National Teams right now. I'm with ATFK, I think Sweden has a good shot. From what I've seen Forsberg has looked very fluid in this skating and greaton the ice this year.
http:// [h3][/h3]
[h3]Jackets GM eying trades[/h3]
9:55AM ET
[h5]Columbus Blue Jackets[/h5]
Top Email
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=clsColumbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is reportedly working the phones, trying to push through a trade to boost his struggling team, the
Columbus Dispatch writes.
Previously, we told you
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=ottOttawa Senators D
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3746Brian Lee might be headed to Columbus, but it appears that's not happening.
However, the Jackets have had trouble trying to deal all season. There were
hints that the Jackets would trade but as Howson previously told the Dispatch, "The (trade) market is tough. It's as tough as it's ever been, with so many long-term contracts out there, with so many clubs up against the salary cap, and with so many clubs still thinking they're in the playoff race. It's hard to get any movement on a trade right now. It's hard to shake anything loose."
http:// [h3]Biron may go to Buffalo[/h3]
9:49AM ET
[h5]Martin Biron |
Islanders[/h5]
Top Email
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=72Martin Biron is
on the trade block, and the rumors won't go away about him heading to one of his former teams.
One possible destination for Biron is the Flyers, but CBS's Elliotte Friedman wonders if the Flyers would think about re-acquiring the stopper. "Or, is it too much of a PR nightmare to try?"
Also, the
Ottawa Sun writes that Biron might head back to Buffalo because the Sabres aren't sold on
Patrick Lalime as their backup.
Puck Prospectus write that the two teams most likely calling up the Islanders will be the
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs and
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings.
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
The Kings?
http:// [h3]Volchenkov talks open[/h3]
9:46AM ET
[h5]Anton Volchenkov |
Senators[/h5]
Top Email
Senators GM Bryan Murray will likely start talking with
Anton Volchenkov's agent in the new year.
Murray told the
Ottawa Sun, "We'll try to talk to (Grossman) and see if we can go anywhere. Then it's up to (Volchenkov). I think everybody knows where different teams are space-wise. Obviously, we'd like to keep him. I'd like to think that both of us can work together to try to get something done."
Volchenkov, 27, makes $3.2 million a year and he'll probably be looking to make at least that much. But don't be fooled by Murray's optimism -- this might be a longer and more complicate negotiation than he's making it out to be.
http:// [h3]Senators eying Whitney?[/h3]
9:42AM ET
[h5]Ottawa Senators[/h5]
Top Email
The
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=ottOttawa Senators lost captain
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=12Daniel Alfredsson for the next four to six weeks, and they're also without
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1183Jason Spezza and
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3535Nick Foligno.
According to the
Ottawa Sun, the Sens don't have much in trade assets but they have blueliners
Chris Campoli and
Brian Lee to spare -- and they may be enough to net
Ray Whitney from the Hurricanes.
Bruce Garrioch writes, "[Whitney] will be given a choice by Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford whether to play out the season in Carolina or accept a trade to a playoff contender."
http:// [h3]Gonchar available in 2010[/h3]
9:37AM ET
[h5]Sergei Gonchar |
Penguins[/h5]
Top Email
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313Sergei Gonchar is probably leaving the
Pittsburgh Penguins, and both sides seem OK with it.
Gonchar wants his $5 million a season, while the Penguins want to make sure they can pay Kris Letang, who is a restricted free agent and will probably demand between $3 million and $4 million a season, the
Buffalo News reports.
There are other option on the table, though. The Penguins could offer Gonchar
a contract with performances bonuses, which might appease both sides. Or Gonchar could give the Pens
a hometown discount -- but
don't count on it.
Also, rumors have been floating around that Gonchar may get big offers from the KHL. ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun writes, "KHL money is big and tax-free, so that's an option Gonchar can't completely ignore, even if his heart is very much in Pittsburgh."
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
Health vs. Skill
"The decision to keep Sergei Gonchar or not will come down to weighing the value of health versus skill. Pittsburgh was lucky to have the 35 year old veteran's 0.20 GVT per game back in their lineup in time for their championship run in 2008-09, but will they be as fortunate with the oft-injured blueliner this season and next? Gonchar seems a risky proposition, but he's probably worth it. With the championship core the Pens have right now, it would be hard to say 'Do svidaniya' to Sergei without a sure thing to replace him." -Timo Seppa
http:// [h3]Hitchcock gone at season's end?[/h3]
9:33AM ET
[h5]Ken Hitchcock |
Blue Jackets[/h5]
Top Email
Columbus Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock got the
vote of confidence from GM Scott Howson and
president Mike Priest.
The Buffalo News, however, writes, "Hitchcock is the best coach in team history and the first to take them into the playoffs, but he could be packing his bags if he runs out of options."
The Blue Jackets will likely miss the playoffs this season, and the buzz around NHL circles is that the players are getting "tired of Hitchcock's act," the
Ottawa Sun reports.
A league executive told the Sun, "He'll be okay until the end of the season."
But management might ant a fresh start as they rebuild, so Hitchcock may need to pack his bags when the season wings to a close.
http:// [h3]More Halak buzz[/h3]
9:25AM ET
[h5]Jaroslav Halak |
Canadiens[/h5]
Top Email
The
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=monMontreal Canadiens are reportedly trying to trade Jaroslav Halak, but there's been a lot of buzz building about the Habs having to keep him because he's been playing so well.
First, the
Montreal Gazette pointed this out, saying they need him to make a playoff run, and now the Buffalo News writes that starter Carey Price might end up riding the bench for now.
Previously, we told you Halak demanded a trade because he wasn't playing enough. But if he continues this streak, he'll have to play -- and that might push him to back off on his trade demands.
This probably means the Habs won't get the scorer they want, because it is thought that they'll have to
deal Halak to get one.
The
Philadelphia Flyers have inquired a lot about Halak. Also
rumored to be interested are the
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=stlhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=stlhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=stlhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=stlhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=stlSt. Louis Blues and
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=dethttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=dethttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=dethttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=detDetroit Red Wings. The Wings have a long-term and short-term option; the Blues may be interested in a younger goalie (both their goalies are 33) but the veterans are playing very well thus far.
http:// [h3]Team may inquire about Sharp[/h3]
9:17AM ET
[h5]Patrick Sharp |
Blackhawks[/h5]
Top Email
As the NHL trade freeze is about to expire, teams may soon start to inquire about
Patrick Sharp,
Canoe.ca writes.
But there may only be a specific type of trade the Blackhawks are looking for -- one that doesn't compromise this season, while saving money in the longrun.
Since the Hawks are a legit Cup contender, it's unlikely they'll trade Sharp just to save cap space. But if a trade comes along that makes their offseason task of saving money a bit easier, they may start talking.
There were rumors that the
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs want in on Sharp, as they try to boost their offense. The Leafs biggest asset is their ability to take on salaries without having to send some back -- which is exactly what the Hawks need.
Also, the
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=atlAtlanta Thrashers might
also be interested.
The idea of trading Sharp was first brought up by
CBC Sport's Elliotte Friedman, and now
Chicago Now writes, "Depending on what they get in return, the Blackhawks might have to consider that trading Sharp's $3.9 million salary cap hit (through 2011-12) and his lone power-play goal (tallied way, way back on Oct. 3) could move them forward."
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
Sharp could be key addition
"Despite his $4.0 million price tag, Patrick Sharp could be a prize second-line addition to an NHL team that matched him up with a skilled playmaker. The 28-year-old forward has been scoring between 1.1 and 1.3 even-strength goals per 60 minutes over the past two seasons in Chicago, same as
Jonathan Toews. With a career high 4.6 power-play points per 60 minutes last season, he could also provide secondary scoring with the man advantage. Though not generally used in a defensive role, his even-strength goals-against average has improved from 3.36 in 2006-07 to 2.21 last season and Sharp consistently rates a little above average in terms of Defensive GVT and PCD." -Robert Vollman
http:// [h3]Carter to the Kings?[/h3]
9:03AM ET
[h5]Jeff Carter |
Flyers[/h5]
Top Email
There have been reports that
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2383Jeff Carter id
not going anywhere, but anything is possible -- since he doesn't have a no-trade clause -- so if the right package is offered, he might be heading out of town.
According to the
Ottawa Sun, the favorite to land him is the
Los Angeles Kings.
The Habs were also interested, as they asked for Carter in exchange for goalie
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3116Jaroslav Halak, but it appears that was turned down.
http:// [h3]Bruins may be eying Kovalchuk[/h3]
8:58AM ET
[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk |
Thrashers | Interested:
Flames?,
Kings?,
Flyers?,
Bruins?,
Maple Leafs?[/h5]
Top Email
The
Boston Bruins might be the perfect fit for
Ilya Kovalchuk, if and when he goes on the trade market. But according to
CSN, that trade won't happen until February.
Because, as Joe Haggerty writes, "The B?s will wait for Milan Lucic -- on the ice skating for the second straight day Tuesday afternoon and hoping for a return around the Winter Classic -? to return to health and give Boston what its been seeking all season long: A complete roster."
[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might
save up and spend it all in one place.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say
this rumor is false.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM
Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.
KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev
might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche --
Here's why.
The most recent trade buzz has the Bruins as a highly-interested suitor, owing to the fact that they traded
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3479Phil Kessel away this offseason, and are in need of another sniper to take his place. But there could be a snag here, too. According to James Murphy of
NESN.com,
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961Blake Wheeler and
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405Tuukka Rask would have to be involved for Atlanta to part with Kovy, and B's GM Peter Chiarelli has essentially made Rask untouchable.
Kovalchuk is rumored to be asking for a max contract -- 10 years at $11.3 million a season -- but he is possibly delaying a signing because he is
unsure about the future of the Thrashers franchise.
Kovalchuk could sign a shorter deal that won't keep him stuck in Atlanta, in case something does happen. Waddell may be pulling out all the stops because, for the first time this week, he admitted that
negotiations may be in trouble.
Either way, it is likely not about the players on the team. Puck Prospectus previously told us that the team's future looks bright, with young stars like
Evander Kane ready to team with Kovalchuk to make a run. But it's possible Kovalchuk wants to play in a bigger market, even if it means making less money.
http:// [h3]Plekanec talks coming?[/h3]
8:50AM ET
[h5]Tomas Plekanec |
Canadiens[/h5]
Top Email
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=1933Tomas Plekanec, a free agent-to-be, still hasn't heard anything from
Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey about an extension. But as
ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun points out, players on a one-year deal can't negotiate until Jan. 1.
A month ago, Plekanec told the
Montreal Gazette, "The ball is in his court. If he's going to call my agent, he will. We'll see."
Gainey has typically refused to negotiate with potential free agent in-season, but it might also be Gainey realizing he doesn't have money to sign him.
With all the Habs' free agents at season's end -- including
Carey Price,
Glen Metropolit,
Paul Mara, Marc-André Bergeron and
Jay Leach -- Gainey will have to make decisions on who to sign an who to let go. So perhaps Plekanec might not fit under the salary cap, because if he continues to play at this pace, he'll demand about $4 to $5 million a year.
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
The Rangers should give him a call
"Who is Tomas Plekanec? In 2006-07 he was a two-way forward with a relative plus-minus of 15 and a 4.2 defensive GVT. The next season his defense softened, but his even-strength scoring went up from 1.8 points per 60 minutes, to 2.3. Last season his defense got even worse, his scoring dropped down to 1.4 at even-strength, and his power play scoring per minute almost cut in half. This year he's got 11 points in 12 games. Plekanec
