Author Archives: Trade Man
Sather taking long look at Zuccarello
General manager Glen Sather told The Post he intends to talk to Mats Zuccarello about returning from Russia to New York once the 25-year-old winger’s season ends with Mettalurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.
Bozak or MacCarther ?
As we stand the Toronto Maple Leafs sit in seventh place in the eastern conference, despite the injuries to Joffery Lupul (fore arm) and Mat Frattin (Knee). Lupul came over in a trade with the Ducks two years ago. In this two Years he has become one of the key players in the leafs line up. His role on the first line with Phil Kessel has given the leafs fans something to cheer about in last years lack luster season. Early in this shortened season he was injured from a Dion Phanuef slap shot. Expected to miss the whole year, Matt Frattin was called up from the AHL. Frattin excelled with six goals in six games, before going down with an injury himself.
Canadiens acquire Michael Ryder from Stars in exchange for Erik Cole
The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Erik Cole to the Dallas Stars in exchange for forward Michael Ryder.
The trade returns Ryder to the organization that drafted him in the eighth round (216th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Canadiens netminder Carey Price tweeted out to his former teammate shortly after hearing the news.
Will Flames put Iginla on trading block?
So when does Calgary general manager Jay Feaster place Jarome Iginla for sale?
And if that were to happen, would Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren grab Iginla before Boston’s Peter Chiarelli?
Both these clubs are looking for help on the wing.
Truth is, however, the Bruins are in far better shape to make a deep playoff run than the Flyers, who increasingly appear to be a “bubble team” that may miss the playoffs.
Phil Housley could draw interest from Buffalo Sabres
Lindy Ruff, fired as coach of the Buffalo Sabres last week, and Phil Housley played together in Buffalo for eight seasons. Both were extremely popular there. It wouldn’t be surprising if Housley, the former South St. Paul High School star who this winter coached the U.S. junior national men’s hockey team to a gold medal in the world championships in Russia, gets interest from the Sabres, if not to succeed Ruff, then as an assistant next season.
Rick Nash’s extended absence and NY Rangers’ silence could point to concussion or potential long-term injury for star winger
Rick Nash hasn’t practiced or played in eight days due to an undisclosed injury. He skipped last week’s Rangers road trip to Canada. But his absence from Monday morning’s practice in Greenburgh after a scheduled off-day raised the warning level to code red that his injury could be a concussion and therefore a long-term issue.
The 28-year-old forward is eligible to come off injured reserve for Tuesday’s home game against the Winnipeg Jets, just as fourth-liner Darroll Powe (concussion) did by practicing Monday following a three-game absence. But Nash not only wasn’t on the ice in Greenburgh; he was nowhere in sight.
“I haven’t looked for him today at all,” John Tortorella said when asked whether Nash were around. “I’m focusing on the guys on the ice. I have a lot of guys on the ice.”
At least defenseman Ryan McDonagh – who also did not practice Monday with an undisclosed injury – was seen receiving treatment from trainers at the team’s Greenburgh facility. The fact McDonagh flew home from Montreal Sunday morning was a good sign, as well, since athletes normally avoid flying if they’re experiencing concussion symptoms (read: Nash last week).
Panthers bench slumping Stephen Weiss
Stephen Weiss has been one of the most consistent two-way players in franchise history, so his season-long slump on both ends of the ice has been baffling to coach Kevin Dineen, who finally sent the veteran center a stern message during and after Sunday’s 4-1 loss to Boston.
Dineen not only moved a listless Weiss from the top line to the fourth line as the game progressed but he benched him for all but two shifts in the third period, including the final 6:01 when the outcome was still in doubt.
With his contract expiring, Michael Ryder is ‘a candidate to move’
Stars beat writer Mike Heika answered questions in a chat on Thursday. Here are some highlights.
Do you think Ryder’s days are numbered in a Stars uniform? what do you think we can get in a trade for him Mike?
John-Michael Liles sitting ‘like a pro’
He isn’t going to pout.
Or stomp his feet. Or whine to the media. Or demand a trade.
That is not John-Michael Liles‘ way.
A healthy scratch for the past four games, Liles admitted on Sunday that he is not happy being forced to watch games from the press box.
Panthers on the block? Weiss? Theodore?
Of course the trade rumors are heating up. Panthers heart and soul center Stephen Weiss continues to be missing in action. Panthers higher ups are confounded by his subpar play. At first the impending free agent was thought to be playing hurt by that is no longer the case. Weiss himself told me he’s fine and I believe him.
No discipline for Canadiens Max Pacioretty
Confirmed no discipline for #Canadiens Max Pacioretty after his hearing with the #NHL.
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) February 24, 2013
Caps working the phones
RUMOURS DU JOUR
Trying to stave off unemployment, Washington Capitals GM George McPhee is working the phones. Three names to watch are wingers Troy Brouwer ($2.35 million cap hit through 2015-16), Joel Ward ($3 million, 2014-15) and Jason Chimera ($1.75 million, 2013-14). All are available because the Caps want to clear cash. McPhee would like to free up money and then reap the rewards of futility with a high draft pick …
Liles in limbo with Maple Leafs?
While it may be a stretch to say defenceman John-Michael Liles is on borrowed time with the Maple Leafs, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
We’re not suggesting Liles, who has an annual salary cap hit of $3.875-million US through the 2015-16 season, has played his last game as a Leaf. But he has been a healthy scratch for three consecutive games and could be out again on Saturday night in Ottawa against the Senators.
Smaller midseason deals matter in NHL
The first conversation with his former assistant general manager regarding a trade happened about six weeks before the trade deadline. Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman chatted with Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who made it clear that if the playoffs didn’t look like a realistic option, then his potential unrestricted free agents would be available at the trade deadline.
The two stayed in touch and the phone conversations became more frequent as the deadline neared. Bowman estimates that on Feb. 27 of last year, the day of the trade deadline, he spoke with the Jets at least 10 times. He had homed in on one player he just had to have at the trade deadline: defenseman Johnny Oduya.
Liles in limbo with Maple Leafs?
While it may be a stretch to say defenceman John-Michael Liles is on borrowed time with the Maple Leafs, it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
We’re not suggesting Liles, who has an annual salary cap hit of $3.875-million US through the 2015-16 season, has played his last game as a Leaf. But he has been a healthy scratch for three consecutive games and could be out again on Saturday night in Ottawa against the Senators.
Katie Strang @KatieStrangESPN
#Isles Per rules of the new CBA, DiPietro still carries cap hit of (pro-rated) $3.6mil ($4.5m minus $900k) even if he stays in Bridgeport
https://twitter.com/KatieStrangESPN/statuses/304993753712713728
Are teams already after Ruff
So, Lindy Ruff is on the market.
That should cause a few neck problems in the coaching fraternity around the NHL.
Ruff had been the longest-serving coach in the NHL when the inevitable tap on the shoulder came from Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier Wednesday.
DIPIETRO ON WAIVERS
Looks like the Islanders have decided to part ways with Rick DiPietro.
Rick DiPietro placed on waivers by New York Islanders http://es.pn/VUdyhX
It appears the Rick DiPietro era is coming to a close on Long Island, as the Islanders put the goalie on waivers.
Pens and Bruins will target Alfredsson
Bruce Garrioch Bruce Garrioch @SunGarrioch
As reported by the Sun Saturday, Alfredsson will be targetted by the Bruins and Penguins is Sens fall out of playoff race. #Sens
https://twitter.com/SunGarrioch/statuses/304623565486047232
