Posts Tagged Toronto Maple Leafs
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.
Afternoon notes: Price, Myers, Toews, Gunnarson, Tallinder, Parenteau, Steckel, Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News on April 4th, 2012
- Montreal Canadiens via twitter: Canadiens Carey Price has been diagnosed with a mild concussion.
- Buffalo Sabres via twitter: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said that Tyler Myers won’t be available for the final 2 games.
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews will not play tomorrow. David Bolland is out tomorrow with an upper-body injury. He’s day-to-day.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Carl Gunnarson has a separated shoulder and is done for the year.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said it’s “doubtful” that Henrik Tallinder will be able to play in the playoffs, but Tallinder is still hopeful. Jacob Josefson won’t need surgery on his wrist.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: P.A. Parenteau’s agent said that have “made no proposals” to the Islanders.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Canadiens have asked the Maple Leafs for permission to talk to Claude Loiselle, who are expected to grant permission.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning winger Brandon Segal has cleared waivers.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs forward David Steckel is practicing for the first time since his knee injury.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Frattin-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Lombardi-Crabb, Connolly-Steckel-Brown, Rosehill-Ashton-Armstrong-Colborne.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson, Chimera-Perreault-Semin, Hendricks-Beagle-Laich, Knuble-Aucoin-Ward-Eakin-Halpern.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Michal Neuvirth will start for the Capitals against the Panthers.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks tomorrow.
- Brent Wallace via twitter: Ben Bishop is expected to start tomorrow.
Carter’s return unknown … Boychuk injured … Jones wants to stay … Selanne to know by July 1st … Milbury’s Crosby comments
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 4th, 2012
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: When Kings forward Jeff Carter will be able to return is still not known. According to GM Dean Lombardi, Carter’s ankle is going to be sore for a while. Ideally the Kings would like to keep Carter off the ice until the playoffs start, but they are still no guaranteed a spot.
- Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk had to be helped off the ice as he appeared to injury his left knee. He was seen limping around after the game, but was at least walking on his own. More will be known today.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward David Jones doesn’t know if he’ll be back with the team next season. Jones will be a UFA, and despite wanting to sign an extension by now, the Avs rarely do contracts in-season.
“It’s unfortunate they don’t do any of their signings during a season,” Jones said Tuesday, the Avs’ fourth consecutive day without a game. “Which is fine, and just something you have to adjust to. But you can’t really think about that too much right now. We still have games to play and have a hope we can make the playoffs.”
Jones currently makes $2.5 million and could get a deal in the $ to $4 million range. Jay McClement will also be a UFA and would like to return but added “it’s out of my hands.”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Despite not being close to 100%, Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien will play out the season. Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane are both RFAs at the end of the year. “Not really. I’m just focusing on finishing the season strong,” the goaltender said. “There’s going to be a lot of time to think about it.”
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Jacob Josefson broke his wrist last night and will be out 4 to 6 weeks.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders have signed 2010 1st round pick Brock Nelson to an entry level deal.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash doesn’t know if he’ll play for Team Canada at the World Championships due to his “bumps and bruises.”
- Eric Stephens via twitter: There is nothing new on Ducks Justin Schultz’s situation, and sources are saying there won’t be any decision for awhile. Schultz plans to remain in school to finish the year.
- Jeff Miller of the OC Register: The Ducks competitiveness for next season will play a part in whether Teemu Selanne will return for another season.
“The good thing is the Ducks don’t have to do much (in the offseason),” Selanne insisted despite the team missing the playoffs. “That’s always very important to me. I’m going to see (general manager) Bob (Murray) after the season to get his view about this team and the future.”
If Selanne is going to retire, he said he will let the team know by July 1st.
- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers have 10 pending free agents, 7 are restricted. It’s unlikely that Linus Omark will be back next year. Since he’s a RFA, they will likely have to qualify him before trying to trade him. If the Oilers draft Mikahil Grigorenko and bring in Anton Lander, they may look to trade Eric Belanger and his $2 million salary. The Oils will have to make a decision on Darcy Hordichuk. Ryan Smyth situation remain in question. Goalie Devan Dubnyk is one of their RFAs.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN (mailbag): The Wild need to find some offense going forward. The Wild will go after Zach Parise if he hits the open market, but will be joined by the Red Wings, Rangers and others. The Flames aren’t interested in a “Edmonton-style rebuild,” but there will be changes. LeBrun thinks the Flames need to sit down with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff and have “The Chat.” LeBrun doesn’t think Dion Phaneuf is not captain material and their top 6 forwards are too small. They need a #1 goalie, #1 center and some spare parts. Ducks GM Bob Murray has some big offseason decisions to make regarding his core group. LeBrun doesn’t think they should trade Ryan Getzlaf as they’d spend the next decade trying to replace him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Milbury’s comments about Sidney Crosby:”Little goody two-shoes [Crosby] goes into the corner and gives a shot to [Brayden] Schenn,” Milbury said. “Schenn was late to the party, he should have turned around and drilled him right away, but I guess better late than never. So you know, Crosby gets cross-checked, big whoop. He said after he came back from his 35th concussion, ‘I’m not going to do this anymore, I’m not going to get into these scrums, I’m going to stay away from that stuff.’ He couldn’t help himself because there’s a little punk in Crosby. He’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes. I’d say screw him, hit him.”
Afternoon notes: Briere, Gonchar, Segal, Komarov, Leafs goalies, Flyers lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on April 3rd, 2012
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers Daniel Briere hopes to be able to return for the start of the playoffs, but said there is no timetable.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Senators coach Paul MacLean said that Sergei Gonchar will be out tonight with a lower-body injury.
- Kevin Allen via twitter: The Lightning put Brandon Segal on waivers.
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs are hopeful they can lure forward Leo Komarov (2006 6th round draft pick) over next year. He’s been playing for Moscow Dynamo (stats at bottom).
- The Leafs Nation Audio: Justin Goldman (@TheGoalieGuild), Ian (@67Sound) and (@JPNikota) talk about the Leafs goaltending situation and Francois Allaire. (@TheGoalieGuild is an excellent twitter follow, really informative)
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Flyers lines: Hartnell-Giroux-Jagr, Schenn-Read-Simmonds, Talbot-Couturier-Voracek, Shelley-Wellwood-Rinaldo. Defensive pairings: Timonen-Coburn, Carle-Kubina, Lilja-Bourdon.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Bruins Tim Thomas is not playing or dressing tonight.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Andres Lindback is the likely starter for tonight. Pekka Rinne didn’t skate.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers tonight.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Ilya Bryzgalov was the first off the ice and the likely starter for tonight.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens looks to be starter tonight for the Maple Leafs.
- George Richards via twitter: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Brian Elliott will start in net tomorrow against the Red Wings.
Leo Komarov
Flyers lose Grossman and Briere … Ehrhoff could be back … Grabovski out, Colborne called up … Hedberg to start … Stars and Leafs lines
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on April 2nd, 2012
- Frank Seravalli via twitter: Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossman will be out 7-10 days with a lower-body injury. Danny Briere is out indefinitely with an upper-back contusion.
- Mike Harrington via twitter: If the Sabres can get into the playoffs, defenseman Christian Ehrhoff would probably be available.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils forward David Clarkson is “sore” and didn’t practice today but is expected to play tomorrow. Johan Hedberg will start in net for the Devils. Adam Larsson will likely be scratched again.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder; Ott-Benn-Burish; Garbutt-Fiddler-Vincour; Morrow-Dowell-Petersen: Smith-Wandell-Nystrom.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs call up Joe Colborne from the Marlies. Lance Hornby via twitter: Mikhail Grabovski is day-to-day with a cut to his leg. James Mirtle via twitter: Grabovski and David Steckel are likely back in the lineup by the end of the week. James Reimer is likely done for the year. Paul Hendrick via twitter: Leafs goalie Ben Scrivens is a RFA at the end of the year and said he wants to stay in Toronto. He added he’s focused on hockey now and not the business side.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Frattin-Bozak-Kessel, MacArthur-Colborne-Crabb, Lombardi-Connolly-Brown, Rosehill-Ashton-Armstrong.
Morning notes: Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Morrow, Bernier, Wilson, Vanek, Schultz, Byfuglien and Vokoun
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 2nd, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey may have a hearing today at 1 PM for his elbow to the head of Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky.
- Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The Flames missed the playoffs for the 3rd season in a row, and the team is at a crossroads. Jarome Iginla will be 35 when next season starts and is in the final year of his deal. Does Iginla want to stay and take part in another rebuild? If not, they need to find out quickly and attempt to get the most return for him. Miikka Kiprusoff has 2 years left, he’ll make $5 million next year and $1.5 million the following year. Brent Sutter’s status will need to be re-evaluated this summer. UFAs are: Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, David Moss, Tom Kostopoulos, Cory Sarich and Scott Hannan. Feaster’s primary need is a #1 center.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson handicaps the next Canadiens GM: 3-1 Patrick Roy, 4-1 Julien Brisebois. 5-1 Francois Giguere, 7-1 Marc Bergevin, 8-1 Pierre McGuire, 9-1 Claude Loiselle, 10-1 Vincent Damphousse, 12-1 Pierre Dorion, 15-1 Pat Brisson. The Stars may ask Brenden Morrow for a list of teams that he might be willing to accept a trade to this summer. The Lightning will look at Jonathan Bernier this summer, but the Kings won’t move him until they get a veteran to backup Quick. They’ll be looking for someone who’s started before. The Predators may not have a fit for their 2008 1st round pick, Colin Wilson, and may look to move him after the season. Sabres winger Thomas Vanek has possibly been playing with a shoulder problem for months. Matheson wonders where the Maple Leafs will get a #1 goalie. Would Calgary move Kiprusoff? Matheson offers a Schneider for Gardiner and Reimer deal or their lottery pick and a defenseman not named Gardiner. It doesn’t look like Ducks prospect Justin Schultz wants to sign with them, and many feel the Rangers have the inside track. One GM said the Oilers would be a good fit for Schultz. The Stars will go after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but the Red Wings may have the inside track.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has a “lower body bone bruise.”
“It’s never fun to play hurt and it has cut down on my ability to get around out there. But you have to help the team and I won’t shut it down for even a game until we’re eliminated. I have to do my part,” said Byfuglien.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun suffered another groin injury and may have played his last game for the Capitals.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs need to acquire a goalie this summer, but the free agent crop isn’t that great: Tomas Vokoun, Josh Harding, Martin Biron and Chris Mason. The Leafs need to look bigger: Roberto Luongo, Cory Scneider or Miikka Kiprusoff.
Morning notes on Sedin, Toews, Carter, McQuaid, Reimer, Gustavsson, McDonald, Hejduk, Mueller, Suter and Parise
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 30th, 2012
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks get some good news in that Daniel Sedin could be ready to return for the 1st round of the playoffs according to GM Mike Gillis.
“It’s risky to make projections with these things because one day the player just may not feel right, but he’s going in the right direction,” Gillis told The Vancouver Sun. “He’s feeling a little better each day. We’re hopeful if things keep going the way they are that he’ll be available [for the first round].”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is getting real close to returning.
“I’m not sure if it’s official yet, but probably,” Toews said. “If it’s not [Thursday], it will be soon, though.”
Defenseman Steve Montador’s concussion symptoms returned on Tuesday and he’s out indefinitely.
- Rich Hammond of LAKings NHL.com: Kings Jeff Carter is unlikely to play tonight due to an ankle injury.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid left last night’s game in the 1st period after being hit face-first into the boards by Jason Chimera. McQuaid has had concussion issues in the past. He was cut over the eye and was ‘woozy’ leaving the ice.
“We’ll probably learn more (today),” coach Claude Julien said. “But for the obvious reasons that the medical staff deals with those kind of things, the minute you don’t feel right, they pull you out. So hopefully we’ll get good news (today).”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: The Maple Leafs may shut James Reimer down for the season as a result of concussion-like symptoms returning.
“There will be probably a point that there’ll be a decision made if he’s going to return or not,” Carlyle said. “That’s in the medical people’s hands right now. We just have to wait for clearance from everybody involved to put the player back on the ice.”
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs pending UFA Jonas Gustavsson is trying to not think that far ahead. “What’s going to happen next year is going to wait for a while.” Gustavsson was injured in the warmups and was unable to make the start. The Leafs may look to bring in a veteran goalie next year to work with James Reimer.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Blues forward Andy McDonald will return to the lineup on Saturday.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk is considering retiring after the season.
“It could be. I don’t want to analyze right now, but it definitely could be,” Hejduk said.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: (mailbag) Avs pending RFA Peter Mueller has been a healthy scratch for 2 games lately and would required a $2.2 million qualifying offer. Dater thinks they will likely qualify him, but it is possible they look to trade him.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources are saying that the Red Wings have sent scouts to watch the remaining games of pending UFAs Ryan Suter and Zach Parise. The Wings could be leaning more towards Suter since Nicklas Lidstrom could retire or play only one more season. B.J. Crombeen has been out with a hand injury. Roman Polak could return on Saturday.
Afternoon notes: Schultz, Selanne, Toews, Scrivens, D’Agostini, new Devils lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: If Ducks defensive prospect Justin Schultz decides not to sign the Ducks and become a UFA on July 1st, Bob McKenzie thinks the Oilers have the best chance at landing him. TSN’s Aaron Ward thinks the Red Wings are the best bet, with Marc Crawford picking the Maple Leafs.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ducks winger Teemu Selanne doesn’t know if he’ll return next year or not. He leads the team with 63 points in 76 games.
“I’m not going to think about it before the season is over and then give it a couple weeks and get a feel from there,” he said after the Ducks practiced in preparation for Wednesday’s game against Pacific division-leading San Jose.
“There are so many highs and lows during the season. I have to feel the situation.”
Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is expected to be cleared for contact today or tomorrow.
- James Mirtle via twitter: With Maple Leafs goalie Ben Scrivens just being called up for yesterday, he made an extra $2,800.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils lines: Parise-Zajac-Kovalchuk; Sykora-Elias-Zubrus; Ponikarovsky-Henrique-Clarkson; Carter-Josefson-Bernier.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues have activated Matt D’Agostini from the IR and he’ll play tonight.
- Katie Carrera via twitter: Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals against the Bruins.
- Arthur Staple via twitter: Al Montoya will start in net for the Islanders.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Leafs against the Flyers.
Ehrhoff day-to-day … Vinny returns … Price for Nash for Leafs would be steep …Isles sign Grahame … Howard out Friday
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 29th, 2012
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff was re-evaluated yesterday.
“He’ll miss some time,” said Ruff, who declined to elaborate whether it was day-to-day or week-to-week. “It’ll be a period of time.”
- Vincent Lecavalier via twitter: Vinny tweets he’s happy to get back in the lineup.
- Howard Berger via twitter: Given what the Blue Jackets wanted for Rick Nash at the trade deadline, it would cost the Leafs Jake Gardiner, Nazem Kadri and their 1st round pick in June.
- Steve Conroy of hte Boston Herald: Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask is progressing well from his March 3rd, groin/abdomen strain.
“I’m doing exercising, biking, all kinds of stuff. It’s looking really good. I’m just trying to get the strength back and be ready to go,” Rask said yesterday. “I think we’re shooting for (a return for the playoffs) and it’s looking good now.”
“If everything goes well, I’ll go out there and maybe get some shots, not do much but just go by the feel,” Rask said. “You can’t rush these kind of injuries.”
- Islanders Point Blank: The Islanders have signed John Grahame for the rest of the year to back up Al Montoya. Arthur Staple of Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov left Tuesday’s game and is listed day-to-day with a lower-body injury, it looks like he may not play another game this season.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be in the lineup on Friday. Howard missed his 4th straight game on Wednesday with a groin issue.
“It’s Babs’ call and he’s the coach, he makes the decisions,” Howard said. “That (playing Friday) was the plan all along, but Coach has decided to go in a different direction, and as a player I have to respect that.
“I hope he changes his mind, but I don’t think it’ll happen.”
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Ben Scrivens was recalled yesterday on a temporary basis and will be returned today. Jussi Rynnas will likely take his place. The Maple Leafs may have given Scrivens a day of NHL pay. He’s a big part of the Marlies AHL playoff run and they don’t want to disrupt that.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: The Lightning have signed college free agent J.T. Brown from Minnesota-Duluth.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Jose Theodore will start in net for the Panthers tonight against the Wild.
Backstrom could play Saturday … Letang out at least 2 games … Leafs interested in Abbott … Vokoun ready … Canucks goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 28th, 2012
- Chuck Gormley via twitter: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom said he won’t play on Thursday against Boston. Could be looking at Saturday against the Canadiens.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang won’t play on Thursday or Friday.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Word is that the Maple Leafs are close to signing college free agent Spencer Abbott of the Maine Black Bears. A number of teams are interested but he may be leaning towards signing with the Leafs. Abbott had 62 points in 39 games and is a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
- David ALter via twitter: Maple Leafs line: MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin, Ashton-Bozak-Kessel, Connolly-Steckel-Crabb, Rosehill-Lombardi-Brown-Armstrong.
- David Alter via twitter: The Leafs called up Ben Scrivens and sent Jussi Rynnas down.
- Ken Warren via twitter: Senators Ben Bishop said his recovery is ahead of schedule and is hoping to skate this weekend. He might be able to play next week.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun said he’s healthy and ready to go.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks Cory Schneider will start tonight, and should get another start this weekend as they have a back-to-back starting Friday. There is a chance Schneider plays in 5 of 9 games in a 2 week stretch that follows Roberto Luongo’s worst 4 game stretch this year. “Is it possible there’s a genuine goaltending audition going on here and no one has much noticed or believed it?”
Could change be coming for the Flames? Parenteau talks to start … Time running out for Hejduk, Morrow? Should Oils trade pick? Burke staying
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 28th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun thinks the Flames need to re-tool, if not a total rebuild. Flames GM Jay Feaster is giving this group one last chance. If it doesn’t work, changes are coming. They will have 6 UFA s and 3 RFA at the end of the season. Jarome Iginla will have one more year at $7 million, and would he want to be around for another rebuild? They may need to have a “heart to heart” with Iginla after the season.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Pending Islanders free agent P.A. Parenteau wants to remain with the club. Talks are likely to begin this week. Parenteau could be looking a deal in the $4 million per season range.
“I’ve said all along that I want to be here, and nothing’s changed,” he said. “I love these guys and I want to be here for when we turn it around.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk’s production has been non-existent in the 2nd half, and it could be the “the end of the line for the classy Avs captain.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars captiain Brenden Morrow has been moved down to the 4th line, and his minutes have been reduced. He’s been dealing with injuries all year, and it’s affecting his play. Heika asks the question if Morrow’s time in Dallas is coming to an end? He doesn’t think so.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Former Lightning GM Brian Lawton said the Oilers should trade down in the draft.
“The time has come for the Edmonton Oilers to look to create another asset and if they do, in fact, end up with the number 2 pick, they should look to trade down. There are so many quality defencemen that are available. Morgan Reilly’s been injured this year but he’s out there. Mathew Dumba, very intriguing player. Ryan Murray, probably the top-rated guy in that group and, of course, the very last guy Griffin Reinhart.”
Marty McSorley said the Oilers should:
“Go out and draft the best player. … You can always make trades. You need assets, you need commodities within your organization.”
Fan voting: (as of 8:55 am on the 28th) 41.46 % – Draft the best player available, even if that’s a Russian forward. 35.79% – Trade it for as good a veteran defenseman as the team can get. 22.75% – Trade down a few spaces, then draft the best defenseman available.
- John Buccigross via twitter: Buccigross is hearing that college free agent J.T. Brown (UMD) is down to the Flyers, Bruins and Lightning.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Someone within MLSE doesn’t expect any of the new ownership to demand that Brian Burke be fired as the Leafs GM before the end of the 2013-14 season.
“You have two choices: you can trust your general manager or you can fire your general manager,” the insider said. “At the end of the day, you can criticize [MLSE] for not hiring the right GM. But the decisions are made by the general manager. They really are. Brian Burke is running the show.”
“[Burke] can do pretty well what he wants. Brian has no shackles of any consequence at all.”
Hall out 5-6 months … No contact yet for Toews … Roster notes for Pens, Devils, Preds, Wings … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 27th, 2012
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers Taylor Hall will not return to this season as he’ll be having labral shoulder surgery. According to Steve Tambellini: “Recovery time will be between five and six months, so our hope is that Taylor will be ready for the start of next season.”
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said that Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Some college UFAs could be signing in the next day or 2. UMD’s J.T. Brown, Miami’s Cam Schilling, Maine’s Spencer Abbott and others. Washington has just signed Cam Schilling to an entry level contract.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Ben Lovejoy had knee surgery and will be out 3-4 weeks.
- Shelly Anderson via twitter: Penguins forward Steve Sullivan said he should be ready to get back in the lineup.
- Mike Morreale via twitter: Devils rookie Adam Larsson will be a healthy scratch. Peter Harrold will be in the lineup.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators coach Barry Trotz said Martin Erat is out with an upper body injury.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Word is that Johan Franzen will return tomorrow night. Jonathan Ericsson is questionable. The plan is to have Jimmy Howard to return on Friday.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Martin Brodeur will face Corey Crawford tonight.
- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning tonight against the Bruins. Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Tim Thomas will start in net for the Bruins.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: Braden Holtby will start in net for the Capitals.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers Scott Clemmensen was the 1st off the ice and likely starter.
- James Mirtle via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs.
Morning notes: Burke, Roy, Leafs draft watch, Parise, Lindback, Zajac, Toews and Melnyk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 25th, 2012
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks that Leafs GM Brian Burke has one year left to turn things around. Burke does have 2 more years under contract, and next season will be his 5th year leading the Leafs. It’s unlikely that Patrick Roy takes any position with the Montreal Canadiens. Simmons thinks he’s waiting for a possible relocation of the Coyotes to Quebec City. If the Maple Leafs draft around #5, it might be high enough to draft Alex Galchenyuk, who some think is better than Nail Yakupov. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello appears convinced he’ll be able to re-sign Zach Parise.
- Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs draft plan is to get one of Mikhail Grigorenko, Alex Galchenyuk or Radek Faksa up the middle. With their 2nd pick to draft Tom Wilson of Plymouth.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: If teams think he can handle a starter workload, teams may look at Predators Andres Lindback. Lindback will be a RFA at the end of the season.
- Dave Hutchinson of the Star Ledger: Devils center Travis Zajac will return tonight and could center Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexei Ponikarovsky. Zach Parise could be on a line with Patrik Elias and Danius Zubrus. Adam Henrique, David Clackson and Petr Sykora could make up the 3rd line. Martin Brodeur will start in net.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews practiced with the team yesterday for the 1st time in over a week.
“I feel like I’m getting back to that stage to where I’m progressing and getting closer to feeling the right way,” Toews said. “I’m just staying positive, hoping that this is the time that hopefully we break through.”
“Mostly, just when you wake up, you feel [the symptoms]. It’s not like there’s much there that’s bothering me on daily things. But when I come to the rink and try to do what I do, it’s all those things that just kind of set in. You just don’t feel right. You don’t feel like yourself.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is still waiting for his case to be heard with regards to getting his $4 million back. Dany Heatley blocked a trade Edmonton, which ended up causing the Senators to pay him a $4 million bonus.
Morning notes: Sedin, Hall, Horcoff, Sutton, Gagne, Parise, Harding, Spurgeon, Backstrom, Vokoun, Zuccarello and Keith suspension video
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Suspensions, NHL Videos on March 24th, 2012
- Jim Jamieson via twitter: Henrik Sedin said Daniel suffered his first concussion.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Taylor Hall has been off the ice for the last 2 days. He won’t play on Sunday. Captain Shawn Horcoff left last night’s game with a sore back. Defenseman Andy Sutton has a minor knee issue.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings Simon Gagne has been out since December 26th with a concussion, continues to skate but hasn’t practiced and won’t travel with the team on their 4 game road trip. If he’s not cleared for practice soon, the chances of him playing this year are not high. When asked if Gagne will play again this year, GM Dean Lombardi said “Doubt it.”
- The Fouth Period: It’s believed the Wild will try to sign Zach Parise this offseason if he’s not re-signed by the Devils before July 1st. Goalie Josh Harding is expected to test the open market and is not likely back with the Wild. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets and Senators could take a look at Harding.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild Jared Spurgeon is out with a concussion. Niklas Backstrom and Matt Kassian didn’t travel with the team.
- Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun skated yesterday for 30 minutes and took some shots.
“Hopefully it stays the same and I can do a little bit more tomorrow,” Vokoun said after an extremely sparsely attending morning skate. “Then we’ll see, maybe shoot for some time next week.”
- Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News: Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello fractured his left wrist last night.
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tonight.
- Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith was suspended for 5 games for his elbow on Canucks Daniel Sedin.
Keith waives in-person hearing … Tarasenko ready for NHL … Bettman ready for CBA talks … Howard back next week … Starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on March 23rd, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blackhawks Duncan Keith waived his right for the in-person hearing. Will do over the phone at 2 PM EST.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko’s Russian agent told SovSport that Tarasenko “is ready for the NHL…both physically and mentally.” … But Chesnokov wonders if he’ll come over.
- AP in the Sporting News: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said they are ready to start CBA talks:
“That’s something that we’re relying on the union for right now,” Bettman said of the timing on talks. “We’ve been ready to go for months but there’s a new executive director and he’s getting up to speed, meeting with his constituents and when the union’s ready, then we’ll start.”
NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon from an email statement:
“At our request, the NHL recently supplied the NHLPA with some initial financial information that we are currently reviewing,” Weatherdon said. “While we do not have a set date for formal negotiations to begin, we expect negotiations will begin when we have players available to participate in bargaining sessions.”
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be back in the lineup until next week. Needs 2 good practices. Ansar Khan via twitter: Howard not practicing today. Johan Franzen and Nicklas Lidstrom are skating. Franzen left the ice before the drills started.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews has skated for 4 consecutive days.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blues have put Danny Syvret on re-entry waivers.
- Rob Mixer via twitter: Cam Ward is the likely starter for the Hurricanes tonight against the Blue Jackets.
- David Alter via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs. Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils. Travis Zajac won’t return tonight.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers.
Afternoon notes: Sedin, Keith, Radulov, Maple Leafs, Hall, Zajac, Toews, Lupul … Lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Starting Goalies on March 22nd, 2012
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Daniel Sedin won’t play tonight. He’s flying home today to see a specialist in Vancouver.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blackhawks don’t play until Sunday so there is no rush for Duncan Keith’s disciplinary hearing. Likely to happen tomorrow. It’s expected to be a phone hearing, so if there is a suspension it will be 5 games or less.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Alexander Radulov will be in the lineup for the Predators tonight.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs will add 3 forwards (1 top 6 and 2 depth guys) plus a goalie this summer. Burke can’t mortgage the future to get them.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Taylor Hall didn’t skate this morning. Coach Tom Renney, “Not sure it’s a setback. It’s a concussion.”
- Adam Kimelman via twitter: Capitals Alexander Semin is a game-time decision.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Travis Zajac is under the impression that he won’t play on Friday but added, “closer, but not close enough.”
- Adam Jahns via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews still hasn’t been cleared for contact.
- Kevin McGran via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul admits it’s “a bit of a stretch” for him to return this year.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Rick Nash on a line with Vinny Prospal and Mark Letestu. Atkinson was with Umberger and Brassard.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: Ashton-Bozak-Kessel. MacArthur-Grabovski-Frattin. Crabb-Steckel-Connolly. Rosehill-Lombardi-Armstrong.
- Marc Antoine Godin via twitter: Canadiens lines: Pacioretty-Desharnais-Cole,Eller-Plekanec-Bourque,White-Leblanc-Blunden, Staubitz-Geoffrion-Palushaj.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars lines: Eriksson-Ribeiro-Ryder. Morrow-Benn-Ott. Nystrom-Fiddler-Dvorak. Dowell-Wandell-Burish. Defensive pairings and goalie: Souray-Robidas. Goligoski-Larsen. Pardy-Daley, with Kari Lehtonen starting.
- Roger Millions via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay Stajan Iginla-Comeau Jones Stempniak- Glencross Jokinen Moss-Bouma Kostopoulos jackman. Defensive pairing and goalie: Butler Bouwmeester-Hannan Giordano-Smith Babchuk-Kiprusoff.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Cory Schneider will be in net for the Canucks.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Jonathan Quick is the first off the ice and likely starter.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators tomorrow.
Radulov to have physical and presser this morning … Teams worried about drafting Russians … Howard day-to-day … Doan has hearing for elbow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on March 21st, 2012
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Alexander Radulov will take part in the Predators morning skate [today]. Radulov will take his physical this morning as he was too tired to do it last night. GM David Poile and Radulov will have a press conference at 9:30 CT [today].
- Elliotte Friendman of CBC: The Russian factor may play a role in rumors that the Blue Jackets and Oilers could consider trading their high first round pick. Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Mikhail Grigorenko are expected to be high 1st round picks, and all play in the CHL. Teams are concerned that some players may pull a Radulov and bolt back to Russia during their entry level contract to make more money in the KHL.
- QMI Agency in the Toronto Sun: Patrick Roy denies rumors that he would be the next coach of the Canadiens. “It makes me laugh and I’m flattered that my name is circulating, but at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Molson, who will make decisions about who is going to be his coach and general manager,” Roy told the Journal de Quebec.
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: Canadiens Scott Gomez tells Stubbs that the buyout/Devils talk is news to him: “I’m just trying to get healthy & get back. Buyout’s never been brought up”
- Steve Buffery of hte Toronto Sun: With James Reimer’s and Jonas Gustavsson’s play this year, the Maple Leafs will have to go out and get a goalie through free agency or trade. Either way, it may take away assets (money/players) that may have been used in attempt to land a number 1 center. If Burke did try to trade away Phil Kessel, there is no way he would get back what he gave up.
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard will be day-to-day with a groin issue. Ty Conklin was recalled but he has to clear re-entry waivers.
- Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock hopes that Nicklas Lidstrom will be ready for Saturday, but Lidstrom is not as sure.
- Edmonton Oilers via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall (concussion) took part in yesterday’s morning skate.
- Paul Hendrick via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown is expected to skate this week. Joffrey Lupul will start skating in about 10 days.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Shane Doan will have a disciplinary hearing at 5 PM for his elbow on Stars Jamie Benn.
Sunday morning notes: Canadiens, Sharks, Leafs, Kings, Wild, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Blues and Blackhawks
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 18th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Whoever is the GM of the Canadiens this summer will be in charge of re-signing RFA goalie Carey Price. He could be getting a deal in the $5.5 million to $6 million range. Senators Erik Karlsson is also a RFA and could get a deal in the $5.5 to $7 million range. Predators Shea Weber is also a RFA this year. Pierre McGuire is a name to keep an eye on as candidate for the Canadiens GM job if it opens up. Garrioch wonders if the Sharks would trade one of Joe Thornton of Patrick Marleau if they miss the playoffs. Many wonder if Leafs Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel will thrive under new coach Randy Carlyle. Some people think Zach Parise could land in LA on July 1st, but with Lombardi possibly panicing and making the Carter for Johnson deal, it may have lessened their chances. The Wild have emerged as the favorites. Garrioch wonders if the Leafs would take a shot at Roberto Luongo this summer. Apparently if Scott Howson is still the GM of the Blue Jackets, he plans on drafting Filip Forsberg with the #1 pick ahead of Nail Yakupov.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: One league executive on the Blue Jackets if they win the draft lottery,
“They can’t pick a Russian so they can’t use the pick,” … “They’ll have to trade it.”
Along with trading Rick Nash, their options are:
1) They could keep the pick and not choose Yakupov, which would be counter-productive; 2) They could flip picks with another team, trading the first choice for another early choice, and getting an asset as well; 3) They could trade the pick to the highest bidder and begin rebuilding their team.
If Ducks college prospect Justin Schultz becomes a free agent, they Leafs will likely chase him again. They were interested in him when talking with the Ducks about Francois Beauchemin.
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen is out indefinitely with a bad back. Dan Cleary has also been dealing with pain in his knee since Dec. 1st, and will need to have surgery again at some point. Defenseman Jonathan Ericsson’s wrist is healing quick, but he’s still scheduled to return late this month. Joey MacDonald will have an MRI on his back when he gets back to Detroit.
- Derrick Goold of St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues coach Ken Hitchcock hass told Jason Arnott to take a week off.
“When I watched him play (last week), I saw a guy who was protecting himself on the ice and to me he was going out of the way to get out of the way,” Hitchcock said Saturday. “I felt like there was going to be a further injury. I could see how banged up he was. … We needed to get a better player on the ice.”
Hitchcock isn’t sure if Andy McDonald will join the team on their road trip.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild Mikko Koivu has been practicing the last couple days and is close to returning. “He is getting very close,” Yeo said. “But again, after talking with the doctors, we all felt it was best to hold him off for a couple more games.”
- Tracey Myers of CSNChicago: Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews hasn’t skated in 4 days. Coach Joel Quenneville,
“The process, I’m sure in his mind, is not a fun thing to be dealing with. You want to be optimistic; there was that stretch there where he was getting close. There’s hope, and that’re we’re at.s whe”
- Kirk Penton of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Mark Stuart was fined $2,500 for a late hit on Capitals Marcus Johansson on Friday.
Maple Leafs would have trouble getting equal value for Phil Kessel
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 16th, 2012
Mark Zolinski of the Toronto Star: (Going off Cox’s piece yesterday about trading Phil Kessel) Kessel might be used as part of a Rick Nash package or a 1st round pick. Gord Stellick thinks Kessel has good value. Bill Watters thinks it would be difficult to get equal value for what they gave up for him, 2 1st round picks and 2nd.
“To get the value already invested in the acquisition would not be a realistic consideration,” Watters said.
“This player (Kessel) is considered (by the Leafs) to be a franchise player and there’s not a team in the NHL, I think, that would give up a similar player for him … so you’re making a sideways deal at best.”
One GM of a non playoff team:
“What would I give up for him? … I’m not giving up my best players for him, I can tell you that, and I’m not giving up my first-rounder, my best young player, if that’s what you are getting at,” he said.
“To be perfectly honest, and I don’t mean this in any way, shape or form as disrespect (to the Leafs), but I don’t think (Kessel) is a player most teams need on their roster.”
Another GM,
“could see possibly a team in need of goal scoring … inquiring about (Kessel). You have to think it’s going to take a player and a first-rounder, at least, I think, that’s where an offer would start.
But “you can look at a team like … maybe San Jose, if they don’t make the playoffs and they start thinking they need a change. Kessel goes there and gives them 30 goals … who knows.”
Another league insider,
“Is he the type of player Randy Carlyle will put up with? Well I can tell you whether he is or not, Randy better get used to playing him 20 minutes a night because I don’t see him going anywhere. And I don’t know if the market for a Phil Kessel is big enough right now to warrant a deal, there would have to be something pretty magical coming back there for (Burke).
“I know that Brian wanted a lot for players he tried to trade (this season). So you have to figure he’d want a lot for Kessel. … But do you give up two players, a first-round pick, and another pick … that to me is a ransom and I don’t think it gets done.
“But he’s one of the Leafs’ best players and to me, cap is not an issue here … the cap may go up close to $70 million (U.S.) this summer (in the new CBA), so there’s room if a team wants him.”
Suter talks Radulov … Leafs inclined to keep 1st … Toews’ concussion … Lidstrom out a week … Wild injury update … MacDonald hurts shoulder
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 16th, 2012
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators defesneman Ryan Suter on the possible return of Alexander Radulov.
“It takes away from the guys we have on the team when we talk about other guys coming in, and guys who have been here all year and worked hard all year,” defenseman Ryan Suter said. “It’s going to be a fine line we’re going to have to walk if he does come back.”
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke on their 1st round pick:
“[We’re] inclined to keep the pick,” Burke said, “but listening [to offers] already.”
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville used the word “setback” when talking about Jonathan Toews’ concussion. Toews had skated for 4 straight days, rested for 2, skated Wednesday and took yesterday off.
“Whether it’s a setback or it’s part of the process, that’s what we’re dealing with,” Quenneville said. “It’s a concern. You miss a guy like that.”
- Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be out for at least another week. Pavel Datsyuk is still waiting to test his knee after having arthroscopic surgery 24 days ago.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu has been cleared for contact and practiced yesterday without a no-contact jersey for the first time. Koivu has been out for the last 13 games games with a shoulder injury. He’ll practice again today, and they’ll determine then when he’ll return. There is a chance he’ll return on Saturday against the Hurricanes. Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom took the full practice yesterday. “He looked really good,” Yeo said. “If he got sore or tired, he was told to back off and to give it a rest. But he didn’t do that, which is obviously a good sign.” They’ll make a decision after practice on both Josh Harding and Backstrom. If both are 100%, Matt Hackett will be sent back to Houston. Defenseman Justin Falk, out with a lower body injury, is close to returning to practice.
- Josh Cooper via twitter: Predators Paul Gaustad is likely out tomorrow against the Kings. Coach Barry Trotz said it’s “just a little upper body injury.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues forward Andy MacDonald injured his right shoulder last night and will be evaluated today. He was hit by Tuomo Ruutu and hit the boards awkwardly.
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