Mark Easson

22395 Articles

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

The Penguins and Devils have some tough choices ahead

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Pittsburgh Penguins have a solid nucleus locked up for at least next season: Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik and Letang. Due to their salary contraints, several players won't be re-signed, or if they do it…

Mark Easson

Agent denies 10 year extension for Backstrom … Flames to lose both Nystrom and White? What the Canucks face this off-season

Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: El-Bashir gets confirmation from Nicklas Backstrom's agent that his client hasn't signed a 10 year extension with the Washington Capitals. The rumor was started by someone posting it in a forum or blog. Eric Francis of…

Mark Easson

Canucks to look at Kaberle? Leafs interested in Cervenka … “Almost one-third of the teams in the league either is or soon will be put up for sale”

Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The  Vancouver Canucks blueline took a beating during the playoffs, and throughout most of the season. Alex Edler looks to be a corner piece for the team, but they still could use a true…

Mark Easson

Dallas Stars sign Kari Lehtonen for 3 years

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars have locked up goalie Kari Lehtonen for 3 years at $10.65 million, a salary cap number of $3.55 million a season. He'll make $2.7 million next season, $3.7 million in…

Mark Easson

Ponikarovsky re-signing in Pittsburgh? Nonis staying with Leafs … Hemsky for #4, don’t count on it

Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins gave up their number 2 prospect, Luca Caputi, at the trade deadline for Alexei Ponikarovsky, a deal that hasn't played out as well as the Penguins had hoped. Ponikarovsky was brought…

Mark Easson

Salo out indefinitely … Will the Sens let Volchenkov walk? Detroit’s options

Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Guys, hold you breath ... Sami Salo left night's game, and is out indefinitely with a suspected ruptured testicle. Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings could have a…

Mark Easson

Kings to go after Kovalchuk or Marleau? Canadiens defense for Game 6 …

Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Maclean, LeBrun, Healy, and Mad Mike discuss the Phoenix situation, LA to go after Kovalchuk Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Los Angeles Kings plan A this off-season is to attempt to sign Ilya Kovalchuk, with…

Mark Easson