Dominik Hasek has made his decision on the upcoming season. What are the chances of Scott Gomez returning to New Jersey? Is Mike Keenan going to be a bench boss again? And tons more about free agency, trades and the upcoming draft.
Dominator Doesn’t Desert Detroit
Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek will return for yet another NHL season.
Hasek, 42, informed Wings GM Ken Holland that he “is excited and can’t wait to get to Traverse City (for training camp).”
“I’m feeling great physically and I felt great this season,” Hasek said. “I enjoy every NHL game and enjoy the playoffs and enjoy the competition.”
Hasek went 38-11-6 in 56 games last season. His goals against average was a rather anemic 2.05 and a save percentage of .913.
Contract negotiations are expected to start in about two weeks. Hasek signed a contract with a $750,000 base salary plus as much as $1.1 million in incentives this past season.
Gomez As Good As Gone
Scott Gomez has said that there have been no negotiations with the Devils since their second round exit at the hands of the Ottawa Senators and he will test the free agent market come July 1st.
“To have come this far, every hockey player wants to see what’s out there,” said Gomez. “It wouldn’t make any sense not to go all the way now.”
However, that doesn’t mean the Devils center is gone for good. “Just because I’m going to free agency doesn’t mean anything…[w]ho knows what’s going to happen?”
Blue Jackets Strike Oil?
The Columbus Blue Jackets may have found their new general manager. According to reports, the Blue Jackets will hire Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson to try to right the Columbus ship.
Howson, 47, ran Edmonton’s farm club from 1994-2000 before being hired by the Oilers. By 2001, he was already promoted to assistant GM.
An announcement is expected to be made Friday at Nationwide Arena. However, up to this point, representatives from Columbus and Edmonton have not confirmed any such transaction.
Calgary Keen on Coach Keenan
After a lot of speculation surrounding Calgary Flames coach Jim Playfair’s dismissal during the course of the year, the Flames may finally extinguish any uncertainty.
The Calgary Flames may name well-traveled executive and coach Mike Keenan as their new head coach.
Keenan, who had his last job in Florida before last season, may join his eighth NHL team as soon as Thursday. “Iron Mike” has coached in more than 1,000 NHL games, including stints in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York (Rangers) that all saw Stanley Cup Finals appearances.
The Flames have declined to comment.
Gateway To…Some Place Else
The St. Louis Blues have a number of goalies that will be fighting for a spot with the team, perhaps one too many.
Manny Legace who signed a two-year, multi-million dollar contract the same day he had knee surgery last season, has been working hard and will be considered the starter heading into the 2007-08 season.
Meanwhile, Curtis Sanford, Jason Bacashihua and a recent signing, 30-year-old Juuso Riksman will be fighting for an NHL job.
“[It] needs to be better,” said Blues President John Davidson, referring to the backup goaltending. “Whether that means with the same people or not, we don’t know yet.”
Curtis Sanford’s thoughts, “I definitely do think that either Jason or myself is going to be out of the equation. I don’t see myself going back to Peoria (Blues AHL affiliate)…”
Jason Bacashihua concurred, “We had our opportunity to play well last year and try to make a stand, and hopefully we did that. It’s out of our hands now.”
If either play elects arbitration, it is suggested that Sanford could receive a one-way contract, while Bacashihua may not have such a luxury. It is also noted that interest in acquiring either goaltender has been quite slim around the league.
Coyotes Select…
Well, we don’t know that quite yet but Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky met with Calgary Hitmen (WHL) defenseman Karl Alzner recently.
In an interesting tale, the team trainer of the Hitmen asked if Karl had talked to Wayne yet, and a confused Alzner asked, “Who?” The trainer says Wayne is in the hall and Alzner recalls that he walked out there thinking, “Please don’t let this be a joke.”
It was not a joke, “We talked for a little bit, and he said, ‘I’m sure I’ll see you sometime in Columbus (the site of this year’s draft).’”
Alzner moved from eighth to fifth in the Central Scouting Ranks, the Coyotes own the third pick in this year’s draft.
Alzner also said he is not going to be attending college, he’s looking to jump right into professional hockey.
"My mom would love for me to go to school…but I…would love to get the taste of an exhibition game in the NHL, to see what it's like, see who I am, compared to the other guys, and go to the minors if that's what's best for me, wherever I can develop so that when I finally do make the jump, I'm kind of weathered."
Also, of note, the defenseman ranked one spot ahead of him in the CS rankings, Keaton Ellerby, who is the first cousin of Coyotes captain Shane Doan.
Rumor Mill
The Flyers are expected to re-sign goaltender Antero Niittymaki as soon as this weekend.
The Montreal Canadiens may be interested in former Islanders center Alexei Yashin.
The Panthers would have pursued Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom had he become an unrestricted free agent. “We’ll either go back with the same duo (Auld and Belfour) or explore some trades,” said Panthers GM Jacques Martin.
Panthers first round pick in 2006 Michael Frolik will be returned Rimouski (QMJHL). Noting that they didn’t want pull Frolik out of his development too early, like they did with Rostislav Olesz and Stephen Weiss.
The Chicago Blackhawks are strongly considering Patrick Kane as their first overall pick in next Saturday’s draft. The Hawks, however, have also talked to “maybe five teams” about trading that pick, neither of which were Philadelphia (2nd overall) or Phoenix (3rd overall).
The Carolina Hurricanes will not re-sign center Josef Vasicek.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
The Lastest Round of Rumors
Find out all the latest about the biggest names on the market. In this edition, the rumor mill churns out news on Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Yashin, Dominik Hasek, of course the big three and much more.
Tkachuk Tkaput
The Atlanta Thrashers will not offer Keith Tkachuk a contract before July 1st. Tkachuk was acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Glen Metropolit, a first round pick in 2007, a third round pick in 2007, a second round pick 2008 and a conditional first round pick in 2008 if Tkachuk re-signs in Atlanta. The Thrashers will focus more on keeping winger Slava Kozlov. Kozlov, who notched a career high 80 points this season, will reportedly draw the interest from Detroit, Florida and Washington.
The Atlanta Thrashers have been tied to Ottawa center Mike Comrie. Thrashers GM Don Waddell is a close family friend of the Comrie’s.
Cats Aren’t All That Curious
The Florida Panthers are not interested in the big name free agents, such as Devils center Scott Gomez and Sabres centers Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. Besides Slava Kozlov, the Panthers are reported to be pursuing (after July 1st of course) Carolina winger Scott Walker, Minnesota center Todd White, Islanders winger Viktor Kozlov and coveted Nashville winger Scott Hartnell.
In net, the Florida Panthers will consider Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere or a trade for one of the Sharks goaltenders, Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala; before they would consider taking Manny Fernandez from Minnesota or forty-year-old free agent Curtis Joseph from Phoenix.
Bruins Could Be Dealing Early at the Draft
The Bruins entertained a few top prospects this past weekend. Including Angelo Esposito, Tom Hickey, Keaton Ellerby, Kevin Shattenkirk and Zach Hamill. The Bruins have the eighth pick in the draft, and notably did not bring in any of the highest touted prospects (Turris, Kane, vanRiemsdyk). When Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was asked whether it would be safe to assume the Bruins will not be trading up on draft day Chiarelli responded, “No, that would not be the correct assumption.” He also noted that he has received calls for young goaltender Hannu Toivonen. Toivonen could be a ticket for the Bruins to move up a few spots in the draft. (Loose interpretation: The Los Angeles Kings, owners of the fourth overall pick, have been tied to Hannu Toivonen in sporadic reports). The Bruins may want to slide up a few spots to snag defenseman Keaton Ellerby.
The Boston Bruins have also been in talks with shifty center Sergei Zinovjev. However, there has not been a whole lot of progress. Zinovjev has an interest in returning to the NHL. The third round pick of the Bruins in 2000 has played 10 NHL games and 4 career AHL games between stints with AK Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League.
The Boston Bruins will not buy out any roster players according to Chiarelli. The Bruins will tender offers to restricted free agents Andrew Alberts, Brandon Bochenski and Dennis Wideman.
Where Could Yashin Be Cashin’ In?
Recently bought out center Alexei Yashin could be heading back to Ottawa. He has also been tied to Washington, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
In a rather unsubstantiated rumor, Eishockey News reports that Yashin may sign with Hamburg Freezers (DEL) of the highest German league.
New York State of Mind
For Edmonton Oiler winger Ryan Smyth may be remaining in New York after all. Sporadic, and largely unconfirmed, reports have seen Ryan Smyth rejecting long term, high money deals (5 to 8 years, $30 to $51 million) from the Islanders. The Rangers are reportedly willing to pay the price to have Smyth’s services. That price will likely be in the neighborhood for six years, $36 million. Among the other teams in the hunt for Smyth: All of them.
The Islanders are expected to pursue their former center Michael Peca. Ted Nolan also knows Peca from his days in Buffalo.
Samsonov and Son
The Montreal Canadiens are expected to buy out the remaining year of Sergei Samsonov’s contract. Samsonov scored 26 points in 63 games for Montreal last season. The former eighth overall pick’s contract is worth $3.525 million next season. A buyout would count as approximately $1.175 million over the next seasons against the salary cap for Montreal. Samsonov would become an unrestricted free agent if the Canadiens pull the trigger on this transaction.
No comment as to whether Samsonov would like one across his lip.
“Preissed” Out of Ottawa
Ottawa Senators defenseman Tom Preissing is expected to leave Ottawa as an unrestricted free agent. Preissing netted 38 points and a plus-40 rating this season. Preissing has family in suburbs near Chicago and he went to Colorado College before joining the San Jose Sharks as undrafted free agent in 2003-04.
Dominator’s Decision Decided?
An announcement is expected to made by the end of the week as to the status of Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek. Hasek’s agent Rich Winter has hinted the 42-year-old netminder will return to Detroit for another season.
Getting Off the Schneid?
The Detroit Red Wings and defenseman Mathieu Schneider will be actively working to put a new contract in place before Schneider hits unrestricted free agency on July 1st.
Schneider, who turned 38 today (June 12th), made $3.5 million last season and with his 111 points over the past two seasons could expect a lot more on the open market. However, Wings GM Ken Holland said, “Mathieu has told me how much he wants to stay here, so I think he’s open to some compromise.”
“…[O]n the open market, he might get an offer of $5.25 million and that’s when our interest in a player becomes less,” Holland added.
It is reported that if the Wings must choose between Danny Markov and Mathieu Schneider, they will choose Schneider and slide young defenseman Kyle Quincey into Markov’s spot on the depth chart.
Center Robert Lang has not ruled out returning Detroit, but is concerned with his lowering ice time.
The Red Wings are interested in bringing back much-maligned winger Todd Bertuzzi if the price is right.
Young forwards Jiri Hudler and Tomas Kopecky could push Kyle Calder out the door come July 1st.
Stay tuned to Faceoff Factor, your source for the latest rumors all in one place, rumors that are never creations of imagination, published reports only.
Tkachuk Tkaput
The Atlanta Thrashers will not offer Keith Tkachuk a contract before July 1st. Tkachuk was acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Glen Metropolit, a first round pick in 2007, a third round pick in 2007, a second round pick 2008 and a conditional first round pick in 2008 if Tkachuk re-signs in Atlanta. The Thrashers will focus more on keeping winger Slava Kozlov. Kozlov, who notched a career high 80 points this season, will reportedly draw the interest from Detroit, Florida and Washington.
The Atlanta Thrashers have been tied to Ottawa center Mike Comrie. Thrashers GM Don Waddell is a close family friend of the Comrie’s.
Cats Aren’t All That Curious
The Florida Panthers are not interested in the big name free agents, such as Devils center Scott Gomez and Sabres centers Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. Besides Slava Kozlov, the Panthers are reported to be pursuing (after July 1st of course) Carolina winger Scott Walker, Minnesota center Todd White, Islanders winger Viktor Kozlov and coveted Nashville winger Scott Hartnell.
In net, the Florida Panthers will consider Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere or a trade for one of the Sharks goaltenders, Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala; before they would consider taking Manny Fernandez from Minnesota or forty-year-old free agent Curtis Joseph from Phoenix.
Bruins Could Be Dealing Early at the Draft
The Bruins entertained a few top prospects this past weekend. Including Angelo Esposito, Tom Hickey, Keaton Ellerby, Kevin Shattenkirk and Zach Hamill. The Bruins have the eighth pick in the draft, and notably did not bring in any of the highest touted prospects (Turris, Kane, vanRiemsdyk). When Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was asked whether it would be safe to assume the Bruins will not be trading up on draft day Chiarelli responded, “No, that would not be the correct assumption.” He also noted that he has received calls for young goaltender Hannu Toivonen. Toivonen could be a ticket for the Bruins to move up a few spots in the draft. (Loose interpretation: The Los Angeles Kings, owners of the fourth overall pick, have been tied to Hannu Toivonen in sporadic reports). The Bruins may want to slide up a few spots to snag defenseman Keaton Ellerby.
The Boston Bruins have also been in talks with shifty center Sergei Zinovjev. However, there has not been a whole lot of progress. Zinovjev has an interest in returning to the NHL. The third round pick of the Bruins in 2000 has played 10 NHL games and 4 career AHL games between stints with AK Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League.
The Boston Bruins will not buy out any roster players according to Chiarelli. The Bruins will tender offers to restricted free agents Andrew Alberts, Brandon Bochenski and Dennis Wideman.
Where Could Yashin Be Cashin’ In?
Recently bought out center Alexei Yashin could be heading back to Ottawa. He has also been tied to Washington, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
In a rather unsubstantiated rumor, Eishockey News reports that Yashin may sign with Hamburg Freezers (DEL) of the highest German league.
New York State of Mind
For Edmonton Oiler winger Ryan Smyth may be remaining in New York after all. Sporadic, and largely unconfirmed, reports have seen Ryan Smyth rejecting long term, high money deals (5 to 8 years, $30 to $51 million) from the Islanders. The Rangers are reportedly willing to pay the price to have Smyth’s services. That price will likely be in the neighborhood for six years, $36 million. Among the other teams in the hunt for Smyth: All of them.
The Islanders are expected to pursue their former center Michael Peca. Ted Nolan also knows Peca from his days in Buffalo.
Samsonov and Son
The Montreal Canadiens are expected to buy out the remaining year of Sergei Samsonov’s contract. Samsonov scored 26 points in 63 games for Montreal last season. The former eighth overall pick’s contract is worth $3.525 million next season. A buyout would count as approximately $1.175 million over the next seasons against the salary cap for Montreal. Samsonov would become an unrestricted free agent if the Canadiens pull the trigger on this transaction.
No comment as to whether Samsonov would like one across his lip.
“Preissed” Out of Ottawa
Ottawa Senators defenseman Tom Preissing is expected to leave Ottawa as an unrestricted free agent. Preissing netted 38 points and a plus-40 rating this season. Preissing has family in suburbs near Chicago and he went to Colorado College before joining the San Jose Sharks as undrafted free agent in 2003-04.
Dominator’s Decision Decided?
An announcement is expected to made by the end of the week as to the status of Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek. Hasek’s agent Rich Winter has hinted the 42-year-old netminder will return to Detroit for another season.
Getting Off the Schneid?
The Detroit Red Wings and defenseman Mathieu Schneider will be actively working to put a new contract in place before Schneider hits unrestricted free agency on July 1st.
Schneider, who turned 38 today (June 12th), made $3.5 million last season and with his 111 points over the past two seasons could expect a lot more on the open market. However, Wings GM Ken Holland said, “Mathieu has told me how much he wants to stay here, so I think he’s open to some compromise.”
“…[O]n the open market, he might get an offer of $5.25 million and that’s when our interest in a player becomes less,” Holland added.
It is reported that if the Wings must choose between Danny Markov and Mathieu Schneider, they will choose Schneider and slide young defenseman Kyle Quincey into Markov’s spot on the depth chart.
Center Robert Lang has not ruled out returning Detroit, but is concerned with his lowering ice time.
The Red Wings are interested in bringing back much-maligned winger Todd Bertuzzi if the price is right.
Young forwards Jiri Hudler and Tomas Kopecky could push Kyle Calder out the door come July 1st.
Stay tuned to Faceoff Factor, your source for the latest rumors all in one place, rumors that are never creations of imagination, published reports only.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Draft Picks and Impending Free Agent Talks Heat Up
The Chicago Blackhawks are on the clock, have they decided who they will pick on June 22nd? After the Canadiens handed over a huge contract to Andrei Markov, there’s no way they would try to keep Sheldon Souray, right? Will the Wild lose the rights to the 12th overall pick in 2004?
In Minnesota, defenseman A.J. Thelen may not be able to play in front of his hometown crowd after all. The 12th overall pick in the 2004 draft is still unsigned and the Wild have until June 1st to sign him or they relinquish his rights. It seems to be largely still up in the air as to Thelen’s fate if he is unsigned. I took it upon myself to read the Collective Bargaining Agreement so I could bring you an answer, but I don’t think I came away with a clear cut answer, that said, I have difficult time interpreting “legal-speak.”
From the CBA:
Exhibit 16 (2i.): “For Unsigned Draft Choices who were drafted from college, but who have subsequently left college and announced a commitment to play hockey elsewhere in North America or Europe, a Club's exclusive negotiating rights to such Players will automatically be extended through and including June 1, 2007.”
However, I also found this passage…
Section 8.6 c. ii.: “If a Player drafted at age 18 or 19 is a bona fide college student at the time of his selection in the Entry Draft, or becomes a bona fide college student prior to the first June 1 following his selection in the Entry Draft, and does not remain a bona fide college student through the graduation of his college class, his drafting Club shall retain exclusive rights for the negotiation of his services until the fourth June 1 following his selection in the Entry Draft.”
This June 1st (today for most of you) would only be the third June 1st since Thelen was drafted. I believe that if Thelen is unsigned that he will not be eligible to re-enter the draft but he will be an unrestricted free agent. At this point, I will offer the now 21-year-old’s brief back-story.
Thelen started out as a Michigan State standout, however, a falling out with his coach and too much in the way of “extra-curricular activities” led to his dismissal from Michigan State’s hockey program. “Extra-curricular activities,” in this case, consist of missing mandatory meetings, excessive drinking and partying and things of the like. Thelen was shown the door by MSU but was offered a chance to play for the team that owned his junior rights, the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL). He was then traded to the Vancouver Giants (WHL) where he has experienced some of the best successes of his career.
“I’m not trying to worry about playing top notch, but it’s on my mind, trying to push them so they don’t have any other option than to sign me,” the 6-foot-3, 212 pound defensive prospect said.
If the Wild cannot come to terms with Thelen, they will receive a second round draft choice in this year’s draft as compensation. The pick will be 42nd overall (12th + 30). They may also elect to trade Thelen’s rights to any interested suitors, such as what happened to Pittsburgh native R.J. Umberger a few years ago.
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The Chicago Blackhawks, who own the first overall pick in this year’s draft, appear to have narrowed their choices down to three.
Forwards Kyle Turris, Patrick Kane and James vanRiemsdyk “are the three guys we’re looking at,” according to Blackhawks GM Dave Tallon.
When Tallon was asked if he would consider trading the first overall pick, “It’s going to have to be a hell of an offer…something that really makes us better quickly.”
Meanwhile, reports out of Philadelphia have the Flyers talking heavily with the 17-year-old Turris. The Flyers own the second overall pick in the draft.
To read more about this year’s draft rankings, see Jesse Marshall’s very comprehensive piece, here.
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The Montreal Canadiens have just re-signed defenseman Andrei Markov to a big time deal recently and they are not done trying to keep their blueline together. The Canadiens and Sheldon Souray’s agent have confirmed that the Habs have extended an offer to the league’s leading goal scorer among defensemen.
Conflicting reports have the offer ranging from $5.7 million down to a little more than four million dollars per year. In addition, conflicting reports have Souray considering the offer while others have him testing the free agent waters regardless of the Habs offer.
-----
The Toronto Maple Leafs and captain Mats Sundin are in contract negotiations and things seem to be running rather smoothly. The deal is expected to be in the two-year, $11 million area.
The Leafs have an option on Sundin’s existing contract as well. In terms of salary, Sundin would make $4.56 million and the Leafs would be subjected to a cap hit of $6.33 million.
Sundin, one of the more consistent point-getters in NHL history, registered 76 points in 75 games last season, marking the ninth consecutive season that Sundin has tallied between 72 and 83 points.
-----
The Chicago Blackhawks apparently have little interest in bringing back center Denis Arkhipov. Hawks GM Dave Tallon has decidedly balked any kind of Arkipov talks and has already given his number 19 jersey away to up and coming prospect Jonathan Toews.
Arkhipov scored 10 goals and 27 points last season with Chicago.
-----
Sidenote to readers: If anyone realizes a glaring error in my CBA-related materials above, feel free to leave a comment with your interpretation. Thank you.
In Minnesota, defenseman A.J. Thelen may not be able to play in front of his hometown crowd after all. The 12th overall pick in the 2004 draft is still unsigned and the Wild have until June 1st to sign him or they relinquish his rights. It seems to be largely still up in the air as to Thelen’s fate if he is unsigned. I took it upon myself to read the Collective Bargaining Agreement so I could bring you an answer, but I don’t think I came away with a clear cut answer, that said, I have difficult time interpreting “legal-speak.”
From the CBA:
Exhibit 16 (2i.): “For Unsigned Draft Choices who were drafted from college, but who have subsequently left college and announced a commitment to play hockey elsewhere in North America or Europe, a Club's exclusive negotiating rights to such Players will automatically be extended through and including June 1, 2007.”
However, I also found this passage…
Section 8.6 c. ii.: “If a Player drafted at age 18 or 19 is a bona fide college student at the time of his selection in the Entry Draft, or becomes a bona fide college student prior to the first June 1 following his selection in the Entry Draft, and does not remain a bona fide college student through the graduation of his college class, his drafting Club shall retain exclusive rights for the negotiation of his services until the fourth June 1 following his selection in the Entry Draft.”
This June 1st (today for most of you) would only be the third June 1st since Thelen was drafted. I believe that if Thelen is unsigned that he will not be eligible to re-enter the draft but he will be an unrestricted free agent. At this point, I will offer the now 21-year-old’s brief back-story.
Thelen started out as a Michigan State standout, however, a falling out with his coach and too much in the way of “extra-curricular activities” led to his dismissal from Michigan State’s hockey program. “Extra-curricular activities,” in this case, consist of missing mandatory meetings, excessive drinking and partying and things of the like. Thelen was shown the door by MSU but was offered a chance to play for the team that owned his junior rights, the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL). He was then traded to the Vancouver Giants (WHL) where he has experienced some of the best successes of his career.
“I’m not trying to worry about playing top notch, but it’s on my mind, trying to push them so they don’t have any other option than to sign me,” the 6-foot-3, 212 pound defensive prospect said.
If the Wild cannot come to terms with Thelen, they will receive a second round draft choice in this year’s draft as compensation. The pick will be 42nd overall (12th + 30). They may also elect to trade Thelen’s rights to any interested suitors, such as what happened to Pittsburgh native R.J. Umberger a few years ago.
-----
The Chicago Blackhawks, who own the first overall pick in this year’s draft, appear to have narrowed their choices down to three.
Forwards Kyle Turris, Patrick Kane and James vanRiemsdyk “are the three guys we’re looking at,” according to Blackhawks GM Dave Tallon.
When Tallon was asked if he would consider trading the first overall pick, “It’s going to have to be a hell of an offer…something that really makes us better quickly.”
Meanwhile, reports out of Philadelphia have the Flyers talking heavily with the 17-year-old Turris. The Flyers own the second overall pick in the draft.
To read more about this year’s draft rankings, see Jesse Marshall’s very comprehensive piece, here.
-----
The Montreal Canadiens have just re-signed defenseman Andrei Markov to a big time deal recently and they are not done trying to keep their blueline together. The Canadiens and Sheldon Souray’s agent have confirmed that the Habs have extended an offer to the league’s leading goal scorer among defensemen.
Conflicting reports have the offer ranging from $5.7 million down to a little more than four million dollars per year. In addition, conflicting reports have Souray considering the offer while others have him testing the free agent waters regardless of the Habs offer.
-----
The Toronto Maple Leafs and captain Mats Sundin are in contract negotiations and things seem to be running rather smoothly. The deal is expected to be in the two-year, $11 million area.
The Leafs have an option on Sundin’s existing contract as well. In terms of salary, Sundin would make $4.56 million and the Leafs would be subjected to a cap hit of $6.33 million.
Sundin, one of the more consistent point-getters in NHL history, registered 76 points in 75 games last season, marking the ninth consecutive season that Sundin has tallied between 72 and 83 points.
-----
The Chicago Blackhawks apparently have little interest in bringing back center Denis Arkhipov. Hawks GM Dave Tallon has decidedly balked any kind of Arkipov talks and has already given his number 19 jersey away to up and coming prospect Jonathan Toews.
Arkhipov scored 10 goals and 27 points last season with Chicago.
-----
Sidenote to readers: If anyone realizes a glaring error in my CBA-related materials above, feel free to leave a comment with your interpretation. Thank you.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Wild Goalie Makes Wild Demand and More NHL Rumors
With the unruly free agent signing period just a shade over a month away, some teams are scrambling to keep the key pieces of their respective teams together. The Canadiens have re-signed defenseman Andrei Markov but there are plenty of proverbial fish to fry out there. Find out which Wild goalie wants out, which Carolina defenseman is on the way out and much more.
- Carolina Hurricanes winger Scott Walker was unable to agree to terms with Carolina and plans to test the free agent market. Walker is reportedly looking for a three-year deal that’s worth in excess of $2 million per year.
- 39-year-old defenseman Glen Wesley said he would like to return to Carolina. Wesley, who broke his leg late last season, is the only player on the Hurricanes roster that played for the Hartford Whalers in their final season. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said that he will certainly re-sign Wesley.
- My story will continue with Carolina, but defenseman Anton Babchuk will not. The 23-year-old former first round pick is a restricted free agent and was suspended this year for not immediately reporting to the AHL. Expect Babchuk to be traded for a draft pick (likely between 2nd round and 4th round) at this June’s draft.
- The Boston Bruins will look to retain goaltender Hannu Toivonen, however a trade has not been ruled out by Bruins management. If Toivonen is not traded he will be serious contender for starting goaltender in Boston.
- Colorado GM Francois Giguere says that he will consider buying out goaltender Jose Theodore. However, he notes that “it will be a hockey decision, not so much a financial decision, because it would not be a big difference even if we bought him out.” Theodore’s cap hit will be in excess of $5.33 million in this, the final year of his contract. A buy out would save the Avs less than $2 million in cap space, then factor in the cost of replacing Theodore with another backup.
- On a business-related topic: Former Dallas Stars owner Norman Green is campaigning for an AHL team to play in Austin, Texas.
- 42-year-old Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek: “It’s very possible it was my last game, but I don’t know.” He went on to say that he will make a decision in the next couple weeks.
- As previously reported here at Faceoff Factor, Panthers forward Nathan Horton is expected to re-sign with the Florida Panthers. “No question I want to stay here,” says the 22-year-old winger (22, as of May 29th).
- Minnesota Wild goaltender Manny Fernandez has requested to be traded. Fernandez is disappointed with the lack of support from Minnesota coaches and management and wants to “break free of these chains” constraining him to the Wild. Fernandez, who has been with the Wild from day one, has a cap hit of $4.33 million for the next seasons. “You listen to [Wild head coach] Jacques [Lemaire], he wanted [Niklas] Backstrom back. It’s fair to say I’m going to be traded…I’m ready for that.”
- The Tampa Bay Lightning are very close to signing Russian goaltending prospect Vasily Koshechkin. The 6’6” 231 lb. goaltender went 3-0 for Russia in the recently concluded World Championships. Koshechkin was Tampa’s eighth round pick in 2002.
- The Vancouver Canucks and winger Taylor Pyatt are closing in on a new contract. The deal is supposedly two years in length and worth somewhere between $1.2 and $1.5 million per season.
- Buffalo Sabres center Chris Drury is looking towards San Jose, Los Angeles and Anaheim as possible destinations to continue his career. While teammate Daniel Briere would have no problem staying with the Sabres.
- Carolina Hurricanes winger Scott Walker was unable to agree to terms with Carolina and plans to test the free agent market. Walker is reportedly looking for a three-year deal that’s worth in excess of $2 million per year.
- 39-year-old defenseman Glen Wesley said he would like to return to Carolina. Wesley, who broke his leg late last season, is the only player on the Hurricanes roster that played for the Hartford Whalers in their final season. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said that he will certainly re-sign Wesley.
- My story will continue with Carolina, but defenseman Anton Babchuk will not. The 23-year-old former first round pick is a restricted free agent and was suspended this year for not immediately reporting to the AHL. Expect Babchuk to be traded for a draft pick (likely between 2nd round and 4th round) at this June’s draft.
- The Boston Bruins will look to retain goaltender Hannu Toivonen, however a trade has not been ruled out by Bruins management. If Toivonen is not traded he will be serious contender for starting goaltender in Boston.
- Colorado GM Francois Giguere says that he will consider buying out goaltender Jose Theodore. However, he notes that “it will be a hockey decision, not so much a financial decision, because it would not be a big difference even if we bought him out.” Theodore’s cap hit will be in excess of $5.33 million in this, the final year of his contract. A buy out would save the Avs less than $2 million in cap space, then factor in the cost of replacing Theodore with another backup.
- On a business-related topic: Former Dallas Stars owner Norman Green is campaigning for an AHL team to play in Austin, Texas.
- 42-year-old Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek: “It’s very possible it was my last game, but I don’t know.” He went on to say that he will make a decision in the next couple weeks.
- As previously reported here at Faceoff Factor, Panthers forward Nathan Horton is expected to re-sign with the Florida Panthers. “No question I want to stay here,” says the 22-year-old winger (22, as of May 29th).
- Minnesota Wild goaltender Manny Fernandez has requested to be traded. Fernandez is disappointed with the lack of support from Minnesota coaches and management and wants to “break free of these chains” constraining him to the Wild. Fernandez, who has been with the Wild from day one, has a cap hit of $4.33 million for the next seasons. “You listen to [Wild head coach] Jacques [Lemaire], he wanted [Niklas] Backstrom back. It’s fair to say I’m going to be traded…I’m ready for that.”
- The Tampa Bay Lightning are very close to signing Russian goaltending prospect Vasily Koshechkin. The 6’6” 231 lb. goaltender went 3-0 for Russia in the recently concluded World Championships. Koshechkin was Tampa’s eighth round pick in 2002.
- The Vancouver Canucks and winger Taylor Pyatt are closing in on a new contract. The deal is supposedly two years in length and worth somewhere between $1.2 and $1.5 million per season.
- Buffalo Sabres center Chris Drury is looking towards San Jose, Los Angeles and Anaheim as possible destinations to continue his career. While teammate Daniel Briere would have no problem staying with the Sabres.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Recchi To Philly?
According to Wayne Fish of PhillyBurbs.com, Pittsburgh Penguin forward Mark Recchi, who becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1, could be in the sights of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Flyers have their eyes on several high-profile players, but Fish suggests that, if those options don't work out, Recchi could be on their list of alternate candidates.
Recchi's play declined as the season progressed, but his attitude certainly changed for the better. He took on more of a leadership role and became a role player down the stretch.
If Recchi is given the opportunity to play a full season with third line minutes, he could be a very effective player. But if the Flyers expect Recchi to come in as a top-liner, they're in for a surprise.
So what does this mean for the Penguins?
Well, first off, to be clear, this piece of information is nothing more than a rumor. And, it is stating Recchi would be a fall back plan.
But should this happen, it could be a blessing in disguise for the Penguins. Recchi played a significant role on the young team early in the season, but he just couldn't keep up at the end. Because of this, losing him may not be a big deal -- and could create a roster spot for a young player ready to advance from the AHL's Baby Penguins of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Then again, Recchi did alter his playing style to compensate for his deficiencies, and his leadership and experience proved valuable to the young team.
Recchi's number one choice most certainly would be to play with the Penguins, as he, his wife and kids live in the Steel City year round. But Philadelphia isn't too far away, and if any team could snatch him away from the Penguins, it would be the Flyers.
Regardless of where Recchi plays, this Faceoff Factor blogger has nothing but the best of wishes for the "Recchin Ball."
The Flyers have their eyes on several high-profile players, but Fish suggests that, if those options don't work out, Recchi could be on their list of alternate candidates.
Recchi's play declined as the season progressed, but his attitude certainly changed for the better. He took on more of a leadership role and became a role player down the stretch.
If Recchi is given the opportunity to play a full season with third line minutes, he could be a very effective player. But if the Flyers expect Recchi to come in as a top-liner, they're in for a surprise.
So what does this mean for the Penguins?
Well, first off, to be clear, this piece of information is nothing more than a rumor. And, it is stating Recchi would be a fall back plan.
But should this happen, it could be a blessing in disguise for the Penguins. Recchi played a significant role on the young team early in the season, but he just couldn't keep up at the end. Because of this, losing him may not be a big deal -- and could create a roster spot for a young player ready to advance from the AHL's Baby Penguins of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Then again, Recchi did alter his playing style to compensate for his deficiencies, and his leadership and experience proved valuable to the young team.
Recchi's number one choice most certainly would be to play with the Penguins, as he, his wife and kids live in the Steel City year round. But Philadelphia isn't too far away, and if any team could snatch him away from the Penguins, it would be the Flyers.
Regardless of where Recchi plays, this Faceoff Factor blogger has nothing but the best of wishes for the "Recchin Ball."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Post-Deadline Tidbits and Speculation
Has your team all but been eliminated from the playoffs? Are you feeling sad, lonely, or depressed? Do you just want to forget that you were once excited about getting Derian Hatcher, Adrian Aucoin, Sergei Samsonov, or Jose Theodore? Well, I wrote this article especially for you then; I'll take an early peek at the upcoming movers early on in this offseason as well as some notable free agents that might be too pricey to keep around.
The Montreal Canadiens find themselves with yet another divided locker room. As previously mentioned here on Faceoff Factor, Sergei Samsonov is regretting ever signing with the Habs this past offseason. That's not all. In a recent interview with a Russian newspaper Alexei Kovalev spoke out about the conditions in Montreal. Kovalev said that the locker room is split up in to cliques: the French, the Americans and the Europeans. Kovalev also admitted that he considered asking for a trade but decided to keep quiet about it. He also mentioned Sergei Samsonov, as I have it roughly translated to, "they expected too much of him and didn't give him any time to prove himself," he went on to say that Samsonov is "lost" out there. The former Pittsburgh Penguin winger added that the coach (Guy Carbonneau) dislikes Russians, he claims it to be evident in the way he treats them and the way he's handling the development of young gun Andrei Kostitsyn.
The Canadiens do not have a ton of breathing room and they do not have a lot of unrestricted free agents coming up at year's end. Radek Bonk, Mike Johnson, Janne Niinimaa and David Aebischer are unlikely to re-sign in Montreal, while the Habs will look to hold on to defensemen Andrei Markov and Sheldon Souray.
Bryan Berard's days are numbered in Columbus according to the Columbus Dispatch. After suffering yet another back-related injury the 30 year old offensive defenseman has decided to call it quits for the rest of the season. Berard, who has played in 11 games this season, came out before the trade deadline and stated that he was "not one of [coach Ken Hitchcock's] guys," and was subsequently shopped around and then waived. The former first overall pick in 1995 is an unrestricted free agent at season's end and said, "The chances are...pretty slim," when asked about the likelihood of him re-signing with the Blue Jackets.
The Philadelphia Flyers have been actively trying to re-sign goaltender Martin Biron. Biron, who was acquired deadline day from Buffalo, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. The 29 year old goalkeeper told the Camden Courier-Post, "...right now everything I've seen is going the right direction." Biron makes $2.1 million this season and is expecting a multi-year contract worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million per year. Boston, Los Angeles and Tampa Bay all inquired about Martin Biron in the days leading up to the deadline.
The Atlanta Thrashers have expressed interest in keeping their trade deadline acquirees past this year's playoffs. Keith Tkachuk headlines a group of acquistions that includes Eric Belanger and Pascal Dupuis. GM Don Waddell should certainly be luring these guys back into the fold after the Thrashers did some mortgaging of the future that would make even the Leafs and Flyers blush. Tkachuk danced around the matter when he offered this to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Right now I'm looking at right now...whatever happens afterward happens."
A couple of deadline deals that fell apart:
Anaheim gets:
Jason Blake
New York Islanders get:
1st round pick
[perhaps a prospect]
A New York area radio show picked this up after the deadline-night games. Apparently the paperwork was filed too late for the deal to become official.
My opinion: This would have made GM Garth Snow a laughing stock. He would trade for "now" (Ryan Smyth for 3 first rounders) AND trade for later (Jason Blake for a 1st rounder +). Either way the Isles are fading fast in the Eastern Conference.
Boston gets:
Martin Gerber
Christoph Schubert
Ottawa gets:
Paul Mara
Tim Thomas
The Ottawa Sun reports that this deal was on the table but was turned down by Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. Chiarelli also had his hand in on Martin Biron from Philadelphia as he actively tried to solve Boston's goaltending woes. Paul Mara ended up getting dealt to the New York Rangers before the dust settled.
My opinion: If I'm Boston, how could I reject a deal that involves Tim Thomas? Martin Gerber's salary is quite hefty ($3.7M/yr until 2009) but it may very well be worth it. A steady hand in net that can right the ship until Hannu Toivonen and Tuukka Rask are ready to go. Schubert has also been serviceable this season, netting 17 points and a +17 rating.
Detroit gets:
Owen Nolan
Phoenix gets:
[unknown]
The Detroit Red Wings sought the services of forward Owen Nolan at the deadline. However, Nolan was asked by Coyotes management if he wanted to be traded and Nolan declined despite the fact that he does not have a no-trade clause in his contract. A classy move by Coyotes management.
The Montreal Canadiens find themselves with yet another divided locker room. As previously mentioned here on Faceoff Factor, Sergei Samsonov is regretting ever signing with the Habs this past offseason. That's not all. In a recent interview with a Russian newspaper Alexei Kovalev spoke out about the conditions in Montreal. Kovalev said that the locker room is split up in to cliques: the French, the Americans and the Europeans. Kovalev also admitted that he considered asking for a trade but decided to keep quiet about it. He also mentioned Sergei Samsonov, as I have it roughly translated to, "they expected too much of him and didn't give him any time to prove himself," he went on to say that Samsonov is "lost" out there. The former Pittsburgh Penguin winger added that the coach (Guy Carbonneau) dislikes Russians, he claims it to be evident in the way he treats them and the way he's handling the development of young gun Andrei Kostitsyn.
The Canadiens do not have a ton of breathing room and they do not have a lot of unrestricted free agents coming up at year's end. Radek Bonk, Mike Johnson, Janne Niinimaa and David Aebischer are unlikely to re-sign in Montreal, while the Habs will look to hold on to defensemen Andrei Markov and Sheldon Souray.
Bryan Berard's days are numbered in Columbus according to the Columbus Dispatch. After suffering yet another back-related injury the 30 year old offensive defenseman has decided to call it quits for the rest of the season. Berard, who has played in 11 games this season, came out before the trade deadline and stated that he was "not one of [coach Ken Hitchcock's] guys," and was subsequently shopped around and then waived. The former first overall pick in 1995 is an unrestricted free agent at season's end and said, "The chances are...pretty slim," when asked about the likelihood of him re-signing with the Blue Jackets.
The Philadelphia Flyers have been actively trying to re-sign goaltender Martin Biron. Biron, who was acquired deadline day from Buffalo, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. The 29 year old goalkeeper told the Camden Courier-Post, "...right now everything I've seen is going the right direction." Biron makes $2.1 million this season and is expecting a multi-year contract worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million per year. Boston, Los Angeles and Tampa Bay all inquired about Martin Biron in the days leading up to the deadline.
The Atlanta Thrashers have expressed interest in keeping their trade deadline acquirees past this year's playoffs. Keith Tkachuk headlines a group of acquistions that includes Eric Belanger and Pascal Dupuis. GM Don Waddell should certainly be luring these guys back into the fold after the Thrashers did some mortgaging of the future that would make even the Leafs and Flyers blush. Tkachuk danced around the matter when he offered this to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Right now I'm looking at right now...whatever happens afterward happens."
A couple of deadline deals that fell apart:
Anaheim gets:
Jason Blake
New York Islanders get:
1st round pick
[perhaps a prospect]
A New York area radio show picked this up after the deadline-night games. Apparently the paperwork was filed too late for the deal to become official.
My opinion: This would have made GM Garth Snow a laughing stock. He would trade for "now" (Ryan Smyth for 3 first rounders) AND trade for later (Jason Blake for a 1st rounder +). Either way the Isles are fading fast in the Eastern Conference.
Boston gets:
Martin Gerber
Christoph Schubert
Ottawa gets:
Paul Mara
Tim Thomas
The Ottawa Sun reports that this deal was on the table but was turned down by Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. Chiarelli also had his hand in on Martin Biron from Philadelphia as he actively tried to solve Boston's goaltending woes. Paul Mara ended up getting dealt to the New York Rangers before the dust settled.
My opinion: If I'm Boston, how could I reject a deal that involves Tim Thomas? Martin Gerber's salary is quite hefty ($3.7M/yr until 2009) but it may very well be worth it. A steady hand in net that can right the ship until Hannu Toivonen and Tuukka Rask are ready to go. Schubert has also been serviceable this season, netting 17 points and a +17 rating.
Detroit gets:
Owen Nolan
Phoenix gets:
[unknown]
The Detroit Red Wings sought the services of forward Owen Nolan at the deadline. However, Nolan was asked by Coyotes management if he wanted to be traded and Nolan declined despite the fact that he does not have a no-trade clause in his contract. A classy move by Coyotes management.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Penguins Morning Update
With the acquisition of forward Gary Roberts, Pittsburgh Penguin general manager Ray Shero is almost sure to keep the wheels turning with at least one more trade today. Below are a few links to Roberts stories, as well as some trade rumors that include the Penguins. Faceoff Factor is not claiming these rumors to be true. As always, the rumors listed below have come from credible sources and are for your reading pleasure. I'll be checking back in the next hour with Game Day Notes for tonight's Penguins vs. New Jersey Devils game.
- According to AZCentral.com, Phoenix Coyote forward Georges Laraque has been denied permission to talk to coaches and general managers of teams looking to trade for him. Laraque has a no-trade-clause in his contract and has asked to speak to representatives of other teams so he can make a decision as to which team is the best fit for him. The Pittsburgh Penguins reportedly are one of the teams hot on his trail.
- A nice story on Roberts can be found at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website. Another can be found at the Fan 590 website.
- Spectors Hockey lists the Penguins as being interested in Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, St. Louis Blues forward Bill Guerin and Phoenix Coyotes forward Laraque.
- Lastly, according to Fan 590 radio, the Penguins are one of several teams in the Jason Blake sweepstakes.
- According to AZCentral.com, Phoenix Coyote forward Georges Laraque has been denied permission to talk to coaches and general managers of teams looking to trade for him. Laraque has a no-trade-clause in his contract and has asked to speak to representatives of other teams so he can make a decision as to which team is the best fit for him. The Pittsburgh Penguins reportedly are one of the teams hot on his trail.
- A nice story on Roberts can be found at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website. Another can be found at the Fan 590 website.
- Spectors Hockey lists the Penguins as being interested in Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, St. Louis Blues forward Bill Guerin and Phoenix Coyotes forward Laraque.
- Lastly, according to Fan 590 radio, the Penguins are one of several teams in the Jason Blake sweepstakes.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Avs Sellers at the Deadline? Where is Bertuzzi Heading? And Much More
As we delve into the final 24 hours the time comes for rumors to turn into facts or "could have been's." Faceoff Factor brings another segment of trade rumor breakdowns. This installment talks about the injured Todd Bertuzzi moving out of Florida. Are the Colorado Avalance sellers at the deadline? And we'll take a look at some of the changes the Rangers are looking to make as they make one last push for the playoffs, or do they?
Todd Bertuzzi - Although he has missed all but seven games this season, Bertuzzi is a relatively hot commodity according to sources. The Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks have been linked to Bertuzzi. The Pittsburgh Penguins have also inquired about the hulking right winger. The Palm Beach Post spoke with a disgruntled Olli Jokinen about the trade deadline and the Panthers captain admitted he expects some changes to be made to the team but hinted that they may not be made to improve the team.
Milan Hejduk and the Avs - For the first time since moving to Colorado it appears the Avalanche are going to be sellers at the deadline. They could make a big splash if they choose to. Milan Hejduk, Marek Svatos, Ian Lapierriere, Ossi Vannanen, Ken Klee, and even, potentially, young offensive blueliner John-Michael Liles are in the mix. The Denver Post suggests that Hejduk is one of the front-runners to be moved at this deadline because he has a no-trade clause that takes effect next season. Hejduk, who has 24 goals and 24 assists this year, is under contract at roughly $3.9 million per season until 09-10.
Aaron Ward - As reported earlier on Faceoff Factor, Ward was recently a healthy scratch in New York and could be on the way out. The Rangers, according to the New York Post, are looking to use him as part of a package to upgrade their blueline. The Coyotes and Kings have been in contact with GM Glen Sather regarding Nick Boynton and Curtis Joseph as well as Aaron Miller and Sean Burke but apparently the price is a little too high for the Rangers liking. It has been previously rumored that Petr Prucha is on the table.
Jason Blake - It is reported that Garth Snow has been shopping winger Jason Blake around, but only to Western Conference teams. Vancouver, Detroit, San Jose and Dallas appear to be serious contenders for Blake who has said that he wants to be traded if he is not signed by the deadline. Blake, 33, has a career high 29 goals this season on the Island.
As always stay tuned to Faceoff Factor for the latest breaking news and trade rumors as we continue our live coverage at the trade deadline.
Todd Bertuzzi - Although he has missed all but seven games this season, Bertuzzi is a relatively hot commodity according to sources. The Detroit Red Wings and Anaheim Ducks have been linked to Bertuzzi. The Pittsburgh Penguins have also inquired about the hulking right winger. The Palm Beach Post spoke with a disgruntled Olli Jokinen about the trade deadline and the Panthers captain admitted he expects some changes to be made to the team but hinted that they may not be made to improve the team.
Milan Hejduk and the Avs - For the first time since moving to Colorado it appears the Avalanche are going to be sellers at the deadline. They could make a big splash if they choose to. Milan Hejduk, Marek Svatos, Ian Lapierriere, Ossi Vannanen, Ken Klee, and even, potentially, young offensive blueliner John-Michael Liles are in the mix. The Denver Post suggests that Hejduk is one of the front-runners to be moved at this deadline because he has a no-trade clause that takes effect next season. Hejduk, who has 24 goals and 24 assists this year, is under contract at roughly $3.9 million per season until 09-10.
Aaron Ward - As reported earlier on Faceoff Factor, Ward was recently a healthy scratch in New York and could be on the way out. The Rangers, according to the New York Post, are looking to use him as part of a package to upgrade their blueline. The Coyotes and Kings have been in contact with GM Glen Sather regarding Nick Boynton and Curtis Joseph as well as Aaron Miller and Sean Burke but apparently the price is a little too high for the Rangers liking. It has been previously rumored that Petr Prucha is on the table.
Jason Blake - It is reported that Garth Snow has been shopping winger Jason Blake around, but only to Western Conference teams. Vancouver, Detroit, San Jose and Dallas appear to be serious contenders for Blake who has said that he wants to be traded if he is not signed by the deadline. Blake, 33, has a career high 29 goals this season on the Island.
As always stay tuned to Faceoff Factor for the latest breaking news and trade rumors as we continue our live coverage at the trade deadline.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Will the Ducks Flip the Pick? Is Berard on the Move? What the Canucks Are Using as Tradebait
The trade deadline is just around the corner and the deals have been sporadic up to this point. High prices and haggling have pushed deals back to the proverbial eleventh hour. We'll check out some more names that could be shipped out before Tuesday's trade deadline. As always, these are published reports, at Faceoff Factor we don't create rumors.
Bill Guerin/Keith Tkachuk - The first installment of our rumors section of course encompassed these two St. Louis Blues forwards. The rumors will be flying up until the second they are traded. The Ducks may have gained the upper hand in negotiations however. A recent deal saw the Ducks grab Tampa Bay's first round pick and as we all know, the Blues sky-high asking price for Guerin or Tkachuk has included a first rounder. Look for the Ducks to pair a young player or a prospect with this first round pick in order to grab one of Tkachuk or Guerin for the stretch run.
Bryan Berard - The Columbus Dispatch has reported the Blue Jackets are actively shopping the disgruntled defenseman. Berard's comments say it all, "...not being one of Hitch's [Coach Ken Hitchcock] guys, I'm not playing as much as I'd like." Berard has been held to just ten games this season due to recurring back injuries. The former first overall selection in 1995 has expressed interest in playing in the playoffs this season, something he has only done twice in his NHL career. Berard was a healthy scratch Saturday night vs. the Rangers.
Martin Gelinas - Known for finding the net in playoff overtimes in recent history, Martin Gelinas finds himself on the trade block once again at the deadline. The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames (each of which are former teams of Gelinas) appear to be in the front-running. The Canucks have three second round picks heading into this year's entry draft. Vancouver's GM Dave Nonis has expressed interest in using two of them to acquire a top four defenseman and a veteran forward.
Rob Blake - The Los Angeles Kings veteran blueliner is not willing to waive his no-trade clause. Reportedly Blake and Kings GM Dean Lombardi have had hours of meetings recently and it is believed that Blake will remain in Southern California. Blake, who will make $6 million next season, has recorded 23 points in 61 games but is -25 this season, the league worst among defensemen. Note: An earlier report from RDS mentioned that Blake would waive his no-trade clause, but those reports are apparently premature and largely inaccurate.
Quick Hits:
Some players that were unexpected or late scratches in tonight's games:
Nikolai Zherdev - The underacheiving Blue Jackets winger has had a bit of a falling out with Columbus management and being a recent top draft pick his price may be higher than most teams are willing to pay. However, it is rumored that Zherdev was scratched tonight for violating a team rule and may be in the lineup for the Blue Jackets next game.
Aaron Ward - The Rangers blueliner left Saturday's morning skate after being told he was going to be a healthy scratch for Saturday night's game against Columbus. The Rangers, who waived fellow defensemen Kasparaitis and Ozolinsh over the course of the year, have been desperate to bolster their blueline and may be tempted to use Aaron Ward to get that accomplished.
Joe Corvo - The Senators defenseman was a healthy scratch for tonight's rematch against Buffalo. The Senators have been linked to Gary Roberts, among others, as the Senators attempt to make a run at the Stanley Cup.
Georges Laraque - Laraque wants out of Phoenix and Phoenix wants Laraque gone as well. The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the pack in trying to acquire the tough guy, however Buffalo and Toronto may be interested as well.
Dainius Zubrus - Zubrus has been on a line with Alexander Ovechkin all season and now is looking for his pay day. Zubrus is looking to double his $1.85 million salary. The Lithuanian-born forward set a career high in goals, assists and points last season and will look almost certainly do the same this season. If he prices himself out of our nation's capitol, a number of playoff-bound teams would be happy to add the versatile forward to their lineup.
As always, stay tuned to Faceoff Factor for the latest in breaking news and updates from around the NHL.
Bill Guerin/Keith Tkachuk - The first installment of our rumors section of course encompassed these two St. Louis Blues forwards. The rumors will be flying up until the second they are traded. The Ducks may have gained the upper hand in negotiations however. A recent deal saw the Ducks grab Tampa Bay's first round pick and as we all know, the Blues sky-high asking price for Guerin or Tkachuk has included a first rounder. Look for the Ducks to pair a young player or a prospect with this first round pick in order to grab one of Tkachuk or Guerin for the stretch run.
Bryan Berard - The Columbus Dispatch has reported the Blue Jackets are actively shopping the disgruntled defenseman. Berard's comments say it all, "...not being one of Hitch's [Coach Ken Hitchcock] guys, I'm not playing as much as I'd like." Berard has been held to just ten games this season due to recurring back injuries. The former first overall selection in 1995 has expressed interest in playing in the playoffs this season, something he has only done twice in his NHL career. Berard was a healthy scratch Saturday night vs. the Rangers.
Martin Gelinas - Known for finding the net in playoff overtimes in recent history, Martin Gelinas finds himself on the trade block once again at the deadline. The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames (each of which are former teams of Gelinas) appear to be in the front-running. The Canucks have three second round picks heading into this year's entry draft. Vancouver's GM Dave Nonis has expressed interest in using two of them to acquire a top four defenseman and a veteran forward.
Rob Blake - The Los Angeles Kings veteran blueliner is not willing to waive his no-trade clause. Reportedly Blake and Kings GM Dean Lombardi have had hours of meetings recently and it is believed that Blake will remain in Southern California. Blake, who will make $6 million next season, has recorded 23 points in 61 games but is -25 this season, the league worst among defensemen. Note: An earlier report from RDS mentioned that Blake would waive his no-trade clause, but those reports are apparently premature and largely inaccurate.
Quick Hits:
Some players that were unexpected or late scratches in tonight's games:
Nikolai Zherdev - The underacheiving Blue Jackets winger has had a bit of a falling out with Columbus management and being a recent top draft pick his price may be higher than most teams are willing to pay. However, it is rumored that Zherdev was scratched tonight for violating a team rule and may be in the lineup for the Blue Jackets next game.
Aaron Ward - The Rangers blueliner left Saturday's morning skate after being told he was going to be a healthy scratch for Saturday night's game against Columbus. The Rangers, who waived fellow defensemen Kasparaitis and Ozolinsh over the course of the year, have been desperate to bolster their blueline and may be tempted to use Aaron Ward to get that accomplished.
Joe Corvo - The Senators defenseman was a healthy scratch for tonight's rematch against Buffalo. The Senators have been linked to Gary Roberts, among others, as the Senators attempt to make a run at the Stanley Cup.
Georges Laraque - Laraque wants out of Phoenix and Phoenix wants Laraque gone as well. The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the pack in trying to acquire the tough guy, however Buffalo and Toronto may be interested as well.
Dainius Zubrus - Zubrus has been on a line with Alexander Ovechkin all season and now is looking for his pay day. Zubrus is looking to double his $1.85 million salary. The Lithuanian-born forward set a career high in goals, assists and points last season and will look almost certainly do the same this season. If he prices himself out of our nation's capitol, a number of playoff-bound teams would be happy to add the versatile forward to their lineup.
As always, stay tuned to Faceoff Factor for the latest in breaking news and updates from around the NHL.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Souray a Shark? Will the Pens Add an Enforcer? And More...
As the trade deadline inches closer, rumors are constantly flying around. We'll break down some of the days' hottest rumors and explain the likelihood of a trade happening or why it won't make sense.
Sheldon Souray - CJAD Radio in Montreal has a report that the Montreal Canadiens, are once again, shopping Sheldon Souray at the trade deadline. The San Jose Sharks seem to be in the front-running according to these reports. The Canadiens are looking to acquire defenseman Matt Carle in the deal. Souray will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end and the puck-moving, hard-hitting defenseman would be a welcome addition to the otherwise inexperienced Sharks defense corps. Perhaps the pleasantly surprising play of rookie Marc-Edouard Vlasic would have the Sharks feeling more comfortable about the move. That said, Carle, a Hobey Baker winner in 2006, is a steep price to pay for an impending free agent.
Georges Laraque - ESPN Radio is reporting that a trade is imminent that would send the Phoenix Coyote tough guy to the Penguins as soon as Laraque okays the deal. Laraque, who has a no-trade clause, was a scratch tonight vs. Calgary. Laraque has scored 22 points in 56 games this season and has racked up 52 PIMs. The Penguins may be interested in his services as an attempt to protect Sidney Crosby and crew from cheap shots and heavy physical play.
Keith Tkachuk/Bill Guerin - Don't expect these two to be heading anywhere together, however they are likely to be moved. Tkachuk was pulled from practice recently with an upper body injury. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Anaheim Ducks are one of up to ten teams that may be interested in one of these wingers. Blues' GM Larry Pleau's asking price will need to come down for these rentals to be moved however, various reports suggest that it would cost a 1st round and pick and a top prospect or two first round picks to nab just one of these soon-to-be free agents.
Bryan Smolinski - Blackhawks center Bryan Smolinski's services are reportedly to be in pretty high demand around the league. Smolinski is better than 51% on faceoffs this season and has contributed better than a half point per game in Chicago this year. Atlanta, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver have all expressed interest in Smolinski's services. While these teams, for the most part, have been above average in the faceoff circle this year, they do lack depth down the middle heading into the playoffs. Smolinski would be a welcome remedy to most teams 2nd or 3rd line center woes.
Geoff Sanderson/Kyle Calder - The Philadelphia Flyers dismal season is allowing them to get a head start on the future. Peter Forsberg may be gone but the Flyers are not done dealing. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that scouts from the Carolina Hurricanes were spotted at recent Philadelphia Flyers games. The Canes have lost LW Erik Cole for perhaps a month and they could use a winger to fill the gap in his absence. Sanderson or Calder would come at an affordable price for Carolina in a patchwork move. Don't expect these "second-tier" deadline players to be moved before the bigger guns (Tkachuk, Guerin, Bertuzzi, etc.) in an attempt to determine their trade value.
Stay tuned for breaking news, more published trade rumors, and in-depth analysis as we approach Tuesday's trade deadline.
Sheldon Souray - CJAD Radio in Montreal has a report that the Montreal Canadiens, are once again, shopping Sheldon Souray at the trade deadline. The San Jose Sharks seem to be in the front-running according to these reports. The Canadiens are looking to acquire defenseman Matt Carle in the deal. Souray will be an unrestricted free agent at season's end and the puck-moving, hard-hitting defenseman would be a welcome addition to the otherwise inexperienced Sharks defense corps. Perhaps the pleasantly surprising play of rookie Marc-Edouard Vlasic would have the Sharks feeling more comfortable about the move. That said, Carle, a Hobey Baker winner in 2006, is a steep price to pay for an impending free agent.
Georges Laraque - ESPN Radio is reporting that a trade is imminent that would send the Phoenix Coyote tough guy to the Penguins as soon as Laraque okays the deal. Laraque, who has a no-trade clause, was a scratch tonight vs. Calgary. Laraque has scored 22 points in 56 games this season and has racked up 52 PIMs. The Penguins may be interested in his services as an attempt to protect Sidney Crosby and crew from cheap shots and heavy physical play.
Keith Tkachuk/Bill Guerin - Don't expect these two to be heading anywhere together, however they are likely to be moved. Tkachuk was pulled from practice recently with an upper body injury. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Anaheim Ducks are one of up to ten teams that may be interested in one of these wingers. Blues' GM Larry Pleau's asking price will need to come down for these rentals to be moved however, various reports suggest that it would cost a 1st round and pick and a top prospect or two first round picks to nab just one of these soon-to-be free agents.
Bryan Smolinski - Blackhawks center Bryan Smolinski's services are reportedly to be in pretty high demand around the league. Smolinski is better than 51% on faceoffs this season and has contributed better than a half point per game in Chicago this year. Atlanta, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver have all expressed interest in Smolinski's services. While these teams, for the most part, have been above average in the faceoff circle this year, they do lack depth down the middle heading into the playoffs. Smolinski would be a welcome remedy to most teams 2nd or 3rd line center woes.
Geoff Sanderson/Kyle Calder - The Philadelphia Flyers dismal season is allowing them to get a head start on the future. Peter Forsberg may be gone but the Flyers are not done dealing. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that scouts from the Carolina Hurricanes were spotted at recent Philadelphia Flyers games. The Canes have lost LW Erik Cole for perhaps a month and they could use a winger to fill the gap in his absence. Sanderson or Calder would come at an affordable price for Carolina in a patchwork move. Don't expect these "second-tier" deadline players to be moved before the bigger guns (Tkachuk, Guerin, Bertuzzi, etc.) in an attempt to determine their trade value.
Stay tuned for breaking news, more published trade rumors, and in-depth analysis as we approach Tuesday's trade deadline.
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