources are saying that Roberto Luongo will submit a short list of teams the he would waive his no-trade clause to go to next week. The Maple Leafs will be on it. Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Canucks didn’t even have to ask Luongo to waive his no-trade. He tells them during his exit meeting with he wants out of Vancouver. Dan Murphy via twitter: Murphy confirms that the Maple Leafs will be on Luongo’s list. Tampa Bay will also be on it. James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Mirtle thinks that the Canucks and their fans should expect a homerun if they trade Luongo. There are not a lot of teams that will be interested, and he has 10 years left on his contract. Tim Thoams, Miikka Kiprusoff and others could become available. Mirtle thinks if the Canucks could get a late 1st rounder or a middling prospect, it could be a fair deal. They might even have to take back some salary. Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Buffery doesn’t think trading for Luongo is a good idea. “Besides the fact he’s 33 years old and has 10 more years in his deal, there is a reason why he is expendable in Vancouver … because he’s 33 years old and has 10 years left on his contract.”He notes that the Leafs aren’t close to a cup, so why not go with the youngsters – James Reimer, Ben Scrivens, Mark Owuya and Jussi Rynnas.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy predicts that Tim Thomas will be traded this offseason.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika thinks the Stars may be open to the idea of trading for a player like Rick Nash due to the limited number of scores on the free agent market. One key point regarding Nash is whether is okay numbers are a result of being in a bad system in Columbus or if he could break out on a line with Jamie Benn and Loui Eriksson. What the Blue Jackets would want is another question. Would the Stars be willing to part is a solid player, a top prospect or 2 and a high draft pick? The Stars may think higher of Zach Parise and may see what he’ll do if he hits the open market.
- David Haugh in the Chicago Tribune: Haugh thinks the Blackhawks should look at the trade interest in defenseman Duncan Keith or forward Patrick Sharp. Keith hasn’t been the same since 2010 and could bring more back than Brent Seabrook. Sharp is a more tradeable asset than Marian Hossa, and Toews and Kane remain untouchable.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Tomas Holmstrom on whether his 39-year old body can handle another summer of training and long season:
“I love the game, I would love to play three, four more years,” Holmstrom said. “It’s so much fun to come to the rink and everything. It’s just if the body can take it one more year or two more years. There’s lots of wear and tear on the body. Mentally, the last couple of years, you’ve got to go through the soreness, aches and pain, and it can be pretty tough during the regular season.”
Possibly the only way that Holmstrom is in a Wings uniform next season is if Nicklas Lidstrom says he’d like to have him come back too.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: At the trade deadline, the Maple Leafs were given a choice between 24-year old Steve Downie (a RFA looking for more than $3 million) or 20-year old Carter Ashton for defenseman Keith Aulie.
- Toronto Sun: Reports are that Patrick Roy has met with Serge Savard at a restaurant recently, but Savard denied they met in-person, but spoke on the phone.
Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
- Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks there is an 80% chance that Jaromir Jagr returns to the Flyers next year.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman: “We’re not going to bring everybody back.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne, Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick are the Vezina finalists.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka were not at the Senators practice today.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Brian Boyle didn’t practice with the Rangers today.
Luongo would waive his NTC … Pens want to re-sign Crosby and Staal … Grabovski gets offer before Leafs deal … Kesler injury
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 24th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Canucks Roberto Luongo tells reporters that he would waive his no trade clause if asked.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: It’s no secret the the Blue Jackets need a starting goalie, but due to Roberto Luongo’s age and contract, he would be a last resort.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero said that it is their goal to re-sign both Jordan Staal and Sidney Crosby. Shero added that his is “not sure” if he can do it until he speaks with Staal and Crosby, and has a better idea of the landscape. The CBA will be a factor as well. Shelly Anderson via twitter: Shero on trading one of their 3 big centers: “We have to take a look over the next couple months.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins GM Ray Shero: “I think Dan Bylsma is the right coach for our team”
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom: “I want to take a few weeks and get over this. It’s hard when you’re just a few days away from losing.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maple Leafs Mikhail Grabovski tells goal.by that he had doubts about re-signing with the Leafs and that he had an offer from another club. Darren Dreger responds with how can he get an offer if he was still under contract with the Leafs, and that it might have come from the KHL. Chesnokov thinks it might have some from Minsk … or that he said too much.
- Ben Kuzma via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler has a shoulder injury. Doctors will look at it further to determine if surgery is needed. He injured it in February.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Masterton finalists: Daniel Alfredsson, Joffrey Lupul and Max Pacioretty.
- James Mirtle via twitter: GM of the Year finalists: Doug Armstrong, David Poile and Dale Tallon.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Panthers Jose Thoedore wasn’t at their morning skate. Jacob Markstrom was on the ice with Scott Clemmensen. Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Theodore is with the team, and the injury is not serious. He had the injury before.
Luongo a tough move … JVR ready … Halak still in boot … Could it be Lidstrom’s final game … Roy knows Habs will call
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 20th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: One GM laughed when asked if Roberto Luongo’s contract is movable, and another responded:
“No,” he answered. “Unless the trading team was allowed to subsidize the deal.”
Options for the Canucks this summer: 1. Pray for an amnesty clause – if he was bought out at the end of the season without the amnesty, Luongo would come off the books in 2031-32. 2. Trade him – he has a no-trade clause and tough contract to move. “There’s a limited amount of teams,” an NHL source said. “A very limited amount of teams.” The Lightning are looking for a goalie this summer. Luongo has ties to the state of Florida. The Panthers have Jacob Markstrom on the way. The Leafs are looking for a goalie as well, but Burke doesn’t like long contract, plus “Why would he want to go from one fishbowl to another?” one source said. 3. Keep him – this would be a tough sell and Luongo likely wouldn’t be happy being a backup. With Schneider needing a new contract, a lot of money would be tied up in the position.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts thinks the only teams that may need goaltending are the Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Oilers. The Devils could be looking for a goalie due to Martin Brodeur’s age, but there financial situation would likely prevent bringing in Luongo.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Reimsdyk skated for the 4th straight day yesterday and appears ready to return to the lineup. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman is listed as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Erik Gustafsson or Brandon Manning would take Grossman’s place if he’s not ready to go.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak’s return to the lineup doesn’t appear to be imminent. He is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot, and missed his 2nd straight game. Halak tested it out on the ice on Tuesday, but it didn’t go that well.
- Rich Hammond via twitter: Kings coach Darryl Sutter on Simon Gagne: “I don’t even know if he’s in North America.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings lose tonight, it’s possible that Nicklas Lidstrom has played his final NHL game. Lidstrom will be 42 in a week.
“I’ve been hearing that same story for about five years now,” Babcock said Thursday. “I haven’t thought much about Nick. I’d be shocked if he retires, but I’ve been shocked before.”
“It’s crossed my mind,” Jimmy Howard said, “but you try not to think about it. It’s been quite the honor to play with Nick, and I hope he comes back, but that’s up to him.”
Lidstrom has said he’ll take some time to relax after the season, then him and his wife will make a decision on next year.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Patrick Roy’s Quebec Remparts are out of the playoffs, and he knows a call from the Canadiens will be coming.
“Going there would definitely interest him. He thrives on challenges,” said the above friend. “Winning one or two Stanley Cups was not enough for him; he wanted more. And, when the Avalanche traded for Ray Bourque, it became his mission to win another one.”
Serge Savard told the Montreal Gazette mid season that he thought the Roy would coach the Canadiens under “certain conditions.” Guy Lafleur thinks Roy would be a better GM than coach.
- Martin Lunden via a Swedish site: (tweeted by Bruce McCurdy) Oilers 2011 1st round draft pick Oscar Klefbom is set to a sign a 3 year entry-level deal with the team.
Grossman DTD … Saad could be in … Schneider’s team now, may look to trade Luongo … Kiper likely staying … Allaire tired of blame
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 19th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hit twice in the 1st period but played through to the middle of the 2nd. The injury more likely occurred on the 2nd hit by Tyler Kennedy.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks rookie Brandon Saad will likely replace injured Marian Hossa for Game 4.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Friedman thinks that Torres will get hammered with a big suspension. Doctors prevented Daniel Alfredsson from playing in Game 3. One theory is that Alaine Vigneault put Cory Schneider in over Roberto Luongo for Game 3 was to put heat on his players. Luongo’s a “built-in excuse.” Glen Healy reported on the Hotstove that the Oilers will keep the 1st overall pick. The Oilers and Ryan Smyth maybe headed to another disagreement. They offered him a 2 year deal at the trade deadline, likely no higher than $5 million total, but that went nowhere. The Oilers may no longer think he’s a top-6 forward. Flames Miikka Kiprusoff’s no-movement clause ends July 1st and his salary drops the next 2 years. Eric Francis said the Flames won’t trade him, but they will get tempting offers. People are wondering who is calling the shots in Calgary, GM Jay Feaster or the ownership/president. Maple Leafs goalie coach Francois Allarie is telling people he’s tired of being made the scape in Toronto. He’s getting blamed from people outside the organization, Burke has defended him. No decisions have been made regarding the Canadiens coaches, and none will be made until a new GM is hired.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: MacIntyre notes it’s Cary Schneider’s team now with Vigneault deciding not to go with Roberto Luongo for their elimination game. GM Mike Gillis will try to re-sign the RFA Schneider before July 1st. If they can’t get him re-signed by then, they’ll offer him arbitration so that no other team can make an offer for him. Luongo is owed $6.714 million over the next 6 seasons, then his salary drops. Luongo has a no-trade clause, so he could reject a deal. The Canucks may not get a good return, and may have to take a bad contract back.
- Howard Berger of Berger Bytes: Berger notes that Roberto Luongo’s days in Vancouver could be over as it “appears indisputable” that Canucks will look to trade Luongo this offseason and make Schneider their No. 1 goalie. The 33-year old Luongo has 10 years left on his contract. His annual salary will be nearly $6.75 million, but carries a $5.33 million cap hit. His contract was front loaded. Berger asked some people around the Staples Center yesterday who suggested the Lightning, Panthers and Maple Leafs would likely be making inquiries. Luongo does hold a no-movement clause. If the Leafs were to make a move on Luongo, they’d would likely have to include a large contract going back. There are some who believe that the Mike Gillis wouldn’t deal with Brian Burke, but their verbal warfare has been largely overblown. Though Gillis isn’t in a strong negotiating position, he’ll be looking for a credible package for Luongo.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets are in talks with Michael Chaput and Austin Madaisky. Mathieu Corbeil, Petr Straka and Brandon Archibald are also un-signed, and a decision hasn’t been made if they’ll re-sign them. They have 3 unsigned players heading back to college who were drafted in 2008 and 2009.
End of the line for Luongo? Staal deflects trade rumor … Fleury fine … Halak out … Video of Torres hit on Hossa
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions on April 18th, 2012
- Jason Bothchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks haven’t announced who will be their starting goalie for Game 4. If Cory Schneider gets the start over Roberto Luongo, it “would be tangible evidence suggesting we may have seen the end of the Luongo era in Vancouver.” If Luongo gets the call, it’s because of his experience. If Schneider gets the call, it’s because of his numbers. Regardless, the team may be moving forward with Schneider in their plans, they don’t want to trade him. If they keep Schneider, Luongo may never regain the definitive #1 goalie status in Vancouver.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins Jordan Staal will be a free agent after next season (along with Crosby) and will likely be looking for a raise from his $4 million salary. When asked about speculation that he was unhappy with the Pens and that he could possibly be traded this summer:
“About me?” Staal asked. “What are they saying? No, not right now. That’s the last thing on my mind, for sure.”
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Marc-Andre Fleury said he’s not feeling any effects from a collision he had in a game against the Islanders towards the end of the regular season, and that it has nothing to do with his struggles. Paul Martin was given a maintenance day and is possible for tonight.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Jaroslav Halak won’t dress for the Blues on Thursday. Timetable for his return is not known yet.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Sharks may be looking at some lineup and possible line changes for Game 4.
“We can look at the line combinations, the potential lineup changes. There’s a lot we can do. It’s 2-1. We’ve been here many times and we’ve conducted ourselves appropriately and come back and won series.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Nobody in the Leafs management have confirmed or denied that Francois Allaire will be leaving the team.
- Coyotes Raffi Torres’ hit on Blackhawks Marian Hossa
JVR could practice today … Lindback will get trade interest … Oilers looking for 1 or 2 top Dmen … CBJ unlikely to move 2nd overall
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 14th, 2012
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers James van Viemsdyk began skating on Sunday and could practice with the team today. He had surgery on March 6th on his fractured foot. His possible return for the 1st round is not known.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Teams that are looking to add a goaltender this summer will be looking at RFAs, Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier and even Tuukka Rask. Predators Anders Lindback is another RFA goalie that could find himself playing on another team next year. Custance points out that if someone signed Lindback to an offer sheet, that Preds don’t have a lot of free money to match. A 2 year, $3 million offer would only cost a 3rd round pick in compensation. A trade is a more likely scenario, as they will look to recoup that picks they moved at the deadline. In the last 2 years the 6 foot 6 Lindback posted a 16-13-2 record with a 2.53 GAA and .914 SV%. The Lightning have a stockpile of draft picks. The Blue Jackets are looking at upgrading their goaltending. The Maple Leafs are also said to be looking at adding a goalie, but they may be looking for a veteran goalie.
- Darren Dreger of TSN (mailbag): The Oilers would like to add 1 or 2 top-end defenseman, and the 1st overall pick will likely be brought up in several cases. He doesn’t see them interested in a Rick Nash or Jarome Iginla.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told that it’s unlikely the Blue Jackets trade the 2nd overall pick, but it’s not out of the question. They’d gladly move the pick they get from the Kings.
- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet.ca: Toronto Marlies coach Dallas Eakins will be in the running for the Flames head coaching position. Other possibilities for the Flames are Troy Ward, Mike Sullivan, Craig MacTavish, Bob Boughner and Bob Hartley.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Before the 2011 NHL Draft, an Eastern team scout said that a team is going to get a steal in Sean Couturier. The scout knew his team would not be in a position to draft him and added that Philadelphia would be a perfect fit as they have success with young French players.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Penguins 2010 1st round pick Beau Bennett signed an entry level deal and will leave the University of Denver. Dave Molinari via twitter: He has a $900,000 cap hit. He has a $810,000 salary, $90,000 signing bonus and a minor league salary of $67,500.
Flames cut ties with Sutter, Lowery … Stars interested in Parise and a Dman … Some Ducks won’t be back … Brodeur wants to play next year …Bitz gets 2 games
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on April 13th, 2012
- Vicki Hall of hte Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames have mutually parted ways with head coach Brent Sutter yesterday. Assistant coach Dave Lowry will not have his contract renewed. Sutter,“After discussions with Jay since the season ended, it was in the best interest of the organization and myself to part ways. I wish the Calgary Flames all the best.”
- Ian Busby of QMI Agency: Busby names some possible targets for the Flames next head coach. 1. Troy Ward (head coach of Abbotsford, AHL) 2. Bob Boughner (head coach Windsor, OHL) 3. Bob Hartley (head coach ZSC, Switzerland) 4. Craig MacTavish (head coach Chicago, AHL) 5. Mike Sullivan (assistant coach, NY Rangers).
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (Mailbag) If the Stars are able to land a Zach Parise, they may have to unload some contracts, and Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott could be the guys. Other teams will have interest in Morrow and Ott. Richard Bachman will have to battle Jack Campbell for the backup roll next season. Campbell may be better with 1 more year of development. Heika thinks they could land Parise and make a trade for a defenseman. They might have to wait for a new CBA before they make a move on a defenseman.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks Corey Perry, Jonas Hiller, Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa aren’t going anywhere. Ryan Getzlaf is entering a contract year and would be hard to replace. Bobby Ryan could be used to improve defense and depth. The Ducks have 8 unrestricted free agents, and hope to re-sign Saku Koivu. Jason Blake, Niklas Hagman and Dan Ellis are as good as gone. Center Rod Pelley may not be re-signed either. They will have decisions to make on George Parros and Sheldon Brookbank.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Coyotes Radim Vrbata is day-to-day with an injury.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Predators defenseman Hal Gill didn’t practice yesterday and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canadiens have called the Red Wings about Jim Nill for their vacant GM position. In the past the Red Wings have said no to any team calling about him. The L.A .Times reported on Wednesday that the Canadiens are interested in Kings assistant GM Ron Hextall and Kings executive Luc Robitaille. The Canadiens have also inquired about Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin, Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Odds are Martin Brodeur will be back with the Devils next year.“I don’t know what the future will bring me. I want to play more, but a lot of circumstances could happen that I won’t,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to this.”
“I’m not 100 percent sure about next year because I don’t have a contract and I’m not negotiating or anything,” Brodeur said. “We’ll see what the future brings after these playoffs. But this season definitely answered a lot of questions in the way I’m able to perform and my willingness to do it every day. That was one of the things that was worrying me a little bit.
“You need to want to come to the rink. You need to want to travel. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I really regained that desire this season. That’s why I didn’t want to lean one way or the other for the longest time. Just because I wanted to see if I was up for the grind.”
- Canucks Byron Bitz suspended for 2 games.
Weber fined … Helm out … Neil returns … Pens lines … Elliott skates … Leafs and goalies … Morrow’s future … Bitz has hearing
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Videos on April 12th, 2012
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Shea Weber was fined $2,500 for hitting Henrik Zetterberg’s head into the glass.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Darren Helm had surgery to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm and will be out from the remainder of the playoffs.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Chris Neil will return to the lineup. Matt Gilroy is also in.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins lines: Kunitz-Malkin-Neal, Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis, Cooke-Staal-Kennedy, Asham-Vitale-Adams.
- Joe Haggerty via twitter: Anton Khudobin will backup Tim Thomas tonight.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blues goalie Brian Elliott took part in their morning skate.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Leafs GM Brian Burke said he wouldn’t move his 1st round pick to bring a goalie like Jonathan Bernier or Anders Lindback. Zeisberger wonders if the Blues would give up one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak. Even if the Canucks wanted to trade Roberto Luongo, the Canucks “organization despises the Leafs.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brenden Morrow’s future with the Stars is up in the air, and he has be hearing criticism from from fans.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s really tough to hear,” said Morrow of speculation that the team might be better if it moved forward without him. “But at the same time, I saw it with franchise players, good friends. If it happened to Mike Modano, it can happen to anyone.
“I don’t like it; I’m uncomfortable with it. I want us to win, I want us to be better, but I also understand this is a business and some of the things are out of my control. So what I can control is to get myself as healthy as I can and work as hard as I can and hope I perform as well as I can.
“I’d love to be a part of the solution next year, and hopefully management agrees.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Canucks Byron Bitz’s disciplinary hearing is at 3:30 EST.
Elliott day-to-day … Zibanejad to AHL … Rangers-Kreider talking … Brian Burke press conference
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Trades on April 10th, 2012
- Sean Gentille of the Sporting News: Blues goalie Brian Elliott is now day-to-day with an upper-body injury suffered in practice. He should be available for Game 1. It increases the odds of Jaroslav Halak starting.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Senators Mika Zibanejad won’t play in their first 2 games. He’ll go to the AHL for the weekend.
- Katie Strang of ESPN: The Rangers and Chris Kreider are in contract discussions. It’s believed that Kreider will forego his senior year at Boston College and go pro. If he signs, the Rangers may send him to the AHL. ** Update: Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Rangers and Kreider have agreed on an entry level contract.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks lines: Raymond-Henrik-Burrows Lapierre-Kesler-Booth Higgins-Pahlsson-Hansen Malhotra-Bitz-Kassian.
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers defensive pairs: Coburn-Grossmann, Carle-Timonen, Bourdon-Lilja. Kubina skating as the extra blueliner
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke said they need to get bigger, and a top priority is goaltending. Scott MacArthur via twitter: Burke still believes in James Reimer, and basically shuts down on Jonas Gustavsson returning. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke said he won’t trade their first round draft pick for a goaltender. James Mirtle via twitter: Burke isn’t really interested in what’s available in free agency and will address team issues via trades. Center and goal are biggest needs.
- Brian Burke full press conference
2011-12 NHL Attendence for each team: Final numbers
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 9th, 2012
Here are the final home attendance numbers for the 2011-12 season. The Winter Classic attendance is included in Philadlephia’s numbers, hence the high “% Capacity” number.
15 teams had 100% capacity or more. 20 teams had over 96% capacity. The Phoenix Coyotes had only a 72.5% capacity this season, which is an increase for them compared to the last 2 seasons.
| RK | TEAM |
2011-12
AVG |
%
Capacity |
2010-11
AVG |
2009-10
AVG |
2008-09
AVG |
| 1 | Chicago |
21,533
|
105
|
21,423
|
21,356
|
22,247
|
| 2 | Montreal |
21,273
|
100
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
21,273
|
| 3 | Philadelphia |
20,433
|
107.4
|
21,273
|
19,535
|
19,545
|
| 4 | Detroit |
20,114
|
100.7
|
19,680
|
19,546
|
19,865
|
| 5 | Toronto |
19,506
|
103.7
|
19,354
|
19,289
|
19,312
|
| 6 | Ottawa |
19,356
|
101.1
|
19,289
|
19,260
|
18,949
|
| 7 | Calgary |
19,289
|
100
|
18,378
|
18,269
|
19,289
|
| 8 | Vancouver |
18,884
|
102.5
|
18,860
|
18,810
|
18,630
|
| 9 | St. Louis |
18,809
|
98.2
|
19,150
|
18,883
|
18,554
|
| 10 | Pittsburgh |
18,566
|
102.7
|
18,240
|
17,078
|
16,975
|
| 11 | Buffalo |
18,550
|
99.9
|
18,452
|
18,529
|
18,531
|
| 12 | Washington |
18,506
|
101.3
|
18,397
|
18,277
|
18,097
|
| 13 | Tampa Bay |
18,468
|
96.2
|
17,268
|
15,497
|
16,497
|
| 14 | NY Rangers |
18,191
|
100
|
18,108
|
18,076
|
18,949
|
| 15 | Los Angeles |
17,920
|
100
|
18,083
|
17,313
|
16,488
|
| 16 | Minnesota |
17,772
|
98.4
|
17,565
|
17,388
|
17,039
|
| 17 | Boston |
17,564
|
100
|
17,562
|
17,558
|
17,039
|
| 18 | San Jose |
17,562
|
100
|
18,012
|
18,415
|
17,488
|
| 19 | Edmonton |
16,839
|
100
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
16,839
|
| 20 | Nashville |
16,690
|
97.5
|
16,142
|
14,979
|
15,010
|
| 21 | Florida |
16,628
|
86.6
|
15,685
|
15,146
|
15,621
|
| 22 | Carolina |
16,042
|
85.9
|
14,820
|
13,947
|
16,572
|
| 23 | Colorado |
15,498
|
86.1
|
14,775
|
15,535
|
15,429
|
| 24 | New Jersey |
15,396
|
87.4
|
16,415
|
15,240
|
15,790
|
| 25 | Winnipeg |
15,004
|
100
|
13,469
|
13,607
|
14,626
|
| 26 | Anaheim |
14,760
|
86.4
|
14,738
|
15,168
|
16,990
|
| 27 | Columbus |
14,660
|
80.8
|
13,658
|
15,416
|
15,543
|
| 28 | Dallas |
14,226
|
76.8
|
11,059
|
12,735
|
17,680
|
| 29 | NY Islanders |
13,191
|
81.3
|
15,073
|
17,215
|
13,733
|
| 30 | Phoenix |
12,420
|
72.5
|
12,188
|
11,989
|
14,875
|
| Prior years attendance for Winnipeg are AtlantaÕs attendance numbers. | ||||||
Afternoon notes on: Boychuk, Grossman, Penguins, Maple Leafs, Senators and bunch of starting goaltenders
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on April 5th, 2012
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk is day-to-day with a mild knee sprain.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman is wearing 2 knee braces and remains optimistic for the playoffs.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Penguins Sullivan, Neal and Nikanen will not be in the lineup for the Penguins. Will DePaoli via twitter: Eric Tangradi is skating on a line with Sidney Crosby and Pascal Dupuis.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Scratches or out tonight for the Capitals: Halpern, Ward, Erskine, Schultz, Vokoun. Brian McNally via twitter: Michal Neuvrith is expected to start tonight.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: The Maple Leafs have sent Joe Colborne back the Marlies. David Steckel will be back in the lineup. Mikhail Grabovski won’t play. Ben Scrivens will be starting in net. Jonas Siegel via twitter: Grabovski is not sure if he’ll be able to return on Saturday. He was cut around his knee by Brayden McNabb’s skate and required 20-30 stitches.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators Filip Kuba and Erik Karlsson will play tonight. Matt Gilroy is out. Ben Bishop will start in net.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Pekka Rinne has been battling an illness this week. He was the first off the ice and Barry Trotz said he’s “probably” the starter tonight.
- Bob Duff via twitter: Jimmy Howard will start in net for the Red Wings against the Devils.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick was the first off the ice for the Kings and the likely starter.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net for the Wild.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers against the Capitals.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: Cam Ward was the first off the ice and will likely start in net for the Hurricanes.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Penguins.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Steve Mason will start in net for the Blue Jackets.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net for the Blues on Friday. Jaroslav Halak will start on Saturday.
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