Mark Easson

21684 Articles

Rumors I: Cullen, Burke, Coyotes, and Tarasov

Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: Matt Cullen remains unsigned, but is hoping to play again next season. "I'm excited about the idea of playing again," Cullen said during a phone interview Monday. "I'm leaning a lot more that way. Now…

Mark Easson

News: Kesler, Schultz, Fast and Miller Get New Deals

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks have signed 30-year old Ryan Kesler to a six-year contract extension ($41.25 million - a $6.875 million cap hit).Kesler on the Ducks priority to sign him to a contract extension. "The feeling was mutual. They wanted…

Mark Easson

News: The Stars Sign Johnny Oduya

The Dallas Stars have signed free agent defenseman Johnny Oduya to a two-year deal worth $7.5 million, a salary cap hit of $3.75 million. The 33-year old defenseman was drafted 221st overall in the seventh round of the 2001 draft…

Mark Easson

Rumors I: Oduya, Devils, Capitals and Flyers

Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune: Johnny Oduya's agent Don Meehan confirmed yesterday that Oduya won't be returning to the Blackhawks. The Sabres are thought to be front-runners in signing him. Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars,…

Mark Easson

Rumors II: Canucks, Flyers, Blue Jackets and Red Wings

Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Canucks GM Jim Benning has wondered where all the Chris Higgins trade talk started. “Chris Higgins is an important player on our team,” Linden said in a statement Monday. “We have not talked to…

Mark Easson

Rumors I: Kruger, Oduya, Stars, Franson and the Bruins

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks Marcus Kruger didn't file for salary arbitration in hopes of landing a long-term deal. Kruger's agent said yesterday that "nothing (is) looming" and that Kruger is "waiting for the team to be ready…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes II: Sabres, Oduya, and the Stars

Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres could use another left-handed defenseman and there has been talk that they made a big offer to Johnny Oduya.Oduya would like to remain with the Blackhawks, but they still have cap issues…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: Rangers, Wild, Devils and Coyotes

Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Derek Stepan's arbitration hearing is set for July 27th with the Rangers. Talks between Stephan and the Rangers haven't even gotten to the preliminary stages. The Rangers haven't even submitted an opening offer.If they…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: Blue Jackets and Flames

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Coach Todd Richards has options up front. “It’s a pretty fun exercise this summer,” Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said, after the Saad trade. “We have a lot of different looks we can put…

Mark Easson

Rumors I: Arbitration Dates Set – Preds and Caps Work To Sign RFAs

Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: The arbitration hearing dates for Predators RFAs Colin Wilson, Craig Smith and Taylor Beck have been scheduled, but those dates may not be needed. "It's just a process," Poile said after the final day of…

Mark Easson

Rumors III: Kruger, Oduya, Stars, Baertchi, Grenier, and Kulda

Scott Powers of ESPN: Marcus Kruger is still waiting for the Blackhawks to clear some salary cap space. Kruger is looking for a long-term contract extension. The sides have been talking the past few weeks. Kruger understands their cap situation…

Mark Easson

Rumors II: Mailbags – Bruins and Red Wings

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: (mailbag) The Bruins need to find a puck-moving defenseman that can play 20-minutes a night and can play on the power-play. Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg may not be able to carry the blueline anymore. It…

Mark Easson