Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 19

TSN.ca

"The Montreal Canadiens, who have struggled scoring goals this season, will have to continue to try to do so without winger Brian Gionta for the foreseeable future. The winger has a fractured bone in his left foot and will be out indefinitely. "The players will have to raise their game to try to make up for it," coach Jacques Martin told reporters after practice. "It opens a door for someone. We've been waiting for that since the start of the season.""

Russian league team pushing to sign Forsberg

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November 4

Denver Post

"The Russian team Ak Bars Kazan in recent days has made a significant push to sign former Avalanche star Peter Forsberg, attempting to steal him away from a potential NHL comeback. According to various news reports in Sweden and Slovakia, Ak Bars Kazan, a team from the country of Tatarstan, offered a large contract to Forsberg to play in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. Forsberg also is being pursued by several NHL teams. Yahoo Sports reports the Philadelphia Flyers are the leading candidate to lure the former all-star back to NHL. The Washington Capitals, Montreal Cananiens and the Avalanche also have shown interest, according to Yahoo."

Habs sniper Cammalleri could have been a Leaf

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October 31

Toronto Star

"Mike Cammalleri was almost a Maple Leaf. Twice. The mere thought of the first time Cammalleri slipped through Leaf fingers makes the Richmond Hill native – who grew up a Leaf fan – chuckle. "Aki Berg," Cammalleri said over the phone from Chicago where the Habs played Friday night. The Leafs traded a second-round pick in 2001 to the Los Angeles Kings for Berg, a middling defenceman at best. With the pick, the Kings chose Cammalleri, a 5-foot-9 centre who emerged as a point-a-game player. "It said on the draft board, `L.A. from Toronto,'" Cammalleri recalled. "It was just the draft, so it's not like I was ever (Toronto) property, but obviously there was a lot that appealed to me about ..."

Habs face captain, Kostitsyn crisis

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September 30

Sportsnet.ca

"For the first time in its storied history, the Montreal Canadiens announced on Wednesday that the club will start the season without a captain. The void was left when Saku Koivu departed for Anaheim as a free agent this summer. Koivu was named the club's first European captain in the autumn of 1999, the 27th captain in franchise history. He wore the C on his jersey for nine seasons and 563 games. It was reported earlier in September that defenceman Andrei Markov turned down a request by the coaching staff to become captain."

Report: Alex Tanguay, Lightning agree to terms of deal

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August 29

St. Petersburg Times

"The Lightning has been looking for a top-six forward, and it appears the team found one. Left wing Alex Tanguay, 29, and the Lightning agreed to terms of a contract pending a physical, Canadian media outlet RDS reported late Friday. TSN, a Canadian sports Web site, said the two sides have been in negotiations since July but it was not until two weeks ago when Tanguay was contacted by Lightning stars Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis that he decided to join the team. The 6-foot, 192-pound Tanguay was sidelined 28 games with a shoulder injury last season with the Canadiens. He finished with 16 goals and 25 assists."

Report: Tanguay to sign with Bolts

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August 29

Tampa Tribune

"The Lightning appeared to have jumped back into the free agent pool and landed a former All-Star. A report by French television website RDS.ca and sister station TSN out of Toronto stated that Tampa Bay has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with free agent left wing Alex Tanguay pending a physical. Tanguay missed 30 games last season with a shoulder injury suffered, ironically, against the Lightning in December. The deal could be announced as soon as Saturday's during the team's Fan Fest event, although it's not expected to be official until early next week after Tanguay undergoes an examination by team doctors. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed and a message left for the ..."

Tanguay passes on Wild

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August 29

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Wild waited patiently for free-agent winger Alex Tanguay to make a decision on his future, and it appears that decision has been made. Canada's RDS reported Friday night that Tanguay has agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sources said Friday morning that the Wild hadn't budged on a one-year, $2.5 million offer -- the max it could legitimately offer the playmaker and still be comfortably under the $56.8 million salary cap ceiling -- but the Wild continued to talk to both Tanguay and his agent. Agent Ritch Winter, who could not be reached for comment Friday, said last week that Tanguay, 29, was doing as much homework as possible so he could determine the best situation. Tampa ..."

Canucks close to signing Schneider

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August 25

Sportsnet.ca

"The Vancouver Canucks are very close to signing free agent defenceman Mathieu Schneider to a one-year deal, sources tell Sportsnet. Schneider split time between Altanta and Montreal last season, recording nine goals and 23 assists in 67 games. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been saying he'd like to sign one more defenceman to the roster, and Schneider would also fit the bill of a power-play quarterback the Canucks have been seeking."

Gainey leaves door open for big trade

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August 4

Montreal Gazette

"I called general manager Bob Gainey yesterday and received the usual message: "Hi, this is Bob Gainey. I'm not in. You can leave a message, but don't expect a call back until I do something." There's no reason to expect a call from Gainey, who was busy last month. He said goodbye to 10 unrestricted free agents and brought in seven new bodies. The roster appears set with 20 players under contract and about $2 million left to sign restricted free agents Matt D'Agostini and Gregory Stewart. So why are there all the rumours about an impending trade and some expensive, big-name players? Perhaps, it's because Gainey himself left the door open on July 1 when he announced the first wave of ..."

Habs could facilitate Heatley trade to Sharks

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August 3

Ottawa Sun

"Dany Heatley's quest to get out of Ottawa isn't dead yet. Senators GM Bryan Murray confirmed in an e-mail to Sun Media that he could have "an option" to move the disgruntled left winger, but with the clock ticking toward the opening of training camp Sept. 12 at Scotiabank Place, the club will have to move quickly. Sources say the San Jose Sharks have more than a passing interest in the two-time 50-goal scorer, but if they're going to make the deal, they might have to get a third team involved — possibly the Montreal Canadiens — because the Senators won't accept what the Sharks have on the table. The Senators don't want anything to do with winger Jonathan Cheechoo, who has been offered as ..."

Players looking for jobs

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August 3

Montreal Gazette

"Charles Darwin ... meet Gary Bettman. With about six weeks left before National Hockey League training camps open, dozens of players are still looking for jobs. Their agents are busy these days, sending out resumés and calling general managers. Some players will be lucky, but many won't. It is part of the price they paid to end the season-long, 2004-05 lockout. Of course, it wasn't clear initially this would be a by-product of the new collective bargaining agreement. But the introduction of the salary cap, which was NHL commissioner Bettman's price for peace, ultimately brought with it a vicious, midsummer scramble for jobs. Those left without work after teams reached the salary-cap limit ..."

Tanguay on teams' wish lists

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July 14

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"The Panthers are one of five or six teams in the mix to sign free-agent winger Alex Tanguay, his agent said Monday. "They're one of the teams we've talked to, but that's about all I can say," Tanguay's agent, Robert Sauve, said. He added that he has received "a few offers," but wouldn't say whether one of those was from Florida. Panthers assistant General Manager Randy Sexton wouldn't comment on Tanguay when asked last week, noting only that "we're constantly looking to improve our team." Tanguay, 29, had 16 goals and 25 assists in 50 games with the Canadiens last season. He made $5.375 million, with a salary cap hit of $5.25 million, but is expected to take a pay cut. The Senators, Stars, ..."

Gainey sizes up his plan

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July 11

Montreal Gazette

"Let's hope Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey has a few dollars left in the kitty. It's going to cost him a small fortune to buy nameplate letters for the uniforms of all his new players. Gainey yesterday signed unrestricted free-agent defenceman Paul Mara, most recently of the New York Rangers, to a one-year deal estimated at $1.675 million U.S. Then a few hours later, he put the name of rugged San Jose Sharks winger Travis Moen on a three-year contract reported to be worth $4.5 million. Both players said last evening they chose Montreal because they see the revamped Canadiens as an opportunity to challenge for the Stanley Cup. The Mara signing satisfies Gainey's desire to add one more ..."

Wild waiting on decision from Saku Koivu

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July 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"One day after signing winger Martin Havlat to a six-year, $30 million deal, General Manager Chuck Fletcher spent much of Thursday trying to fill another significant hole in the Wild's lineup. Fletcher said "negotiations are ongoing with Saku" Koivu, the decorated older brother of Wild center Mikko Koivu. But according to sources, the deal appeared to be heading south fast after the team believed Koivu-to-Minnesota was a lock Wednesday night. "We've expressed some interest. I think a lot of teams have expressed interest," Fletcher said. "He's a great hockey player and there aren't a lot of centermen in the market place, so I'd be stunned if 10 or 15 teams haven't reached out to him by this ..."

Gainey sizes up NHL market

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July 2

Montreal Gazette

"Detroit bills itself as Hockeytown. The folks in Minnesota describe it as the State of Hockey. Montreal is rapidly becoming the Land of the Smurfs. Size has been a problem for the Canadiens up front, but when general manager Bob Gainey had a chance to radically change the face of the Canadiens, the team became smaller. During the last two days, the Canadiens have said goodbye to four of their top forwards and replaced them with a top line of newcomers who could moonlight in the next Disney on Ice production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Centre Scott Gomez is 5-foot-11. Left-winger Mike Cammalleri is 5-foot-9. Right-winger Brian Gionta is 5-foot-7. You could argue that Rangers general ..."

Report: Kovalev back with Canadiens

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July 1

NHL.com

"Despite a disappointing season, the Montreal Canadiens reportedly have re-signed top-line forward Alexei Kovalev to a two-year contract. Sportsnet.ca is reporting the value of the deal to be $9 million. Kovalev led the Canadiens in scoring with 65 points in 78 games despite being sent home for a few days during the season by General Manager Bob Gainey. The season was a drop-off from Kovalev's resurgent 2007-08 output, when he had team-highs of 34 goals and 84 points, and led the Canadiens to the best record in the Eastern Conference."

Wings' offer might not be enough for Marian Hossa

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July 1

Detroit News

"As NHL free agency moved toward Wednesday's noon start, it appeared Marian Hossa of the Red Wings was ready to shop around. Hossa and agent Ritch Winter turned down an offer from the Wings for at least eight years at $4 per season. On the free-agent market, Hossa is expected to get offers significantly higher -- perhaps worth $15 million to $20 million more over the life of the contract -- due to the Wings' salary cap restrictions."

Habs get Gomez from Rangers

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June 30

TSN.ca

"Getting a jump on the free agent market, the Montreal Canadiens moved to secure their centre ice position, making a big trade with the New York Rangers Tuesday. The Canadiens acquired centre Scott Gomez, winger Tom Pyatt and defenceman Mike Busto from the New York Rangers in exchange for winger Chris Higgins and defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko from the Montreal Canadiens. Gomez, 29, is coming off a down season for the Rangers, finishing with 58 points, his lowest total since 2002-2003. A two-time Stanley Cup winner with the New Jersey Devils, Gomez was a blockbuster free agent signing for the Rangers in the summer of 2007. Gomez is signed through 2013-2014, at a salary cap ..."

No progress on trade front

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June 30

Ottawa Citizen

"With one day to go before a $4-million bonus is electronically transferred into his bank account, Dany Heatley remains an Ottawa Senator. General manager Bryan Murray tried again Monday to find a deal for Heatley, who earlier this month requested a trade, but got no closer to finding another National Hockey League trading partner. He talked several times to Heatley's agents, J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine, and they're trying to help arrange a match. Whether they can before the Senators must pay the bonus on Wednesday is another question, but it doesn't appear so unless there's a drastic reduction in Murray's asking price, which would be an unwelcome signal of defeat. While there continue ..."

Don't expect Habs to jump on big UFAs

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June 30

Montreal Gazette

"Was it only a week ago that Canadiens fans were twisting themselves out of shape celebrating reports that a "blockbuster deal" was in the works at the draft? You may remember Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey was suggesting (wink! wink!) a deal was a real possibility heading into Friday's NHL entry draft. It didn't happen. The fact is there was only one trade worthy of note, and that was when the Anaheim Ducks dealt Chris Pronger to the Philadelphia Flyers. Now, the question is whether or not the Canadiens will exercise the "B" word tomorrow when a number of high quality unrestricted free agents become available. It's only a guess, but don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen, ..."

Sedins on Canadiens' free-agent radar

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June 30

Montreal Gazette

"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 tomorrow. The Sedins won't come cheap - they are looking for long-term deals worth at least $6.5 million a season each - but Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey has more than $30 million available to go shopping. The Canadiens are one of several teams interested in the 28-year-olds and the bidding could be another chapter in the long rivalry between the Canadiens and the ..."

It's decision time for GM Gainey

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June 29

Montreal Gazette

"The Canadiens' continuing failure to secure a big centre has left general manager Bob Gainey with a sizeable dilemma. Gainey has some decisions to make in the next few days because the Canadiens currently have only two centres under contract - Maxim Lapierre and Glen Metropolit. Gainey had hoped to trade for a big centre during the National Hockey League entry draft on the weekend, but it was one of the quietest drafts in recent memory, with the Canadiens general manager describing it as a logjam. Montreal's hope was to land île Bizard native Vincent Lecavalier, but Len Barrie emerged as the winner in his personal feud with Tampa Bay co-owner Oren Koules and vetoed any deal involving ..."

Stud centre tops Habs' wish list

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June 26

Montreal Gazette

"The National Hockey League entry draft is centre stage at the Bell Centre, but Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey said he hopes to steal the show with a trade that would fill the team's need for a big centre. "It hasn't been a secret that we've always been in the market for a big, strong, first-line centre and wherever that player may be, that's where we'll be looking," Gainey said yesterday during an informal gathering to discuss the Canadiens' plans for the draft, which begins tonight (7 p.m., TSN, RDS) with the first-round selections. "I think it's going to require some patience, maybe a little bit of luck. We feel we have some of the assets needed to put a deal together if we have a ..."

Canadiens leave Koivu hanging

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June 26

Montreal Gazette

"With eight days remaining before he can become an unrestricted free agent, Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is in limbo. Koivu's agent, Don Baizley, said yesterday that he and Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey have talked, but the club has not extended an offer. "Saku would like to stay in Montreal, but we're waiting to see what the team has in mind," Baizley said. Gainey said this week that he has talked with several of the 10 unrestricted free agents on the roster, but that any serious talks were on hold until after this weekend's draft. Koivu made his debut with the Canadiens in 1995 and has been the captain since 1999. He has never had any problem reaching a contract agreement with the ..."

Koivu's on the outside looking in

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June 25

Montreal Gazette

"With eight days remaining before he can become an unrestricted free agent, Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is in limbo. Koivu's agent, Don Baizley, said yesterday that he and Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey have talked, but the club has not extended an offer. "Saku would like to stay in Montreal, but we're waiting to see what the team has in mind," Baizley said. Gainey said this week that he has talked with several of the 10 unrestricted free agents on the roster, but that any serious talks were on hold until after this weekend's draft. Koivu made his debut with the Canadiens in 1995 and has been the captain since 1999. He has never had any problem reaching a contract agreement with the ..."

Molson brothers buy Montreal Canadiens for $500M

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June 22

Montreal Gazette

"The Molson brothers - Geoff, Andrew and Justin - are proof that the early bird doesn't always get the worm. The Molsons were the last group to enter the bidding for the Canadiens, but their efforts were rewarded yesterday when it was announced that they had reached an agreement in principle to buy a controlling interest in the team from George Gillett Jr. The announcement yesterday ended speculation over Gillett's future in Montreal. On several occasions, he has denied that the Canadiens were for sale and said that he was merely reviewing his assets as part of an estate-planning exercise. Gillett bought the team for $275 million in 2001, but his stake in the team and the Bell Centre is ..."

Sources: Molson family reaches deal to purchase Canadiens

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June 20

ESPN.com

"Hockey's most storied franchise has been sold, pending approval from the NHL. Sources told ESPN.com Saturday that the Molson family has agreed in principle to purchase the Montreal Canadiens and Bell Centre from George Gillett. The deal still needs approval from the NHL's Board of Governors. The league needs to do due diligence on the sale and have a board vote, and a source said Saturday that approval of the sale "will be sometime mid-summer at the earliest.""

Sale of Canadiens reportedly near

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June 20

The Globe and Mail

"The process to sell the Montreal Canadiens is grinding inexorably toward its conclusion, and is set to be consummated in the coming days. Sources close to the bidding say the auction process is in its closing stages, and that a final deal is within reach. "It's getting down to the short strokes," said a business source who is involved in one of the bids. It's not known who has lodged the potentially successful bid, although La Presse reported the Molson brewing family's proposal figures among the finalists. Club spokesman Donald Beauchamp would neither confirm nor deny that a deal is near, saying "there's nothing new to say, the process is following its course.""

Habs fitted for cap

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June 20

Montreal Gazette

"The National Hockey League salary cap for the 2009-10 season will be revealed next week, but one thing is already certain - the Canadiens have more money to spend on free agents than any other team. But it remains to be seen whether this is a blessing or a curse. For the first time since the lockout, the salary cap won't rise. But it is expected to be in the $54 million-$56 million U.S. range, and the Canadiens have 11 NHL players under contract with a commitment of only $23.5 million. General manager Bob Gainey gave himself a great deal of flexibility by finishing the season with 10 players who could become unrestricted free agents on July 1 as well as three restricted free agents. But ..."

Flyers centre Brière just doesn't do it for Canadiens

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June 16

Montreal Gazette

"The Canadiens are not interested in acquiring centre Daniel Brière and it has nothing to do with the fact he snubbed the team two years ago when he was an unrestricted free agent. Brière has a no-movement clause in the eight-year, $52-million contract he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007, but the franchise has hopes of creating some cap space. The folks in Philly have talked to the Canadiens and the Los Angeles Kings, but neither team was interested. There also is a report that they have talked to the Phoenix Coyotes, although you have to wonder whether anyone has the authority to talk on behalf of the team that may or may not be bankrupt and/or on the way to Hamilton. Montreal ..."

Heatley still a hot ticket, NHL exec says

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June 15

Ottawa Citizen

"At least one National Hockey League executive says Ottawa Senators left-winger Dany Heatley remains an extremely marketable commodity, believing the two-time 50-goal scorer can turn the trick a third time. "He still had some pretty good numbers last season (39 goals and 34 assists), and he played pretty well," said the executive, who agreed Sunday to discuss the options facing Senators general manager Bryan Murray on condition of anonymity. "Logic would tell you that he can perform better if he's happy. If he was unhappy in Ottawa, he might do a lot better somewhere else. He's a major asset. Of course there's the uncertainty of the salary cap going forward (the current team limit of $56.7 ..."

Saku Done In Montreal

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June 13

Toronto Sun

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"It would appear C Saku Koivu's days with the Canadiens are finished. The Habs' captain will likely test the UFA market, although talk has resurfaced that he's going to pack his bags for Minnesota to play with brother Mikko. The Habs, meanwhile, are trying to sign D Mike Komisarek and RW Alexei Kovalev. Komisarek is expected to test the market, while Kovalev is expected to stay in Montreal"

Another local group eyes Habs

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June 13

Montreal Gazette

"The chances of the Canadiens reverting to Quebec ownership became stronger yesterday when a group headed by Stephen Bronfman and Joey Saputo was identified as the third Quebec-based bidder for the team. Both will be relying on family resources to support what is reportedly an opening bid of $450 million for the team, the Bell Centre and the Gillett Entertainment Group. While both have been successful in their own right, they are best-known as the sons of multi-billionaires. Bronfman's father, Charles, was involved in the family's liquor business and other interests. He also owned the Expos before running out on the team and leaving it in the hands of Claude Brochu. Stephen Bronfman has a ..."

Quebecor's multimedia vision for Habs is a bit scary

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June 12

Montreal Gazette

"George Gillett and Tom Hicks have been in business long enough to understand that if you put enough money into a business, you want to have a significant say in the way that business is run. The two businessmen are scrambling to hold on to Liverpool FC, a power in European soccer and one of sport's iconic brands. Their purchase of the team was heavily leveraged and the downturn in the economy has left the two in a vulnerable position. During the past week, they managed to reach an agreement that will allow them to refinance a $630-million note held by the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia. Both men have attempted to raise cash by offering minority shares in their sporting empires. Hicks ..."

Molson brothers bid for Habs

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June 11

Montreal Gazette

"Three members of the Molson family confirmed yesterday that they have made an offer to purchase the Canadiens, the Bell Centre and the Gillett Entertainment Group. "We have assembled a very solid and credible group of investors and financial institutions as part of our offer," group leader Geoff Molson said in a statement. "They are all dedicated to the long-term success of the Canadiens and have a strong presence in Quebec." Geoff Molson is joined in the bid by his brothers, Andrew and Justin. "We think our offer has all the ingredients to be well received by the potential seller and the NHL," said Molson, noting that the group has presented a bid to owner George Gillett. "We look forward ..."

Martin expected to be new Habs coach

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June 1

Toronto Sun

"There will be a familiar face behind the Montreal Canadiens bench. The Habs have called a news conference for today where they're expected to name Jacques Martin as their head coach. League sources say Martin has stepped down from his post as GM of the Florida Panthers because of the financial instability of the club and the possibility they may be sold."

Hockey came first for Molsons

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May 29

Montreal Gazette

"Hockey's most important story of the week for Canadiens fans had nothing to do with the start of tomorrow night's Red Wings-Penguins Stanley Cup final in Detroit. It had nothing to do with the same two teams pursuing the game's biggest prize for a second consecutive season. It had everything to do with the announcement this week that members of the Molson family are "considering" purchasing the team from George N. Gillett Jr. Uh-huh. That Gillett, the one who the last time we met I asked about reports that his Canadiens were on the block. He insisted in the briefest interview of my 50-plus-year career that his decision to hire a firm to study his financial situation was linked only with ..."

Habs offer Kovalev captaincy, new deal: Russian report

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May 28

Montreal Gazette

"A Russian sports newspaper said Wednesday that the Canadiens have offered the team's captaincy to pending unrestricted free agent Alex Kovalev and that Saku Koivu is no longer in plans for the team, according to report on TSN's website. Sovietsky Sport said the Canadiens don't intend to re-sign Koivu and would opt to re-sign Kovalev to a one-year deal worth between $6 million and $7.5 million. The story also claims that Kovalev would be awarded the captaincy. The paper adds that Kovalev wants to remain with the Canadiens and negotiations with the team would continue when he returns from holiday. Sovietsky also reports that the Canadiens offered defenceman Mike Komisarek a multi-year ..."

New horse enters race for Habs

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May 27

Montreal Gazette

"A late entry with an impressive pedigree might turn the quest for control of the Canadiens into a three-horse race. Geoffrey E. Molson, whose family is a major part of the team's storied history, announced yesterday he "is considering the possibility of submitting a proposal to acquire the Montreal Canadiens hockey club." While there had been reports this year that the Molson family might be interested in submitting a bid, yesterday's announcement was the first formal acknowledgement that a Molson was interested in re-acquiring the family heirloom. Geoffrey Molson said the bid would be on behalf of members of his immediate family, including his brothers, Andrew and Justin. Until yesterday, ..."

No free rides these days

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May 25

Vancouver Province

"The NHL free agent meat market that opens its doors on July 1 is still five weeks away, but it's already clear that Vancouver Canucks duo of Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be amongst the prize offerings should they make it that far. The pending unrestricted free agents (UFA) are finishing up a contract that paid them $3.575 million annually. They've been close to or at a point-a-game producers the last four seasons and, at 28, are in the prime of their careers. The Sedins have stated they want to continue to play together and they would like to remain in Vancouver. Discussions were put on hold in March, but the twins' agent, J.P. Barry of Calgary's CAA Sports, said he expects talks to get ..."

Russian coach off Habs' list

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May 20

Montreal Gazette

"You can scratch Vyacheslav Bykov from the list of head-coaching candidates for the Canadiens. What's that, you didn't know the successful head coach of Russia's national team was on the list? Neither did we until we read a recent post on the popular Russian website Sport den za dnem. That's Sports day after day in English. The revelation was made by Igor Zakharian, who is Bykov's assistant with the national team and, until recently, with CSKA Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League. Zakharian said the pair received offers to coach in Sweden, Switzerland and Canada before signing with the KHL's Salevat Yulayev in Ufa, the oil-rich capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan. When Zakharian was ..."

Roy denies Avalanche of rumours

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May 19

Montreal Gazette

"Is Patrick Roy biding his time while waiting for the Canadiens to offer him their head coaching job? That seems to be a distinct possibility after Roy denied yesterday that he has been offered the same position with the Colorado Avalanche. The Denver Post reported yesterday that Roy had been offered the job in Colorado and was thinking it over. But the Hall of Fame goaltender quickly squelched the rumour when he told Radio-Canada: "I never received an offer ... but anyway, I'm not commenting." Roy flew to Denver this month to meet with Avalanche president Pierre Lacroix, a longtime friend who was once Roy's agent. While Roy said he took advantage of the opportunity to meet with Lacroix ..."

Briere to Habs for Price?

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May 17

Camden Courier-Post

"The latest trade rumors involving the Flyers have either Danny Briere or Joffrey Lupul and a top prospect (either James Van Riemsdyk, Luca Sbisa or a 2009 first-round pick) headed to Montreal for goaltender Carey Price and the rights to defenseman Mike Komisarek, who will be unresitricted on July 1. If Briere is included, he would need to lift his no-trade clause to make it happen. Price has a cap hit of $2.2 million. Komisarek could command about $5 million. Another trade rumor has the Flyers interested in obtaining goaltender Roberto Luongo and perhaps the rights to UFA defenseman Mattias Ohlund from the Vancouver Canucks for a similar package, although the Canucks are pushing hard for ..."

Roy deserves coaching shot, Bowman says

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May 12

Montreal Gazette

"Scotty Bowman, who knows something about coaching, says he believes Patrick Roy is ready for a head-coaching job in the National Hockey League. "I think he has enough experience now and deserves an opportunity," Bowman told the Denver Post. "I know he has the passion to coach. He's done a good job in junior," added Bowman, who has won more games than any coach in NHL history. Roy has made it clear he's interested in making the jump from the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and has been mentioned as a possibility to coach the two teams he played for in the NHL - the Colorado Avalanche and the Canadiens. Roy seemed headed back to Colorado when he met with Avalanche ..."

Lecavalier stays put ... for now

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May 8

Montreal Gazette

"In the debate whether the Tampa Bay Lightning should trade star centre Vinny Lecavalier, Len Barrie's position is clear: the co-owner wants him in a Tampa Bay uniform. "He's a generational player," Barrie said Wednesday. "Why wouldn't you want a player like that?" So a deal would have to be a clear win for him to get on board? "I didn't say that," Barrie said. "I said he's a generational player. He's one of the top five players in the league when he's healthy. You never say never, but am I waiting for it? No." It was an interesting exchange given one of the Lightning's main considerations before the June draft is whether to build around Lecavalier, 29, or remake the team with what the ..."

Habs sale could lighten Gillett's debt load

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April 24

Globe and Mail

"The Habs nation stretches from sea to sea to sea. But as George Gillett ponders the fate of his sports empire, he is more interested in building a Liverpool FC franchise that could attract a global fan base than in holding on to the Montreal Canadiens. As the Canadiens begin what is expected to be a tumultuous off-season, their owner faces hard decisions on how to finance his share of a planned new stadium for the English soccer team that Gillett co-owns with fellow sports magnate Tom Hicks. The pair must come up with an estimated $550-million to pay for a new, 71,000-seat stadium in Liverpool, while at the same time keeping bankers happy. As potential buyers circle the Canadiens and the ..."

Contract crunch for Captain K

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April 24

Montreal Gazette

"Saku Koivu said it would be "awesome" if he finished his National Hockey League career in Montreal, but there are no guarantees that's going to happen. The Canadiens captain, who made his NHL debut with Montreal in 1995, said he needed some time to reflect on his future and that he expected the team would do the same. "The team has been really fair to me," said Koivu, who has also been fair in his dealings with the Canadiens. Koivu said if his vision of the future meshed with that of the team, he expected to have a deal, ideally for two of three seasons, before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He added that if there's no deal before the deadline, he will probably be playing ..."

Canadiens Trade Rumors