Mark Easson

20545 Articles

Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?

George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can't re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has…

Mark Easson

Kovalchuk to KHL? Marleau talk … Blues to go after a D-man?

Mark Everson of the NY Post: Reports are floating around that Ilya Kovalchuk is signing with St. Petersburg of the KHL, but ... "Don't jump to conclusions," warned the source at the World Championships in Germany. David Pollak of the…

Mark Easson

No Market for Spezza? Volchenkov to Capitals? Harder for Bruins to trade Tim Thomas now

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza has 5 years and $35 million left his salary, and he has a no-movement clause that doesn't kick in until July 1st. Many fans (44% of those polled by the Sun) would…

Mark Easson

Options if Lidstrom Retires … Yzerman still considering Tampa? A new look Shark team next year?

George Malik of MLive: If Nicklas Lidstrom retires, Brian Rafalski could step up into a larger role. One option available for the Red Wings would be to call up the Maple Leafs and see what it would take for Tomas…

Mark Easson

Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has been told that the Penguins "are not entertaining the possibility of trading C Evgeni Malkin". Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn't think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei…

Mark Easson

Nabokov’s time in San Jose running out … Wild could look to adding another 1st round pick

Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have an extra 2nd round picks, 3 picks in the top 57, and 4 picks in the top 69. The Wild's GM Chuck Fletcher treats draft picks as 'currency' and may…

Mark Easson

Whitney and Babchuk back in Carolina? Dale Tallon and the Panthers

Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is confident that Ray Whitney and Anton Babchuk will be back with the Canes next season. Rutherford has also met with Rod Brind'Amour once, and will meet again…

Mark Easson

Rumors from Beantown

Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins backup goalie, Tim Thomas, plans on bouncing back from a sub-par season, and thinks he can be a number 1 goalie again. Where he could be the number 1 is the bigger question.…

Mark Easson

Laperriere back soon, Carter unlikely … Offer Sheets out there? Boychuk now a UFA … Sens wanted Cammalleri, got Kovalev

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers winger Ian Laperriere practiced with the team yesterday, and could return later on in the series. Laperriere has been out since April 22nd with a brain bruise and concussion. Jeff Carter skated for…

Mark Easson

Dale Tallon named new GM of the Florida Panthers

Steve Gordon of the Sun-Sentinel: The Florida Panthers will have a press conference tomorrow morning at 11 AM to name Dale Tallon as the teams new general manager. Tallon will replace Randy Sexton, who will remain with the club in…

Mark Easson

Nicklas Backtrom Signs a 10 year Extension with the Capitals

The Washington Capitals have locked up star center Nicklas Backstrom for the next 10 seasons. The 22-year olds 10 year deal is worth $67 million according to TSN. A $6.7 million salary cap number is a good number in my…

Mark Easson

Extension for Backstrom today? Kicking tires on Miller? yeah right … Time to trade Malkin? Tim Tomas for Brian Campbell?

TSN: There is a good chance that Nicklas Backstrom will be signing a long term contract extension with Washington Capitals this morning. The Capitals are only saying, "significant player-related announcement" is coming on Monday. George Malik of MLive: Rob Parker…

Mark Easson