Monthly Archives: November 2013
Rumors from tsn.ca’s Darren Dreger
Darren Dreger: We are hearing some interesting names that are starting to surface. Two of them that come to mind are Brayden Schenn of the Phildadelphia Flyers and Michael Del Zotto of the New York Rangers. Now the Flyers aren’t trying to push out Schenn – they may want to push out his brother Luke – but what they’ve told teams quietly is that if there is the right deal available, if they can find the right fit, then absolutely they would include Brayden Schenn in a trade scenario. And we know Paul Holmgren likes to make that big blockbuster deal.
Edmonton willing to trade their 2014 first-round draft pick
An obviously frustrated MacTavish said last week he is willing to trade Edmonton’s 2014 first-round draft pick. Undoubtedly, he’ll be looking for a big centre or a game-changing defenceman. But there are a couple of things to keep an eye on here. First, is the better play to wait until after the draft lottery to see the true value of that selection? Second, Edmonton considered a similar move last June, only to keep the seventh-overall pick and draft Darnell Nurse, who is an exciting prospect for the organization.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/2013/11/30-thoughts-paul-maurice-could-ease-pressure-on-oilers-eakins.html
On the Mike Cammalleri trade speculation
Cammalleri, 31, is a pending unrestricted free agent. He’s said he’s “open” to signing an extension, but does he fit into the club’s plans?
Speaking of which, here’s ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun with the second reason we’re writing about Cammalleri today:
NHL rumors: Michael Del Zotto drawing interest, on Sens’ radar
While he has definitely had his struggles, Del Zotto is still a player with plenty of potential as he is just 23 years old and is under team control for a while yet given his RFA status after this season. He’s a puck-moving defenseman when at his best and has had plenty of experience running the point on the Rangers’ power play over the last couple of seasons.
Are the Blues looking at Miller?
Miller, 33, is in the final year of a five-year, $31.3 million contract with Buffalo, which may be inclined to move the netminder, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Blues are believed to be one of the teams that inquired about Miller last offseason, but it appears that that ship has sailed.
Kulikov trade talks continue
The Florida Panthers continue to field calls for defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, as the team has let its opponents know a number of players are up for grabs.
Last week, the Panthers shipped right wing Kris Versteeg to the Chicago Blackhawks and more trades are expected this season.
Ottawa Senators searching for 6th forward
One quarter of the way through the schedule, the Senators are still trying to find a bona-fide Top 6 forward.
The search has been internal so far, but GM Bryan Murray is also turning over all sorts of stones outside the organization.
Apparently, he’s even shown interest in a flash from the past.
Are the Habs looking at Evander Kane?
The Montreal Canadiens want to score more goals, and while one of their lines continues to click on all cylinders, the rest of the team has been lacking.
The Habs rank 21st in the NHL with 2.43 goals-per-game, despite sitting third in the entire league in goals-against.
Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf dubbed Princess Phaneuf by Sabres’ John Scott
John Scott was fighting mad but with nobody to scrap, the Buffalo Sabres thug used his tough talk instead.
Incensed at having been ejected from Saturday’s game during an animated third-period skirmish that involved multiple players, including Toronto defenceman Dion Phaneuf, Scott lashed out at the Maple Leafs captain.
Are the Flames about to make some major moves ?
Give Flames GM Jay Feaster credit, his team needed a defenceman and he acquired Ladislav Smid for a goalie prospect the club felt was well behind Jonathan Gillies and a centre in Roman Horak who hadn’t proven he could be a top-nine skater.
With Smid’s age — 27 — he’s still in his prime and should serve as a good mentor for the likes of Patrick Sieloff and Tyler Wotherspoon in the future.
Islanders and Predators possible landing sports for Hiller
On Thursday, Anaheim activated Viktor Fasth from his AHL conditioning stint. At the same time, the Ducks assigned Frederik Andersen to Norfolk. During his brief NHL audition, Andersen proved his AHL apprenticeship doesn’t have to be much longer. The 24-year-old went 6-1-0 with a 1.66 GAA and .943 save percentage while sharing the net with Jonas Hiller.
Sharks and Blues news
The Sharks will be buying out lukewarm winger Martin Havlat after this season. They likely would have done so this summer, but he had hip surgery and you can’t buy out injured players. Havlat was a healthy scratch Friday against the Oilers.
Predators need to look for a goalie
The Nashville Predators might be forced into trading for a goalie as a tourniquet move to stop the bleeding while Pekka Rinne recovers from hip surgery and a related infection.
If the Predators don’t make a deal, they face the possibility that their season is lost in November.