NHL Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

Boston Herald

"Bruins center Marc Savard will soon sign a lengthy and lucrative contract extension that will keep him in Boston well into the next decade, according to a team source, but the club isn't quite ready to let him return from his broken foot just yet. The 32-year-old center, whose offensive skills were sorely missed over the past few weeks, is close to a new deal. With a few final issues to be ironed out, the extension could be announced within days. Although the team earlier dangled a three-year deal paying $6.5 million per year, Savard apparently will choose a longer term at less average money - seven years worth $39 million ($5.7 million per) according to a report from Canada's RDS. Savard ..."

Blackhawks eagerly anticipating return of Marian Hossa

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November 20

Chicago Tribune

"With Marian Hossa's debut with the Blackhawks looming, coach Joel Quenneville is formulating plans on how to utilize the high-scoring winger. Hossa participated in the Hawks' morning skate before Thursday night's game against the Flames and is on track to play during the Hawks' six-game trip, most likely Wednesday against the Sharks in San Jose. "There are going to be a lot of options for a coach to have," Quenneville said. "He's going to get a lot of ice time. We're looking forward to him being useful in a lot of ways.""

Foote doesn't practice, and should Ryan Wilson be suspended?

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November 20

Denver Post

"Doesn't look like captain Adam Foote is going to be in the lineup tomorrow night against the Canucks, but John Liles and T.J. Galiardi have both been pronounced "available" to play. Number 52 didn't practice today here, still bothered by an apparent jaw injury. It's possible Avs rookie Ryan Wilson won't play either. It's possible the NHL could suspend him for his hit on Edmonton captain Ethan Moreau last night, which knocked him out of the game with a likely concussion and kept him out of Oilers practice today."

Wilson's hit on Oiler is headed for debate

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November 20

Denver Post

"When Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson drilled Edmonton Oilers captain Ethan Moreau with a big hit to the head Wednesday, it touched off approximately the 10,000th debate on the "head shots" topic this NHL season. The issue continues to dominate much of the chatter regarding any proposed rules changes, with league general managers saying they may propose new guidelines to be voted upon at the next board of governors meeting. Proponents of stiffer penalties and/or new guidelines for hits to the head point to the kind that Wilson laid on Moreau, saying they represent a heightened danger level given the acknowledged bigger, faster players of today. Others, such as former player, GM and current ..."

Gonchar could return tonight, but Pens lose McKee

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November 19

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"In yet another eventful day on the Penguins' injury front, there was good and bad news. The bad news is that another defenseman, Jay McKee, will be out of action for a while. McKee has sustained a finger infection and will miss between two and four weeks. Defensemen Sergei Gonchar, Brooks Orpik, Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski were already nursing injuries when the McKee news broke. The Penguins, though, haven't yet recalled another defenseman from Wilkes-Barre. There is a chance that either Gonchar or Orpik will play tonight in Ottawa. Gonchar has been out with a broken wrist, and Orpik has been bothered by a lower-body injury, believed to be his hip. Gonchar appears the best bet to play ..."

Kings' Smyth could miss a month

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November 19

NHL.com

"Ryan Smyth, a major contributor to the Los Angeles Kings' surprising success in the first six weeks of this season, is expected to be out of action for approximately one month. Smyth, who left after the second period of Monday's game at Florida, visited a team doctor Wednesday morning. Coach Terry Murray and general manager Dean Lombardi would not disclose the nature of Smyth's "upper-body injury.""

Savard contract talks remain on course

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November 19

Boston Globe

"An Internet report this afternoon had No. 1 Bruins center Marc Savard poised to extend his deal for another seven seasons, beginning in 2010-'11, worth a total possibly as high as $39 million (about a $5.6 million cap hit). According to a source familiar with the ongoing contract talks, the signing is not imminent and the total payout is not likely to be as high as reported today. Savard, who will turn 33 years old next July, is closing in on a seven-year pact worth closer to $32 million (cap hit: approximately $4.7 million)."

Canadiens lose Gionta to broken foot

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November 19

TSN.ca

"The Montreal Canadiens, who have struggled scoring goals this season, will have to continue to try to do so without winger Brian Gionta for the foreseeable future. The winger has a fractured bone in his left foot and will be out indefinitely. "The players will have to raise their game to try to make up for it," coach Jacques Martin told reporters after practice. "It opens a door for someone. We've been waiting for that since the start of the season.""

Booth puts brakes on exercise

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November 19

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"Panthers winger David Booth has stopped exercising after suffering a setback in his rehab last week. Coach Pete DeBoer said Booth, who suffered a concussion Oct. 24 in Philadelphia, had exercised for a few days without post-concussion symptoms, but they returned when he increased intensity of his workouts. "We've kind of taken our foot off the gas and given him a few days off before we look to go back at it again," DeBoer said Wednesday after the morning skate. "But that's anticipated. We knew going through this process there was going to be good days and bad." DeBoer and Booth had talking about him possibly coming on this three-game trip so he could attend Friday's game against the ..."

Talbot's return boosts Penguins

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November 19

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Forward Max Talbot lost an edge on two occasions during practice Wednesday at Mellon Arena, prompting his teammates to laugh hysterically each time he fell. The life of the party is back for the Stanley Cup champions, and he won't be sitting in the press box any longer. Talbot, one of the heroes of the Stanley Cup Finals, is completely healed from summer shoulder surgery and will make his debut tonight when the Penguins play in Ottawa. "It just feels great to be back in the room," Talbot said. "I want to do everything I can to help out. My shoulder is ready." Talbot had shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum on July 7. At the time, he was told game action was out of the question for ..."

Hawks using the same sign language

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November 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"It's no secret that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman wants to sign Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith to long-term contracts before they become restricted free agents after this season. The Hawks still would have the right to match offers any of the three might receive from other clubs if that happened, but all three strongly stated after practice Tuesday that they want to remain with the Hawks for the long term. Recent published reports even suggested their signings are imminent, but that might be wishful thinking on the part of both the players and the team. There was no sign of signings after the workout Tuesday. ''I guess there's a little bit of a rumor out there,'' ..."

Lucic able to make contact

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November 18

Boston Globe

"Cleared for his first day of contact in nearly a month, Bruins winger Milan Lucic wasted little time getting gritty at yesterday's practice at Ristuccia Arena. No, he wasn't quite the hard-charging, body-crunching forward who has made himself a fan favorite in Boston. But the fact that he checked out perfectly fine after a few physical puck battles and three-on-three drills was encouraging. Lucic, who was placed on long-term injured reserve last month with a broken right index finger, skated alongside Byron Bitz and Steve Begin on the fourth line during the 75-minute session."

Bruins Marc Savard might play

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November 18

Boston Herald

"While the Bruins' offensive production seemingly could not get any worse, the news out Ristuccia Arena could not have been better. Injured center Marc Savard skated before yesterday's practice, expects to participate in a full workout today and hopes to be on the ice when the B's face the Thrashers tomorrow night in Atlanta. Claude Julien left Savard's availability an open question, although the coach never is one to tip his hand. "I could go, it depends how I feel in practice," Savard said. "I have to get a good skate in and be back out there with the boys. I mean, I don't want to rush things. I do not think we do as a staff, but if it comes to it maybe I can play. I'm ready to go and if ..."

Kings' Smyth, Scuderi to miss Wednesday's game

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November 18

NHL.com

"The Kings returned home from their five-game road trip as a bit of a battered bunch. Ryan Smyth and Rob Scuderi both will miss Wednesday night's home game against Philadelphia, and it seems as though Smyth might be out significantly longer. Smyth suffered an undisclosed upper-body injury sometime during the second period Tuesday night against Florida and did not play in the third period."

Just few loose ends remain on 3 Chicago Blackhawks extensions

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November 18

Chicago Tribune

"From their first Prospects Camp in the summer of 2007, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane have experienced just about everything in their Blackhawks careers together. Now that the young forwards are poised to sign contract extensions, fittingly they likely will do so at the same time. With just some loose ends to tie up, Toews and Kane are expected to sign five-year deals worth $6 million annually, according to TSN in Canada. Defenseman Duncan Keith will sign a 13-year deal, also according to TSN, for less money annually. Thus the club will keep the potential restricted free agents long term. "It's nicer to get it done all at the same time rather than one guy and then another and then maybe ..."

Filatov to Moscow, this loan has high rate of interest

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November 18

Columbus Dispatch

"Nikita Filatov was buried so deep in Columbus that he will reappear on the other side of the planet. Yesterday, it became official: Filatov, a gifted former first-round NHL draft pick, was loaned to CSKA Moscow of the Continental Hockey League. The first year of his NHL contract has been burned. It will be spent on another continent. This is a hot topic among Blue Jackets fans, and for many reasons. Does coach Ken Hitchcock have something against Russian players? That is one theory being espoused -- especially in Russia. First, Sergei Fedorov was picked on, then Nikolai Zherdev was shipped out, and now this. Does Hitchcock's ego have room for world-class talent? He seems to go out of his ..."

Back to Russia, for now

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November 18

Columbus Dispatch

"When the Blue Jackets depart today for a season-high five-game trip that begins Thursday at Dallas, rookie left winger Nikita Filatov will be headed, in so many ways, in the opposite direction. Unable to gain the trust of coach Ken Hitchcock and earn significant ice time, Filatov began pushing this month for a return to his native Russia, where he can play more and be a goal-scoring star. The Blue Jackets granted Filatov's wish yesterday, agreeing to loan him to CSKA Moscow of the Continental Hockey League for the remainder of the season. Filatov and the Blue Jackets say that he will return to Columbus next September for training camp, but there are no guarantees. "It has been frustrating ..."

Filatov's return uncertain

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November 18

Columbus Dispatch

"The Blue Jackets are about to take a leap of faith with prized prospect Nikita Filatov. The organization's decision to allow Filatov, 19, to return to his former Russian club for one season comes with a written contract, but no guarantees. The Jackets yesterday announced they had agreed to loan the winger to CSKA Moscow of the Continental Hockey League (KHL). With no player transfer agreement in place between the NHL and KHL, however, Filatov can remain in Russia as long as he desires. In essence, the Jackets have a handshake deal with Filatov, CSKA and its coach-general manager Sergei Nemchinov. "All we have given him is the right to stay for this season," Blue Jackets general manager ..."

Ovechkin expected to play Tuesday

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November 17

Washington Post

"The NHL's most electrifying player is set to make his anticipated return in a most fitting place: under Broadway's bright lights. Alex Ovechkin wore his familiar red jersey during practice Monday morning, the surest sign yet that the two-time MVP, who is tied for the league lead in goals with 14, is ready to return to the Washington Capitals' lineup after being sidelined for six games. "As of today he is," Boudreau said when asked if Ovechkin would play Tuesday at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers. "I think he's fine. "He practiced today [so] there's a good probability of it happening." Ovechkin was similarly noncommittal when asked about his playing status, saying: "I ..."

Hawks set to sign Kane, Toews, Keith to new contracts

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November 17

Chicago Tribune

"The Blackhawks are set to sign young stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews to contract extensions, a source close to the organization confirmed Monday. The announcement of the signing of the forwards, both restricted free agents after the season, is expected in the next day or two before the team leaves for a 10-day, six-game trip beginning Thursday night in Calgary. In addition, the Hawks are said to be near an agreement with defenseman Duncan Keith, and the team could announce all three signings as early as Tuesday. There has been much speculation that the Hawks would not be able to sign the players because of salary-cap concerns for the 2010-11 season, but general manager Stan Bowman ..."

Peter Forsberg not returning to the NHL

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November 17

Vancouver Sun

"It wasn't by choice, but it appears the Vancouver Canucks have been spared another awkward period of uncertainty while waiting for an aging Swedish centre to make up his mind. Peter Forsberg, the 36-year-old former Hart Trophy winner whose career has been plagued by foot and ankle problems for several seasons, has decided not to attempt another National Hockey League comeback this season, according to Canucks general manager Mike Gillis. "My understanding is Peter's going to stay and play with Modo, and he won't return to the NHL this season," Gillis told a scrum of reporters Monday at GM Place. Asked when Forsberg had made the call, Gillis said: "This morning. He made it because it's more ..."

Filatov leaving Blue Jackets

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November 17

Columbus Dispatch

"Rookie left winger Nikita Filatov is leaving the Blue Jackets to return to his native Russia, The Dispatch has learned. The Blue Jackets today reached a one-year loan agreement with CSKA-Moscow of the Contental Hockey League. Filatov will play his first game in Russia on Saturday. "Everybody had high expectations for him," Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said. "I still have high expectations for him. "It's just not happening as soon as we'd hoped, but that's OK, too." The Blue Jackets have been assured that Filatov will return to Columbus next fall for training camp, Howson said. They own Filatov's NHL rights through at least the 2016-17 season. Many expected Filatov, 19, to ..."

Filatov might leave team this week, sources say

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November 17

Columbus Dispatch

"Blue Jackets rookie forward Nikita Filatov, who has struggled to remain in coach Ken Hitchcock's lineup, might be headed back to Russia, perhaps as soon as this week, according to sources within and beyond the NHL. Jackets general manager Scott Howson would not comment on a potential agreement allowing the 19-year-old Filatov to return to his former club team, CSKA Moscow. Nothing has been finalized, however, and Filatov and the Blue Jackets are expected to talk again today about the possibility of staying in Columbus. At least one teammate has encouraged Filatov to give the situation more time before making a decision, a source said. Neither Filatov, a healthy scratch last night against ..."

Ovechkin set to return to action

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November 17

Washington Times

"On Tuesday night, the Washington Capitals will play on national television and in "The World's Most Famous Arena." The Capitals' meeting with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden has one more thing going for it: the return from injury of the two-time defending league MVP. Alex Ovechkin practiced Monday with the Caps at the smaller rink inside the New Jersey Devils' Prudential Center, and barring a setback he will be on the ice against the Rangers. "As of today, he is [playing]," coach Bruce Boudreau said of his franchise player. "I think he's fine, but I haven't gotten the 100 percent word. But he practiced today, and there is a good probability that will happen." Ovechkin was ..."

Ovi eyeing return?

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November 16

Washington Examiner

"The Caps remained in the New York City metro area this weekend after Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Devils in Newark. They take on the Rangers at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night and held practice this morning across the river at Prudential Center. The big news? Forward Alex Ovechkin was wearing his red - i.e. contact - practice jersey. So is he playing for the first time since Nov. 1? "We'll see tomorrow," Ovechkin told reporters in New Jersey on Monday. "I feel good, excited. Again, we'll see tomorrow how I'm going to feel." Ovechkin was on the top line with center Nicklas Backstrom and right wing Chris Clark - who replaced the injured Mike Knuble, out three-to-four weeks with a broken ..."

First-line winger is expected to miss three to four weeks

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November 15

Washington Post

"The Washington Capitals knew they were going to need scoring from everywhere in order to withstand a week or two without Alex Ovechkin, and on Friday night they got more of it. Defensemen Mike Green and Brian Pothier scored the first two goals, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov bounced back from a bad goal to lift the Capitals to a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Verizon Center. The win was the Capitals' fourth in a row and gave them a two-point lead in the Eastern Conference over the New Jersey Devils, their opponent Saturday. But the win came with a high cost: First-line right wing Mike Knuble broke a finger and will require surgery. The injury appeared to be to his left hand. A ..."

Capitals top Wild but lose Knuble

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November 14

Washington Post

"The Washington Capitals knew they were going to need scoring from everywhere in order to withstand a week or two without Alex Ovechkin, and on Friday night they got more of it. Defensemen Mike Green and Brian Pothier scored the first two goals, and goaltender Semyon Varlamov bounced back from a bad goal to lift the Capitals to a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Verizon Center. The win was the Capitals' fourth in a row and gave them a two-point lead in the Eastern Conference over the New Jersey Devils, their opponent Saturday. But the win came with a high cost: First-line right wing Mike Knuble broke a finger and will require surgery. The injury appeared to be to his left hand. A team ..."

Koivu injury leaves Christensen in limbo

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November 14

Orange County Register

"Excuse Ducks forward Erik Christensen if it seems like he's checking on Saku Koivu and his strained groin muscle on an hourly basis. "I'm going to check on him at 6:30," Christensen said jokingly. It has come to that for Christensen, who was literally out of the team's plans when he was put on waivers Nov. 2. Nine days later, the five-year veteran found himself centering the second line when Koivu pulled up lame before Wednesday's loss to New Jersey. Christensen got an encore Friday night against Columbus as Koivu remains day-to-day. But while he has remained with the Ducks since he hit the waiver wire, there are no illusions that he's suddenly part of their future. "I think I'm ..."

Supporting cast key to Kovy's happiness

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November 14

Edmonton Journal

"Don Waddell, keeper of the Atlanta Thrashers' purse, knew Marian Hossa wasn't going to stick around, but he hopes Ilya Kovalchuk has more ties to bind him than just money. "He's been here seven years ... this is the only team he's played on. He lives in Atlanta(summer).He built a beautiful home on a 15-acre parcel in the city," said Waddell, the Thrashers vice-president and general manager, who just has to sell his captain on the notion there is light at the end of a dark tunnel with some good young players to surround him--defence-men Zach Bogosian and Tobias Enstrom, centre Brian Little, forward Evander Kane and goaltender Ondrej Pavelec. Even if the Thrashers give their superstar winger ..."

Malkin skates, feels good

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November 13

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The Penguins have sustained a startling number of injuries in the past three weeks, but help finally appears on the way. C Evgeni Malkin skated Thursday morning and appears on the verge of returning to the lineup. He might play Saturday against Boston at Mellon Arena. "It was my second time practicing hard and it feels good," Malkin said. "It was a good rest. I feel stronger now. I feel awesome. I won't play tonight (Thursday) but maybe next game." The Penguins had not scored a power play goal entering Thursday night's game during Malkin's absence. It has been two weeks since Penguins coach Dan Bylsma announced Malkin was out with a shoulder injury. At the time, the team said he would miss ..."

Wings aren't interested in Jean-Sabastien Giguere

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November 13

Detroit News

"Media and internet rumors circulating out of the general managers' meetings in Toronto earlier this week intimated that the Anaheim Ducks are seeking trade offers for $6 million goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, now a back-up to Jonas Hiller. Whether those rumors are true doesn't matter to the Red Wings. They are not interested, either way. General manager Ken Holland, though he would not talk specifically about Giguere, said he has not talked trades and doesn't expect to talk trades with any team any time soon. The Wings, with $12 million of salary on the injured list with Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula, Jason Williams and Andreas Lilja -- all of whom are expected back at some point ..."

Milan Lucic returns to morning skate

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November 13

Boston Herald

"When Milan Lucic and Marc Savard were injured in successive games in mid-October, the Bruins lost arguably their two most important forwards. They knew at the time the pair would miss at least 10 games and probably more - a stretch where the B's could slip well down the Eastern Conference standings. But things haven't turned out as bleak as feared. With news yesterday that Lucic could be less than a week from returning, the team has actually fared fairly well minus the two stars. After last night's 1-0 shootout loss to Florida, the B's are 5-4-3 without Lucic (broken finger), 5-3-3 without Savard (broken foot). In a way, the injuries probably helped the Bruins rediscover their true ..."

Orpik injury is not as bad as first feared

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November 13

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Judging from the injury news coming from the Penguins yesterday, Thanksgiving week might have extra meaning this year. There is a good chance most of their six injured regulars will be back around that holiday if not before. Defenseman Brooks Orpik, the most recently injured player, is expected to be out for about two weeks with an unspecified lower-body injury, and that's better than initially feared, coach Dan Bylsma said. Orpik missed his first game last night when New Jersey visited Mellon Arena. He was hurt Tuesday in the first period at Boston but said it wasn't directly related to the hit into the boards he absorbed from Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart just before leaving the game. ..."

Ovechkin is 'getting closer' to his return

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November 13

Washington Post

"While Alex Ovechkin still can't say exactly when he'll return to the Washington Capitals' lineup, this much is no longer up for debate: The franchise winger will be back soon. Ovechkin practiced with his teammates Thursday for the first time since suffering a left shoulder strain on Nov. 1 and did not look encumbered at all by the injury. He raced up and down the ice, swinging his arms comfortably and carrying his stick in his left hand. He effortlessly zipped passes across the ice to teammates in drills. And, most important, Ovechkin fully wound up on slap shots, sending pucks pinging off goal posts and crackling off the glass behind the net. "Today was the first day that I could really ..."

Canucks trying to swing a Swede deal

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November 13

Vancouver Sun

"The Vancouver Canucks are prepared to wait. Again. For the third straight autumn, the National Hockey League team is standing by for a free agent from Sweden to decide if he wants to play in Vancouver -- or at all. Canuck assistant general manager Laurence Gilman said Thursday evening he was undismayed by a Toronto report that centre Peter Forsberg has told agent Don Baizley not to negotiate with NHL teams because his client is still unsure if chronic foot problems will allow him to play this season. Forsberg, the 36-year-old former Hart Trophy winner who has played just nine NHL games since the 2006-07 season, was expected to decide this week whether to attempt another comeback in North ..."

Glendale officials, NHL's Bettman to meet

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November 13

Arizona Republic

"NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will be in Glendale on Monday to meet with city officials about the Coyotes. It's their first meeting since the NHL purchased the team out of bankruptcy last month. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said the meeting is about how to move forward. It is not to open talks on re-working the team's 30-year lease at the city-owned Jobing.com Arena, he said. There's no decision yet whether the NHL would renegotiate the lease with Glendale or leave it to buyers who purchase the team. The NHL has said all along that the lease will need to be re-worked. He called Glendale "allies" who are receptive to changes that don't hinder its ability to pay off the $182 million it ..."

Forsberg not ready for NHL return

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November 12

Camden Courier-Post

"The Flyers have expressed interest in bringing former captain Peter Forsberg back to Philadelphia, but it appears the 36-year-old Swede is not quite ready to commit himself to an NHL comeback. At least not yet. One day after Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren told reporters in Toronto he would entertain the idea of putting Forsberg back in orange and black, a report by the Canadian Website tsn.ca said Forsberg instructed his agent, Don Baizley, not to pursue contract talks with any NHL teams until he feels more comfortable skating. The Rangers, Flyers, Bruins and Canucks are among the teams that have expressed interest in Forsberg, who has not played a full NHL season since 2002-03. ..."

Marian Hossa to begin contact practices

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November 12

Chicago Tribune

"Marian Hossa has another big hurdle to clear before he can make his Blackhawks debut. The veteran winger, who is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, said Wednesday he will begin contact drills during practice soon. "I feel better and better every day and probably (Thursday) or Friday for first contact," said Hossa, who has been practicing with teammates with no checking. "There will be a little contact, not a full one yet but a little one, and that's going to be a good test. If I pass that I can go to full contact." Hossa, who led the Red Wings with 40 goals last season before signing a 12-year, $62.8 million contract with the Hawks, is expected to make his debut during the team's ..."

NHL general managers set to get tough on head shots

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November 12

Toronto Star

"NHL GMs are heading toward their next meetings in March armed with their strongest-yet willingness to rid the game of hits to the head. As they wrapped up two days of meetings in Toronto on Wednesday, the GMs certainly came closer to common ground on the issue, and revamped those March meetings to facilitate increased discussion on it. If the commonality reached Wednesday – apparently a first on the issue for GM meetings – continues into 2010, the result could be a recommendation for a new rule or other changes in the way the NHL deals with those hits."

Giguere says he wants to stay ... and be No. 1

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November 12

Orange County Register

"Fully aware of the uproar created from his outspoken frustration about his backup status, Ducks goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere said he does not want a trade and only wants a chance to win back his starting job. "I want to be part of this team," Giguere said Wednesday. "I want to be a No. 1 here in Anaheim. This is the team I've been playing for the last 10 years. I absolutely love playing here. I think this team has great potential. I want to be here." Giguere said he was being sarcastic about calling it a career Monday when he told the Los Angeles Daily News that he'd rather retire than back up Jonas Hiller if he cannot regain the starting job. However, the 32-year-old veteran said he ..."

Kovalchuk could return to Thrashers' lineup Thursday

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November 11

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Ilya Kovalchuk is indeed a fast healer. The Thrashers' captain appears ready to return to the lineup less than three weeks after breaking a bone in his right foot. Coach John Anderson told the AJC that he is "95 percent" sure that Kovalchuk will play Thursday against the New York Rangers. Kovalchuk went through a full team practice Tuesday. The forward skated Monday, an off-day for the team, for the first time since the injury. "We'll see how it feels [Wednesday] and take it from there," Kovalchuk said. "If it's sore, I'll take it easy. If it's going to be good, I'll skate with the team again." Kovalchuk said he would consult with team trainers Wednesday about his status. He participated ..."

Malkin increases practice load

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November 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Penguins All-Star center Evgeni Malkin described his status as "day to day" yesterday after he participated with the team in its morning skate at TD Garden. Malkin, still wearing a red, non-contact jersey, had been joining the team at the end of practice, but this time he came out at the beginning with everyone else and remained out for an extra half-hour. "I'm still working. It feels better," he said of his strained right shoulder. "I'm closer, day to day." He took part in some of the drills and, toward the end of the skate, had teammates set him for slap shots. The injury is to his non-shooting shoulder."

Blackhawks lose Dave Bolland for 4 months

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November 11

Chicago Tribune

"The Blackhawks suffered a significant blow on both ends of the ice after Dave Bolland underwent surgery on his back Tuesday that could sideline the versatile center for up to four months. Bolland had been trying to play through the pain but missed three games this season, including the Hawks' last two, with the injury. "It was something he was dealing with throughout most of last year," Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "I don't think he was comfortable at the start of (this season)." Bolland, 23, has two goals and four assists in 13 games and is second among Hawks forwards in ice time, averaging 19 minutes 23 seconds per game. The fifth-year player also often drew the defensive ..."

Flyers may get Briere, van Riemsdyk back

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November 11

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Flyers center Jeff Carter may have injured line mates Danny Briere and James van Riemsdyk back for tomorrow's game against visiting Ottawa.Briere, who has missed the last four games - all wins - with a leg strain below his right quad, went through a full practice in Voorhees yesterday and said he felt no discomfort.Van Riemsdyk also participated in a full practice; the rookie left winger suffered a broken left pinkie in Saturday's 2-1 shoot-out win over St. Louis and missed the last half of the game. He had the finger, which was also cut and required more than 20 stitches, heavily taped yesterday.The Flyers are hopeful both will play tomorrow, but it depends on how they feel after today's ..."

Hedman skates for first time since concussion

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November 11

St. Petersburg Times

"Victor Hedman practiced Monday at the Ice Sports Forum and was to see a doctor to determine if his brain activity is normal. The Lightning defenseman had not skated since sustaining a mild concussion Thursday from a ferocious check from Ottawa's Chris Neil. But even if all signs are good, coach Rick Tocchet said, Hedman may not play Thursday against the Wild. "I'd take the safer side if he felt pretty good," Tocchet said. "To me, he would have to feel real good. I don't know if pretty good will get him in the lineup, especially at this stage of his career and this stage of the season. If it was April, playoff game, pretty good might be enough." Hedman, 18, second on the team with an ..."

Avalanche's Hejduk might return tonight vs. Blackhawks

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November 11

Denver Post

"Milan Hejduk, a late scratch against Edmonton on Sunday with a back problem, didn't practice Tuesday with the Avalanche at the Family Sports Center. But coach Joe Sacco said that primarily was precautionary and he was "hopeful" Hejduk would be able to play against the Blackhawks tonight in Chicago. "He came in this morning, and he was feeling much better than before the game against Edmonton," Sacco said after practice, which followed Monday's day off for the team. "We decided to keep him off (Tuesday)." Also, winger Darcy Tucker and defenseman Tom Preissing went through the full practice and are at least possibilities to play against the Blackhawks. Tucker immediately lost consciousness, ..."

Leafs aim for Winter Classic

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November 11

Toronto Star

"No matter how the local teams perform, Toronto could host some big games in the next few seasons. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has made a pitch to the NHL for Toronto to hold the annual Winter Classic at BMO Field, a pair of entry drafts, as well as all-star games for both the NHL and Major League Soccer. "Over the next four years we hope to have four major events," Richard Peddie, president and chief executive officer of MLSE, said in an interview Tuesday after addressing a sports management conference."

More talk of two

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November 11

Toronto Sun

"Renewed talk of a second NHL team in Southern Ontario, specifically the GTA, is not causing any sabre rattling from the Maple Leafs' nearest rival, but it has some folks in Mississauga jumping with anticipation. Larry Quinn, managing partner and minority owner of the Buffalo Sabres, says he'll keep "an open mind" on two GTA clubs, the same approach he says he had in a summer of uncertainty when it seemed the Phoenix Coyotes might set up in Hamilton and take a bite out of their Canadian market. "Obviously, Toronto is the centre of the hockey universe, so draw your own conclusions about a second team (being a success)," Quinn said yesterday. "I've said the same thing, whether it pertains ..."

We have to add player: Sens GM

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November 10

Ottawa Citizen

"Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray is pleased with his team's performance this season, but he isn't done tinkering yet. "We have to make a tweak if we can," Murray said Monday before heading to Toronto, where the National Hockey League's 30 general managers are meeting this week to discuss head shots, rule changes, equipment standards and maybe a deal or two. "Very definitely, we have to find a way to get at least one more player here," he said, acknowledging that player would probably be another forward. "I'm certainly going to investigate as we go forward here to see if there's anything more we can do, and at some point we'll figure out if we need to make a change." The ..."

Forward Nylander clears waivers

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November 10

Washington Examiner

"Capitals forward Michael Nylander cleared NHL waivers on Monday, moving one step closer to leaving the team for good. Nylander still must approve any move -- either a loan to a team in Europe, a trade to another NHL team or an assignment to AHL Hershey. But if he agrees, then he no longer would count against Washington's salary cap, which stands at $56.7 million for NHL teams this season. Nylander, 37, has not played a game for the Caps since last year's playoffs, yet his cap hit of $4.875 million is third highest on the team. "Some decisions have been made," said Caps general manager George McPhee. "There are just some things that are going on. I'd rather see what develops with that and ..."

Ovechkin could return to Caps by weekend

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November 10

Washington Times

"Alex Ovechkin's timetable to return to the lineup for the Washington Capitals remains unclear, but all signs at practice Monday point to sooner rather than later. Ovechkin was on the ice in a noncontact jersey with his teammates near the end of their practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, and then he came back out for a short solo session with strength and conditioning coach Mark Nemish. "I wish it was going to be tomorrow, but I need to make sure I'm good and my body feels good," Ovechkin said. "I don't know - probably a week. We'll see." Added general manager George McPhee: "He's doing well, and as we said, it will be week-to-week. We weren't sure if he could play last weekend, and we'll ..."

MacIntyre placed on waivers

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November 10

Edmonton Journal

"Steve MacIntyre, whose idea of a good meal is a knuckle sandwich, won't be digging in with the Edmonton Oilers any longer. MacIntyre was put on waivers on Monday. If he clears, he'll go to the Oilers' American Hockey League farm team at Springfield. If another team wants a legitimate heavyweight, he'll move on to do the dirty job for that NHL club. There's a possibility that Mac-Intyre, who was claimed by the Oilers from Florida during the 2008 training camp, might wind up back with the Panthers. They don't have a real bodyguard. The Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning are other teams which could use a watchman. The teams in the Northwest Division who see MacIntyre the most have ..."

Dubinsky out four to six weeks with broken hand

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November 10

New York Daily News

"The Rangers limped into and out of the playoffs last spring, but that had little to do with injuries following a season that included very few man-games lost in comparison to most NHL teams. This year's Blueshirts already have been more significantly banged-up, especially this week with Brandon Dubinsky lost for at least a month and other key players -including goalie Henrik Lundqvist and captain Chris Drury - remaining questionable for Thursday's home game against Atlanta. "It's a time that we're trying to get anybody with some soreness or any type of problems, to try to get them some rest," said coach John Tortorella, who will not hold a practice Tuesday. "That's what we're trying to ..."

Hedman skates for first time since concussion

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November 10

St. Petersburg Times

"Victor Hedman practiced Monday at the Ice Sports Forum and was to see a doctor to determine if his brain activity is normal. The Lightning defenseman had not skated since sustaining a mild concussion Thursday from a ferocious check from Ottawa's Chris Neil. But even if all signs are good, coach Rick Tocchet said, Hedman may not play Thursday against the Wild. "I'd take the safer side if he felt pretty good," Tocchet said. "To me, he would have to feel real good. I don't know if pretty good will get him in the lineup, especially at this stage of his career and this stage of the season. If it was April, playoff game, pretty good might be enough." Hedman, 18, second on the team with an ..."

Sykora's concussion confirmed

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November 10

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Wild coach Todd Richards knows all about concussions. He knows they're a nuisance, that they're scary and that the timetable for a return is about as cloudy as one might feel after sustaining one. After Monday, he also knows that another of his players is out indefinitely because of one. Tests done Sunday confirmed that forward Petr Sykora suffered a concussion Saturday, and Richards said he thought Sykora would undergo more tests this week. Sykora hit his head on the glass on a check by Dallas pest Steve Ott during the third period of the Wild's 3-2 victory. Ott, who has twice been suspended by the league for his conduct during his career, did not receive a penalty, but Richards called ..."

Glencross suspended 3 games for Drury hit

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November 10

Calgary Sun

"Curtis Glencross will feel the effects of a head-shot for the next three games. The NHL decided Monday to suspend the Flames speedster for games in Montreal, Buffalo and Toronto, even though he insists it was his intention only to slow down Chris Drury, who the New York Rangers say suffered a concussion on a collision involving the two players during Saturday's 3-1 Flames victory at the Saddledome. "I was anticipating the play as the puck was being moved out of the zone," said Glencross of an early-game hit that dropped Drury. "My intent was to impede that process, and it unfortunately resulted in an awkward collision with Drury." Just 48 seconds into the game, Glencross bodied Drury, who ..."

Giguere: "I'd rather retire than be a backup goalie."

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November 10

L.A. Daily News

"Ducks goaltender Jean- Sebastien Giguere was in full health Monday and will accompany the team on a four-game road trip starting Wednesday in New Jersey. But for how much longer? Now that he's recovered from the strained groin he suffered on Oct. 24, Giguere has an opportunity to wrest the No. 1 job from Jonas Hiller, who has started the last six games. If Giguere cannot regain the starting job, he said "I'd rather retire than be a backup goalie." "Something needs to happen," Giguere said. "You get a guy like (Hiller) that's going to be a free agent at the end of the year and myself, making the money I'm making, either I'm leaving or he's leaving." Hiller, 27, is due $1.3 million in the ..."

Letang expected to miss two weeks

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November 10

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, the latest player to be hit by a wave of injuries, is expected to miss two weeks because of a shoulder contusion, the team said last night. Letang was hurt Saturday in the first period of a 5-0 loss at San Jose. He was trying to shoot the puck on a rebound on a power play, got tangled with Sharks defenseman Kent Huskins while he was off-balance and fell hard on his right side. He left the game. He had been playing the left point on the top power-play unit and has a goal and six assists. Defenseman Deryk Engelland is expected to make his NHL debut tonight for the Penguins, who already are without top defenseman Sergei Gonchar (broken left wrist)."

Glencross Suspended Three Games for Hit on Rangers' Drury

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November 10

New York Times

"The N.H.L. announced Monday that it had suspended Flames forward Curtis Glencross three games for a blindside hit to Rangers center Chris Drury on Saturday night in Calgary. In a news release, the league said that Glencross was suspended "for delivering a high hit to an unsuspecting opponent." Drury, who sustained a concussion from the hit, was turning out of the Rangers' zone without the puck as Glencross skated cross-ice and brushed past him, bumping Drury's head with his shoulder. Drury was helped off the ice and did not return. Glencross was not penalized on the play."

Neal expected to return from groin injury

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November 10

Dallas Morning News

"James Neal is expected to return to practice today after being out since Wednesday with a groin injury. Neal, who leads the Stars with nine goals and is second with 17 points, probably will return to the left wing on the Stars' top-scoring line with Brad Richards and Loui Eriksson. But coach Marc Crawford was experimenting with different line combinations Monday at practice in the middle of a four-day stretch without a game. Coming off a 3-2 loss in Minnesota on Saturday, Crawford moved Jamie Benn back onto a line with Mike Ribeiro and Brenden Morrow. He switchedJere Lehtinen from Ribeiro's line to one with Mike Modano and Fabian Brunnstrom."

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