Updates on Marc-Andre Fleury, Ben Bishop, Steven Stamkos Rick Nash and more in the latest NHL Rumor Mill update.
Could Flames pass over Fleury for Bishop?
Penguins set a high asking price for Marc-Andre Fleury.
CALGARY SUN: Eric Francis reports the Pittsburgh Penguins’ asking price for goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is the Flames’ first-round pick (sixth overall) in the upcoming NHL draft. “It’s not going to happen, nor should it,” says Francis, who believes Fleury’s value dropped in the wake of the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks yesterday. It will keep dropping as the Flames consider other options, such as St. Louis’ Brian Elliott or pursuing San Jose’s James Reimer via free agency.
Still, Francis claims the Flames remain interested in Fleury. He also considers Tampa Bay’s Ben Bishop a “pipe dream” for the Flames, as he’ll command over $7 million next season as a UFA.
YAHOO SPORTS: Greg Wyshynski cites a report from Kevin O’Donnell of WTVT Fox 13 in Tampa claiming “reports out of Canada” saying the Flames have a deal in the works to acquire Ben Bishop from the Lightning.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Wyshynski, I haven’t seen or read reports that the Flames are closing in on Bishop. TSN’s Bob McKenzie last night speculated the Flames will or already have spoken with the Lightning about Bishop, but nothing indicating a deal is close.
As for Fleury, Francis is correct when he said the Penguins don’t have many options here. The Flames are the only club in dire need of a starting goalie and with the cap space to absorb Fleury’s $5.75 million annual cap hit. Of course, that depends upon Fleury’s willingness to accept a trade to Calgary.
Perhaps another team (Dallas? Buffalo?) jumps into the bidding for Fleury. Otherwise, if Penguins GM Jim Rutherford wants to move Fleury and Calgary is the only destination, that asking price must come down.
Update on Stamkos
TAMPA BAY TIMES: Joe Smith reports Lightning GM Steve Yzerman hopes to get clarity on Steven Stamkos’ contract situation by this weekend. If the Lightning decide to trade Stamkos’ rights, he’ll have to waive his no-movement clause. Yzerman said at this point he’s only spoken with the Stamkos camp about re-signing him, not trading his rights.
TSN 690 (VIA TODAY’S SLAPSHOT): Darren Dreger claims there’s talk the Buffalo Sabres will go all in Stamkos, with some rumors suggesting they’re prepared to offer up as much as $12 million per season to get him. If the Sabres land Stamkos, Dreger suggests that could help sway college prospect Jimmy Vesey, whose rights the Sabres recently acquired from the Nashville Predators, to sign with Buffalo.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s really a simple choice for Stamkos. Accept less money ($8.5 million annually) on an eight-year deal to stick with a Stanley Cup contender, or chase the big bucks elsewhere and put off those championship aspirations for a few years, perhaps forever, by signing with a rebuilding club with plenty of cap room.
Latest on Nash, Hamhuis and Campbell
NEW YORK POST: Brett Cyrgalis suggests the possibility of the New York Rangers trading left wing Rick Nash “in order to free up cap space for either a return or a free-agent signing.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Nash speculation recently cooled but that doesn’t mean Rangers GM Jeff Gorton isn’t calling around. Worth keeping an eye on this as the draft nears.
VANCOUVER SUN: Ben Kuzma reports Canucks GM Jim Benning would welcome a scenario similar to the Dallas Stars trading the rights of Alex Goligoski to the Arizona Coyotes if pending UFA blueliner Dan Hamhuis isn’t part of their future plans. Benning, however, said he hasn’t received any calls from rival clubs about Hamhuis, adding the situation remains fluid. “We’re going to see at the draft when we’re talking to other teams if there are players who make us better and then we can circle back with Dan and try to get something figured out. There’s nothing that has changed on that, we’re still trying to figure it out.”
MIAMI HERALD’s George Richards recently tweeted the following on Florida Panthers pending UFA defenseman Brian Campbell: “Tom Rowe (Panthers GM) expects Brian Campbell to test free agency.”
Wow, Jimmy is playing hardball. Not sure why.
Take the 35th pick and maybe a 4th or a 3rd next year and move on.
The fact that the Pens are negotiating tells me that Marc is willing waive to go to Calgary, at least.
Fleury to the Flames is such a good fit hockey wise for both Fleury and the Flames and the Pens don’t have many options, I think a deal get done here.
I know this…Calgary would be getting a really good goalie and a much better person.
Oilers should trade Taylor Hall for PK. hear me out. haha
to Edmonton – Subban
to Montreal – Hall/3rd
then Edmonton signs Andrew Ladd (4 yrs $23M) to play LW with McDavid and Eberle. Montreal can save some money on this deal and sign a dman like Brian Campbell (3 years $19.5M) or Dan Hamhuis (3 years $14M)
Hall and a 3rd rounder for pk?? Doesn’t help the habs, if they trade pk its for a top 4 in this years draft and a top 6 forward or top 4 d to help the hole on d left by pk, campbell and hamuis r both left handed so dont help
Hall and the Oilers 1st this year and then that’s a long shot….but interesting
no one likes a cutter. that had nothing to do with MAF or pens or cal. get to the back of the line bozo
Dream on if the HABS are trading Pk nothing less than Hall 4th overall and either Nurse or klefbom will be going to the HABS
I wouldn’t say he’s playing hardball. Any negotiation has to start somewhere, and you better start high when shopping a quality goalie like Fleury.
I obviously know he’s not worth the 6th overall pick, but might as well try to get the best deal they can. They also don’t need to trade him right now anyway. I’m totally fine with them having Fleury and Murray next season. If that kills Fleury’s trade value by the deadline or next summer, I’m OK with that.
Yep. Start high. Agreed. But Rutherford must be high to start here.
So many other options JR is not in the position of power as expansion is looming.
sorry busterbrown. That was starting to high. thats like someone offering pens a 2nd rounder for crosby to start negotiations. anderson set market. pens should be happy to get a second and a decent prospect from cal.
I agree, they should be happy to get a second rounder and a decent prospect for Fleury. Hell I’d be all over that.
Doesn’t mean you don’t start a negotiation with a high-ball. You walk in asking for what you think is fair, then you’ll end up getting talked even lower. I agree 6th overall is not even close to happening.
As I understand it (correct me if I am wrong) because Fleury has a NMC he would have to be protected if he were still on the roster when the expansion draft happens.
So, if the Pens were to keep him and he were to get hurt, he would have to be protected and they would lose Murray.
Maximizing the return on Fleury would not worth that risk to me. I’d trade him now.
Totally agree. While I wouldn’t suggest a 6th overall is the same value, what I will say is that we’re all focusing on the wrong things here. The headline is Fleury for a 6th, but what we don’t know is if this is a 1:1 or there is more coming back. For example, what if it is Fleury and a 2nd rounder for a 6th or Fleury and Beau Bennett, etc.? Suddenly not so one sided of a deal. But we just don’t know what the other details are right now.
I haven’t heard or read anything other than above about Bishop’s salary expectations but if Calgary is the only option out there for Fleury or Bishop then I don’t see Bishop getting 7+ mill a year. No way I give up the 6th over all for Fleury if i’m Calgary – i’d settle on Howard at 5.3 for the next 3 years and hope he bounces back after a couple of tough years and /or sign Reimer and wait to see what else comes up in the next couple of years.
Howard is a good goalie and would fit in well in Calgary. Howard’s problems are magnified by the terrible defense that plays in front of him. Calgarys defense should significantly help Howard regain his all star form….
I agree Pads – I think he would be Calgary’s best cost conscious option…
In that case wouldn’t Bernier make sense for Calgary too? Especially with The Leafs taking back Wideman and the flames holding on to about $1 – $1.5 Million in salary.
@Tazi….makes a lot of sense Bernier for Wideman Leafs young D could use a mentor with Phanuef gone
cal defense is why ramo and hillier are out. worse than detroits by far.
Chrisms – Calgary’s defense gave up the 6th fewest shots last year, while their goalies combined for the worst save percentage and most goals allowed.
Fleury and Bishop are the only legitimate starters left on the trade market. If they can’t be had for a reasonable price, then our best option is signing Reimer, which shouldn’t be an issue as we are the only team really able to offer him a chance to start. Why trade any assets for Bernier (especially if we’re the ones keeping salary) or Howard (who was never very good, just played on a team with a great system). Neither Bernier or Howard can be considered as an upgrade to Ramo realistically.
And I keep reading different reports on the necessity of protecting Fleury as a result of a limited NMC, so I’m not 100% sure that the rule for that is clarified yet.
I have a hard time seeing Calgary trade for a goalie that doesn’t involve Wideman going the other way, and looking at the Penguins and Lighting defence I don’t see a fit there.
What are the rumors on what Riemer would be asking for? With the flames still having to sign Gaudreau and Monahan and wanting to sign Colborn they are getting tight to the cap.
Flames have about 25m in cap space. Assume 13m to Monahan and Gaudreau and you have 12 for a goalie and RFA’s. If we get Fleury or Bishop, Wideman likely wouldn’t be part of the deal.
I can see Anderson’s contract as a comparable for Reimer if he hits FA. Regular season numbers are similar.
As for Stamkos to Buffalo – I can see them gunning for him but he’d better plan on becoming the second coming of Captain America via some crazy new Gary Roberts workout regimin ’cause he’s gonna have to double shift at center all year…lol. But seriously – I remember when Nash signed the huge contract with Columbus and then they could never build a team around him cause he took up so much cap room. Tim Murray is gonna be in the same spot Yzerman is in today if he does that – they’d have no cash to re-sign their RFA’s…
I agree swiss…I’m hoping the Sabres stay away from Stamkos. For 10-12M they can get at least 2 if not 3 players to help the rebuild.
During a press conference today Murray said “internally they haven’t discussed an offer for Stamkos so all numbers out there are wrong”. As I stated yesterday he is a straight shooter so I have to believe the rumors are false.
Eichel and ROR in the number 1 and 2 center positions – means there is no pressing need for Stammer.
No PRESSING need, but you can always slide ROR back to LW where he played a lot of his time in COL and you’d have an even better top-6. Although, I agree completely that I’m not giving any one player $10M+ in today’s NHL
I’m going to go against the grain here and say bring in Stamkos to Buffalo. People forget we have quality veterans in Gionta, Moulson, Ennis, and Kane. A guy like Stamkos could jump start their motors again! If you can regain production from these guys the young guys will follow and the rebuild happens much faster! For the first time (long time) I think these veterans are much more able to regain their game (their names are much better than Leino, Connolly, Stewart, or Hodgson)
IMO – I think Buffalo needs “leadership” and I’m willing to pay for a guy like Stamkos. If he can get the fellow leaders above to play again – we’ll be in great shape!! Spend the rest of the cap on defense and take a shot on a goalie.
Bart – what makes Stamkos a “leader”?
4th Hanson brother – I think Stamkos has done enough in this league and in his locker room to declare himself a leader and captain in this league.
Something good is going on in Tampa and I’m sure it might have something to do with their captain. Tampa even got Drouin — who wanted out all year to grow up and show up for the playoffs!
Stammer to Buffalo makes zero sense to me. They will hamstring themselves signing him to 12 million a season. It seems like anyone going over 9.5 for him will be overpaying in today’s market.
That’s exactly my thoughts as well – he’s worth 8.5M tops, no more. He has not brought a Cup to TB and, as you have noted will hamper the Sabes efforts to resign their current young players when their time is due.
Agree with all. Also, isn’t Sam Rienhart a center? They spent a very high pick on him.
As said by others on this site, Buffalo is starting to stack up nicely.
Too bad you don’t know the Sabres. Have you seen our centres lately?
One of the best two way centres in the league in ROR.
Two of the top young centres in the league in Reinhart and Eichel
Between those 3 I very much doubt Stamkos will even have to double shift in one game through the whole season. I haven’t even mentioned Girgensons, Larsson and Ennis yet.
I agree with the cap thing. But what you’re saying about Columbus is wrong. They are an internal cap team. Unlike Columbus, Sabres have one of the richest owners in the league who has stated time and time again that we will be spending to the cap.
Stamkos will be a Leaf when it is all said and done.
I wouldn’t give up too much for Nash who pretty well looks like a one trick pony to me! And a 1st rounder for Fleury you’ve got to be kidding?!?!? 6th overall no way Jose!!!!! If Calgary does that Burke and his entire staff need to be fired!
Sheesh…Burkie will give you this year’s first and next year’s aswell!
Cries in corner *
Nash’s offensive numbers aren’t what they should be. And he’s not worth his cap hit. But I wouldn’t call him a one trick pony either. He has size, protects the puck very well and plays in all situations. I think his defensive skills are grossly underrated.
Nash would be a good fit in Anaheim possibly…
What about if pitsburge throughs in there 2 rounder would that get the deal done because they have 2 2nd.
If Andersen Is worth a a first rounder and a second rounder then Fleury is worth higher
There is a huge difference between 6th overall pick and 30th (last 1st round) overall pick. Plus if Ducks had to choose who to protect in expansion draft it would be Gibson, so not as pressed as Pitt since Fleury has NMC they have move him or forced to protect him. You can only protect 1 goalie and Pitt is smart to make the Murray. Since all the cards favor Calgary if they can get a second they should take it and run. Specially since they are going to need the cap space soon as well.
The 30th pick… People are acting like the leafs gave up a mid range 1st. They gave out two 2nd round draft picks in everything but name.
I think Brad Treliving is waiting to see if Yzerman gets Stamkos under contract. As I’m sure Yzerman is too. Cause If they do, they will not be able to afford Bishop. And then you got the expansion draft next June which will put either Bishop or Vasilevsky in danger. If they don’t get Stamkos signed, Bishop stays and Vasilevsky may be an option for Calgary.
as i’ve said before, best thing for the Rangers to do at this point is to blow it up, no one is untouchable including pretty boy hank.
When is the last time Ny went into rebuild mode? The answer is not anytime in recent history. Ny doesn’t really need a rebuild.
As far as Lundqvist goes…. With Fleury, Bishop, etc on the market…. That’s going to be a tough sell.
And do u really want to see Rannta in net every night? No thanks on that.
Denial. A tough pill to swallow.
Denial???? When is the last time Ny went into rebuild mode???????? Denial would be saying …… Ever!
geoff204 and Steve
Hall alone is a over payment for PK. I love PK and would love him in Edmonton but its not
about just the player anymore its about the contract. And Hall at $6M is a steal whether you like him or not, PK at $9M cripples future growth with salary cap not moving up.
Hall isn’t an over payment for PK. PK is worth more for sure. Either way PK isn’t going anywhere.
If Edmonton can get Subban for Hall, they need to wrap Hall up in a bow and send him packing right this second.
As it stands now—With Buffalo after signing their RFAS (Foligno, Girgensons, Ristolainen, McCabe, Nelson) they will have about $10M in cap space assuming the cap does not change for next year.
Buffalo could sign Stamkos to a shorter term contract of 2-4 years at a high cap hit. If they sign him to a long term contract they wont be able to keep Eichel or Reinhart
That would hurt his value in the long run, this is his payday. Not a chance anyone gives him anywhere near 10 in 4 years.
You really believe Stamkos will take a 2-4 year deal when there will be plenty of teams offering him the max term.
agreed – Stamkos is signing for 7 year we just need to know for how much
As I said…if they sign him for 7 years then eichel or Reinhart will likely be traded because you can’t pay 4 forwards players $7M or more on 1 team…if you do it will hurt the team where other players can’t be paid.
Or accepts a trade to a team before July 1 that he can sign with for 8 years…and big bucks
Flames would be smart to wait until July 1. Reimer showed good stats this year and especially with SJ. Put him behind the Flames defense and see how good he is? Tampa and Pitsburg need to be careful or they could be in expansion hell. At least Bishop will be a UFA after next year so they won’t be required to protect him in the expansion draft. Reimer will also be cheaper.
In regard to Stamkos TO can not go over $9,000,000.00 or they will end up in the same cap hell the Tampa Bay is in. As a Leaf he would make more in endorsements than salary in TO. With Matthews and Kadri Stamkos gives the Leafs three scoring lines and the making of a skilled useful fourth line which is a coaches dream. That is of course if most of the prospects realize their potential. JVR, Kadri, Matthews, Nylander, Marner are all expected to be top six players then Brown, Lievo, Kappenin, Soshnikov, are all expected to be second or third line players. Komorov, Holland, Gauthier, Lindberg and Hyman fit that third or fourth line slot. The key is that these players may take some time to show they fit in the above slots. That leaves veterans like Bozak, Michalek, Greening, Laich and Lupul to fit in where appropriate or to be moved? On paper the forwards look pretty good. Next year at tis time will clarify who fits where. I expect most of these veterans will be dealt but I hope they keep Greening because he showed a lot last year. I still think Tampa will sign Stamkos but add him to that mix and everything looks even better.
I could see Leafs signing Stamkos for 9.1 million, he will make millions per year more in endorsements, more than he could in any other market, period. Hometown, original six team. As for those arguing playing on a contending team, Detroit could not contend with Datsuk ( yes I know injuries were a part,and the point is moot if they cannot trade Datsyuks contract. And as for Buffalo, just how many of the 14 forwards can Murray keep promising top 6 minutes to? And are they much closer to contention, with or without Stamkos? No disrespect intended ( I like Buffalo and Buffalonians but same money, where did Mrs. Babcock choose? And it was not even her hometown. The more I see things develop I see Toronto as the Team to beat in the Stamkos sweepstakes, if they are in it. You mentioned Leivo. I think he will be gone as part of a package deal. Supposedly asked for a trade at start of season. Lou and Shanny never forget.
rangers are in lots of trouble right now. playoffs proved they are not a contender but they have little to no minor league talent. nash=overpaid, stepan=overpaid, staal=overpaid, girardi=overpaid, hank… debatable overpaid. they need to trade and rebuild or its going to get only worse. trade any of the above for futures… retaining money as needed and in a few years of smart managing you have a team not going down like a mob hit in cement boots.
Steve Zipay who covers the Rangers for Newsday Sports tweeting out that the Blackhawks are kicking the tires on Malkin. HOW?!
There is no player in the entire NHL LESS likely to be traded than Evgeni Malkin.
Geno has a full NMC/NTC. He owns that roster spot.
And despite all the bizarre, baseless speculation, no Malkin does not “want his own team” or to be “the guy”. Living quietly and playing hockey in Sid’s shadow while Sid handles all of the media, etc. is exactly what Malkin wants.
Still, most of the rumors make more sense than that one.
Malkin wouldn’t be “the guy” on a Chicago team with Toews & Kane but sure
Also, Yotes and Goligoski apparently have deal in place. 5 x 5.5mm
I’m a huge Penguins fan and well life is sweet right now with the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup. The malkin rumors are not new, and he does have a full no trade clause…..but there is a bit of friction between malkin and Sullivan (Malkn is an east west player/Sullivan’s system is north south) He has given a list of a couple teams that he would indeed except trades to…loed help us if Chicago Gm finds a way to clear out cap space Toews, Kane and malkin wow…and Geno wont be the man no pressure…50/50 at best.
Also is it just me or wouldn’t Marc Andre Fluery be a nice fit in Dallas? IF Gm can move one of their slug overpaid goalies that Held Dallas back….Fluery can make the big save they need and with that offense…
Ok.. how about Pen’s through in Chris Kunitz???
Let’s do it..Done!!
I agree to wait on a Fleury trade until until July 1.Reimer is a viable option and Leverage !
Fleury is a fit in Calgary though but for max 54 & 56 and a maybe a player like Jooris.
I’d be all for moving Malkin for picks and prospects as long as Stamkos is signing with Pitt, but not sure how GMJR would make it work
Apparently Colorado is trying to move Varlamov, send the AV’s Fleury and Pouliot for Matt Duchene
I think Fluery would also fit there to I agree… move Varlamov send them Fluery and Pouliot for Duchense…I like that idea… not sure if it happens.. but i like it.. Duchense has speed and well that fits the Penguins.
I suspect most teams would be interested in Stamkos as goal scorers are hard to come by. Even teams that don’t currently have the space could well be interested and then move other parts to make it work. I could see the Islanders signing him long term to replace Okposo but would hate to see it limit their ability to resign Taveras.
I think teams like Chicago and Anaheim feel the pinch of having two big contracts in the fold. Hard to have a team that wins because it’s hard to maintain your depth. Of course Pit did it this year and Chicago seems to manage to stay extremely competitive but with a fixed cap something has to give when you’re paying someone 10 mil plus.
I agree with you on the Islanders going hard for Stamkos. You would have to think they’d only sign him to a deal that will also allow them to still sign Tavares to an appropriate deal.
Sabres could use a legitimate #1 goalie but it’s not MAF, Bishop would be a good choice but his salary demands are out of line. Teams are done paying goalies 7-8 million per.
Calgary’s options are to play Ortio or one of thwor 2 good goalie prospects right now with a playoff caliber team. Other options are to sign Reimer or trade for Bernier cheap. Fleury and Bishop will cost them a 6th. All say expansion draft but Tampa and pittsburgh will make a choice during the season then trade between their choices….believe me there will still be a market for 2 top 10/15 goaltenders or young goaltenders who could be a franchise.
If you think calgary (or any other team) is in 9th or 10th place at the deadline with an average goalie next year and they have a chance as bishop/vasilevski or fleury/murray they won’t pay a kings ransom in picks and prospects? Rutherford and Yzerman are not dumb enough to keep both by expansion draft and there is always a need for a great goalie.
I think the best two places for MAF are Dallas and Colorado…it isn’t news Patrick Roy was extremely disappointed in the teams goaltending…. also Dallas needs a goalies that can make the big stop if they can just get rid of one of their two over paid slugs goalies…Fluery fits nice…
Your Head coach is a goaltending great..Fluery has won two cups…and the Penguins wouldnt have even made the playoffs if not for Fluery 30 plus wins .920 save % until he got hurt 31 good years ahead…we will see
stamkos
– GP 569 G 312 A 250 PTS 562
– 50 + 60 goal seasons
– #1 centre
– available for free
robidas + lupul + michalek = 12 mil
leafs need a number 1 centre
they have cap + extra
age fit with “vets” kadri/jvr/anderson 26 – 27 yrs old
ohh i forgot
draft shmaft