NHL Trade Rumors

Sources indicate a shift in Panthers' ownership
"Alan Cohen's days as majority owner of the Panthers are numbered, as two partners in his ownership group are expected to take control of the team, sources said. Panthers Vice Chairman Cliff Viner and Managing Director Stu Siegel, both Boca Raton businessmen, have reached agreement to buy as much as half of Cohen's approximately 43 percent share of the team, a source said. They will become co-general partners, other sources said. The agreement has not been signed but is expected to be announced next week. Cohen is to retain a stake but will no longer be making team decisions. Panthers fans are desperate for change. The team has not made the playoffs since 2000, the longest playoff drought ..."
Capitals win, lose Green and Schultz
"Just when it seemed Washington's injury woes couldn't get any worse, they did. With the team already missing two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin, defensemen Mike Green and Jeff Schultz both went down with injuries Friday night at BankAtlantic Center, where the short-handed Capitals gutted out a 4-1 victory over the Florida Panthers. Brendan Morrison scored twice, Tyler Sloan and Brian Pothier each tallied once and goaltender José Theodore was occasionally spectacular in making 28 saves to snap Washington's three-game losing streak. But the Capitals' collective health was their biggest concern as the players and coaches headed back home for Saturday night's rematch against Florida at Verizon Center. ..."
Liles leaves game after suffering a shoulder injury
"Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles didn't return to the game after suffering a shoulder injury late in the first period of what turned out to be Colorado's 4-3 shootout victory over the Blackhawks Friday night. "Credit the defensemen with playing with five 'D' for pretty much most of the game," Colorado coach Joe Sacco said. "They did a terrific job back there. That's not easy against an offense like that.""
Rangers scouting Forsberg in Sweden
"he Rangers are among the handful of NHL teams watching Peter Forsberg very closely when the 36-year-old free-agent center tests his chronically injured right foot in the Karjala Cup tournament that opens today in Sweden and will conclude over the weekend in Finland, The Post has learned. "Yes, we have interest in Forsberg," GM Glen Sather said. "From the reports we've been getting, the foot is much better than it was a year ago. "We'll scout him at the tournament and see what, if anything develops. But I've always liked Peter and I've always been interested in finding a way to bring him to New York, if possible." The Rangers, who go into tonight's game here against the Oilers and ..."
Ovechkin is not ready to return
"Alex Ovechkin was one of the first Washington Capitals on the ice for practice at BankAtlantic Center and was wearing his full complement of equipment and carrying his stick. It took only a few minutes for the two-time MVP to realize that he's not quite ready to return to the lineup. After tapping a teammate's pass into an empty net, Ovechkin, who was practicing for the first time since suffering a strain near his left shoulder Sunday, jokingly began to celebrate. But he couldn't raise his arms much above his chest, and moments later, he put his stick on the bench. Ovechkin later conceded that he doesn't expect to play in this weekend's back-to-back games against the Florida Panthers, but ..."
Peter Chiarelli signs Tuukka Rask to 2-year extension
"Peter Chiarelli may not have been able to keep a recalcitrant Phil Kessel in the fold once the speedy forward got to restricted free agency last summer, but he made sure yesterday that goaltender Tuukka Rask would not be flying the coop any time soon. Rask, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent next summer, was inked to a two-year deal that will pay him $1 million in 2010-11 and $1.5 million in 2011-12. Chiarelli also took care of Milan Lucic, who was also scheduled to become an RFA this summer, with a multiyear deal earlier this season. "I guess you've got to change with the times," said Chiarelli, concerning the consummation of deals in-season. "To a certain extent, I went ..."
Belanger injury adds to Wild's pain in loss to Canucks
"The painful beginning to the Wild's season took one to the midsection Thursday night. A team with just five wins in 14 games before the opening faceoff snoozed through a first period so uneventful that only the scattered boos kept many in the Xcel Energy Center crowd of 18,105 awake. When it was over, the Wild had absorbed a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks that snapped their two-game win streak and left them with an ugly winning percentage of .333. That first period was a beauty. "We weren't prepared coming into the game," said center Kyle Brodziak, who scored both his team's goals and was one of the few bright spots in the Wild lineup. "Our first period, it was unbelievable ..."
Florida Panthers' David Booth to start physical activity soon
"Florida Panthers winger David Booth said Thursday he expects to start exercising in the next day or two, though doctors won't allow him to do anything more strenuous than about 10 minutes on a bike. Booth has been restricted from physical activity since suffering his first-ever concussion Oct. 24 during a game against the Flyers in Philadelphia. He said he has gone for walks and relaxed in the pool. "You start to get anxious when you haven't done anything for so long," Booth said. "This is the longest I've ever gone without doing anything. I don't like it, but it is part of the process and you have to stick with the program." Booth said Thursday he felt much better than the days ..."
Canucks may seek H1N1 vaccine in U.S. as winger Bernier gets flu-like symptoms
"The Vancouver Canucks will explore the possibility of getting flu vaccinations during their five-game road trip through the United States, which begins tonight with winger Steve Bernier displaying flu-like symptoms. Bernier, isolated from teammates at the Canucks' hotel, won't play tonight against the Minnesota Wild but is scheduled to travel with the team to Dallas after the game. Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said it was too early to say if Bernier has swine flu, but the National Hockey League team's medical staff does not believe the 24-year-old has the H1N1 strain. "There are other types of flu, too," Gillis said, aware of the hysteria over H1N1. "We won't know until he has a ..."
Rangers scouting legend in Sweden
"The Rangers are among the handful of NHL teams watching Peter Forsberg very closely when the 36-year-old free-agent center tests his chronically injured right foot in the Karjala Cup tournament that opens today in Sweden and will conclude over the weekend in Finland, The Post has learned. "Yes, we have interest in Forsberg," GM Glen Sather said. "From the reports we've been getting, the foot is much better than it was a year ago. "We'll scout him at the tournament and see what, if anything develops. But I've always liked Peter and I've always been interested in finding a way to bring him to New York, if possible." The Rangers, who go into tonight's game here against the Oilers and ..."
Toews back on ice for Chicago Blackhawks
"It has been a frustrating couple of weeks for Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks' captain has had to sit and wait rather impatiently while he recovers from a concussion that caused him to miss four games. The wait could be at an end as the center returned to the ice Wednesday for the first time since theCanucks' Willie Mitchell crunched him at center ice on Oct. 21. Toews joined his Hawks teammates as they practiced at Jobing.com Arena in preparation for Thursday night's game against the Coyotes. "It was frustrating to be out as long as I was," Toews said. "I feel good and I feel confident out there. I don't feel like I'm missing a step yet. The legs are little heavy (Wednesday) but it only ..."
Mitchell gets shot at centring Kessel, Blake
"Come to Maple Leafs practice today and you might see Rickard Wallin, Wayne Primeau or even Darryl Sittler centring Phil Kessel. That seems to be the coach Ron Wilson's state of mind about trying new people with the talented right winger, whose career 10-shot night in Tuesday's impressive debut opens up a world of possibilities for the goal-starved club. A day after saying he'd be patient with Matt Stajan in the role, giving he and Kessel some time to create sparks, Wilson put John Mitchell with Kessel and left winger Jason Blake. Wilson saw something in the closing minutes when Mitchell and Kessel were paired. "I like the way Mitchy played last night ... his speed matches up," Wilson ..."
Spezza a maybe
"The Ottawa Senators will be crossing their fingers that centre Jason Spezza's back feels OK when he shows up for Thursday morning's pre-game skate. That will determine whether he returns after a two-game absence and plays Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning or whether he sits again. Coach Cory Clouston was buoyed by Spezza's performance in Wednesday's practice, but said he'd reserve judgment until Thursday morning. "He looked good, so as long as everything holds true to the way it was (Wednesday), he'll play," Clouston said. Spezza was upbeat. He has been about the only beneficiary of the long layoff the team has had since playing Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. It was a plus that he ..."
Melnyk wants his money back
"The current battle between Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and superstar Dany Heatley could set the emotional level for the National Hockey League's next round of contract talks. The NHL has served the NHL Players' Association a grievance over a $4-million US signing bonus Melnyk had to pay Heatley on July 1 after the disgruntled forward refused a trade to the Edmonton Oilers. Melnyk wants his money back. He thinks Heatley should have accepted the trade. Heatley, who demanded a trade, had a no-movement clause in his contract, which did give him the right to veto a trade. Melnyk might be stuck by the very contract he approved for Heatley. However, at the time the possibility of a ..."
Russian league team pushing to sign Forsberg
"The Russian team Ak Bars Kazan in recent days has made a significant push to sign former Avalanche star Peter Forsberg, attempting to steal him away from a potential NHL comeback. According to various news reports in Sweden and Slovakia, Ak Bars Kazan, a team from the country of Tatarstan, offered a large contract to Forsberg to play in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. Forsberg also is being pursued by several NHL teams. Yahoo Sports reports the Philadelphia Flyers are the leading candidate to lure the former all-star back to NHL. The Washington Capitals, Montreal Cananiens and the Avalanche also have shown interest, according to Yahoo."
Canucks Lose Grabner For Up To Six Weeks
"Add rookie forward Michael Grabner to the long list of injured players on the Vancouver Canucks roster. Grabner suffered a fractured ankle during the pre-game skate on Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche and is expected to be out of the lineup for up to six weeks. Grabner joins netminder Roberto Luongo (broken rib) and forwards Jannik Hansen (broken right hand), Pavol Demitra (shoulder surgery), Daniel Sedin (broken foot) and Ryan Johnson (concussion) on the injured list."
Ovechkin is listed as week to week
"One day after suffering an upper-body injury, Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin had his status downgraded to week to week after he was treated by the team's medical staff and underwent an MRI exam. "Ovechkin suffered an upper-body strain in Sunday evening's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and his status is week-to-week," the team announced in a news release late Monday afternoon. Ovechkin, the league leader in goals and points with 14 and 23, respectively, is not expected to play Wednesday in New Jersey. The 24-year-old all-star is, however, going to travel with the Capitals on their upcoming trip while he receives medical treatment. The team has not yet ruled him out of ..."
Gagne set for surgery, will miss 6 to 8 weeks
"Flyers left winger Simon Gagne will have hernia and abdominal surgery today and will miss six to eight weeks, general manager Paul Holmgren said before last night's game against Tampa Bay. That means Gagne will miss at least the next 20 games. Gagne tried to play through discomfort and managed just one goal in nine games before one ultrasound showed he was suffering from two small hernias. William Meyers will perform the surgery, described by Holmgren as minimally invasive, at Hahnemann University Hospital. After the 2006-07 season, Gagne has had similar hernia and abdominal surgery performed by a different doctor. "He had repairs in both of those areas before, so the doctor wants to go ..."
Kennedy could return tonight
"Right winger Tyler Kennedy, who has missed the Penguins' past three games with an undisclosed injury, took part in his first full practice with the team yesterday at Anaheim Ice and could return to the lineup as soon as tonight against the Ducks at Honda Center. "We still have to see how he reacts" to a full practice, coach Dan Bylsma said, "but he looks pretty good for [tonight]. Pretty good chances." Kennedy reacted with a smile when Bylsma's words were relayed to him. "I felt all right in practice," Kennedy said. "I feel pretty good. Time will tell, I guess." Kennedy had five goals and an assist in 11 games before getting hurt. He is usually part of a successful third line with center ..."
Spezza out another week
"The Senators expect to have to wait until at least the end of the week before Jason Spezza will be ready to return to the lineup. The Ottawa centre wasn't on the ice today and the team does not expect him to play Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Scotiabank Place. It will be the third straight game Spezza has missed with what's believed to be a back/groin injury which has hampered him since the start of training camp. "He's doubtful for Thursday," said coach Cory Clouston as the team returned to the ice today."
Avalanche goalie Anderson could draw Team USA duty in Olympics
"Craig Anderson stood on Vancouver soil Sunday night and should be here again later this month in another game between the Avalanche and Canucks. After that, Anderson and the Avs aren't scheduled to visit Vancouver until April. But would Anderson mind if he has to come here again in February? Not in the slightest. Anderson, whom Canucks coach Alain Vigneault called "the best player in the NHL right now" and who was named the NHL's first star for October on Monday, would love to make a side trip to the Winter Olympics as a goalie for Team USA. "To wear the jersey for your country, there's no greater honor," Anderson said. "If it just so happens that I get selected, that would be great." ..."
Judge approves sale of Coyotes to NHL
"A judge was signing an order Monday morning that will take the Phoenix Coyotes out of bankruptcy. After nearly six months, the NHL purchased the franchise for $140 million. The action had been expected since last week, when team owner Jerry Moyes agreeed to the sale."
Eager-ly awaited news: 'Close to 100 percent'
"Concussion is a word rarely uttered in the hockey world, but Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville used it without reservation in describing the problems that kept Ben Eager on the sideline the last four weeks. Eager went through his first full practice with the Hawks on Sunday and still was reluctant to use the ''C'' word. ''It wasn't so much a concussion as it was leftover effects from last year's long playoff run and not having that long a summer,'' Eager said. ''I didn't feel right when I came back, and I felt I needed some time off.'' Eager played in the first two regular-season games in Europe but said that had no bearing on his health problems. ''I tried to play through it, but I didn't ..."
Sedin has cast removed but won't beat his own deadline to return to lineup
"Daniel Sedin has had a cast removed from his fractured left foot, but the Vancouver Canucks winger won't beat his own time-line to return to the NHL club. Sedin suffered the injury Oct. 7 when struck by a second-period Alex Edler shot against the Montreal Canadiens and had hoped to return in three weeks. Four weeks might be a stretch, too. Five sounds better. "He's still in a walking boot for a week, so he's a little bit away," said Canucks coach Alain Vigneault."
Panthers owner in talks to step down as managing partner
"Unable to complete a sale of the team to an outside group, Panthers owner Alan Cohen is in serious discussions to step down as general partner and allow two of the team's minority owners to run the NHL franchise, a source said Friday. Cliff Viner and Stuart Siegel -- two deep-pocketed Palm Beach County-based businessmen -- have talked to the Panthers about increasing their ownership stakes and running the team, according to a league source briefed on the discussions. Speculation has focused on Viner running the team if Cohen relinquishes control. But one of three sources said recent talks have focused on Viner and Siegel running the team together. Cohen likely would keep a minority ..."
Habs sniper Cammalleri could have been a Leaf
"Mike Cammalleri was almost a Maple Leaf. Twice. The mere thought of the first time Cammalleri slipped through Leaf fingers makes the Richmond Hill native – who grew up a Leaf fan – chuckle. "Aki Berg," Cammalleri said over the phone from Chicago where the Habs played Friday night. The Leafs traded a second-round pick in 2001 to the Los Angeles Kings for Berg, a middling defenceman at best. With the pick, the Kings chose Cammalleri, a 5-foot-9 centre who emerged as a point-a-game player. "It said on the draft board, `L.A. from Toronto,'" Cammalleri recalled. "It was just the draft, so it's not like I was ever (Toronto) property, but obviously there was a lot that appealed to me about ..."
Spezza won't play Saturday, Volchenkov out 3 weeks
"Jason Spezza will miss his second straight game Saturday, when the Ottawa Senators play host to the Atlanta Thrashers. The Senators will also be without defenceman Anton Volchenkov, who suffered an elbow injury Wednesday and is expected to be out for three weeks. Spezza's injury has been labelled as "upper body" injury, but has all the appearances of being a back ailment."
Briere leaves practice with lower body injury
"Already facing the loss of Simon Gagne, the Flyers saw Danny Briere leave the ice Friday with what appears to be another groin strain. Briere almost certainly will miss Saturday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He missed 53 games last season with a series of groin and abdominal injuries."
Report: NHLPA suspends operations
"Reports are indicating that the NHL Players Association have suspended all operations for the entire union, including those responsibilities performed by interim Executive Director Ian Penny. The NHLPA, which has been in disarray in recent months since former Executive Director Paul Kelly was fired in August. The 30-player committee voted to replace Kelly after allegations that he was too close to the NHL brass and was therefore not working hard enough in the interest of the players. Some reports have even suggested that Kelly was too 'media friendly' for the taste of the representatives."
Embattled Penny resigns from NHLPA
"National Hockey League Players' Association interim executive director Ian Penny has resigned, sources tell Sportsnet. On Friday's edition of Hockeycentral @ Noon, Nick Kypreos reported the NHLPA was preventing Penny and ombudsman Buzz Hargrove from contacting player representatives. According to Kypreos, the NHLPA "is not a functioning organization right now." On October 23rd, the NHLPA agreed to form a committee to review and evaluate the union's internal operations."
No Kessel tonight, but Tlusty is pumped
"While the Maple Leafs wait for their most talented player to make his Toronto debut, Jiri Tlusty will have to do. There were rumours during the morning at HSBC Arena that Phil Kessel wanted to play against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night, but Leafs coach Ron Wilson shot those down. "There is no truth to that," Wilson said. "I don't know where rumblings like that would come from." The plan remains for Kessel to get into the lineup next week, likely at home on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kessel is almost recovered from off-season surgery on his left shoulder. Versus the Sabres, Tlusty will skate on a line with centre Matt Stajan and winger Lee Stempniak. The Leafs hope Tlusty ..."
Penguins bench Malkin due to shoulder strain
"Coach Dan Bylsma, general manager Ray Shero and All-Star center Evgeni Malkin emerged from a closed-door meeting after practice yesterday at Mellon Arena with news of the latest injury problem for a Penguins team that so far hasn't been slowed because of missing players. Malkin, it turns out, played the past several games -- including a 6-1 win Wednesday against Montreal in which he took six shots and registered an assist -- despite a strained right shoulder. Team officials persuaded him to shut down for what Bylsma called "a couple weeks." "We're worried about the safety in the shoulder," Bylsma said. "A couple weeks, some rehab, some rest, we'll get that thing ready so we can get him ..."
Leafs' Kessel could play Tuesday against Tampa
"The Maple Leafs could get a large offensive boost on Tuesday night. Phil Kessel is almost done recovering from shoulder surgery and could make his Leafs debut against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Air Canada Centre. "(There's) a good chance of it, yeah," Leafs coach Ron Wilson said on Thursday afternoon after the Leafs practised at a suburban Buffalo arena. Kessel didn't say much as he was hustled to the team bus by a Leafs staff member, but acknowledged he has been cleared for physical play in practice. As for suiting up versus Tampa, the 22-year-old took a wait-and-see approach. "It's a few days away," Kessel said. "I'll see how it feels. I don't know yet.""
Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk expects to play Thursday despite missing practice with sore foot
"Update from Wednesday's Detroit Red Wings practice at Rexall Place: Pavel Datsyuk didn't skate because of a sore foot from blocking a shot in Tuesday's 5-4 win in Vancouver, but coach Mike Babcock said he will play Thursday in Edmonton "I told you that last year in the playoffs, when he got a shot in the foot, too, and it ended up being a hole in his thigh, so you can't trust me one bit,'' Babcock joked. "No, he got a shot in the foot and he should go. He just was sore today and it wasn't going to be comfortable getting his skate on.'' Babcock said Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves will return to the lineup, replacing Kirk Maltby and Justin Abdelkader. Jimmy Howard will start in goal. He was ..."
Brent Seabrook should be ready Thursday night for Chicago Blackhawks
"For the first time in a week, the news of who was on the ice for the Blackhawks outweighed the news of who wasn't. Defenseman Brent Seabrook returned to action Wednesday after missing two games with a concussion and winger Marian Hossa practiced with his teammates for the first time since signing as a free agent July 1. The news wasn't all good as captain Jonathan Toews still is sidelined with a concussion and didn't make the trip to Nashville for Thursday's game against the Predators. "I enjoyed being back out there with the fellas," said Seabrook, who left the ice late in the Hawks' game Oct. 21 against the Canucks. "I got hit in the neck and it sort of rattled my brain a little bit. I ..."
'09 top draft picks make the cut, staying in NHL
"Six players taken in the 2009 Entry Draft made their NHL team's opening-night roster. Making the League is one thing; staying there is another. But for the special six from this June's draft, they all passed their first major test. John Tavares (No. 1, Islanders), Victor Hedman (No. 2, Lightning), Matt Duchene (No. 3, Colorado), Evander Kane (No. 4, Thrashers), Dmitry Kulikov (No. 14, Panthers) and Ryan O'Reilly (No. 33, Avalanche) haven't all passed the 10-game threshold, but all have been told that they should look into permanent housing. Teams have nine games to evaluate their teenage prospects before having to make a decision on whether to keep them -- and activate their entry-level ..."
Gaborik's status in doubt vs. Islanders
"After ending a three-game skid Monday night with a 5-2 win over the Coyotes, the Rangers will try to make it two in a row tonight against the Islanders. However, it likely will be without star forward Marian Gaborik. Gaborik, who was involved in a collision halfway through the third period Monday, sustained a lower body injury and was held out of yesterday's practice. "I couldn't see it on the tape, but he got into a collision late in the game and was a little sore, so we kept him off the ice," head coach John Tortorella said at the Rangers training facility in Greenburgh, N.Y. "It has nothing to do with his other injuries. I haven't even talked to the trainers today, but we just kept him ..."
Caps' Laing has swine flu
"Washington Capitals left wing Quintin Laing has received a diagnosis of H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, a team official confirmed Wednesday. Laing, who was sent home upon arriving at the team's Arlington practice facility Tuesday morning and missed his first game of the season that night, is taking anti-virus drug Tamiflu and resting, a team spokesman said. He is being kept isolated from his wife and two infant sons and won't return to the team until he is symptom-free in an effort to prevent the spread of the flu, which has become a concern nationally for sports leagues in both the amateur and professional ranks. Laing is believed to be the fourth NHL player with the virus. ..."
Gagne has two hernias
"The Flyers received bad medical news on Simon Gagne yesterday.An ultrasound exam revealed that the Flyers' left winger is suffering from two small hernias and will be sidelined indefinitely, the team announced.General manager Paul Holmgren said the Flyers' medical staff would meet with Gagne today to "discuss all options." At that point, the Flyers should know how long Gagne will be sidelined.It sounds as if surgery is forthcoming."That's an option. Whether it's the realm we go, I'm not sure," Holmgren said before last night's 4-2 loss to the Capitals.Holmgren said Gagne's hernias were not related to off-season hip surgery or to the groin problems he experienced in the summer. He suffered ..."
Union head preparing to resign?
"There has been growing speculation that Ian Penny, interim leader of the NHL players' association, is about to resign in the face of mounting pressures from within the troubled union. Penny was part of a coup to dethrone the previous executive director, Paul Kelly, and indications are the union's power structure might crumble again. A four-man committee consisting of former NHLer Chris Chelios and veteran players Rob Blake, Nicklas Lidstrom and Mark Recchi was set up to investigate, among other things, how Kelly was dumped and how Penny was able to negotiate a five-year, $3.5 million contract. Now, a leaked internal memo, written by Penny, seems to indicate he is prepared to step down."
Gaborik's injury might hurt
"It would have been nothing but a feel-good night at the Garden with the Rangers correcting many of the structural defects that had sent them into the three-game slide (0-2-1) that came to an end with a 5-2 victory over the Coyotes. The problem, however, is that Marian Gaborik, the lone indispensable Ranger other than Henrik Lundqvist, didn't appear to be feeling all that good after going to the locker room with 8:47 to play in the match and his team up by three. "I don't know. I haven't talked to Rammer," said an apparently unconcerned head coach John Tortorella, who was referring to trainer Jim Ramsay. "The game at that point [was in control], so there was no reason [to play him]." ..."
Kovalchuk expected to miss four weeks with broken foot
"The big question was: How good are the Thrashers? The bigger question is: How good are the Thrashers without Ilya Kovalchuk? The high-scoring forward suffered a broken bone in his right foot Saturday night and is expected to miss four weeks, the team announced after its star player underwent a CT scan Monday. The team captain who was tied for the NHL lead with nine goals, Kovalchuk was hit in the foot by a shot during the first period of the 4-3 loss to San Jose. "It's never good when you lose your best player, top scorer, captain," defenseman Zach Bogosian said. "There is not much we can do about it. We just have to come together as a team and step up. That's the bottom line. Everyone ..."
Florida Panthers' David Booth likely out at least one week
"Panthers forward David Booth was released from a Philadelphia hospital Sunday after he sustained a concussion during Florida's 5-1 loss to the Flyers on Saturday night. Booth, 24, never has been concussed before, and general manager Randy Sexton said the team is going to closely monitor their energetic winger. Booth is known to take his workouts to extreme measures, and the Panthers medical staff will be watching to make sure he doesn't overdo things while he's out. Sexton said he and Booth had a long phone conversation Sunday morning on a variety of subjects. Booth, who sustained no other injuries except for some facial cuts, is expected to miss at least the next week of action. ``He's ..."
Slow going for Toews, Seabrook
"Concussions are tricky things as the Blackhawks are finding out with Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook. Toews and Seabrook missed their second straight game Monday as a result of the concussion-like symptoms they suffered from hits last week against Vancouver. While coach Joel Quenneville is hopeful one or both of his stars can return later this week, it sounded as if Toews and Seabrook weren't progressing as well Monday as the team said they were over the weekend. "Right now they're not doing much," Quenneville said. Toews and Seabrook must pass physical tests mandated by the NHL for concussions before they can play again. "Both days (Saturday and Monday) we came in here game day with a ..."
Predators' Dan Hamhuis may play again soon
"Monday was Hammer's time. Predators defenseman Dan "Hammer" Hamhuis, skated with the team for the first time since suffering an upper-body injury on Oct. 15 against Chicago. Hamhuis said he expects to play Wednesday at Minnesota. "I felt really good today and actually have felt good the last few days," Hamhuis said. "When I was skating by myself, I was getting better and better. Today was the real test, skating with the guys, and I think I passed the test." The Predators have not officially revealed the nature of his injury, but Hamhuis appeared to sustain a head injury. Hamhuis said he is not viewing Wednesday's game as a trial run and is preparing to remain in the lineup, including when ..."
Ultrasound may reveal root of Gagne's troubles
"Flyers left wing Simon Gagne has been saying for weeks that tightness in his surgically repaired right groin has robbed him of his explosiveness and affected his ability to create offense. All the while, Flyers coach John Stevens and general manager Paul Holmgren insisted Gagne's troubles were more mental than physical, saying he only needed to score a goal or two to get back on track. Tuesday, Stevens and Holmgren acknowledged Gagne has lost some of his explosiveness and sent the 29-year-old forward to a Philadelphia hospital for an ultrasound on his groin area. "I don't think he's 100 percent," said Stevens, who likely will not have Gagne in the lineup when the Flyers visit the ..."
Rangers End Their Slump as Coyotes Agree to a Sale
"The Rangers beat the Phoenix Coyotes, 5-2, on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, winning for the first time in four games as Marian Gaborik scored twice to gain a share of the league goal-scoring lead. The night may prove to be significant for Phoenix. The bankrupt Coyotes seemed to move one step closer to staying in the Phoenix area under new ownership. In federal bankruptcy court in Phoenix, where a possible move to Southern Ontario was among the possibilities during contentious proceedings throughout the summer, the Coyotes' owner, Jerry Moyes, agreed to sell the club to the N.H.L., which has the last bid still on the table."
Sens face decision on rookie Karlsson
"There could soon be a vacancy at Hotel Alfredsson. It's the room that's been occupied by Erik Karlsson for the past month and a half. No final decision has been announced, but the Senators appear to be leaning toward sending their top prospect back to Sweden for the season. They are as excited as ever about Karlsson, the 15th overall pick in the 2008 entry draft, but they have concerns about the slight defenceman's confidence as he battles through the growing pains of his first year in the NHL. And, for the most part, it has been a battle. Karlsson, who is averaging 17:25 of ice time, has no goals and three assists through nine games. He is also tied with Alex Kovalev for the worst ..."
Red Wings, Nicklas Lidstrom in no hurry to talk contract
"Neither Nicklas Lidstrom nor the Detroit Red Wings feel an urgency to get a new deal done for the captain. General manager Ken Holland said he had not yet approached Lidstrom about his plans for next season and didn't have a time frame on opening contract talks. The Red Wings want him back, but they don't know for sure if Lidstrom, who turns 40 on April 28, will retire or continue to play. "He knows we want him back,'' Holland said. "I'm expecting he's going to play but haven't had that conversation.'' Lidstrom maintains he has not decided if he will play next season and doesn't know when he will make up his mind. He has signed some extensions during the middle of the season and has inked ..."
Thrashers lose Kovalchuk, second straight home game
"The Thrashers lost more than a game Saturday. They lost Ilya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk took a shot off his foot in the first period and did not return in a 4-3 loss to San Jose. The exact nature and extent of the injury was not immediately known. Thrashers coach John Anderson said Kovalchuk would visit a doctor Monday to determine the next course of action. "He'll have a scan and an X-ray, and we'll figure out what it is," Anderson said. "He was walking, but tentatively, otherwise he would have come back and played." The Thrashers' captain, who entered the game tied for the NHL lead with nine goals, played only 3 minutes, 54 seconds in four shifts. It was another slow start that led to the ..."
Panthers' Booth taken to the hospital with head injury
"Panthers' forward David Booth spent Saturday night at a local hospital after receiving a vicious hit to the head late in the second period of Saturday night's 5-1 loss to the Flyers at Wachovia Center. The extent of Booth's injury wasn't known after the game. Panthers' general manager Randy Sexton, who spoke briefly to the doctor who treated Booth at Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia, said it appeared Booth suffered a concussion, but that he was conscious when he was wheeled off the ice on a stretcher and could move his extremities. Assistant team trainer Steve Dischiavi, who rode in the ambulance with Booth, stayed with him at the hospital while the team flew home. "They did some ..."
Gonchar gets OK, but only for skating, practice
"Sergei Gonchar's broken left wrist will not keep him off the ice. With a hockey glove over his cast, wearing a red non-contact jersey and using only his right (non-shooting) hand on his stick, the Penguins' top defenseman took part in the team's optional morning skate yesterday. Gonchar, of course, did not play last night against New Jersey at Mellon Arena and will not play again for something near a month, but said he plans on continuing to practice. "The doctor told me that's what I can do," he said. It's a good thing Gonchar isn't overly superstitious, as many of his teammates are. Otherwise, he might wonder if he helped bring the injury on himself. After the morning skate Tuesday, he ..."
Tucker leaves hospital, not due back soon
"Avalanche veteran left wing Darcy Tucker probably won't be back anytime soon, but the fact he should be back at all this season might be considered a victory. Tucker suffered a concussion and needed stitches following a hit from behind by Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu on Friday night. The Avs are saying Tucker will be sidelined indefinitely and will not travel with the team on its upcoming four-game road trip. After an initial scare about his reflexes and mobility, Tucker regained full ambulatory response and checked out of a hospital Saturday morning. "It's good news. He's got a concussion, though, and we'll just hope he can come back when he's ready," Avs coach Joe Sacco said. Ruutu was ..."
Surgery for Oshie
"Blues forward T.J. Oshie will miss approximately seven to 10 days after undergoing an appendectomy Saturday morning. Oshie felt nauseous following Friday's 3-1 win over Minnesota, in which he played 17 minutes, 33 seconds. He was taken to Barnes Jewish Hospital, where after a scan, doctors decided on the operation. "I'm just glad he was able to get through the game," Blues President John Davidson said. "It's unfortunate it has to be this time of the year. You always like to see that stuff in the offseason, if you see it. But it's just the way it is." Blues goaltender Chris Mason underwent an emergency appendectomy last October. He was out for about two weeks, missing four games. The Blues ..."
Liut's next stop could be NHLPA boss
"Mike Liut made a lot of saves during his NHL career. The former goalie's next stop could be with the NHL Players Association. Nobody is sure if the 53-year-old Liut - who had a 15-year career with stops in St. Louis, Hartford and Washington - would be interested, but there's talk among players he could be tabbed as the next executive director to replace the fired Paul Kelly. The union formed a four-man search committee that mysteriously includes former Detroit Red Wings defenceman Chris Chelios, who isn't even an active NHL player, to find a replacement for Kelly. Liut, who has a law degree and worked in the NHLPA's office until 1998 when he left to join player agent firm Octagon Hockey, ..."
If Toews can't go, Ebbett in line to take his spot
"The Blackhawks acquired Andrew Ebbett at just the right time. He'd be an able fill-in for Jonathan Toews if the team captain can't play tonight against the Nashville Predators at the United Center. Toews and Brent Seabrook missed practice again Friday, but coach Joel Quenneville wouldn't rule either out for the game. Both are nursing concussion-like symptoms suffered in the 3-2 loss Wednesday to the Vancouver Canucks. Though neither player was seen by the media, Quenneville said both ''presented themselves well'' again and said their absence from the lineup ''is definitely looking very short term'' based on the progress they made in the last two days. That still leaves the Hawks in limbo ..."
Lehtonen no closer to returning to Thrashers
"Goaltender Kari Lehtonen is no closer to returning to the Thrashers than he was soon after offseason back surgery. According to Thrashers general manager Don Waddell, Lehtonen again experienced pain in his legs while rehabbing from July surgery to repair a herniated disc. He recently received another epidural injection to reduce inflammation, and he has stopped skating. Waddell said Friday that Lehtonen is scheduled for another examination by doctors to determine the next course of action. Waddell said he would not label the current situation a setback. "When you are dealing with the back, everyone heals at a different rate," Waddell said. "He is progressing very slowly." Lehtonen signed a ..."
Michalek may sit with upper body injury
"There will be changes to the lineup tonight as the Ottawa Senators try to rebound from their 6-5 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators, but it looks as if they will come because of injury and illness. Jason Spezza (bumps and bruises), Milan Michalek (upper body) and Pascal Leclaire (flu) were all missing from Friday's practice. Of the three, only Spezza is definitely expected to play against the Boston Bruins. Michalek and Leclaire are question marks, said coach Cory Clouston, who was still awaiting a report detailing the seriousness of Michalek's injury. As well, Jesse Winchester was missing, but only because he'd been assigned to the Binghamton Senators for a two-week conditioning ..."
Avs' Budaj out with flu; Anderson back in
"About Avalanche goaltender Craig Anderson's night off ... Never mind. Colorado backup goalie Peter Budaj, scheduled to get his first start of the season tonight against Carolina, has the flu and won't play. Avalanche coach Joe Sacco said Anderson would start his 10th consecutive game tonight. Tyler Weiman was recalled from Lake Erie, was at the morning skate today and will suit up as Anderson's backup. "Peter came down with some flu-like symptoms (Thursday) afternoon," Sacco said this morning. "I made a call to Craig and informed him that he was going to be playing today." In six games with Lake Erie this season, Weiman has a 3-3 record, a 2.16 goals-against average and a .916 saves ..."
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