Tag: David Backes

NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs

On the Columbus Blue Jackets ... Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets offseason challenge will be to re-sign pending RFA defenseman Seth Jones. “I don’t anticipate any problems,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said Monday. “We’ll find…

Mark Easson

Rink Rumblings – July 1st Not Target-Rich For Unrestricted Free Agents

With the National Hockey League in the midst of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, management teams are focusing their attention on getting a last look at young prospects playing in the CHL Playoffs or at the Under-18…

Michael Augello

NHL Injuries: Kings, Ducks, Rangers, Pens, Blues and More

On the Los Angeles Kings ... Josh Cooper: Coach Darryl Sutter said that Marian Gaborik isn't available, but didn't indicate for how long. On the Anaheim Ducks ... Curtis Zupke: GM Bob Murray with updates: Rickard Rakell is probable for…

Mark Easson

NHL Injuries: Lightning, Pens, Isles, Rangers, Blues and More

On the Tampa Bay Lightning ... Bryan Burns: Coach Jon Cooper said yesterday that Tyler Johnson's status for Game 1 is still not known: "He couldn’t go today, so hopefully he’s a little bit better for tomorrow.” Joe Smith: Victor Hedman…

Mark Easson

NHL Injuries: Rangers, Lightning, Blues, Preds, Flyers and More

On the New York Rangers ... Pat Leonard: Defenseman Ryan McDonagh left last night's game after blocking a shot with his right hand. Dan Rosen: McDonagh still being evaluated, but coach Alain Vigneault said that a call-up is a real…

Mark Easson

NHL Rumors: Canucks, Oilers, and Stock Up/Down for Free Agents

On the Vancouver Canucks ... Ben Kuzma: The Canucks will either buyout Alex Burrows or trade him while retaining salary. On the Edmonton Oilers ... David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Losing is not an option for the Oilers next…

Mark Easson

NHL Rumors: Oilers, Habs, Blues, Red Wings and Lightning

On the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings and the Tampa Bay Lightning ... Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun looks ahead to the offseason and a few teams who could be looking to make some moves.…

Mark Easson

NHL Rumors: St. Louis Blues and Edmonton Oilers

On the St. Louis Blues ... Lou Korac: Blues GM Doug Armstrong said that pending UFA David Backes won't be traded. Lou Korac: Being a contender, the Blues are willing to head into the offseason with Backes and see how…

Mark Easson

NHL Rumors: Blues, Red Wings and Lightning

On the St. Louis Blues ... Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: (chat) Don't think the Blues should trade Kevin Shattenkirk right now as they are in a win-now mode and trading him would likely lessen their chances. GM…

Mark Easson

Rumors: Benning On The Trade Market and Possible Rentals

Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Canucks GM Jim Benning on the trade market. “It’s so close right now, with so many teams still in the playoff race,” said old friend Jim Benning, the general manager of one such club,…

Mark Easson

Rumors: Backes Contract Talks Infrequent After Rejecting Offer

Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: So far, contract extension talks between the St. Louis Blues and David Backes have been infrequent. Backes has a full no-trade clause, but there is no certainty how things will play out between…

Mark Easson

Rumors II: Wild, Ducks and Lightning

On the Minneota Wild ... Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild fans were disappointed when they weren't able to land Ryan Johansen in a trade. They Wild would have had to move salary if they were able to land…

Mark Easson