Posts Tagged Zach Parise
Kings Dustin Brown may be available now … Oilers make last push to re-sign Hemsky … Goalies Leafs may look at … Wings looking at F’s
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 24th, 2012
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Kings forward Dustin Brown may now be available, which puts more heat on the Blue Jackets to make a decision on Nash. The Rangers, Maple Leafs, and Flyers are just a few teams that would be interested. Jim Matheson via twitter: If Brown is available, Matheson thinks Eastern Conference teams will be all over him even with the 2 remaining years. The Bruins and Capitals could be interested. Tim Panaccio via twitter: A source said that the Flyers can’t get serious on Brown because of salary cap issues. Andy Strickland via twitter: “In a salary cap world where every GM wants value for the $ why would LA trade Dustin Brown? Has maybe the best contract in the NHL.”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Teams are circling with interest in Ales Hemsky, but don’t rule out the Oilers making one last push to re-sign him. 2 years and $10 million ($5 million per season) might keep him there. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Postgame buzz last night had GM Steve Tambellini in the dressing room to meet with Hemsky.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Initial plan is to play Jeff Carter on right winger with Mike Richards.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Leafs GM Brian Burke confirmed on the radio that he’ll check out the goalie market to see what’s there. It was discussed for the first time on Wednesday. Goalie possibilities are: Evgeni Nabokov, Josh Harding, Anders Lindback, Curtis Sanford, J.S, Giguere, Antero Niittymaki, Scott Clemmensen and Ben Bishop.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Goalies that Burke will look into are, Evgeni Nabokov, Nikolai Khabibulin, Josh Harding, Anders Lindback and JS Giguere.
- Curtis Zupke via twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on other possible trades: ”Right now I got absolutely nothing.”
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Kings could use Jarrett Stoll as an asset now. He’s been misused all season.
- Bob Duff via twitter: 2 forwards that Duff is hearing most often linked to Red Wings are Mikael Samuelsson of the Panthers and Travis Moen of the Canadiens.
- Toronto Sun: (from their NHL trade rumors ‘slideshow’) Players listed: Ales Hemsky, Zach Parise , Teemu Selanne, Shane Doan, Ryan Suter, Ryan Miller, Ryan Malone, Rick Nash, Ray Whitney, Paul Gaustad, P.A. Parenteau, Mikhail Grabovski, Mike Knuble, Michal Rozsival, Luke Schenn, Kyle Wellwood, Jonathan Bernier, Jason Blake, Dustin Penner, Dennis Wideman, David Jones, Brian Rolston, Brad Boyes, Andrei Kostitsyn, Alex Semin.
State of the Colorado Avalanche: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 22nd, 2012
Written by Nathan Coker, who can be found on twitter at @ncavalanche
The trade deadline is less than a week away and already the Colorado Avalanche have pulled off a trade, sending RFA defense-man Kyle Quincey to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for RFA forward Steve Downie (Tampa then flips Quincey to Detroit for a 1st). So, what does this mean for the Avs? Well, according to TSN analyst Pierre LeBrun via Twitter, another NHL GM has told him that “..’Colorado could be quite busy over the next week.’ Trade 1 is down..”. I would say that the Avs will be buyers AND sellers. Look for the Avs to be making more similar moves as the Quincey-Downie trade. They have a lot of players who are not showing up every game – and it’s costing the team in the standings. I would look at those players to be the first to leave for either draft picks or other roster players to help with the scoring.
They have a good, young core of players down the middle (Duchene, O’Reilly, Stastny) who are all play-makers. They desperately need scoring. More importantly, they need scoring WINGERS. And grit. Their top wingers are Landeskog (although a great player, hes still so young and has much to learn), Hejduk (who’s career is clearly dwindling) ,and Mueller (who seems to be injured every other week).
Free Agent and injury notes involving Parise, Parenteau, Mueller, and Malone … Potential Habs GMs
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries on February 13th, 2012
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said, “We will make every effort to re-sign Zach.” Parise might get $8 million on the open market.
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow has had preliminary talks with P.A. Parenteau’s agent, Allan Walsh. Parenteau, 29, is making $1.25 million and is having a career year. He could be looking to triple his current salary. Parenteau loves playing on the Island, and wants to stay. The Isles still could shop him at the deadline, but they need his scoring down the stretch.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater thinks that Peter Mueller could get extended for a year or 2.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Lightning are being cautious with Ryan Malone. He’s been given the green light to go, should be back this week.
- Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette: Todd’s list of potential Canadiens GM replacements if they fire Pierre Gauthier: Pat Brisson, Claude Loiselle, Pierre McGuire, Julien BriseBois, Marc Bergevin, André Savard and Blair Mackasey.
A short list of players available … Bruins could look at? Parise not talking contract anymore … Oils close on Sutton deal … Knuble could get interest
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 12th, 2012
- Kevin Paul Dumont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins could look at Hurricanes defenseman Jaroslav Spacek and forward Tuomo Ruutu. If the Ducks make Bobby Ryan and/or Corey Perry available, the Bruins might be interested. For Ryan it may take one of Milan Lucic or David Krejci and prospect Doug Hamilton. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke to the USA Today: “Prices are inflated, and there is [only] one Stanley Cup parade at the end of the season. The trade deadline is a pit of quicksand.”
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli believes “it’s a short list” of players that will be available at the trade deadline, and there may not be a lot of movement. Many teams are still in the playoff race. The asking price for players is high. Chiarelli wonders in the talent pool is thining out, and teams are re-signing their top pending free agents instead of trading them or letting them walk at the end of the season.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: Devils forward Zach Parise won’t be talking about his contract situation anymore. He wants to focus on hockey and not be distracted by negotiations, if possible. GM Lou Lamoriello is telling teams he isn’t trading him.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: Kypreos is hearing the Oilers and Andy Sutton are close on a 1 year deal in the $1.75 million range.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Several Western Conference teams might show some interested in Capitals forward Mike Knuble. Knuble was a healthy scratch on Thursday. He would cost a team a 3rd round pick. Gormley wonders if they could include Jeff Schultz and a pick or prospect for a gritty 2nd line forward like Dominic Moore, Tuomo Ruutu or P.A. Parenteau.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Scouts at the Blue Jackets – Wild game last night: Jets, Blackhawks and Red Wings.
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.
State of the Detroit Red Wings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on February 2nd, 2012
Written by George Malik of Kuklas Korner and can be found on twitter at @georgemalik
Wings fans seem to have regrettably forgotten both the lay of the land and the reality of doing business in a league whose general managers do each other no favors. As the calendar turned from January to February, the list of teams supposedly interested in top-six forwards and depth defensemen with grit is longer than the list of teams which continue to ride the uncomfortable fence line between buying and selling because they still have realistic aspirations of cracking the playoff pack before the month is out, especially in the Western Conference.
Moreover, while Wings fans tend to ignore the fact that asking prices for top flight talent involve roster players, top prospects and draft picks–the bizarre Hemsky and Andy Sutton to Detroit for Tomas Jurco and a 1st round pick rumor wasn’t far off in terms of what the Oilers might be asking for, and when Wings fans drool over Brendan Smith, Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar and World Junior Championship performers like Petr Mrazek and Teemu Pulkkinen, opposing teams’ GM’s do the same darn thing.
Afternoon notes involving: Parise, Moore, Visnovsky, Blake, Suter, Ruutu, Morrow, O’Reilly, Theodore, lines and starting goalies
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 31st, 2012
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils forward Zach Parise said there have been no contract negotiations, but he still wants to stay in New Jersey.
- Craig Custance and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Lightning Dominic Moore would be a nice addition to many playoff bound teams. If the Ducks can’t get back in the playoff race, defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky could become available. Winger Jason Blake could also becomes available.
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Ryan Suter knows the Predators will pay market value, though the sides haven’t talked serious numbers. Suter hasn’t signed as he’s waiting for them to show him that they’ll compete for the Stanley Cup this year, and in the future. It seems unlikely that David Poile would trade Suter. Tuomo Ruutu would be a good fit with the Predators. Poile may be looking for a long-term addition as well.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Responding to James Murphy’s question on where will the Blues trade goalie Ben Bishop: The Lightning, Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Devils, Hurricanes and Anaheim … teams that need goaltending or who have piece the Blues would want.
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu has had no negotiations with the team. Ruutu on trade rumors: “I’ve heard rumors I’m going to every team in the NHL. … I hear that stuff but there’s nothing I can do.”
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Stars forward Brenden Morrow has been activated from the IR.
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Coyotes have put Cal O’Reilly on re-entry waivers.
- Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Panthers coach Dineen says that Jose Theodore is still his starter but is not happy with his last 2 games.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers lines: Hagelin-Stepan-Gaborik, Dubinsky-Richards-Callahan, Fedotenko-Boyle-Prust, Rupp-Anisimov-Mitchell.
- Randy Sportak via twitter: Flames lines: Tanguay-Backlund-Iginla; Comeau-Jokinen-Cammalleri; Bouma-Jones-Stempniak; Kostopoulos-Stajan-Jackman.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Jaromir Jagr will be in the lineup tonight. Ilya Bryzgalov will start in net for the Flyers tonight against the Jets.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against Martin Biron and the New York Rangers.
- Pens Inside Scoop: Marc-Andre Fleury will start in net for the Penguins.
Late morning rumors involving: Karlsson, Parise, Moore, Grabovski, MacArthur, Gleason, Mason, Subban, Thomas and Morrow
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators will start serious talks with defenseman Erik Karlsson’s agent next week.
“We do have to talk,” Murray said Saturday. “In the next week or so, we either have to make a phone call or they have to make a phone call to at least initiate some discussion.” Murray said
Don’t expect the Devils to trade Zach Parise. He’s a UFA on July 1st and there haven’t been any talks. The Kings and Wild will be interested in Parise on July 1st. Lightning Dominic Moore is getting interest, and the Sens may make a pitch. The Maple Leafs have been tossing Mikhael Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur’s names in trade talks.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks could have interest in Hurricanes Tim Gleason, as would half a dozen other teams. The Blue Jackets are trying to move Steve Mason but are not finding takers with his $3.2 million salary. They may have to put him on re-entry to see if someone would take him at half price. Don’t expect the Canadiens to move P.K. Subban. Tim Thomas’s no trade clause expires July 1st. Thomas would be in the last year of his deal, and will have a $3 million salary with a $5 million cap hit. Matheson thinks that Brenden Morrow could be a good fit with the Sharks, Canucks or Red Wings.
Morrow available? List of players who “could actually impact the playoff races” … Parise not getting traded … Blake drawing interest … 3 “serious” buyers for Coyotes
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 27th, 2012
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: There is some talk around the league that Stars forward Brenden Morrow “may” become available before the trade deadline. The Stars are in 10th spot, but only 3 points out and have played less games. Morrow has a no-trade clause and one more year left with a $4.1 cap hit. The Stars won’t aggressively shop him, but contenders could target him. If the Stars could get a nice young package for him, and if he’d agree to it, they would have to consider it. A Stars source said they’re “probably not” going to trade him. One team executive heard:
“Morrow might be available” and “we certainly intend to find out if he is.”
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon lists some players that “could actually impact the playoff races”: Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Antoine Vermette, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Havlat, Mason Raymond, Evgeni Nabokov, Luke Schenn, Tim Gleason, Antero Niittymaki, Hal Gill, and Marek Zidlicky.
- Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: If the Blues need to add a proven scorer is a tough question to answer. Will they be fine when Alex Steen and Andy McDonald return from injury? There may not be a lot of legit scores that are available, and what would be the cost to get one? If Steen and McDonald return, Hensley doesn’t think they need to bring in scoring help, but if they don’t, they may need to explore some other options.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur has said he’s having fun this year and is leaning towards coming next year. Chere notes that Zach Parise won’t be dealt at the trade deadline, but the odds of him re-signing with them are 50-50.
- Jason Botchford in the National Post: Canucks forward Mason Raymond has battled his way back from a broken back this year, but he hasn’t been producing and could find his days in Vancouver numbered. He’s well liked, a good penalty killer, has good wheels, but has only scored 33 goals in his last 171 games.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Ducks Jason Blake is getting some trade interest. Botta notes that the Ducks got better when he returned from injury.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: If Ducks Jason Blake is available, Sassone thinks he’d look good as the Blackhawks 2nd line center. He wonders if Bob Murray would trade with Stan Bowman. (I don’t think Blake has played center at any point in his NHL career)
- John Wawrow (AP) in the Globe and Mail: Gary Bettman says there are 3 groups that are showing “serious” interest in the buying the Coyotes that would keep the team there. One of the groups is led by former Sharks president and CEO Greg Jamison and the other is Jerry Reinsdorf.
“We’re going to try to avoid a move of the Coyotes, but if we don’t sell the club, I’m not sure that this won’t be the last season here,” he said.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain on Daniel Alfredsson on playing next year:
“The way this season is going, if I’m still healthy after this season, I’m hoping I can go one more,” said Alfredsson. “This year has been so good. If we can make the playoffs, that would almost be a dream come true.”
- David Pollak via twitter: The Sharks have traded defenseman Sean Sullivan to the Panthers for Tim Kennedy.
State of the Los Angeles Kings: NHL Trade Deadline Edition
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 26th, 2012
Here is the 2nd 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 Dennis Bernstein of TheFourthPeriod.com and can be found on twitter at @DennisTFP
Needs: Nothing but a scorer will do. Although ranked last in offense, Los Angeles is in the top eight in the West due to the stellar work by goaltender Jonathan Quick, the team’s clear cut MVP. With 20 of the Kings final 32 games on the road, their margin for error is miniscule and they must deal for a top six finishing forward in order to qualify for the post season. With the heat on GM Dean Lombardi from ownership to win now, he will likely have to broker a blockbuster along the line of the Mike Richards trade to overcome the lack of production from Dustin Penner and Jarret Stoll, a natural center shuttled to the wing on the second line but unproductive.
In order to bring back a player of that caliber, the Kings will have to deal from their strength, defense and goaltending with Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier the assets being offered to the market. While they’d take a producer on either wing, the gaping hole that exists on the left side has not been filled since the departure of Ryan Smyth over the summer. They have over $ 3 million of cap space availability, so to bring in a high priced player for half a season is doable even without a roster player departing. Injured Simon Gagne is not close to being ready and there is increasing talk that he will be landing on Long Term Injured Reserve prior to the deadline for further cap relief. There is some chatter of interest in New Jersey’s Zach Parise given the Devils reported precarious financial standing but the cost of Dustin Brown and Bernier may only occur if Kings drop out of the top eight in the next month.
Zach Parise Videos: Will he be traded by the trade dealine?
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 19th, 2012
Devils winger Zach Parise will be one of the most intriguing players that could be dealt before the trade deadline. GM Lou Lamoriello has said he won’t move him as long as they are in the playoff hunt, and that he wants to sign Parise to an extension. But what if the Devils fall out of contention, and they haven’t signed him by Feb. 27th?
Sportsnet’s Hockeycentral looks at Parise as a player who could get traded by the deadline.
ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside discuss the future of Zach Parise in New Jersey. LeBrun says that the Devils won’t trade him even if he remains signed.
Wings-Leafs in 2013 Winter Classic … Red Wings looking for scorer, depth … Potential Leafs targets … Hall gets nasty cut
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 18th, 2012
- Ansar Khan of MLive: A source confirms that a deal has been finalized with the NHL, Red Wings, and Maple Leafs to hold the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. A rink will also be built at Comerica Park and will host events leading up to the Winter Classic on January 1st. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Earlier this week University of Michigan Athletic Director said there could be scheduling conflicts and other issues, such as liquor licenses.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings are having 3 days of pro and amateur scouting meeting this week. They’ll be evaluating potential trade targets and this summers free agent crop. The Red Wings are looking for a scoring winger and or a 3rd/4th line forward. The Wings have $5.7 million in cap space and will likely be offering up draft picks, middling prospects and/or fringe players. They will likely just be adding depth and not a star player.
“We like the way the team has performed. A lot of people have had good first halves,” Holland said. “But the trade deadline is coming. We have a lot of cap space. We’ve done a lot of drafting and developing since 2005, saving our picks. I don’t know if we have to do anything, but certainly in the next six weeks we’re going to explore.”
The Wings are believed to have interest in Tuomo Ruutu and Ales Hemsky. If Teemu Selanne decides to waive his no-trade clause, the Wings could be interested. Ryan Suter and Zach Parise could become available, but the Red Wings may opt to chase them in the summer.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk, Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Malone, Derick Brassard, Paul Stastny, and Jeff Carter.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall was held out of last night’s game after a pre-game mishap where his head took a nasty gash from the skate of defenseman Corey Potter.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been off skates for the past 11 days due to his concussion. GM George McPhee said, “Nick’s doing really well. I’m I guess happy to report he’s progressing.”
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Petr Sykora is unsure if he’ll return next year, he’s taking it one year at a time according to his agent Allan Walsh.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He left Monday’s practice after taking a blow to the head.
Sens could be buyers … Flyers like Suter and Schenn … Red Wings eye Parise … Oils like Ellis … Green out 4-6 weeks … Ribeiro to IR
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2012
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk:
“If we continue on our road and we’re healthy, we’ll certainly look at doing something prior to the trade deadline and, at the very least, we’ll be looking at doing something.
“But a lot also has to do with not screwing around with a good thing,” he said, noting the players are pleased with their current situation.
“But if they are behind it, this is the one time you let the players speak and they’ll tell you in a heartbeat, yeah, we need this and we need that and that’s it.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: (mailbag) Oilers forward Ben Eager could get some interest at the trade deadline. He has 2 years left on his deal at $1.1 million.
- Brian Hedger via twitter: Frustrated Sabres goalie Ryan Miller: “We’ve got to find it from in here. We can’t sit and wait for somebody else to (bleeping) do it.” and “Do you guys really think there’s any kind of trade made … that’s going to affect this team any more than we can affect it … ?”
- Sportsnet.ca: According to a report from Bruce Garrioch, if the Blue Jackets decide to replace GM Scott Howson, former Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is a possible replacement.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Flyers continue to monitor Predators defenseman Ryan Suter. James van Riemsdyk could have been a piece, but he is currently out with a concussion. He has a muscle tear in his abdomen and has a hip that will require surgery this offseason. Would the Flyers consider moving Brayden Schenn as Sean Couturier may have passed him on the depth chart? They have their 1st round pick in play and possibly blueline prospect Marc-Andre Bourdon. A condition on a Suter deal would be for him to sign a long-term deal before July 1st. The Flyers like a Luke Schenn for James van Riemsdyk deal if they can’t land Suter. His concussion could put things on hold for now. The Lightning won’t be buyers at the deadline, but they’ll be taking offers on UFAs like Dominic Moore. GM Yzerman won’t look for a goalie now, and may wait for the offseaon and look at Josh Harding, Jonathan Bernier or Cory Schneider. Matheson says the Red Wings could be interested in Zach Parise this summer. They have the cap space to offer him a 5 year deal at a $8.25 million cap hit. The Penguins could use a guy like Tuomu Ruutu. The Oilers would love to get Predators dman Ryan Ellis. The Preds would be willing to move Jonathan Blue as he’s fallen out of favor.
- Lindsay Applebaum of the Washington Post: Capitals defenseman will be out 4 to 6 weeks as he will undergo abdominal surgery. He’ll have the surgery today to hopefully repair damage from his now-chronic groin issue.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby said late last week that he is still experiencing some trouble with motion and balance, will see a concussion specialist in chiropractic neurology. Crosby didn’t suffer any setbacks after skating on Friday and Saturday.
- Dallas Morning News: The Stars have put center Mike Ribeiro on the IR with a lower body injury.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: There is no update on Kings winger Simon Gagne. He’s been out since Dec. 26th with a concussion. He is not doing any hockey activity, nor is he with the team.
- George Richards via twitter: Panthers goalie Jose Theodore should be back this week on the road.
Rumors involving the Devils, Wild, Canadiens, Leafs, Ducks, Flames, Preds, Sabres, Flyers … Injury notes on Koivu, Benn, Wheeler and Steen
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 16th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources have been saying that Devils Lou Lamoriello has been gauging what Zach Parise could fetch on the trade market. Moving Parise if they are in the playoff race will be difficult decision to make. The Wild will definitely be an interested team. Lou will want a top young player, a prospect and a 1st rounder in return for Parise. The Wild may have to wait until the offseason and try to sign him as a UFA. If the Canadiens fire GM Pierre Gauthier in the offseason, Lightning GM Julien Brisbois and Pierre McGuire could be options. Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke appears to be targeting Ducks forward Bobby Ryan. It would likely cost the Leafs Joe Colborne or Nazem Kadri, a prospect and a 1st round pick. Jarome Iginla won’t be traded this season, but if they decide to move him in the offseason, the Capitals, Kings and Sharks could be interested. The Predators are doing all they can to re-sign defenseman Ryan Suter. If they don’t think they can re-sign him, he’d be a nice fit in Philly. The Hurricanes could start moving their UFAs at any moment. Should expect the Blue Jackets to make one big move before the end of the season, and Jeff Carter could be on his way out. The Leafs could be interested, but he’s under contract till 2021-22 with a $5.2 million cap hit. The Sabres might be offering up Derek Roy in hopes of getting bigger. The 5′ 9″ Roy carries a $4 million cap hit and has struggled this year. The Blackhawks may show some interest. Islanders winger P.A. Parenteau would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Despite GM Bob Murray saying that Saku Koivu and Teeme Selanne are untouchable, Selanne refused to confirm he’ll retire as a Duck:
“We still have time to go,” said Selanne, whose team will likely be all-but-eliminated from the playoff race before the Feb. 27 trade deadline. “We’ll see.”
Brian Burke on whether Flyers James van Riemsdyk concussion will affect trade talk: “No, never was serious.” The Panthers were trying to trade for Sean Avery before they signed John Madden, they are no longer interested. Several GMs think that Shane Doan will become available if the team will be leaving Phoenix. GM Don Maloney denies that he’ll trade Doan.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: If the Kings end up trading one of their defenseman, it would likely be Jack Johnson. He’s in the rumors as he’s a 24 year old Dman on a long term deal with a decent salary cap hit.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: The Leafs assigned Jake Gardiner to the minors, but from what Rimer has been told it might be a short stay as the Leafs could be making a deal in the next day or two.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are saying that Mikko Koivu’s left shoulder injury could keep him out of the lineup for a month. The Wild are already without 2nd liners Guillaume Latendresse and PM Bouchard.
- Dallas Stars via twitter: Stars forward Jamie Benn underwent an appendectomy yesterday and will be out 10-14 days.
- Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Blake Wheeler did not travel with the team to Ottawa yesterday after taking a shot to the throat on Saturday night. He stayed overnight at a hospital, and tests revealed no damage. He could be released to join the team sometime today or Tuesday.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues forward Alex Steen could return tonight from his concussion. He’s missed their last 8 games.
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.”
NHL rumors involving Sabres, Predators, Penguins, Jets, Blackhawks, and Parise … Injury notes on Markstrom, Giordano and Morrison
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 10th, 2012
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: If the struggling Sabres make a trade, center Derek Roy is leading the rumor mill.
“It’s fine. It’s whatever people say,” Roy said. “You can’t worry about it and do anything about it. You have to go out and play your game. Everyone here is trying to do their job, whether it’s stopping the puck, playing defense and scoring goals. We all have to do our part.
The Ducks were said to be looking at Roy and Drew Stafford back in November when GM Bob Murray was in town. Roy has one more year at $5.5 million but a $4 million cap hit. Roy is currently battling a shoulder injury, that originally happened in training camp. Sabres GM Darcy Regier said last Friday that no deal was imminent, but he is talking to teams. On the injury side, Andrej Sekera skated for the 1st time since his Dec. 28th upper-body injury. Tyler Ennis and his ankle injury remain off ice.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile on Ryan Suter:
“Our first and foremost goal is to sign Ryan. We’ve been trying to do that all season long. I’ve not accomplished that to this point, but we’re hoping to continue discussions and get that done at some point. We’ll be prepared, if we feel that we weren’t going to be able to sign Ryan, and if we thought we were in a position that we had to or should trade him. I’m certainly hoping that doesn’t happen, I don’t want that to happen, but I want to be prepared for that.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: With all the injuries the Penguins have, they could turn to the Ducks. It wouldn’t take much to get Niklas Hagman. Jason Blake is in the final year of his $4 million deal and could be dealt, though it may not be the best use of cap space for the Pens. The Oilers are looking for a young defenesman in return for Ales Hemsky. Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu may be the best option for the Penguins.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff:
“We’re in the same situation as many teams,” Cheveldayoff said after 41 games have yielded a record of 20-16-5 for his team. “We’re always looking to see what’s available out there.
“We’re always having conversations but to the extent that someone’s ready to pull the trigger, those things really aren’t planned. They evolve.
“Sometimes the opportunities present themselves and you feel you have to act. But there haven’t been any of those come up yet. To say when and where, that’s hard to speculate.”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Sam Gagner’s name has come up involving the Blackhawks, but Matheson thinks they are looking for a bigger #2 center.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Devils winger Zach Parise said that money is definitely important but the most important thing for him is a chance to win.
- Harry Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Panthers goalie Jacob Markstrom’s knee injury may be more serious that originally thought, and he’ll be getting a 2nd opinion today. “It’s not great news. We’ll have more information tomorrow,” he said. “It’s going to be a little while before he’s back in the swing of things. Unfortunately, my own prognosis yesterday was inaccurate.”
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames defenseman Mark Giordano practiced yesterday for the 1st time since tearing his hamstring on Nov. 29th. Giordano said: “pretty close to normal, if not normal.” “I’d still like to see Gio get into some practices here over the week,” said coach Brent Sutter. “I think we’ll be closer with him come (Thursday) and see where he is at that point in time and, if not, you’d think by the weekend.” Brendan Morrison also practiced yesterday. D Derek Smith, D Scott Hannan, C Matt Stajan, LW Alex Tanguay, C/W David Moss and G Henrik Karlsson are on the IR.
- Joe Yerdon via twitter: It will be Jaroslav Halak against Carey Price in Montreal.
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.
Crosby out 2 games … Brassard will eventually be traded … Kings injury update … Booth out 4-6 weeks … Will Sutton get suspended?
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on December 8th, 2011
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins sent a news release out yesterday that Sidney Crosby will miss the next 2 games. He didn’t feel good after taking a hit on Monday against the Bruins.
“He saw Dr. Micky Collins of UPMC today and took an ImPACT test, which showed no problems. However, we all think it’s best that he sits out the next two games as a precaution,” Pens GM Ray Shero said in a release.
“We’re being cautious and keeping in mind he was off for a long time,’’ Shero later told ESPN.com via text message before a flight Wednesday evening. “Take a step back here and see how he feels in a few days.’’
Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will probably trade Derick Brassard at some point. His career has stalled in Columbus and his agent sounded off on the coaching staff. Brassard has been a healthy scratch for 8 of the last 12 games. His trade value is not high at the moment. His $3.2 million cap hit may look better as the season goes on.
- Pierre LeBrun chat on ESPN: LeBrun thinks if/when the NHL does decide to expand, another Toronto team, Quebec City and Seattle could work. Devils winger Zach Parise is not available for trade at the moment, but that could change later. Bobby Ryan could go back on the trade market if the Ducks continue to struggle. If Parise does become available, the Kings would be interested. Flames GM Jay Feaster wants to blow up the team but he has a dozen no-trade clauses to deal with.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings Alec Martinez is fully cleared and is able to return to the lineup when ever the coaches decide to insert him. Winger Justin Williams status for today is not known, he took a shot off his hand. Willie Mitchell’s status for tonight could be decided this morning. Murray did say that both Martinez and Mitchell won’t return tonight. Center Mike Richards hasn’t skated since last Thursday: Murray said: “Richards is progressing. That’s all I can say. That’s all I know, really. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self.’’
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: Canucks winger David Booth sprained his MCL on a knee-on-knee hit from the Avs Kevin Porter, and will be out 4 to 6 weeks. Coach Vigneault confirmed that Roberto Luongo will start in net tonight in Montreal. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Porter has a hearing with Brendan Shanahan today for the hit.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs winger Colby Armstrong is about a week away from returning from his high ankle sprain. “I had no clue what it would take,” said Armstrong. “It’s a battle. It’s a lingering bitch of an injury. But as soon as they let me go, I can’t wait to get out.”
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius will be out weeks with a groin injury. He’s been out 68 of the last 92 Blue Jackets games.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Ray Emery will start in net for the Blackhawks against the Islanders.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Senators.
- Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton could be looking at another suspension after his hit on Hurricanes Alexei Ponikarovsky. Do you think he’ll get suspended? How many games?
Brassard’s agent issues statement … Parise’s dad talks about Zach’s situation … Richards leaves game … Lehtonen out at least 3 weeks … Plenty scouting Car-NYR
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 2nd, 2011
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus forward Derick Brassard has been a healthy scratch for 7 of the last 10 games. He’s said all the right things, but his agent, Allen Walsh has had enough and released this statement:
“While I have tremendous respect for (general manager) Scott Howson and the rest of Columbus’ management team, the situation regarding Derick Brassard has become untenable. The coach has a history of burying players and using them as scapegoats to mask his own lack of success on the ice. Derick has been singled out, almost from the very beginning of the season, to be the fall guy in case things don’t go well. The Columbus organization cares about Derick and has been good to him, but at some point, one has to say, enough is enough.”
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: From Friedman’s understanding, Brassard will be staying with the team. The Blue Jackets have tried hard to trade him. Ottawa is interested.
- Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune: Zach Parise’s father on his son’s future:
“Money will be a factor, of course,” J.P. Parise said. “But he likes to win, he likes to have a chance, he likes to compete. … That’s why he decided to accept a one-year contract. He wants to see where [the Devils] are heading, what kind of players they have. They have acquired some good young players. He’s not going to rush into anything. He’ll take his time, analyze the whole thing.”
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Zach Parise on re-signing with the NJ Devils: “It’s what I hope for. We can’t do anything right now by league rules, so we’ll wait ’til we can.”
- Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell left after 1 shift. Forward Mike Richards took a high hit from Panthers Sean Bergenheim in the 2nd period, and didn’t return for the 3rd. Asked if they’d be out multiple games, Terry Murray responded: “I hope not. I don’t know that. We haven’t got a full report yet. The doctors, trainers are busy evaluating and they’ll probably let me know before I get away here tonight. We’ll have a better idea tomorrow.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars defenseman Alex Goligoski is expected to get his cast off today, and his hoping for a Dec. 9th return. Brenden Morrow and Trevor Daley will be out this week, but hope to return for Dec. 8th. Goaltender Kari Lehtonen, out with an groin injury, will be out at least 3 weeks.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers forward Taylor Hall said his shoulder feels great, but contact is an issue. He’s ahead of schedule though.
- Lance Hornby via twitter: Gary Bettman said he’s “not sure” if a decision on realignment will be done by next week’s BOG meetings.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: David Perron didn’t travel with the Blues to Colorado, as they didn’t want the altitude to create any imbalance in his system. We could play on Saturday, a flu/cold has been going around the team and it may have set him back a bit.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks Flyers defenseman Matt Walker will get claimed off waivers. Leed notes that GM Holmgren said a day or two ago that everyone was looking for a defenseman.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: Scouts at the Hurricanes-Rangers game: Capitals, Senators, Canucks, Maple Leafs, Predators, Avalanche, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Kings, and Stars. 12 scouts the Hurricanes’ AHL team the previous night.
- Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: Jaroslav Halak will start in net for the Blues tonight. Brian Elliott will start tomorrow.
- Tim Sassone via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net tonight for the Blackhawks against the Islanders.
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