Category Archives: Forwards
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.
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.
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.
Rangers and Avs talking trade for OReilly
As mentioned on Hotstove Tonight, Colorado began the process of approaching teams it considers possible trade partners. One was definitely the New York Rangers. I had originally thought the deal involved Michael del Zotto and Derek Stepan for O’Reilly and another defenceman. However, it was strongly denied that Stepan was ever discussed, so I think I was wrong. The Denver Post’s Adrian Dater has reported the Avalanche are not as interested in getting a centre back.
Avs O’Reilly on Sens radar
The Senators have studied the possibility of acquiring Ryan O’Reilly, but not at any cost.
Sources say Senators GM Bryan Murray has held talks with Colorado Avalanche GM Greg Sherman about a deal for the restricted free agent centre, however, the indications are the asking price is significantly high.
The Leafs, Bruins, Rangers and Penguins have all had talks about O’Reilly
The 22-year-old O’Reilly, the last restricted free agent who remains unsigned, is demanding more than $3.5 million than Matt Duchene is making with the Avs. It should be noted O’Reilly made $900,000 last year on an entry-level deal.
O’Reilly 18 goals and 37 assists for 55 points in 81 games last season. With centre Jason Spezza gone until at least the start of the playoffs after back surgery, the Sens could use that point production.
But if the Senators are going to make a deal for O’Reilly, Murray would be required to give up more than he’s prepared to give. The Avs are looking for a roster player who can help right now, a prospect and a draft pick.
Expect O’Reilly to land somewhere as the Avs try to clear up this sour relationship. The Leafs, Bruins, Rangers and Penguins have all held talks with Sherman, who would like to send him to an eastern conference team.
Rangers and Leafs want O’Reilly?
According to @renlavoierds the Flyers, Rangers and Leafs are among those interested in Ryan O’Reilly. Lavoie says Avs asked for Couturier.
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) February 19, 2013
More Ryan O’Reilly Talk
Avs do not want another center for O’Reilly. Want an offensive D-man or proven forward/plus pick
— adater (@adater) February 17, 2013
Despite Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O’Reilly being available, there’s a good reason the Dallas Stars probably don’t have a chance to acquire him
O’Reilly is apparently available from the Avs, he’s a great young player — would the Stars be interested and what do you think it would take to do that deal?
I fear he falls into the Kyle Turris, Cody Hodgson category. The Stars had interest in Turris when he was a holdout in Phoenix and on Hodgson when he was available in Vancouver. However, both GMs were intent to send their players to the East so they would not be haunted so closely. The guess is unless a Western team overpays, then O’Reilly will end up in the East. But, again, I am not a doctor or a GM, and that is just a guess.
Leafs would love to get O’Reilly
@darrendreger – “Toronto Maple Leafs would love to get their hands on Ryan O’Reilly”
— TSN Radio (@TSN1050Radio) February 14, 2013
Ryan O’Reilly’s days as an Av look to be over
Darren Dreger of TSN reported tonight the Avs are asking for a “roster player and a top prospect.” That sounds about right. The Avs will not confirm that’s what they are asking for. They won’t confirm much of anything right now. They have gone into bunker mentality mode on the Factor.
There is a lot more to this story, but until O’Reilly is traded, I’m kind of bound by an agreement not to report anything until then. Sorry. Really, I’m amazed this all happened. A 22-year-old heart-and-soul, two-way center, an absolute rink rat who loved Denver and loved the Avalanche wound up being the final unsigned big-name restricted free agent in the NHL. Really, it’s unbelievable.
Maple Leafs sniper Phil Kessel wants to finish his career in Toronto, his agent says
Phil Kessel wants to be a Maple Leaf for life.
So says his agent, Wade Arnott, who went on Toronto radio Wednesday to say so.
“Phil (Kessel) is still a really young man,” Arnott told the SportsNet Fan590. “He really enjoys living in Toronto and playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.