NHL Quick Hits and Rumors
– Bruins Patrice Bergeron suffered torn cartilage in Game 4, a broken rib Game 5, a separated shoulder and collapsed lung in Game 6. He wouldn’t have been able to play in Game 7. Bergeron said that he won’t require surgery and should be ready for camp. Beast.
Courtesy: NY Daily News
– Tim Thomas has asked his agent to search his options for next season as he does want to come back to the NHL. The Columbus Blue Jackets could be an option, where he could split time or back up Bobrovsky, who just re-signed a two year deal. The Philadelphia Flyers would also be interested, and given their penchant for acquiring quirky goaltenders, it could be a perfect match. Minnesota could be an option as well. Not sure what kind of offers he would get considering he hasn’t played in a year, but someone will overpay for him. Doubtful that the New York Islanders, who traded for his contract this season, will try and sign him at this point.
– Rick DiPietro has been officially waived by the New York Islanders for compliance buyout purposes. He’s been plagued his entire career with criticism and injury and I really hope that someone picks him up and gives him another chance. He’s been stuck on the island way too long. The remaining 8 years of his 15 year contract will be bought out – which is a nice pay day for him.
– The Canucks are doing the same with defenseman Keith Ballard. Chances are he’ll pass through waivers and be bought out. He’s a good catch for any team looking to bolster their D. The Flyers, I’m sure, will make a call.
– New Jersey Devils forward David Clarkson will be headed to free agency. Toronto seems to be very interested as are the Wild.
– With the Devils bidding adieu to Clarkson, that frees up a little more money, and rumor has it they are making a play for big defenseman, Dustin Byfuglien of Winnipeg. Byfuglien, however, is a little out of shape as it was leaked that he weighed in at over 300-lbs – yes he’s that big. I can’t tell you how true that is, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was. If he does get shipped to the Devils, you better believe that GM Lamoriello will be sure to get his ass in shape. The Flyers are also interested as they are with every defenseman in the league.
– Nathan Horton will not be a Bruin next year. He said that he will test the open market and a load of teams are anxious for him to be released. The Stars are the front runners as are the Oilers, but look for the Maple Leafs and Sabres to inquire. Because of Horton’s departure, Tyler Seguin is off the trade market.
– With Mike Ribeiro officially heading to free agency and the idea that Schultz, Ward and Erat could be bought out, that leaves some wiggle room for the Caps to take a run at Lecavalier or Danny Briere. The only thing against them is that owner Ted Leonsis does not like signing aging vets to long term deals. Lecavalier is looking for 5-6 years but Briere could be asking the for something shorter as he doesn’t want to leave home for too long.
– Ryan Miller was apparently being looked at hard by the Blue Jackets before they re-signed Bobrovsky. Now the Sabres are chatting up the Flyers and, possibly, the St. Louis Blues. Could a goalie-for-goalie swap happen with Jaroslav Halak heading to Buffalo? Who knows? The Flames are also interestd, with the Penguins and Capitals kicking tires. Let’s say for the sake of speculation the Caps are interested, they’d have to send Neuvirth over and someone like Jason Chimera, or possibly the rights to Ribeiro if he agreed. Then of course they’d have to figure out how to fit Miller under the Cap. Speculations are fun, eh?
– The Caps are also looking at impending free agent defenseman Rob Scuderi of L.A. He could still be re-signed, but the Caps were definitely kicking tires at the draft. The Rangers and Maple Leafs are also interested as are, of course, the Flyers.
– The Caps also put Jeff Schultz on waivers with the purpose of buying him out. He’ll have a $2M cap hit for the next two years.
– The Sharks traded T.J. Galiardi the Flames for a 4th round pick in 2014. The Sharks picked up Tyler Kennedy via trade with the Penguins which made the Galiardi trade possible.
