Rumors I: Expansion, Bruins, Red Wings, Maple Leafs and Sharks

Mark Easson

10 years ago

Hope Smoke: Pierre LeBrun: “I think the report that came out about expansion was factually incorrect.” … “I think the NHL was closer towards expansion to Seattle last year in Pebble Beach than they are right now” … “I’d say it’s sort of in limbo right now”

Hope Smoke: Pierre LeBrun: “The Bruins are in a cap precarious scenario. I can tell you Boychuk’s name has been bantied about all summer.”

George Sipple: Daniel Alfredsson: “If I was confident enough after the season that I would feel the same way ….I would have signed already.”

George Sipple: Mike Babcock told Darren Helm at the end of last season that he could be moved from center to the wing.

Hope Smoke: Pierre LeBrun (yesterday afternoon): “I just chatted with Mike an hour ago & he said he doesn’t want his contract to be a distraction all year.” … “Says it’s a distraction to his players. Says he feels confident they have enough time even after the season” … “I think the Blashill signing is insurance in case Babcock leaves. I don’t think he’s been promised the job.” … “I think Blashill got a raise and was told to just sit tight for another year.” … “I really think, even though Mike wouldn’t go to this today with me, that he’s really torn about this. Doesn’t know if he’s staying“

Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “I know the Leafs, Nonis at one point wanted to bring Nieuwendyk back on board to that mgmt group. This was prior to Shanahan”

Hope Smoke: Pierre LeBrun: “Saying that, Thornton wasn’t good in the playoffs. Neither were Couture, Pavelski and Niemi was the worst of all” … “Doug Wilson never asked Joe Thornton to waive his NMC this summer.” … “I think Stalock is going to wrestle the job away from Niemi & I think that’s what the organization wants.”