Posts Tagged Tim Thomas

Afternoon Rumors I: Spezza, Stars, Hawks, Wings, Sens, Bruins, Wild, Goalies and Top 10 Rentals

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 3rd, 2014

  • TSN: Sources telling Darren Dreger that the Senators are ‘quietly gauging interest’ in Jason Spezza. Spezza has a no-trade clause. Spezza has one-year left on his deal and carries a $7 million salary cap hit. He has a salary of $4 million next season.
  • Pierre LeBrun: The Stars won’t be looking at rentals, looking for hockey deals.

    “Correct, we’re not going to be in the rental market,” Stars GM Jim Nill told ESPN.com Monday. “But if there’s a hockey deal that makes sense, we’ll look at it.”

    “We’re open for business, I’m always looking at things, but I’m not rushing to do something just to move a body to get a pick,” said Nill.

    LeBrun thinks the Blackhawks will stand pat. Can always change quickly though.

    The Red Wings are among the teams interested in Christian Ehrhoff. He’s a $4 million salary cap hit, but is only owed $17 million over the next seven seasons.

    Nothing new to report on Chris Phillips one-year offer from the Senators. He’s believed to be looking for a two-year extension. The Bruins could be interested, but it’s not known if the Senators would want to trade him to a division rival.

    The Bruins are among the teams interested in Andrew MacDonald.

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Wild seem like a fit for Martin Brodeur. Darcy Kuemper has looked really good, but what if he falters or gets hurt? Niklas Backstrom has battled injuries all season and Josh Harding has his MS flare ups. They looked at Ryan Miller before he was dealt. Jaroslav Halak could be an option. Two questions are: Does Lamoriello want to trade Marty and will the Wild give the Devils what they would want for Marty? Viktor Fasth could be available. Same with Tim Thomas, Justin Peters and Ilya Bryzgalov.
  • Pat Pickens of SportsNet: Top 10 rental players: 1. Thomas Vanek 2. Jaromir Jagr 3. Ryan Callahan 4. Andrew MacDonald 5. Brad Boyes 6. David Legwand 7. Matt Moulson 8. Ales Hemsky 9. Chris Phillips 10. Mike Cammalleri

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Afternoon Rumors II: Wild, Hurricanes, Oilers, Islanders, Sabres, Senators, Devils and Scouting Kings-Canes

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

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sabres GM Tim Murray is now trying to trade Jaroslav Halak to the Wild. Some in the Wild organization wonder if Halak’s success had a lot to do with their system. If the price is right, they could make the move. The Wild have talked to the Hurricanes about Cam Ward, but his contract could be an issue. The Oilers have offered Ilya Bryzgalov to the Wild. Panthers Tim Thomas and Hurricanes Anton Khudobin could also be available. The Wild could look at Thomas Vanek this summer, but unless the price comes down by the deadline, unlikely to get the Wild’s interest. They haven’t called the Blue Jackets about Marian Gaborik. The Wild could use a scorer, defenseman and some goalie insurance.
  • John Vogl: Newly acquired Chris Stewart and Jaroslav Halak are aware that they may not be in Buffalo for that long. Chris Stewart is expected to play on Monday, Jaroslav Halak is not.
  • The Fourth Period: The Senators could look at trade pending UFA Chris Phillips, Joe Corvo and Milan Michalek. The Senators are trying to sign Phillips to a one-year contract extension. The Bruins are interested in Phillips. The Ducks, Kings and Avalanche could also be interested in Phillips.
  • Bruce Garrioch: Though it change, Senators GM Bryan Murray has stated he’s not that interested in rental players.
  • Rich Chere: “Brodeur said he doesn’t know if he’ll be traded. He said he would not have to be a starter to waive hi no-trade, just play more often. Brodeur said he may want to play next season so he needs to play more often this year than he is right now.”
  • Renaud Lavoie: Devils Jaromir Jagr said that he might go home if he is traded. He’s received all of his contract bonuses for the year. Randy Miller:  Jagr hopes he’s not traded: “I’m not going anywhere.”
  • Frozen Royalty: Non-regulars scouting the Kings – Hurricanes game yesterday: Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Lightning, Penguins, Oilers and Hurricanes.

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Morning Rumors IV: Canucks, Oilers, Panthers, Wild, Stars, Canadiens, Islanders, Sharks, Preds and Many More

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

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It’s believed the Penguins, Blackhawks and Red Wings are interested in Ryan Kesler.

    Oilers GM Craig MacTavish may find a taker for Ales Hemsky by Wednesday.

    The Oilers made a pitch for Andrei Markov. They might be willing to give Markov a three-year extension. If the Canadiens trade him, they would want a prospect and a pick.

    The Panthers will talk with Tom Gilbert about an contract.

    The Wild may now look at Martin Brodeur and Tim Thomas.

    The Stars will likely trade Ray Whitney, possibly to the Coyotes. The Stars are also looking to trade Erik Cole, Vernon Fiddler and Stephane Robidas.

    Speculation is the Canadiens have offered P.K. Subban a seven-year, $49 million deal. Subban may be looking for something in the $8-$8.5 million per season deal.

    Islanders GM Garth Snow is looking for a first, second and prospect for Thomas Vanek. The Kings have been sniffing around.

    Several teams have inquired about Sharks Dan Boyle, but will likely wait until free agency if he hits the market.

    The Predators will likely trade David Legwand and are shopping Matt Cullen.

    Rangers Ryan Callahan is asking for seven-years and $6.75 million as he knows he can get it on the open market.

    Teams may look at Flames T.J. Galiardi.

    Hurricanes Ron Hainsey could be moved by Wednesday.

    There is limited interest in Capitals Martin Erat.

    If the Kings don’t land Thomas Vanek, they could move on to Mike Cammalleri. The Canucks have been sniffing around Cammalleri.

    The Bruins had talked to the Rangers about Dan Girardi before he signed.

    Top 5 Sellers: Sabres, Oilers, Islanders, Predators and Flames.

    Top 5 Buyers: Blues, Canucks, Kings, Rangers and Red Wings.

    Top 5 Targets: Vanek, Kesler, Moulson, Cammalleri and Callahan.

  • Harvey Fialkov: The Panthers will be shopping and ditching expiring contracts.
  • Harvey Fialkov: Source saying the Panthers could trade Brad Boyes for the right price, then possibly re-sign him July 1st.
  • Harvey Fialkov: Panthers pending RFA Dmitri Kulikov has played better of late and could be in demand.
  • Jason Brough: The Panthers ownership have given GM Dale Tallon permission to spend to the cap.
  • Nick Kypreos: Brad Boyes could remain with the Panthers if they can get a deal in the $2.5 to $3 million range.
  • George Richards of the Miami Herald: Brad Boyes and the Panthers are in talks about a new deal.

    “I would like to stay,” Boyes said. “There have been talks back and forth. We’ll see what happens.”

    Defenseman Mike Weaver, a pending UFA, could be traded by Wednesday.

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Morning Rumors V: Callahan, St. Louis, Wild, Expansion and Vanek

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

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The gap between Ryan Callahan and the Rangers remains big. Callahan is still asking for seven years at more than $6.5 million per season. The Rangers are offering five years and $6 million per season. The Rangers may be willing to add another year to close the deal. If Callahan continues to insist on seven years, they could trade him. If the Rangers sweeten the pot, there is a Martin St. Louis deal that could be there.
  • Dan Rosen: Rosen thinks Ryan Callahan will get traded, and it will be a mistake if they do.
  • Jeff Simmons of Sportsnet: Brian Lawton said that Martin St. Louis asked to be traded to the Rangers in 2009.

    “I can tell you when I was in Tampa there was time in 2009 right before the trade deadline when (St. Louis) was waiting in my office for me,” Lawton said. “He told me he was not happy with the way things were going and would like to be traded to one team – the New York Rangers.”

    Back in 2009, Lawton thought there might have been some tampering going on.

    “I had my suspicions at the time that some of the people that were from Tampa Bay prior and then working for the Rangers were contacting (St. Louis) about the possibility of coming to play there,” said Lawton. “Our team was not doing well at that time. I immediately felt that was the issue. I made a couple of phone calls and had a couple of meetings with Marty about how important he is to the organization and eventually everything worked out rather quickly.”

  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: There are rumors that the Sabres will try to send Jaroslav Halak to the Wild. The Wild have inquired about Cam Ward and Martin Brodeur. The Oilers have offered Ilya Bryzgalov to the Wild. Panthers Tim Thomas is a pending UFA.
  • David Pagnotta: “With all the Seattle buzz lately, Quebec City chatter has been fairly quiet… But I can tell you this the NHL is in talks with Quebecor, who wants to bring a team back to QC, and is building their new arena, operational Sept 2015. A deal is far from done, but return of the Nordiques is going to happen. Just a matter of when. Quebecor’s goal is obviously 2015-16 season. NHL has zero plans to relocate any of its franchises… If/when Quebec City (and/or Seattle) gets a team, it’s by way of expansion.”
  • Chris Botta: The Islanders haven’t received a strong offer for Thomas Vanek yet. They eventually will get one, but it might have if played better.

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2013-14 NHL Trade Deadline Feature: Columbus Blue Jackets

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Opinion, NHL Rumors on February 26th, 2014

Written by Anthony Murphy and can be followed on twitter at @AMurphyTRT

BlueJackets-deadlineThe Columbus Blue Jackets came out of nowhere last season and gave the Western Conference a run for their money before just missing the playoffs. General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen aligned his team perfectly, adding sniper Marian Gaborik, all the while keeping the three first round picks they had in a talent rich 2013 Draft.

In the offseason, Kekalainen added a new face for their franchise, former Boston Bruins’ winger and Stanley Cup champion – Nathan Horton. The Blue Jackets signed the 28-year old forward to a 7-year, $37.1 million contract, the max amount of years a team can offer an unrestricted free agent that wasn’t on your team the year before.

Horton was supposed to lead Columbus into the Eastern Conference, a setting he was familiar with playing for the Bruins, and the Florida Panthers before but offseason shoulder surgery kept him out until just recently.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Morning Rumors and Notes: Top 5 Goalie, Larsson, Omark, Curry, Kuznetsov and Olympics

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on February 18th, 2014

  • Doug Mittler of ESPN: Top 5 goaltenders that could be traded: 1. Ryan Miller – the Wild, Capitals and Blues could be interested. 2. Martin Brodeur 3. Cam Ward 4. Tim Thomas 5. Evgeni Nabokov.
  • Randy Miller of NJ.com: Devils Adam Larsson is frustrated with being in the AHL, but realizes it could be good in the long run. His name will likely be in trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches. The Devils could use some scoring forwards. When asked about trade rumors:

    “I don’t look at that,” he said with a smile. “It would kill you right away, so I wouldn’t do that.”

  • Renaud Lavoie: The Sabres put Linus Omark on $125 waivers. The Wild put John Curry on waivers. Bob McKenzie: Curry on waivers as he’s signed an NHL deal and needs to clear waivers first. He signed a two-way deal with the Wild in a depth move. There are no immediate plans to call him up. Renaud Lavoie: Curry’s two-deal is for $550,000.
  • Neil Greenberg: Looking like Evgeni Kuznetsov will be joing the Capitals this season.
  • Mark Lazerus: Gary Bettman on the 2018 Winter Olympics: “It’s nothing that’s been discussed. It’s nothing that will be discussed while we’re here in Sochi.” Rob Longley: Bettman: “No discussion in that regard. Period on that subject.”
  • Stephen Whyno: Team Canada lines at practice: Kunitz-Crosby-Bergeron, Duchene/Benn-Getzlaf-Perry, Marleau-Toews-Carter, Sharp-Tavares-Nash/St. Louis.
  • Dan Rosen: Rangers and Norway’s forward Mats Zuccarello misses today’s game with a hand injury.

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Morning Rumors: Isles, Kings, Canucks, Oilers, Panthers, Devils, Bruins, Stars, Wings, Sabres, Flames and Leafs

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 6th, 2014

  • Pierre LeBrun: The Islanders have taken a number of calls on Thomas Vanek and he could be dealt by tomorrow, but it’s far from certain. Vanek’s agent confirmed with ESPN that he’ll likely be testing out the free agent market. Asking price could be any three of a 1st round pick, prospects or a player. If one of the assets is high enough, it could only take two assets and not three. GM Garth Snow still hopes to sign him. The Kings are one team watching the situation, but Matt Moulson may be their top target. There are also reports of Sam Gagner and Mike Cammalleri interesting them.
  • Brett Cyrgalis: Vanek on testing the open market for the first time in his career.

    “I like it here in the organization, but there’s more to it than that,” Vanek told The Post on Wednesday, his team coming off a much-needed 1-0 win over the Capitals in Washington the night before and preparing for the Flames at the Coliseum on Thursday. “It’s the business part of it, and sometimes it sucks.”

    “For me right now, hopefully I can stay here and finish the year, and if I get moved, I understand that side of it, too,” Vanek said. “But right now, I feel like I want to hit free agency.”

    There is still a small chance that the Islanders will be able to re-sign him this summer.

    “I think the chances are a lot higher now that I have been here, that’s for sure,” he said. “They’re definitely a team I would like to look again in the summer, but for me, being a little selfish I guess, I just want to hit [free agency] once.”

  • Elliotte Freidman: Some teams may be disappointed not to see Marian Gaborik play at the Olympics. He wouldn’t cost has much as Vanek or Moulson.

    The Canucks won’t trade future assets for rentals.

    One reason the Kings are looking at Sam Gagner is that their power play is the 3rd worst in the league and Gagner was 28th in power play points last season with 15. Gagner’s $4.8 million cap hit is the issue. The Oilers would have to eat some of the contract, and they may not be willing to do that.

    The Panthers have only 10 players under contract for next season. They are in no rush to trade Brad Boyes, Tom Gilbert and Marcel Goc just yet.

    Hearing the Devils could be interested in Mike Cammalleri.

  • Joe Haggerty: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has had trade talks, but doesn’t see them making any deals before the Olympic roster freeze tomorrow.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars Erik Cole and Shawn Horcoff are caught in the middle of the Stars looking to be competitive in the immediate future and in the long run. Both players are 35-years old.

    “My experience is that if you have younger players, you need a few veterans to show them the way,’’ Nill said. “I just feel there’s room for a good mix of players in your locker room.’’

    Both players have one year left on their deals. They might look at moving Vern Fiddler and Ray Whitney and keeping Cole and Horcoff.

  • The Fourth Period: The Wings would like to add some depth before the trade deadline according to the Detroit News, but it’s unlikely to happen before the Olympic break.

    “I don’t envision us trading away players who could be part of our future,” Wings GM Ken Holland told the paper. “Those are the players other teams will be asking about.

    “I don’t know if there are many players on the market who we feel are better than (young players the Red Wings currently have).”

    The Wings have shown interest in Matt Moulson, Steve Ott, Lee Stempniak and Ray Whitney.

  • Dennis Bernstein: “For those Kings fans running for exits on Toffoli, here’s definition of untouchable. Lombardi hangs up phone when name comes up. So like 99% of the players in NHL, Toffoli is mentioned by rival GM and Deano listens. It does not mean he is on the verge of being dealt.”
  • Paul Hamilton: Sabres GM Tim Murray said he’s had talks with teams about Ryan Miller, including on Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Scott Powers of ESPN: Blackhawks Patrick Kane will miss Friday’s game against the Coyotes due to the passing of his paternal grandfather.
  • Bob McKenzie: The Flames and Mike Cammalleri continue contracts talks. It is too early to know which way they are going. Logic suggests that if he goes UFA and gets traded, but both sides are not at that stage yet.
  • Bob McKenzie: The Flames are also working on a contract extension for defenseman Kris Russell.
  • Dave McCarthy of TSN 1050: Maple Leafs Dave Bolland’s injury isn’t healing as fast as he’d hoped. He’s more concerned about getting back into the lineup than a new contract (pending UFA).

    “I don’t know if I’m missing anything, I think in the past few years I’ve won two Stanley Cups,” said Bolland. “I’ve been to the finals and know what it’s like to get there; I’ve been through those battles so I don’t think this should hinder any kind of contract. I think they know what I do and what kind of heart I have out there.”

  • Randy Miller of NJ.com: Devils Corey Schneider has one-year left on his deal and will be a UFA after the 2014-15 season. Will he re-sign with the Devils or look to test the free agent market next year?

    “I don’t know,” he told NJ.com. “That’s something that I really haven’t put a lot of thought into. I still have a lot to hopefully prove this season. We’re still trying to make the playoffs. That’s not even an option for another five or six months, so I’m not thinking about that at all right now.”

  • Ken Campbell: Panthers Tim Thomas earned $250,000 with his 15th win. He’ll get another $250,000 at 20 and 25 wins. A $500,000 bonus if they make the playoffs.
  • Mike Harrington: Scouting the Sabres – Penguins: Oilers, Blackhawks, Flyers, Avs, Bruins, Predators, Jets, Blues Stars, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Sharks, Panthers, Red Wings (2), Senators and Lightning.
  • Dennis Bernstein: Non-regulars scouting the Blackhawks – Ducks: Jets, Oilers, Lightning, Red Wings, Flyers, Leafs and Canucks.
  • James Mirtle: Leafs Dave Bolland on still experiencing some ankle pain: “It’s going to be like that for probably the rest of this year and maybe in the summer.”
  • Puckarinen: According to Michael Russo, Mikko Koivu has “not even cleared to practice with the team”. Don’t expect him playing for Finland at the Olympics.

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Morning Rumors: Sabres, Rangers, Blues, Isles, Kings, Pens, Canucks, Preds, Leafs, Devils, Wild and Oilers

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

  • Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres and Ryan Miller haven’t had any contract talks.

    “I still don’t know what to say. There’s been a change here even since there was a change here before,” he said, referring to the hiring of new GM Tim Murray. “So it’s like I’m waiting to see what the plan is and waiting to see what they have to offer. We haven’t talked about anything with regard to contracts and we haven’t talked about anything with regard to trades. They’re doing their business.”

    On if Miller has said he wants out or if he’s willing to stay.

    “That’s not really something I want to discuss with you guys,” Miller said. “It’s a private conversation about a business transaction. Really, that’s what it comes down to. I’m waiting to see kind of what the plans are around here. that would kind of give a little more indication.”

  • TSN Insider Trading: Dreger: Ryan Callahan could be looking for a seven-year contract in the $6.5 to $7 million range. That is too much money for the Rangers. 50/50 that he gets moved before the Olympic break. A Callahan to the Blues for a Chris Stewart package deal is still there. If Dan Girardi doesn’t get done soon, could mean he’s interested in testing the market.

    Bob McKenzie: Looking like Thomas Vanek wants to at least test the free agent market. Islanders GM Garth Snow will continue to try and sign him, but he’s at least talking to teams to see what he could get for him. The Kings and Penguins are looking for a scoring winger. The Penguins have cap issues.

    Bob McKenzie: The Canucks blueline is dealing with some injuries, so the Raphael Diaz acquisition may not mean another defenseman is on his way out, ie, trying to get Alex Elder to waive his no trade clause.

    Bob McKenzie: The Predators are trying to get a 1st or 2nd round pick for David Legwand.

  • TSN Insider Trading: LeBrun: It’s possible that the Islanders trade Vanek before the deadline and save themselves his salary. The Kings and Penguins are interested, but with being so close to the cap, it’s harder for them to take him on beforehand. The asking price is three assets, any combination of a first-round pick, a young player, and a prospect.

    Bob McKenzie: The Islanders have another asset in defenseman Andrew MacDonald. They could try to sign to a deal in the $4 to $5 million range, but they have lots of young defenseman in the pipeline.

    Bob McKenzie: A lot of teams are calling the Sabres about Steve Ott, maybe more so than Matt Moulson. Other Sabres who could be on the move are Ryan Miller, Henrik Tallinder, Drew Stafford and Cody McCormick.

    Darren Dreger: The Leafs have three options with Dave Bolland: re-sign him now, if they don’t like his salary wishes they can use him as their own rental, and lastly they could look to trade him.

  • Craig Davis of the Sun Sentinel: Panthers goalie Tim Thomas would consider re-signing with the Panthers if they want him back.

    “I’m certainly willing to entertain the idea. I haven’t talked to the club about that,” Thomas said Monday as the Panthers returned to work following three one-sided losses on the road.

    “I was hoping by this time to be seeing more team success. That’s been a little bit difficult. Having said that, it’s a process. I knew coming into it where the team was last year. I bought into this process, and what we’re trying to do is turn it around.”

  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: The Devils are showing interest in Flames Mike Cammalleri according to Elliotte Friedman. The Flames are looking for prospects and/or draft picks. The Devils don’t have 1st round pick or a 4th round pick.
  • Sarah McLellan of the AZ Republic: Stars Ray Whitney is in the last year of his deal, and the Coyotes could be interested. Both the player and the team are familiar with each other. With also wanting to score 400 career goals, he could play another season.
  • Brian Compton: Arthur Staple saying that Thomas Vanek turned down a seven-year deal worth $50 million.
  • Ken Campbell of the Hockey News: Thomas Vanek carries a big salary cap hit, so it might take some creativity for a team to add him. The Sabres retained $1.4 million of Vanek’s salary cap hit, bringing it down to $5.75 million for the Islanders. If the Islanders retained half of that, he would be about a $2.9 million hit for a new team. With about 80 percent of the season done by trade deadline day, he would only cost about $590,000. A reason the Islanders may want to do something like that as a team, like the Wild , may offer a little more like Charlie Coyle, Jason Zucker, Justin Fontaine, Matt Dumba or Mario Lucia. There is talk that the Wild could get Vanek for nothing in the summer, but they are in the playoff race. Another reason of the Wild is not to let the Kings or Penguins get him. The Wild would then be able to offer an eight year deal if they acquired him by trade.
  • Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: Gallagher wonders if the Canucks could get into the running with Thomas Vanek. It would give the Sedin’s a sniper. Ryan Kesler could then center Zack Kassian and Alex Burrows or Chris Higgins. To get Vanek they would likely have to lose someone from their blueline and likely more. Would be a difficult move to make.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres and Bruins talked trade at last years draft, but a Vanek for Tyler Seguin deal fell through. The Bruins were looking for another NHL-ready player off the Sabres roster.
  • Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Leafs Nikolai Kulemin’s name keeps coming up in trade talk as they look to clear cap space for Dave Bolland’s return. The Oilers and maybe the Panthers could be a good fit. The Leafs would be looking for picks and prospects.
  • Erik Erlendsson: Steven Stamkos’ return on Saturday is still not set in stone, still may not happen until after the Olympics.
  • Mark Spector: Elliotte Friedman reporting that the Kings and Oilers could be talking Sam Gagner. If Spector were the with the Oilers, he’d want Dwight King.
  • Dan Tencer: The Kings need scoring help and Tencer thinks the Oilers would be nice trading partners.
  • Dennis Bernstein: The Kings will need to work on their blueline this summer. Options if they don’t sign before hand could be Andrew MacDonald, Dan Girardi and Brooks Orpik. They currently don’t have a true No.2 to play with Doughty. Jake Muzzin will be a solid 2nd pairing in time, but he is still developing.
  • Jason Gregor: There are only five times that are more than four points out of the playoffs (before last night’s games):  Islanders, Panthers, Flames, Oilers and Sabres. Should be a sellers market.
  • Pittsburgh Penguins: No update on Penguins Kris Letang’s illness and will not travel with the team to Buffalo.
  • Mike Heika: Scouting the Coyotes – Stars: Blue Jackets, Leafs, Ducks, Canucks, Lightning, Flyers, Rangers.

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Morning Rumors I: Goalie Version – Miller, Ward, Thomas and Brodeur

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 29th, 2014

  • Chad Graff: There is no truth to the rumor that the Wild made an offer to the Sabres for Ryan Miller.
  • myNHLTradeRumors: Nick Kypreos said on HC @ Noon that the Capitals are kicking tires on Ryan Miller.
  • Neil Greenberg: Kevin Weekes on Sabres Ryan Miller: “I also see [#Caps] being a potential fit. Both St. Louis & WSH have young goalies in return as assets.” The Capitals have $750, 128 in cap space to absorb Miller’s $6.25 million salary cap hit. Greenberg doesn’t see how Miller fits with the Capitals without creating another hole in their roster.
  • Hope Smoke: Nick Kypreos: “I think Cam Ward needs a change of scenery”
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: Panthers GM Dale Tallon has no desire to trade Tim Thomas at the deadline unless Thomas approaches him.

    “No,” he said during a Monday afternoon phone conversation. “No. But if he came to me and wanted to move, that’s a different story. I have no intention of moving him.”

    Thomas on the situation.

    “I’ve done some thinking, but I’m going to keep it to myself until I talk to the team,” Thomas said when I asked him how he’ll approach the trade deadline.

  • Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils Martin Brodeur on if he’d be surprised if the Devils ask him to waive his no-trade clause.

    “No, not at all,” Brodeur told The Star-Ledger on Tuesday. “It’s within the team’s rights to try and make themselves better. The fact is, I have the luxury to decide what I want to do. I hope if he (Lamoriello) is able to help the team, he’ll ask, regardless of what it is. It’s definitely something that is possible.”

    He wouldn’t be insulted, and it might give him an opportunity to play more.

    “I don’t know how I’d feel. I don’t know where I’m at with that,” Brodeur said with honesty. “I don’t know what I’d think if it were to happen. I definitely would like to play more, so if there is a chance somewhere…

    “But I’m not looking for that. I want to make sure this team gets on a playoff run. We’ll see what happens, but stranger things have happened.”

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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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