Posts Tagged Vinny Prospal
Hawks looking for trade partners … Options for Pacific teams … Carle could cash in … Koivu could be in … MacDonald close, Steen unknown
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 9th, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman would love to find a trading partner.
“There’s a lot of guys looking for players and not a lot willing to part with players,” he said during a Tuesday phone conversation. “I don’t know if it’s going to change a ton the next couple weeks.”
The Lightning and Islanders aren’t ready to be sellers just yet.
“Teams that are out of it are looking more towards the future,” Bowman said. “If that’s the case, there’s nothing you can do. Those teams are looking at the summer and going, ‘You know what? Why are we going to trade him away?’”
If the right center was made available, they would be interested despite recently acquiring Brendan Morrison. They will target defensemen. Canadiens Hal Gill would be an option.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks the Blackhawks could end up trading for Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov to become their starter.
- Corey Masisak of NHL.com: The Sharks might be looking for a 3rd line energy guy who can kill penalties. They could deal Antero Niittymaki, but they won’t get much return for him. The Kings will be looking to add scoring. They have Jonathan Bernier to trade, but they’ll want a big return for him. The Coyotes could use some scoring up front. If they become sellers, they have Ray Whitney and Daymond Langkow to move. If the Stars are buyers, they could use a top 6 forward. If they become sellers they may look to move Nicklas Grossman and/or Sheldon Souray. If the Ducks won’t make Teemu Selanne or Saku Koivu available, they could consider moving any of Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan and Lubomir Visnovsky.
- Dave Lozo of NHL.com: The Red Wings have room to take on $24 million in cap space. Travis Moen and Ales Hemsky could be options.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: It’s unclear if the Flyers and defenseman Matt Carle have held serious contract talks. Carle will be a UFA and there is belief that he could get a deal similar to James Wisniewski’s 6 years, $33 million on the open market.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu practiced yesterday and could return tonight. Coach Mike Yeo on a possible trade:
“The one thing our entire team needs right now is just to go out on the ice with the idea that we’re good enough because we are. Obviously, if we can do things to make our team better I know there’s not a GM in the league who’s working harder than Chuck [Fletcher] on this. But having said that, we’ve beaten all the good teams in the West. We’ve proven ourself. When we play our game, we’ve proven what we can do.”
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues forward Andy MacDonald should be back either Sunday or Tuesday. Alex Steen hasn’t skated this week, so his return is unknown.
- Eric Francis via twitter: Francis thinks the Flames can’t afford NOT to re-sign center Olli Jokinen.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets signed Vinny Prospal to a 1 year contract extension worth $2.5 million. He also got a no-trade clause.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Scouting the Ducks-Hurricanes game last night: Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Lightning, Coyotes, Flyers, Predators, Rangers and Blues.
- Rich Chere of Star-Ledger: Johan Hedberg said he will start in net for the Devils tonight.
Will Southeast be buyers or sellers … Bruins could be looking for help … ‘Hawks still search for Dmen … Horton skates … Laich injured
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2012
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Shoalts looks at the Southeast Division and if teams will be buyers or sellers. GMs of Capitals, Panthers and Lightning are under pressure to make the playoffs. The Panthers are 1st in the division and have the 3rd slot, but their point total would have them in 8th. The Jets sit 6 points out are looking for scoring help. They have 7 UFAs including goalie Chris Mason and Dman Johnny Oduya. The Lightning are 9 points out, and could use a goaltender. Teams are calling about Ryan Malone and Dominic Moore. They wouldn’t mind moving Vinny Lecavalier, but he has a $7.27 million cap hit through 2020. The Wild are looking to be buyers, and could target Tuomo Ruutu. Though the asking price including a 1st round pick is likely too high for them. The Wild are also looking for a top 4 Dman.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The cost for Tuomo Ruutu will be high. The Bruins may not want to disrupt their chemistry with a trade. Nathon Horton’s health will play a part in what they do. The Sabres could use a #1 center. The Panthers may look to re-sign Jason Garrison, and to find defenseman to replace the injured Ed Jovanovski. The Canadiens have rental Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Travis Moen. The Devils are expected to hold on to Zach Parise. The Islanders have Mark Eaton and Steve Staios available, and possibly Evengi Nabokov. The Isles will look to re-sign P.A. Parenteau. The Rangers are looking for offensive help and may look at Ryan Smyth. The Senators are looking for offensive help with Tuomo Ruutu their top target. The Flyers could use a veteran defenseman, and they’ll probably be interested in Hal Gill. The Lightning may be offering up Ryan Malone, Dominic Moore, and Adam Hall. They will look at a goaltender at some point and will consider Cory Schneider, Ben Bishop, Andres Lindback and Josh Harding. The Leafs could be looking at Ruutu, Carter and Getzlaf. Though deals involving guys like Getzlaf usually happen in the summer. The Capitals could use a culture change, and could look at moving Alex Semin rather than lose him for nothing. The Jets will look to get some young assets for veterans like Johnny Oduya and possibly Ron Hainsey.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli could have a busy 3 weeks leading up to the deadline. Ray Whitney would be a perfect fit, but the Coyotes are not sellers yet. Vinny Prospal could be an option for Jordan Caron or a 2nd round pick. Tuomo Ruutu or Drew Stafford could be options as well. Along the blueline, they could look at Hal Gill, Jaroslav Spacek, Steve Staios or Milan Jurcina. Some team may take a flyer on Kings Dustin Penner
- Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks sit 25th in goals against, and they continue to look for a defenseman. Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun: Though help may arrive through a trade, the ‘Hawks won’t be going after a goalie. Adam Jahns via twitter: GM Stan Bowman on defenseman after Gleason and Beauchemin re-signed, “You just move down the list.”
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins forward Nathan Horton has been out since Jan. 22nd with a concussion skated yesterday. “When you see him in full practice with us, that’s going to be the next sign. Until then that’s basically all I can tell you,” Claude Julien said. “You take steps and he’s got to stay symptom-free. You go from the bike, to the ice, to contact. You’ve just got to make sure the next day, or the next few days, there’s no setbacks.”
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins shook up their lines yesterday, dropping David Krejci to center Benoit Pouliot and Jordan Caron. Chris Kelly centered Peverley and Lucic.
- TSN: Capitals forward Brooks Laich left last night’s game and was seen after with crutches and a brace on his left knee. “I’m not a doctor, but these things sometimes there’s some swelling and you’ve got to wait to see what happens,” Laich said. “I don’t think it’s anything serious. In the past I’ve been a fast healer, so we’ll see when I wake up.”
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets made forward Eric Fehr a healthy scratch for the 1st time this season. Fehr has only 2 points in 29 games this year.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Cam Ward will likely start all 3 games on the Hurricanes road trip.
State of the New Jersey Devils: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 3rd, 2012
Written by Todd Cordell of The Hockey Guys and can be found on twitter at @ToddCordell
We’re just a few weeks away from the NHL Trade Deadline, the Devils find themselves right in the midst of the playoff race; something they weren’t in until it was too late last season. As always, there are a lot of rumors and pieces speculating as to what Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello may do at or before the February 27th Deadline. Before I examine what they may do, attempt to do or anything else I will first look at what they will not to.
There’s a lot to get to in this piece so I figure it’s best to break everything up.
First, what New Jersey is NOT going to do at the deadline.
Top 5 Bubble teams and who they could have available … Things easier for Nieuwendyk … Targeting Tuomo … Armstrong, Liles back
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 1st, 2012
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance ranks trade deadline bubble teams who will have a crucial next 10 days. 1. Tampa Bay – Dominic Moore and Ryan Malone could come up in talks. 2. Montreal – Travis Moen, Hal Gill, Chris Campoli and Andrei Kostitsyn are trade possibilities 3. Dallas – Brenden Morrow and Sheldon Souray could come up. 4. Phoenix – Shane Doan, Daymond Langkow, Adrian Aucoin and Ray Whitney will be free agents 5. Anaheim – Bobby Ryan, Jason Blake and Teemu Selanne could find themselves on the move if the Ducks will be sellers.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Since Tom Gaglardi bought the Stars, GM Joe Nieuwendyk is finding things a little easier:
“What I’m finding now is I can get in on more conversations and at least test the waters more, and we’re doing that,” Nieuwendyk said. “We’re asking and we’re listening, and we’re trying to make sure of every opportunity that’s out there. Then, it’s up to us to make smart decisions.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Tuomo Ruutu and Vinny Prospal could be targeted by the Kings.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are believed to be interested in Tuomo Ruutu, but the asking price is high.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Cal O’Reilly was claimed by the Penguins on re-entry waivers.
- George Richands via twitter: Panthers forward Scottie Upshall will have sports hernia surgery tomorrow. He’ll likely be out for 2 months. Jack Skille could be back by the weekend.
- Barry Davis via twitter: Colby Armstrong confirms he’ll play tonight. John-Michael Liles won’t say he’s 100% playing but he should be back. James Reimer will start in net.
- Scott MacArthur via twitter: Sourcing LeBrun for Maple Leafs assigning Nazem Kadri and Keith Aulie to the Marlies.
Rumors involving the Oilers … List of forwards that could be available … Ovie, Michalek have hearings … Rangers need Dman … Benn to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 23rd, 2012
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are taking calls for Ales Hemsky as half the league is looking for a top 6 forward. The Oilers need a puck moving defenseman more than a draft pick. It’s unlikely the Predators would give up Ryan Ellis for Hemsky. One scout thinks the Predators would rather have Ryan Smyth over Hemsky, but Smyth likely won’t waive his no-trade clause at the deadline. The Senators are a wild card for Hemsky. The Oilers have liked Drew Stafford. Matheson wonders if the Kings would be interested in a Jonathan Bernier for Magnus Paajarvi deal this summer. The Blackhawks might take a look at Chris Campoli for their 4-5 hole that they are looking to fill. The Predators may look at taking offers for backup Anders Lindback this summer.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari lists some ‘rental’ players that could be available this year: Jason Blake (Ana), Josh Green (Edm), Nicklas Hagman (Ana), Adam Hall (TB), Ales Hemsky (Edm), Kristian Huselius (CBJ), Saku Koivu (Ana), Dominic Moore (TB), Frans Nielsen (NYI), Samuel Pahlsson (Ana), Jay Pandolfo (NYI), P.A. Parenteau (NYI), George Parros (Ana), Vinny Prospal (CBJ), Tuomo Ruutu (Car), Teemu Selanne (Ana) and Ryan Smyth (Edm).
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Capitals Alex Ovechkin will have a hearing today for his high hit on Michalek. Penguins Zbynek Michalek will have a hearing today for his elbow on Hendricks.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather needs to add a defenseman that can handle big minutes down the stretch. They’ve always liked Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason. Stars Sheldon Souray is an interesting option given his ability on the power play, but there are questions about his ability to defend. Ryan Suter is a possibility if he becomes available and if they want to go that direction.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika wonders if the Stars may have to consider moving Stephane Robidas, Brenden Morrow or Nicklas Grossman to create roster room for younger players. Heika doesn’t think so, as it sends a message that they are giving up this year. If they fall out of the race though, they may do something.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: The Stars have placed Jamie Benn on the IR and recalled Matt Fraser.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: More will be known about Jonathan Toews injury after practice today. The Blackhawks have only 1 game before the All-Star break.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Dustin Byfuglien and Evander Kane didn’t accompany the team to Carolina for tonight’s game. They play the Rangers on Tuesday in NY. Byfuglien and Kane are not expected to play until after the All-Star break.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger could play tonight after missing the last 5 games with a concussion. Predators defenseman Ryan Suter is expected to be back after missing 3 games with an upper-body injury.
- Shawn Mitchell via twitter: Recently signed Brett Lebda will make his debut tonight, and will be on the top pairing with Fedor Tyutin.
- David Alter via twitter: Leafs lines at yesterday’s practice: Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Crabb-Grabo-Kulie, Lombardi-Connolly-Kadri, MacArthur-Steckel-Brown, x Rosehill,Armstrong,Boyce.
Oilers would listen to Khabibulin offers … Round up of what some teams are looking for … Could Visnovsky be on the move? Glencross out 6 weeks
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on January 21st, 2012
- Darren Dreger of TSN: (mailbag) The Oilers would listen to offers on Nikolai Khabibulin (39). He has 1 year left at $3.75 million. They would need to get a goalie back if they dealt him. Hard to see the Oilers and Canucks doing a deal for Schneider. If the Oilers made it a big deal that included Ales Hemsky, a Jonathan Bernier deal could make some sense. The Flames are still looking to improve this year, and can use some of their upcoming UFAs for help. The Blue Jackets could dangle Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette and Derick Brassard. Rick Nash’s name will come up at the deadline. The Capitals are expecting Mike Green to return just before the trade deadline.
- Jason Brough of ProHockey Talk: Brough thinks that if the Blue Jackets were to trade Jeff Carter, it’s more likely to happen in the summer, maybe by a new GM. Would he get a package equal to what he gave up for him now? It cost them their 2011 8th overall pick, which turned out to be Sean Couturier, Jakob Voracek and a 3rd rounder. Carter is under contract until 2022 with a $5.3 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs have been looking for a 1st line center. The Rangers could use some scoring help. The Kings could also use some additional scoring, reuniting him with Mike Richards.
- Kevin Allen of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke thinks it will be a busy trade deadline, but Burke hope to make moves beforehand as he’s “never liked the price tag at the deadline.” The Predators are looking for offensive help, and GM David Poile could deal Ryan Suter if they can’t re-sign him. The Sabres have to look at a roster shake-up. They could use a top-line center, and Drew Stafford could be bait. The Coyotes could use some help up front. The Wild are looking for some offensive help. The Oilers could trade UFAs Ales Hemsky and Ryan Smyth. The Flyers should be looking for a veteran blueliner. The Senators could use some more scoring help up front. The Ducks have Jason Blake heading to free agency. The Blue Jackets have Vinny Prospal and Samuel Pahlsson who’ll draw some interest. The Hurricanes will get interest in Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruutu.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun thinks that Beauchemin’s contract extension further raises the possibility that Lubomir Visnovsky could be dealt at the trade deadline.
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier is under contract until 2012-13, but will the Kings trade him before then? Many teams regard him as a future #1 goalie. But is he playing enough to generate a strong offer? He’s on pace to play in 15 games.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames winger Curtis Glencross has an MCL injury and will be out at least 6 weeks.
The Wild aren’t the only ones wanting to improve Top 6 … Jets could deal UFAs … Possible Habs GM candidates … Letang could return … Glencross week-to-week
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 19th, 2012
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild have dropped out of the top 8 in the West after losing 14 of 16.
“We’ll keep looking to upgrade the talent. We’ll move whatever we have to move if it makes sense. Not everybody’s untouchable. And certainly we have a lot of prospects we’re not going to move, but there’s assets we have that we can move to make our team better if we can find the right fit.”
They’ve been hit with injuries to their top 6. They would like to improve their top 6, but they aren’t the only ones. The Ducks have dangled Bobby Ryan. The Sabres have Drew Stafford, Derek Roy and Brad Boyes. The Rangers have Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets have Vaclav Prospal. The Oilers have Ales Hemsky. The Hurricanes have Tuomo Ruutu.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets could be looking to move some of their future UFAs, which includes: Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Johnny Oduya, Randy Jones, Mark Flood and Derek Meech. Though some of their UFAs could receive contract extensions or possibly brought back in the summer.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: A list of possible candidates for the Canadiens GM position if they decide to replace Pierre Gauthier: “J.Martin (owed $3mil), J.Brisebois, Risebrough, Ferguson, Loiselle, McGuire, Bergevin.”
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Rimer is hearing that Taylor Hall could be out for the year. Ryan Rishaug via twitter: Rumors at this point are untrue, at this point that hasn’t been decided. Taylor Hall via twitter: “The reports that I’m out for the season aren’t true. I am going to be back as soon as possible. “
- Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Kris Letang could return to the lineup for the 1st time in 2 months tonight. “It’s coach’s decision,” Letang said of his return. “I know I am ready to go. I have been resting. I have been doing some treatment. I am comfortable. Otherwise I wouldn’t be on the ice.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu still hopes he’ll be able to participate in the All-Star game, and the NHL has agreed to hold off on naming a replacement.
- Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames forward Curtis Glencross is week-to-week with a knee injury.
- David Pollak via twitter: Sharks forward Ryane Clowe has facial fractures, but is not feeling any concussion-like symptoms.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: There isn’t much optimism from Capitals when it comes to defenseman Tom Poti being able to return to the NHL. “Tom’s been working at it and improving but I don’t know if he’ll ever get to the point where he can play again,” McPhee told reporters Tuesday. “As I said in the summer, we weren’t counting on it.”
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Sergei Bobrovsky will start in net tonight for the Flyers against the Islanders.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs against the Wild.
NHL Rumors involving the Bruins, Devils, Wild, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canucks, Panthers, Sharks, Penguins and Sabres
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 13th, 2012
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN:
* Bruins are moving cautiously towards the trade deadline as GM Chiarelli doesn’t want to mess with their chemistry.“Obviously we have a lot of cap room, so there’s a lot of flexibility,” Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told ESPN.com Thursday. “I would like to add depth-wise on the forward front and depth-wise on the defenseman front. But I don’t want to subtract anything.”
LeBrun thinks that Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu and/or defenseman Tim Gleason could be options.
* There is a growing feeling around the league that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello won’t trade Zach Parise at the deadline if he’s not signed by then. His rights could be moved before the free agency starts if a deal can’t be reached.
“He can’t trade away his captain, the face of the franchise, with the team sitting in a playoff spot,” one source told ESPN.com Thursday.
* The Minnesota Wild have been looking to upgrade their offense for months but their aren’t going to deplete their prospects to do so. LeBrun thinks they may move a B-level prospect, a pick or a player off their roster to get a top 6. Possibly for a guy like Vinny Prospal in Columbus.
* LeBrun confirms that the Flyers and Maple Leafs have talked over the last week. The Leafs like James van Riemsdyk and the Flyers are looking for a Dman. Ryan Suter is at the top of the Flyers wish list and have shown interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason.
* The Rangers are looking for a top 6 forward and/or a power play defenseman. They are keeping an eye on the Ryan Suter-Shea Weber-Nashville Predators situation.
* The Red Wings will be working the phones over the next 6-7 weeks. They have some interest in Ales Hemsky, and may be looking for a backup goalie upgrade.
* The Canucks are looking for size upfront, likely for the bottom 6. Cory Schneider is more likely to be dealt in the offseason than at the deadline.
* The Panthers want to get healthy before they decide what they want to do heading towards the trade deadline.
“We don’t know yet, hopefully we’ll have everybody back in the lineup in the next couple of week and then we’ll see what we have,” Panthers GM Dale Tallon told ESPN.com Thursday. “And then we’ll see where we’re at as well. There’s no rush here.”
* The Sharks could use a 3rd line forward and have been shopping Antero Niittymaki.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Despite the recent Penguins struggles, they don’t have anything cooking on the trade front. GM Ryan Shero has a tendency to let the market develop before moving on a deal. They are currently out of the playoffs, but they are not panicking. They don’t have a big deal in the works and any move is weeks away.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins GM Shero shot down the notion about shelving Sidney Crosby and possibly Kris Letang for the season, and use the cap relief on a big trade or 2.
“I have to have it in my mind about what we might have coming back,” Shero said. “Those guys are worth waiting for.”
There is still no timetable on Crosby and Letang’s return.
“We never even once discussed that,” Shero said of putting Crosby on long-term injured reserve to let him continue to heal for several months and finding a replacement or two through trades.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: Trade speculation out of Philadelphia has them interested in Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn.
“It doesn’t really mean much,” Schenn, 21, said. “They’re just rumours and I’m happy being here in Toronto. In the 3½ years that I’ve been here there has been a few rumours about trades that were going to happen. They come up every year somehow.”
It’s no secret the Leafs GM Brian Burke likes James van Riemsdyk. JVR signed a 6 year extension with a $4.25 million cap hit in the offseason. Schenn signed a 5 year deal with a $3.5 million cap hit just before the season started.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Sabres owner Terry Pegula points out the injuries that have hit the team:
“What everybody is missing is that I’ve been carrying around 167 man games,” he said by telephone Thursday evening. “Forget about the season. I’m talking about the last 25 games. We’ve had 18 players go down. It’s like a merry-go-round every night. You look on the ice and what are your defensive pairs tonight? Hell, who knows? Who’s healthy?
“I think what’s important is the number of guys. You can have 167 man games with four, five, six guys out for a long period. Eighteen? Cut me a break. I told Darcy Regier one time, ‘If I was you, I would be afraid to get on the plane.’ “
The Sabres sit 11th in the East with a 18-19-5 record heading into tonight. Many players have struggled. Robyn Regher is -12. Brad Boyes has been injured and hasn’t produced when healthy. Ryan Miller is having the worst season of his career. Derek Roy is 115th in scoring. The Sabres could keep everyone together, make some trade to upgrade the roster which may not be easy, or trade players who they don’t see there long term.
“My attitude now is, ‘Let’s put Humpty [Dumpty] back together again,’ ” Pegula said. “I want our players to know that I thought we had a pretty good hockey team until all this happened. Let’s paste it back together and start a new season.”
Giroux practices … Arniel safe … Burke could be looking at a Jan. trade … Parise only dealt if can’t be re-sign
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 19th, 2011
NHL holiday roster freeze kicks in at midnight tonight and ends at midnight on the 27th.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Claude Giroux practiced with the Flyers yesterday in a no contact jersey for the first time since sustaining a concussion. He said his headaches are “pretty much” gone. Giroux is not expected to play until after Christmas, and could miss the Winter Classic.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson on Scott Arniel’s coaching status:
“Coaching is not an issue on this team, as to where we are right now.”
“The players have to take it upon themselves to play better. “We’re all struggling through this, players included.”
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: The Maple Leafs are wilting, so expect GM Brian Burke to make a significant deal at the start of January. It’s time for ID “tradeables” on the Leafs roster.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets talked with the Coyotes about Kyle Turris, but they couldn’t find a match. It’s likely the Blue Jackets will trade Vinny Prospal at the trade deadline. The 36 year old will be a UFA at the end of the season.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Before being sent to the Canadiens for Jaroslav Spacek, the Hurricanes were offering a 2nd round pick to anyone willing to take Tomas Kaberle’s contract. If the Canadiens miss the playoffs or are knocked out early, can expect a full organizational review, with GM Pierre Gautier being very vulnerable. A few teams have made strong offers for Maple Leafs defensemen Keith Aulie and Cody Franson. They were “good” offers, but Burke isn’t interested in trading either defenseman at the moment. Burke may use Franson as a “piece” in his “fine tuning.” Aulie may only be dealt if he’s part of a bigger deal. The Devils priority is to re-sign Zach Parise, and he’d only be dealt after Lamoriello has done everything he can to re-sign him. Dreger thinks the Red Wings and Penguins would be as aggressive on Parise as other teams.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is still looking to make some trades, and has often brought up dealing a defenseman for a forward.
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild have called up Chad Rau and Jed Ortmeyer, placed Casey Wellman on the IR, and sent Cody Almond back to the AHL. The Wild do not expect Mikko Koivu or Pierre-Marc Bouchard to be in the lineup.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Flames Rene Bourque will have a disciplinary hearing for his hit on Blackhawks Brent Seabrook.
- Dallas Morning News: Richard Bachman is expected to start for the Stars against the Ducks.
‘Collusion’ surrounding Stamkos and Doughty? Malone ready for training camp … Prospal signs with Blue Jackets
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 24th, 2011
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: 3 ex-Bruins are still on the market: Sergei Samsonov, Nick Boynton, and Paul Mara. Dupont brings up the word ‘collusion’, as he wonders about no one putting forth an offer sheet for Steven Stamkos as “they simply opt not to violate the wink-wink, nudge-nudge gentlemen’s agreement that mysteriously has GMs unwilling to raid their competitors’ rosters.” A realistic comparison for RFA Brad Marchand could be Lightning’s Teddy Purcell who signed a 2 year deal with a cap hit of $2.36 million. Could also do a 3 year, $9 million deal. The Winnipeg Jets told Manitoba native Shane Hnidy that there may not be room for him on their blueline after he asked them if they needed help. The Lightning have a lot of money tied up in there top 3, and not a lot left to for $2-3 million 3rd liners. Ryan Malone and his $4.5 million cap hit could be moved. Rumors have Craig MacTavish possibly coaching Vancouver’s AHL affiliate in Chicago.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons also throws out the ‘collusion’ word with regards to Stamkos and Drew Doughty. “it’s not the job of hockey general managers to act as the conscience of the game. It’s their job to make their teams better.” There were no offers made to Stamkos and there haven’t been any exploratory calls to Doughty.
Stamkos, we’re told, would have seriously considered signing a one-year, $12-million deal. But the problem with an offer like that is that Tampa would have matched it. The longer-term, larger-money deal, might have been too rich for the Lightning to match. That’s probably where the Leafs had to go if they wanted to play that game.
- Tampa Bay Lightning via twitter: Lightning PR on Ryan Malone: “The 4-6 months is inaccurate. He did have shoulder surgery, but he should be fine for the start of training camp.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The long-term injury to Kristian Huselius led to the Blue Jackets signing Vinny Prospal to a 1 year deal worth $1.75 million.
Webers talks coming to a stalemate … Caps don’t see any more changes, including Semin … Stars losing $1 mill a week? Dubinsky looking for $5 mill+
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 20th, 2011
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators have an arbitration hearing set for August 2nd.
“We’ve had long talks; we seem to be coming to a bit of a stalemate. We still have time to work before the system kicks in,” Weber’s agent, Jarrett Bousquet said. “Shea would like to be a Predator. He enjoys playing there with a team that’s on the cusp of doing something great.”
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Predators GM David Poile said on Monday they they will continue to work on re-signing Shea Weber before their arbitration hearing. If they go to the hearing, Weber has the option of choosing a 1 or 2 year deal. The Preds could walk away but the is very unlikely. Weber is eligible to be a UFA after next season.
- E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: Alex Semin’s name has come up in trade rumors numerous times over the past few years, and have surface again recently. Capitals GM George McPhee had this to say regarding the Semin rumors,
“We like Semin because he can score goals,” McPhee said Monday, squashing the latest round of Semin trade tales. “Those guys aren’t easy to find.”
“We’ve made our moves,” he continued. “I don’t anticipate us making any other changes. If I go into the season with this group, I’m fine with that.”
The Capitals are currently over the salary cap, but they don’t think that Tom Poti is going to be able to start the season with them, and his $2.875 million cap hit could go on the LTIR.
McPhee on the Semyon Varlamov trade,
“I really didn’t want to do it, but he’d indicated that was going to go to play in the KHL and I started to think of different scenarios where we could end up with nothing for him,” said McPhee, citing the ongoing Evgeni Nabokov saga. “Colorado and four other teams were interested and it just came together pretty quick.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A Forbes report from Mike Ozanian is saying the Dallas Stars are losing a $1 million a week due to high debt and interest payments according to a source. A Stars source said it’s “unequivocally untrue.” From what Heika sees, the Stars are paying their bills and are not bouncing any checks. The Stars are controlled by the lenders who took over when Hicks Sports Group defaulted on 3 loans. Heika adds,
I have no doubt that a smart accountant can show you a sheet of paper that says the Stars are losing $1 million a week, but who are they losing it to? To the lenders, who are paying the bills and charging the interest? That just seems like a paper loss to me.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: When asked why the Lightning didn’t sign Steven Stamkos to a 7-10 year deal, he responds that both sides were comfortable with 5 years from the start and there’s uncertainty of the next CBA.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers and Brandon Dubinsky have an arbitration hearing set for tomorrow. They’ve been trying to get a 5 or 6 year deal done. Dubinsky is reportedly looking for a long term deal in the $5 – $5.25 million range. It’s believed that Dubinsky could get an arbitration ruling in the $3.8 – $4.4 million range.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Contract negotiations between the Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn will start “Certainly no later than by the end of next week,” according to Don Meehan, Schenn’s agent. The Leafs are about $4.4 million under the cap ceiling with 25 players signed. It’s likely that Meehan will negotiate with Claude Loiselle and Brian Burke.
- Greg Brady via twitter: The Red Wings are close to signing Ty Conklin, expect an announcement by Friday. George Malik via twitter: Malik is about 95% certain that the Red Wings will sign Conklin to be their backup by Friday at the latest. Craig Custance via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland says they will sign a backup goalie by the end of the week.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Negotiations between Zach Bogosian and the Winnipeg Jets continue.
“The conversations are continuing with his agent,” Cheveldayoff said. “There’s no time frame set in place to have that one done by. It’s a summer-negotiation type thing. Everyone’s respectful of the fact this is a down time for players and agents and management… those talks will continue and they’ve been good.
“It’s playing out exactly how we thought it would. It’s going to take some time. Each one of the negotiations — the (Andrew) Ladd, the Wheeler, the regular RFAs (restricted free agents) and Zach all have different nuances to them.”
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t ruled out adding some scoring for his top 2 line.
“You’re always looking for that,” Cheveldayoff said Tuesday. “It’s got to be the right fit for the group of guys that you have. You want it to mesh together. If you look at the roster right now there is probably some room if you could add some forwards. We think our defence is pretty deep with respect to the (NHL) depth side of things.
“Certainly if the right opportunity presents itself at forward or defence we’re going to look at it. You’re always looking, you’re always talking. But to say what you see today is what you’ll see tomorrow… it’s hard to say at this time.”
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: It’s unlikely that the Lightning are interested in Vinny Prospal, they are likely done with UFAs.
- Tom Panaccio via twitter: The Flyers will carry a $1.4 million bonus overage against the cap this year.
Schneider left due to cramp … NY Rangers have some off-season decisions to make … Malkin back before Crosby … Niemi to start
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2011
- Cam Cole of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks goalie Cory Schneider left with under 3 minutes to go in the 3rd period. He had to be helped off the ice after his leg cramped up.
“The cramps, he said, “I could feel coming on after the second and sure enough, on that penalty shot, I just extended my leg and it completely seized up. I felt bad making Lou go in cold in the third.”
Now the question will be, who will start game 7?
“Oh, if I would tell you who I’m going to play, would you believe me now?” said Vigneault, who said he didn’t actually lie, he just “went with the gut.”
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks defenseman Sami Salo lasted only 3 shifts last night with an undisclosed injury. Aaron Rome or Keith Ballard could replace him for Game 7.
- Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers have 7 RFA’s to deal with this off-season. Forwards, Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Artem Anisimov, and Brian Boyle. Defenseman Matt Gilroy and Michael Sauer and goalie Chad Johnson. They’ll likely want to bring back UFA Ruslan Fedotenko, and possibly Vinny Prospal. Alex Frolov likely won’t be back. Steve Eminger and Bryan McCabe are UFA’s on the backend. The Rangers will likely go after 31 year old Brad Richards. The Rangers wouldn’t confirm a report that coach John Tortorella signed a 3 year contract extension.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The NY Rangers summer salary cap number is at $47.6 million, with the projected cap number of next year at $62.2 million. Their cap number doesn’t include any of their 6 RFA’s (Brooks didn’t include Chad Johnson), which should about $12 million to sign the 6. If Wade Redden doens’t retire, the Rangers will be on the hook for his contract again, and can’t remove it until they waive him in training camp. Buying out the last year of Chris Drury’s contract would save them $3,333,333 in cap space this year, but would carry a $1,666,667 in 2012-13. Wojtek Wolski carries a $3.8 million next year, and if bought out, would save them $3,333,333 next year. A Sean Avery buyout would save them $1,333,334 in cap space next year. Vinny Prospal, Bryan McCabe and Steve Eminger likely won’t be offered a contract. They won’t offer Matt Gilroy a $2.1 million qualifying offer, but are expected to give him a 2 year offer worth half that.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has heard from someone close to the Penguins organization that he would expect to see Evgeni Malkin back in the Penguins lineup before Sidney Crosby. Malkin may be able to return if the Penguins get deep in to the playoff, Rossi asked that organization what deep meant, and “was told deep meant conference finals or Stanley Cup Final.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Antti Niemi will start Game 6 for the Sharks. “Nemo will play tomorrow. He is our guy,” coach Todd McLellan said Sunday after practice. “We don’t expect him to be perfect,” McLellan said of Niemi. “We expect him to be a little bit better and I think he expects that of himself.”
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: With the Ducks eliminated from the playoffs, questions regarding whether Teemu Selanne will retire or not are already appearing. When asked late in the season, Selanne said he’d make the decision before July 1st. Selanne is coming off a 31 goal, 80 point season.
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