Gagne and Flyers looking over teams

Via DLeeD the process will go: the Flyers Give Gags a view of team interested and the He will decide which one he wants to go to.

Interested teams: Kings, Habs, Lightning

Gagne to Waivers?

Darren Drager of TSN reports: Some NHL execs think Philly will place Gagne on waivers, if a trade isn’t found very soon. via Twitter.

Gags said he has not waived him NTC during an RDS intereview. However the Flyers disagree. The 30 year old is on the last of his contract where he is set to get paid 5.25M.

Interested team: Kings

Flyers and Zherdev done?

Reports from various soruces say that the Flyers and Nikolai Zherdev have reached a 1 year deal. Only waiting for Gagne to be moved before announcing it. Another says that the Russian Agreement papers are taking a while.

Zherdev played with the Altant Oblast of the KHL last season.

Kovy Looking Over Offers

Everyone knew that the LA Kings were the front runners, but questions arose when he had not signed with the Kings. Then later on into Day 2 the Isles came out and said they offered a 10 year 10M dollar deal.

That wasn't it though, a Russian newspaper came out saying he wasn't only looking over offers from the Isles and the Kings but also the Avs and the Flyers. Avs finished 8th in the West last season, Flyers finished 7th in the east.

Kovy has rejected a deal from the Panthers however says Teemu H of Euroflyers.

Gagne on the Way out?

Hearing from many sources that Simon Gagne is being shopped. The Flyers are tight up against the cap after their Signings today, including O'Donnel Shelley and Coburn and the acquistion of Andrej Meszaros.

Gange has been playing for the orange and black all of his career and has 1 year left in his contract. The Quebec native is set to make 5.25M next season.

Purple Reign headed to SJ

Calder CUp winning Antero Niittymaki has signed a great 2 year 4M dollar contract. With small cap room the Sharks may be done in respect to goaltending. Thomas Griess may take over the starting job, however Nitty is a solid contender as well.

Thoughts are that the Sharks are heading towards a top Defenseman. Possible Volchenkov or Martin, even Hamhuis.

Ellis and Philly Close

Eklund reports the Flyers are close to signing with RFA goaltender Dan Ellis.

Habs are out of the bidding as they had just signed Alex Auld to a bakc-up deal.

Ellis close, Michalek done, Gonchar done, Kovi Shopping

Bob Mckenzie reports that UFA Goaltender Dan Ellis is close to a deal with a team which is not Montreal. Flyers are rumored as interest.

Michalek signs with Pittsburgh is a done deal via Darren Dreger. Yotes tryed signing him earlier today, up to noon. 4M/year 5 years

Gonchar signs a 5.5M 3 year deal with the Sens. Volchnkov out, Gonchar in.

Martin St.Louis signs a 5 year deal with the Tampa Bay Lighning. should be there until he retires.

Kovalchuk is looking over offers. Kings are front runenrs, but not the only bidders.

Braydon Coburn re-signs

Bob Mckenzie broke new that Flyers RFA defenseman Braydon Coburn has re-signed. Coburn will be paid $6.4M over the course of the next 2 years.

Forget about not signing Cobi because of the Meszaros pickup, Flyers now have a Top 5 that cannot be match by any other team.

Meszaros to Philly

TSN's Darren Dreger reports 10 minutes prior to Free Agency that the FLyers are close to a deal whre they would acquire Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman Andrei Meszaros.

Remember, the Flyers were interested in him last offseason. Carle and Meszaros played together for a short while in Tampa. TSN's Bob Mckenzie report it's Meszaros for a 2012 2nd rounder.

Meszaros is making $4M for the next 4 years. This deal could have taken Braydon Coburn out of Philly.

Deal has been confirmed by Tpanotch

Free Agency Runner

With an Hour left until NHL Free Agency Taking a Flyer will cover major signings and rumors from today. Will show all Flyers rumors and Signings.

11:00
Rumors:
Kings front runner for Kovi
Flyers interested in Cullen, Ellis
Canucks are front runners for Hamhuis
Devils may lose Martin in FA
Penguins will lose Gonchar and Hamhuis to FA
Coyotes trying hard to re-sign Zbynek Michalek
Wild also interested in MN native Cullen
Pens and Sens among teams interested in Frolov
Hawks are close to re-signing RFA Antti Niemi
Lightning interested in Nabokov
Capitals said to be interested in Volchenkov
Coyotes to lose March's leading scorer Lee Stempniak
Coyotes also to lose Matthew Lombarti to FA
Leafs interest in Colby Armstrong
Thrashers lead hunt for Maxim Afingenov
Wild intersted in Saku Koivu, to play with Brother Mikko
Flyers to lose Arron Asham and Lukas Krajicek to FA
Sabres interested in Kubina
Rangers interested in Marty Biron
Flyers interested in Hendrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman
Ducks in the Kariya biding, comeback?

11:50
Andrei Meszaros heads to Flyers for 2012 2nd rounder.
Ellis front runners are Philly, Atlanta and Montreal
TampaBay may be interested in Tim Thomas

12:00n
Rangers and Marty Biron agree on 2 year deal worth 900k/year
Michalek hitting the market, no deal with Yotes
Holmgren confirms Meszaros deal

12:15
Gonchar in Ottawa at 5.5M for 3 years

7:30
yeah i gave up on this hours ago.

Flyers in the Dan Ellis Bidding

Tim Panotchio of CSN reported today that the Flyers are interested and will haggle for now Habs goaltender Dan Ellis.

Ellis is looking for a $2M per year deal, which is way lower than Nabokov or Turco. This salary wouldn't force the Flyers to automatcially give hm the starting job either. Interestingly Ellis and Leighton both have the same agent, this could work to Homer's advantage greatly.

The Habs are in the bidding as well as the San Joes Sharks who are ready to part ways with Nabokov.

Cullen on Flyers Radar

Sam Carchidi proposes that Carolina Hurricane's free agent Center/Winger Matt Cullen is on the Flyers radar. Laviolette coached Cullen while in Carolina. Cullen made 2.9M in his final year of a 4 year contract last season but his price could go down as he is now 33.

In 81 games last season Cullen posted 16 goals and 48 points and was typically used as a 3rd line center. If signed he will move to wing for the Flyers possibly playing in Arron Asham's spot.

Michael Russo of the star Tribune brings up that the Minnesota Wild are also interested in Matt Cullen's services. It was rumored that the Wild were interested in Asham ealier this week as well.

Ponikarovsky out, Frolov in?

Eklund reports that the Pens have interest in the soon to be former LA Kings winger Alexander Frolov. This could be the replacement to Alexei Ponikarovsky who is set to be a UFA today.

The 30 year old Ponikarovsky made 2.5M last season, Frolov made 4M with only 2.9 against cap. Frolov is younger at 28 and has more goal scoring potential, looks to be the much need fill for the void Petr Sykora left.

Niemi and Hawks Close

Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet reports that a deal between the Hawks and their cup capturing goaltender is close. Antti Niemi is a set to be a RFA and made 0.8M this season, expect a big pay raise. The Versteeg trade freed up 3M cap space for the cap pressed BlackHawks.

Kris Versteeg back to Northeast Division

the Blackhawks continue to set their future away from the Stanley Cup by trading 30+ goal scorer Kris Versteeg and Bill Sweatt to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Hawks picked up Offenseman Viktor Stalberg who played 40 games and scored 9 goals and Chris DiDominico and Philippe Paradis whom have yet to play in the NHL.

Versteeg is set to make $3M for the next 2 seasons with the Leafs. This a great deak by the Leafs for as Pierre LeBrun says : Without giving up any short term assets the Leafs pick up the top six forward they were craving.

Buffalos to hit the Market

A lot of the former Northeast Division champions are going to be on the move. Defensemen Hendrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman who both had over a 2,5M cap hit last season will likely suffer a pay cut.

While Raffi Torres who has been thrown around after a long stint with the Oilers. He made 2.2M last season, and will likely be signed for around that being the character player he is.

Goaltender Patrick Lalime will hit the tough goalie market where the 35 may have to take a two-way deal. He made 1M last season and may get around that once again.

Frolov to hit the Market

Helen Elliot of the LA Times reports that Alexander Frolov received no offer from the Kings organization. He is set to hit the free agent market tomorrow.

Frolov made $4M and was a cap hit of $2.9M last season. The 28 year old has spent all 7 of his pro years with LA. Has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer every year.

The Bruins, Sens and Habs are rumored to be interested. via HendricksHockey

Top UFA Defensemen

Top Defenseman in the '10 Free Agent Market broken up by Tiers (Name, Former Team):



Tier I - Piece of a Top Pairing
1) Anton Volchenkov, OTT
2) Dan Hamhuis, NAS
3) Paul Martin, NJD

Tier II - Eat up Minutes with PP and PK Capabilities
4) Zbynek Michalek, PHX
5) Sergei Gonchar, PIT
6) Pavel Kubina, ATL
7) Willie Mitchell, VAN

Tier III - Piece of 2nd pairing
8) Andy Sutton, OTT
9) Joe Corvo, WSH
10) Derek Morris, PHX
11) Hendrik Tallinder, BUF

Tier IV - PK or PP Capabilities
12) Kurtis Foster, TBL
13) Kim Johnsson, CHI
14) Garnet Exelby, TOR
15) Lukas Krajicek, PHI
16) Marc-Andre Bergeron, MTL

Tier V - 3rd Pairing
17) Carol Colaiacovo, StL
18) Denis Grebeshkov, NAS
19) Randy Jones, LAK
20) Alex Picard, CAR
21) Andreas Lilja, DET

Hamhuis Sweepstakes

Dan Hamhuis has been part of 3 teams in June and linked to numberous others. Now as July 1st rears it head there are a school of teams after the 27 year old.

It was said that Hamhuis said he regretted not signing with the Flyers after being traded to the Pens.
However a constant rumor is that he wants to be a Canuck.
Pierre LeBrun bought up today that the LA Kings are in the thick as well.
As are the Pens, who have been enamored with Gonchar and have hardily talked to Hamhuis.
Jason Hendricks of HendricksHockey states that the Habs and Mild are interested in his presence as well.

All that is known is that Dan Hamhuis will want around $4 million and to be atleast a #3 defenseman on the team he signs.

Waivers Updates

-Waivers-
Blue Jackets pick up Ethan Moreau
Coyotes waived Petteri Nokelainen
Devils waived long time checking line forward Jay Pandolfo
Flames waived forward Nigel Dawes

-BuyOuts-
Sens buy out Jonathan Cheechoo
Ducks buy out defenseman Nathan Oystrick

-Trades-
Oilers traded former Wild 1st rounder Patty O'Sullivan to the Yotes for Jay Vandermeer

Flyers UFAs

Include:

Danny Syvret: played 21 games and put up 2 goals and 2 assists. However his play is solid he just hasn't been able to translate his offensive production to the NHL. He made 0.6M last season, it will be interesting if he re-signs at age 25.

Jared Ross: has been a great call up and has shown his value as a scorer and playmaker in the AHL but hasn't been able to translate it to the NHL. The 27 year old made 0.5M last season.

Lukas Krajicek: The Flyers have acknowledged that they need a #5 defenseman and that Bartulis is set to be the #6. Krajicek isn't a bad defenseman he just isn't what the Flyers need out of their bottom pair. Lukas made 0.7M last season.

Arron Asham: key player in the cup run who hot and cold play was enough from the 3rd line. Arron is set to be a UFA July 1st. The Flyers are likely to let him go with the great play of Nodl during the playoffs. The Minnesota Wild were said to be interested in the Powerforward who made 0.6M last season.

Leighton Re-Signs, Now what?

Michael Leighton and the Flyers agreed to a 2 year $3.1M contract. But are the Flyers done with their gaoltending? Leighton and Backlund will compete for the Starting job, but there may be another contender.

Flyers wanted a proven starter, and they sounded reluctant to look at Leighton as that, however he may be just what they need. The Flyers could used the money they saved in goal to help out their blueline, which was depeleted come June.

Hamhuis is out there as is Zbynek Michalek and Paul Martin. Guys who can handle a big load of minutes and play Powerplays and Penalty Kills. Tomorrow's start of free agency may tell all in Philly.

Hamhuis, Gonchar to hit the Market

Come tomorrow the Pens could be out of a top defenseman, only a day after they had two. Gonchar and the Pens have been discussing a contract for a little while now, Gonchar wants a 4 year contract, the Pens only wanna give him a 2 year one. The russian defender made $5M last season and with a cup under his belt will look for a pay increase.

Dan Hamhuis was acquired from the Flyers one Day one of the Draft, however soon after Hamhuis said he regrets not signing with Philly. Hamhuis will most likely hit the market and look for atleast a $4M dollar contract. Flyers GM Holmgren said he thinks the Flyers could be a contender in signing Dan Hamhuis.

Ethan Moreau to Columbus

Moreau was waived Tuesday by the Edmonton Oilers as a first step to being bought out. However on Wednesday morning word came out that he was picked up by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Moreau is a good character 4th or 3rd line guy. At 6'2" can be a punisher and a presence in front. Former captain of a stugling Oilers team.

No word on how is salry wil be broken up but most likely Oilers will have to pay some of it.

Flyers Update: Leighton

With July 1st tomorrow and the Flyers still looking to cement a goaltender for the upcoming season, Michael Leighton is looking like a good option.

Lot of talk if the Flyers or any team would want him as a Number one starter in this league. There is a rumor that the Flyers are close to re-signing him. Homer said earlier this week that he was optimistic that the Club could come to an agreement with 29 year old beofre July 1st.

If he re-signs he will compete with Johan Backlund for the starting job. This would push Brian Boucher to be the odd man out.

Stars, Modano Parting Ways

After 21 seasons with the Stars organization Mike Modano will hit free agency. Modano still has the want to play however Dallas needs to work their younger forwards into larger roles. Mike played 59 games and scored 14 and 16 assists last season, while making $3.5M.

The US born, 40 year old is set to hit free agency on July 1st. At his age Modano will likely be looking for minutes and a winning team capable of winning the cup.

Teams who could be interested are endless as a veteran presence is an undoubtable contribution towards a cup. The only question is his price tag.

Tough Guy to Judge

You can say Paul Martin has been a defensive force in New Jersey over his career, but you can also make the case the he had plenty of help in the Devils system. Martin is set to be a UFA on July 1st and made 3.8M last season.

Some teams that need top defensers are Anaheim, San Jose, and Washington. All teams that have money and like to spend it. However how much is Martin worth? The Devils are paying Bryce Salvador $2.9M and Colin White $3.0M.

The Devils have to be concerned about losing their gem. With not many defensive prospects in the minors aside from Matt Corrente and with Matt Mottau also set to be a UFA.

If the Devils can shift their focus away from Ilya Kovalchuk and toward Paul Martin we might see a deal. However the Devils may not feel he's worth the $4M+ he is set to ask for and may look outward come July 1st.

Flyers, Nabi and Turco Update

Sam Carchidi of the Philly Inquirer reports today:

Marty Turco reportedly turns down 3 year deal from Flyers worth about $6M total. Also no progress made in Nabokov negotiations.

Meaning the Flyers are having troubles signing with either goalie, both of whom are free to sign with any team come Thursday. The Good news is if either one signs they can sign a 35 years old + deal, where money decreases as the goalie gets older.

Flyers Target Turco

After a busy draft the Flyers came out with the right to talk to Russian goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. Nabi is set to be a UFA after playing 10 season with the Sharks.

The Flyers also came out leaving an offer on the table of Dallas Goaltender and soon to be UFA Marty Turco. The Flyers and Stars came to an agreement much like the Sharks that the Flyers can talk to the goalie.

Turco made $5.7M last season and as said earlier is set to hit free agentcy July 1st. The 34 year olds price tag is thought to be around the same as Nabi's. As they're both older goalies who have had much sucess in their years in the NHL.

Kovi to LA or NJ?

After the Kings announcement to throw a "knock your socks off deal" at the Russian sniper the New Jersey Devils fire back. Word is today that the Devils are working hard to re-sign Kovalchuk.

The Devils got Kovi before the NHL's trade deadline last winter. Kovalchuk made $6.4M last season and the Devils have $14M cap space with 16 players signed. Paul Martin also need to be re-signed as he is set to be a UFA.

Thomas and Kovi

Tim Thomas who the Bruins are shopping around currently has twoo front Runners: San Jose and Atlanta. San Jose is out of a starter by letting Nabokov walk. The Thrashers have Palavec in net but he has yet to play a full season and a veterean could help.

Kovalchuk is set to be a UFa with the Devils and no one is sure what the Devils will do for certain. The Kings said that they will ovffer Kovi a "Knock your socks off deal." The Kings are set to lose long timer winner Alexander Frolov.

Ryan, Kaberle, and Savard

The Ducks and Forward Bobby Ryan are still not close on a new contract. The 36 year old goal scorer is set to be traded by July 1st. Most teams will likely be intereset, but the Leafs seem to be the team whispering the loudest.

The Leafs will not deal Kaberle until July 1st. Teams are interested but he may just be waiting until teams feel desperate by signings around the league and will give up more for the veteran blueliner.

Marc Savard is said to waive his no trade clause fo two teams Toronto and Ottawa. Both Northeast teams with Boston. Volchenkov is available for Sens and a lot are on the block with the Leafs.

Nabi talks Over?

All the work done by Homer over the past two days talking to Nabi's agent and Sharks GM Wilson and it sounds like Nabokov's asking price could be too high. Nabi wants a cup as he comes up on 35 years old and the only other team who's interested is the Tampa Bay Lightning.

I don't see talks being done at all. The two sides both need eachother. Nabi's the best goalie on the market and the Flyers are the best team looking for a goalie.

If Nabokov and the Flyers can't reach an agreement by July 1st then he will become a free agent. However with little suitors out there this may be a deal he can't pass up regardless of money.

Savard waives his No Trade Clause

Bruins forward and $4M dollar man waived his no trade clause after Saturday's draft. Team interested are said to be Ottawa and Toronto. Marc Savard played with Phil Kessel on the Bruins and may be a clincher for Brian Burke to make his move.

Savard came back from a concussion this playoff season. This was the first of his career. Savard is set to make $4m for the next 7 seasons. He will be a hard chip to move.

Leafs currently are listening to offers on Tomas Kaberle and almost any other pieces, as Burke said "when you finsh 29th there aren't many untouchables."

Ottawa said the Defenseman Anton Volchenkov was not going to be re-signed and could be moved before July 1st. Jason Speeza is currently not on the Trade Block in Ottawa.

Right to Talk with Nabi

Hours after the draft the Philadelphia Flyers and the San jose Sharks have gotten the right to talk to Nabokov and his agent and try to settle a deal by July 1st.

All that happens is if the Flyers and Nabi agree on a deal the Sharks will get a 2011 draft pick in a trade that would Nabi go to the Flyers.

Sharks seem very relax as they said Nabi would not be re-signed. Homer worked out a great deal and Nabi will mostly likely remove his no trade clause to go to the Flyers.

Holmgren Talks after Draft

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren looked to have a pretty busy draft, but only 2 trades to show for it. He spoke with the media after the 7th round today.

Flyers traded Dan Hamhuis to the Pens for a 3rd rounder in 2011. Homr said that Hamhuis could test the FA market and could even look into signing with the Flyers.

Homer denied talking about his interest or a deal in the works to acquire the rights to Evgeni Nabokov. The Flyers have been in contact with Nabokov's agent and may decide to wait until July 1st where they wont have to trade for him.

As stated earlier Tim Thomas has waived his no trade clause and is definatly being shopped around. The Flyers have been in Contact with Boston GM Peter Chiarelli all afternoon. Nabokov also has a no trade clause who his agent says he will waive if a certain team will be his next suitor.

Holmgren also said he is optimistic that the Flyers can re-sign goalie Michael Leighton. Wonder if he's trying to make SJ or Boston nervous. However the deal has been thought to be a back up deal if he signs.

Jonathan Matsumoto was traded for a 7th rounder. The thought was that at 23 and the Flyers loaded with centers he was going to walk. Atleast got something for him.

Look for more trades to come in today as the draft is over but the chatting is not. Player bio's of the Flyers draftees will be up on http://iceonbroadst.blogspot.com/

Thomas Waives his No Trade

Bruins Goaltender and fromer Vezina winner Tim Thomas has waived his no trade clause as expected. Thomas is set to make $5m next season and the Flyers have been talking to Bruins GM Chiarelli throughout today. A deal could be coming soon for US Born goaltender.

The Flyers and Sharks GM Wilson have been in conversation all day about the rights to goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, not done yet. Tonight could be the tell all for the Flyers and Paul Holmgren.

Draft Day 2 Nothing Nabi, Bye Matsumoto

Talks between Flyers and Sharks over Nabi seemed to have gone cold for now. With the Draft moving so quick there's little time to work on deals like on Friday. Last i hear the deal was said not to be close.

The Flyers have made one move however moving Jonathan Matsumoto of the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms to the Canes. The Flyers get the 206th overall pick in this years draft.

Matsumoto had just finshed his second full season with the Phantoms with 62 points, 63 the year previous. The Bowling Green alumni may have been traded due to his 23 years of age and his RFA status.

Draft Day 2 Nabokov and Chiarelli

Word is that the deal between the Flyers and Sharks is moving. However the 2nd team in the bidding is the Tampa Bay Lightning. Price can't be too high on a guy who is set to be a UFA.

Homer was seen talking to Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. Boston was said to have been shopping Tim Thomas in a package deal with defenseman Mark Stuart. Would be a good deal for Flyers who need a 5th defenseman.

Savard still has not been moved, concensus is that he will be moved today.

Draft Day 2 Mumbles

Toronto has been shopping defenseman Tomas Kaberle around the league for a while now. Leafs GM Brian Burke says he's received offers but a deal is not imminent. Kaberle is set to make $4.5M next year then to enter Free Agency.

Boston has been rumoured to be shopping forward Marc Savard and goaltender Tim Thomas. Thomas won the Vezina in 09, but was the back up to Tuukka Rask this season and is set to make $5M next season. Savard suffered from a concussion this season but came back to play in the playoffs, he is thought of to be the Bruins top dog offensively. Savard is signed for 7 more seasons at $4M a year.

Philadelphia and San Jose are working on a deal that will send Evgeni Nabokov to the Flyers. The deal is said to be not close and another team is in on the bidding. Nabokov is set to be a free agent July 1st.

Ottawa has been said to be shopping center Jason Spezza, however GM Brian Murrary extinguished these rumors on Friday. Spezza will stay with the Senators making $7M for the next 5 season.

Ananheim is resuming talk with forward Bobby Ryan who is set to be a Free Agent on July 1st. He said he does not want Getzlaf or Perry dollars, but the Ducks goal leader this season will be costly. both sides want to reach an agreement.

Chicago continues to try to dump contracts as froward Kris Verseeg is on the block. The Hawks have received interest from many teams and he will more than likely be dealt. Verseeg is set to make $3M next season.

Hot Topics: Flyers Forward

Going into the June 25th Draft two Forwards were rumoured to be on the trading block. They were Jeff Carter and Scotty Hartnell.

Said on Wednesday that Kings GM Dean Lombarti's love for Scotty Hartnell may lead him to trade one of his top 2 goalies, Jonathan Quick or Jonathan Bernier. Bernier played most of last season with the Ahl's Manchester Monarchs. Quick had a break out season with the Kings and was Canada's 3rd goalie in the Olympics.

Jeff Carter has been rumoured with a few teams, Toronto seemed like a signifcant one with Leafs young goaltender Johan Gustafsson thought to be on the block. Holmgren came out however and said the Flyers never once thought about trading Carter and don't plan to.

Evgeni Nabokov to Philly?

Holmgren had talked to Nabokov's agent previous to talking to Sharks GM Wilson. With the now Dealt Dan Hamhuis cap room is free. The two sides are trying to get a deal done.

Nabi is set to be an Unrestricted Free Agent on July 1st. No word on what the price is for the Russian Goaltender. This trade could directly effect the question of Leighton's return to Philly.