Author Archives: Trade Man
Things can change on a dime, but told things aren’t close on the Subban contract front
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 13, 2013
Opening Night Games – Jan 19
Things certainly start with a bang Jan. 19.
The defending champion Los Angeles Kings, who defeated the New Jersey Devils in a six-game Final last June, raise their banner before a matinee game (3 p.m. ET) against the Chicago Blackhawks that will be carried by NBC in the U.S. and CBC in Canada. Both networks will cover the pregame ceremony.
A riveting playoff rematch is the other matinee TV game that Saturday: The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Philadelphia Flyers to renew acquaintances in the battle for Keystone State bragging rights. NBC will carry that game regionally after the Kings’ banner raising.
That night, NHL Network viewers in the United States will see the first of its 78 live games this season when the New York Rangers, and new star Rick Nash, visit the Boston Bruins.
Canadian fans will enjoy a CBC triple-header on Opening Night. In the afternoon, the Ottawa Senators visit the Winnipeg Jets. Then, at 7 p.m. ET, the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Montreal Canadiens to renew their passionate Original Six rivalry. Finally, the Anaheim Ducks close out the night with a game against the Vancouver Canucks at 10 p.m. ET.
Three nights later, Canada’s TSN kicks off its national coverage with a doubleheader: Winnipeg at the Washington Capitals (7 p.m. ET), and the San Jose Sharks at the new-look Edmonton Oilers (9:30 p.m. ET).
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=649886&navid=nhl:topheads
Brian Boucher traded back to to Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired goaltender Brian Boucher and defenseman Mark Alt from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Luke Pither, according to Craig Custance of ESPN.
The 36-year-old goaltender was drafted No. 22 overall by the Flyers in the 1995 NHL draft and has spent time in his career with seven NHL teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks, Phoenix Coyotes and Calgary Flames. Boucher signed a two-year contract with the Flyers in 2009 and spent two seasons with Philadelphia that included a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010.
Boucher signed with the Hurricanes in 2011 after the Flyers acquired goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov and chose to stick with Sergei Bobrovsky as the backup. Boucher finished the 2011-12 season with a 1-6-1 record with the Hurricanes, along with a .881 save percentage and 3.41 goals-against average.
The Mystery behind Burke’s firing continue
If it was only about his win-loss record, as he tried to sell, then someone other than Dave Nonis would be the new general manager of the Leafs. Sure, the record was part of the evaluation of Burke. How couldn’t it be? But his record alone would have had him back for a shortened new season instead of turning the keys over to Nonis and the rest of his lieutenants. Nobody would look at the record and like it.
But that wasn’t why he was fired. He knows that. And he’s not confortable going public with the information — and neither is the new ownership — because it’s hard to explain why someone didn’t like you. It wasn’t just that he swore. It wasn’t just that he enjoyed the occasional beverage. It wasn’t just that public complaints about him have been more and more apparent in recent months. It wasn’t any one of those things: It was all of them. And more.
Dan Ellis lands spot on Carolina’s training camp roster
It looks like Brian Boucher will have some competition for the backup job in goal during Carolina’s training camp.
Former Ducks and Predators goalie Dan Ellis has landed a spot on the Hurricanes’ camp roster (PDF) to earn a spot behind Cam Ward. Ellis had been playing with the team’s AHL affiliate in Charlotte, and according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie he’ll soon have a contract with Carolina to go with it, potentially a two-way deal.
Roberto Luongo conducting himself with absolute class as his departure nears
When Roberto Luongo leaves the Canucks, he will depart as the city’s greatest-ever goaltender.
When he is traded, he will leave with a gold medal, two shutouts in the Stanley Cup final, and a resume which says “Hart Trophy finalist.”
He will leave with at least 13 more wins and 13 more shutouts than Kirk McLean — and that’s in 130 fewer Canucks games.
CANADIENS TELL GOMEZ NOT TO REPORT TO TEAM THIS SEASON
The Scott Gomez era in Montreal appears to be at an end.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the Canadiens have told Gomez he will not be a part of the team this season. Montreal will continue to pay Gomez for the season and his contract will count against the team’s salary cap.
Gomez’s salary for 2012-13 is $5.5 million but carries cap hit of $7.357 million (based on an 82-game schedule).
Del Zotto, Rangers may not reach deal before camp
The Rangers, confronting a cap squeeze next season, are believed to have offered Del Zotto a two-year contract worth north of $2.4 million per season. The defenseman, who had been looking for a longer-term deal before the lockout, is believed to be seeking approximately $3 million per season for two years.
“There’s only so much you can do with these ‘gap’ contracts,” Sather said, referring to contracts for players coming out of Entry Level. “Michael must have his reasons for doing what he’s doing, but the way the system works, he’s going to have to wait his turn.”
Eager Krejci shrugs off trade rumors
David Krejci was back on the ice Friday with his Bruins teammates for the first time since heading over to his native Czech Republic to play for HC Pardubice during the lockout, and the 26-year-old pivot said he was aware of the persistent rumors about a possible trade to Phoenix or Anaheim. But he made it clear, as he did last season when the rumors started, that he wants to remain a Bruin.
“I’ve seen it and I have time to go on the Internet, so I know what’s going on,” Krejci said. “I went through lots of things and saw my name there, but there’s nothing I can control. I am happy here, and I hope I haven’t given them any reasons to trade me. So I can’t control it, and I just want to go out there and play my best.”
Dave Nonis says goaltending is team’s No. 1 priority
Despite singing the praises of James Reimer and Ben Scrivens, newly appointed Toronto Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis said he won’t hesitate to make a move via trade if either goaltender fails to impress early in the season.
One day after taking over from Brian Burke, who was fired by the team on Wednesday, Nonis appeared on Hockey Night in Canada Radio with hosts Gord Stellick and Scott Oake to discuss, among several issues, the Leafs’ No. 1 priority: goaltending.
Luongo’s Top 5 Saves
for those of you who don’ t think that Luongo would help your team … watch this video
Could this be Cole’s last season in the NHL?
Will this be Erik Cole’s last season in the NHL?
Pat Hickey reports that Cole, speaking to the media Friday in Brossard, said family considerations and unhappiness over the new collective bargaining agreement will force him to review his situation at the end of the season.
“I enjoyed my time at home and the kids are in school here until the end of June and we’ll reevaluate things after that,” said Cole, who first raised the prospect of early retirement in October.
Bryan Murray should be on the phone trying to pry Evander Kane out of Winnipeg.
— James Gordon (@SensReporter) January 11, 2013
It’s my expectation some GMs are sitting on trades/signings that are done or close to done and as soon as gun goes off, there’ll be activity
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 12, 2013
COLTON ORR ATTEMPTING RETURN TO LEAFS
He was almost unrecognizable stalking the ice for the Toronto Marlies late last year. Still sporting the familiar #28, Colton Orr was in the midst of a transformation, a transformation desperately required of a player whose stock in the NHL had plummeted, a fighter whose career hung in the balance.
“Even though it was probably a great disappointment for him to be sent to the American League, it was almost a necessary thing to happen for him because it let us basically pull down that reset button for 10 seconds and this hockey player restarted himself and a new guy popped out,” Marlies head coach Dallas Eakins told TSN.ca.
His hair now trim and proper, his body and game redefined, Orr is attempting a return to the Maple Leafs this season.
Redden will sit our season at home
It appears Wade Redden will sit out the season at home at the Rangers’ request in order to ensure he does not get hurt and thus jeopardize the planned postseason compliance buyout of the final year of his contract.
NHL Great Hits video
Although a few years old here is a video with lots of great hits to welcome back to the NHL.
I would also be very surprised if the NY Rangerstraded Del Zotto. They need him! He has his faults but is pretty good puck-moving PP D
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) January 10, 2013
Subban Wants Doughty Type Money?
Before a deal can get done, the first agreement is yourself and your agent have to agree on the same things and I think we clarified everything (Monday). We know where we both stand,” said Subban, who is represented by Don Meehan of Newport Sports. “Now it’s his job to go and relay that Montreal and take it from there.
“We had a long summer to try and get things done and it didn’t happen so as far as I’m concerned, it’s out of my control. I can’t offer myself a contract. At this point now, I’m just waiting and making sure I keep myself in shape so that once I get to training camp, I’m ready to go. I’ve made it clear I want to play there and play there for a long time. My interest is nowhere but in Montreal. That’s never, ever changed and it’s never been a question. If anybody says anything different, they don’t know what they’re talking about.”
Will the Avs trade O’Reilly
Will standout young center Ryan O’Reilly be under contract and available to play in the Jan. 19 season opener?
The Avalanche locker room just isn’t the same without the hardworking “Factor,” a 21-year-old unrestricted free agent who is still playing in Russia.
