Well I'm here in the UK and day 2 has been filled with that wonderful British weather, cloudy and random bouts of rain. After a long flight around volcanic ash, an hour around the vocanic ash I had a lovely wait in the customs line at Heathrow airport. A few short hours later I had arrived. Not great news ether but what can you do its for family right.
The internet struggles here combined with the jetlag I decided to hold off till today to post. I decided to check out the tv guide out of curiousity to see if they even had any hockey on television and to my surprise they have replays on their version of ESPN but it was relgated to the mid-day slots right before kayaking and right after cycling. I haven't got to check it out myself as my location doesn't have any sports packaged though but I just thought it was funny they even had hockey as everyone I met was baffled and confused about my "ice" hockey blog, not to be confused with the Ice Scoopz field hockey blog over here. Anyways enough of my rant and on to the news which has already broken over there.
*-> Brad May of the Detroit Red Wings is contemplating retirement due to family reasons. His lack of playing time and lack of role is most likely another factor in this as well. May also went on to say that if the Toronto Maple Leafs came knocking again he may reconsidered as he resides in Toronto.
*-> The Dallas Stars have resigned goaltender Kari Lehtonen to a 3 year deal worth 10.65$ MIL working out to 3.55$ MIL person. Lehtonen was acquired in a deal close to the deadline from the Atlanta Thrashers. This officially marks the end of the Marty Turco era. Hopefully Lehtonen can respond and recover from his past injury woes for the Stars sake.
*-> More Dallas Stars news, free agent Johan Hedburg of the Atlanta Thrashers is reportedly at the top of Dallas's wish list. Hedburg has been Lehtonen's backup and mentor since his arrival in the league and with the Stars lacking a backup he is rumored to be reunited. Dallas also has Brent Krahn in the fold as a RFA but is still unproven and likely not the best solution. This being said its tough to say whether this rumor is accurate but we do know the backup choice has to be cheap and Hedburg will atleast make 850K.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Afternoon
On the way to the airport with a few quick rumors for you. Thank god the internet exists as I'm going to have to watch game 7 of the Habs - Pens game online. However Ill miss Vancouver - Chicago tonight.
*-> The Los Angeles Kings look like their ready to part ways with the enigmatic Alexander Frolov. Frolov who had one of his worst seasons to date spent most of the season in the doghouse and was healthy scratched for several games. Frolov's camp has indicated he would like to stay in Los Angeles but it appears management wants to go in a different direction. While the coaching staff admitted it was a trying season for Frolov they said they'd have him back and expect he'll have a better season.
*-> This being said about Alexander Frolov, the Los Angeles Kings look to upgrade his position and Ilya Kovalchuk is back in their sights. LA is one of the teams expected to make a major push for the superstar Russian. The Kings have a ton of cap space and are looking for an elite forward to help raise there game to the next level next season. The Devils, Atlanta and several other teams are expected to make a pitch as well as a handful of KHL teams.
*-> The Washington Capitols are rumored to be pushing for a trade involving Alexander Semin. Semin had a great season with 40 goals but floundered in the playoffs and as said before the Caps need cap space. Semin is rumored to be heading to the Oilers for disgruntled Sheldon Souray. This rumor doesn't make sense for the Caps as Souray is the last thing they need right now as well as a massive unmoveable. What do you guys think?
*-> The Los Angeles Kings look like their ready to part ways with the enigmatic Alexander Frolov. Frolov who had one of his worst seasons to date spent most of the season in the doghouse and was healthy scratched for several games. Frolov's camp has indicated he would like to stay in Los Angeles but it appears management wants to go in a different direction. While the coaching staff admitted it was a trying season for Frolov they said they'd have him back and expect he'll have a better season.
*-> This being said about Alexander Frolov, the Los Angeles Kings look to upgrade his position and Ilya Kovalchuk is back in their sights. LA is one of the teams expected to make a major push for the superstar Russian. The Kings have a ton of cap space and are looking for an elite forward to help raise there game to the next level next season. The Devils, Atlanta and several other teams are expected to make a pitch as well as a handful of KHL teams.
*-> The Washington Capitols are rumored to be pushing for a trade involving Alexander Semin. Semin had a great season with 40 goals but floundered in the playoffs and as said before the Caps need cap space. Semin is rumored to be heading to the Oilers for disgruntled Sheldon Souray. This rumor doesn't make sense for the Caps as Souray is the last thing they need right now as well as a massive unmoveable. What do you guys think?
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Monday Afternoon
*-> The Philadelphia Flyers have signed NCAA free agent, Andrew Rowe to an entry level deal. Rowe played for Michigan this past season.
*-> It looks like Sugar Ray Emerys days are numbered in Philly. The Flyers and Paul Holmgren are planning on taking a different route this offseason. Emery who has been frequently injured since signing a one year with the Flyers is expected to be passed on this summer as he's a UFA. The Flyers are expected to try and land a number one goalie during the offseason most likely via trade. Tomas Vokoun, Carey Price and Tim Thomas have all been rumored to be targets via trade and Marty Turco via free agency. Ray Emery is expected to try another one year deal elsewhere or head back to Europe. There also reports that Emery could decide to retire as his hip injury is worse than indicated.
*-> While on the topic of Flyers goaltending quest, its rumored the Flyers are putting a package together for Carey Price. Simon Gagne and a late pick in return to the ousted goalie. Montreal is still trying to pry Claude Giroux its being said. The Flyers want nothing of it while Montreal would only be interested in Gagne if they took cap space back in return.
*-> Reports out of the hockey world have the Tampa Bay Lightning attempting to sign Kazakstanian winger Krasnoslobodtsev to a free agent deal. Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev played for Barys Astana last season. However reports out of the KHL have him already signed to a deal in the "K".
Less than 48 hours till I land in the UK for family reasons for the next 2 weeks. Bad timing on for a trip because of the Playoffs but ailing family is more important. Don't stress however because Ill still be connected and be able to bring you the news!
*-> It looks like Sugar Ray Emerys days are numbered in Philly. The Flyers and Paul Holmgren are planning on taking a different route this offseason. Emery who has been frequently injured since signing a one year with the Flyers is expected to be passed on this summer as he's a UFA. The Flyers are expected to try and land a number one goalie during the offseason most likely via trade. Tomas Vokoun, Carey Price and Tim Thomas have all been rumored to be targets via trade and Marty Turco via free agency. Ray Emery is expected to try another one year deal elsewhere or head back to Europe. There also reports that Emery could decide to retire as his hip injury is worse than indicated.
*-> While on the topic of Flyers goaltending quest, its rumored the Flyers are putting a package together for Carey Price. Simon Gagne and a late pick in return to the ousted goalie. Montreal is still trying to pry Claude Giroux its being said. The Flyers want nothing of it while Montreal would only be interested in Gagne if they took cap space back in return.
*-> Reports out of the hockey world have the Tampa Bay Lightning attempting to sign Kazakstanian winger Krasnoslobodtsev to a free agent deal. Vadim Krasnoslobodtsev played for Barys Astana last season. However reports out of the KHL have him already signed to a deal in the "K".
Less than 48 hours till I land in the UK for family reasons for the next 2 weeks. Bad timing on for a trip because of the Playoffs but ailing family is more important. Don't stress however because Ill still be connected and be able to bring you the news!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Friday Afternoon
* Another quiet day so far in regards to rumors, a few more linked players that could make a bolt to the KHL this summer.
*-> Sergei Kostitsyn of the Montreal Canadians is once again being said to be on the verge of signing in the KHL. Sergei who already once decided to flee is looking at taking off again its rumored as he's unhappy with the Habs and their done with him it looks. The rumor midseason was CSKA Moscow but now it appears he's on the radar of Dynamo Minsk of Belarus his home country. Dynamo Minsk is the team as of late being all over the latest KHL defects. Could just be a coincidence since it recently came out that he was unhappy and just pure speculation. Its said he'd rather have full time NHL icetime and hopefully alongside is brother. The link between him and Minsk is possible but could just be the connection of home country.
*-> CBC had reported that Marek Svatos was on the verge of signing in the KHL after his contract with the Colorado Avalanche expires but its recently been reported that Svatos would rather stay in North America if there still is interest in his services. I feel there most likely will be as he'll be taking a paycut to reprove himself next season ala Maxim Afinogenov style.
*-> The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2008 6th round draft pick Nick Crawford to an entry level deal. Crawford played for the Barrie Colts and Saginaw this season.
*-> Sergei Kostitsyn of the Montreal Canadians is once again being said to be on the verge of signing in the KHL. Sergei who already once decided to flee is looking at taking off again its rumored as he's unhappy with the Habs and their done with him it looks. The rumor midseason was CSKA Moscow but now it appears he's on the radar of Dynamo Minsk of Belarus his home country. Dynamo Minsk is the team as of late being all over the latest KHL defects. Could just be a coincidence since it recently came out that he was unhappy and just pure speculation. Its said he'd rather have full time NHL icetime and hopefully alongside is brother. The link between him and Minsk is possible but could just be the connection of home country.
*-> CBC had reported that Marek Svatos was on the verge of signing in the KHL after his contract with the Colorado Avalanche expires but its recently been reported that Svatos would rather stay in North America if there still is interest in his services. I feel there most likely will be as he'll be taking a paycut to reprove himself next season ala Maxim Afinogenov style.
*-> The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2008 6th round draft pick Nick Crawford to an entry level deal. Crawford played for the Barrie Colts and Saginaw this season.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Thursday Afternoon
*-> Many people are the hockey world are talking about the termoil going on in Montreal surrounding the Canadians and Sergei Kostitsyn. It was recently revealed that Sergei Kostitsyn was causing a disturbance by not practising and missing team events. His work ethic has many of his teamtes upset with him including goaltender Carey Price who was over heard by the Montreal media asking Sergei why he was leaving early and then refered to him as "too good". Montreal has had problems with Sergei before when they demoted him to Hamilton and he went AWOL before his agent and his brother Andrei talked him back to the Bulldogs. He eventually played his way back on the Canadians roster and into the lineup. Theres no doubt Sergei and coach Jacques Martin haven't seen eye to eye since they first met this season, now things have taken a turn for the worse. Its speculated that while Kostitsyn will remain on the Montreal roster till seasons end but not suit up for any games. He has also been told to stay away from the rink and train in the gym rather than with his enraged teamates. Many believed Pierre Gauthier will attempt to trade him in the offseason instead of resigning him as he's an RFA. It was rumored that the Oilers were interested in both brothers midseason and the Nashville Predators are also looking looking at the 2 to add to their non existing offense.
*-> The Phildelphia Flyers have signed Russian free agent goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to an entry level deal. Bobrovsky left the KHL club Metallurg Novokuznetsk for the NHL after being undrafted.
*-> Ottawa Senator prospect Josh Hennessy has taken off to Europe to play for Lugano of the Swiss league. Hennessy has struggled all career long to break the Ottawa/San Jose lineups and after several seasons in the AHL he has decided to further his career.
*-> Olli Jokinen is rumored to be close to signing in the KHL reports have claimed this season. Dynamo Minsk is rumored to be the team after Jokinen but Olli's agent has said his client fully intends on playing in the NHL next season. I doubt Jokinen would leave the NHL unless it's for a major payday and Dynamo Minsk isn't capable of that currently.
*-> Ruslan Salei of the Colorado Avalanche is also rumored to be seeking a contract overseas in the "K". Dynamo Minsk is also pursuing Salei it's said but Dynamo Riga is also after the big Belarussian defenseman. This one could be closer to the truth as Salei almost certainly wont be resigned by the Aves.
*-> The Phildelphia Flyers have signed Russian free agent goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to an entry level deal. Bobrovsky left the KHL club Metallurg Novokuznetsk for the NHL after being undrafted.
*-> Ottawa Senator prospect Josh Hennessy has taken off to Europe to play for Lugano of the Swiss league. Hennessy has struggled all career long to break the Ottawa/San Jose lineups and after several seasons in the AHL he has decided to further his career.
*-> Olli Jokinen is rumored to be close to signing in the KHL reports have claimed this season. Dynamo Minsk is rumored to be the team after Jokinen but Olli's agent has said his client fully intends on playing in the NHL next season. I doubt Jokinen would leave the NHL unless it's for a major payday and Dynamo Minsk isn't capable of that currently.
*-> Ruslan Salei of the Colorado Avalanche is also rumored to be seeking a contract overseas in the "K". Dynamo Minsk is also pursuing Salei it's said but Dynamo Riga is also after the big Belarussian defenseman. This one could be closer to the truth as Salei almost certainly wont be resigned by the Aves.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Noon
*-> The Chicago Blackhawks are close to signing free agent forward Niklas Persson out of the Swedish Elite league. Persson is currently playing for Linkopings.
*-> Mark Recchi was debating calling it quits at the end of this season but the Boston Bruins resurgence has him thinking just one more. Recchi who is 42 thinks he'll play another year if his body holds up during Bostons run and if the Bruins will take him back for one last kick at the cup.
*-> Jaromir Jagr has officially signed back in the KHL with Avangard OMSK to a 1 year deal as previously reported on ice scoopz.
*-> Mark Recchi was debating calling it quits at the end of this season but the Boston Bruins resurgence has him thinking just one more. Recchi who is 42 thinks he'll play another year if his body holds up during Bostons run and if the Bruins will take him back for one last kick at the cup.
*-> Jaromir Jagr has officially signed back in the KHL with Avangard OMSK to a 1 year deal as previously reported on ice scoopz.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Monday Afternoon
*-> Zbynek Michalek of the Phoenix Coyotes is set to hit free agency this summer and has made it clear he'd like to stay with the Yotes but also its said he'd consider offers from the Ottawa Senators so he can play with his brother Milan. It could be a good chance as Ottawa is looking to add to their backend with the possible loss of Anton Volchenkov and Andy Sutton.
*-> Speaking of the A-Train, Volchenkov keeps being linked to the Washington Capitols as the Caps want to add some grit and defensive strength to their weak defense corps. Washington is blaming their soft defense for their upset at the hands of the Habs. This scenario makes sense as well but there is a huge roadblock in the way. The Washington Caps are pushed right to the cap and have to try and resign ether Eric Belanger or Brendan Morrison, a back up for Varlamov and Reup Niklas Backstrom as well. If they could find a home for Alexander Semin the finances could work.
*-> Dan Ellis of the Nashville Predators has told the club he will test the free agent market this summer with his main reason being its rumored he wants to be a starter and not share duties like he did in Nashville. The summer is gunna be a good one for goalies so it may work out for him but its also a pretty flooded market this year as well so he better hope he has a leg up on the rest.
*-> Speaking of the A-Train, Volchenkov keeps being linked to the Washington Capitols as the Caps want to add some grit and defensive strength to their weak defense corps. Washington is blaming their soft defense for their upset at the hands of the Habs. This scenario makes sense as well but there is a huge roadblock in the way. The Washington Caps are pushed right to the cap and have to try and resign ether Eric Belanger or Brendan Morrison, a back up for Varlamov and Reup Niklas Backstrom as well. If they could find a home for Alexander Semin the finances could work.
*-> Dan Ellis of the Nashville Predators has told the club he will test the free agent market this summer with his main reason being its rumored he wants to be a starter and not share duties like he did in Nashville. The summer is gunna be a good one for goalies so it may work out for him but its also a pretty flooded market this year as well so he better hope he has a leg up on the rest.
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