Posts Tagged Wojtek Wolski

State of the New York Rangers: NHL Trade Deadline Edition

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 28th, 2012

Here is the 3rd installment of our expanded NHL Trade Deadline coverage. We’ll be posting team outlooks leading up to trade deadline over the next couple weeks from a variety of contributing writers.

Written by Patrick Kearns of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @PatrickKearns

In an era of armchair video game General Managers, it’s hard not to pick through every trade rumor with a fine-toothed comb to improve your team’s “overall” rating by lobbying for any player you believe would be an upgrade. This of course does not take chemistry into consideration, and with the New York Rangers building towards contention, it may be best to leave the roster alone. At the all-star break the team sits atop the Eastern Conference in points, and has the highest winning percentage in the NHL.

When the New York Rangers’ CEO James Dolan appeared at the podium before reporters after a win against the Nashville Predators a short time ago, he explained that he and General Manager Glen Sather’s plan was finally coming to fruition.

“In 2004, things weren’t going so well,” Dolan explained hitting the nail on the obvious head. “We decided to re-do the strategy… It’s all about the system that [Glen Sather] built. It’s about the farm system, and the scouting system and development. It’s about going with the kids, and sticking with that philosophy.”

Needless to say, when the man signing the paychecks starts buying into the team philosophy, it seems like an awful idea to betray what has gotten the team this far.

Read the rest of this entry »

, , , , , ,

6 Comments

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.”
  • 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.
  • 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.”

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

No Comments

Afternoon NHL rumors involving the Maple Leafs and Ducks (Bobby Ryan), Flames, Clowe, Oilers, Sabres, Rangers, Blackhawks

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 17th, 2012

  • Anthony SanFilippo via twitter: There is no deal for the Maple Leafs today but there could be something in the works between them and the Ducks involving Bobby Ryan. Darren Dreger via twitter: In general, Dreger has been told that trade discussions with the Maple Leafs are currently very quiet.
  • Brian Burke via twitter: “Speak with all 30 clubs as often as daily. Our top guy Dave Nonis shares this load. In quiet times, once every 10 days.”
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: “Ownership’s intention is this player will finish his career with the Flames,” Feaster said. “There is no appetite to trade Jarome Iginla.”
  • David Pollak via twitter: Trade rumors involving Sharks forward Ryane Clowe are bogus. Makes less sense with Martin Havlat injured.
  • Mark Spector via twitter: Agent Pat Morris is meeting with Oilers GM Tambellini in Columbus regarding UFAs Ryan Smyth and Andy Sutton.  Both are expected to be re-signed.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Time may be running out for the struggling Sabres. “There’s a growing notion that the continuity in Buffalo has made things a bit stale. The same GM. The same coach. The same core group of players.”
  • Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Rangers don’t want to place Sean Avery back on re-entry waivers as they don’t want to have the $2 million cap hit if he gets claimed. Have to think the Rangers might do something with Wojtek Wolski and his $3.8 million cap hit. Teams ready to make a move now are: Maple Leafs, Sharks and the Blackhawks are hovering. The Ducks are one of the teams watching Leafs farmhand Korbinian Holzer closely. The Blackhawks have shown some interest in Blue Jackets Derick Brassard. The Coyotes say they won’t trade Shane Doan.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that if Ryan Malone and his $4.25 million cap hit (3 more years after this year) becomes available, the Leafs may be interested.
  • What is Bobby Ryan Trade Value? Teams who could be interested are: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Kings, Flyers, Canadiens, Predators, Sharks and Capitals.


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

9 Comments

Afternoon rumors involving the Wild, Ducks, Canucks, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Rangers and Capitals

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 16th, 2012

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are Wild center Mikko Koivu has a separated shoulder and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Mike Yeo called it an upper-body injury and that he’s listed as ‘week-to-week.’ GM Chuck Fletcher has been looking to make a trade before calling someone up. Goaltender Josh Harding maybe the only player who could bring back a top 6 forward. The Wild could look at Rangers Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets may have taken Derick Brassard off the market after Scott Arniel’s firing. Possible rentals for the Wild are: Ales Hemsky, Vinny Prospal, and Tuomo Ruutu.
  • Kukla’s Korner via twitter: Doug MacLean said on Fan 590 that he’s heard talk on Ducks tough guy George Parros possibly being traded to Vancouver. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie says that the Canucks and Ducks have not had a single conversation regarding Parros.
  • Bill Watters via twitter: If the Hurricanes are unable to sign Tim Gleason and Tuomu Ruutu to contract extensions, they could move them before the trade deadline. Watter’s thinks they could both bring back a minimum of a 1st round pick.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers could look at bringing back Vinny Prospal from the Blue Jackets if the asking price is reasonable. Brooks thinks the Rangers should also see what it would cost to get Dominic Moore from the Lightning.
  • Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Jeff Schultz has found himself a healthy scratch for 13 of their past 15 games.

    “I just want to play, that’s what it comes down to,” Schultz said. “Whether it’s here or somewhere else, I just want to play.”

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

11 Comments

Bobby Ryan trade rumors likely over … Ryan off the market

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 1st, 2011

So with the Ducks firing Randy Carlyle and hiring Bruce Boudreau, the Bobby Ryan trade rumors are likely over. Unless they get blown away by an offer, he’s likely staying in Anaheim.

Dec. 2nd

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers never reached the stage in negotiations where they made the Ducks an offer for Bobby Ryan. The Ducks never identified the players they wanted from the Rangers. Rangers GM never gave a concrete proposal, though he established the “general parameters” of what they could be willing to send to Anaheim. If the Ducks decide to later this season that they want to trade Ryan and they are looking for 2 prime roster players, a prospect and draft pick, the Rangers won’t be interested.

Dec. 1st

4:10 PM:

Nick Kypreos via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray has told Bobby Ryan he’s off the trade market today. Ryan’s desire to be moved is no longer an issue.

2:10 PM:

Larry Brooks via twitter: Brooks was told Anaheim didn’t make specific requests to Rangers/teams but asked for trade offers, then for better ones.

Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson can’t understand why the Ducks would want to part with Ryan. Every team is looking for a player like Ryan, and they have the real Ryan.

1:10 PM:

Chris Botta via twitter: Despite the coaching change, the Ducks are considering trading Ryan and others.

Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside: Both Burnside and LeBrun would be surprised if Ryan is moved in the short term. The coaching change has bought Murray some time. LeBrun thinks there is a chance he could be moved at some point if Murray gets the deal he wants for him.

10:00 AM – most of the notes mentioned for today were made before Carlyle was fired.

  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bob McKenzie said on TSN last night the Sabres, Predators, Flyers, Maple Leafs, Canucks and Capitals COULD be interested in Ryan.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: A team that was interested in Ryan said last night that based on the asking price, a coaching change was more likely.
  • John Boruk via twitter: Don’t assume that the Rangers or any other team would have to “unload the farm” for Ryan. Someone willing to give up 1st round picks could get him.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins forward David Krejci on Ryan trade rumors: “I love the city. I love the team. Everybody gets along. Were winning. I want to stay here”
  • Luke DeCock via twitter: The Hurricanes may not have the ammo to make a deal for Ryan if they do want to move him.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein doesn’t see how the Rangers are the front-runners Ryan if Staal, McDonagh, Girardi and Sauer are untouchable.

Nov. 30th

7:45 PM:

  • John Boruk via twitter: Source close to Anaheim situation is saying that a Bobby Ryan trade is imminent, with talks having been ongoing for weeks. The Flyers are not involved, and the Rangers may be the front runners. A trade “could” be done by the end of the week. Tampa Bay is also showing interest.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ryan practiced with the 3rd line today, and is expected to start there tonight.

    “We’ve talked about moving Bobby and not moving Bobby off of that line,” Carlyle explained. “We still think that that group is going to have to play together for an extended period of time. Because you make a change for one game or two games, there’s nothing etched in stone.”

    Randy Carlyle talked to Ryan this morning and later said:

    “He has to find that inner peace in himself to deal with it,” Carlyle said. “When you go through situations in which we’re going through right now, these are the things that do come up.”

2:40 PM:

  • Chris Botta via twitter: It may not be a Bobby Ryan deal, but the Ducks and Sabres are discussing a possible trade.

10:15 AM:

  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Bobby Ryan is aware of the trade rumors surrounding him, and that he could be on his way out. “I wouldn’t be surprised,” Ryan told the Register on Tuesday. “That’s all I’ll say about that.” Ducks GM Bob Murray added: “at any time if we get offered a deal on any player that makes this team better, we would have to take a long, hard look at that.” Ryan added: “If they feel like the Ducks are going to get better and I’m going to get chance to play somewhere else, I guess I would. But I’m certainly not thinking about it day in and day out.”
  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: A sources confirms the Ducks are listening to offer for Bobby Ryan. Another source added: “they’re listening on a lot of guys. They have to at this point.” It’s not that the Ducks are shopping Ryan, but teams are calling about him. The Hurricanes and Ducks have talked about Ryan. A deal with anyone would likely involve a young defenseman, young forward and a high draft pick.
  • Sportsnet.ca: 6 teams that need Bobby Ryan: Maple Leafs, Rangers, Flames, Flyers, Devils and Panthers.

Nov. 29th – 8:13 PM:

  • Brian Huddle via twitter: Huddle made note that Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 said that Anaheim would be looking for a #2 center, Top 4 defenseman, and a 1st/prospect for Bobby Ryan.
  • TSN 1050 Audio: Bob McKenzie talks about the Bobby Ryan rumours, the Burke era in Toronto, the Max Pacioretty suspension.
  • TSN 1050 Audio: Darren Dreger talks with possible Ron Wilson contract extension, rumours surrounding Bobby Ryan, Randy Carlyle and Jarome Iginla.

2:36 PM:

  • Eric Stephens via twitter: Bobby Ryan is skating at the Ducks practice and has been told there is absolutely nothing imminent with him.
  • Gus Katsaros via twitter: A Ryan trade would likely fetch a Kessel type return, 2 first round picks ++. Katsaros adds “There’s also something strange about moving a player of Ryan’s ability to build depth. Especially mid-season. #doesntmakesense.”
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: A source has said the Rangers have had preliminary talks with the Ducks about Ryan. Their level of interest or ability to make a deal is unclear. It could just be “tire-kicking” or it could be more. The Rangers wouldn’t trade Derek Stepan or Ryan McDonagh, among others. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: To fit Ryan in, the Rangers would have to clear $5 million. The Ducks aren’t taking Wojtek Wolski back. Bernstein doesn’t think they have the assets, and not a good match.
  • BD Galiof via twitter: If Ryan is for sale, can guarantee that Islanders GM Garth Snow has had a conversation.
  • Dustin Leed via twitter: When talking to people, it’s all about a defenseman for the Flyers. ‘Interest’ in Ryan has always been there for the Flyers though.
  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Leafs and every other team should be interested in Ryan. He thinks it would take a young defenseman, maybe one of Luke Schenn, Carl Gunnarson or Cody Franson. Stuart Percy is a young blueliner they may like. Nazem Kadri could be included. Nikolai Kulemin might make sense despite his off year. A 2012 1st round pick could also come into play. Cox then packages Kulemin and Franson for Ryan or Schenn and Kadri for Ryan.

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

30 Comments

Gagner may not be worth a 1st … Teams told Nash won’t be traded … Injury updates on Hemsky, Wolski, Parros, Gomez, Kostitsyn, Jokinen and Huselius

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on November 8th, 2011

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Reader asks if the Oilers could get a 1st round pick for Sam Gagner from the Islanders? Matheson doesn’t think Gagner could get them a 1st round pick. He’s not a true playmaker or scorer. If they decide to move Gagner, they may package him with a defenseman to sweeten the pot. The Flames need a center but they wouldn’t trade him there. The Senators, Devils and Islanders could use a centerman. The Oilers have too many forwards and possibly too many defenseman. The Oilers want to see Ales Hemsky playing healthy before deciding to offer him a long-term contract. He could be looking for a 3 or 4 year deal, possibly around $5 million a season.
  • Elliotte Freidman of CBC: If the St. Louis Blues are paying Ken Hitchcock less than $1.3 million, the Blue Jackets will make up the difference. When asked about why the Blues just don’t offer a million or less, Freidman found out that: there is a formula the NHL uses for situations like this where coaches receive an average salary of coaches that have similar experience. Rick Nash has a full no-trade clause for the next 3 seasons. Teams that have called about Nash have been told “He has not asked to be traded and will not be traded.” Martin Brodeur has indicated he wants to play next year.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers winger Ales Hemsky could return tonight. Coach Tom Renney said he’s thinking about it. Hemsky said: “I think I’m ready, but it’s not in my hands.”
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski will be out for a month as he requires surgery to repair a sports hernia. Wolski was placed on the IR on Friday.
  • Jeff Miller of the OC Register: Ducks forward George Parros will be out a month after undergoing laser surgery on his left eye to correct a torn retina. Parros has hit with a deflected puck at Friday’s practice.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens center Scott Gomez is getting closer to returning to their lineup. When he returns it will put them with 5 centers, so 1 will have to move to the wing. It will have to be one of Gomez, Lars Eller or David Desharnais. Gomez is a better faceoff man and will likely center the 2nd or 3rd line. Eller found himself on the wing at yesterday’s practice. Gomez is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Coyotes.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Sergei Kostitsyn practiced yesterday and will be a game time decision for tonight. Kevin Klein didn’t practice but is a game time decision as well.
  • Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: If Kings coach Terry Murray sticks with the plan he laid out on Sunday, Jonathan Bernier should get the start tonight against the Predators.

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

1 Comment

Injury notes on Enstrom, Jones, Antropov, Jokinen, Alfredsson, Staal, Lovejoy and Ott

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News on November 4th, 2011

  • Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom suffered a broken collar bone and will be out indefinitely. Enstrom was injured on Monday after taking a hit from Panthers Jack Skille.
  • Ed Tait  of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Randy Jones left last night’s game in the 3rd period after blocking a shot off inside of his right ankle. Forward Nik Antropov blocked a shot with his hand, he did return to the game, but his status for Saturday is not 100%.
  • Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen was originally thought to be out 3 to 4 weeks, but that may not be the case according to Paul Maurice. Jokinen had 2 MRIs on Wednessday night and revealed that the injury was not as serious as originally thought. Maurice said it’s closer to day-to-day than week-to-week.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators forward Daniel Alfredsson has been out with a concussion since last Saturday, and has no idea when he may return.

    “If I’m at home with the kids, I get a little light-headed and I have to sit down for a little bit, and then I feel good again,” Alfredsson said Thursday, speaking publicly for the first time since the hit. “Until that’s gone, I’m not going to do anything physical.”

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers are getting close to putting defenseman Marc Staal on LTIR, saving them $3.975 million in cap space. Once he’s put on it, the Rangers could recall Mats Zuccarello from the AHL. Wojtek Wolski suffered a groin injury last night.

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

No Comments

Brodeur out 7-10 days … Flames may be better off keeping Bourque … Seguin to 1st line … Flyers made need to make move … Kadri demoted, then recalled … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 20th, 2011

  • Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster declines to comment on trade rumors involving his team. In the past he has said that anyone not named Iginla, Kiprusoff, Giordano and maybe Glencross are fair game. Rene Bourque’s name has come up recently. He carries a $3.33 million cap hit for this year and the next 4 years, and has a modified no-trade clause. They may be better off to keep him unless they can get a something that would help the team now and in the future. Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and Olli Jokinen have also been in the rumors, but Jokinen has been one of their more consistent forwards so far.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Tyler Seguin found himself on the top line at yesterday’s Bruins practice: Milan Lucic-Chris Kelly-Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Nathan Horton, Jordan Caron-David Krejci/Rich Peverley-Benoit Pouliot, Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Jets rookie Mark Scheifele scored his first NHL goal last night against the Maple Leafs, but the decision on whether to send him to back to junior or keep him up for the year is fast approaching. Next Thursday will likely mark his 9th game, if he plays 10, he can’t go back. There are indications that the Jets don’t want to rush him along, so he may end up back with Barrie.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: After recalling Brayden Schenn yesterday, the Flyers are extremely close to the salary cap ceiling. At some point they are going to have to shed some major salary if they want to have some flexibility at the trade deadline.
  • Larry Brooks via twitter: Wojtek Wolski is in the final year of his deal, he carries $3.8 million cap hit, and appears to “becoming an unmistakable object of derision by coach John Tortorella.” Wolski has been out for 3 games with a groin issue. When Tortorella was asked if Wolski would be in against the Flames, Torts responded: “We can’t get him out of the tub.” When asked if it was part of treatment for the groin, he responded: “I guess.” Marty Biron might get the start tonight.

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

3 Comments

Afternoon notes involving DiPietro, McDonald, Brodeur, Turris, Mueller, Mason … Leafs, Habs and Rangers lines

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 14th, 2011

  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Lou Lamoriello said that Martin Brodeur “feels better today” and will travel with the club.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Coyotes say they won’t trade Kyle Turris. Multiple inquiries and offers made. Turris willing to wait it out.
  • Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller missed last night’s game and will be re-evaluated tomorrow morning. The team said he was not feeling well. Mueller missed all of last season with a concussion.
  • David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs lines: MacA-Grabo-Kulie, Lupul-Bozak-Kessel, Frattin-Lombardi-Armstrong, Steckel-Dupuis-Brown, Extra:Kadri,Orr,Rosehill.
  • Pat Hickey via twitter: Canadiens lines: Moen-Gomez-Gionta, Eller-Plekanec-Cole, Pacioretty-Desharnais-Kostitsyn, Darche-Engqvist-Palushaj.
  • Katie Strang via twitter: Rangers lines: Stepan on 1st line w/ Richards,Gaborik. Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Christensen-Zuke. Andrew Gross via twitter: Defensive pairings: McDonagh-Girardi, Del Zotto-Erixon, Woywitka-Eminger. Andrew Gross via twitter: Wojtek Wolski has a groin issue and sounded doubtful that he would play tomorrow.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Reports are that CSKA of the KHL on the verge of default and have asked Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin for help. “Russia’s Minister of Sport told the media authorities are likely to help out CSKA.”

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

No Comments

Sunday notes involving Crosby, Doughty, Whitney, Iginla, Parise, Markov, and Poti

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 18th, 2011

  • Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby practiced for an hour yesterday and “worked as hard as I possibly could out there.” He didn’t have any symptoms immediately after practice, and plans on practicing again today.
  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Elliott notes that Drew Doughty would have gained more by taking part in camp and “sometime soon they must recognize that it’s more important for Doughty to score points on the ice than make points at the bargaining table.” The $6.8 million cap hit on the Kings offer would make Doughty the 4th highest paid defenseman, and ahead of Nicklas Lidstrom.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Some defensive pairing for the Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom with Ian White and Niklas Kronwall with Brad Stuart. Jonathan Ericsson is starting out with Jakub Kindl, and Brendan Smith with Mike Commodore.
  • Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney has been cleared to practice, but is still dealing with some pain from the surgery he had on his right ankle. He skated for half of his session yesterday, and his shortened work days will continue. “I could have stayed out there today, but for the first seven days I’m sure it’ll just be 30-40 minutes, then hopefully after that, I’ll be ready to go.”
  • Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Flames: Flames winger Jarome Iginla only lasted 20 minutes at yesterday’s morning camp session before he had to leave with back spasms. “I thought it was better to be safe,” said Iginla. “Take care of it, and hopefully, it’ll settle down and be good tomorrow.”
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is the logical choice for the Devils next captain, but the one issue is that he’s only on a 1 year deal.
  • Steve Zipay via twitter: Wojtek Wolski is on a line with Marian Gaborik and Brad Richards at today’s scrimmage.
  • Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: Andrei Markov to SovSport: “The doctor told me that probably will take more time to recover. It’s a re-injury of the same knee”
  • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman Tom Poti failed his physical on Friday and will be placed on LTIR. John Erskine had shoulder surgery in May won’t be taking contact yet.

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

1 Comment

Sabres looking to make trades, could have trouble in new CBA … Possible lines for Rangers … Who plays with E. Staal? Markov has knee drained

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 16th, 2011

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres are still about $3.6 million over the salary cap ceiling, and will be actively looking to make trades before their Oct. 7th season opener.
  • Mike Harrington via twitter: After signing Tyler Myers to the 7 year, $38.5 million contract extension, Harrington thinks that Sabres must be thinking the salary cap is going up to the $68-70 million range next year. They will now start working on Tyler Ennis.
  • Bob McKenznie via twitter: Wouldn’t be surprised if during the next CBA that the NHL tries to get each year of a contract the same. The player would receive their cap hit each year. Greg Wyshynski via twitter: “I applaud creative accounting like Buffalo’s this summer. Until next CBA adjusts the calculation of the cap, go bananas, GMs not named Lou.”
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers winger Wojtek Wolski will likely be given a shot to be on a line with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik. If that doesn’t work out, Tortorella could move Brandon Dubinsky to the left wing on the top line. Brooks wonders is Sean Avery can earn a significant role with the Rangers, but if not, then what? Lines could look like: Wolski-Richards-Gaborik; Dubinsky-Artem Anisimov-Ryan Callahan; Ruslan Fedotenko-Derek Stepan-Zuccarello (his spot to lose); Michael Rupp-Brian Boyle-Brandon Prust. Defense pairings could look like: “Marc Staal-Dan Girardi; McDonagh-Sauer (if healthy); a third pair with Erixon, Steve Eminger, Del Zotto and Pavel Valentenko in the mix.”
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Who plays with Hurricanes all-star Eric Staal is up in the air after the departures of Eric Cole and Cory Stillman. Jeff Skinner’s name has come up in talks for the left side, but Alexei Ponikarovsky may get the first look. Jussi Jokinen, Anthony Stewart and Zac Dalpe are names being mentioned for the right side.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks winger Martin Havlat is listed as day-to-day as he’s still recovering from shoulder surgery that he had last May. Antti Niemi had a cyst removed and may miss the first day of camp. Antero Niittymaki is heading to see a specialist for a groin-related problem, he missed 17 games last year.

    “We’ve exhausted all the conservative therapy that we’ve had with him,” Wilson said. “There’s a procedure that can get him pain-free so we’re supportive of that. If that procedure takes place, he’ll be out for probably 12 weeks or so.”

    Sharks prospects Tony Lucia and James Marcou are still dealing with post-concussion symptoms and won’t be at camp. Nick Petrecki and Frazer McLaren are day-to-day as they recover from off-season hip procedures. James Sheppard will be out for another 2 months as he recovers from knee surgery.

  • Kevin Mio of Hockey Insider/Out: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov suffered a setback a couple weeks ago. He had his knee drained of water, and it will take some time to rehab it again. Tony Marinaro said on Team 990 that the problem developed from training too hard. Former NHLer Enrico Ciccone doubted Markov would be ready for the season opener.

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

No Comments

Shea Weber update … Emery gets tryout from ‘Hawks … Khabibulin heading to ‘Tent City’ … Some remaining UFAs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 28th, 2011

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Shea Weber and the Predators have their arbitration hearing on August 2nd if a deal can’t get done before.

    “It would be way better for the player and the team to negotiate a contract,” Predators General Manager David Poile said. “But the arbitration gives you that ability if you can’t do that. And right now that’s where we fall if we can’t get a contract done.”

    Yesterday morning Poile said he tried contacting Weber’s agents but hadn’t heard back from them.

    “We are preparing to go to Toronto (for arbitration),” Poile said. “Would I like to sign Shea to a longer-term contract vs. going to arbitration? Absolutely.”

  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Goalie Ray Emery will be attending the Chicago Blackhawks training camp on a tryout. He’ll battle Alexander Salak for the backup position. The Blackhawks will have until Oct. 1st to decide whether to sign him or not. “He’s an NHL goalie,” Barry said. “He’s there to play in the NHL. That’s what the plan is. He would not want to start in the ‘A.’ He certainly intends to be worthy of a one-way deal.”
  • Conal Pierse of the Edmonton Journal: Nikolai Khabibulin will spend 15 days in Arizona’s Tent City Jail. “There will be no coffee, no salt, no cigarettes, no porno, no movies,” Arpaio said. “The only television we give them is the weather channel, so they can see how hot it is.”
  • Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: There are some big names left on the free agent market, but their better years may be behind them. Some may be forced to leave the league, take big pay cuts or retire. Teemu Selanne still hasn’t informed the Ducks what he plans on doing. Some other players available are: Bryan McCabe, Chris Drury, Scott Hannan, Cory Stillman, Nikolai Zherdev, Alexei Kovalev, Sergei Samsonov, John Madden, Marty Turco, Mike Modano.
  • Winnipeg Sun: A Russian news organization is saying that Nikolai Zherdev wants to play for the Jets. No word if they want him or not.

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

No Comments