Category Archives: Hockey News

Sharks open to trading Reimer’s rights as Flames’ goalie search continues

Everyone knows the Calgary Flames are looking for a goalie.

"They tell me (the secret is to) have a good one," general manager Brad Treliving said Thursday, writes ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

"We're in a bunch of different markets on that, so we'll see how it goes," Treliving added.

The Flames have reportedly inquired about Marc-Andre Fleury's availability in Pittsburgh, though the price from the Penguins is thought to be too rich for Calgary.

With an expansion draft coming up, the time is now to get a goalie, Treliving said.

"It's a balancing act of timing, it's a balancing act of acquisition cost, it's all those types of things," he said. "You've seen it in the market so far. There's deals that have been done because of expansion coming. I expect there will be more, but when those happen, we'll see."

LeBrun notes that the Tampa Bay Lightning have a decision to make with respect to their goalies and an expansion draft. Ben Bishop's a free agent after next season.

If the Flames are interested in pending unrestricted free agent James Reimer, they can trade for his rights from the San Jose Sharks, LeBrun also noted:

Reimer had a .922 save percentage in 37 starts last season and has ties to Flames president Brian Burke, who was his general manager in Toronto.

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Report: Bruins, Eriksson not close on extension

Loui Eriksson appears destined for free agency.

The pending unrestricted free agent forward and the Boston Bruins aren't close on a contract extension, and he's expected to hit the market on July 1, TVA's Renaud Lavoie reports.

The issue appears to be the length of a potential new deal as Lavoie reports the two sides are not close on term.

TSN's Darren Dreger said on TSN 1050 on Thursday that Eriksson is seeking six years, but the Bruins don't want to give him more than four, according to Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot.

Eriksson's agent, J.P. Barry was expected to meet with the club Thursday. Barry said last week that the Eriksson camp was waiting on a new offer from the Bruins but hadn't yet received one.

The 30-year-old winger had his best season as a Bruin in 2015-16, notching 30 goals and 63 points while appearing in all 82 games.

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Blue Jackets won’t hesitate to match offer sheet for Jones

If a team out there is thinking about signing Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones to an offer sheet, it probably shouldn't bother.

Jones, who will turn 22 in early October, is a restricted free agent after being acquired from the Nashville Predators. He had three goals and 28 assists last season.

The club and Jones are working on a long-term contract.

"It's a work in progress. I'm confident everything will be taken care of," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said, according to The Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline.

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Oilers in trade talks for defenseman, have talked Subban with Canadiens

Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli says he's actively tying to improve his blue line.

“It’s no secret we’re in the market for a defenceman, and we’re fully engaged and we’ve got a pretty high pick,” the GM told the club's official website. “It’s actually been exciting and it will ramp up (Friday).”

Chiarelli has repeatedly stated his desire to land an elite, right-shot defenseman, and Edmonton has a wealth of young, talented forwards.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports the Oilers have reached out to the Montreal Canadiens about the availability of P.K. Subban, but whether there's a fit remains unclear.

"(Defensemen) are valuable components, but we’ve got some good players, we’ve got some good other assets and that’s what you look to deal when you try and do it," Chiarelli said. "If we don’t get it done by the draft, we’ve got a lot of time to do it.”

The Oilers hold the fourth overall pick, and Chiarelli admitted he's talked to other teams about what he may do with it.

"I’ve had discussions that include that pick. We’re looking at all different options including making that pick, trading down, including that pick in a trade for a defenceman. I’m looking at all those options. I’ve had discussions with teams on all those options.”

The GM isn't going to force a deal before the draft if it's worthwhile to wait.

“(Friday) has no bearing on it unless the pick is involved, or a pick is involved. But it just so happens that everyone thinks that’s a milestone or deadline for these deals."

The Oilers have about $12 million in cap space, and three pending unrestricted free agents (Eric Gryba, Adam Pardy, and Nikita Nikitin) on the back end.

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Are these the Maple Leafs’ new jerseys?

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have accidentally previewed their new uniforms one night earlier than they planned.

A video uploaded to the club's official mobile app apparently displayed these images before being promptly removed.

Here's a closer look at the supposedly leaked jerseys, which essentially match the details given to Sportslogos.net's Chris Creamer earlier in the week.

The Maple Leafs will officially unveil the jerseys at the draft Friday night.

They revealed their new logo in February.

- With h/t to The Leafs Nation

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Blue Jackets sign William Karlsson to 2-year extension

One restricted free agent down, one to go for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The club agreed to a two-year contract extension with forward William Karlsson on Thursday.

Blue Jackets digital and social manager Rob Mixer provided the details.

That leaves about $4 million in cap space for Columbus with defenseman Seth Jones left as its only remaining pending restricted free agent.

Karlsson posted nine goals and 20 points in 81 games for the Blue Jackets in his first full season.

The 23-year-old was traded to Columbus by the Anaheim Ducks in the James Wisniewski deal at the 2015 deadline. Karlsson was selected 53rd overall by Anaheim in 2011.

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Canucks’ GM has discussed Subban with Canadiens; interested in Stamkos

The Vancouver Canucks have their eyes on the stars.

General manager Jim Benning was on TSN 1040 in Vancouver on Thursday, where he didn't hold back, stating his club has interest in Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban.

"Yeah, we've been one of the teams that have talked to them," Benning said. "It's a high price, he's a true No.1 defenseman."

Before Canucks fans get too ahead of themselves, Benning isn't close to a deal for the former Norris Trophy winner.

"We do our due diligence, but it's a long ways from completing a deal like that," said Benning.

Benning didn't stop there, also noting the club will talk with pending unrestricted free agent, Steven Stamkos.

"He's gonna have lots of interest across the league," Benning said. "But we'll talk to him and see where it goes."

Suffice it to say it's going to cost a pretty penny if the Canucks hope to acquire one or both of the NHL's biggest stars.

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