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NHL Trade Rumors

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Schultz Watch Update: Ducks Preparing Tampering Charges?
May 27
Bucky's 5th Quarter
 
"Wisconsin junior defenseman Justin Schultz was the buzz of the hockey world yesterday when TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that Schultz had filed paperwork to officially withdraw from school. Withdrawing from school was an important step in Schultz's hockey future. A 2008 second round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Schultz can become an NHL free agent this summer thanks to a provision in the collective bargaining agreement. Since it's been four years since Schultz has been drafted, he has the right to choose his organization. The first step was notifying the parties involved that he would be officially withdrawing. Since that has happened, the Ducks will now own his exclusive negotiating"
Maple Leafs in market for veteran netminder
May 27
Toronto Star
 
"When the Maple Leafs embark on their annual quest for a better on-ice product, they'll be attempting to solve an age-old problem with a man of a certain age. Acquiring a proven veteran goaltender ranks among the club's biggest off-season priorities. That means there will be internal debates about no end of possibilities, be it a trade for Vancouver's Roberto Luongo, or a free-agent signing of one of the handful of seasoned NHLers expected to be available this summer. Leafs executive Dave Nonis was asked this week if the Leafs might even consider the services of Dominik Hasek, the one-time dominator who has announced his contemplation of an NHL comeback at age 47."
Jackets due to get serious about getting rid of Nash
May 27
Columbus Dispatch
 
"When the NHL trade deadline passed on Feb.?22 with captain Rick Nash still wearing a Blue Jackets uniform, it was agreed by the central parties — Nash, general manager Scott Howson and Nash's agent, Joe Resnick — that they'd go about their business in peace until the window for blockbuster deals arrived in the offseason. That window gets cracked open this week, the start of what should be a hectic month of trade talks leading up to a monumental decision likely to come in late June or early July. On Wednesday, Howson will be in New Jersey for meetings with the NHL's other general managers, some of whom will want to start laying the groundwork to acquire the Blue Jackets' franchise player."
Blackhawks re-sign Jamal Mayers
May 27
CSN Chicago
 
"Jamal Mayers was a solid depth signing for the Blackhawks last summer. Now the veteran will be back for another year. Mayers signed a one-year deal with the Blackhawks, Comcast SportsNet confirmed this afternoon. The deal, which was first reported by RDS, is for $600,000, plus bonuses."
Canucks coach Vigneault 'didn't mean what he said' on Luongo trade request, says GM Gillis
May 26
Vancouver Sun
 
"Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said Friday that head coach Alain Vigneault "misspoke" when he told a French-language TV show that goalie Roberto Luongo wanted a trade out of Vancouver. Appearing on the club's flagship radio station Team 1040, Gillis said that he and Vigneault talked Thursday night and the coach explained that he "didn't mean what he said" about Luongo. In the original interview Wednesday night, Vigneault was asked if he agreed that Luongo needed a fresh start after being supplanted as the Canucks' No. 1 goalie by Cory Schneider during the playoffs. Vigneault replied (translated): "That's what he wants right now." According to Gillis, Vigneault later"
Canadiens: Head coach search continues
May 26
Montreal Gazette
 
"Even while the Canadiens announced on Friday the appointment of Rick Dudley as assistant general manager, the search for a head coach continues. So, who's out there? It's the biggest guessing game in town, with names such as Bob Hartley and Patrick Roy frequently mentioned. Bilingualism is a priority, and since I'm told two interviews were held in Florida, I'm guessing that Tampa Bay assistants Daniel Lacroix and Martin Raymond are in the mix. Put it this way: I'm betting both already have been interviewed among the five candidates GM Marc Bergevin has in mind. What they have going for them is that both were assistants to Guy Boucher with the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs and"
Ex-Wing Dominik Hasek ponders NHL comeback at 47
May 26
Detroit News
 
"Maybe Dominik Hasek was just kidding. The unorthodox and unpredictable goalie was quoted in a Czech newspaper as saying he'd like to make a comeback in the NHL. Never mind that Hasek is 47 and hasn't played in the NHL since retiring from the Red Wings in 2008. Even then, Hasek was benched in the first round of the playoffs, replaced by Chris Osgood, who led the Wings to the Stanley Cup. Apparently, Hasek would like to give it another go. "For sure, I know what I want ... even my agent, he knows ... but I'm not going to make any comments," Hasek is quoted as saying in "Daily Sports" out of the Czech Republic."
Hasek eyes NHL return
May 26
CSN Philly
 
"Hey, Jaromir Jagr did it. So why not another hockey legend of the '90s? According to a Czech report (via a few tweets from CBC's Elliotte Friedman) 47-year-old goalie Dominik Hasek is in North America and wants to return to the NHL. "The Dominator" hasn't played in the league since the 2007-08 season, when he appeared in 45 games with the eventual Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. Of course, he's best known for his lengthy and impressive career with the Buffalo Sabres, which spanned from 1992-2001. Since '08, Hasek has played primarily in the Czech Extraliga and KHL. Most recently, he spent the 2010-11 season with Spartak Moscow of the KHL, playing 46 games and posting a 2.48"
Canucks star Roberto Luongo wants trade out of Vancouver, says coach Alain Vigneault
May 25
Vancouver Sun
 
"Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault let the cat out of the bag on French language TV: Goalie Roberto Luongo does indeed want a trade out of Vancouver. Speaking over the telephone to a Montreal-based TVA Sports show called Le Match, Vigneault was asked if he agreed that Luongo needed a fresh start. (Vigneault was on the show Wednesday night to discuss his contract extension.) "First of all, that is what he wants right now," Vigneault said in the translated quote. "What we need to do is what's best for our organization and our team. We have to look at what's best for our organization and Roberto.""
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman prefers to get young, quality goalie in a trade
May 26
St. Petersburg Times
 
"After much speculation about what Steve Yzerman is looking for in a No. 1 goaltender, the Lightning general manager defined his terms. "My preference," he said, "is to go with a little bit of a younger guy that maybe has a little less experience and can step up and play well for us now." To illustrate, Yzerman mentioned Semyon Varlamov, 24, whom the Avalanche got last summer from the Capitals for first- and second-round draft picks, and who in 53 games this season had a fine 2.59 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. Yzerman said he will try through June to trade for his own upside-heavy asset. "And if we can't do anything in that way, we look forward to July 1," he said of the"
Phoenix Coyotes seeking ownership stability
May 25
Arizona Republic
 
"Ever since the Coyotes were thrust into uncertainty, left to compete without an owner and a competitive payroll for three consecutive seasons, an effort has been made to separate the team from the off-ice drama. While players were told to aim their focus on what they could control -- their play -- the responsibility of finding a resolution was shifted to the suits in boardrooms connected to the NHL, to the city of Glendale, to anyone not strapping on skates on a daily basis."
Granlund would look better if Wild could sign Parise
May 25
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Sid Hartman
"The headline on the front page of Thursday's Star Tribune sports page read: "Finnish star starts a new Wild era." Mikael Granlund, a 20-year-old star in Finland, hasn't played a single game in the NHL and already he is being built up as another Wayne Gretzky, or Ricky Rubio on skates. Is there any doubt that the competition while playing with an elite Finnish team against other European teams is a lot different than facing proven NHL stars? Still, history is on the Wild's side, since the only other first-round picks they have drafted from Europe before Granlund were Marian Gaborik and Mikko Koivu, taken in 2000 and 2001, the first two drafts in franchise history. They selected another"
Canucks' Ryan Kesler's agent claims star client miffed over coach Alain Vigneault 'adding fuel to a fire'
May 25
Vancouver Sun
 
"Vancouver Canucks centre Ryan Kesler was letting his agent Kurt Overhardt do the talking for him Thursday and, according to Overhardt, Kesler is miffed with remarks that head coach Alain Vigneault made about his performance. "My client won't comment on it but I can tell you he's obviously frustrated by it because he's trying to do the best thing for the club," the Denver-based agent said. "It's just disappointing. I don't think anyone questions how committed Ryan is to being the best he can be. I just think all the coach is doing is adding fuel to a fire that he not necessarily needed to spark up because Ryan is an accountable guy."
House approves alcohol sales at Winter Classic in Michigan Stadium
May 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Michigan House has voted to let hockey fans buy alcohol at Michigan Stadium when it hosts the Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs on New Year's Day. Scio Township Republican state Rep. Mark Ouimet sponsored the bill that won House approval today. It now goes to the state Senate. The NHL made the sale of alcohol a condition of approving the Big House as the venue. Alcohol is not permitted to be sold to the public during Michigan football games."
No hearing scheduled on Dustin Brown hit
May 24
USA Today
 
"Dustin Brown's overtime hit on Michal Rozsival had the Phoenix Coyotes jawing at him in the handshake line and calling for his head afterward. But there's no hearing scheduled for the Los Angeles Kings captain. Brown, known for his physical play, hit Rozsival as he cut across the blue line. Though there was leg contact, Brown's shoulder also hit Rozsival's shoulder."
Agent: Tampa Bay Lightning "a serious contender" for Swiss star Damien Brunner
May 24
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Lightning is a "serious contender" for the services of Damien Brunner, the Swiss star's agent said Wednesday night. "I would say Tampa is serious about Damien. I would say Damien is serious about Tampa," Neil Sheehy said. That Brunner, 26, a highly skilled, fleet-skating right wing, has been released from his contract with Zug of the Switzerland's elite league -- meaning he can sign with any NHL team -- should accelerate negotiations."
Derek Dorsett Signs 3-Year Deal with Jackets
May 24
Columbus Dispatch
 
"The Blue Jackets have signed right winger Derek Dorsett to a three-year, $4.9 million contract, allowing both sides to avoid restricted free agency this summer. The deal will pay Dorsett $1.5 million in 2012-13, $1.4 million in 2013-14 and $2.0 in 2014-15, and takes him one year into unrestricted free agency under terms of the current NHL collective bargaining agreement. "I'm obviously really excited," Dorsett told The Dispatch tonight. "This is where I want to be. I want to be a part of this organization and get things going in the right direction here. That's very important to me."
Rangers winger isn't sorry for his Rupp stuff in Game 4 defeat
May 23
New York Post
 
"There was no message, no forethought, no metaphorical fire that Mike Rupp was trying to spark on Monday night when he decided to throw a straight left hand to the chest and head of Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. Instead, with 6:18 gone in the third period of what would turn out to be a Devils 4-1 win in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final, the Rangers veteran winger was just reacting to a situation. "In those two seconds, no, I don't really have time to think about anything," Rupp said yesterday as his team prepared for tonight's Game 5 at the Garden, the series tied at two games apiece."
Berube 'interested' in Caps' coaching job
May 23
CSN Philly
 
"When Dale Hunter stepped away as coach of the Capitals just two days after leading them to the seventh game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, several players stressed the importance of hiring a coach who would continue what Hunter started. A coach who would hold them accountable and treat each player with equal importance. A coach who would emphasize the hard-nosed, shot-blocking style that identified them during their playoff run. A coach who understands what Hunter was trying to accomplish and is willing to follow it through. A coach like former Capitals enforcer and current Philadelphia Flyers assistant Craig Berube?"
Finnish star Mikael Granlund to three-year, $2.7M deal
May 24
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"With a video message from Finland, the Minnesota Wild relayed the announcement Wednesday, May 23, that fans had been expecting and longing to hear: Mikael Granlund will be with the team next season. The 20-year-old Finnish forward, whom the Wild had drafted with the ninth pick in 2010, signed a three-year deal with the team Wednesday. The contract, according to two team officials with knowledge of the deal, is worth $2.7 million over three years. Granlund will make $810,000 a season if he plays in the NHL, $67,500 if he plays in the AHL, plus a $90,000 signing bonus each year. He is also eligible to make more money through performance bonuses."
Red Wings could have a decision to make on Tomas Holmstrom
May 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Within the next couple of weeks, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland plans to meet with Tomas Holmstrom to discuss his future. If Holmstrom says he's done with professional hockey, well, that's that. If Holmstrom says he wants to play on, the Wings will have some hard thinking to do. Holmstrom is a special, special player to the Wings. He's been with them since 1996, has helped them win four Stanley Cups, has been a huge part of the phenomenal success the franchise has enjoyed since the mid-90s. He's something of a folk hero for the way he didn't let a dearth of skill and speed stop him from living his dream. He's pioneered playing in front of the net. He's aggravated many an opposing"
Aucoin status won't be determined until pre-game
May 22
NHL.com
 
"Phoenix will have to wait until the pre-game skate to find out if defenseman Adrian Aucoin is able to go as the Coyotes again face elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference final against the Los Angeles Kings. Aucoin took part in an optional morning skate. The 38-year-old veteran who has appeared in 62 NHL playoff games, second to Ray Whitney on the team, missed the first three games of the conference finals with an undisclosed injury. He returned to the lineup in Game 4 -- the only win by Phoenix in the series -- but left in the third period due to injury and did not skate on Monday. If Aucoin can't play, the Coyotes would likely go with Michael Stone, who played in Games 2 and"
Murphy says he's leaving for Russia
May 23
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"Goaltender Mike Murphy says he is leaving the Carolina Hurricanes organization to play professional hockey in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL. Murphy, 23, announced his intentions today via Twitter, saying he was "KHL/Russia bound next season." He later confirmed it, although the name of the KHL team has not been released. Murphy was drafted by the Canes in 2008 and spent the past three seasons in the American Hockey League -- the first season with the Albany River Rats and the past two with the Charlotte Checkers."
Tough guy Mathers signs deal with Flyers
May 22
CSN Philly
 
"Right wing Derek Mathers has signed an entry-level deal with the Flyers, according to a tweet from the 18-year-old enforcer and announcement from his OHL team. Mathers was the Flyers' final pick of the 2011 draft, selected in the seventh round (206th overall). He spent last season with the Peterborough Petes of the OHL, where he served as an alternate captain and registered nine goals and eight assists in 65 games. He also played nine games with the Flyers' AHL affiliate the Adirondack Phantoms on an amateur tryout after the Petes' season came to a close this spring."
Canes sign two defensemen to new deals
May 22
Raleigh News & Observer
 
"The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defensemen Jamie McBain and Bobby Sanguinetti to new contracts. The question now: will both be in the Canes' lineup next season? McBain will be. At age 24, the former University of Wisconsin standout played 76 games for the Hurricanes in each of the past two seasons and has become a regular. McBain on Monday agreed to a two-year contract that will pay him $1.7 million next season and $1.9 million in the 2013-2014 season."
Buchberger does limbo dance with Oilers search for new head coach
May 22
Edmonton Journal
 
"When they ask Kelly Buchberger for his address right now, he'll just as soon put State of Limbo than province of Alberta as he waits to see if the new Edmonton Oilers head coach wants him on his staff. While former coach Tom Renney was told his contract wouldn't be renewed, Renney's staff — Buchberger, Steve Smith, goalie coach Frederic Chabot and associate coach Ralph Krueger — still have contracts until June 30. Renney is free to give Washington Capitals general manager George McPhee a call about their head job now that Dale Hunter has left, or give Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville a call about the vacant associate coaching job after Mike Haviland was fired. But Renney's"
Calgary Flames in no rush to fill post, and this is a good thing
May 21
Calgary Herald
 
"Thirty-eight days have passed since Brent Sutter and the Calgary Flames "mutually agreed" — their words, not ours — to part ways. So Jay Feaster has had 38 sleeps to mull over the identity of the fourth head coach of the Flames in the past five years. Thirty-eight days later, all is quiet at 555 Saddledome Rise, S.E. As it should be. Clearly, Feaster is in no rush to fill the job, even with three other National Hockey League teams (Edmonton, Montreal and Washington) with similar vacancies. The gravity of this hire can't be understated. For the Flames as a franchise. For Feaster himself. Up to this point, Feaster has largely been forgiven for the sins of his forefather during his first"
Retire or return? No decision yet from Red Wings captain Lidstrom
May 19
Detroit News
 
"Nicklas Lidstrom is no closer to making a decision on his future with the Red Wings. Appearing at an autograph signing Friday at Warrior & Brine Sports in Warren, Lidstrom said he's still in the process of deciding whether to return next season for his 21st season or retire. "I've been taking my time and I haven't really gotten to that process yet," said Lidstrom, looking tanned and relaxed after having just returned from a brief Florida vacation with his wife. "I haven't really gotten any closer to a decision." Lidstrom, who turned 42 on April 28, talked with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland during exit interviews and said they planned on touching base when Holland returns from the"
Report: Prust suspended for Game 4
May 20
NHL.com
 
"It appears as though the New York Rangers will be without Brandon Prust on Monday night. Multiple media outlets are reporting that the rugged forward has been suspended for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils after his hit on Anton Volchenkov during the second period of Saturday's 3-0 win at the Prudential Center. Volchenkov was carrying the puck along the boards and chipped it out of the zone when Prust landed an elbow to the back of Volchenkov's helmet. Volchenkov, was down on the ice for almost a minute afterward, but was able to continue playing."
Habs GM Marc Bergevin holds coach cards close to vest
May 19
Montreal Gazette
 columnist Pat Hickey
"The search for the Canadiens' new head coach is moving forward, but general manager Marc Bergevin is playing his cards close to the vest. "I've been talking to people and I'm putting a list together, but it's confidential," said Bergevin, who is here to watch the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup. Bergevin refused to comment on rumours that Bob Hartley or Patrick Roy are among the leading candidates for the vacant job. Bergevin said the final decision may come quickly or it may take a while, but he emphasized that his search will be thorough. Hiring a new coach is only one of the tasks on the rookie GM's to-do list. He has been assessing the staff he inherited from the previous regime and he"
Luongo, Schneider together forever?
May 20
Vancouver Province
 
"During a turn-back-the-clock, sunset run for Martin Brodeur, which began at the all-star break, the evidence has been mounting the 40-year-old is not ready to retire. When there was a mention during Saturday's CBC broadcast of Brodeur's brother believing the goalie is coming back, it was yet another sign this won't be the end of his career. Great news for anyone who has enjoyed watching Brodeur get to the Eastern Conference final. Not so much, however, for the Vancouver Canucks, because it means the already knee-high Roberto Luongo trade pool gets even shallower. Maybe that's why GM Mike Gillis, in an interview on Hockey Night in Canada radio this week, said bringing back both goalies,"
Mike Gillis, Alain Vigneault going through 'process'
May 19
Vancouver Sun
 
"The general manager likes his coach. The coach likes Vancouver. So why has Canuck general manager Mike Gillis been unable so far to finalize an extension for coach Alain Vigneault? "Alain and I have been meeting the last couple of days," Gillis said Thursday during his weekly radio appearance on AM 1040. "We have a lot of things to discuss over the last couple of years about where we're headed and how we work together and how we view the world of hockey. "It's a process you have to go through. That isn't something that happens in a moment; it takes a little bit of time. Everyone's very emotional when the season ends. Everyone is kind of not in a position to really make great judgments"
No news on Suter likely this week
May 18
Tennessean
 
"It sounds like next week will be decision week for Ryan Suter. On breakout day last week, the defenseman, who will be an unrestricted free agent July 1, if he and the Predators can't come to terms on a contract by then, said he will take two weeks before deciding his strategy. That's still the case according to his agent, Neil Sheehy. "Right now I want to honor Ryan's request to unwind for two weeks," Sheehy said. "I want to take two weeks to unwind and it hasn't been two weeks." This means that we might get some movement on the Suter front Monday or Tuesday at the earliest or end of the week at the latest."
Colorado Avalanche re-signs captain Milan Hejduk to 1-year deal
May 19
Denver Post
 
"The Avalanche has re-signed forward Milan Hejduk to a one-year contract the team announced. According to a league source, Hejduk will make $2 million. "My family and I are very excited to continue my career here in Denver," Hejduk said in a team release. "I believe in this organization and our young players and look forward to helping the team in any way that I can." It will be Hejduk's 14th NHL season with the Avs. He has scored 371 goals and 423 assists for 794 points in 991 career games. He ranks fourth in franchise history in goals and points, and fifth in assists. "Over the years, Milan has been an instrumental part of our organization's success," Avalanche general manager Greg"
Torts doesn't blame Gaborik for Game 2 loss
May 18
New York Post
 
"There was no getting away from the fact Marian Gaborik spent a lot of time on the bench in Game 2, a game the Rangers lost to the Devils, 3-2, knotting the Eastern Conference finals at one game apiece. Gaborik failed to make a routine clear in the second period which led to the Devils' game-tying goal, and coach John Tortorella decided to not play him the first 11:02 of the third period nor in the final 1:29 when goalie Henrik Lundqvist was pulled for the extra attacker. After the game, Tortorella refused to answer questions about it in his 1:17 press conference , but on a 13-minute conference call yesterday, the coach justified his decision."
After 19 years, it's nearly Cup time in Los Angeles
May 18
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Kings have changed their slogan many times this season, and there were justifiable reasons to do it. The first marketing campaign rolled out was "The time is now," followed by "It's our time," and the latest modification is "It's Cup time." The Kings don't have to dominate to win, although they've done that, and need one more win on their march to the Stanley Cup Finals. They don't have to score first, though that's been their recent method of operation, and they don't have to score on the power play, something they don't usually do anyway. Neither of those things happened Thursday, and yet the Kings still notched a 2-1 victory over Phoenix in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals."
Report: NHL seeks to terminate CBA
May 18
CSN Philly
 
"As expected, the NHL has notified the league's Players Association that it wishes to "terminate or modify" the current collective bargaining agreement, according to a report from the Sports Business Journal. The current CBA expires Sept. 15, and it requires that the NHL or NHLPA state a desire to renegotiate the deal by May 15, or 120 days before that expiration date. If neither side had taken any action, the CBA would have remained unchanged through the duration of the 2012-13 season."
Alfredsson says he may have played "last competitive" game
May 18
Ottawa Citizen
 
"With Sweden's 4-3 loss to the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals of the world championships on Thursday, fans of the Ottawa Senators might have seen Daniel Alfredsson play his final game. The loss was so disappointing that the 39-year-old captain of Sweden was thinking he had come to the end of his career. In an interview immediately after the game with Swedish radio, he suggested he could have played his last competitive game. "I do not know if the power is still there," he said. "I think we all feel a cruel disappointment. "I felt that this team had the capacity to go all the way. "There is a wonderful work ethic in this team. It gave us a chance to get into the game again. But it"
McPhee 'not in any rush' to find new Capitals coach
May 18
Washington Post
 
"Capitals General Manager George McPhee must spend the offseason searching for a new coach while also making decisions on how to reshape the team's roster, two tasks that would seem to go hand in hand. So which to do first? On breakdown day, McPhee was characteristically tight-lipped when asked about his ideal timeline for having a new coach in place. While he did not detail the type of coach he would like to bring in, McPhee may be looking for someone who can build off what Dale Hunter was able to accomplish in instilling a tougher, grittier style. "My job now is to find the best human talent I can find to coach this club," McPhee said. "I'm not in any rush to do that, because I haven't"
Phoenix Coyotes' Martin Hanzal out for Game 3, Shane Doan avoids suspension
May 17
Arizona Republic
 
"As soon as forward Martin Hanzal was assessed a game misconduct for boarding in the third period of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, the Coyotes feared the NHL would suspend Hanzal for Game 3. Those fears were realized Wednesday afternoon when NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan announced that Hanzal is banned from Thursday's Game3 of the Western Conference finals for boarding Kings' forward Dustin Brown. In a video explaining the penalty, Shanahan said Hanzal finished Brown "forcefully and at a very dangerous distance from the boards. This is a violation of the boarding rule which states, 'A boarding penalty should be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless"
Sharks G.M. won't say if coach Todd McLellan has been told he's returning next season
May 17
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Sharks general manager Doug Wilson is sticking to his own timetable for spelling out what changes may be coming behind the San Jose bench. Which is why Wilson wasn't ready to acknowledge a report Wednesday from a reputable Hockey Night in Canada broadcaster that said coach Todd McLellan learned he was returning next season only three days after his team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. "You know that I don't respond to rumors," Wilson said. "We are doing our due diligence, and we are looking at every way to improve this hockey team." Despite the lack of any announcement from Wilson, all indications are that McLellan will be back for a fifth season. But new faces at the"
Sullivan would be ideal fit as Flames coach
May 18
Calgary Herald
 columnist George Johnson
"As the New York Rangers reached their bench during a time out at MSG, the "World's Most Famous Arena," Wednesday night, down a goal to the New Jersey Devils heading into the final minute of play, the boys in blue crowded along the boards, looking to their head coach, John Tortorella, for guidance. Mr. Congeniality in turn slid a few feet to his right and directed all inquiries to another gent in a suit. To his right-hand man. To Mike Sullivan. The next head coach of the Calgary Flames? He may not be the obvious choice, but from oh-so-many angles Mike Sullivan simply . . . fits. The Rangers' continuing participation in these Stanley Cup playdowns would go a long ways in explaining the"
Giroux to receive Wanamaker Award
May 17
CSN Philly
 
"Claude Giroux may have been overlooked for the NHL's MVP award, but he won't escape his breakout 2011-12 season completely unrecognized. Giroux, who emerged as one of the league's top players this year, will receive the John Wanamaker Athletic Award on June 5. The award is presented annually to the athlete, team or organization that has done the most to reflect credit upon Philadelphia and to the team or sport in which they excel. The third Flyers player to be recognized with the honor, Giroux led the team in points during both the regular season (93) and the playoffs (17). He spent the majority of the year centering the Flyers' top line with Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell, scoring a"
Lightning interested in G Helenius returning
May 17
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Lightning have interest in bringing back former first-round draft pick goaltender Riku Helenius, general manager Steve Yzerman said Wednesday. Yzerman, in Finland to watch the World Championships, confirmed in a text message he reached out to the 24-year-old netminder. "Helenius had a very good season,'' Yzerman said. "We have interest in him returning.''"
Red Wings might look deeper into free-agent pool
May 17
Detroit News
 columnist Ted Kulfan
"Let's forget about Ryan Suter and Zach Parise for a moment. Judging from the reaction of Red Wings fans, that's difficult to do considering they are the two prospective unrestricted free agents — and apparently the only ones the Red Wings care about this summer. But suppose they remain with their teams. Or end up with someone else. Who's next on the Red Wings radar? It's a slim market, but a couple interesting names are Capitals forward Alex Semin and Blues defenseman Barret Jackman. Both players have baggage and neither would instantly make the Red Wings a sure-fire Stanley Cup contender. But both have positive factors — and wouldn't cost as much."
Tomas Vokoun: 'I wasn't planning on being back' in Washington
May 16
Washington Post
 
"Long before he suffered a torn groin muscle in the regular season and Braden Holtby stepped up as the Capitals' starting goaltender in the playoffs, Tomas Vokoun knew that he likely wouldn't be returning to Washington. The veteran netminder signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Capitals last July when he faced a lack of interest in his services as a free agent. At the time it seemed like a good fit and a steal for Washington, but over the course of the season it was clear it wasn't always an ideal arrangement for both sides. So it wasn't surprising when Vokoun, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, said Monday that he didn't see a future with the Capitals."
Milan Hejduk, Avalanche "talking"
May 16
Denver Post
 
"What's going on with Milan Hejduk's situation? Not a whole lot in tangible terms. But this much I know: there is an ongoing dialogue between him and the team still at least. Hejduk, the Avs' 36-year-old captain who suffered through a terrible second half, would like to return for another season. If not with the Avs – which is his overwhelming preference – I'm told there is a chance he'd consider, gulp, signing with another team when/if he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1."
Nashville Predators are close to contending again
May 16
Tennessean
 
"While it's understandable that some forecasts predict an offseason of gloom and doom for the Predators — there are 15 unrestricted and restricted free agents on the current roster — with a few minor tweaks, this team can contend for the Stanley Cup next season. Ownership says it has the money to re-sign its important unrestricted free agents, namely All-Star defenseman Ryan Suter. Defenseman Shea Weber's restricted free-agent status means his return is likely. If forward Alexander Radulov decides not to come back to the Predators, they probably can use his rights to deal him for another piece."
Lightning takes close look at Swiss forward Damien Brunner
May 16
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Part of the Lightning's summer to-do list is to find a top-six forward. That is why general manager Steve Yzerman, at the world championship in Helsinki, Finland, is keeping a close eye on Swiss forward Damien Brunner. "Highly skilled and fast," Yzerman wrote Tuesday night in a text message, adding Tampa Bay isn't the only team interested in the 5-foot-11, 187-pound right-handed shot."
Alfredsson won't be coaching any time soon
May 16
Ottawa Citizen
 
"When Daniel Alfredsson decides to retire from the National Hockey League, he'll hang up his skates for good. He won't return to Sweden to continue his career there. But in a hint that he may stick around for another season, the 39-year-old captain of the Ottawa Senators said on Monday he doesn't see himself beginning a coaching career any time soon. Alfredsson made these comments in a wide-ranging interview with IIHF.com, which caught up to him after a practice in Stockholm to ask questions submitted by fans from all around the world. The captain of Sweden, Alfredsson is competing in his seventh world championship. It was in his first world championship in 1995 that he first made a name"
Agent: Unless Capitals give Alexander Semin more ice time, 'then there's no reason to be together'
May 15
Washington Post
 
"Alexander Semin is one of six Capitals players set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, but his agent made it clear on Monday that the team's current style of play doesn't make best use of the winger. While Semin's agent, Mark Gandler, wouldn't rule out the possibility of his client returning to Washington, at this point it seems unlikely. "We need to see where they see the team going, which direction and then we'll talk to management and see if we're going the same way," Gandler said in a phone interview. "If they need Alex we'll talk. If they don't need Alex, as they did not need him this year, then there's no reason to be together. Then they won't be paying a lot of money"
Dale Hunter's exit kicks off a challenging offseason for the Capitals
May 15
Washington Post
 
"For the second time in three days, the Washington Capitals are reeling from a punch to the gut. Dale Hunter resigned as coach Monday after just six months on the job, leaving the team searching for a replacement two days after getting eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. Hunter's departure, while sudden, was not completely unexpected; the contract he signed when he replaced Bruce Boudreau on Nov. 28 expired at season's end. However, it gives the Capitals one more question to answer as they enter another offseason wondering why they haven't advanced beyond the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs since 1998, despite spending to the salary cap limit in recent years and"
Report: McLellan staying, staff could change
May 15
NHL.com
 
"According to multiple media reports, the San Jose Sharks will retain coach Todd McLellan, but changes could be coming to his staff of assistants. McLellan's current assistants are Jay Woodcroft and Matt Shaw. CBC's Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday that former Sharks Mike Ricci and Bryan Marchment could join the coaching staff, but whether they join or replace Woodcroft and/or Shaw is unknown. Both currently work in different areas of the organization -- Marchment as a scout, Ricci as a development coach."
Tarasenko trying to decide on future
May 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko appears to be closing in on his decision whether to play in the NHL or Russia next season. But there are factors still at work guiding what he will decide, a source close to the situation told the Post-Dispatch. The Blues drafted Tarasenko No. 16 overall in the 2010 NHL draft and immediately after Tarasenko's selection, former amateur scouting director Jarmo Kekalainen said: "If his name was Walt Smith, he would have been long gone at 16." The talent Tarasenko possesses is unmistakable, but NHL teams are wary of drafting Russian prospects because if they elect not to come to North America, or at least not as quickly as clubs and fans expect, taking the"
Gagne reportedly cleared for contact
May 14
NHL.com
 
"Los Angeles Kings forward Simon Gagne has reportedly been cleared for contact for the first time since suffering a concussion on Dec. 26. However, according to the L.A. Kings Insider blog on the team's website, Kings general manager Dean Lombardi said Gagne will not be joining the team in Arizona and is still a longshot to return this season. Lombardi told the blog that Gagne is a "long way from playing," and that he "needs to get hit.""
Stars' Kari Lehtonen hurt, Goligoski viciously boarded as USA routs Finland
May 14
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Americans viewed their 5-0 win against Finland at the world championships not so much as an accomplishment as a glimpse of how good this team can be. "We knew if we could put together 60 minutes, we are capable of great things," said Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty, who posted a goal and an assist for USA. "We just hope we can continue to improve and build off that game." Kyle Palmieri (Anaheim), Justin Faulk (Carolina), Bobby Ryan (Anaheim) and Chris Butler (Calgary ) were the other American goal scorers against Finnish goalie Kari Lehtonen (Dallas). Faulk has four goals to lead all defensemen in the tournament."