March 2007 - Hockey Wiretap
Oilers Recall Nilsson From AHL Springfield, Send Jacques To Minors
The Oilers on Wednesday recalled right wing Robert Nilsson from Springfield and assigned left wing Jean-Francois Jacques to their AHL affiliate.
Nilsson, who returns to the Oilers for the second time this season, began the campaign with Edmonton and had one assist in five games. The 15th overall pick in the 2003 draft has seven goals and 15 assists in 62 career games in the NHL.
Canucks Recall Hansen From AHL Manitoba
Jannik Hansen is no stranger to the Canucks, even though he has yet to appear in an NHL regular-season game. That is about to change, however.
Hansen, who made his Canucks' debut during last season's playoffs, on Wednesday was recalled from Manitoba of the AHL.
Preds' Leipold Extends Negotiating Rights To Local Group
Predators owner Craig Leipold decided Wednesday to give more time to the local investors trying to buy the NHL team and keep it in town.
The local investors put down US$10 million as a deposit in August for the $193 million purchase and faced a midnight deadline Wednesday to finalize the sale or lose exclusive negotiating rights.
Spezza May Miss Game With Groin Injury
The Senators could be without star centre Jason Spezza when they host the Thrashers on Thursday night.
Spezza missed practice Wednesday after sustaining a slight groin pull in Tuesday's skate. Spezza is second on the Senators with 13 points (1-12) in 10 games.
"It happened yesterday and right now it doesn't feel that good," Spezza told reporters Wednesday. "We're just going to kind of take it day by day."
Stars' Modano One Point Away From History
Mike Modano attempts to become the all-time leading scorer among American-born players when the Stars host the Blackhawks on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old center tallied an assist on Monday against the Sharks, giving him 1,231 points in his career, one shy of Phil Housley's 1,232.
Flyers' Hatcher Could Miss 2-4 Weeks After Knee Surgery
Flyers' defenseman Derian Hatcher will undergo surgery to repair cartilage damage in his right knee and will miss two to four weeks.
The 35-year-old Hatcher, who had his streak of 107 consecutive games recently snapped because the knee was bothering him, said he aggravated the injury lifting weights.
Deadline Arrives For Predators Purchase
Time is running out on the effort to keep the Predators in Nashville, as negotiations on Tuesday showed little progress toward today's deadline and ticket sales were running slow.
A mostly local investors group has until the end of today to buy the hockey team from owner Craig Leipold. That won't be possible, given all the approvals still needed, but Leipold could give the group more time before he starts talking to other potential buyers.
Meanwhile, the community is coming up short on its one sure way to require the Predators to stay in town ? buying tickets.
After six home games, the Predators' paid attendance average stands at 12,305, well below the 14,000 that would enforce the team's 30-year lease of Sommet Center.
However, attendance traditionally picks up in the second half of the season, after football ends.
"That's the ultimate ace in the hole that we have," Mayor Karl Dean said last week.
Last Minute Goal Wins Sixth Straight For Wings
Valtteri Filppula gave the Detroit Red Wings a rare win in Edmonton and kept the Oilers from salvaging a point from overtime.
Filppula scored with just 24.4 seconds left in the third period to give the Detroit Red Wings their sixth win in a row, 2-1 over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night.
"We were all thinking it was looking like overtime," Oilers' coach Craig MacTavish said. "At the end of the day when you play them and have a chance to win, it is very disappointing. To have that evaporate in the last 30 seconds of a game, that's tough."
NHLPA Members Approve New Constitution
The National Hockey League Players' Association on Tuesday announced that its members have ratified a new constitution by way of secret ballot.
The announcement marks the end of a review process that began in March 2006.
Among the significant changes, the new constitution eliminates the executive committee, which was comprised of the president and six vice president positions, leaving the 30 club player representatives to serve as equal voting members of the executive board.
Bruins Recall Sigalet From AHL Providence After Injury To Fernandez
The Boston Bruins recalled goalie Jordan Sigalet from Providence of the AHL on Tuesday after Manny Fernandez strained his left knee in practice earlier in the day.
Report: Bruins' Bergeron To Miss At Least A Month
Bruins center Patrice Bergeron is facing at least a month out of the lineup after suffering a concussion, the Boston Globe reported on Tuesday.
Flyers Remain In Mix For Forsberg
There have been reports that Peter Forsberg is nearing a decision on where to resume his playing career.
Flames Sign Kiprusoff To Multi-Year Deal
Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced Monday the signing of Miikka Kiprusoff to a multi-year contract extension.
NHL Suspends Flyers' Jones For Hit On Bruins' Bergeron
Flyers defenseman Randy Jones was supended two games by the NHL on Monday.
Kings' LaBarbera Named NHL's 'First Star' Of The Week
Jason LaBarbera posted a 3-0-0 record as the Kings won three consecutive home games.
Sharks Place Clowe, Davison On IR
The San Jose Sharks placed forward Ryane Clowe and defenseman Rob Davison on IR Sunday.
Kasparaitis Heading Home To Play In Russia
Knowing that his Rangers' career is over, Darius Kasparaitis wants to play for SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian Elite League.