Mark Easson

20903 Articles

Twitter rumors and Free Agent signings quick hits

6:01 PM: Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: "Just hung up phone with Dean Lombardi. Asked him if he was closing in on Kovalchuk, "No." Asked if he's still in the mix, "Not sure.''" 5:59 PM: Adrian Dater via Twitter: Kovalchuk to…

Mark Easson

Colby Armstrong signs with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Colby Armstrong to a 3 year, $9 million deal. Armstrong is a 'Burke type' player, he brings the sandpaper/grit. In 360 career games, he's scored 78 goals and added 100 assists for 178 points,…

Mark Easson

Zbynek Michalek signs with the Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Zbynek Michalek to a 5 year, $20 million deal. Many had thought that Michalek would sign with the Senators to play with this brother Milan. The Penguins were apparently close to signing Paul Martin, but…

Mark Easson

Could Blues go after Kovalchuk? Coyotes still trying to get a deal done with Michalek

Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Could the St. Louis Blues go after Ilya Kovalchuk? They tried to acquire him at the deadline. Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: It may take a trade for the Atlanta Thrashers to…

Mark Easson

Rangers targeting Johan Hedberg … Sens options may be limited … Lightning after Mason, Martin?

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Sens have to be careful spending their money this off-season. They have almost $49 million committed to 13 players, with RFAs Chris Campoli, Peter Regin, Nick Foligno, and Jesse Winchester. Players they could…

Mark Easson

Rumors from Leafland

Domien Cox via Twitter: Cox thinks the Maple Leafs could look at Paul Martin, ahead of Dan Hamhuis, if the bidding isn't crazy. Mark Seidel via Twitter: Raffi Torres has been telling people that he'll be signing the Maple Leafs…

Mark Easson

Kings getting ready to pursue Kovalchuk … Wild interested in Cullen?

Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have about $13 million in cap space, and they are still trying to re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk and Paul Martin. Both would require about all of that, and they still have…

Mark Easson

Maple Leafs acquire Kris Versteeg in 5 player deal

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired Kris Versteeg and the rights to Bill Sweatt from the Chicago Blackhawks for Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico, and Philippe Paradis. Versteeg has 101 points in 170 games, 44 goals and 57 assists. Sweatt…

Mark Easson

Flyers Re-Sign Michael Leighton

The Philadelphia Flyers have come to terms with free agent goalie Michael Leighton to a 2-year,  $3.1 million deal. Leighton will earn $1.5 million next season, and $1.6 million in 2011-12. The Flyers also have Brian Boucher under contract for…

Mark Easson

Coyotes and Oilers make a deal … Souray for Brewer in the works?

The Edmonton Oilers have sent forward Patrick O'Sullivan to the Phoenix Coyotes for defenseman Jim Vandermeer. Both O'Sullivan ($2.925 million) and Vandermeer ($2.3 million) cleared waivers earlier today, and could still be bought out by their new clubs. Bob McKenzie…

Mark Easson

Maple Leafs looking at Free Agent market … Kaberle thinks he’ll be dealt … Coyotes focusing on Zbynek Michalek

Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will be active when the NHL free agency period opens up tomorrow. Burke may target Dan Hamhuis, if he can't come to terms with the Penguins by tomorrow.…

Mark Easson

Kings may look at Kovalchuk, Martin, and Hamhuis … Saku to Minny? Colaiacovo and Weaver may be done in St. Louis

Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are still the front runners to land Ilya Kovalchuk. The Kings may also look at signing Paul Martin and Dan Hamhuis, if they are available. They will have to keep in…

Mark Easson