Hockey Rumors

NHL Rumor - Jul 3 "The Dany Heatley camp still wants a trade, the Ottawa Senators now want a more substantive reimbursement, and the Edmonton Oilers are not yet saying where they stand in the maelstrom that began brewing earlier this week. Having had to fork over $4-million — a bonus that was due at midnight on Wednesday — Senators general manager Bryan Murray does want more than Dustin Penner, Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid. The three Oilers were being offered up by Edmonton GM Steve Tambellini in exchange for the sullen sniper. The deal was essentially scuttled by Heatley, who would not waive his no-trade clause — in spite of a face-to-face meeting with Tambellini and president Kevin Lowe on Wednesday evening. “(The deal) is different now,” Murray said Thursday at a news conference in Ottawa."Edmonton Journal Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 3 "The Monster is still on the loose. Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke was in Sweden again yesterday attempting to sign free agent goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, known in hockey circles as The Monster. However, Gustavsson's agent, Par Larsson, told Sun Media that despite Burke's best efforts to sign the Swede, the 24-year-old goaltender won't make a decision involving his future in the NHL for a few more days. Larsson added that all four interested teams -- Toronto, Dallas, San Jose and Colorado -- are still in the mix, though the Avalanche may not be quite as eager after signing free agent goalie Craig Anderson to a two-year contract on Wednesday."The Toronto Sun Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 3 "Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash hasn't signed a contract extension yet, but a deal could be struck soon. Negotiations became more intense yesterday between Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson and Nash's agent, Joe Resnick. Sources told The Dispatch last night that the sides are not far apart. Apparently, two offers have been discussed: a seven-year deal that would pay Nash between $8 million and $9 million per season, and a 10-year deal worth between $7.5 million and $8.5 million per season. A no-movement clause is expected to be included in any deal, meaning Nash could not be traded or waived without his approval."
Columbus Dispatch Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 2 "But because the Sharks' policy is to respect the process by holding off on any announcement until the NHL approves the paperwork, the team did not make it official and Wilson declined to confirm outside reports. Similarly, sources on both sides of the bargaining table said Wednesday that a new multiyear agreement is in place for Sharks left wing Ryane Clowe that is also waiting for the NHL's blessing. Until that happens, though, no one is talking specifics."San Jose Mercury News Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 2 "The Stars' version of Waiting for Gustavsson entered Act II on Wednesday. While they awaited free agent Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson's decision, three goalies in whom the Stars were interested signed with other teams. "It's a bit frustrating, but we have confidence in the player and we want to see if he picks us," said Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk."Dallas Morning News Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 1 "The Flyers' pursuit of Mike Knuble is going down to the wire. At noon today, Knuble, who turns 37 on Saturday, can become an unrestricted free agent, but general manager Paul Holmgren said last night that he and the right winger's agent were "chipping away" in an attempt to sign a contract. "I'm still hopeful we can get it done," Holmgren said. Holmgren did not close the door on signing prospective free agents Antero Niittymaki or Andrew Alberts, but said it was "questionable" on whether they would be re-signed."Akron Beacon Journal Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 1 "The addition of sniper John Tavares in the draft gives the Islanders a little hope of improving the league's 29th-worst offense. When NHL the free-agent market opens Wednesday, general manager Garth Snow will work on improving the league's 27th-worst defense by going after a quality goaltender to back up rehabbing starter Rick DiPietro. According to the team's most recent statement, DiPietro is scheduled to begin skating in August and is expected to be ready by training camp. But he played only five games last season after his left knee failed to respond to two surgical procedures."Newsday Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 1 "The Avs do not have a lot of money to throw around today when the NHL market opens, and even if they did, multiple league sources say the team is not in a buying mood. In fact, the Avs are looking for ways to cut their payroll, league sources said. The team currently has 18 NHL veterans who either are signed for next season or were tendered qualifying offers to retain their rights."Denver Post Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jul 1 "While Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher and agent Ron Salcer had a lengthy conversation Tuesday, it's unclear as to whether Fletcher extended an 11th-hour contract offer to Marian Gaborik. What is clear is that Gaborik will hit the free-agent market at 11 a.m. today, meaning Gaborik's days in a Wild sweater are all but over. "[Today's] July 1," Fletcher said, "so obviously Marian and every pending unrestricted free agent will be free to speak with teams.""Minneapolis Star Tribune Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 30 "The Devils are believed to be on the verge of re-signing unrestricted free agent defenseman Johnny Oduya, while allowing their only Selke Trophy winner, John Madden, and team-record single-season goal-scorer Brian Gionta to walk as unrestricted free agents tomorrow. The Post first reported on June 18 the initiation of contract talks between the Devils and Oduya. Although the contract was not believed to be complete yesterday, the sides were said to be putting the final touches on what may be a four-year deal in the $3-4 million annual salary range -- a major raise from the $600,000 Oduya made last season."New York Post Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 30 "The Hawks are still negotiating with Allan Walsh, the agent for unrestricted free-agent winger Martin Havlat. The veteran completed a contract worth $6 million this season and both sides have expressed a desire to have Havlat ink a deal before free agency around the league opens Wednesday. Dave Bolland in action Photos Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said, "We've had real strong conversations but nothing concrete as of yet," regarding negotiations with Havlat, who led the Hawks in scoring with 29 goals and 48 assists. Havlat reportedly joined Walsh in Los Angeles on Monday as the free-agency period looms."Chicago Tribune Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 30 "Defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, one of the toughest players to ever dress for the Blue Jackets, probably won't play for them again. The Blue Jackets did not extend a qualifying offer to Tollefsen by yesterday's deadline, which makes him an unrestricted free agent Wednesday. "It was actually a very difficult decision," general manager Scott Howson said."Columbus Dispatch Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 30 "With the Vincent Lecavalier to Montreal rumours laid to rest for at least another week, expect the Canadiens’ focus to turn to Swedish twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Talks between the Sedins and the Vancouver Canucks have stalled and it appears they will be on the open market when they become unrestricted free agents Wednesday. The Sedins won’t come cheap - they are looking for long-term deals worth at least $7 million a season each, but Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey has more than $30 million available to go shopping."Montreal Gazette Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 30 "The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jussi Jokinen to a new two-year contract. Now, what about Erik Cole and Chad LaRose? General manager Jim Rutherford said Monday said he would like to sign Cole and LaRose to multiyear deals before Wednesday, when the free-agency signing period begins in the NHL. As unrestricted free agents, the two forwards will be able to entertain -- and accept -- offers from any team."Raleigh News & Observer Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 29 "If the Canadiens can't swing a deal for Tampa C Vincent Lecavalier, Flyers C Daniel Briere could be the prize behind door No. 2. While Flyers GM Paul Holmgren didn't get any bites as he shopped around his high-priced centre at the draft, it doesn't mean he struck out. Habs GM Bob Gainey could turn his attention to landing Briere, if his bid for Lecavalier fails. Sources say the Flyers would also like to trade W Simon Gagne."Canoe Slam! Sports Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 29 "If Marian Hossa doesn't take the Red Wings' long-term offer for between $4 and $5 million a year, Detroit will trade his negotiating rights, likely by Monday, two days before free agency opens. Reliable sources say the Los Angeles Kings, who are looking for a marquee player and have lots of salary cap room, will come hardest after the unrestricted free agent. They could play Hossa with Anze Kopitar."Edmonton Journal Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 29 "With two days to go before NHL free agency opens, it's almost certain that Blue Jackets center Manny Malhotra will test the market. General manager Scott Howson and Malhotra's agent have not spoken in more than a week since negotiations stalled. Howson would say only that "We have significant ground to cover" if a deal is to get done. The two sides are apart on both dollars and the length of the contract, Howson said. Malhotra made $1.5 million last season, the final year of a three-year contract."Columbus Dispatch Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 29 "With two days to go before NHL free agency opens, it's almost certain that Blue Jackets center Manny Malhotra will test the market. General manager Scott Howson and Malhotra's agent have not spoken in more than a week since negotiations stalled. Howson would say only that "We have significant ground to cover" if a deal is to get done. The two sides are apart on both dollars and the length of the contract, Howson said. Malhotra made $1.5 million last season, the final year of a three-year contract."Columbus Dispatch Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray is finding out that trading Dany Heatley is more difficult than he could have ever imagined. Like, maybe impossible. On the eve of the NHL draft, three weeks after Heatley's demand became public on June 8, the Senators haven't had an offer. Not even one for the proverbial bag of hockey pucks. Consequently, they don't believe they'll be able to trade Heatley this weekend, and even fear they'll be unable to deal him by July 1, when he must be paid a signing bonus of $4 million U.S. That could lead to the possibility of Heatley having to play for the Senators next season, however unpleasant that may be for both sides."Akron Beacon Journal Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "Brian Burke’s aggressiveness to make a deal at the NHL entry draft had the Toronto Maple Leafs front-and-centre in the hotel lobby gossip around town yesterday. In the hours leading up to the 2009 draft, Burke confirmed that he had a noteworthy offer for veteran defenceman Tomas Kaberle. The Leafs also were rumoured to have made a pitch for Tampa Bay Lightning’s Vincent Lecavalier and the San Jose Sharks dangled forward Ryane Clowe in front of Burke.

Burke denied the Lecavalier whispers as did a Lightning official, but the Leafs GM did explain his views on the Kaberle trade offer....Thrashers GM Don Waddell admitted that Burke has badgered him all week long to make a deal. But Waddell said he likely will hold onto the pick, although there was belief that he would take a top-four defenceman as part of package in exchange for the fourth pick.The Globe and Mail Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "Such as: What if neither John Tavares or Victor Hedman goes first? Seems unlikely, particularly after all these months of discussion about these two young gems and all the qualities they might bring to an NHL team, and it would indeed be a stunner if the New York Islanders held on to the top pick and didn't pick either player. That said, there was low-level chatter last night that the Isles might be considering shocking the hockey world and taking Matt Duchene of Haliburton, Ont., with the top selection. GM Garth Snow has been very close-mouthed about his intentions, and there are many who believe that the Isles aren't keen on Tavares' skating and were leaning toward Hedman."The Toronto Star Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "Panthers assistant general manager Randy Sexton said late Thursday afternoon there are "still four teams in the hunt" to acquire exclusive negotiating right to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who will soon become unrestricted free agent. Sexton wouldn't identify the teams or discuss details of negotiations, but he didn't rule out a trade being made tonight."South Florida Sun Sentinel Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "NHL general managers arriving here for this Entry Draft weekend have been met with gridlock created by a surfeit of big-money contracts on the trade market and an absence of teams willing to pay the price to take them. That's why the Rangers remain in the hunt to acquire Dany Heatley from Ottawa, even though they have no intention of surrendering any of their prized young talent in order to obtain the sniper. A well-placed source reports Ottawa GM Bryan Murray, under pressure to move Heatley before a $4 million up-front payment on his $8M salary for 2009-10 comes due on Wednesday, acknowledged yesterday he hasn't received an offer of close to equal value for Heatley, who has five years and $35M remaining on a contract that comes with a $7.5M annual cap hit."New York Post Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "The Toronto Maple Leafs received at least one solid offer for veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle yesterday, and according to a source familiar with the additional offers Toronto fielded later in the day, the Bruins were among the suitors. Kaberle, 31, just completed his 10th season with the Leafs, after being selected 204th overall in the 1996 draft. According to a report on tsn.ca., the Leafs received an offer of a roster player and a draft pick for the Czech-born blue liner."Akron Beacon Journal Comments (0)

NHL Rumor - Jun 26 "The Boston Bruins are in pursuit of Tomas Kaberle and a top 10 pick in today's draft. Sources tell TSN the Bruins have offered restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel to Toronto in exchange for Leaf defenceman Kaberle and Toronto's No. 7 pick in the draft. The Leafs are apparently canvassing the league to see if there are any better offers out there."Akron Beacon Journal Comments (0)