March 2007 - Hockey Wiretap
Nashville Recalls Radulov From AHL
Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Alexander Radulov from the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League and reassigned defenseman Kevin Klein to Milwaukee.
Radulov was reassigned to Milwaukee yesterday. The 6-1, 188-pound rookie has 21 points (11g-10a) in 34 games with the Predators this season.
Columbus Activates Berard Off IR
The Columbus Blue Jackets have activated defenseman Bryan Berard off Injured Reserve, team President and General Manager Doug MacLean announced today. Berard is expected to be in the lineup for tonight's game at Edmonton.
Berard, 29, missed the final 31 games of the 2005-06 season and has not played this season. Last season, he scored 12 goals and 32 assists for 32 points with 32 penalty minutes in 44 games. He set the club record for goals by a defenseman. The Woonsocket, Rhode Island, native has played in 554 career NHL games and totaled 71 goals and 227 assists for 298 points with 444 penalty minutes.
Stuart To Ottawa Rumor A Longshot
While the Boston Herald speculated Tuesday that Brad Stuart could be headed to Ottawa, there's no chance Boston GM Peter Chiarelli is going to send one of his top blueliners to one of his biggest rivals and former employer.
So don't expect to see Stuart, an unrestricted free agent on July 1, wearing an Ottawa uniform after the NHL trade deadline.
Lightning Will Likely Trim Payroll
Lightning president Ron Campbell said Tuesday a tentative budget approved by owner Bill Davidson and CEO Tom Wilson shows $40-million allocated for player salaries.
That is $4-million less than this season's cap. It also is $2-million less than this season's payroll of about $42-million, though that gap could increase if Tampa Bay makes a significant trade to augment its playoff push.
Islanders Inquire About Kasparaitis
The Islanders inquired about Darius Kasparaitis over the weekend, asking if the Rangers would place him on re-entry waivers so Garth Snow's club could claim him at a 50-percent discount rate, The Post has confirmed. The Rangers, however, have no interest whatsoever in carrying the $1.5 million of dead cap space next season that a re-entry claim would mandate.
Rangers Interested In Tkachuk
The Rangers are reportedly interested in St. Louis' Keith Tkachuk, who, in the final season of a contract under which he earns $5.7 million, has played a significant amount of center for the Blues this season while re-elevating his game. Tkachuk, 34 in March, has a no-trade clause, but it's believed he would waive it to become a rental player with the Blueshirts.
Canucks' Kesler Out 12-16 Weeks After Hip Surgery
Canucks center Ryan Kesler underwent successful hip surgery in Colorado on Tuesday and might return for the playoffs.
He's out for the rest of the regular season, but Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault hopes the forward's recovery time will be on the short end of the range.
Conroy Scores Twice Against Former Team
Craig Conroy gave Flames supporters plenty to cheer about on Fan Appreciation Night.
Conroy made a dramatic return to the Flames lineup Tuesday night, scoring twice against his former team to lead Calgary to a 4-1 win over the Kings. Calgary re-acquired Conroy from Los Angeles on Monday in a trade for Jamie Lundmark and two draft picks.
Thrashers Activate Sutton From IR
The Atlanta Thrashers got a big boost Tuesday, activating top defenseman Andy Sutton from injured reserve.
Sutton, 31, had missed the previous 27 games after undergoing surgery to repair a tendon tear in his left ankle. The blue-liner suffered the injury in practice on November 27.
Bruins Recall Krejci, Waive Hoggan
The Boston Bruins recalled center David Krejci from Providence of the AHL on Tuesday, and placed forward Jeff Hoggan on waivers.
If Hoggan clears waivers, he'll be assigned to Providence. He has two assists in 32 games for the Bruins.
Kings Dismiss Blake To Edmonton Rumor
Deam Lombardi dismissed a rumored deal that would send Rob Blake to Edmonton.
Leafs Watching Forsberg Situation Because Of Sundin?
If Mats Sundin actually wants to pick up and move, the Leafs should be able to get more that the Flyers can for Peter Forsberg.
Forsberg's Future No Clearer After Meeting With GM
Peter Forsberg and GM Paul Holmgren agreed the only thing that matters right now is figuring out the player's foot/skate problems.
Flames Grab Conroy From L.A.
The Flames acquired Craig Conroy from the Kings in exchange for Jamie Lundmark and two future draft choices.
Forsberg To Meet With GM
According to Flyers president Peter Luukko, Peter Forsberg will meet with Holmgren and expects Forsberg finally will give an answer to two pressing questions.
NHL All-Star TV Rating Plunges
TV watchers didn't exactly warm up to the NHL's midweek All-Star game.
Avs' Brisebois Out For Regular Season
The Avs' Patrice Brisebois will miss the remainder of the regular season with a back injury.