Boston was already without Lucic, Boston had already traded Kessel, Boston was already dealing with Tim Thomas playing like a backup goalie, and now they'll have to play without their best player, Marc Savard, for 4-6 weeks. I don't expect the bruins to rush out and make another deal (they've made two in the last few days), but if things continue to go wrong for them, they will seek out some help down the middle. I read a twitter post by an "insider" who assured twitter readers that Nylander was being looked at by Boston. No way does that happen, as a) Nylander won't help and b) his salary is way too high for the Bruins to possibly even consider.
Gonchar's injury (which will keep him out for 4-6 weeks) could be huge in Pittsburgh, as remember, the Pens with in 10th place when Gonchar returned from injury last season. From what I've been told, the team will not make any trades in the short-term, and will assess how things go over the next 8-10 games.
The Ducks have re-called Justin Pogge, which means a Giguere trade COULD be coming. Toronto has been a rumoured destination for the last six months, but it would be very tricky for the team to fit him under the cap. With that said, sending Toskala to the AHL combined with Mike Van Ryn being out for the season and it's not so far fetched. The question of coarse is, what would the Ducks want for Giguere? I'm thinking not too much, as they'd love to get out from under his $6 million cap hit, which he's on the books for until after 10/11.
The Kings are shopping Frolov, as it's become clear that a change of scenery could beneficial for the young winger. Team's with early interest include Vancouver and Atlanta.
Speaking of Frolov, he's one of several players the Wings are "rumoured" to be going after. Sources tell Hockeyleaks.com that Ken Holland is being patient and has no intention of going out and finding a quick fix. With that said, if the team starts to struggle changes could happen.
We're still looking for team bloggers, so if you are interested please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com.
Remember to follow us on twitter for the latest breaking news and rumours: @Hockeyleaks
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Rumour Mill for Oct. 15
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to shake things up, and have two main area's they are focussing on.
#1 - Goaltending, and the big name I'm hearing is J.S. Giguere. The Leafs goaltending injuries could both be worse than we're hearing, and the Ducks are still very willing to move Giggy and his large contract.
#2 - A Centre, and rumour has it that Kaberle could be moved to get one. Kaberle is one of the players who is unhappy under Ron Wilson and may finally be willing to lift his no-trade.
Obviously the Leafs are short on cap space, but if Toskala is put on IR or waived (which is a big possibility at this point), that is all the space the team would need. Jason Blake isn't above being waived as well.
- Look for the Detroit Red Wings to look to make a move shortly. Their goaltending is very questionable at this point, and with no Hudler, Franzen or Hossa up front, this team is not the same offensive weapon it was a year ago. Word out of Detroit today is that Datsyuk will also miss some time with an injury.
- Minnesota's slow start isn't sitting well with management and talk is that Josh Harding could be moved in hopes of getting some more offsensive help.
- Another team to keep an eye on is the Boston Bruins, who have looked pretty awful thus far. Their closeness to the cap will limit what they can do, but changes could be coming their if things don't improve. Their defense appears to be the most likely candidate for an upgrade, as their goaltending really can't be touched.
#1 - Goaltending, and the big name I'm hearing is J.S. Giguere. The Leafs goaltending injuries could both be worse than we're hearing, and the Ducks are still very willing to move Giggy and his large contract.
#2 - A Centre, and rumour has it that Kaberle could be moved to get one. Kaberle is one of the players who is unhappy under Ron Wilson and may finally be willing to lift his no-trade.
Obviously the Leafs are short on cap space, but if Toskala is put on IR or waived (which is a big possibility at this point), that is all the space the team would need. Jason Blake isn't above being waived as well.
- Look for the Detroit Red Wings to look to make a move shortly. Their goaltending is very questionable at this point, and with no Hudler, Franzen or Hossa up front, this team is not the same offensive weapon it was a year ago. Word out of Detroit today is that Datsyuk will also miss some time with an injury.
- Minnesota's slow start isn't sitting well with management and talk is that Josh Harding could be moved in hopes of getting some more offsensive help.
- Another team to keep an eye on is the Boston Bruins, who have looked pretty awful thus far. Their closeness to the cap will limit what they can do, but changes could be coming their if things don't improve. Their defense appears to be the most likely candidate for an upgrade, as their goaltending really can't be touched.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Bozak, Reimer recalled by Toronto
Toskala is out with an undisclosed injury. Reimer will back up Macdonald while Bozak will play tonight. Stahlberg will also return to the lineup.
I've heard Exelby will also be in the lineup. No news on who he, Bozak and Stahlberg will replace in the lineup.
I can tell you this: if Toronto fails to win tonight, Burke has one game in twelve days, and serious changes could be made. Burke understands that the Leafs do not have their top pick in next year's draft, and thus a losing season is unacceptable. I'm not sure how this can be turned around, but Burke will need to find a way.
In other NHL news, how about that Calgary/Chicago game last night? Nothing short of epic. The Flames are back in action tonight against the red-hot Blue Jackets.
Marion Gaborik is really leading the Rangers, and if this guy can stay healthy, just about everyone will be wrong with their pre-season predictions. Just about everyone(including us) had the Rangers missing the playoffs, but with the way they are playing, the Eastern Conference could easily be theres.
How long before teams like Colorado, LA, Phoenix and Tampa Bay fall back down to Earth? Not long for teams like Colorado and Phoenix, but I think LA and Tampa Bay could be the real deal.
Where are all the rumours? It's been slow, but expect the first (and hopefully start of a regular) rumour blog tomorrow or Thursday.
So happy for hockey to be back! Make sure to check out our team bloggers at http://hockey-leaks2.blogspot.com. If you are interested in writing for us, please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com
I've heard Exelby will also be in the lineup. No news on who he, Bozak and Stahlberg will replace in the lineup.
I can tell you this: if Toronto fails to win tonight, Burke has one game in twelve days, and serious changes could be made. Burke understands that the Leafs do not have their top pick in next year's draft, and thus a losing season is unacceptable. I'm not sure how this can be turned around, but Burke will need to find a way.
In other NHL news, how about that Calgary/Chicago game last night? Nothing short of epic. The Flames are back in action tonight against the red-hot Blue Jackets.
Marion Gaborik is really leading the Rangers, and if this guy can stay healthy, just about everyone will be wrong with their pre-season predictions. Just about everyone(including us) had the Rangers missing the playoffs, but with the way they are playing, the Eastern Conference could easily be theres.
How long before teams like Colorado, LA, Phoenix and Tampa Bay fall back down to Earth? Not long for teams like Colorado and Phoenix, but I think LA and Tampa Bay could be the real deal.
Where are all the rumours? It's been slow, but expect the first (and hopefully start of a regular) rumour blog tomorrow or Thursday.
So happy for hockey to be back! Make sure to check out our team bloggers at http://hockey-leaks2.blogspot.com. If you are interested in writing for us, please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Weekend Thoughts
I love the NHL because anyone can happen, anyone can win, and anyone can have a big night.
Who would have thought that Detroit would be 0-2 to start the season after a two-game series with the Blues? Who would have thought that Colorado, who just about everyone had picking Taylor Hall in next year's draft, would start the season 2-0 and Craig Anderson would be the league's best goalie after two games? Vancouver and Carolina are 0-2 on the season, with the of the league's best goalies struggling early after both of them signed monster contract extensions in the off-season. Even Montreal starting the season 2-0 is a little surprising, but both of those wins can be directly credited to Carey Price.
Things that are not surprising anyone? Pittsburgh, Washington, and Philly are all 2-0 and have looked great getting there. In the west, Calgary has looked just as good as we knew they would, with that defense being the most scary in the NHL. Nobody is surprised that Ovechkin leads the league in points with six, he's on pace for a MONSTER year. Speaking of Monster's, nobody should be surprised that at this point, it appears Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson will be replacing Toskala already.
My bad thought of the day? Whose idea was it to give us 15 great games yesterday, and give us nothing today? I know by midnight tonight I will be going through some serious hockey withdrawel.
Don't forget you can check Hockeyleaks.com for up-to-date standings and statistics, as well as who is winning the rookie race (James Van Riemsdyk is the early leader).
We are still looking for team bloggers so if you want to write about your favourite team for Hockeyleaks.com please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com
Have a great rest of your weekend, hockey is back tomorrow!
Who would have thought that Detroit would be 0-2 to start the season after a two-game series with the Blues? Who would have thought that Colorado, who just about everyone had picking Taylor Hall in next year's draft, would start the season 2-0 and Craig Anderson would be the league's best goalie after two games? Vancouver and Carolina are 0-2 on the season, with the of the league's best goalies struggling early after both of them signed monster contract extensions in the off-season. Even Montreal starting the season 2-0 is a little surprising, but both of those wins can be directly credited to Carey Price.
Things that are not surprising anyone? Pittsburgh, Washington, and Philly are all 2-0 and have looked great getting there. In the west, Calgary has looked just as good as we knew they would, with that defense being the most scary in the NHL. Nobody is surprised that Ovechkin leads the league in points with six, he's on pace for a MONSTER year. Speaking of Monster's, nobody should be surprised that at this point, it appears Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson will be replacing Toskala already.
My bad thought of the day? Whose idea was it to give us 15 great games yesterday, and give us nothing today? I know by midnight tonight I will be going through some serious hockey withdrawel.
Don't forget you can check Hockeyleaks.com for up-to-date standings and statistics, as well as who is winning the rookie race (James Van Riemsdyk is the early leader).
We are still looking for team bloggers so if you want to write about your favourite team for Hockeyleaks.com please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com
Have a great rest of your weekend, hockey is back tomorrow!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Hockey's Back!
The season is three days old and I couldn't be happier. It's been great being able to watch several games since Thursday, and if you've been missing out on great action, today is the day to catch up. 15 games on today, including Florida and Chicago, which is on right now. Chicago leads 2-0 thanks to goals by Brian Campbell and Patrick Kane, who has four points already in just one and a half games. Apparently the taxi cab incident is doing nothing to his game.
Yesterday's announcement about Shanahan does not sit well with the Devils, who are entering this season without Gionta or Madden, two huge losses for the team. Pair that with Brodeur being another year older, and star-backup Clemmenson gone, and there are major question marks in New Jersey. The team is in the market for a winger and I'm hearing they could get one sooner than you'd think. The Devils kick off their 2009/2010 season tonight against early-season Stanley Cup favourite Philadelphia. How good did Ray Emery look in game one?
Game of the night? Could be St. Louis and Detroit who put on a hell of a show last night. I think St. Louis will make the playoffs this year and will put up a much better season than last year. A healthy Johnson and Kariya make this team A LOT better instantly.
Another great game today should be Carolina and Boston. Both teams started the season off with a loss and will be looking to rebound and get a tick in the win column. I know a lot of people disliked my prediction of Carolina badly missing the playoffs, but really, without Cam Ward, where would this team be?
Andrei Markov, as we told you yesterday, is out up to four months after surgery to repair a torn tendon. This is HUGE for the Habs and their playoff chances are going to be directly impacted by this. The team has shown interest in semi-retired d-man Patrice Brisbois, but in no way is he a replacement for Markov, who was Montreal's best player last season.
The Leaf being shopped the most? Lee Stempniak. Also, looks like Jeff Finger will be in for Toronto tonight, with Ian White likely watching for the press box. I'm sure that will be confirmed in our forums in the next few hours so check back there.
Get in front of your television and watch some hockey, there are going to be some dandy games taking place today.
If you are interested in blogging for us, please send me an email to cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com. We've already had some great people sign up, and we'd love to add you to the team. This is going to be a great year, so get involved!
Yesterday's announcement about Shanahan does not sit well with the Devils, who are entering this season without Gionta or Madden, two huge losses for the team. Pair that with Brodeur being another year older, and star-backup Clemmenson gone, and there are major question marks in New Jersey. The team is in the market for a winger and I'm hearing they could get one sooner than you'd think. The Devils kick off their 2009/2010 season tonight against early-season Stanley Cup favourite Philadelphia. How good did Ray Emery look in game one?
Game of the night? Could be St. Louis and Detroit who put on a hell of a show last night. I think St. Louis will make the playoffs this year and will put up a much better season than last year. A healthy Johnson and Kariya make this team A LOT better instantly.
Another great game today should be Carolina and Boston. Both teams started the season off with a loss and will be looking to rebound and get a tick in the win column. I know a lot of people disliked my prediction of Carolina badly missing the playoffs, but really, without Cam Ward, where would this team be?
Andrei Markov, as we told you yesterday, is out up to four months after surgery to repair a torn tendon. This is HUGE for the Habs and their playoff chances are going to be directly impacted by this. The team has shown interest in semi-retired d-man Patrice Brisbois, but in no way is he a replacement for Markov, who was Montreal's best player last season.
The Leaf being shopped the most? Lee Stempniak. Also, looks like Jeff Finger will be in for Toronto tonight, with Ian White likely watching for the press box. I'm sure that will be confirmed in our forums in the next few hours so check back there.
Get in front of your television and watch some hockey, there are going to be some dandy games taking place today.
If you are interested in blogging for us, please send me an email to cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com. We've already had some great people sign up, and we'd love to add you to the team. This is going to be a great year, so get involved!
Friday, October 02, 2009
Team Blogger Search
With the season beginning, I am looking for 30 people to represent the 30 teams of the NHL. This was really big for us during the end of last season, but died during the off-season. If you blogged for us last season, you have first crack at your spot. Please send me an email at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com with a sample of writing and which team you'd like to write for. First-come, first-serve. You will have free reign to post your blogs on http://hockey-leaks2.blogspot.com.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
2009/2010 Predictions
So here is what I think the standings will look like following the 2009/2010 season. Please leave feedback in our forums!
East
1. Philadelphia Flyers
2. Boston Bruins
3. Washington Capitals
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. New Jersey Devils
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
7. Montreal Canadiens
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
9. New York Rangers
10. Ottawa Senators
11. Carolina Hurricanes
12. Buffalo Sabres
13. Atlanta Thrashers
14. Florida Panthers
15. New York Islanders
West
1. San Jose Sharks
2. Calgary Flames
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Detroit Red Wings
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. St. Louis Blues
8. Anaheim Ducks
9. Minnesota Wild
10. LA Kings
11. Columbus Blue Jackets
12. Dallas Stars
13. Phoenix Coyotes
14. Nashville Predators
15. Colorado Avalanche
Thoughts? Head to the forums under the "blogs" forum for your feedback!
East
1. Philadelphia Flyers
2. Boston Bruins
3. Washington Capitals
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. New Jersey Devils
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
7. Montreal Canadiens
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
9. New York Rangers
10. Ottawa Senators
11. Carolina Hurricanes
12. Buffalo Sabres
13. Atlanta Thrashers
14. Florida Panthers
15. New York Islanders
West
1. San Jose Sharks
2. Calgary Flames
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Detroit Red Wings
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. St. Louis Blues
8. Anaheim Ducks
9. Minnesota Wild
10. LA Kings
11. Columbus Blue Jackets
12. Dallas Stars
13. Phoenix Coyotes
14. Nashville Predators
15. Colorado Avalanche
Thoughts? Head to the forums under the "blogs" forum for your feedback!
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