Showing posts with label Lupul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lupul. Show all posts

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Hockey and NHL rumors for Dec 21, 2009

Sorry about the delay, lots of Christmas errands to do!

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Atlanta Thrashers and Ilya Kovalchuk are having difficulty negotiating a new contract extension. It's believed that Kovalchuk is seeking a $11 million a year deal. Garrioch speculates that the LA Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils are the most interested. Brochu's take: Well, you can forget the Bruins, Capitals, Rangers and Devils for salary reasons. It does however, look likely that Kovalchuk may be shopped. I would say the Kings would the most likely at this moment.

The Philadelphia Flyers are shopping forward Jeff Carter.

The Anaheim Ducks are looking to move forward Joffrey Lupul.

The Edmonton Oilers are shopping forward Shawn Horcoff, defenseman Sheldon Souray and defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky. Brochu's take: Horcoff's contract will scare off all teams. Both Souray and Visnovsky could get interesting returns.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Pronger for Lupul,Sbisa and 2 1st rounders

The Anaheim Ducks have traded Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, their 1st rounder in the 2009 and 2010 Entry Draft AND a conditional third round pick in the 2010 or 2011 draft. (as per TSN) Edit.

Friday, March 06, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 6, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Jeff Hamilton for the rest of the season. Brochu's take: A curious move, coming after the NHL trade deadline. He's likely a roster filler so the Leafs don't have to use their callups.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Florida Panthers were weighing two offers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was ultimately not traded. The Vancouver Canucks were willing to give up forward Mason Raymond and a 1st rounde draft pick. It's believed that Florida wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Edler included and GM Mike Gillis wasn't willing to make the move. The Philadelphia Flyers were offering Joffrey Lupul or Scottie Upshall along with prospect James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round pick. The Panthers wanted Scott Hartnell. Upshall was eventually traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. Brochu's take: In my opinion, GM Jacques Martin will regret not getting something for Bouwmeester. He's already turned down a contract offer, and even if the Panthers make the playoffs, it's not guaranteed they'll make it far. However, I do think that Bouwmeester's negotiation rights will be offered in the summer, likely for a draft pick. Source

The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir is reporting that the Capitals had talked to the Anaheim Ducks about acquiring Chris Pronger, but the asking price was much too high. The Ducks wanted defenseman Karl Alzner, goalie Simeon Varlamov and prospect John Carlson. Brochu's take: That would fall in line with Pronger's supposed asking price. Look for a similar type of package by other NHL teams this summer, when Pronger will be available. Source

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Bouwmeester, Morris, Pronger Rumor Update

This is the latest rumor report on Jay Bouwmeester and Derek Morris:

The Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers remain the frontrunners in the Bouwmeester sweepstakes. However, the Canucks are believed to be comfortable with their team and willing to stand pat. Brochu's take: If Bouwmeester is even traded at all, it will probably be to Philly, if they somehow free up some salary cap space.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is reporting a rumor from colleague E.J. Hradek that the Phoenix Coyotes would send Derek Morris and Ilya Bryzgalov to the Flyers in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, Scottie Upshall and Martin Biron. The Washington Capitals, Boston Bruins and Flyers all remain the likely destination for Morris. Brochu's take: Biron has a no trade clause that he would have to waive for that deal to go through. I'm betting Morris goes to Boston. Source

According to Sportsnet, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray has let NHL teams know that he will not trade Chris Pronger at the deadline. Brochu's take: But he will probably get shopped at the entry draft or the summer.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 28, 2009

Speculation continues to swirl that the Anaheim Ducks are willing to deal Chris Pronger at the trade deadline. The TSN Tradecentre panel reported that the Boston Bruins are very interested, as well as the San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils are the frontrunners for his services. There's rumors that the Ducks would want a package that would involve players such as Patrice Bergeron, Phil Kessel and Joe Colborne. Brochu's take: A defensive pair of Chara-Pronger would be downright scary. If the Bruins really believe that this is their year, than Pronger would be a fantastic addition, but he won't come cheap.

Ray Ferraro of TSN is also reporting that there's a rumor that the Philadelphia Flyers would package Joffrey Lupul and Randy Jones for Pronger. Brochu's take: Unless the Flyers have $6 million in imaginary cap space, I don't see this happening.

Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin has been scouting the Flyers very closely lately, and was present at Friday's game between the Flyers and Montreal Canadiens. It's believed that both teams are interested in acquiring Jay Bouwmeester, and Martin is most likely scouting potential players. Brochu's take: Martin wants players that will help his team now, so I guess that's why he's been following the Flyers so closely.

According to TSN, New York Islanders forward Bill Guerin is willing to waive his no trade clause if the right deal came. Brochu's take: His game has really dropped the last few years. He may get some interest, but the value in return will be low. Source

The Florida Panthers have sent defenseman Nick Boynton home and will not accompany the team's three game road trip. There have been rumors GM Jacques Martin was even thinking of waiving Boynton. Martin confirmed that Boynton had been sent home for discipline but wouldn't go into further detail. Brochu's take: There's probably a good chance he will be traded. Source

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 28, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have announced a 2 p.m. press conference Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena, when they will announce the signing of Henrik Zetterberg to a long-term contract extension. Speculation is that the deal is in the 10-year, $70 million range, although reports tonight indicate that the deal is more in the 8-year, $58 million range. Brochu's take: A ten year deal is risky in today's NHL. Zetterberg will be in his late 30's by the end of the contract. ***** New update, 9:13 pm**** Zetterberg has officially signed a 12-year, $72 million contract! Brochu's take: WOW! A bargain at $6 million per, but the length still scares me. Source

Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post speculates that the Philadelphia Flyers are still looking for a veteran defenseman. Atlanta's Niclas Havelid, Colorado's Brett Clark, Phoenix's Derek Morris, Nashville's Dan Hamhuis and the Islanders' Brendan Witt are expected to be on the trade block in the next six weeks. With forwards Scottie Upshall, Joffrey Lupul and Mike Knuble, the Flyers have the assets to land one of them. Source

There are also rumors that the New York Islanders are shopping defenseman Radek Martinek.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Dan Fritsche on waivers.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 18, 2009

Here's the latest NHL rumor report from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

League sources say the Tampa Bay Lightning have been shopping Lecavalier because his no-movement clause doesn't kick in until July 1 and that there's also a disagreement between co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie on what direction the club should take with its superstar. It appears that Koules wants Lecavalier to stay, while Barrie is telling GM Brian Lawton to see what he can get in return. Brochu's take: Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" also added that the deal seems to be stalling because the Montreal Canadiens don't want to give up defenseman Andrei Markov. Pierre Lebrun also stated that Montreal would be Vinny's top destination IF he was asked to provide a list of teams he would like to be traded to. Adds more fuel to the fire.

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move forward Daniel Briere, but the salary and term of the contract will make it nearly impossible. Garrioch suggests that the Flyers will move defenseman Randy Jones or forward Joffrey Lupul in order to make room for Briere. Brochu's take: Joffrey and Jones have been in the rumor mill for months now. But the Flyers will be forced to make a roster move once Briere is healthy.

"There's a lot of talk the [Edmonton] Oilers will move [forward] Erik Cole if he doesn't agree to a contract extension before the trade deadline." Brochu's take: Not if the Oilers are still in the playoff hunt.

"The Bolts are expected to send forward Adam Hall back to the [Pittsburgh] Penguins for a draft pick." Brochu's take: Very likely to happen.

The Phoenix Coyotes may hold a firesale at the trade deadline, with the likes of defensemen Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris, and forward Olli Jokinen being offered up as the club tries to shed salary. Brochu's take: Garrioch and his "league" sources again. I don't expect a firesale until the summer though.

Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini confirmed that newly acquired goalie Dany Sabourin will not play for the Oilers, and will try to trade him or send him to the minors in the next week.

The New York Islanders are still looking for a goaltender after Wade Dubielewicz was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rumour is that they are looking at Vancouver Canucks goalie Curtis Sanford, who cleared waivers earlier this week.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 7, 2008

The following NHL and hockey rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

"Multiple NHL sources told Sun Media yesterday that Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell has held serious talks with several teams about the possibility of trading forward Ilya Kovalchuk." Garrioch speculates that the Montreal Canadiens have an "obvious interest" in the Russian forward. Brochu's take: If Kovalchuk is traded, Waddell would be fired shortly thereafter. I predict that Kovalchuk will stay, unless some team ridiculously overpays.

"There's a lot of talk the [New York]Rangers are looking to move either defenseman Wade Redden or Michal Rozsival. Both were signed to new deals in the off-season, but Redden, who agreed to a six-year, $39-million deal, has a no-movement clause in his contract, making it more likely that Rozsival would be dealt." Brochu's take: For the record, Redden does NOT have a no-movement clause, but a somewhat limited no trade clause where he has listed three teams he cannot be traded too. Both the hefty contracts of Redden and Rozsival make them essentially untradeable.

"The [Florida]Panthers are trying to move forward Nathan Horton. He is scheduled to make an average of $4 million on a contract that runs through the 2012-13 season, which could make him difficult to trade. Forwards Rostislav Olesz and Brett McLean can be had for a draft pick." Brochu's take: Horton would probably get interest from a lot of teams in the NHL.

"The [Edmonton]Oilers have mild interest in moving defenseman Ladislav Smid. Given a chance, he could fit the bill for the [Ottawa]Senators." Brochu's take: There's been a lot of rumors that the Senators and Oilers are discussing trades, and this should add to the scuttlebutt.

"The [Philadelphia]Flyers are looking to dump salary and might decide to see what they can get for forward Joffrey Lupul." Brochu's take: Lupul's been on the trading block for a few weeks now.

Garrioch also believes the Thrashers will move defenseman Matheiu Schneider by the March 4 trade deadline, and he has already received a few calls.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 22, 2008

The Colorado Avalanche have reclaimed forward Jesse Boulerice off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Patrick Rissmiller on waivers.

The Florida Panthers have placed Wade Belak on waivers.

The St. Louis Blues are desperate for some offensive help, and are rumored to be interested in acquiring Philadelphia Flyers forward Joffrey Lupul. There's also some interest in Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander, who has been linked to the Chicago Blackhawks for some time.

Brochu's European and Asian rumor roundup:

Forward Claude Lemieux, who was trying to make a comeback to the NHL, is now rumored to be signing a contract within the next two weeks with the Worcester Sharks, the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate. Lemieux played a few games with the China Sharks of the Asia League, but has now left the team. The China Sharks are also affiliated with San Jose. Brochu's take: If this rumor is true, than he's one step closer to his goal.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Prestin Ryan has left the organization and has signed with Adler Mannheim in Germany.

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 5, 2008

During TSN's broadcast of the NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators, analyst Bob McKenzie mentioned that Canucks defensemen Mattias Ohlund and Kevin Bieksa have both been in the rumor mill, and several teams have been asking if they are available. McKenzie suggests that teams with surplus offensive players, such as the Philadephia Flyers, could help out the Canucks, while at the same time shed some salary to fit free agent Brendan Shanahan. Brochu's take: McKenzie also mentioned the possibilty of a Joffrey Lupul or Jeff Carter moving. It will take a good package to pry those steady defenseman out of Vancouver.

According to the Sun Sentinel, Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin spoke about the Panthers’ tepid start and noted that he’s considering moving some veteran players who aren’t producing. “When I look at our performance so far, I don’t think it’s good enough,” Martin said. “We made some moves in the offseason and some of our players have to be better. Some of our veterans have to give us a better performance.” Brochu's take: Since there's not exactly a surplus of veterans on the Cats' roster, I would assume he is speaking about Richard Zednik and Jay Bouwmeester. Bouwmeester continues to be rumored to be headed on his way out of Florida. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Janne Niskala on waivers.

Martin Gelinas has signed a two-week try-out contract with Swiss hockey club SC Bern. He will be given a chance to participate in the European Champions Hockey League and may earn a full contract. Brochu's take: The mainstream media has unfortunately forgot to mention that this is a two-week tryout. Bern will decide on November 24 if they will sign Gelinas long term. Source

The news of New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur possibly missing up to 4 months with elbow surgery has sparked rumors that they could be interested in Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin or Edmonton Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: While Roloson is the cheaper option, Khabibulin could be a better fit. With Brodeur out for almost the entire regular season, Khabibulin's contract won't be that much of a burden.

Monday, July 21, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for July 22, 2008

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Lauri Tukonen to the Dallas Stars for forward Richard Clune. Brochu's take: The Kings' 11th overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry draft, Tukonen has not developed as well as the other youngsters in the Kings' system. A fresh start could change that. As for Clune, he's an AHL depth player at best.

The Kings also re-signed defenseman Peter Harrold to a three-year contract.

According to Sportsnet, the Boston Bruins have avoided arbitration with defenseman Dennis Wideman and has signed a four-year deal worth $3.95 million a season.

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed defenseman Jonathan Ericsson and goaltender Jimmy Howard to three-year contracts.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Joffrey Lupul to a four-year, $17 million contract extension, due to start in 2009-2010. Brochu's take: While this doesn't affect Philly's current cap problems, someone still has to go before the season starts.

The New York Rangers have agreed to terms on forward Greg Moore.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed defenseman Paul Bissonnette to a one-year deal and forward Jonathan Filewich to a two-year contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks have re-signed goaltender Corey Crawford to a one-year contract.