Friday, January 15, 2010

Ice Scoopz: Friday Morning

*-> The New Jersey Devils are reportedly looking into obtaining an offensive defenseman. Rumors have the Devils interested in several big names but don't really have the cap space to do anything at the moment. The Devils have reportedly contacted the Ducks. We know that Niedermayer isn't an option anymore due the the fact he wants to retire as a Duck but I have heard big interest in Dion Phaneuf, Sheldon Souray and Paul Mara.

*-> The Vancouver Canucks are hot for Ray Whitney and see the leaders currently. The Canucks would love to dump Mathieu Schnieder so they can bring in a more all round defenseman but finding a suitor has been tough. Its still expected they'll waive him on reentry so they can clear most of him off the books.

*-> Ignore all that BS about Alexander Ovechkin bolting for the KHL to save his 18% escor. Its not happening anytime soon. There is a soft ageement in place and the superstar Russian would rather be in the NHL being the posterboy. 18% I'm sure is nothing for him since he probably makes 50% of his pay in endorsements not including his salary. Ilya Kovalchuk could be the guy to bolt though. 20$ million for 10 years tax free? I don't think its likely but more of a possibility than his Washington buddy. Kovalchuk is standing pretty firm on his 11$ Million per season demands and no home team discount ether.

2 comments:

Jalen said...

Scoopz,

Were I the Canucks, I'd be worried about the depth of the defense corps. Bieksa can't stay healthy (there are actually rumours they're shopping him) and Salo is unlikely to hold up through a lengthy playoff run.

Ehroff's been a nice addition, Edler continues to impress and Mitchell is solid, but the group doesn't look good enough to contend.

- Jalen

Scoopz said...

That is true, their defense is pretty thin. I haven't heard many rumors out there involving the Canucks looking for a defenseman but I have heard they were one of the suitors for Joe Corvo.