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Posts Tagged Zenon Konopka
Morning notes on the CBA talks, Gudbranson’s injury, Del Zotto, Linback and Garon, Doan and Smith
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 9th, 2012
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Bill Daly said in an email on Saturday, “No meetings are scheduled at this point.” Wild Zenon Konopka was at the meetings and had this to say,
“A lot was said and a lot needs to be processed and I think it probably takes a day or two to think about it and come up with some new ideas,” Wild centre Zenon Konopka, who sat in on Friday’s session, said from New York on Saturday.
“It’s hard to know, to be honest with you,” said Konopka. “I think there’s going to be some new ideas in the next week or so. As for a proposal, you’ve got to think there’s going to be something before Sept. 15 but I can’t say that for sure.”
Over 200 players will meet with Don Fehr in New York on Wednesday and Thursday to get an update on where talks stand. Konopka added that the NHLPA are trying to get a CBA that will help small-market teams,
“As players we feel like we have to get to the root of the problem. We feel like we have to help small-market teams and we have to make sure they’re healthy going into the next three or four years,” said Konopka.
“If we can get those teams healthy, the whole league — including the players and fans — will be better for it.”
- Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: During an informal workout, Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson suffered a “bad” shoulder injury. The Panthers haven’t confirmed the injury yet, if the source said if it’s as serious as he believes, Gudbranson could be out for 4 months.
- Andrew Gross via twitter: Rangers GM Glen Sather on contract talks with Michael Del Zotto, “He’ll come to his senses.” Sather added that Del Zotto’s offer is there and that the Rangers won’t negotiate against themselves.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Anders Linback may be the Lightning’s number goalie of the future, but the according to Guy Boucher, Lindback and Mathieu Garon will be 1 and 1a for this season.
“They’re both going to get a lot of ice time,” Boucher. “I’m not expecting Lindback to come in here and play 65 games. He played 15 games the past two years, so it’s not fair to him. It’s not fair for the expectations.”
“We know he’s going to be good, but how good we don’t know,” Boucher said of Lindback. “That’s why Garon is perfect for him. He’ll be able to help him with how to manage things. And we know we can put Garon in net and get good results.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Reports are that if/once the Coyotes sale goes through, Shane Doan will sign a 4 year, $21.5 million deal. ($.5.375 million cap hit)
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Shane Doan’s decision to stay with the Coyotes or sign elsewhere will affect Mike Smith (free agent next summer) and other free agents.
“If he leaves, it’ll be a big blow to this franchise and this organization,” goalie Mike Smith said. “I think it’ll determine whether or not people sign back here or how we lure in free agents in the future. It’ll definitely be interesting to figure all that out.”
“We were gonna kind of wait to see what Shane did, too,” Smith said. “Obviously he’s a huge piece of the puzzle in Phoenix.”
Panthers sign Mueller … Weber-Preds to talk next week … Nothing new on Subban … Roy has surgery … Sens need to get more physical
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 12th, 2012
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Panthers have signed Peter Mueller to a 1 year, $1.725 million deal.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile on Shea Weber:
“I talked to (his agent) Jarrett (Bousquet) yesterday and had a good conversation,” Poile said. “Shea and all his friends and people will be together this weekend for his charity golf tournament in his name in Sicamous (British Columbia). They’re going to be doing that and then we’re going to talk next week.”
“It’s all about talking about Shea and to see if we can get him signed to a longer-term contract with the Predators,” Poile said. “My conversations have always been very positive with Shea, his role and his future with the organization in terms of where the franchise is going.”
- Dave Stubbs via twitter: P.K. Subban’s agent, Don Meehan, said last night that there is nothing to report on contract talks between Subban and the Canadiens.
- Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins are still searching for a top 6 forward to likely play with Sidney Crosby. It’s possible they could look within the organization, such as Tyler Kennedy, Eric Tangradi or Beau Bennett. The best UFA available are Shane Doan and Alexander Semin.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Stars center Derek Roy had shoulder surgery yesterday and will be out until November. Roy had shoulder pain last year and played through it, and he planned to do the same this year. The Stars felt it was time to fix it. Jerry Sullivan via twitter: Sullivan notes that Roy’s surgery raises serious issues about the way the Sabres deal with injuries.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators could still use some more physical players to round out their roster after the departure of Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka. 3 UFAs that might help are Brad Winchester, Zack Stortini and Matt Bradley.
Rumors and Notes: Parise, Murray, Carle, Lightning, Flames and Wild options
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 1st, 2012
- Nick Kypreos via twitter: “Those asking SB do count against cap. His cap hit will be far less over entire contract. Yr 1 of 12M/2M salary guarantee’s Parise lockout $” … “#NHL teams presenting will also be asked to pay 2nd 12M SB to Parise next July 1st. That’s 24M guaranteed over 1 yr Nice eh. “
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Senators and Maple Leafs are just 2 of the teams that have contacted the Sharks about Doug Murray. Burke made an offer at the draft for Murray.
- Craig Custance via twitter: No last minute deal for Matt Carle and Flyers. He’ll hit the open market.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: The Lightning will be pressing hard for a top 4 Dman today. If they can’t sign one, they’ll look to trade for one.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Flames may be looking for a top 6 forward, but with the looks of the UFA market, they may have to go the trade route. Jaromir Jagr could be one free agent they look at. Forwards they could consider are: Jiri Hudler, Alex Semin, Shane Doan, Brad Boyes, Brandon Prust, Jordin Tootoo and Zenon Konopka. Jay Bouwmeester trade rumors are still out there. It would be ideal if someone would take Anton Babchuk.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild will be trying to do everything they can to sign Zach Parise, and will look to make a move quickly. They’ll be going head-to-head with the Penguins and Red Wings. The Wild may have a better chance to sign Ryan Suter, who’s not in a hurry to sign a deal. If waiting on Suter and your plan B is Jason Garrison or Matt Carle, you may miss out on them. The Wild could be interested in Dustin Penner, Peter Mueller, Brandon Prust, Torrey Mitchell. They are expected to make a run at Jamie Langenbrunner.
Most Fighting Majors During the 2011-12 NHL Season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 17th, 2012
Here is a list of the of NHL players with the most fighting majors this season.
Only 2 players, Brandon Prust and Shawn Thornton, hit the 20 fight total this year. 23 players had 10 or more fights.
| Rk | Player | Team |
GP
|
PIM
|
Fighting Majors
|
| T1 | Brandon Prust | Rangers |
82
|
156
|
20
|
| Shawn Thornton | Bruins |
81
|
154
|
20
|
|
| 3 | Derek Dorsett | Blue Jackets |
77
|
235
|
19
|
| T4 | Zenon Konopka | Senators |
55
|
193
|
18
|
| Jared Boll | Blue Jackets |
54
|
126
|
18
|
|
| 6 | Cody McLeod | Avalanche |
75
|
164
|
17
|
| T7 | Zac Rinaldo | Flyers |
66
|
232
|
15
|
| Matt Martin | Islanders |
80
|
121
|
15
|
|
| Brad Staubitz | Canadiens |
62
|
121
|
15
|
|
| 10 | Tim Jackman | Flames |
75
|
94
|
14
|
| T11 | Ryan Reaves | Blues |
60
|
124
|
13
|
| Mike Rupp | Rangers |
60
|
97
|
13
|
|
| T13 | Stu Bickel | Rangers |
51
|
108
|
12
|
| Krys Barch | Panthers |
51
|
114
|
12
|
|
| T15 | Matt Hendricks | Capitals |
78
|
95
|
11
|
| Chris Thorburn | Jets |
72
|
83
|
11
|
|
| George Parros | Ducks |
46
|
85
|
11
|
|
| Jamal Mayers | Blackhawks |
81
|
91
|
11
|
|
| T19 | Chris Neil | Senators |
72
|
178
|
10
|
| Wayne Simmonds | Flyers |
82
|
114
|
10
|
|
| Kyle Clifford | Kings |
81
|
123
|
10
|
|
| Gregory Campbell | Bruins |
78
|
80
|
10
|
|
| Mike Brown | Maple Leafs |
50
|
74
|
10
|
|
| T24 | Ryane Clowe | Sharks |
76
|
97
|
9
|
| Eric Boulton | Devils |
51
|
115
|
9
|
|
| B.J. Crombeen | Blues |
40
|
71
|
9
|
|
| Cam Janssen | Devils |
48
|
75
|
9
|
|
| Jake Dowell | Stars |
52
|
53
|
9
|
|
| T29 | 9 Players tied with 8 fighting majors | ||||
| Sources: Gus Katsaros (twitter) and CBSsports. | |||||
Players who have taken the most penalties: 2011-12 NHL Season
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 16th, 2012
Here is the first installment of our look into penalties committed during the 2011-12 NHL season. This list contains the players who have taken the most penalties year.
Every day or 2 we’ll bring you the top list of penalties committed for each type of penalty. Next up will be fighting majors.
| Rk | Player | Team | Pos |
GP
|
Pen
|
PIM
|
| 1 | Derek Dorsett | Blue Jackets | RW |
77
|
65
|
235
|
| 2 | Zac Rinaldo | Flyers | C |
66
|
55
|
232
|
| 3 | Chris Neil | Senators | RW |
72
|
53
|
178
|
| 4 | P.K. Subban | Canadiens | D |
81
|
51
|
119
|
| 5 | Scott Hartnell | Flyers | LW |
82
|
50
|
136
|
| 6 | Steve Ott | Stars | C |
74
|
49
|
156
|
| 7 | Corey Perry | Ducks | RW |
80
|
47
|
127
|
| T8 | Nick Foligno | Senators | LW |
82
|
44
|
124
|
| Steve Downie | Avalanche | RW |
75
|
44
|
137
|
|
| Zenon Konopka | Senators | C |
55
|
44
|
193
|
|
| T11 | David Clarkson | Devils | RW |
80
|
41
|
138
|
| Milan Lucic | Bruins | LW |
81
|
41
|
135
|
|
| David Backes | Blues | C |
82
|
41
|
101
|
|
| T14 | Brandon Prust | Rangers | RW |
82
|
40
|
156
|
| Shane O’Brien | Avalanche | D |
76
|
40
|
105
|
|
| Brenden Morrow | Stars | LW |
57
|
40
|
97
|
|
| T17 | Cody McLeod | Avalanche | LW |
75
|
39
|
164
|
| Kyle Quincey | Red Wings | D |
72
|
39
|
89
|
|
| Shawn Thornton | Bruins | RW |
81
|
39
|
154
|
|
| T20 | James Neal | Penguins | LW |
80
|
38
|
87
|
| Cal Clutterbuck | Wild | RW |
74
|
38
|
103
|
|
| Brandon Dubinsky | Rangers | LW |
77
|
38
|
110
|
|
| 23 | Alex Burrows | Canucks | RW |
80
|
37
|
90
|
| T24 | Patrick Kaleta | Sabres | RW |
63
|
36
|
116
|
| Mark Stuart | Jets | D |
80
|
36
|
98
|
|
| Dion Phaneuf | Maple Leafs | D |
82
|
36
|
92
|
|
| Mark Giordano | Flames | D |
61
|
36
|
75
|
|
| T28 | P.A. Parenteau | Islanders | RW |
80
|
35
|
89
|
| Bryan Allen | Hurricanes | D |
82
|
35
|
76
|
|
| Sheldon Souray | Stars | D |
64
|
35
|
73
|
|
| Sources: Gus Katsaros (twitter) and CBSsports. | ||||||
Afternoon notes on Luongo, Schneider, Hodgson, Filppula, Kane, Jagr, Petrov, Vezina finalists, Konopka and Boyle
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on April 25th, 2012
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Despite having 10 years left on his deal, it doesn’t mean the Canucks won’t be able to trade Roberto Luongo. Jeff Carter had 11 years and was dealt. The biggest factors holding a deal back may be what the Canucks want for him or what other goalies are available. There could be between 5 and 9 teams that are interested. His top 2 landing spots would be Tampa Bay and Florida. He may not want to play in the spotlight of Toronto. Cory Schneider will not be blocked from an offer sheet from July 1st to July 5th because he made under $1.5 million. The Canucks would offer him arbitration but due to his salary, if Schneider and another team worked out a deal before July 5th, the Canucks would have the choice to match. The Canucks targeted 6 players they would have traded Cody Hodgson for at the deadline before they did the deal with the Sabres for Zack Kassian (Kassian obviously being one). Brandon Sutter of the Hurricanes was one, and John Carlson of the Capitals was another. The 4th was Erik Gudbrason of the Panthers and Kyle Clifford of the Kings was the 5th according to sources. The 6th is unknown. The Canadiens may be interested in Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Friedman wonders if the Red Wings will make Valtteri Filppula available this offseason.
- Steve Rosenbloom of the Chicago Tribune: Rosenbloom thinks the Blackhawks should at least see what they could get for Patrick Kane. He notes that Kane’s goal production doesn’t match the hype or salary.
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Carchidi thinks there is an 80% chance that Jaromir Jagr returns to the Flyers next year.
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman: “We’re not going to bring everybody back.”
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Islanders prospect Kirill Petrov: “It’s my dream to play in the NHL. My contract expires on April 30. Then I will decide what to do.”
- Jim Diamond via twitter: Pekka Rinne, Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick are the Vezina finalists.
- Ian Mendes via twitter: Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka were not at the Senators practice today.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Brian Boyle didn’t practice with the Rangers today.
Blue Jackets getting closer … Vultures circling Avs … Roy can be had … Ward out with LBI … Nabokov – Isles to talk contract
Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 20th, 2012
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson: “We’re waiting for the right deals. We’re getting closer. But we’re not there yet.”
- The Globe and Mail: Burke has said he isn’t interested in adding a goalie at this point. They could look for one in the summer. Jhonas Enroth or Anders Lindback or any other goalie not going to Columbus could be available.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: “The vultures are circling around the Avs.” They could begin selling soon.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: The Sabres are looking to move Derek Roy. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he won’t be looking to add another goalie.
“I like our goalies,” Holmgren said, presumably with a straight face. “They believe they are going to play better. They are not happy with their performances either. They both realize they have to play better.”
Colorado could be sellers by the end of the week, and JS Giguere could be available. He carries $1.25 million cap hit, and has 1 year left on his deal.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Derek Roy’s days in Buffalo could be numbered. He has another year at $4 million, which may make him attractive to some.
“Right now, this is my team,” Roy said. “I’m not a GM. I have no idea what they’re going to do. All I can do is play for my team, play for my linemates, go out every night like it was my first year and play as hard as I can every game.”
- Tim Wharnsby via twitter: Ty Conklin has been put on waivers by the Red Wings.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Justin Peters will start in net for the Hurricanes tonight as Cam Ward is out with a lower-body injury. “I’m not going to take any chances (with Ward),” Muller said. “We’ve got a lot of games in March. … We need to assess (the injury) and stay on it and make sure it doesn’t get worse. Before he goes back in the net he needs to be 100 percent and ready to go.”
- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Evgeni Nabokov’s agent, Don Meehan, said that negotiations with the Islanders will “start soon.” Isles GM Garth Snow would not comment.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning center Vinny Lecavalier left practice with a lingering upper-body injury. It’s not believed to be serious.
- Gene Principe via twitter: Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin will be out 7-10 days with a groin injury. Yann Danis has been recalled. Dan Tencer via twitter: Potential trade partners for Khabibulin don’t like the extra year on his deal.
- Jeff Veillette via twitter: The Blue Jackets and Senators are scouting the Leafs AHL team today.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals lines: Ovechkin-Perreault-Brouwer, Chimera-Johansson-Semin, Hendricks-Laich-Knuble, Beagle-Halpern-Ward.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Craig Anderson will start in net for the Senators. Zenon Konopka and Matt Carkner are scratches.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning tomorrow against the Ducks.
- Rob Longley via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs tomorrow. Joffrey Lupul and Carl Gunnarsson will be in.
Free Agent Signings for July 5th: Ladd, Konopka, Bishop, Nichol and Powe
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on July 5th, 2011
Darren Dreger via twitter: The Jets have re-signed Andrew Ladd to a 5 year deal worth $22 million. He’ll get $4 million next year, $4.5 million for the next 4.
Don Brennan via twitter: The Senators have signed Zenon Konopka to a 1 year deal worth $700,000.
Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues have re-signed Ben Bishop to a 1 year deal worth $600,000 in the NHL, $105,000 in the AHL.
Andy Strickland via twitter: The Blues have signed Scott Nichol to a 1 year deal worth $600,000 plus bonuses. This doesn’t mean the are no longer interested in Jamie Langenbrunner.
Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild have re-signed Darroll Powe to a 3 year deal worth $4.2 million.
Morning rumblings involving Richards, Arnott, Doughty, Blackhawks, Flames, Sabres, Red Wings and Lightning
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on July 3rd, 2011
- Kevin Allen via twitter: Brad Richards salary breakdown: “$12M, $12M, $9M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $8.5M, $7M + 3 Yrs at $1M. Yrly totals include signing bonuses.$10M in 11-12, $8M in 12-13”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs offered Brad Richards a higher annual average salary than the Rangers, but Richards wanted the term and to play for John Tortorella again.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Maple Leafs are still said to have some interest in Jason Arnott.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings and Drew Doughty have exchanged proposals, it could be in the $7 million range. GM Lombardi was at Newport Sports office Friday, but didn’t meet with Doughty’s agent, Don Meehan.
- Daily Herald: There were possible trade talks between the Blackhawks and Canadiens. There is speculation that the Blackhawks could be having trouble re-signing one of their free agents, Michael Frolik, Chris Campoli, or Viktor Stalberg. GM Stan Bowman hopes to sign all 3. They might be kicking tires on adding a center, possibly John Madden, Eric Belanger and Zenon Konopka.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster,
“Guys are getting traded. Teams are starting to make phone calls, teams trying to unload salary. Now, for the first time in a long time, we are poised to take advantage when we see an opportunity we like.
“We’re not done. We think there will be opportunities in the trade market. We think there will be opportunities when camps open.”
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres will have to move some salary out. They could send Ales Kotalik and Shaone Morrisonn to the AHL, those moves would have $5 million in cap space. They could look at moving Brad Boyes ($4 million) or Jochen Hecht ($3.5 million). Both Boyes and Hecht are in the last year of their deals.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings are debating about re-signing Chris Osgood or looking at the free agent market, possibly Ty Conklin.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater heard a rumor that the Red Wings could be interested in Chris Drury.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: The Lightning could be looking for 1 or 2 forwards, including a top 6.
Richards update … Lightning have plenty of free agents to deal with … All quiet in Leafland … Jets, Wings, Sens, Hurricanes, Caps and Flyers rumors
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2011
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post:
If I heard it once, I heard it a dozen times during this Entry Draft weekend in Minnesota: “[Brad] Richards told [X] he wants to come to New York.”
And this, too: “Slats [general manager Glen Sather] is going to blow his brains out to sign Richards.”
Brooks thinks a front loaded ($11 million) $32.5 million for 5 years should be enough. Richards is coming off a concussion, but is worth the risk.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will be busy this week. Steven Stamkos will be an RFA on July 1st if a deal isn’t struck by then. Speculation grows that Stamkos may not be back in with the Lightning, the longer remains unsigned, though it is an unlikely scenario. An offer sheet could cost 4 1st round draft picks. Yzerman did meet with Stamkos’s agent at the draft, and will talk again this week. Yzerman will also speak with Dwayne Roloson’s agent.
“I’ve been in touch with virtually everybody’s agent, everybody will travel (Sunday) and get settled in to their offices and we’ll get back on the phone this week,” Yzerman said. “I’m optimistic, I believe that we will get things accomplished. We were able to get Eric (Brewer’s) done this week and we’ll chip away at our restricted guys and go from there.”
The Lightning have 14 players that they could send qualifying offers to, which must be done today. They may look at goaltending during free agency if Roloson doesn’t re-sign. Sean Bergenheim may sign elsewhere. Simon Gagne and Adam Hall are unlikely to return. The Lightning may be looking for a top 6, possibly Brad Richards.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: All is quiet from Brian Burke and team management with regards to their interest in Brad Richards. The Rangers, Flyers and Leafs are all expected to take a long look at signing the 31 year old free agent. Richards suggested after the season that he might take a discount to head back to Tampa Bay. Richards is likely looking for an 8 year deal in the $7 million range, which may be more than Burke would want to go. Burke believes that winger Matt Frattin may be able to make Leafs next fall.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff had a few trade discussions with his former boss Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman, but nothing materialized.
“Stan and I chatted on a couple of things, but Stan had some big things on the go that were maybe a little bit not in the direction I was looking at at this point in time,” said Cheveldayoff. “We had some good conversations, they gave me some good support along the way and we had a good couple of laughs.
“We’ll have to wait for our first Chicago-Winnipeg deal.”
Cheveldayoff had some “feeling out” discussions with other teams. Cheveldayoff wouldn’t comment if they were one of the teams interested in Mike Richards. One report was saying the Flyers were looking at a package of Evander Kane, the 7th overall pick and possibly Alexander Burmistrov.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Red Wings GM Ken Holland would like to add a top 4 calibre defenseman and possibly a backup goalie. Jaromir Jagr remains a possibility for the Red Wings and Penguins, but neither team wants to give him a huge salary. Holland is “in the same ballpark” with Jonathan Ericsson’s agent, and are getting closer to a deal. Negotiations with Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller aren’t going as smoothly. Kris Draper and Chris Osgood’s days as a Red Wing could hinge on how the free agency period plays out.
- Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $20 million in cap space, but won’t be going after a Brad Richards or Kevin Bieksa or Dwayne Roloson. If the price is right, Baines thinks the Senators should go after Zenon Konopka. If Brooks Laich is wanting 4-5 years at $3.5 million, that may be too pricey.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford met with the agents for Joni Pitkanen and Jussi Jokinen in the past week, and that “I’m at the point now that I do have hope that we’re going to be able to sign both players,” he says.
- Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks there is “definitely a shot” that the Flyers will try to sign Brooks Laich. The Flyers have interest in Brad Richards but he could get a bigger deal elsewhere. Joel Ward, Brooks Laich, and Eric Cole are just a few of the possible replacements if Ville Leino walks.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Capitals have placed Tyler Sloan on waivers.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov is unlikely to re-sign with the Capitals.
Devils could file for arbitration with Parise … Lightning have 12 free agents … Ballard would be tough to move … Maloney not losing sleep over replacing Bryzgalov
Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 12th, 2011
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils winger Zach Parise said there is still “nothing” going on with contract discussions. Gulitti thinks it seems likely that the Devils will file for “team-elected arbitration” next week. This would prevent other teams from signing Parise to an offer sheet. When Lou was asked about it, “That’s something we’d never talk about.” Even if they file for arbitration, the sides can still work on a new deal.
“I’m sure that nobody wants that to happen,” Parise said. “No one wants it to drag out all the way to arbitration. I don’t think a player wants to go to arbitration. I don’t think an organization wants to take someone to arbitration at the end of the day. Maybe something like that happens, but of course we don’t want to.”
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: It looks like the Bruins could let Tomas Kaberle walk, and Michael Ryder could be kept. Both players are likely to get offers but at a discounted price. Kaberle is a $4.25 million cap hit, Ryder is at $4 million.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: The Lightning have 12 free agents, and GM Steve Yzerman said that he probably can’t bring everyone back. He’s told a some players that there are a few contracts he has to do first before he can get to them. On UFA defenseman Eric Brewer,
“He played very well for us,” Yzerman said. “We intend to offer him a contract. It all comes down to how much we can afford to pay for the position and how much the player is asking. We haven’t had those discussions yet. But at my end-of-the-year meeting, he indicated he enjoyed playing here in Tampa and is interested in exploring signing an extension with us.”
Yzerman has been playing “phone tag” with Steven Stamkos’s agent,
“We want (Stamkos) to be a Lightning player for a long time and our intention is to reach an agreement that works for all the parties involved.”
The Lightning will likely want to sign Dwayne Roloson, Mike Smith, Sean Bergenheim and Teddy Purcell. Simon Gagne could be down the contract priority list.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: If Brewer isn’t re-signed, Erlendsson thinks they will look at Kevin Bieksa or Christian Ehrhoff, “those type of UFAs”
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Coyotes GM Don Maloney needs to find a number 1 center, but was pleased with Kyle Turris’s play against Detroit in the 1st round. Kris Draper may be finding himself on the outside, as there isn’t really room for him on the Red Wings roster next season. He may retire and take a management job similar to what Kirk Maltby did last year. Alex Radulov’s KHL team is in financial trouble which could bode well for the Predators.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if it’s possible that Tim Thomas wins the Conn Smythe Trophy even if the Bruins lose. Keith Ballard’s days in Vancouver may be numbered as he’s fallen to 9th on their depth chart. Moving Ballard’s contract would be difficult as he has 3 years at $4.2 million per year. Coyotes GM Maloney hopes the Flyers work out a deal with Ilya Bryzgalov so that they can acquire another assets that was conditional in the trade. On a replacement for Bryzgalov,
“There’s some really good up-and-comers, ready for prime time as a No. 1 slot,” said Maloney. “For the right young goaltender who’s 23, 24, 25, who we could keep for five or six years, there’s a price. You weigh that against the UFA market. There’s some experienced, very good goaltenders. I’m not losing sleep over this.”
The Minnesota Wild may not name their new coach until draft week, Craig MacTavish may be the leading candidate. The Coyotes have to re-sign Keith Yandle but may let Ed Jovanovski walk. Matheson thinks the Oilers should sign Zenon Konopka.
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