Mark Easson

21159 Articles

Around the Boards: Gonchar, Changes in Carolina Coming, Teams asking about Hagman

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Contract talks between Sergei Gonchar and the Pittsburgh Penguins have been put on hold. Gonchar has a $5 million cap hit this year, but could probably get more as a UFA. The Pens would…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Hemsky done for the year, Changes coming for the ‘Canes, Kaleta getting suspended?

Derek Van Diest of Sun Media: So much for all the talk that Ales Hemsky could be trade bait for the Edmonton Oilers, as Hemsky is done for the season. He'll have surgery on a lorn labrum and be out…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Interest in Hagman, Kadri Call-up? Markov on Skates

Ron Longley of the Toronto Sun: Dave Nonis, Senior VP of hockey operations, and right hand man to Brian Burke, confirmed that the Maple Leafs have received interest in Niklas Hagman. Nonis said “We’ve been listening. There’s a big different…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Ales Hemsky tradeable and hurt? Changes for the Blues? Leaf draft pick talk.

Q&A from Edmonton Oilers: Ales Hemsky is under contract until 2011-12 at a resonable cap number of $4.1. No name was given as to who answered the fans questions, but whoever they are thinks Hemsky is not an untouchable, and…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Bobby Ryan, Patrick Sharp a last resort, Hossa returns and DiPietro practices

Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Bobby Ryan and the Anaheim Ducks are far apart in their contract talks, and won't be discussing anytime soon. Ryan had hoped to sign an extension before the season started, but Ducks management wanted…

Mark Easson

Maple Leafs can’t buy a goal or a player, and lose 2 to injury

It was a game that left you shaking your head if you're a fan, and a light chuckle if you're an Islanders fan. Dwayne Roloson, 1-6 versus the Leafs heading in to the game, came up with a career game.…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Leafs and Hawks, N. Kronwall out 4-8, Savard returning tonight

Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The Leafs and Blackhawks' will be tied to trade rumors, especially since 'Hawks assistant GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was at the Leaf-Caps game on Saturday. Brent Sopel was mentioned as possibly heading to the Leafs…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Sopel to Leafs? Mueller, Stajan, Kostityn’s on the Block?

Pierre LeBrun on the CBC Hotstove and ESPN: The Leafs and Blackhawks' have reportedly been talking about Brent Sopel. Sopel is owed $2.5 million this year, and $2.0 million next season. For taking Sopel in a salary cap dump, the…

Mark Easson

Discussion Question: What is wrong with Jason Spezza?

The NHL season is about a quarter finished, and while there are many pleasant surprises, the play of Jason Spezza has been the exact opposite. Through 17 games Spezza has only scored 1 goal on 41 shots, for a shooting…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Barker and Sopel, Savard, Maple Leaf trades coming? Coyotes losing Millions, Injury Updates

Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen thinks that Cam Barker ($3.083 million) and Brent Sopel ($2.333 million) may be 2 players the Blackhawks trade to clear up cap space. Versteeg and Byfuglien may be in play after/if the 2…

Mark Easson

The ‘Tagging’ Rule facing the Chicago Blackhawks

So it's been reported here and everywhere that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane (5 years) and Duncan Keith (up to 13 years) are about to re-sign with the Blackhawks. There has been so much talk about the inevitable signings and…

Mark Easson

Around the Boards: Savard’s hometown discount, Burke close to making a move? Rozsival on the Move?

Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Talk about your hometown discount. The Boston Bruins and Marc Savard have been talking contract extension recently and are reportedly close to 7 year, $32 million deal. That would be a nice cap…

Mark Easson