Rumors I: World Cup, Isles, Oilers, Leafs, Wings and Scouting

Mark Easson

10 years ago

Darren Dreger of TSN: An announcement on the World Cup of Hockey is at least a month away, with Toronto to host the event in 2016. It’s not known which countries will be invited, and how many.

Arthur Staple of Newsday: Forbes is reporting that the Islanders sold for $485 million. Team spokesman wouldn’t comment.

Ansar Khan: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said that SportsNet’s Bob McCown’s report that the Ilitches are looking the sell the Red Wings, Tigers and Little Caesars is completely false. Helene St. James: Holland: “It’s Bob McCown making stuff up.”

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Penguins were interested in former Oilers head coach Ralph Kruger for their head coaching vacancy back in June. Kruger was committed to Southampton until June 2015. The Penguins also offered the head coaching position to Willie Desjardins, but he opted for the Canucks instead. Justin Schultz may have to expect around $4 million a season for five or six season like Jake Muzzin, Jake Gardiner and Jonas Brodin have recently signed, unless he improves and becomes a point-a-game force.

Ryan Rishaug: Don’t sense the Oilers will push the panic button as management believes in the group and coaches.

David Pagnotta: 16 scouts were at the Leafs-Avs game on Tuesday, only two tonight watching the Leafs-Red Wings last night. One of the scouts at the Leafs game was from Carolina.

Mark Spector: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis was in Edmonton to watch the Oilers-Canucks last night. Spector wonders if Ben Scrivens’ play will have an affect on where James Reimer is today. Spector adds that he thinks Reimer is a backup and not a long-term solution, but would be a step up for the Oilers. Kevin McGran: “would make a lot more sense if there was an EDM scout in Toronto.”

Ken Campbell: Sources saying that Mike Babcock has turned down at least one firm offer from the Red Wings.

SportsNet: Nick Kypreos said that the Maple Leafs talked to the Red Wings earlier this year about Mike Babcock’s status, before the Leafs gave Randy Carlyle a two-year extension.