Posts Tagged Evgeni Malkin

NHL Rumors III: Stamkos, Maple Leafs, Sharks and Penguins

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on July 24th, 2014

  • Stephen Whyno in the Toronto Star: Lightning Steven Stamkos will be a UFA in 2016 and thought of playing for the Maple Leafs could be there.

    “We’ll see what happens. It’s a couple years away,” Stamkos said Wednesday. “Right now I’m focused on what I have to do to win in Tampa, and I think we’ve really established ourselves as a team that can compete in upcoming years.

    “For me, that’s the important thing is getting a chance to win. It looks like we’re going to have that chance for a couple years.”

    Stamkos added that talk of him possibly coming to Toronto in two years will “absolutely not” be a distraction for him.

    “I try not to focus about that stuff,” he said. “I think that’s the great thing about playing in Tampa is hockey isn’t the mecca that it is here in Toronto and you can kind of go about your life and kind of get away from the game when you need to.”

    Stamkos added that he enjoys playing big hockey markets like Toronto.

    “I’m from around here and grew up cheering for the Leafs, so any time I get a chance to come back here I enjoy it, and any time I get a chance to play against the Leafs it’s fun,” he said. “It’s also fun beating them, too, because a lot of my friends are still Leaf fans.”

  • Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Kurz expects the Sharks to start the season with Antti Niemi and Alex Stalock in net. If they were going to trade Niemi, it likely would have happened already. Niemi has one-year left on his deal at $3.8 million. It’s possible that a team during the season could look at Niemi as a backup or potential starter. Niemi has won a Stanley Cup and was a Vezina Finalist just over a year ago.

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NHL Rumors I: Stastny, Boyle, Alfie, Santorelli, Kulemin, Grabovski, Weaver and Gionta

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 28th, 2014

  • Craig Custance: Predators GM David Poile said they have the budget to add a center. Paul Stastny would be a great addition for the Predators if they could land him.
  • Helene St. James: The Wings have spoken with Dan Boyle’s camp, but likely that he’ll get more money and term from someone else.
  • Ansar Khan: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they will wait until August to decide whether to re-sign Daniel Alfredsson. Back is an issue.
  • Iain MacIntyre: Canucks pending UFA Mike Santorelli is likely headed to the open market. His agent said the Canucks are only offering a one year deal and they feel he can do better.
  • Rob Longley: Leafs GM Dave Nonis on Nikolai Kulemin:  “At this point, we haven’t traded any numbers with (his agent.)”
  • Dave Molinari: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford suggested they will bring in a free agent winger for Evgeni Malkin. Kulemin is the obvious candidate.
  • Will DePaoli: The Penguins have met with Kulemin’s agent earlier this week.
  • Adam Vingan: On Capitals pending UFA Mikhail Grabovski: “I think the money is a little bit prohibitive right now.”
  • Renaud Lavoie: The Canadiens are still hopeful to re-sign Mike Weaver. They are less hopeful on Brian Gionta and he’ll likely go to free agency. People close to Gionta are saying his priority is still to remain with the Canadiens.

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NHL Rumors V: Blackhawks, Stars, Canadiens, Panthers, Caps, Pens, Blues and Brodeur

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 2nd, 2014

  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Some things the Blackhawks will have to handle this offseason.

    1. Sign Kane and Toews to gigantic contract extensions – both have one year left on their $6.3 million deals. They will need a raise and the Blackhawks won’t want to have both get close to unrestricted free agency next summer.  Evgeni Malkin’s eight-year, $76 million ($9.5 million salary cap hit) is a comparable.

    2. Shore up the backup goalie spot – Antti Raanta is a UFA and may be the most logical choice. Needs to improve on his .897 save percentage.

    3. Lay low for a while – They’ve played a lot of hockey in the last two years and they need to get away for a while to heal up and then get ready for next season.

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars should look for a younger goalie to battle 22-year Jack Campbell as their backup instead of veterans like they’ve used in the past (Tim Thomas, Dan Ellis, Andrew Raycroft or Cristopher Nilstorp). 27-year old Chad Johnson is a UFA, same with Devin Dubnyk. They could look at trades: Niklas Svedberg or Malcolm Subban (BOS), Sami Aittokallio (COL), Petr Mrazek or Tom McCollum (DET).
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Canadiens may like to pay P.K. Subban something similar to Kris Letang’s eight years and $58 million. Drew Doughty got eight years and $56 million from the Kings. Letang’s no-trade cluase kicks in on July 1st and he could be dealt before.

    The Panthers are looking at Tom Renney, Marc Crawford and Ron Wilson for their head coaching vacancy. They may be waiting to see what happens to Dan Bylsma in Pittsburgh. If they go with Renney, Perry Pearn could be an assistant as the two worked together with the Rangers.

    Matheson thinks there is a 75 percent chance that Capitals Mike Green gets traded at the draft or this offseason. He has one-year left at $6.25 million. He’s dealt with concussion and groin issues in the past. The Lightning, Panthers, Red Wings and Flyers could be options.

    Would Ray Shero take on an advisor role with the Bruins?

    Lightning assistant GM Julien BriseBois could be the leading candidate for the Penguins GM position.

    The Blues signing free agent winger Joakim Lindstrom may not be good new for Magnus Paajarvi. The Blues are looking for a defensive partner for Kevin Shattenkirk on the second pairing, and have Patrik Berglund to offer up.

    Matheson doesn’t see the Martin Brodeur landing starting job anywhere next season. He may have to split time again somewhere next year.

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Morning Rumors I: Canadiens, Subban, Vanek, Red Wings and Capitals

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 1st, 2014

  • Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Gordon wonders if P.K. Subban’s agent Don Meehan could start contract talks at Evgeni Malkin money, eight years and $76 million. If they think that Lars Eller passed Tomas Plekanec on their “go-to two-way center,” Plekanec could get a pricey return. Plekanec has a no-trade clause. They are not likely to bring back Francis Bouillon and Douglas Murray.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Teams usually end paying players regardless if they underperformed. Brooks on Thomas Vanek: “No evidence at all the winger is remotely worth the seven-year, $50 million deal he rejected from the Islanders before being sent to Montreal at the deadline. No evidence he is anyone’s missing piece to a playoff puzzle.” Vanek has been rumored to the Wild for months. The demand for free agents this summer exceeds the supply. If Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin doesn’t give P.K. Subban a deal in the eight-year, $8 million per year range, they may not see Subban in a Canadiens uniform for awhile.
  • Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland is expected to talk with Mike Babcock as early as this week. AHL head coach Jeff Blashill is close to signing an extension. Both coaches have a year left on their deal.

    “I told him some (NHL) teams have called; he’s very happy where he’s at,” Holland said. “I think he’d like to spend another year or two in the AHL getting more experience coaching pros.

    “We’re talking about a significant salary increase in return for him being patient for another year or two.”

    Holland has given teams permission to talk with Tom Renney and Bill Peters. Renney is a candidate for the Panthers position. The Hurricanes and Canucks are also looking for coaches.

  • Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on if he’ll be active on the trade front.

    “I don’t know. We’re going to see what’s available. I get the sense that with the cap going  up and a limited free agent market that there might be a few more names than there has been in the last couple years, so we’ll see where it goes.”

    On if he needs to make changes to their current roster.

    “I think we can get more out of this roster. I think this coach is going to bring more out of this roster and then we’ll add from there. …The challenge will be to stay patient and pick and choose your opportunities and not try to be too aggressive.”

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NHL Rumors II: Penguins and Flyers … Big Money Niskanen and Neal’s Trade Value

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 28th, 2014

  • William DePaoli: Source saying the Penguins have interviewed Julien BriseBois, Jason Botterill, Tom Fitzgerald and Pierre McGuire for the GM vacancy.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins Matt Niskanen may be looking for a six year deal in the $33 million range according to a source. There could even be talk that some teams think he’s a $6 million guy. The Flyers are looking for a top four defenseman and may look at Niskanen. Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik was thought to have a serious knee injury suffered in round two against the Rangers, but is expected to be ready for training camp according to his agent. The 33-year old Orpik is a pending UFA and believes he has four or five years left in him. There is some talk around the league that he may only have three productive years left.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Looking at the trade value for Penguins James Neal. He has a cap hit of $5 million through 2017-18. His no-trade clause doesn’t kick in until July 1st, 2015. Multiple sources say that management may be having doubts on whether he can play a more disciplined game. The unnecessary penalties, immaturity and arrogance in his game has not gone away. He has trouble creating his own shot when not playing with Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby. He can score 40 goals though, and they may be able to get more complete players for him in a trade. An Eastern Conference scout:

    “Is he a player you build around? I’d lean in the direction of no but I like him,” the senior advisor said. “Goal scorers are at a premium {right now}, he has a good contract and is at the right age.”

    DePaoli lists three trade proposal’s for Neal.

    1. James Neal and Simon Despres to Tampa Bay for Teddy Purcell, Brett Connelly and a 1st round pick, 17th overall.

    2. James Neal to Edmonton for David Perron and Mitch Moroz.

    3. James Neal to Winnipeg for Evander Kane.

    Another option may to look to acquire a top four defenseman and not focusing on getting a potential top six forward. What about Blues Kevin Shattenkirk?

  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Finding a top defenseman may be the priority for the Flyers against this offseason again. Predators GM David Poile said in April that they won’t be trading Shea Weber. Tyler Myers’ name was tossed around a few times, but passed on the idea as early as the trade deadline. GM Ron Hextall needs to acquire at least one defenseman through trade or free agency. Do they re-sign Kimmo Timonen given that he’s close to retiring and with a high cap hit? Panaccio thinks that Matt Niskanen would be an attractive option for the Flyers, giving him the $6 million they would have given Timonen.

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NHL Rumors III: Kesler, Canucks, Ducks, Penguins, and Lemieux

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2014

  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “Couldn’t honestly tell you what final price was & if Shero/ownership backed off but the Penguins tried really hard to get Kesler” … “People criticize Shero for not trying to upgrade the Penguins team but he tried to get Kesler” … “I don’t believe Smith-Pelly was a guy that was involved in the Ana-Kesler talks. I’ve heard Rakell. Van wanted a centre”
  • Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks need to trade Ryan Kesler and one of their defenseman as they look to retool. They need to fill the void in NHL ready prospects. Kesler gave the list of six teams, but only two were fits at the deadline, the Penguins and Ducks, but obviously a deal couldn’t be reached then. The Ducks had the better offer for Kesler, but the Canucks wanted a higher premium since they were trading within their division. The Ducks had offered the pick they received from Ottawa in the Bobby Ryan trade, which turned out to be 10th overall. If the Ducks had also been offering Devante Smith-Pelly and one of either Emerson Etem or Kyle Palmieri, the Canucks could regret it. Hard to see Smith-Pelley being available now.
  • Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Starkey thinks the Penguins just need a significant retooling and not a rebuild. The Penguins have three players making $5 million: Marc-Andre Fleury, James Neal and Paul Martin. They should try to trade Neal for Evander Kane. Trade Martin for forward help. Let Fleury play out the last year of his deal. Trading Neal for Kane would let them play Kane with Crosby and move Chris Kunitz to Evgeni Malkin’s left wing or even look to trade Kunitz. Starkey also thinks the Penguins should buyout Rob Scuderi.

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NHL Rumors II: Free Agents – Bolland, Stastny, Kulemin, Miller, Tedenby, Grabovski, Ott and Raanta

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on May 21st, 2014

  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “When you’re talking about Bolland & Stastny you’re talking about 2 distinctly different players” … “In Bolland you get what you get provided he’s healthy and that’s going to be the biggest issue for the Leafs or any team” … “To this point the Leafs don’t believe the negotiations have been fair [RE Bolland] based on the player they’re getting” … “The Leafs just don’t have the stomach to pay Bolland $5 plus million a year” … “Stastny’s going to such a big number as well. This guys certainly a different player, more dynamic” … “Will Toronto have some interest in Stastny? Yeah, they’ll have some interest. As they do in most of the top end UFAs” … “Nonis and CO will dabble but if Stastny’s number doesn’t fit where they slot him they’ll move on”
  • Craig Custance: If the Maple Leafs pass on re-signing Dave Bolland, the Panthers may become the favorite to sign him.
  • The Fourth Period: The Penguins have shown interest in trading for Nikolai Kulemin in the past, and could target him during free agency. He’s not expected to re-sign with the Maple Leafs. Kulemin was practicing on a line with Evgeni Malkin during Russia’s practice yesterday. The Penguins will have approximately between $13 and $16 million in cap space next year. They may not be able to re-sign pending UFA Matt Niskanen. Kulemin may have to take a pay cut from his $3 million that he made this past season.
  • Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Gleason thinks the Sabres should resist the urge to bring back Ryan Miller if he were interested. They need to let their younger goaltenders play and develop. Teams like the Wild and Sharks may be interested in signing him. Both could be Cup contenders, something that interests him. The Ducks could also be an option. He might have to take a three years or fewer deal at $15 million or less may make sense for some.
  • The Fourth Period: A Swedish report is saying that Devils winger Mattias Tedenby could sign with HV71 of the SHL.

    “We have shown interest Mattias, but he is waiting for what happens both west and east,” Hult told Jnytt. “He is at that age that both the NHL and KHL (are of interest), and we must be prepared to accept (a move from the NHL).”

  • Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Mikhail Grabovski had been hoping to get a $5 million contract. He’s playing for Belarus at the World Championship and isn’t worried about free agency.

    “I don’t worry about it,” Grabovski told the Canadian Press of his pending unrestricted free agency. “For me personally it’s just time for make myself a better player in big arenas, big ice. But people who know me in NHL, they already know me. It doesn’t matter here.”

    Grabovski said back in April that he and his wife liked Washington, but wanted to see who the next coach will be.

  • Scott Powers: Blackhawks Antti Raanta wants to re-sign and to push for a starting  job. There have not been contract talks yet.
  • Jim Matheson: Since everyone is looking for a puck-moving defensemen, someone will sign free agent Guillaume Gelinas of Val-D’Or (92 points).
  • Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets defenseman Ilari Melart signed with a KHL team for next year. Melart can make six-figures in the KHL. There was no guarantee that he could make the NHL and would only collect five-figures in the AHL.
  • Ian Mendes: From Dorion’s interview: Senators Stephane Da Costa has a lucrative offer from a KHL team. The Senators have given Da Costa an offer as well.

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Morning Hits: Ovechkin, Letang, Elliott, Murray, Beleskey and Andersen

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on May 20th, 2014

  • Darren Dreger: Canadiens Therrien: “Really disappointed. He’s our best player. Looking at incident it’s a reckless play. Not first time Kreider goes at goalies.
  • Mike Morreale: Reports are that Alex Ovechkin will miss only one game at the World Championships. Evgeni Malkin arrived yesterday.
  • Renaud Lavoie: Penguins Kris Letang broke his foot in Game 6 and broke his hand in Game 7. He’s not able to workout for four weeks.
  • Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues signed Brian Elliott to a three year contract extension.
  • Curtis Zupke: The Ducks signed GM Bob Murray to a four year contract extension.
  • Eric Stephens: Ducks Matt Beleskey has a torn abdominal muscle and may require surgery.
  • Eric Stephens: Ducks Frederik Andersen suffered a sprained MCL in Game 3, but was close to returning.

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NHL Rumors III: Flyers, Teams In Need of Change and Players That Could Be Available

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on May 18th, 2014

  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Hiring an assistant GM to fill his old position is not high on Flyers GM Ron Hextall’s priority list. Flyers fans shouldn’t expect major changes.

    “I don’t anticipate anything real big,” he said. “. . . I like our team, like our youth up front. I like a lot of things. In saying that, there are a few things we have to take a peek at. But I’m not expecting anything earth-shattering right now.”

    On adding a more productive left winger for Claude Giroux.

    “If there’s something out there, we’d look at it, but I think it’s more left wing in general” where the Flyers need help. “Our right side is real strong, our middle is real strong. The left side is probably our weak spot, so if we can add a left winger, yeah, we’d love to do that.”

    There will be many left winger UFAs this year, and Jets Evander Kane could be on the trade block. Hextall has talked to their pending free agent defenseman Kimmo Timonen, though no offer has been made as of yet.

    “My hunch is it will be an ongoing process with Kimmo for the next few weeks or month, for him to see where his body is at and where he’s at, mentally,” Hextall said.

    Carchidi lists some free agent left wingers: Thomas Vanek, Jussi Jokinen, Matt Moulson, Mason Raymond, Mike Cammalleri, Milan Michalek, Benoit Pouliot, Dustin Penner, Dany Heatley and Nikolai Kulemin.

  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Senators, Maple Leafs, Capitals, Jets and Hurricanes need to make major roster changes. The Penguins, Sharks, Canucks, Predators, Panthers, Oilers and Flames may also need to go through some change.

    Four teams are looking for a GM and five for a head coach.

    Players that could be available for trade this off-season: Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Eric Staal, Dion Phaneuf, Evander Kane, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

    The Maple Leafs are listening more than shopping Dion Phaneuf.

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NHL Rumors II: Pittsburgh Penguins – Day Two Of Potential Changes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Rumors on May 15th, 2014

  • Pat Pickens of SportsNet: Four things to expect from the Penguins:

    1. Housecleaning: Dan Bylsma will likely take the fall. Their depth wasn’t strong enough to overcome the injuries to Pascal Dupuis and Brooks Orpik. Addition of Lee Stempniak at the deadline didn’t help much.

    2. A blockbuster: They could look to move Kris Letang and his $7.25 million salary cap hit. The Penguins may be regretting trading Jordan Staal. A Ryan Kesler deal at the deadline may have helped. Could a deal between the Penguins and Canucks involving Kesler and Letang be made?

    3. Plenty of walking: Jussi Jokinen is a free agent. They will need to re-sign Brian Gibbons. Matt Niskanen will likely leave for more money. Brooks Orpik may also be gone as they look to get younger. It may be time to get younger on the blueline.

    4. A change in net: Marc-Andre Fleury did play well at times, but did let in some questionable goals in the final four games. They are happy with a .915 save percentage and 2.40 goals against average, he’s their guy. If they expect more, they’ll need to look elsewhere.

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: A decision on GM Ray Shero’s future is unknown, but ownership may be leaning towards firing Dan Bylsma.  Ownership was concerned over Sidney Crosby’s body language during the playoffs according to a source. Mario Lemieux pulled him aside to talk with him after Game 6. Byslma may have lost the dressing, especially with the support of Crosby and Malkin.
  • William DePaoli: If the Penguins get rid of GM Ray Shero, Pat Brisson is a potential GM candidate.
  • Hope Smoke: Rob Rossi: “Pens won’t move Malkin. He’ll have his agent tell whatever team that tries to trade for him that he won’t stay in North America” … “Penguins will look to move Letang and or Neal instead.”
  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “In the past Bylsma was seen a as a beloved figure by the Pens players. Its anything but that now.” … “I believe reports in Pitt that there is some thought of going deeper than Bylsma. Is it possible Shero loses his job? Possible” … “Other changes in Pittsburgh will depend on who is in the front office and behind the bench”
  • Hope Smoke: Nick Kypreos: “Issues in Pittsburgh are player accountability and team toughness. Problems go deeper than Fleury” … “I heard there were some ankle issues with Crosby but I won’t pin his performance on injuries”
  • Hope Smoke: Nick Kypeos: “People are already talking like Bylsma’s gone. One name that popped up a few minutes ago, to take over in Pitt, is Mike Keenan” … “People are comparing the Keenan – Crosby duo to the situation Keenan had in NY”
  • Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro: “There is no way the Penguins can go forward with the same group.” … “Maybe Crosby needs more support. More guys around him than we might think”
  • Joshua Janet: “Ray Shero was named “GM of the Year” on June 14, 2013. Less than a year later, pundits and fan alike suggesting he should be fired.”

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