Posts Tagged Wayne Gretzky

Drew Doughty update … Filatov gets a promise from Senators … Isles not interested in Komisark … The Gretzky trade that didn’t happen

  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: There have been no new discussions between Drew Doughty and the LA Kings. The Kings have an offer on the table for Doughty, but this could drag on until late August/early September. Hammond points out that in 2002 Evgeni Nabokov held out, Don Meehan was his agent and Dean Lombardi was the GM of the Sharks. GM Lombardi said yesterday,

    “I think it’s fair to say that in the last conversation, we set the parameters, as to where we feel his contract should be. We talked about a number of scenarios, and I guess now it’s their move. They never really responded.”

  • E.J. Hradek of NHL.com: Answering readers questions. Hradek thinks the Wings (and many others) would be interested in adding Shea Weber even if Nicklas Lidstrom continues to play. Weber will be a RFA after next season if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal but the team won’t be able to choose the team-elected arbitration. Therefore teams could sign him to an offer sheet. Hradek says that there is a difference in both term and dollars for Drew Doughty and the LA Kings. He points out that when there is no urgency for a deal to get done, things have a tendency to move more slowly.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Senators winger Nikita Filatov tells the SovSport that he was promised a 1st or 2nd line spot and power play time.
  • BD Gallof via twitter: The Islanders won’t likely be making a defenseman deal unless it falls into their lap. There is no interest in Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek.
  • James Mirtle via twitter: The other day Brian Burke was on TSN Radio and said that the Canucks were in talks to acquire Wayne Gretzky from the Oilers 23 years ago. The Oilers wanted 1st round picks, $18 million, Greg Adams and another player.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Kansas City is still hoping to land an NHL franchise. KC has already hosted 3 exhibition games and will be hosting the Penguins and Kings on Sept. 27th.

    “The NHL was involved in the development of the Sprint Center and made it clear it’s a very viable place as the home for an NHL team,” said Michael Roth, spokesman for the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which operates the rink for the city. “Kansas City has embraced hockey and the Sprint Center puts on a good show. We continue to look for the right opportunity (to further pursue a team).”

, , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

Leaf talks heating up … Backes talks on hold … No Devils-Parise talks yet … Flyers-Carter talking contract … Gretzky to Russia rumor again

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun was told Tuesday night that trade talks involving the Maple Leafs and their $4 million in cap space are heating up, but nothing is imminent. The Leafs are still trying to find a top 6 forward. The St. Louis Blues and David Backes have put contract talks on hold for now, with LeBrun thinking they’ll start up again in 2011. The Florida Panthers haven’t started contract talks with Bryan McCabe or Tomas Vokoun. I wouldn’t think they’d re-sign Vokoun, but McCabe is a good possibility.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Contract negotiations between Jeff Carter and the Philadelphia Flyers have begun. Carter’s agent, Rich Curran said they’ve had some conversations and are making some progress. 2 weeks ago it appeared that no progress was being made. Carter is coming off a 3 year $15 million deal.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Martin Havlat’s agent, Allan Walsh went off yesterday on how his client has been used since signing with the Minnesota Wild. Walsh said Havlat has been used in a “secondary role” with the club.

    “When Chuck reached out to Marty Havlat two summers ago after he led Chicago to the conference finals while leading the team in points in the regular season and playoffs, he shared a vision of building an up-tempo offensive team with Marty as a pillar to this strategy,” Walsh said in an e-mail to the Star Tribune. “That’s why he signed with the Wild.

    “Since that time, Marty has been used in a purely secondary role. Look at this season, he’s played four straight games at about 14 minutes of ice time, he’s used on the second power-play unit, he sits for long stretches, he’s not used in the shootouts. At a certain point in time, one has to ask, ‘Why is he here?’ One has to ask, ‘Why pay this guy $30 million to not play?’

    “It’s like we are in a time warp and the coach has totally ignored or chooses to ignore what Marty has done offensively over the course of his entire career. People say the Wild don’t have a star player. The Wild have a dynamic offensive player right under their nose and yet choose not to use him to their advantage. Look around the league, what other team has a player like Marty Havlat wilting on the vine like this?”

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

Drew Doughty may have concussion? Gretzky not going to KHL … Canucks keeping all Dmen? Lupul skating

  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: LA Kings defenseman Drew Doughty suffered an upper-body injury in the 1st period of last night’s game. He played almost 7 minutes in the 1st period, was on the last in the final minute, but didn’t return for the 2nd. Helene Elliott says that the upper-body injury could be a possible concussion from a hit by Hurricanes forward, Eric Cole. JP Hoornstra reports that Doughty won’t accompany the team to Phoenix for tonight’s game. The NHL could review the hit as it might have been from the blind-side, and a little late.

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Kevin Bieksa had been on the rumor trade block for most of the summer, and it’s still possible that he could be moved once Sami Salo comes back, but … “We went into last year with nine defensemen, and at the end of the season, we didn’t have enough,” Gillis told ESPN.com in late September. “There’s a lot of time, and a lot of things can happen between now and when Sami is able to return.” Keith Ballard and Dan Hamhuis are both out and have missed 6 games combined.
  • Eric Stephen via twitter: Anaheim Ducks forward Joffrey Lupul has begun light skating. He still has a long ways to go before he can return to game action.
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Owen Nolan had been skating in San Jose, but now he’s headed to Switzerland to join Zurich. Nolan is going to show people that he can still play, and hopes to get a call from the NHL.
  • Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Ethan Moreau suffered a broken hand when he blocked a shot from Paul Mara in the 2nd period last night. Mike Commodore’s left thumb is sprained and not broken as the fracture revealed in last week’s x-ray was an old one. He has been placed on the IR retroactive to Oct. 16th. Winger Jared Boll is at least a week away as he slowly recovers from back spasms.

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1 Comment

No Gretzky in Dallas? Kovalchuk Waiting Until After Playoffs to Talk Contract … Vokoun on the Move?

  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Ilya Kovalchuk has no plans on having contract negotiations with the New Jersey Devils until the playoffs are over. “I don’t think anything is going to happen before we’re done,” Kovalchuk said. “I don’t want anything to interfere with the team. I’m still looking for my first win in the playoffs.” It might be good news for the Devils in that he at least is interested in the possibility of re-signing with the Devils.
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Tomas Vokoun’s tenure as the Florida Panthers goalie could be down to it’s last week. Under contract through next season, Vokoun has been subject to trade rumors for at least a year. The Panthers have Scott Clemmensen under contract for 2 more years and has played well. Tyler Plante and Alexander Salak have been solid in the AHL. They are close to signing U. of Denver goalie, Marc Cheverie. But the one of the main reasons for a likely trade of Vokoun is Jacob Markstrom, their 2008 1st round pick. Markstrom is one of the top goalies outside the NHL, and is likely to sign a contract this summer. They may want Markstrom to start in the minors, but he might be ready to be a backup in the NHL.

, , , , , , , , , ,

2 Comments

Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull Trying to Buy the Dallas Stars

According to the Dallas Observer and TSN, Brett Hull is trying to bring Wayne Gretzky and Mike Modano on board to buy the Dalls Stars. “It’s nothing formal, as if they’re about to sign on the dotted line,” says one source. “But it’s gone past kicking the tires. This could happen.” Sources told TSN, though Hull has talked to Gretzky, they’ve haven’t talked about it in at least 6 weeks.

Brett Hull is currently the Stars Executive Vice President. Mike Modano might retire at the end of the season. Modano told the Stars PR that he “doesn’t know anything about this”.

Current Dallas Stars owner is looking to sell the Dallas Stars and arena, and is selling the Texas Rangers. He owes banks and leagues somewhere in the $670 million range. His deal for selling the Rangers should be finalized April 19th.

, , ,

2 Comments

Gretzky to Russia? Blues to Have Busy Off-Season? Leafs after Goalies? Huet to Minors? Ward Back Monday

  • Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL has reportedly contacted Wayne Gretzky about the possibility of becoming their next head coach. Alexander Medvedev (KHL and SKA boss) has contacted Gretzky with an offer. Russian sources are saying that Gretzky has been in contact with them for months. Adler also notes that Jaromir Jagr will leave the KHL and Avangard Omsk when his contract runs out in mid-April.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: St. Louis Blues owner, Dave Checketts, has said the team will continue building around their young players, but he predicts they will go after some free agents this offseason. The team currently has under $30 million tied up in 11 contracts for next year. Keith Tkachuk is expected to retire. Paul Kariya ($6 mill.) and Chris Mason ($3 mill.) are UFA’s, one or both may be resigned, with Kariya at a lower number. RFA’s that they will look resign are Steen, Perron, Johnson, Janssen, King and D’Agostini. The Blues had trouble scoring this year, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they take a run Ilya Kovalchuk. It was rumored that the Blues were one of the teams to make a pitch for Kovalchuk before he was dealt to New Jersey.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Toronto Maple Leafs may join the list of teams that are looking at signing European goalie free agent, Jussi Rynnas. The Leafs could also look at signing college free agent goaltender, Ben Scrivens of Cornell.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: According to Sassone, there is a chance that the Blackhawks might send Cristobal Huet to the minors and call up Corey Crawford.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Cam Ward will make his first start between the pipes for Carlina since February 3rd on Monday. GM Jim Rutherford said the Hurricanes won’t go shopping for a backup goaltender next year, and will go with either Manny Legace (UFA) or Justin Peters.
  • , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    No Comments

    Wayne Gretzky Posing for You

    I bet Wayne is thrilled with this picture. I love the Jofa and Titan gear. I’m not sure what is more funny; the classy couch, the head of hair on Wayne, or his casual pose.


    This picture is from SportsIllustrated

    17 Comments

    Gretzky Out in Phoenix

    Not wanted by the NHL, not wanting to go Hamilton, Wayne Gretzky steps down as the Phoenix Coyotes head coach and director of hockey operations. Here is the entire statement that was released on Gretzky.com.

    (Phoenix, Ariz.)–Wayne Gretzky announced today that he is stepping down as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations of the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Club, effective immediately.  “This was a difficult decision that I’ve thought long and hard about,” said Gretzky. “We all hoped there would be a resolution earlier this month to the Coyotes ownership situation, but the decision is taking longer than expected.  Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don’t fit into their future plans, I approached General Manger Don Maloney and suggested he begin looking for someone to replace me as coach.  Don has worked hard and explored many options.  I think he has made an excellent choice, and so now it’s time for me to step aside.

    “The Coyotes scouting staff has put together a great group of young and talented players who are going to improve tremendously over the next few years,” continued Gretzky.  “I’m proud of the team we’ve assembled, the organization with which I’ve been associated and the thousands of dedicated fans who have never wavered in their support of this young team.  I’m confident that the best is yet to come for hockey in Phoenix.

    “I want to thank every staff member of the Phoenix Coyotes, past and present.  It was a real pleasure to work with each and every one of you.  I’ve always said that Phoenix is a great sports city and deserves nothing but the best.  I still believe that. As a young boy, I learned to play hockey in Southern Ontario, and I know what great fans they have there.  It’s my hope they too will have an NHL franchise in the not too distant future.

    “I often said it was the greatest honor and privilege I could imagine to be able to play in the National Hockey League.  I feel the same way about being an NHL coach.  I’ve loved the four years I spent coaching the Coyotes.  Not a day went by when I took it for granted, and I will miss the competition of the NHL dearly.  It was an honor to hold the position, and I will always consider myself especially fortunate to have had this opportunity.”

    ,

    3 Comments