Mark Easson

21718 Articles

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

Would the Penguins trade Malkin? Can the Senators trade Kovalev?

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if it's time the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Evgeni Malkin for a couple wingers, and maybe a young gun or draft pick. 2 Top 6 wingers could combine for $8 million, to go…

Mark Easson

Senators looking ahead to Draft … Gonchar is key piece to Penguins off-season

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are preparing for the NHL Draft and Bryan Murray has said, “Ideally, if we could get a skilled centre, that’d be great. If we can’t, then it’s the best player available.”…

Mark Easson

75% of Blues up for sale … Sexton expects some trades … Coyotes payroll to increase

George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM Randy Sexton doesn't have any unrestricted free agents to deal with this summer, which is rare. 4 of their major restricted free agents are Jason Garrison, Kenndal McArdle, Gregory Campbell, and Kamil…

Mark Easson