Posts Tagged Matt Moulson

NHL Rumors XIII: Ribeiro, Yandle, Canucks, Draisaitl, Lightning, Ward, Sabres and Jackets

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2014

  • Sarah McLellan: Coyotes GM Don Maloney said the Mike Ribeiro buyout was purely about behavior issues and not a cost saving move. Maloney added that Ribeiro is seeking help this summer.
  • Craig Custance: After the Ribeiro buyout, the Coyotes have a hole at center. Custance wonders if this increases the likelihood of a Keith Yandle trade.
  • Darren Dreger: Speculation on the draft floor shifting to the Canucks focus on acquiring the first overall pick.
  • Michael Traikos: Hearing that Leon Draisaitl is the top selection for a lot of teams.
  • Billy Jaffe: Expecting the Lightning to add another veteran top four defenseman between today and July 2nd. They have the draft picks and room to make a deal.
  • David Pagnotta: The Hurricanes are still exploring the trade market for Cam Ward and Sharks are doing the same for Antti Niemi.
  • Chris Botta: The Panthers and Islanders are among the most aggressive teams when it comes to trade and free agent talks. Both teams likely to improve over the coming weeks.
  • John Vogl: Sabres GM Tim Murray has talked to the agents of Steve Ott and Matt Moulson.
  • Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekelainen said he’s talked to the 15 teams that are ahead of them, inquiring about moving up.
  • Aaron Portzline: GM Kekelainen: “I asked the top three teams what it would take. They say Ryan Johansen. I just said, ‘Okay. That’s not gonna happen. Click.’”

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NHL Rumors I: Kesler, Stastny, Wild, Iginla, Thornton, Pouliot and Oilers

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 27th, 2014

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Sources saying the list of teams interested in trading for Ryan Kesler has grown. The Ducks and Blackhawks have been the front-runners all week, but despite more teams interested, does he want to go there?

    As of late yesterday afternoon, about 15 teams inquired about Paul Stastny. The Blues, Jets and Blackhawks are among the teams. Jets interest is legit. Not sure how the Blackhawks could afford Stastny as they are telling teams he’s not looking for a paycut from his $6.66 million cap hit this past season.

    With Dany Heatley’s $7.5 million cap hit off the books, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher can get back in the game.

    “Yes, it’s nice to be able to get involved more, I spoke with several agents yesterday,” Fletcher told ESPN.com on Thursday morning.

    Sources say Thomas Vanek was among the players Fletcher talked too. As of late yesterday afternoon, sources say eight to 10 teams called on Vanek.

    “If we don’t re-sign [winger] Matt Moulson and [defenseman] Clayton Stoner, then we have to replace those players,” Fletcher said of his two pending UFAs. “In an ideal world, we’re looking for a guy who can chip in offensively up front and a fifth/sixth defenseman. Obviously there’s options in both those areas where the price tag might vary a little bit.”

  • Joe Haggerty: Bruins pending UFA Jarome Iginla’s agent has started talking to other teams about potentially playing there next season. John Shannon: The only way Iginla remains in Boston is if they move out some bodies. Would it be worth trading Johnny Boychuk or Gregory Campbell just to keep Iginla?
  • Joe Haggerty: Several teams have shown interest in Shawn Thornton.
  • Benoit Lavoie: About 10 teams have shown interest in Rangers Benoit Pouliot. He is looking for a long-term deal.
  • News 1130 Sports: Oilers GM Craig MacTavish: “Size is a factor. It’s no secret we play in a big conference, and we need size to compete.”
  • Cap Geek: Canadiens Andre Markov received a full no-trade clause for this season, and a modified no-trade clause for his final two seasons. Hurricanes Ron Hainsey received a modified no-trade clause.

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NHL Rumors XII: Stars, Orpik, Predators, Jets, Brodeur and Flyers

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 26th, 2014

  • Bruce Garrioch: Lots of chatter that the Stars are kicking tires on Jason Spezza, have been mentioned before.
  • Andy Strickland: 10 to 15 teams have made calls on Paul Stastny. Things could heat up more after the weekend. Stastny won’t sign anywhere before circling back to the Avalanche and giving them one last shot.
  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Four to five team inquired about Brooks Orpik yesterday including the Capitals, Blues and Sabres. The Penguins haven’t ruled out Orpik and are considering a three year offer.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said they won’t meet any free agents face-to-face, only over the phone. Paul Stastny and Thomas Vanek are unlikely to land with the Predators unless they throw a lot of money at them. Matt Moulson would be cheaper and would give them some need scoring help.
  • Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff on trade questions regarding Evander Kane.

    “Again, these kinds of questions are really unfair,” Cheveldayoff said this morning at the team’s downtown Philadelphia hotel, addressing reporters. “There are lots of conversations that go on. I’m sure there were levels of frustration at different points in time for individual players. From our standpoint, Evander is a Winnipeg Jet and I know that there’s obviously been lots of different rumours out there. At this point in time, that’s how we’re going to proceed. As far as any demands, we’re working as normal here.”

    Cheveldayoff is listening to all callers.

    “I’ve been pretty open that from an organization standpoint we’re going to listen to everybody,” he said. “If there’s a guy that a team has an interest in, then my phone is open for a phone call. That shouldn’t be characterized that anything is imminent or that I’ve got deals on the table or not, and if I do, there’s certain things that have to happen.”

    Cheveldayoff on trade speculation.

    “The trade talk is always ramped up around this time of the year,” he said. “I think the uniqueness of the free-agency period where you can actually speak to potential UFAs is a little bit different than in past years. I think there’s a lot of conversations that are going on by general managers on different fronts.

    “Trades sometimes happen at the draft because it seems that that’s where the appetite is, but a lot of times those are involving picks. If they’re just straight hockey deals and players, then certainly there’s other times that those things can happen, as well.”

  • Tom Gulitti: Martin Brodeur said he won’t be visiting any cities of teams that show interest in him.
  • Tim Panaccio: (answering question) Panaccio doesn’t think the chances of the Flyers being able to get into the top five tomorrow are good.

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NHL Rumors II: Five Call On Spezza, Wild and Free Agents Staying Away From Draft

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 26th, 2014

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It is believed that five teams have made calls on Jason Spezza – the Blues, Ducks , Coyotes, Predators and Panthers. The Senators would like to have a deal done by Friday and have an first round pick to use.

    “Internally, Bryan told us at a certain time, what Jason’s possible demands were,” said Dorion at the club’s recent pre-draft availability. “We’ve talked about it for awhile so we’ve prepared for every type of scenario.

    “We’ve known since (Spezza) came in and asked Bryan. We met with the pro scouts (two weeks ago), we met with the amateur scouts in May and those guys are aware. We’ve gone through every team in the league.”

  • Bruce Garrioch: The Senators will be going over Jason Spezza options in Philadelphia, the offers will only improve.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher thinks he could add a veteran player or two this offseason. Thomas Vanek and Matt Niskanen are a couple of the top free agents, and their agent Steve Bartlett told them not to come to Philadelphia to talk with teams.

    “The whole [interview period] isn’t working, at least from the player side, the way it was intended,” said agent Steve Bartlett, whose top two free agents this cycle are Vanek and Tampa Bay’s Ryan Callahan. “It handcuffs everybody when everybody’s sitting in Philly.

    “The way this was envisioned was players could go into cities and see the schools, the neighborhoods, look at the facilities, go out to dinner. When someone has to make what often they feel is a pressure decision on July 1 or 2, they want to have a sense more than just what they might know from playing on a visiting team.”

    Don Meehan won’t have Jarome Iginla, Brad Richards, David Legwand and Matt Moulson in Philly either.
    Steve Bartlett on Vanek and the Wild.

    “I don’t know what [the Wild’s] level of interest is. I’ll be curious to see,” Bartlett said. “There’s a lot of teams out there that need what Vanek brings. He’s interested to see what’s out there and he’s confident he can help a team.”

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Top 10 2014 NHL Free Agent Wingers

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 25th, 2014

Thomas VanekExpanded look at unrestricted free agency this week by Todd Cordell, who can be found on twitter @ToddCordell.

While this is recognized league-wide as a poor free agent class, those hoping to address the wing and add some scoring punch are in luck, as there are quite a few quality players to choose from.

In this post we’ll be looking at the top-10 wingers whom could test the market come July 1. The rankings will take into account standard stats such as goals, assists, and points as well as advanced stats such as Corsi For% relative to the team, and points per 60 minutes of 5 vs 5 and/or 5 vs 4.

If you missed yesterday’s post with free wingers ranked 11 through 20 and want to view them first, they can be found here.

Without further ado, here are my rankings for the top-10 free agent wingers available this summer.

Read the rest of this entry »

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NHL Rumors III: Wild, Toews and Kane, Iginla and Subban

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2014

  • Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press: Don’t expect a blockbuster trade from the Wild. It is more likely that they’ll flip draft picks or trades a role player or two.

    “I would say I’m receiving more calls than dialing right now,” he said.

    “There seems to be a lot of tire-kicking, where teams are assessing what may be available from other teams,” he added. “I find there’s a lot of dialogue going into the draft week, trying to set up possibilities during the draft itself.”

    “That’s not to say we won’t make a trade,” Fletcher said. “We’re looking at options in free agency. Certainly, there’s a lot of (unrestricted free agents) that may be attractive to us as we get into the shopping period. … So, I don’t know that we’re a team that’s going to make a lot of moves. But we’ll see; you never know.”

    There is the possibility that they move up from the No. 18 slot, but could also move back. Matt Moulson, Dany Heatley and Ilya Bryzgalov will most likely go to free agency. Cody McCormick and Clayton Stoner are the most likely to be re-signed.

  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Jonathan Toews said that he and Patrick Kane would prefer against to sign their contract extensions together.

    “We’ve been kind of going hand-in-hand almost our entire careers,” Toews said in Las Vegas, site of Tuesday night’s NHL Awards where he is a Selke Trophy nominee. “When we came in as rookies we’ve just been included in the same discussion for a lot of things — namely our second contract and probably this time again. The chances of that are good. But at the end of the day (Kane) has got his own needs and his own family, and you have to respect that as well.”

    Toews and Kane share the same agent, Pat Brisson, who has been in talks with GM Stan Bowman about extensions for the pair.

  • Fluto Shinzawa: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli will meet with Jarome Iginla in Philadelphia according to agent Don Meehan. Iginla will also meet with other teams while he’s there. May depend on how things progress with the Bruins.
  • Dave Stubbs: P.K. Subban’s agent, Don Meehan, said that he’ll meet with Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin at the draft and will set an agenda to move contract extension talks to the next stage.

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NHL Rumors IV: Bruins, Cammalleri, Flyers, Nikitin and Gaborik

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

  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli confirmed yesterday that they won’t be going “full force” into free agency and they don’t have any meetings with potential free agents set up for this week. Their bonus overage penalty of $4.7 million has handcuffed them.

    “I look at it there are good players available, but we’re not going to go full force into free agency. We’ll probably take a step back, and look at what may be lesser deals – meaning not the high profile deals that may be available – partially due to salary cap reasons, and partially due to team chemistry reasons.”

    The Bruins have just less than $9 million to re-sign Jarome Iginla, Torey Krug, Reilly Smith and Matt Bartkowski, along with finding a Shawn Thornton replacement and a backup goaltender.

  • Marc Antoine Godin: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said they are not in the market for any centers.
  • Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Brad Treliving on Mike Cammalleri: “No update other than talks continue.” Treliving wouldn’t comment on whether they would uses their compliance buyout.
  • Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: After the Scott Hartnell-Umberger trade, Flyers GM Ron Hextall may now be looking for a left winger for their top line. Free agent targets, if they can find the cap space, could include Matt Moulson, Mike Cammalleri, Benoit Pouliot and Mason Raymond.
  • Bob Stauffer: Contract talks between the Oilers and Nikita Nikitin are “on-going.” Aaron Portzline: Talks between the Oilers and Nikitin should continue into today.
  • Jon Rosen: The Kings and Marian Gaborik made some progress over the weekend, but there is still some work to be done.

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NHL Rumors VI: Red Wings, Wild Shopping Two, the Devils and Brodeur

Posted by Mark Easson in Feature, NHL Rumors on June 23rd, 2014

  • Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbag) Potential targets for the Red Wings. Khan thinks they’d land a secondary scorer in Jussi Jokinen or Matt Moulson on a shorter deal than it would take to bring in a Thomas Vanek, Paul Stastny, Ryan Callahan or Marian Gaborik. If they were to offer a big, longer term deal, it would have to be someone like the 28-year old Stastny. They are not likely to add someone like Steve Ott. Matt Niskanen and Andrei Markov are not really No. 1 defesemen, but they will end up getting paid like one. The Red Wings are likely to look at the cheaper Dan Boyle, Anton Stralman, Derek Morris, Tom Gilbert and Stephane Robidas. Khan doesn’t think they are willing to part with the assets to land a Dustin Byfuglien or Keith Yandle.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Sources saying the Wild are shopping Kyle Brodziak and may be willing to retain some salary in a Niklas Backstrom trade. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has been working the phones the past week.

    “Everyone calls everybody,” the Wild GM said. “You don’t see a whole bunch of trades the week prior to the draft. It’s all about trying to figure out who your likely dance partners can be the week at the draft. It’ll take a move or two to get the ball rolling, and then there’s usually a domino-type effect. We’re not there yet.”

  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils GM Lou Lamoreillo said it’s unlikely that they will use their remaining compliance buyout. It’s also not looking like Martin Brodeur will be back with the team.

    “It’s unlikely,” Lamoriello told The Star-Ledger. “No decisions have been made yet. We still have time on our side, but it’s unlikely.”

    “Marty has made his decision,” Lamoriello said. “Quite frankly, I’m not going to make it a difficult topic.”

    Lamoreillo on if he has any intention of trying to re-sign Brodeur,

    “No one rules anything out.”

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NHL Rumors VI: Panthers Edition – Campbell, Draft, and Free Agent Targets

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

  • Hope Smoke: George Richards: “This wasn’t what Campbell signed up for when he came to Fla. He was told that it was going to be different and a new day here” … “As far as the Panthers, I’ve heard they’re either going to spend to the cap or spend a lot” … “Tallon isn’t just going to move the pick for one guy. I think someone will give him something he likes & he’ll stay in the top 10.” …  “Tallon has been looking at all kinds of candidates in the 1st round to be ready for this” … “I’ve heard that Tallon likes both those guys [Nylander & Ehlers]” …  “I would think Tallon would like to stay in the top 6 but I don’t know if that’s feasible.”
  • Hope Smoke: Nick Kypreos: “I’m with Mac I think there’s pressure for Tallon to flip the pick and get some top 6 help in his lineup”
  • Hope Smoke: Nick Kypreos: “I hear every free agent is going to Florida from Moulson to Niskanen to Matt Greene”
  • Hope Smoke: George Richards: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Van and Fla work something out [at the draft]” MacLean “Me neither”

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NHL Rumors II: Potential Red Wings Targets and the Penguins GM Search

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on June 3rd, 2014

  • Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings need a right-handed shooting, top-four defenseman. They will be talking about Matt Niskanen during their three days of management meetings, and he’ll likely be at the top of their wish list. They have close to $20 million in cap space before signing any of their RFAs: Tomas Tatar, Riley Sheahan and Danny DeKeyser. (Mailbag)

    Don’t expect the Red Wings to offer Niskanen $7 million. The highest they went on Ryan Suter was $6.77 million. Khan doesn’t know if they would go as high as $6 million.

    Even if they were able to sign Niskanen, they should have enough cap space left over to get a top-six winger. If they can’t find a good deal, they could retain the cap space in hopes of an in-season trade or free agency next summer.

    If they can’t sign Niskanen, veteran free agent options could be: Dan Boyle, Marek Zidlicky, Anton Stralman, Derek Morris and Tom Gilbert. Left handed defenseman options could be UFA Andrei Markov or trading for Alex Edler if the Canucks are looking to move him.

    Mike Cammalleri could be an option on wing, but size and durability would be a concern.

    Khan doesn’t think they should go after Matt Moulson on a long-term deal. Jussi Jokinen may be a better option than Moulson. Giving Tomas Jurco more ice time and calling up Teemu Pulkkinen at some time during the year may be a better option than Jokinen.

    Trading for P.A. Parenteau could be an option, but what would it cost them?

  • Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Signs pointing to the Penguins hiring a new GM this week, possibly before Game 1 on Wednesday. Some candidates have been given notice that they are no longer under consideration. Jason Botterill is a top candidate. Julien BriseBois has been interviewed twice. There could be a darkhorse candidate. The Penguins may have look at between 12 and 14 potential candidates. Pierre McGuire has had a phone and in-person interview, and is a serious candidate.

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