Mark Easson

22150 Articles

Rumors II: Kopitar, Yandle, and Stamkos

Pierre LeBrun: Anze Kopitar said it would be ideal if he signed a contract extension with the Kings before the start of the season, but realizes that it is a business. Andrew Gross of The Record: Gross wonders that since…

Mark Easson

Rumors: Stamkos, Plekanec, Avalanche and Capitals

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Steven Stamkos said that "nothing has changed" with regards to a contract extension with the Lightning. A deal is not close and he wants to stay in Tampa. "I'm not really worried about…

Mark Easson

Morning Hits: Flyers, Blue Jackets, Lightning, and Penguins

Jeff Neiburg of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers had wanted to upgrade their offense this offseason - they added Sam Gagner and subtracted Zac Rinaldo. They need more from players other than Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. "We need…

Mark Easson

Injury Notes: Senators, Stars, Islanders, and Hurricanes

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Chris Phillips cracked a vertebra while rehabbing and will require at least another month of rehab. GM Bryan Murray released a statement yesterday. “Chris has experienced a setback in his recovery from back…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: Stamkos, Kruger, McDonagh, and Babcock

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The biggest hurdle with regards to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos is the expected salary cap hit in the $10.5 million range. GM Steve Yzerman, agent Don Meehan or Stamkos are not talking about…

Mark Easson

Morning Hits: Maple Leafs, Blue Jackets, Flyers, and Canucks

Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Mike Babcock on his decision process to leave the Red Wings and join the Maple Leafs. “It wasn’t one day, it was 12 days,” Babcock said of the period in which he mulled over…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: UFAs, Wild, Paille, Leafs, and Phillips

Michael Traikos of the Toronto Sun: Some remaining free agents with less than two weeks to training camp: Cody Franson (reports of the Bruins and Sabres being interested), Jiri Tlusty (Hurricanes maybe), Sean Bergenheim, Curtis Glencross, Marek Zidlickly, and Brad…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: Okposo, Draisaitl, Clowe, Johnson, and the Flyers

Arthur Staple: There is no truth to the talk of recent contract extension talks between the Islanders and Kyle Okposo. It has been quiet for most of the summer. Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers coach Todd McLellan on…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: RFAs, Huberdeau, Backstrom, and the Flames

NHL Numbers: Remaining unsigned RFAs: Micheal Ferland (CGY), Marcus Kruger (CHI), Stefan Elliott and Freddie Hamilton (COL), Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA), Brock Nelson (NYI) and John Albert (WPG). George Richards: Talk is that the Panthers and Jonathan Huberdeau have agreed on…

Mark Easson

Rumors: Backes, Seidenberg and Players Who Could be Traded

Sam Carchidi: Flyers GM Ron Hextall indirectly denied a report that they inquired about Blues David Backes. Brayden Schenn's name was mentioned in the rumor. Tim Panaccio: GM Hextall shot down Backes trade rumors, referencing past rumors involving the Flyers…

Mark Easson

Rumors and Notes: Canadian Dollar, Stamkos, Kopitar, and Ferland

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said earlier this offseason that his No. 1 priority was to sign Steven Stamkos to contract extension. Training camp is only two weeks away and an extension doesn't appear…

Mark Easson

Rumors: Blackhawks, Raanta, Senators and Bruins

Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago: The Blackhawks have not asked Patrick Kane if he'd waive his no-movement clause according to a source that is close to Kane. Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: Former Blackhawks goalie Antti Raanta on the…

Mark Easson