Peter Forsberg scored a goal in his first game back in Pro Hockey today and helped MODO win 4-1 over Skelleftia in the Swedish Elite Legue.
Grebeshkov (Edmonton) will be out at least a week with a high ankle sprain after being tripped by Toronto’s Plekanak.
Tomas Plekanak (Toronto - C) has been suspended for 2 games following a dangerous play against the Oilers. Plekanak tripped Grebeshkov from behind, sending him into the boards.
Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky argues with the officials as his team gets called for a penalty during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks in an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Canucks defeated the Coyotes 4-3.
Avery NOT in Substance Abuse ProgramClassic Contrary to a published report, Sean Avery has not been put into Stage 1 of the joint NHL-NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Modification Program. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen at some point in the near future, perhaps in a matter of days or weeks. (The Full Story on TSN)
Bettman: Avery’s words “disgusting & Offensive”
The Dallas Stars have made the best of a bad situation by cutting loose disgraced winger Sean Avery, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday. “They’re supportive of him getting the counselling he’s getting, they’re continuing to pay his contract, and I think it became obvious that that was an uncomfortable situation for everybody, so they’ve all decided to move on,” he said. “I think that was a very professional way to handle it.” (The Full Story on TSN)
Hordichuk meant no offense towards Linden
Rugged Vancouver forward Darcy Hordichuk says he meant no disrespect toward Trevor Linden when he made a reference to the former Canuck captain in a recent interview. (The Full Story on TSN)
Forsberg hopes for post-season return
Peter Forsberg says he wants to try the NHL one more time. According to the Denver Post, Forsberg hopes to participate in the 2009 NHL playoffs, and he would like to do so in a Colorado jersey. (The Full Story on TSN)
Suspensions:
None
Trades & Transactions:
Fredrik Norrena (G – Columbus) Demoted to AHL (Syracuse, NY)
Injuries:
Nathan Horton (C – Panthers) Ankle. Should return Tuesday.
Ryan Whitney (D – Pittsburgh) Should return next week.
Bob McCown reported yesterday Mats Sundin has decided to join the New York Rangers. McCown’s source – said to be close to the situation – believes the decision will be made public later this week.
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
NHLPA Plans to file grievance on Avery suspension
The National Hockey League Players Association is planning on grieving Sean Avery’s 6-game suspension. The PA believes NHL commissioner Gary Bettman handed down a summary suspension before the hearing, constituting a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA suggests for off-ice discipline a hearing must take place before action is taken. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
Wild keeping Gillies from World Juniors
While Team Canada’s December camp roster for the World Junior Hockey Championship has room for additions, forward Colton Gillies will not be one of them. (The Full Story on TSN)
Wilson puts struggling leafs through early morning skate
For most NHL teams taking a road trip through a warm and sunny locale, a round of golf is usually on the schedule. But for a Toronto Maple Leafs club that dropped two of three games after a humiliating loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, it’s a good ol’ fashioned bag skate. (The Full Story on TSN)
Can the Stars start fresh without Avery?
While it has been made clear that the Dallas Stars aren’t interested in getting Sean Avery back in their lineup anytime soon — if at all — are there any other opportunities that might work with other teams around the NHL? (The Full Story on TSN)
Canucks GM Gillis believes Sundin decision imminent
As Mats Sundin continues to ponder his future, Canucks general Mike Gillis is once again attempting to convince the Maple Leafs all-time leading scorer that Vancouver should be his destination of choice. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
None
Injuries:
Sam Gagner (C – Oilers) Day-to-Day with concussion.
Owen Nolan (RW – Wild) Day-to-Day with lower body injury.
Robert Nilsson (LW – Oilers) Placed on Injured Reserve.
Rumours & Gossip:
Possible trade locations for Avery?
Could there be a trade involving Sean Avery? An article allegedly from TSN lists 5 teams who could provide possible trade locations for the forward. All would involve long term contracts that have not paid off; Dustin Penner (LW – Oilers), Jason Blake (LW – Maple Leafs), Radim Vrbata (RW – Lightning), Rostislav Olesz (LW – Panthers) & Sergei Samsonov (LW, Hurricanes).
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
Avery gets 6 game suspension
The National Hockey League came down hard on Dallas Stars superpest Sean Avery Thursday, handing him a six-game suspension for making inappropriate public comments prior to the Stars’ game in Calgary on Tuesday. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
Burke offers front office job to Nonis
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has made an attempt to strengthen his front office, offering Dave Nonis the position of Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
None
Injuries:
Raffi Torres (LW -Blue Jackets) Out 4-6 weeks after knee surgery.
Patrick Kaleta (RW – Sabres) Placed on indefinite IR.
Brad Lukowich (D – Sharks) Left game early with lower body injury.
Rumours & Gossip:
Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
Avery to meet with Bettman and the NHL Thursday.
The date of the hearing has been set; this Thursday. Avery will travel to New York to face the NHL. Stars co-GM Brett Hull is said to be traveling with Avery. (The Full Story on TSN)
No Way Out For Avery Ross McKeon of Yahoo! Sports breaks down the Avery situation and explains that there may be no way for Avery to come out of this in a good position. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
Avery Apologises to NHL, Team, Ex’s Avery’s publicist wasted no time in drafting a well written apology. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
NHL Suspends Avery Indefinitely
After making the “sloppy seconds” comment, the NHL quickly jumped in and indefinitely suspended the agitator. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
Fan injured in fall at Senators game
A male fan was injured at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday during the Ottawa Senators’ 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers after falling from the top level of the arena. The man, who Senators president Roy Mlakar stated was not inebriated, originally fell over in row D of the 300 level. He then plummeted into row D of the 200 level, falling on a woman who also sustained injuries. Mlakar believes the man was not seriously hurt. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
Canes Sack Peter Laviolette
Carolina fired Peter Laviolette on Wednesday. The Hurricanes brought back Paul Maurice to take over as coach, and moved assistant general manager Ron Francis behind the bench as Maurice’s associate coach. Laviolette led the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup title. He’s the career victory leader among U.S.-born coaches.
Trades & Transactions:
Anaheim acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from Phoenix on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom. Stephenson will report to Iowa of the AHL.
Injuries:
Brian Rolston (NJ Devils) – Expected back thursday.
Joe Sakic (C – Avalanche) Expected to miss 6 weeks.
Marian Gaborik (Wild) Not yet ready to return.
Rumours & Gossip:
What to do with Avery?
Rumours are ripe that Avery has played his last game in a Stars jersey. If that’s the case, there are a few options the team has, which include: Demoting him to the minors, buying out his contract, looking for a trade, or going through legal channals to void his contract. Either way, if it’s true that Avery is on the out, this could mean a very positive thing for the team.
Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Rangers prospect dies during game in Russia A Russian lawmaker said Tuesday that rising hockey star Alexei Cherepanov, a first-round draft pick of the New York Rangers, may have died due to negligence on the part of paramedics who responded to an emergency call.
Cherepanov, 19, died Monday during a Continental Hockey League game outside of Moscow.
Russian investigators said Cherepanov suffered from chronic ischemia, a medical condition in which not enough blood gets to the heart or other organs.
Predators C Arnott leaves game Nashville Predators center Jason Arnott left in the third period of Monday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks with a hand injury. Arnott, who recorded a shot on goal and logged 11:31 of ice time before exiting the contest, did not return. “He jammed his hand on one of our power plays and didn’t feel he could hold the stick,” said Nashville coach Barry Trotz, who did not specify which hand was injured. “So we took him out and he will be evaluated (on Tuesday). He is day-to-day, looks like just a jam, we don’t think there is any break.” The 34-year-old has two goals and two assists in three games this season. (Yahoo! Sports)
Jack Johnson out two to three months Los Angeles Kings defenceman Jack Johnson will miss up to three months because of a shoulder injury from Sunday’s 1-0 loss to San Jose. Johnson was hit hard late in the first period and took a single shift in the second period before leaving the game. (Yahoo! Sports)
Chuck Kobasew: Out Three Weeks Coach Claude Julien said Kobasew (fractured right ankle) will be sidelined for three weeks, the Boston Globe reports. (Yahoo! Sports)
Ryan Whitney: Targets December Return
Whitney (foot), who expects to return to action sometime in December, hopes to begin skating in early November, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. (Yahoo! Sports)
League Updates:
Bettman on NHL: ‘We’re still in growth mode’
The NHL is “still in growth mode” despite the economic downturn, commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday, noting that ticket sales have increased this season. “We’re acutely aware of what’s going on out there, but it hasn’t yet impacted us,” Bettman said before attending Monday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks. “I have no doubt that, over time, if it’s long enough and bad enough, it will have some impact, but based on what we’re seeing right now, our business seems to be strong.” (Yahoo! Sports)
Flyers name Barber scouting consultant
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday welcomed a familiar face back to the franchise. The Flyers named Hall of Fame player and former coach Bill Barber as a scouting consultant. “It’s great to come back home where I belong,” said Barber, who won two Stanley Cups with the team in 1974 and 1975.. “I spent 30 memorable years with the Flyers organization and personally, everything was great. I had great experiences and a great association with the Flyers. (Yahoo! Sports)
Signings, Transactions & Acquisitions:
Flyers get D Alberts from Bruins
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins for left wing Ned Lukacevic and a conditional pick in 2009. Alberts, 27, appeared in 35 regular season games for the Bruins last season, recording two assists and 39 penalty minutes. He was also scoreless in two playoff games for Boston. “Andrew is a big, competitive defenseman and he skates well,” general manager Paul Holmgren said. “He will bring experience and depth to our team.” (Yahoo! Sports)
Kings claim Clancy DETROIT NEWS/MLIVE.COM: report the Los Angeles Kings have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. (Spectors Hockey)
Flyers Acquire Alberts Various sources report the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Ned Lukacevic and a fourth round pick in 2009. (Spectors Hockey)
McLaren on Waivers SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS: David Pollak reports the Sharks placed on McLaren back on waivers, not re-entry waivers. “Even if no team claims McLaren in this 24-hour window, (Sharks GM Doug) Wilson said, the waiver process could start conversations going that reach fruition in the next two or three days” reports Pollak. (Spectors Hockey)
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports a source claims Marian Gaborik is seeking a ten-year, $100 million contract from the Minnesota Wild. “Good luck to you, young man. Enjoy your time in Russia”, write Brooks.
MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: Michael Russo reports Gaborik could become “this season’s Marian Hossa”, suggesting the Wild could indeed trade the talented but injury-prone winger if they’re unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. One thing for sure: These Internet rumors that Gaborik wants to play in Edmonton are as laughable as Sean Avery jumping up and down in front of Martin Brodeur”, reports Russo.
Red Wings’ Chelios out 3 – 6 weeks DETROIT (AP)—Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios will be sidelined three to six weeks with a fractured shin bone. The 46-year-old Chelios is the NHL’s oldest player. He is entering his 25th NHL season and his 10th with Detroit. The team says Chelios was injured while blocking a shot during the third period of Tuesday night’s 2-1 preseason loss to Montreal. (sports.yahoo.com)
Predators’ Legwand should play friday Legwand (knee), who missed practice again Wednesday as he recovers from a sore knee, won’t play Thursday against the Hurricanes but is likely to play Friday at Atlanta, the Nashville Tennessean reports. (sports.yahoo.com)
Islanders’ DiPietro continues to progress DiPietro (hip/knee) will take part in the pregame skate Friday morning, the New York Newsday reports. (sports.yahoo.com)
Player Updates:
Khabibulin eyes return to Russia TORONTO (TICKER) —Three days after being placed on waivers by the Chicago Blackhawks, Nikolai Khabibulin reportedly is considering a return to Russia. TSN of Canada reported on Thursday that Khabibulin’s agent, Jay Grossman, told the web site the veteran goaltender is taking a closer look at the Kontinental Hockey League. “Nik has several options, both here and over there,” Grossman told TSN. “However, nothing has been finalized and by no means is anything imminent.” (sports.yahoo.com)
League Updates:
NHL to continue expansion to Europe PRAGUE, Czech Republic – The NHL is giving two more countries a first look at regular-season games this weekend, and it’s a sight Europeans should be getting used to. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday that the season-opening doubleheaders in the Czech and Swedish capitals Saturday and Sunday “are hopefully ushering an era of a more permanent presence for the league (in Europe).” (sports.yahoo.com)
Signings & Acquisitions:
Joh Bailey signs with Islanders
UNIONDALE, N.Y. – The New York Islanders signed first-round draft pick Josh Bailey to a three-year, entry-level contract Thursday. Bailey, chosen with the ninth overall pick this year, has been attending training camp with the Islanders but has played in only one of New York’s four pre-season games due to an undisclosed injury. He turned 19 on Thursday and celebrated by signing his first NHL contract. (sports.yahoo.com)
Bruins demote 3, waive another
BOSTON (TICKER) —The Boston Bruins on Thursday assigned goaltender Tuukka Rask and defensemen Matt Lashoff and Jeff Penner to Providence of the American Hockey League. The team also placed center Martin St. Pierre on waivers. (sports.yahoo.com)
Allen Panzeri reports Senators GM Bryan Murray is set to meet with the agent for team captain Daniel Alfredsson on Saturday to discuss a contract extension.
Stephen Harris reports Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli denied a report in yesterday’s Herald that top center Marc Savard might be traded. “We’re not looking to trade Marc Savard,” said Chiarelli, who didn’t rule out other deals. “There’s a chance. I’m looking to improve the team. I’ve had a couple of discussions, more than a couple.”
Joe Haggerty (under the “This Just In” segment) recently reported Chiarelli said there was a “better than fifty percent chance” that he could make a trade prior to the start of the NHL season on October 9th.
The Chicago Blackhawks are prepared to loan goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin to a Russian team in order to remove his $6.75 million salary from their payroll. Negotiations are believed ongoing but it has yet to be determined which KHL team he could be loaned to, although it’s believed HC Dinamo Minsk of Belaruscould have the inside track as Khabibulin is believed to have family there.
Craig Custance reports Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk denied speculation he was growing unhappy with the club and might try to seek a trade prior to the end of his contract in two years time. Kovalchuk maintains he wants to try to turn the Thrashers into a winner over that time.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the NHL has indefinitely suspended Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli as of Tuesday after the Billionaire Philanthropist’s and co-founder of Broadcom Corporation gave a guilty plea to a felony court to lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The NHL will review the case after Samueli is sentenced on August 18, and will adjust the suspension accordingly.
“I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension,” Samueli said in a statement released by the Ducks. “I’m confident the team will be in great hands in my absence.” - NHL – Yahoo! Sports
Samueli’s partner in Broadcom Corp, Henry T. Nicholas III is awaiting trial also, for conspiracy, securities fraud and other charges.
While under suspension, Samueli will not be able to involve himself with the Anaheim Ducks in any way.
The NHL board of governors have unanimously approved the sales of both the Edmonton Oilers and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Daryl Katz, a Canadian Billionaire purchased the Oilers for nearly $200 million, buying all 7,492 shares from the previous 34-member Edmonton Investors Group.
“I am very pleased to have received the Board of Governors’ unanimous approval,” Katz said in a statement. “We look forward to closing the transaction on or before June 30th and gearing up for the coming season.” - Yahoo! Sports
Tampa Bay Lightning’s new owners, the OK Hockey Group have agreed to pay $206 million, plus existing debt for the club. The OK Hockey Group is led by Hollywood producer, Oren Koules and former player Len Barrie.Technorati Tags: tampa bay lightning, edmonton oilers, gary bettman, board of governors, nhl
NHL Disciplinarian Colin Campbell announced today that Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks will receive an 8 game suspension after stomping on the calf of Vancouver Canuck Ryan Kesler.
“In attempting to free himself, Pronger carelessly and recklessly brought his foot down,” Campbell said in a statement.
- Yahoo! Sport
The suspension has raised an outcry among the public who are shocked to yet again see a double standard from the NHL when it comes to handing out discipline to players.
Earlier this season the NHL suspended Chris Simon for 30 games after he was found guilty of stomping on the ankle of Pittsburgh Penguin Jarkko Ruutu. Does it not seem odd then that Chris Pronger would only receive 8 games?
The Chris Simon suspension was long because Simon was considered a “repeat offender”, and someone that needed to learn the hard way.
What does that make Pronger, who now has been suspended 8 times in his career. Surely we don’t need to remind you of last season where he received 2 suspensions during the playoffs for rough / dirty play, including that elbow to the head of Dean McAmmond in the Stanley Cup Finals.
The answer is there, if you look hard enough. Chris Simon is not an all star player, nor a big point scorer, or a crowd drawing player. Chris Pronger is. Chris Simon is not a Norris quality player. Chris Pronger is.
Is the NHL too scared, maybe even gutless to come down hard on an all star player? Chris Pronger has shown that these stupidly small suspensions do nothing to encourage him to clean up his game, so why don’t Gary Bettman and the NHL do something about him?
Something to think about.
Pronger will be able to play again on the last day of the regular season, meaning he will be free to throw his weight around in the playoffs. Let’s hope, for the sake of the opposition players that he learns to control himself before then.
Rangers prospect dies during game in Russia
after the Billionaire Philanthropist’s and co-founder of Broadcom Corporation gave a guilty plea to a felony court to lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The NHL board of governors have unanimously approved the sales of both the Edmonton Oilers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. 
NHL Disciplinarian Colin Campbell announced today that Chris Pronger of the Anaheim Ducks will receive an 8 game suspension after stomping on the calf of Vancouver Canuck Ryan Kesler.
What does that make Pronger, who now has been suspended 8 times in his career. Surely we don’t need to remind you of last season where he received 2 suspensions during the playoffs for rough / dirty play, including that elbow to the head of Dean McAmmond in the Stanley Cup Finals.
