Posts Tagged Michael Del Zotto

Morning Rumors I: Senators, Blues, Oilers, Leafs and Canucks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 24th, 2014

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators scouting meetings ended yesterday, draft and trade deadline lists have been created. The Senators are able to rent a top a top-six forward, but there may not be a lot available. Only the Sabres and maybe the Panthers are out of the race in the East. In the West, the Oilers and Flames will be sellers.

    “You’re going to have a lot of teams all going after the same players and that will make the asking prices high,” said a league executive Wednesday.

    Trade options for the Senators: The Sens do have interest in Matt Moulson, with the asking price believed to be a 1st and a prospect. The Rangers would like to re-sign Ryan Callahan, but he may be available. The Sens have always liked Ales Hemsky’s game, but not his salary. Sabres Drew Stafford wouldn’t be a rental as he has a $4 million cap hit through next season. Tuomo Ruutu has been available all year, and the Blue Jackets could also be interested in him.

  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues recent struggles have led to more speculation whether they need to upgrade on Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. Do they go with Jake Allenfrom within (16-10-2 with a 2.14 GAA) or the trade route?

    “We know that we have very good players in the American Hockey League, whether it’s Allen or (Dmitrij) Jaskin and (Chris) Porter,” Armstrong said. “But I think right now, we’re going with this group. They’ve put themselves in a good position this year. We’re going through a downturn. I can’t act like it’s not happening. We’re not getting the results that are needed to be a successful team. But I don’t think every time you hit a bump in the road you want to reinvent the wheel.”

    Blue GM Doug Armstrong said it’s on the team leaders to help turn them around and not by making changes.

    “This now becomes on the fabric of the leadership to grab a hold of the team and get it going,” he said. “Ken can give them the game plan, but he can’t give them the desire and the drive. That has to come internally. The desire to compete for the guy beside you, that has to come from inside the room.”

  • Eric Engels: On TSN panel saying Oilers should trade Jordan Eberle: “Only player they should and can trade for great value is Nail Yakupov. Sam Gagner is another. You don’t touch RNH, Hall, Eberle” David Staples: (responding to Eberle) “Yeah, instead of getting rid of guys who aren’t performing, trade one guy (Eberle) who has for the last 4 years. Brilliant! Trade Gagner. Trade Hemsky. Petry or Yak even. Trade the 1st overall. But trade Eberle? Why? He’s a real two-way NHL player.
  • Hope Smoke: Leafs GM Dave Nonis: ”I wouldn’t say that I would ever move either one of the goalies, but I don’t envision it right now”
  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: ”I think it’s fair to say the Leafs were considered a serious trading partner for Del Zotto. Talks never got very heavy.” … ”Leafs had interest in Del Zotto & there was some Gardiner talk but the Rangers wanted Franson. Leafs scared by MDZ’s inconsistency”
  • Dan Murphy: The Canucks are looking to bring in Vinny Prospal on an AHL PTO. SportsNet Pacific: GM Mike Gillis: ”Based on our injury situation, and not sure what the future may hold it was an option worth looking at.” Aaron Portzline: On Prospal: “Can’t skate, but he never could. Knows where to stand. Passionate, smart player. Has a love/hate thing w Torts.”

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Morning Rumors I: Rangers, Ducks, Islanders, Maple Leafs, Sabres, Predators and Rafalski

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on January 23rd, 2014

  • Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: Rangers Dan Girardi will be looking for a raise from his $3.325 million cap hit. If his contract demands are too high, GM Glen Sather could deal him by the trade deadline.

    “I think I’ve said this before: We want to re-sign all of these players, and we’d like to get it done before the season is finished if we can,” said Sather, who also has the task of trying to re-sign captain Ryan Callahan, a winger. “We’ve had discussions with their agents and hopefully we will get it done. But this does give us a little more insurance on that side, so you have to look to the future as well when you do make these deals.”

  • The Fourth Period: After the Del Zotto trade to the Predators, the Rangers will now turn to their attention to trying to re-sign Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan. The Rangers have already explored trade talks with the Ducks about Girardi. Other teams are also interested in Girardi.
  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow and Thomas Vanek’s agent have had some conversations over the past few weeks, and talks could continue leading up to the trade deadline. The Isles would like to know if Vanek would be open to signing a long-term deal with the team. If not, they’ll look to move him. There hasn’t been any talk between the Isles and pending UFA defenseman Andrew MacDonald. MacDonald could look for a deal in the $5 million range.
  • Michael Traikos of the National Post: The Maple Leafs have received calls on both James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier, but for now, GM Dave Nonis has no plans to break up the pairing.

    “I haven’t thought that too far, but could I see a scenario where both goalies were back next season? Yes,” said Nonis. “We’ve gone this far because of our goaltending. Jon is on a bit of a roll, but James has been really good for us.

    “I would never write James Reimer off.”

    Reasons why a goalie decision will likely wait until the offseason: 1. The Leafs need two goalies down the stretch 2. Trade value for goalies is low 3. Fear in a one-goalie system.

  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: ”Moulson will be flipped for sure. I have to believe they’ll get a prospect or a 2nd round pick. LA is def interested” … ”Don’t count the Sens out on Moulson. If they’re still in the playoff race come the deadline, I think Bryan gives his nephew a call” 67 Sound: “Does anyone else find it insane Moulson might be worth as little as a 2nd given rental prices at recent deadlines?”
  • Chris Nichols: The Predators say they intend to sign newly acquired pending RFA Michael Del Zotto to a long-term contract.
  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: ”Rangers needed financial security because they want to re-sign Girardi. Didn’t want to give MDZ a raise this summer.”
  • David Strehle: Scouting the Flyers-Hurricanes: Blues and Jets (2). The Blues do play the Hurricanes next week and the Jets early next month.
  • Chris Nichols: Brian Rafalski (playing in ECHL) isn’t sure what his intentions are. The Red Wings have someone watching him last weekend.

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NHL Trade: Rangers Trade Del Zotto To Predators For Klein

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on January 22nd, 2014

The New York Rangers have traded defenseman Michael Del Zotto to the Nashville Predators for defenseman Kevin Klein.

The 23-year old Del Zotto was drafted 20th overall in the first round of the 2008 draft by the Rangers. He carries a $2.55 million cap hit. He’ll be an RFA after this season.

The 29-year old Klein was drafted 37th overall in the second round of the 2003 draft by the Predators. He carries a $2.9 million salary cap hit for four more seasons after this one.

Thoughts from the media:

  • Jim Diamond: “Intrigued that the Predators would feel the need to add D, when they are playing pretty well right now.”
  • Andrew Gross: “Kevin Klein is a 6-foot-1, right-handed shot d-man. Rangers were looking for another right-hander.”
  • Corey Pronman: “Kevin Klein’s a very average defenseman and maybe b avg who is 29 and signed for 4.5 more seasons at 2.9MM. Striking eval of MZD’s value.”
  • Joe Yerdon: “That’s a couple of long-term deals Poile has tossed aside not long after signing them in Klein and Hendricks.”
  • Darren Dreger: “Rangers have been looking for a right shot d-man for awhile. Vigneault’s influence also a factor from Canuck days facing the Preds.”
  • Bob McKenzie: “NYR get reliable RS defender in Klein, with attractive cost certainty ($2.9M per thru to 2018). Also, insulation if Girardi goes to UFA.”
  • Dirk Hoag: “Sending Klein out of town (for another D?) is a stunning development. He’s a capable stay-at-home type who soaks up PK time.”
  • Dirk Hoag: “One quick thought: this allows the #Preds to go Weber/Jones/Ellis down the right side, and Josi/Del Zotto/Ekholm down the left.”
  • Patrick Kearns: “Rangers needed more offense from back end. Not less. Although Klein light years better defensively and cheap through 2018.”

What are your thoughts on the deal? Who is the winner/loser?

Michael Del Zotto

Kevin Klein

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Morning Rumors II: Stars, Rangers, Kings, Hurricanes, Canucks, Lightning, Penguins, Leafs and Senators

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 17th, 2014

  • TSN Insider Trading: McKenzie: Two Stars who may be okay with being traded are Ray Whitney and Sergei Gonchar. Whitney would be a rental, but Gonchar as two years left at $5 million.

    LeBrun: A Dan Girardi extension may be more likely than a Ryan Callahanextension.

    Dreger:  The Kings would like to add some scoring but will likely have to wait until closer to the trade deadline due to cap space available. They are looking at rentals: Mike Cammalleri, Thomas Vanek and maybe Tomas Fleischmann and Matt Moulson.

    Dreger: Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu is in play. GM Jim Rutherford told Ruutu he will push for a trade. Ruutu has a no-trade clause.

    McKenzie: Rutherford sent an email to teams saying Jiri Tlusty, Riley Nash, Drayson Bowman and Brett Bellemore are available.  The Canucks did the same with Dale Weise. The Lightning did the same with Keith Aulie and Tom Pyatt.

  • Will DePaoli of Insider Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins sent Simon Despres back to the AHL, and some within the organization are souring on him. Trade speculation will mount as they may be higher on prospects Derrick Pouliot, Scott Harrington and Brian Dumoulin.
  • Will DePaoli of Insider Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins are looking for a third line winger and a top-six winger. They don’t have a second round pick and are lukewarm on the idea of trading their first round pick for any rental that might be available. There is some thought of playing James Neal with Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby, and then finding a winger for Evgeni Malkin by the deadline. There are better fits out there for Malkin than Crosby.
  • ESPN Slide Show: Players who could be traded: Ryan Miller, Sam Gagner, Mike Cammalleri, Thomas Vanek, Matt Moulson, Steve Ott, Dan Girardi, Michael Del Zotto, Anton Khudobin or Justin Peters, David Legwand, Martin Erat, Andrew MacDonald, Ryan Callahan and Nazem Kadri.
  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: ”The Canucks need more strength down the middle. Probably going to have to use one of their good D to get it done.”
  • Damien Cox: A rumor that was floating around the prospects game that was going on during the summer, was a James Reimer for Nail Yakupov deal.
  • MyNHLTradeRumors: Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch said on Hockey Central that the Rangers wanted Marc Methot and another piece (likely an AHL player) for Michael Del Zotto. The Senators were fine with the other piece, but not with trading Methot.

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Morning Rumors II: Hurricanes, Predators, Leafs, Oilers, Avs, Rangers, Penguins and Coyotes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 16th, 2014

  • Mark Spector: Cam Ward has a no-trade clause and a long history with the Hurricanes. GM Jim Rutherford really likes him. Seems like it would be a long shot for them to move him. Darren Dreger: A Cam Ward trade is possible, but it would require a big return for an in-season trade. He should return to the lineup next week.
  • The Fourth Period: Hurricanes goalies Anton Khudobin and Justin Peters have been in the rumors, and now it appears that Cam Ward may consider a change of scenery. Both Khudobin and Peters will be UFAs at the end of the season. If the Hurricanes are able to re-sign Khudobin, they could explore a Ward trade in the summer. They are currently looking for a top-six forward.
  • Mark Spector: Spector has heard the Predators may be interested in Oilers Sam Gagner.
  • The Fourth Period: Nazem Kadri could be the odd man out as the Maple Leafs look for a top-line center. It is thought that the Leafs could package Kadri and Jake Gardiner for a proven first line center, then move Tyler Bozak to the second line. This type of move may have to wait until the offseason. The Oilers and Leafs have talked, but Sam Gagner isn’t a top-line center. The Leafs have shown interest in Jeff Skinner and Paul Stastny in the past. They wouldn’t move Kadri for a pending UFA in Stastny.
  • James Mirtle: Darren Dreger said that if the Maple Leafs are going to trade Nazem Kadri, and there is a chance that they will, they will need a center to come back in the deal.
  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: If the Rangers decide to go the route of sellers by the trade deadline, they don’t have a lot to deal off their roster. They also don’t have a lot of resources in their system to bring in players if they want to go that route. They do need to get bigger. They could trade Michael Del Zotto for a defenseman that could play 16 minutes and have the ability to play in the top-four if need be. They are not deep enough to trade a J.T. Miller, Pavel Buchnevich or a 1st round pick. Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan could be rental chips. If they think they could contend, they won’t move either of them. GM Glen Sather could look at what the Penguins may offer for Callahan to play along side Sidney Crosby.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Coyotes coach Dave Tippett on taking the next step.

    “You look at the last four years, we’ve been in survival mode,” Tippett said when we chatted before Tuesday night’s loss. “Where we are now, we want to take the next step as an organization. To do that, you have to be more than just scratch and claw. You have to be able to compete in all facets of the game. The facets of our game that were lacking were offensive production, power play, things like that. What we’ve done is we’ve enhanced some of that, but it’s taken away our bread and butter.”

    They will need to add more offense and skill if they want to compete with the top teams in the West.

  • Sean Fitz-Gerald: LA Kings scout Alyn McCauley was at the Leafs-Sabres game. John Ferguson Jr. was also there. Mike Harrington: Scouts from 14 teams at the game. A lot of them live in the area. Greg Brady: At the game: Sabres, Ducks, Kings, Predators, Flyers, Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Stars and Coyotes.

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VIDEO: SportsNet HC Trade Tracker: Rangers Michael Del Zotto

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 11th, 2014

Hockey Central panel discusses whether the Rangers should trade defenseman Michael Del Zotto. Brad May thinks interested teams could be: Senators, Sabres and Predators. Neil Smith thinks interested teams could be: Canucks, Oilers, Flames and Maple Leafs.

Who do you think the should trade for Del Zotto and at what cost?

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Morning Rumors: Bruins, Sabres, Habs, Coyotes, Canes, Avs, Pens, Isles, Kings, Rangers and Hotstove Video

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Videos on January 5th, 2014

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The NHL trade deadline is March 5th. The Olympic roster freeze is February 8th till February 23rd.

    “The roster freeze will act as a deadline, especially for those teams that want to save a little bit of money,” said a league executive.

    “There’s a chance to get deals done in the next few weeks that will get money off the books.”

    The Bruins have said they will try to fill the loss of Dennis Seidenberg from within. If that doesn’t work out as planned, they could look at Dan Girardi.

    Ryan Miller may not be going anywhere as the new GM may look to re-sign him, and they may not be able to get what they want for him on the trade market. The asking price is three prospects and a first round pick. The Blues may be the only option for Miller, and they may not be looking to trade.

    The Canadiens are looking for forward depth. GM Marc Bergevin may have looked at Flames Curtis Glencross, who has two years left at $2.55 million. The Canadiens are looking to trade Daniel Briere.

    The Coyotes for looking for forward depth and may look at Sabres Matt Moulson.

    Thought is the Hurricanes are not done trading. A couple teams have said the Hurricanes are willing to trade anyone but Eric and Jordan Staal. Teams will call about Jeff Skinner, but he isn’t going anywhere. Jiri Tlusty, Tuomo Ruuttu and Ron Hainsey will likely be traded by the deadline.

    The Avs will have to make a decision on Paul Stastny before the trade deadline. If they are able to get a 1st round pick and a prospect for him, they may move him.

  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero on the March 5th trade deadline day.

    “A lot can happen between now and then,” Shero said this past week. “But I like our team. I don’t feel like we have to do something.”

    Sense withing the organization is that if they make a move, it would be a “hockey trade,” giving up someone significant to get someone of worth and under contract. Shero may be looking for a winger for either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Shero will listen to all offers, but doesn’t mean he’d be actively looking to trade someone like Olli Maata. The Jets are reportedly willing to trade Evander Kane, who has four years left with a $5.25 million cap hit. Shero and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff have not talked about Kane.

  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: To retain Ryan O’Reilly’s rights, the Avalanche would have to pay the pending RFA at least $6.5 million. He can’t be traded until after February 28th. Matt Duchene will have a cap hit of $6 million for the next five years. There has been an “uneasy truce” between O’Reilly and the Avalanche since they matched his offer sheet with the Flames. The Avs could sign O’Reilly to an contract extension at any time, but they should draw a line saying, ”We won’t pay anyone a dime more than Duchene, no matter what.” Dater doesn’t think they should trade him anytime soon.
  • Arthur Staple of Newsday: Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald is on pace for a career year in points and is a pending UFA. GM Garth Snow wouldn’t comment on if there have been contract extension talks. He could become the Islanders best trade chip at the deadline if they are out of the playoff picture.

    “I think you realize it’s there, that it’s possible or whatever,” MacDonald said. “I’m hopeful things get done. We’ve dug ourselves a pretty big hole here so there isn’t really time to worry about that.”

  • David Pagnotta: As Dennis Bernstein pointed out, the Kings are not finished trading. Nothing is imminent, but they are looking for a scorer.
  • Dennis Bernstein: Oilers Scott Howson was scouting the Kings game last night. Talk is the Oilers are very active and looking to make a move now. Ales Hemsky and Sam Gagner are in the mix.
  • Adrian Dater via Sulia: The Rangers had two scouts at the Avalanche-Sharks game. There are rumors they are interested in Tyson Barrie, but he, along with Ryan Wilson, were not in the lineup. There Rangers were the only Eastern team scouting the game.
  • Chip Alexander: Elias Lindholm could rejoin the Hurricanes in Buffalo for Tuesday’s game.
  • Hotstove: The Sabres are getting closer to naming a new GM, with Bruins assistant GM Jim Benning being the leading candidate. The Oilers could be looking at trading Sam Gagner. Before last night’s game, Michael Del Zotto’s camp and the Rangers hadn’t met yet.

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Morning Rumors: Leafs, Canadiens, Devils, Avs, Rangers, Ducks, Senators and Top Trade Targets

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 4th, 2014

  • Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs are done trading until the deadline unless there are more injuries. Despite the trade rumors, Cox doesn’t think Nazem Kadri is any more available now than he was at the start of the season. If they are offered a young center in return, they would listen.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: (mailbag) The Canadiens would match any offer sheet for P.K. Subban as they have money and cap space. Custance doesn’t see the Devils having motivation to trade Jaromir Jagr at the trade deadline. Without their first round pick from the Ilya Kovalchuk punishment, they will push for a playoff spot.
  • Adrian Dater: Hearing that the Rangers have asked the Avalanche about Tyson Barrie.
  • Darren Dreger: With the Rangers in Toronto, you can expect Michael Del Zotto’s agents (Newport) to meet with management to discuss the Rangers efforts to trade him. Nothing official has been planned, just convenient since they are in town.
  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: ”It hasn’t been the right fit though for him so far. Any team that is looking for a little extra playoff boost should look at Briere.”
  • Scott (@Wham_City): Elliotte Friendman on the radio on Wednesday talking about Brian Burke and Bobby Ryan

    Brian Burke has had something with Bobby Ryan for a long time. A few years ago before Luke Schenn was traded for James van Riemsdyk, I heard a rumour that they were going to trade Luke Schenn to Anaheim for Ryan. And in history, it made kind of sense because that’s the player they kind of got, a scorer. And so I looked into it, and somebody who would know told me “there is no freaking way Brian Burke is making that trade because he hates Ryan, never liked him, didn’t want to draft him and wanted Jack Johnson instead.” So, I went to check on it and I was told no, and I never went with it. It was probably going to go in one of my 30 Thoughts blogs or something, and I couldn’t prove it. And today or actually last night after the team got announced and those articles appeared online as I was driving back to my hotel from Ann Arbor, I got a call from the guy who told me that, and he was like “see? I told you, never doubt me.”

  • Frank Provenzano of ESPN: (Dec. 26th) Top trade targets. Scoring Forwards: Marian Gaborik (CBJ), Matt Moulson (BUF) and Thomas Vanek (NYI). Potential teams looking for scoring forwards are: Kings, Canucks, Canadiens, Rangers and Wild. Two-way/Playoff grit forwards: Steve Ott (BUF), Vernon Fiddler (DAL) and David Legwand (NSH). Potential teams looking for two-way forwards are: Penguins, Lightning, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs and Red Wings. Top-four defenseman: Cody Franson (TOR), Dmitry Kulikov (FLA) and Stephane Robidas (DAL). Potential teams looking for a top-four defenseman: Capitals, Avalanche, Coyotes, Hurricanes and Flyers. Goaltenders: Ryan Miller (BUF) and Martin Brodeur (NJ). Potential teams looking for a goalie are: Penguins, Blues and Capitals.

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Asking Price For Del Zotto Will Need To Come Down For Senators

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 28th, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The NHL Christmas trade freeze is now over. Senators GM Brian Murray has been working the phones over the past month. He has spoken with the Rangers several time over the past six weeks about Michael Del Zotto. The Maple Leafs, Sharks and Avalanche have been rumored to have talked with the Rangers about Del Zotto as well.

    Sources say that if the Senators are to work out a deal for Del Zotto, the asking price will have to come down. The Rangers are believed to be demanding Marc Methot, but that isn’t going to happen. The Senators may be willing to move Patrick Wiercioch, who has become a healthy scratch of late.

    “Del Zotto’s value has gone down,” said a league executive Friday. “He hasn’t shown any consistency and he’s not worth nearly as much as he may have been earlier in the season.”

  • Del Zotto was drafted 20th overall in the first round of the 2008 draft by the Rangers.

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Morning Rumors: Rangers, Sens, Jackets, Leafs, Oilers, Flames, Wings, Canes, Avs, Canadiens and Isles

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 22nd, 2013

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Rangers are said to be the most desperate team to make a deal. GM Glen Sather has been working the phones, looking at deals involving Michael Del Zotto and Dan Girardi. Girardi will be a UFA and the Rangers may be seeing what they could get for him. The Senators are interested Del Zotto, but they have to send contracts the other way, either Patrick Wiercioch or Eric Gryba. The Rangers are willing to talk about anyone other than Rick Nash, Henrik Lundqvist and Chris Kreider.The Blue Jackets are looking for a goalie. Justin Peters could be a good fit.The Maple Leafs may have shown some interest in Sam Gagner and would be a good fit, but he has a two years with a $4.8 million cap hit. The Devils may have called the Oilers on Gagne as well.The Sabres may be getting close on naming a new GM, with Jim Benning the top candidate.

    Flames that could be on the move: Mikael Backlund, Sven Baertschi, Mike Cammalleri or Lee Stempniak.

    The Kings have depth upfront and could look to move: Trevor Lewis, Colin Fraser and Dan Carcillo.

    The Wings have been looking to bring in a top-end defenseman. They may have looked at Alex Edler, but he’s likely not going anywhere.

    Talk is the Maple Leafs are looking to sweeten the pot in a John-Michael Liles for Tim Gleason deal with the Hurricanes.

    Avs GM Joe Sakic is ready to trade. There have been no contract talks between the Avs and pending UFA Paul Stastny.

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There continues to be talk that the Canadiens are willing to trade Max Pacioretty. The Rangers are interest, but there doesn’t appear to be a match. The don’t appear to be a landing spot for Del Zotto. The Islanders and Flyers are taking serious runs at Pacioretty, but GM Marc Bergeron isn’t likely to want to trade him in the East, if at all.
  • Dennis Bernstein: Not usual visitors scouting the the Kings-Avalanche game: Maple Leafs and Penguins.

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Morning Rumors: Flames, Marchand, Buyer Beware, Buyout Candidates, Senators and Leafs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 20th, 2013

  • Kristen Odland of the Calgary Herald: Flames Brian Burke is saying again that he doesn’t want to be their GM.

    “If anyone thinks I want to be the GM, then I should be in begging for the job,” he said Thursday from his home in Toronto where he made a stop amid the team’s five-game road trip to attend his daughter’s Christmas concert. “I should be in (owner) Murray (Edward)’s office or (president) Ken King’s office, saying ‘I want to be the GM.’ I don’t. I’m conducting the search.”

    The Flames have received permission to speak with potential candidate, and have had some talks with other teams. Burke’s shortlist has three to six names. Interviews may not start for a month and could take until the summer.

  • Boston Bruins: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli: ”Let me be clear on Marchy…I’m not trading Marchy, he’s a good player, I like the way he plays.”
  • Tim Seppa on ESPN: Buyer beware candidates on the trade market: Martin Erat – aging forward and a potential distraction. Shawn Matthias – underachieving and lack of consistency. Drew Stafford – not worth the price tag ($4 million cap hit) and has low defensive value. Eric Cole – his age and which Cole will you get? Zack Kassian – inconsistent effort, poor judgement and a limited ceiling. Jack Johnson – overrated and a poor possession player. Tim Thomas – availability and upside have taken a bit of hit due to his age. Justin Peters – he’s not really as good as he looks right now.
  • Neil Greenberg of ESPN: 10 potential buyout candidates for 2014: Ville Leino, Tuomo Ruutu, Anton Volchenkov, Paul Gaustad, Martin Havlat, Erik Cole, Mikael Samuelsson and R.J. Umberger.
  • Ken Warren: Even the Senators players know some changes could be coming.

    “Change is inevitable when things like this happen,” Ryan said before Thursday’s game. “I wouldn’t be surprised if something happened. And guys wouldn’t be surprised in the room, right? I think guys would understand that’s the way the game goes if you’re not performing.”

    A short-term fix could be to acquire an experience, reliable defenseman. Someone like Coyotes Rostislav Klesla could be an option. His $2.9 million is an issue though. May only cost them a third or fourth liner, or a bottom end defenseman. Erik Condra, Colin Greening and Eric Gryba’s names have been mentioned when looking at Michael Del Zotto. Warren wonders about trading Jason Spezza to a Western Conference team. Spezza will make $7 million next year, the last year of his seven year deal. Someone may offer up a first round pick, allowing them to recoup a first since they sent theirs to the Ducks in the Bobby Ryan trade. Spezza has a no-trade clause.

  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: ”At some point some team will find that magic formula and Gardiner will be part of a trade package.”
  • Hope Smoke: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis: ”You add players to your core all the time. We have no players with no-trade clauses and we’d be comfortable moving anyone.” … ”Gardiner has god given ability that you don’t want to take away from him. needs to be more consistent. Jake & Morgan are our future”
  • Hope Smoke: Leafs GM Nonis: ”There is a lot of trade talk. There has not been a significant trade this year due to the cap.” … ”There are a lot of guys willing to make deals with you but they’re for things that won’t help you” … ”The most difficult part is that you are trying to make moves for dollar in for dollar out.”
  • Hope Smoke: Leafs GM Nonis: ”We’ve got players that are UFA and we’ll look to talk to them before their contracts expire.”
  • Hope Smoke: Leafs GM Nonis: ”I have no interest in trading JVR for a centre.”
  • Dennis Bernstein: Senators GM Bryan Murray is working hard to make a deal, looking to make a significant one.

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Morning Rumors: Maple Leafs, Rangers, Senators, Flames, Sabres and Expansion

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on December 19th, 2013

  • Darren Dreger on TSN: Leafs GM Dave Nonis said that he’s received trade offers for James van Riemsdyk, Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner, Morgan Rielly, James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier. Most GM have only offered older players or packages at are not useful in the long-term. Nonis insists he’s not shopping Gardiner, but a rival management sources have said that his name was been brought up by the Maple Leafs in their search for a top-six forward. At this time, there doesn’t appear to be a fit anywhere. The Rangers continue to shop Michael Del Zotto, with the Leafs showing some interest. Cody Franson could be a target for the Rangers. The Senators are still in the mix for Del Zotto, though their interest may have cooled. The Senators may be willing to trade either Eric Gryba, Joe Corvo or Patrick Wiercioch.
  • Kevin Allen of USA Today: Case for trading: Rangers Dan Girardi seems to have less impact under coach Alain Vigneault. Moving Ryan Callahan would symbolize the Rangers going a different direction under Vigneault. They could trade both and still be able to stay in the playoff hunt. They could get a veteran and a prospect and/or draft pick in return for both. Case to not trade: GMs are always looking for players like Callahan and every coach loves shutdown guys like Girardi. The Rangers are not rebuilding and are suppose to be a contending team.
  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: ”I know the Rangers love Cody Franson. They could make a Del Zotto for Franson trade tomorrow.” … ”Franson may be a disappointment but he has tremendous trade value around the NHL”
  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: ”Nonis is contemplating trades. The guy people want and who Nonis may move is Gardiner and that’s a mistake” … ”Puck moving defenseman are really hard to come by” … ”Unless a center of similar age and talent are offered then moving Gardiner is dangerous.
  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: ”Seems like everything with Gardiner and Carlyle isn’t hand in glove. When he makes a mistake Carlyle wants to sit him down”
  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie on TSN Radio: ”Flames are not moving quickly in their GM search. Other than Nieuwendyk, Burke hasn’t asked for permission for others” … ”The Sabres won’t hire anybody until the new year and the Flames search may last this entire season” …  “Burke really likes Mike Futa of the Kings. The Leafs were very close to hiring him prior to his going to LA”
  • Louis Jean: Reports of Seattle and Las Vegas being the front-runners for expansion are premature. Source saying nothing has changed since the BOG meetings, they will continue to listen to groups that are interest.
  • Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators pursued David Clarkson at the start of free agency last year. Scanlan also notes that Clarke MacArthur was “run out of town on a rail by Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle.”
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis has a message for his players.

    “If they’re waiting for a coaching change, they’re going to be waiting a long time,” Nonis said in a lengthy interview on Wednesday.

    “It’s not happening. We’re not making a move (player or coach) for the sake of making a move. We’re not trading a young player away that will erode our depth or take youth out of our lineup. We don’t do that.

    “Do I like what’s going on? No. We have to find a way of getting out of this as a group. Players. Coaches. Management. No one is going to help us. I’m getting a lot of offers on players, but the offers are all a joke. I’m not about to trade a quality player for someone who can’t help us. That’s what’s being presented our way.

    “If I could make changes this afternoon I would, but it has to be a positive move for the organization. Look, there’s no one coming over the hill to help us. We have to do it ourselves.”

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