NHL: Player News and Rumors (Thread finished)

Report: Zherdev could stay in Russia
TSN.ca Staff
8/19/2006 10:29:27 AM

According to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, negotiations between the Blue Jackets and restricted free agent winger Nikolai Zherdev are reaching a head.

"If we don't have a deal by next week, he's playing in Russia," Zherdev's agent, Rolland Hedges, told the paper Friday.

"Our deadline is Oct. 5," Hedges continued, "but we've been told (by the Blue Jackets) that we need to get a deal done within the next week. To me, that's a deadline. In fairness to the team, they want to know where things stand so they can prepare. I can understand that."

Blue Jackets assistant GM Jim Clark insisted that there wasn't a hard deadline for a Zherdev deal, but indicated that it would have to get done soon in orer for immigration paperwork to be renewed on time.

The paper reports that Zherdev is seeking either a lucrative one-year deal or a longer, three or four-year deal, with the Blue Jackets apparently offering a one-year, $1-million deal or a two-year, $3-million contract.

The 21 year-old winger started to come into his own last season, scoring 27 goals and 54 points in 73 games.

The Dispatch reports that Zherdev is already under contract with a Russian team, Khimik Voskresenk, so if a deal does not get reached with the Blue Jackets, it is possible that he'll remain in Russia, though at this point of the summer, the option of staying in Russia could merely be seen as leverage in contract negotiations.
 

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Zherdev still staring down Blue Jackets
Canadian Press
8/21/2006 5:29:00 PM

Evgeni Malkin isn't the only big NHL story with a Russian twist these days.

While Malkin has escaped Russia in his bid to hopefully join the Pittsburgh Penguins, talented winger Nikolai Zherdev is threatening instead to play in his mother country this season unless the Columbus Blue Jackets step in contract talks with the 21-year-old restricted free agent.

"The Russian threat doesn't faze me in the least," Jackets GM Doug MacLean said Monday from his Columbus office.

Zherdev has signed a deal with Russian club Khimik Voskresenk and has played with the club for the last few weeks.

"They're in full-fledged pre-season now," his agent Rolland Hedges said from Ottawa.

"Everybody thinks that we're using the Russian contract as a bluff or leverage, but we're not," added Hedges. "The player is quite adamant that he's prepared to play there, and he's been doing it for some eight weeks."

The Russian deal includes an out clause if Zherdev can agree to terms with Columbus before Oct. 5, the day before the Jackets' regular-season opener. But the Jackets want this revolved much before then.

"Our deadline is what needs to be done immigration-wise in time for Day 1 of our training camp (Sept. 14) because he's not going to be a distraction to our team," said MacLean. "So my deadline is looming fairly soon."

Zherdev was second in goals (27) and points (54) with the Jackets last season, his second in the NHL. Now he wants a raise on the $942,400 US salary he earned last season. The Jackets, it's believed, have offered two deals: more than $1.1 million for a one-year contract and in excess of $3.5 million over two years. It's still not close to what the Zherdev camp wants.

"If we keep talking the way we're talking, there is no breakthrough here," said Hedges, who originally wanted a long-term deal but will settle for a one-year deal that pays enough. "My player is prepared to sit it out for a year. He can make a lot more money in Russia. The problem is that he'd rather play in the NHL. So it's frustrating for him right now."

What baffles MacLean is that Zherdev, with the help of the Jackets, fought hard to get out of Russia two years ago, battling litigation from his old club CSKA Moscow to bolt to the Jackets.

"I guess I'm a little taken aback that it cost us in excess of $600,000 to get him out of Russia," said MacLean. "Now he's saying he wants to go back? That catches me a little off-guard...

"What we went through to get him out of there and now there's a threat to stay there? Good grief. It's unbelievable."

Zherdev is among a number of high-profile restricted free agents that remain without new deals, joining the likes of Joffrey Lupul in Edmonton, Ilja Bryzgalov in Anaheim, Kari Lehtonen in Atlanta, Patrice Bergeron in Boston, Ryan Miller in Buffalo, Tuomo Ruutu in Chicago, Marek Svatos in Colorado, Dan Hamhuis in Nashville, Brian Gionta in New Jersey, Rick DiPietro on Long Island and Simon Gagne in Philadelphia.

"What we have is no different that what other teams are going through, like Lupul, Ruutu," said MacLean. "I'm negotiating off NHL comparables, I'm not negotiating off a Russian threat.

"I've got a one-year deal on the table and I've got a two-year deal on the table," added MacLean. "That's where we are. We'll probably talk in the next couple of days."

Said Hedges: "We're as frustrated as Doug is. He has a line to walk and so do we."
 

Kings to retire Robitaille's No. 20 jersey
Canadian Press
8/21/2006 5:41:09 PM

LOS ANGELES (CP) - The Los Angeles Kings will retire Luc Robitaille's No. 20 jersey before a Jan. 20 game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Robitaille will join Rogie Vachon, Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor and Wayne Gretzky as the only Kings players to have their jersey retired.

"Having your sweater retired by your team is an incredible honour," Robitaille said Monday in a statement. "When I first came to L.A. more than 20 years ago, I never would have imagined this happening. To have my name up on the wall at Staples Center alongside true greats like Marcel Dionne, Rogie Vachon, Wayne Gretzky and Dave Taylor, and to see the wonderful basketball names like Jerry West, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar up there as well, is truly overwhelming."

Robitaille, 40, is the highest scoring left-winger in NHL history as well as the all-time Kings leader in goals scored (557). The 19-year NHL veteran has 1,394 career points (668-726) in 1,431 regular-season games with Los Angeles, Detroit, Pittsburgh and the New York Rangers. He had 24 points (15-9) in 65 games with the Kings last season, his 14th with the club.

"Luc's passion for Los Angeles, the Kings and their fans was matched only by his determination to excel at our game," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "The retirement of his jersey will forever remind Kings players and fans of the lofty levels at which he conducted himself."

Robitaille also ranks second all-time in Kings history in games played (1,077), second in points (1,154) and fourth in assists (597). Last Jan. 19 he set the Kings all-time record for goals, passing Dionne.

"Luc's commitment to the game of hockey and to his community here, especially the kids, is total and unique, and the relationship he has with hockey fans in L.A. is unlike any other athlete/fan relationship I have ever seen," stated Kings governor Tim Leiweke. 'On the ice, Luc honoured the game every day and he honoured the jersey every minute. In Los Angeles, I do not think any other athlete has made the impact Luc has. He is a class act, a true legend and with the official retirement of his jersey, he will truly be a part of the L.A. Kings family forever."
 

As the World Turns... Around Evgeni Malkin!

Malkin skates again at Kings facility
Associated Press
8/21/2006 6:21:21 PM

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Evgeni Malkin skated again with several NHL players Monday at the Los Angeles Kings' practice rink, and his agent said he was optimistic the 20-year-old hockey star will soon become a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"This is why we're here," Pat Brisson said. "We're going to do everything in our power to help him reach his goal - to be playing with the Penguins on opening night."

Malkin, considered one of the best players in the world not playing in the NHL, left his Russian Super League team earlier this month during its training camp in Helsinki, Finland, because of his desire to join the Penguins.

"He wants to follow his dream, he wants to play in the NHL," Brisson said, adding Malkin is in good hockey shape and was skating Monday for the third time since arriving in the Los Angeles area last Wednesday.

Brisson said he hasn't discussed a contract with the Penguins yet.

"Once we decide it's the right time to move forward, it shouldn't be a problem," the agent said. "He could be here another 10 days."

Malkin did not speak with reporters Monday.

"Due to the legality and the situation we're in, it's a little sensitive," Brisson said.

Brisson works for Creative Artists Agency, which represents about 60 NHL players. He is working with lawyers to determine when Malkin can join the Penguins, who made him the second overall selection in the 2004 NHL draft.

Within hours of Malkin leaving his team, his agents faxed a letter of resignation to the Metallurg team. Under Russian law, Malkin can quit his job by giving two weeks' notice, even if he is under contract.

Once the two-week period is up, it is believed Malkin can sign an entry-level, three-year contract.

Penguins general manager Ray Shero issued a statement last Thursday saying the team looks forward to meeting with Malkin and his representatives "to discuss what can be a very bright future with the Pittsburgh Penguins."

The NHL has not publicly stated any support for Malkin, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly has said the league believes any player should have the right to choose where he wants to play as long as he is legally free to do so.

Brisson said Malkin went to the beach Sunday, and will work out Tuesday and Thursday with T.R. Goodman, a personal trainer who trains most of the NHL players represented by CAA.

"He's here to work, acclimate himself," Brisson said.
 

Hurricanes could target Allison
TheFourthPeriod.com
August 20, 2006

Veteran unrestricted free agent center Jason Allison continues to search for a new home, reports the Boston Globe.

Allison, who notched nearly a point per game (66 games in 60 points) with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season, could find a spot in Carolina.

The Hurricanes announced Friday that Cory Stillman would be sidelined up to four months by shoulder surgery and Allison could step in as a replacement.

The 31-year-old will finder takers if he is willing to play for around $1 million next season.
 

Preds sign d-man Henry; add pro scout
Nashvillepredators.com
August 21, 2006

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced Monday that the club has signed free-agent defensemen Alex Henry to a one-year contract. The deal will pay Henry $450,000 at the NHL level and $95,000 at the American Hockey League level.

Henry, 26 (10/18/79), played the past two NHL seasons with Minnesota, appearing in 63 games for the Wild in 2005-06, notching a career-high five assists. The Elliot Lake, Ontario native registered career-highs in games played (71), goals (2), points (6) and penalty minutes (106) in 2003-04 with the Wild. Henry has 11 points (2g-9a) and 259 penalty minutes in 175 career NHL games with Minnesota, Edmonton and Washington.

The 6-5, 220-pound blueliner was originally Edmonton’s second selection, 67th overall (third round), in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

The Predators also announced today that the club has hired Shawn Dineen as a pro scout. Dineen, 48, has scouted in the NHL for 10 years with the Los Angeles, Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks. He spent the 2005-06 season as a pro scout with the Kings.
 

Boguniecki signs with Blue Jackets
Sports Ticker
8/22/2006 2:58:26 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) - The Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday signed center Eric Boguniecki to a two-way contract.

Terms were not disclosed.

Boguniecki, 31, spent last season with the St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, collecting a total of six goals and 10 assists in 47 games.

An eighth-round pick of St. Louis in 1993, Boguniecki has registered 34 goals and 42 assists in 167 NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Blues and Penguins. He set career highs of 22 tallies, 27 assists and 49 points in 80 contests with St. Louis
in 2002-03.
 

Koivu skating, optimistic he'll be ready
TSN.ca Staff
8/22/2006 3:08:08 PM

Saku Koivu is optimistic he'll be ready to play in time for the start of the NHL season.

The Montreal Canadiens captain has been skating regularly now for the last three weeks after recovering from surgery to repair a torn retina in his left eye.

While things have been going well on the ice, Koivu acknowledges there is always the possibility of suffering further injury to his eye.

"When I look in a straight line, everything is fine," he tells La Presse. "But when I look side-to-side... it's a bit of a problem."

Koivu was struck in the eye by an errant high stick from Justin Williams during Game 3 of the Habs first round playoff series against Carolina.
 

Snow begins to settle into new job
Canadian Press
8/22/2006 3:36:23 PM

(CP) - Garth Snow now has five weeks under his belt at the helm of the New York Islanders and the NHL's newest GM has barely had time to catch his breath.

"I drink a lot more coffee and work out a heck of a lot less," he joked in an interview from his Long Island office.

His surprising hiring by Islanders owner Charles Wang on July 18 after the abrupt firing of Neil Smith - less then six weeks after his term began - was met by some in the hockey world with criticism and laughter. One New York paper referred to the fact the Zamboni driver wasn't available for the job so the Isles chose the backup goalie.

Lucky for Snow, he didn't have time to notice.

"I honestly was so busy the first week that I didn't have a chance to read the papers," said the 37-year-old native of Wrentham, Mass.

Snow was thrown into the fire, with two salary arbitration hearings in his first week on the job as well as having to hire a scouting staff, a strength and conditioning coach, a head equipment manager, a video coach and a goalie coach.

"There was a lot on my plate right off the bat," said Snow. "That kind of broke me in."

He knows people are the league are questioning his hire given his lack of experience.

"Lack of experience? Yes, definitely," Snow said. "But I think the blow is softened when I have a guy like (head coach) Ted Nolan, (player development director) Bryan Trottier and (pro scouting director) Ken Morrow to help me with the transition."

He no longer has senior advisor Pat LaFontaine, the respected Hall of Famer who resigned the same day Smith was fired. Even so, Snow exudes confidence when addressing the challenge ahead. He feels his personal knowledge from having either faced or played with players around the league is a huge bonus which should help his lack of experience on the job.

"I probably know the league better than any other manager around, with regards to having the network - playing with players since 1993, in regards to knowing our own team and system. A person from the outside would not have that knowledge of our team. So I think there were more pluses in my corner than minuses."

Snow also comes armed with a bachelor's degree in business and master's degree in administration he got while tending goal as a walk-on for the University of Maine in the early 1990s. And because he wasn't on a scholarship, he actually showed up for classes and worked hard at it unlike many athletes.

"I didn't have a choice," Snow said.

Regardless of what he says, Snow knows the only way to prove the critics wrong will be for his team to succeed.

"And that would be the same as anyone else," he said. "Whether it was their first year as a GM or their 20th year, the bottom line is that you have to have some success. You have to win hockey games."

Still, his every move will be scrutinized by everyone associated with the game.

"I can't be under any more pressure than I was as a goalie in the Stanley Cup final, or a goalie in the Olympics, or in the (NCAA) national championship game," said Snow. "For me this is almost like a relief."

Snow's only noteworthy signing so far has been veteran defenceman Sean Hill. But a more important negotiation is already underway - getting star goaltender Rick DiPietro, a restricted free agent, under contract before camp opens Sept. 14.

The former goalie tandem is now at opposite ends of a big contract negotiation, but that hasn't changed their relationship.

"I'll be honest, Ricky and I still go to dinner, we play golf together," said Snow. "Just because I'm the general manager doesn't mean it ruins the friendship. I've spent a lot of blood, sweat and tears with a lot of guys in that dressing room. I'd like to think that this is more than just a business. Those guys are my good friends and they always will be."
 

Gretzky excited about Coyotes' changes
Canadian Press
8/22/2006 3:57:13 PM

(CP) - Wayne Gretzky gets set for Year 2 of his NHL coaching career with a Phoenix Coyotes club featuring several prominent new faces - and with them, higher expectations.

"We're really excited about it," Gretzky said in a phone interview. "We feel we're a better team than last year and added some toughness and speed to our team."

A young Coyotes team went 38-39-5 and placed 12th in the tough Western Conference last season. The off-season additions of star defenceman Ed Jovanovski as well as veteran forwards Owen Nolan and Jeremy Roenick, top-four defenceman Nick Boynton and tough guy Georges Laraque have the Coyotes thinking bigger.

"Were we happy with being a .500 team last year? We probably surprised a lot of people," said Gretzky. "That's the good news. The bad news is that you can't stand still. It's a tough conference. Our sights are on making the playoffs. With the addition of players this off-season we're really gearing to make the playoffs and anything short of that would be a disappointing season at this point in time."

Jovanovski and Boynton join a blue-line that already includes promising youngsters Keith Ballard and Zbynek Michalek, as well as Derek Morris and Dennis Seidenberg. The Coyotes now boast one of the deeper defence corps in the league.

The big prize was the 30-year-old Jovanovski, the former Vancouver Canucks star who accepted a $32.5-million US, five-year deal from Coyotes GM Mike Barnett on the very first day of free agency.

"July 1, Mike and (senior advisor) Cliff (Fletcher) flew to Toronto and were at (agent) Pat Morris' door at 12:01 in the afternoon to show how much we really wanted Eddie on our team," said Gretzky. "We're fortunate to have been able to land a guy of that calibre. We really had him targeted from Day 1 as far as what he would bring to the table: physical play and a tremendous amount of energy. He was a big priority for us."

With Jovanovski, Boynton, Laraque and Nolan, Gretzky also feels the Coyotes got a much-needed boost in toughness.

"We needed to be physically stronger," said Gretzky. "Part of our problem last year, we were .500 at home, and some nights I think we just couldn't match up against a lot of the bigger teams, especially in our division and the Western Conference."

The 34-year-old Nolan is somewhat of a gamble, having not played a game in two years while recovering from knee problems. But the Coyotes feel there's quality hockey left in the former perennial star power forward, who was represented by Barnett when he was still an agent.

"We were lucky that was a little bit of history between Owen and Mike," said Gretzky. "Mike knows Owen as good as anybody in hockey. We started to talking to Owen in early July but he wanted to make sure he was physically able to come back before signing with anyone. He went through a rigorous training program the whole summer time. He came into Phoenix and checked out really nicely.

"We really think he has the ability to score a lot of goals for us."

Gretzky said he'll probably put Nolan alongside centre Steven Reinprecht, who had 23 points (12-11) in 28 games after joining the Coyotes in a trade from Calgary last season.

"I think he's an underrated player," Gretzky said of Reinprecht. "Those two would be a nice combination for us."

The Coyotes also re-signed veteran goalie Curtis Joseph instead of losing him to free agency, confident he can duplicate what was a solid campaign last year.

"We felt that Cujo had an outstanding season for us last year, he was really good, tremendous from start to finish," Gretzky said of the 39-year-old goalie, ninth in the NHL last year with 32 wins. "If anything, we maybe overworked him a little bit. There was a stretch there when he may have been a little physically and mentally tired."

To that end, the Coyotes signed backup goalie Mike Morrison this summer and hope that either he or youngster David LeNeveu can jump up and take some pressure off Joseph.

"We're hoping one of them will be able to play in 30-35 games and win some big games for us," said Gretzky. "Last year we won 38 games and Curtis won 32 of them. So a lot of our success will sort of depend on one of those young guys grabbing the bull by the horns and showing us they can handle that. If that happens we'll be in pretty good shape."
 

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