Posts Tagged Willie Mitchell
Audio on Kaberle … Free agent news from around the league
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 16th, 2010
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The idea the the St. Louis Blues were going to trade David Backes was laughable.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues had said for weeks that Kaberle never made sense since he could walk away at the end of the year.
- Steve Simmons via twitter: Kaberle was willing to sign a long term contract if he was traded to a city he liked, but no one asked.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Responding to Simmons …. Only if right city. Kaberle’s agent has said of his desire to stay in the Eastern Conference.
- Damien Cox on the Fan 590: Audio on the non-trade and what the future holds for the Leafs.
- Doug MacLean on the Fan 590: Audio, talking Leafs and the non-trade of Kaberle.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Some agents are saying that many of the established veterans may not be signing anywhere until mid-to-late September. Teams are looking for younger, cheaper 3rd-4th liners. They don’t have any cap space, but the Bruins are looking at veteran free agent wingers. They’re keeping in touch with Bill Guerin and Miro Satan. Raffi Torres has drawn minimal interest and may have to settle for a 1 year deal around $800,000 to low $1 million. Willie Mitchell in talks with 5 teams; Kings, Sharks, Lightning, Capitals and Canucks. The Anaheim Ducks are looking for a defenseman before turning their attention to Paul Kariya. Ruslan Fedotenko has received an invite to Islanders training camp, the Wild may also be interested. Slava Kozlov wants to go to a contender but not getting a lot of interest, KHL is option but not being pursued at the moment. A couple of teams have called about Jeff Halpren, but he’s yet to receive an offer.
- Katie Strang of Newsday: The Islanders are not interested in Antti Niemi, disputing some reports.
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Thinks the only logical spot for Niemi is San Joseba possibly the Capitals if they are not sold on their two young goalies.
The Kaberle Deadline is over, but there is still plenty of talk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 16th, 2010
We’ll the Tomas Kaberle trade deadline has past without him being moved. Now we should have a couple days of hearing why nothing happened and what deals might have been turned down by Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke.
- Brian Burke on the Maple Leafs site: Statement from Brian Burke:
The hockey club confirms this evening that Tomas Kaberle remains a Leaf. While a number of Clubs made offers to trade for Tomas, none of them reflected Tomas’s value to our team. I understand a period like this is stressful to the player, and we are pleased that there is a resolution, and we can all continue to prepare for the coming season.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Burke “Not upset at all” that Kaberle is still in Toronto, do you think the feeling are mutual?
- Will DePaoli via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman called Ryan Malone’s agent, Mike Luit, just after 6:00 pm to say that Malone wouldn’t be dealt.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Doesn’t think will be able to, or ultimately choosing to sign Kaberle to an extension, with the money already committed to Phaneuf, Beauchamin, and Komisarek.
- Dave Pagnotta via twitter: Doesn’t see how the Leafs will sign Kaberle to an extension, with a raise, with Phaneuf, Beauchamin, Komisarek and Schenn on the roster.
- Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca: Teams won’t give up a part of their future for a 32-year old defenseman that will be a free agent at the end of the season. Kaberle’s market was softened with Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell available. Burke stood by his guns with regards to them keeping Kaberle if they didn’t get an offer they liked. Burke might be settling for a high draft pick at the deadline for Kaberle.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Burke says the situation is resolved, Cox doesn’t think so. “Yet Kaberle, viewed both within and without the organization as a talented offensive defenceman with suspect defensive skills, questionable heart and no leadership skill or interest, is still in the dressing room.” Kaberle is now a “diminished asset” caught in a awkward situation. Many fans will be wondering why keep a player when he’s not a player Burke feels is part of the solution for the hockey club. Not trading Kaberle is a step back in the rebuilding process. If Kaberle has an all-star season, and the Leafs are in/close to a playoff spot, they may be forced to keep him at the trade deadline.
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: With the Kings and Devils pre-occupied with Ilya Kovalchuk, it may have turned their attention away from Kaberle. The availability of Bieksa and Mitchell may have lessened the urgency for some teams. Not a lot of teams had the room to add $4.25 million in salary, unless their sending close to equal value back. Kaberle struggling during the second half of the season didn’t help either. Kaberle could be looking for $5-6 million on an extension. Would the Leafs want to commit over $30 million on their defensive corps?
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Several questions now face the Leafs after the failure to move Kaberle. How can 8 defenseman be happy when there are only 6 playing spots available? Will Burke really look at signing Kaberle to an extension? Would Kaberle waive his no-trade clause at the deadline if the Leafs ask him too? Burke has said they wen’t just going to give Kaberle away.
- Greg ‘Puck Daddy’ Wyshynski of Yahoo! Sports: Burke’s refusal to move Kaberle is “entirely honorable or perilously stubborn.” Sure the Leafs could use a scorer upfront, but Burke was at the mercy of the market this summer. The UFA defenseman market was the deepest. Two potential suitors, Kings and Devils, were/are involved with Kovalchuk still. Teams are capped out or have their own internal cap (ie. Dallas).
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets did make a play for Kaberle, but GM Scott Howson said there wasn’t a fit. Reed doesn’t see Kaberle signing an extension given what he’s been through. The price for Bieksa may have gone up given that Kaberle is off the market.
Kaberle D-Day … Canucks have offer for Bieksa … 4-5 teams interested in Mitchell
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 15th, 2010
Back from a weekend of camping, catching up on things, some quick rumor hits for this afternoon. Kaberle deadline at midnight.
- TSN: Burke As of Sunday Morning, “If these offers are all we get…he’s staying put,”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: “I’d say there are three or four legitimate offers we needed to discuss,” Burke told the Toronto Sun. “There’s nothing worth taking — yet. If we end up with Kaberle (whose no-trade clause expires at midnight) that’s fine with me.” Tonight is also the deadline for the Leafs to sign Bill Sweatt before he becomes a UFA. Burke pulled their offer off the table weeks ago, and according to his agent, Sweatt never said no to the deal.
- Mark Spector via twitter: Burke talking players/prospects, not top-6 for Kaberle.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Joe Nieuwendyk says the Stars are not trying to trade for Kaberle today.
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets could still be in on Kaberle.
- Eric Stephen of the OC Register: The Ducks aren’t in on Kaberle.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Sharks have offered Derek Joslin and a 1st to Canucks for Kevin Bieksa. Not in on Kaberle.
- Dan Murphy (Sportsnet) via twitter: Willie Mitchell seen in LA with ‘Kings brass’.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Canucks still in on Willie Mitchell. LA and 3 other clubs interested.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Rumor that Sharks might offer LW Jamie McGinn or C Logan Couture for Bieksa. Ribeiro has been offered to every team in the league. Would have to offer more than Ribeiro for Kaberle. Tampa doesn’t want to trade LWer Ryan Malone, a player Burke may covet. Marc Savard hurt by all the rumors this summer. The Panthers, Capitals, Flyers, and Sharks are believed to have some interest in Antti Niemi.
- Daniel Tolenskyvia twitter: Stars have 3 key RFAs still unsigned, ownership uncertainty, so they are probably not trade candidates unless it’s a salary dump. (They’ve been looking to shed Mike Ribeiro and his $5 million salary through 2012-13).
Belanger to Caps, and Fleischmann on the way out? Kaberle interest varies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 12th, 2010
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Sources saying Eric Belanger has reached a deal with the Washington Capitals. The Capitals might be moving out a forward for a defenseman before they announce the signing. Brian Burke has said they are not in discussion with the Capitals about Tomas Kaberle. The Capitals could be looking at Kevin Bieksa, Sheldon Souray or others. The Capitals are also said to be in on Willie Mitchell.
- Spector’s Hockey via twitter: The Capitals could be dealing Tomas Fleischmann for a defenseman.
- Lyle Richardson of Fox Sports: The number of teams interested in Tomas Kaberle varies between 6 and 12 depending on the source, and levels of interest varies as well. The Kings and Devils may be more concerned with Ilya Kovalchuk. The Sharks may not want to part with a top-6 forward. The Ducks don’t want to trade Bobby Ryan. The Stars and Blues have their own salary cap. Red Wings are at the cap and have their top defensive corps set. Boston has cap issues, but would like to move Savard, Burke said in June he wasn’t interested in him. The Flyers have been interested in the past, but may not be willing to part with Jeff Carter anymore for him. Sabres are another team that could be interested, but they don’t make a lot moves in the off-season. Columbus has kicked tires but find the price a little high. The Lightning could be interested but they brought in Pavel Kubina earlier in the summer.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Kings could be looking to get back in on Kovalchuk, but he’ll renegotiate with the Devils first.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues GM Doug Armstrong doesn’t see anything else happening before training camp.
Stars still looking to trade Ribeiro … Red Wings may still be looking at a couple moves … Could Redden remain with the Rangers?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 9th, 2010
- EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek thinks the Dallas Stars would still like to trade Mike Ribeiro, but they can’t get the deal they’d like. He thinks they are looking for a top-4 defenseman.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: The Red Wings have looked at Lukas Krajicek as their 6th defenseman, and may be a better fit than Willie Mitchell, as he’d come at a more affordable price. Mitchell probably wants more money than the Wings have available, and may not be comfortable with being the 5th/6th defenseman and getting less ice time. Andreas Lilja may be a better option than Krajicek, but the Red Wings were offering $1 million, and he was seeking $1.5 million.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: After the Mike Modano signing, the Red Wings have 15 forwards, so it will likely mean they will have to trade or waive someone. Mattias Ritola or Drew Miller will be the likely candidates to be moved. Khan thinks Miller will be moved. Ritola has a higher offensive upside, and is signed for 3 years, while Miller is on a one year deal.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $57.5 million (including Cheechoo and Emery buyouts) committed to 22 players. Their defensive corps currently consists of Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Erik Karlsson, Matt Carkner, Brian Lee and Chris Campoli, with youngster Jared Cowen and Patrick Weircioch waiting in the wings. Brian Lee could be moved. If they are looking to add some toughness to the back-end, Brendan Witt and Willie Mitchell could be options. The Senators may also look to add a top-6 forward through free agency (I didn’t realize there were any top-6 forwards available). If they add another forward, Ryan Shannon could be dealt or sent to the minors.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: With the additions of Alexander Frolov and Todd White, it appears the Rangers may not be planning on having Wade Redden’s salary counting against the cap, possibly waiving him during training camp. Though the Rangers defense may have some question marks that may lead the Rangers to keeping him. Marc Staal still isn’t under contract, Steve Eminger may too expensive for a 7th defenseman, Matt Gilroy may not be progressing as much as the Rangers had hoped, and what if Redden bounces back to his Senators days. The Norweigen Hobbit, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, who was signed last spring, may find himself in the minors.
- Toronto Sun: Reports are the that Vesa Toskala will be heading to play in Sweden next season. Farjestad may be looking for a goalie since their current goalie, Robin Rahm, tested positive for a banned substance and may be a 2 year ban.
Selanne not with Ducks yet … Ducks and Kariya talking? … Some Wild talk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on August 7th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maxim Afingenov had offers from 3 NHL teams, but chose the KHL because of the contract length.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The deal hasn’t been finalized for Chris Chelios to take a front office position with the Red Wings. He also has a similar offer from the Blackhawks, and possibly a “huge KHL offer”.
- Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Reports that Teemu Selanne has signed with the Anaheim Ducks are a little premature. He’s close to a desicion, but nothing official yet. Selanne is pitching the Ducks and Paul Kariya for another reunion. “I’ve talked to Paul and the Ducks,” Selanne told the publication. “Paul has been waiting for my decision and I hope things move forward.”
- Helene Elliot via twitter: The Anaheim Ducks could be interested in Paul Kariya at right price.
- NHL Sources Say via twitter: Ducks set to talk with Kariya, possibly next week.
- Brannan Klak (NHLRumors) via twitter: Ducks to talk to Kariya yesterday and Ruslan Salei on Monday.
- Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun: According to Oilers assistant GM, Rick Olczyk, the rumors are false that they are looking for a loophole to get out of Nikolai Khabibulin’s contract. The signing of Martin Gerber had nothing to do with the possibility that Khabibulin could be sentenced to prison, “It had nothing at all to do with that,” Olczyk said of Khabibulin’s impending trial on extreme DUI charges in Scottsdale. “He had a tremendous year in the KHL and we needed to fill a void. We felt it was the right move and the right player at this particular point in time. It has nothing at all, and I’d like to stress that, it has nothing to do with Khabby.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Russo’s initial thought after the Wild signed John Madden was that it was the end of James Sheppard, but maybe not according to GM Fletcher, “Not necessarily at all. The performance of players in training camp will determine what we do.” Pierre-Marc Bouchard will start skating soon in Montreal. Fletcher doens’t much else happening for the Wild this offseason, he not actively pursuing anything.
- Ansar Khan of Mlive: The Red Wings are one of six teams interested in Willie Mitchell, but that number could shrink when dollars are discussed according to Mitchell’s agent.
Mitchell’s agent talked with Detroit … Savard trade chatter … Blues talk
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Ken Holland has spoken with Willie Mitchell’s agent about the possibility of bringing him to Detroit. According to CapGeek.com, the Wings have about $1.6 million in cap space available. Mitchell wants to play for a contender, and there are rumors that the Capitals, Sharks, and Canucks are also interested.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy’s is getting Marc Savard trade ‘chatter’ today.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: A couple of days ago it looked like Bill Guerin would have been signed by now, today Guerin told Strickland he’s still in ‘limbo’.
- Michael Russo via twitter: If Detroit wasn’t interested in Mike Modano, he would have retired.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Q&A with Rutherford from yesterday. Nothing concrete on the Ryan Potulny rumor, they have lots of forwards already, not sure where the fit would be. 2010 1st round draft pick, Vladimir Tarasenko, will be playing in Russia this year, maybe in N.A. the following season. The Blues may be interested in trading a defenseman. Though Tomas Kaberle would be a good fit, and he’s sure the Blues have investigated, there doesn’t appear to be anything there. The Blues still need a scorer, a puck moving D, and more time for younger kids to develop. The Blues have tried to trade Eric Brewer, but had no luck.
Afinogenov to KHL … Where could Niemi end up? Mitchell taking physicals … “Nothing to report” on Kariya to Anaheim
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 6th, 2010
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maxim Afinogenov will be signing a 5 year deal with SKA of the KHL.
- Adam Proteau of the Hockey News via twitter: The rumors that the Montreal Canadiens are chasing Antti Niemi are “ludicrous”.
- Noah Love of the National Post: Love offers a few guesses as to where Niemi could end up: Colorado, Washington, NY Islanders, Dallas, and Edmonton. Teams with cap issues that could use Niemi: Philadelphia, New Jersey, Ottawa, Montreal, and Chicago.
- Dan Tencer (Edmonton Radio) via twitter: “Asking McGuire about Souray…he interrupts and says: “I’ve been trying to warn you for 3 years that there’s no market for that player!”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Willie Mitchell has taken physicals for a few teams. He could sign soon, and the deal could include performance bonuses because of the injuries he’s dealt with in the past. Russo thinks he could get a 1 year deal worth between $1-1.5 million plus bonuses. It won’t be to Minnesota. Washington and San Jose are possibilities. He’s met with Vancouver already.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Paul Kariya’s agent says there’s “nothing to report” when talking about the rumors of Kariya returning to Anaheim.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been progressing very good from his concussion issues.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Peter Forsberg will be skating with MoDo, testing out injured foot once again. The Flyers, Rangers, Washington and Colorado could be interested teams if he attempts an NHL comeback.
- Chris Custance of the Sporting News: So it’s safe to say that Cristobal Huet won’t be back the Blackhawks next season. His agent is working hard to keep him in the NHL, and not in the minors or Europe/KHL, which will be extremely hard. He’s working with the ‘Hawks to find a “reasonable destination” for Huet. Europe seems the most likely landing spot, with Hawks paying his full salary (won’t count against the cap).
Modano signing with the Wings … What now for Niemi? Mitchell symptom free, 12 teams inquiring
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on August 3rd, 2010
- Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano will be signing with the Detroit Red Wings, the official announcement most likely coming on Thursday. Modano has been offered a 1 year, $1.25 million deal.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman had been talking with Marty Turco for over a month. Turco had turned down 4 teams before signing with the Hawks, including a 3 year deal from the Flyers. He turned down more money, and longer term. Bowman will now look to rid himself of Cristobal Huet’s salary, minors or overseas. Niemi is now a UFA, but there may not be many teams looking to add a goalie. 3 possible destinations could be Philadelphia, Washington, and San Jose. Though Washington has said they’re happy with their 2 young goalies, and San Jose is happy with Niittymaki and Greiss.
- Tim Panacci of the CSNPhilly: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said yesterday that they are not interested Antti Niemi.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: 4 teams inquired about Antti Niemi right after the Blackhawks walked away, another called later.
- Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: With the Blackhawks matching San Jose’s offer sheet for Niklas Hjalmarsson of 4 years and $14 million, it probably cost them Antti Niemi. Hjarlmarsson probably got a $1 million more per season than they had probably hoped.
- Larry Brooks via twitter: Ilya Kovalchuk hearing starts tomorrow.
- Sportsnet.ca: Willie Mitchell has been symptom free from his concussion for the last 3 weeks while training, has had up to 12 teams interested. Mitchell has narrowed the list down to 4: Canucks, Red Wings, Sharks and Capitals.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres have waived Tim Kennedy. Kennedy was awarded $1 million through arbitration on Friday. The Sabres were not allowed to walk away from the salary as it was too low. If he’s not picked up by someone, they could buy him out for a $333,333.33 cap hit for the next 2 years.
- Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out: Glen Metropolit signed a 2 year deal with EV Zug in Switzerland.
League to look at other long-term deals? More ‘Hawks Options … Turco to decide in 7-10 days
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2010
- William DePoali via twitter: Gary Bettman said yesterday that if the league wins its case against Ilya Kovalchuk, they may look in to other long-term deals.
- Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: According to his agent, Marty Turco is going to play for a contending team next season. He has 3 potential landing spots, and will make a decision in the next 7 to 10 days.
- Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks and Antti Niemi have submitted their written briefs before their Thursday arbitration hearing. The ‘Hawks would like to keep Niemi but it all comes down to the price. One option to save cap space would be to go with a 21 man roster (2 below the max, which most carry), with the 21st player being able to play both forward and defense. If Niemi’s salary is below $2.5 million (and Victor Stalberg is sent to minors, saving $300K) they could do that (they’d also have a $1 million cushion for injuries). If the number is between $2.5 and $3 million, they’d have to make another move. If it’s over $3 million, he may not be their starting goalie next season. Marty Turco could be an option if they lose Niemi, they might be able to get him between $2 and $2.5 million.
- Chric Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Niemi is likely seeking between $3 and $4 million a season, the ‘Hawks probably closer to $2 million. The ‘Hawks could accept any ruling either way, and look to trade him, or someone else.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: The Boston Bruins are talking to Bill Guerin, but would need to make a roster move first. Penguins are still interested in him.
- Michael Arace of the Colubus Dispatch: (written before the Blue Jackets and Anton Stralman settled before their arbitration, 1 year, $1.95 million.) The Blue Jackets will look to improve their defense, and will look via trades and not free agency. 3 options could be Tomas Kaberle, Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray. Arace believes the Blue Jackets have made a pitch for Kaberle, inquired about Bieksa, and made a ‘token’ call about Souray. Nikita Filatov’s name probably would come up.
- Tim Benz of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins GM Ray Shero hasn’t completely ruled out bringing Bill Guerin back next season, and is still in touch with him. But at the moment they are looking at young kids to fill the holes.
- James Mirtle via twitter: Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a 1 year deal with the Kings (for $3.2 million cap hit). He wanted a 4 year from the Leafs on a ‘big ticket’ when he was with them.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Willie Mitchell could be a possibility for the Wild, but he’s not looking to take physicals just yet.
- William DePoali via twitter: Raffi Torres is getting some interest lately according to his agent.
Though choices in Chicago … Gagne to Leafs? No ‘Sweat’ for Leafs? Senators need a tough Dman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 10th, 2010
- Tim Sassone of the Chicago Tribune: With the Sharks signing Niklas Hjalmarsson to a 4 year, $14 million offer sheet, the Blackhawks may have to decide if they want to keep Hjalmarsson, Antti Niemi, or possibly Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks could match the offer and wait for Niemi’s arbitration hearing, if it’s for more than $4 million a season they could decline it and Niemi would be a UFA. They could then go sign Turco or Theodore for less.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: There is a chance that the Maple Leafs won’t be able to sign recently acquired Bill Sweat. If Sweat doesn’t sign by August 15th, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Sweat was acquired along with Kris Versteeg from the Chicago Blackhawks. It could end up being a 3 for 1 deal.
- Chuck Gormley of the Courier Journal: With the signing of Nikolai Zherdev, the Flyers are $1.4 million over the cap, and still have RFA’s Daniel Carcillo and Darrol Powe. They are still trying to move Simon Gagne, and have been linked to the Kings for weeks, but they could also be talking to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Flyers could package Gagne and Braydon Coburn ($8.45 million in salary) for Tomas Kaberle ($4.25 million). The Flyers might request goaltending prospect,Jussi Rynnas as well.
- Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated: Muir thinks that the Flyers could send Simon Gagne to the Kings for defensive prospect, Thomas Hickey. The Kings have a surplus of young defenseman. I could see the Flyers doing this deal, but I’m not sure the Kings are completely sold on Gagne, and Hickey is a top prospect.
- Mike Russo of the Star-Tribune: Minnesota Wild GM, Chuck Fletcher, has talked with Mike Modano about finishing his career in the city where it all started out. Modano is still undecided if he’ll return next season. The Red Wings and Sharks are also said to be interested. The Wild could be looking for some scoring help, and could consider: Alex Frolov, Lee Stempniak, Paul Kariya, Maxim Afinogenov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Miro Satan.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators could use a rugged defenseman. “I’d like to add one more player,” Murray said at Friday’s news conference to introduce Gonchar. “Maybe (he’s) in the organization. Watching Jared Cowen playing in the development camp, we may already have a defenceman who can play in that more physical spot that we’re looking to fill.” If they decided to sign a free agent, Andy Sutton, Willie Mitchell and Shaone Morrisonn could be possibilities.
- Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: According to a Czech news agents, Ales Kotalik will be joining Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. But according to the official Czech hockey site, Kotalik had this to say “I haven’t heard a thing about that”.
Flyers interested in Bobby Ryan … Leafs looking for a defenseman
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 4th, 2010
- Jimmy Murphy via Twitter: “Nonsense” Kings source on the Kings trading for Marc Savard so they can sign Kovalchuk.
- Tim Panaccio via Twitter: Rumors that the Philadelphia Flyers are trying to clear salary cap room not for a goalie, but for Bobby Ryan.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Toronto Maple Leafs could be looking to add a free agent defenseman. It’s not known at the moment who they’re interested in. If Burke wants size there’s Andy Sutton and Willie Mitchell. If it’s skill and powerplay help maybe Marc-Andre Bergeron. Shot blocking could be Jay McKee. Savy could be Shaone Morrisonn, Freddy Meyer, Mike Mottau, Mike Weaver. If a team interested in acquiring Kaberle offered him an extension, they may be more likely to meet the Leafs asking price. Now that most of big name free agents have signed, things may pick up on Kaberle.
- Mark Spector from Sportsnet.ca: Kevin Bieksa has fallen out of Canucks coach Alain Vigneault good books, and that is why he is on the trading block and not Christian Ehrhoff and Sami Salo, who both are also making $3 million plus and in the last year of their contract. Calgary Flames center Daymond Langkow’s neck injury has not responded well, and is not as far along in the rehab as they had hoped. Could one of the reasons they brought Ollie Jokinen back (I still laugh everytime I read/write that Sutter signed Jokinen).
Leafs talking to Afinogenov … Yzerman still shopping … Bieksa receiving interest
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2010
David Pagnotta via Twitter: The Stars are still dangling Mike Ribeiro, but nothing is close.
Rob Rossi via Twitter: The Penguins will take the weekend to look at some trade possibilities. They’d like to add a veteran ‘character’ guy who is cheap.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Not saying the Maple Leafs will sign Maxim Afinogenov, but there’s been conversations.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Oilers won’t be putting Sheldon Souray through re-entry waivers, as they have zero interest in eating half his salary.
Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: Yzerman is still looking for a Dman, and has interest in forwards, only at the right price.
Jason Botchford via Twitter: 10 teams have called about Vancouver’s Kevin Bieksa.
David Pagnotta via Twitter: Willie Mitchell has a couple offers but nothing is close.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: 2 teams in the Northeast division have an interest in Nik Zherdev.
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Detroit Red Wings are the only team to call Mike Modano so far.
Agent denies 10 year extension for Backstrom … Flames to lose both Nystrom and White? What the Canucks face this off-season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 13th, 2010
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: El-Bashir gets confirmation from Nicklas Backstrom’s agent that his client hasn’t signed a 10 year extension with the Washington Capitals. The rumor was started by someone posting it in a forum or blog.
- Eric Francis of Canoe Sports: There is a chance that the Calgary Flames will not be able to afford Eric Nystrom, who’ll be looking for a raise from his $775,000 salary. The New York Islanders are a possible destination, as his dad, Bob Nystrom, was a huge part of the organization in the 80′s. It also looks like the Flames will not be able to afford Ian White, who could receive an arbitration award of around $3.5 million. If he does go to arbitration, the Flames will have to accept it, and look to trade him. Would this be more mis-management by the Flames? I think so. I’m still scratching my head over the 4 year, $14 million extension 3rd line center, Flames #1 center Matt Stajan received. One other option I think the Flames may also look at, is dealing Robyn Regehr for some much needed scoring help, preferably someone young and cheap. If they could save a few million on a Regehr deal, they could at least keep White.
- Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun: The Vancouver Canucks have 15 regulars signed for season with a cap hit of about $46 million, which includes 9 forwards, 5 Dmen and Roberto Luongo. That leaves about $10 million to fill out the rest of their roster. Willie Mitchell may be too expensive to bring back, and at 33 and his injury history, he might not be worth it. Also headed for free agency potentially are Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, and Andrew Raycroft. RFA Mason Raymond will need to be re-signed. The Canucks need to add a top 6 defenseman and Gillis could make a pitch for Anton Volchenkov or a Dan Hamhuis, but both would be costly. Other defensive free agents that might interest the Canucks are Paul Martin, Dennis Seidenberg, Henrik Tallinder, Zbynek Michalek, Derek Morris, Carlo Colaiacovo, Joe Corvo, Shaone Morrisonn, Mark Eaton, Scott Niedermayer and Sergei Gonchar. Canucks RFAs this year are: Mason Raymond, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Rome, Tanner Glass, Jannik Hansen, and Cory Schneider. 2010 Unrestricted Free Agent list.
- Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: With the Canucks having $10-11 million to spend on roughly 6 players, they could promote some within. If Cory Schneider is re-signed and not traded, he should be the backup. Cody Hodgson should be ready to make the jump, and fill a vacant center position. Jordan Schroeder and Sergei Shirokov are 2 others who could work their way into the lineup. They have plenty of wingers, which could be used as trade bait for a defenseman.
- George Malik of MLive: Brad May might retire from hockey unless he can play in Toronto and be close to his family. It’s unlikely the Maple Leafs will want to sign him (as they didn’t re-sign him last off-season), but he could play or maybe even a player-coach (‘player-coach’ was my own 2-cents, not Malik’s) for the AHL Toronto Marlies.
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators may not be looking to bring in much from the free agent market, and could look to promote from within.
Leafs Close Could be Close to Cap Next Year … Ice Edge Pulling Offer for Coyotes? Blue Jackets to Interview for Head Coaching Position … Kovalev Hurt
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 9th, 2010
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke isn’t worried about the Leafs cap situation for next season. “I’m not worried about (the cap),” general manager Brian Burke said. “We’re not shackled here. I don’t think we’re handcuffed. If I thought we were handcuffed, I’d tell you that.” If the Leafs go into next season with the same roster, and add Nazem Kadri, their cap number is about $51.55 million. About $55.55 million after resigning RFA Jonas Gustavsson and Nikolai Kulemin. Options they have to free up some money are demoting Jeff Finger to the minors, and/or listening to offers for Mike Komisarek or Francois Beauchemin. Tomas Kaberle is also a trade option.
- Toronto Sun: Ice Edge Holdings is considering pulling its offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, as talks with the city of Glendale aren’t going well.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Hickey thinks that Martin Biron would be a good back up candidate for either the Jaroslav Halak or Carey Price next year for the Canadiens.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: A reader asks Mike of possible defensemen targets for the Dallas Stars this off-season through free agency or trade. Heika lists some possibilities as: Sergei Gonchar, Pavel Kubina, Kim Johnsson, Paul Martin, Derek Morris, Willie Mitchell, Anton Volchenkov and Dan Hamhuis.
- Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: Could be plenty of trades at the Draft this year according to a half dozen GM’s.
- Aaron Portzline of hte Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets interim coach Claude Noel has had some success since he took over for Ken Hitchcock, leading them to a 10-9-5 record down the stretch, but that doesn’t garantee him the coaching gig for next year. GM Scott Howson will interview at least 6 to 8 other candidates, including Noel. On the list could be Kevin Dineen (Portland AHL), Paul MacLean (Det. asst.), Brent Peterson (Nash. asst.), Kevin McCarthy (Phil. asst.), Scott Steven (NJ asst.), Jim Playfair, Craig MacTavish, Guy Boucher (Hamilton AHL) and Bob Boughner (Windsor OHL).
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators may have lost Alex Kovalev for an indefinite period of time. Kovalev was helped off the ice in the second period with an injured left leg. Kovalev was unable to put any weight on his leg, more should be known today.
- Hockey Roundtable Podcast from the Globe and Mail: End of the line for Sather in NY and MVP talk. (How Sather is still there boogles my mind).
- Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers needed to kick start the rebuiding process hard this summer, and if they don`t, it would be a disappointment. Barnes lists the following players that could be on their way out: Charles Linglet, Dean Arsene, Aaron Johnson, Marc Pouliot, Patrick O’Sullivan, Fernando Pisani, Mike Comrie, Robert Nilsson, Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Potulny, Ryan Jones, Ethan Moreau and Sheldon Souray.
Kings and Hurricanes might have had a trade worked out, but … Flames looking for a Center? Ponikarovsky, Staying or Going?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 3rd, 2010
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: The Kings and Hurricanes were far enough in talks, that the Kings talked to Whitney about an extension. Whitney wanted 3 years, the Kings were thinking 1. The Kings were going to give a draft pick, most likely a 2nd rounder, and a prospect (McKenzie guesses either Colten Teubert or Viacheslav Voinov). Some think Whitney is raising the bar until a team that he really wants to go to steps in, mainly the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins haven’t inquired yet.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: With the Edmonton Oilers pushing hard to make a move, Ethan Moreau is one name on the block. If they were to sweeten the pot with a draft pick, they Leafs could offer up Garnet Exelby or Lee Stempniak. Moreau is under contract for next year at $2 million.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Even with the recent trades made by the Flames, they still could use a #1 center. They may take a run at Mike Ribeiro or Tomas Plekanec.
- Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks or maybe the Kings might have an interest in Paul Kariya.
- Bill Lankhof of the Toronto Sun: So far Alexei Ponikarovsky has dodged any trades made by Brian Burke. He is only 1 of 2 Leafs players (Kaberle the other) who have been with the team for more than 2 years. There is a good chance that he’s dealt at the deadline (Pittsburgh?), for a high draft, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Burke keeps him and resigns him. If someone offered them a 1st rounder, I’m sure Burke would jump on that, but if it’s only a 2nd rounder, he might think of keeping him. The Leafs still need to score goals and win games this year and next.
- TSN Staff: The Vancouver Canucks have halted contract talks with Ryan Kesler, Mason Raymond and Willie Mitchell.
- Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks, and soon to be UFA Evgeni Nabokov, will not be talking contract extension until after the season
- Elliotte Friedman via Twitter: Michael Ryder of the Bruins has been made available.
- Kevin Allen via Twitter: Petr Sykora should decide this week who his new team will be.
Around the Boards: Jaroslav Halak Rumors, Markov back before Christmas, Khabibulin back aches
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on December 16th, 2009
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Here are 4 main points that LeBrun took from day 1 of the Governor’s meetings. He expands on those points in his blog.
1. Bettman told the board the league’s involvement in Phoenix won’t end up costing owners any money.
2. Bettman gave governors a sneak peek at what next season’s salary cap should look like. As we’ve reported before, the cap likely won’t budge too much, although that depends on the volatility of the Canadian dollar.
3. As we speculated earlier tonight, a source told ESPN.com that Bettman told the board that the league believes it’s fair for the Phoenix Coyotes to get a full share of revenue sharing even though the team doesn’t actually meet the criteria for it under the normal guidelines.
4. Despite all the media coverage in Canada on the subject, Bettman insisted to gathered media Tuesday night that putting a seventh team in Canada (Toronto, Winnipeg or Quebec City) is not really on the radar at this point.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Jaroslav Halak was offered to the Flyers, but the Flyers added Michael Leighton off re-entry waivers yesterday, and signed John Grahame over the weekend. The Canadiens are looking for a top 6 forward in return for their 24 year old backup. Halak has a cap hit of $775,000 this year, and will be a free agent at season end. The Canadiens don’t have a ton of cap room at the moment, so the top 6 forward they’d want, would have to be reasonably priced one. Which could be why they liked Claude Giroux.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens Dman, Andrei Markov, should be ready to go before Christmas, well ahead of his expected February return.
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Could this year be Willie Mitchell’s last season in Vancouver? He’ll be a UFA July 1st. “It will all play out how it plays out,” Mitchell said. “There’s a lot of uncontrollable situations for you as a player. You play long enough, you understand that. It’s part of the journey.”
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Despite missing the last 8 games, and being close to returning, Milan Lucic was just placed on IR.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin’s back hasn’t improved nearly as well as they had hoped. He will be having a spinal procedure done today. No time table on when he might return.
Around the Boards: Thurs. Oct. 22nd
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on October 22nd, 2009
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Hockey Night in Canada is considering removing the Toronto Maple Leafs from it’s national coverage on Saturday nights. It wouldn’t happen for at least a couple weeks since the Leafs play Canadian teams. Those in the Ontario region would still be subject to the pain.
- Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe and Mail: In other HNIC news, Al Strachan will no longer appear in the 2nd intermission show, “The Hotstove”. CBC is also not happy with the cover of Strachan’s best seller book about the Maple Leafs, as he used the HNIC logo without their permission.
- Elliotte Friedman on CBCsports.ca: With cap issues in Boston, Savard could end up in Toronto next season. Friedman also mentions, “enough with the Kovalchuk-to-Boston rumours, for now.” Not sure what that one was.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: It appears Sergei Kostitsyn is back with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs after being suspended for the 2nd time by the Canadiens. Kostitsyn packed up after Tuesday’s game and reportedly gave the ultimatum that he’d leave for the KHL if he wasn’t traded. Gainey has said a trade is possible, but so is a return to Montreal.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sergei Gonchar could miss up to 6 weeks with a broken left wrist. The Pens are off to a great start and will miss Gonchar, but they will be okay without him, as they were for most of last season.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza has an undisclosed nagging injury that might cost him a couple games. He left yesterday’s practice early and is listed as ‘probable’ for tonight’s game.
- Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Dmitry Kulikov could be the next 2009 draft pick to stick with the big club. The Panthers have 2 more games to decide if they are going to send him back to the QMJHL or keep him in the NHL. Kulikov was drafted #14 by the Panthers last year.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews was hammered with an open-ice hit from Willie Mitchell, and left the game. First thought is that it’s most likely a concussion, though for the NHL’s sake, we’ll call it an ‘upper body injury’. Toews will be re-evaluated today.
Recent Comments