NHL Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 4

Toronto Sun

"Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is not about to book Phil Kessel a flight to Toronto. Burke reported yesterday that a deal between the Leafs and the Boston Bruins, which would have seen Toronto defenceman Tomas Kaberle head to Boston for the high-scoring Kessel, is not on the table anymore, at least not at this point. In fact, Burke added that interest in Kaberle's services, once very high, has cooled down. Kessel, 21, is a restricted free agent, meaning that the Bruins can match any offer sheet he receives from other NHL clubs, and reportedly is looking for something in the neighbourhood of $5 million US. The Bruins, however, quickly are running out of cap space and probably would have to ..."

Report: Hawks may have goofed

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July 4

Chicago Tribune

"The NHL and NHLPA are investigating whether the Blackhawks correctly filed qualifying offers to several key players, including Kris Versteeg, Cam Barker, Ben Eager and Troy Brouwer, TSN reported Friday. If the offers are ruled invalid, the players could be deemed unrestricted free agents. One source told TSN the players involved didn't receive the necessary notification of the offers. The NHL is trying to determine whether the situation was remedied in time. Hawks GM Dale Tallon said the qualifying offers were mailed to the players in time -- on June 29 -- but said because of the July 1 Canadian holiday, some of the players didn't receive them in time. Additional sources said qualifying ..."

Heatley deal in 'no man's land': Melnyk

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July 3

Ottawa Citizen

"Eugene Melnyk's voice sounded pleasant, as it most often does. But there was no hiding the anger behind his words. The owner of the Ottawa Senators is still shaking his head in disbelief over disgruntled winger Dany Heatley's refusal to waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade to the Edmonton Oilers. He is clearly furious on many levels: from having to write a $4-million U.S. bonus cheque for Heatley, to the suggestions from agents that general manager Bryan Murray didn't work hard enough to arrange options for Heatley, to Heatley's gall in asking for a trade, yet refusing to accept one to the Oilers. "I've never, ever seen something like this in my life," Melnyk said during an ..."

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 ..."

Sundin saga II? Just as long as it's not like last year

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July 3

Vancouver Province

"Based on how Day 1 of free agency unfolded, it shouldn't be any surprise that Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis is talking seriously about trying to bring 38-year-old Mats Sundin back for another season. The kind of eye-popping deals being signed over the course of the day, with the dollar figures and terms being thrown around, simply didn't fit with Gillis's salary cap management model. With all the blue-chip forwards — both real and imagined — having been signed on Wednesday, it leaves the Canucks to look at other options. And, that's where Sundin comes in. Some in Canucks Nation will be groaning at this prospect, but take a look at it from Gillis's perspective. Sundin is a known quantity ..."

Glendale fights release of Coyotes info

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July 3

Arizona Republic

"Glendale is fighting in court to keep documents about negotiations over the Phoenix Coyotes secret. City officials want the documents to remain confidential until they finish talks with a potential future team owner over use of city-owned Jobing.com Arena. Glendale's attorney promised Thursday, though, that the city would make the documents public before the City Council voted on any new lease so that taxpayers could weigh in before the ink dried. Deputy City Attorney Nicholas DiPiazza faced off in Maricopa Superior Court against the Goldwater Institute, which is suing Glendale for denying the conservative think tank's request for city documents related to Coyotes negotiations. Chicago ..."

Heatley stubborn, Sens miffed, Oil silent

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July 3

Edmonton Journal

"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 manageer 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 ..."

Oilers may still be trying for deal after remaining dead quiet

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July 3

Edmonton Sun

"Despite being stonewalled for two straight days in their attempt to get Dany Heatley, the Oilers are still believed to be interested in trading for the disgruntled Senators forward. The team wouldn't comment on the subject yesterday, leading to speculation they are still working to make the trade happen. Heatley has so far refused to waive his no-trade clause to approve a trade to Edmonton, which would have included Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid going the other way. But that was prior to 10 p.m. MT on July 1 when Ottawa was forced to pay $4M to Heatley. The asking price has gone up since. If there is a new deal to be had, Ottawa may have to dump some salary onto the ..."

Heatley refuses to budge

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July 2

Ottawa Citizen

"Wednesday might have been the most frustrating day in Bryan Murray's long National Hockey League career, but he was hoping it would at least end with Dany Heatley getting fitted for an Edmonton Oilers jersey. The Ottawa Senators general manager spent all of Canada Day waiting to hear if Heatley would agree to waive his no-trade clause and accept a proposed deal to the Oilers. Several members of the Oilers management team, including general manager Steve Tambellini, president Kevin Lowe, and new head coach Pat Quinn, flew to Kelowna, B.C., where Heatley has a summer home, to sell the 28-year-old left-winger on a move to the Alberta capital. However, they had no such luck. Heatley's agents ..."

Predators expect to lose players

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July 2

Tennessean

"Say goodbye to forward Vern Fiddler and defenseman Greg Zanon. Forwards Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward? The Predators are still holding out hope. That's what things looked like Tuesday night, only hours before the NHL's unrestricted free agent market was set to open at 11 a.m. today. Predators General Manager David Poile said Tuesday that Nashville was unlikely to re-sign either Fiddler or Zanon. Both players had spent the past three seasons with the Predators and both had hoped to return, but deals could not be struck. "It's about the dollars they want,'' Poile said. "It's not for me to say that they're not going to get them. But right now … if we have an ability to sign anybody before 11, ..."

Dallas Stars await decision by Swedish goaltender

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July 2

Dallas Morning News

"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. [an error occurred while processing this directive] Gustavsson, 24, led his team to the Swedish Elite League championship in the spring and last month visited four NHL teams - Dallas, Toronto, Colorado and San Jose. He was expected to decide by Tuesday. On Wednesday, Craig Anderson signed a two-year deal with Colorado for an ..."

Canes signs Cole; LaRose probably gone

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July 2

Raleigh News & Observer

"Erik Cole's flirtation with free agency proved to be brief. Cole officially went on the NHL's open market as an unrestricted free agent at noon Wednesday. Less than four hours later, the power forward signed a new, two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes that pays him $2.8 million next season and $3 million in the 2010-11 season. But while the Canes quickly were able to reach an agreement with Cole, general manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday night that unrestricted free-agent forward Chad LaRose likely would sign with another team. Rutherford said he had been in discussions with LaRose's agent, Patrick Morris, throughout the day. At one point Wednesday afternoon, there was ..."

Opening offer a disappointment for Nash

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July 2

Columbus Dispatch

"It didn't take long for the Blue Jackets' contract negotiations with captain Rick Nash to take a contentious turn. After meeting with his agent, Joe Resnick, Nash told The Dispatch last night that the initial offer from Jackets general manager Scott Howson fell short of what he had in mind. Nash watched yesterday's free-agent spending spree, with NHL teams continuing to shower elite players with huge contracts, and said he expected more from the Blue Jackets. "There were tons of teams throwing some pretty big money around," Nash said. "If this doesn't get done, I'm sure I won't have a problem getting signed by somebody next summer." Neither Howson nor Nash revealed details of the proposal, ..."

Blue Jackets busy in market

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July 2

Columbus Dispatch

"The Blue Jackets' No. 1 offseason priority -- re-signing captain Rick Nash -- might be on hold for now. But the team added two key players yesterday on the first day of NHL free agency, signing center Sami Pahlsson to a three-year, $7.95 million deal and goaltender Mathieu Garon to a two-year, $2.4 million deal. The signing of Pahlsson, considered one of the NHL's top checking-line centers, means Manny Malhotra's days with the Blue Jackets are over. "(Pahlsson) brings experience winning experience," general manager Scott Howson said. "He can play against the top players in the league. He'll probably play between 16 and 18 minutes a night and against all the top players in the league. "Our ..."

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 ..."

Even with solid, young corps, Preds seek older defenseman

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July 2

Nashville City Paper

"The Nashville Predators believe it's only a matter of time before some more of their young defensemen are ready for the National Hockey League. Even so, they will try to buy some time for that group - preferably just one season - with the addition of a veteran defenseman. General manager David Poile said the team's primary focus in free agency, which began Wednesday, is to add an older blue liner, if possible. The idea is to find a replacement for Greg de Vries but at roughly the same salary de Vries earned in 2008-09 ($2.75 million) or even less. The team also lost defenseman Greg Zanon on Wednesday to free agency. It's unlikely that anything will happen in the next day or two, when ..."

Sources: Chris Neil Decides To Stay In Ottawa

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July 1

TSN.ca

"After contemplating three solid offers from other clubs, sources are saying that forward Chris Neil has decided to stay in Ottawa. Earlier in the week, Neil reportedly turned down the Senators' offer of $1.7-million per year. The New York Rangers offered a four year deal to Neil, averaging $2.3 million per season, while the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs have both tabled three year offers to the Toronto native. Sources say the Rangers had made the most substantial bid, but the veteran forward clearly wanted to stay in Ottawa."

Oilers Get Their No. 1 Goalie In Khabibulin

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July 1

TSN.ca

"Nikolai Khabibulin is the latest big name off the board in free agency, as the veteran netminder has signed a multi-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. The 36-year-old spent the past four season in Chicago, helping lead the Blackhawks to their first Western Conference final since 1995 this past season. He also captured the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. The signing marks the end of a tumultuous time in the Windy City for the Russian native. After signing a massive four-year deal with the Hawks in 2005, Khabibulin suffered through various injuries and inconsistent play."

Mike Knuble a Washington Capital

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July 1

Washington Examiner

"36-year old Mike Knuble, who played right wing for the Philadelphia Flyers, is heading to the Washington Capitals. Knuble is a solid veteran who will help the Caps with his strong presence in front of the net. For the Flyers, Knuble was an asset on power plays and could be used in the same capacity by the Washington Capitals. Knuble is expected to make $2.8 million a season in a 2-year deal."

Avalanche sign goalie Anderson

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July 1

Denver Post

"Craig Anderson, a goalie who had a good season with the Florida Panthers last season, has signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche, the team said today. Anderson is expected to be the Avs' No. 1 goalie next season, with Peter Budaj as his backup. Anderson, 28, was 15-7-5 with Panthers, with a .924 saves percentage, 2.71 goals-against average and three shutouts. Anderson's saves percentage was the third-best in the NHL last season. He signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract. He will make $1.5 million this season, and $2.125 million in the second year. Anderson made $575,000 with the Panthers last season. "In Craig we feel we have addressed a very important need within our ..."

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."

Marian Hossa appears ready to test free-agent market

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July 1

Detroit News

"NHL free agency begins Wednesday and Marian Hossa looks likes he's going to be part of it. General manager Ken Holland and Hossa's agent Ritch Winter talked again Tuesday but came to no agreement. Hossa looks like he'll test free agency. "It certainly appears that way," Holland said. "As I've said all along, we only have so much cap room. We have players that I'm not interested in losing." Winter wasn't available for comment. Holland also said he'll talk again with the representative for Mikael Samuelsson Wednesday morning in an effort to retain Samuelsson, who is an unrestricted free agent. Tomas Kopecky, the Wings other unrestricted free agent, will test the market and likely won't ..."

Several Preds ready to dip toes in free agency waters

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July 1

Nashville City Paper

"On the cusp of the National Hockey League's free agency period, it looks as if talk is the only thing that's cheap. Nashville Predators' general manager David Poile said the unwillingness of players to re-sign - here or with the other 29 teams around the league - is an indication that those whose contracts expire at the end of Tuesday are out to get as much as they can right now before an expectedin the salary cap for the 2010-11 season. "If the players think they are undervalued, they go to July 1 (because) they think they are going to get more money," Poile said. "It's a little bit of a game of chicken, and we're going to have to see how it plays out for us and for everybody else. ..."

Backstrom, Semin on docket

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July 1

Washington Times

"While the Washington Capitals may do some bargain shopping once free agent season begins Wednesday, the long-term health of the franchise is more dependent on the contract situations of Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin. Because of a lack of salary cap room, general manager George McPhee doesn't expect to be involved in the bidding for the high-priced talent set to hit the open market. The cap is set at $56.8 million for next season, but the Caps can go up to 10 percent past the ceiling during the offseason. "We'll be prudent tomorrow and see if there is anything that makes sense for our club, and if there is we'll be involved and try to sign somebody," McPhee said. "If it doesn't ..."

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."

Avs shopping for free agents

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July 1

Denver Post

"The Avalanche is a team in need of a lot of help, and a lot of very good players who could provide some will be available starting today on the free-agent market. But the Avs are like the mortgage holder who bought at the height of the market and has seen the value of the house diminish while living costs continue to escalate. 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 ..."

Cole, LaRose are not signing

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July 1

Raleigh News & Observer

"Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford did not sound like a happy man Tuesday. The NHL's free agency signing period begins today at noon, and Rutherford didn't want to play that game. Rutherford had hoped to have forwards Erik Cole and Chad LaRose, both unrestricted free agents, signed, sealed and in the Canes' fold. But Rutherford said Tuesday that he was informed Cole would not agree to a new contract with Carolina before the deadline and would test the free-agent market. LaRose will do the same, according to his agent, Patrick Morris. Cole, 30, signed a three-year, $12 million pact with Carolina in July 2006, just after the Canes' Stanley Cup run. To keep him in Raleigh, ..."

Wooing Nash

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July 1

Columbus Dispatch

"At an airport hotel in suburban Toronto yesterday, the Blue Jackets commenced their push to keep captain Rick Nash under contract long into the future. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson organized a noon meeting with Nash and his agent, Joe Resnick, at which Howson laid bare the Jackets' plans long into the future: how he plans to build the Blue Jackets, where Nash fits into the grand scheme, etc. It was seen by Resnick as a bold and unique move. But with Nash able to sign a contract extension as of noon today, Howson was willing to go out of his way to state the Blue Jackets' case. "This is the most important contract I've ever been involved with," Howson said. While some NHL clubs ..."

Chicago Blackhawks reach out and text Havlat

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July 1

Chicago Tribune

"With his signature on the dotted line and five years in a Blackhawks sweater ahead of him, Dave Bolland now hopes he'll be reunited with Martin Havlat, his linemate for much of the 2008-09 season. Bolland's five-year contract worth a reported $16.8 million was approved by the league Tuesday, along with fellow restricted free-agent forward Jake Dowell's two-year deal and goaltender Antti Niemi's one-year contract. With those contracts completed, Hawks GM Dale Tallon shifted his focus to retaining unrestricted free agent Havlat and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin before they hit the open market when NHL free agency begins Wednesday at 11 a.m. Havlat finished his contract worth $6 million per ..."

Wild puts watchful eye on Koivu's big brother

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July 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"If Jukka and Tuire Koivu had their way, oldest son Saku would be signing with the Wild by roughly 11:01 a.m. today. If only it were that simple. The Wild, in need of a second-line center behind Mikko Koivu, is expected to try and unite the Koivu Bros. during free-agency, which begins this morning. But Mikko Koivu said Tuesday that doesn't mean Saku, the longtime captain in Montreal, automatically will sign on the dotted line. "It would be a great opportunity and something special for sure, but there's a lot of things that he has to figure out with his family, and honestly, me," Koivu, 8 1/2 years younger than his brother, said by phone from Turku, Finland. "We've talked about it, and it ..."

Bolts will take a cautious approach to free agency

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July 1

Tampa Tribune

"Last year, Lightning ownership dived into the free-agent pool headfirst, hoping to make a big splash. Unfortunately, the plunge came from a big, old belly flop that could have rippling effects heading into today's start of free agency. Though the team signed what seemed to be every available free agent last season, the Lightning fell flat on the ice, finishing 29th overall and with a worse record than the previous season. Add in the firing of their head coach 16 games into the season, a revolving door of player moves and now a squabble between owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie that required mediation by Commissioner Gary Bettman, and it might just leave potential free agents looking ..."

Fletcher won't confirm Gaborik offer

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July 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"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." Fletcher said he didn't want to comment on any specific negotiations, but Salcer said that before Tuesday, the Wild hadn't made a contract offer since Fletcher became GM last month. "I've spoken with Ron," Fletcher said. "He's spoken to ..."

Wild puts watchful eye on Koivu's big brother

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July 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"If Jukka and Tuire Koivu had their way, oldest son Saku would be signing with the Wild by roughly 11:01 a.m. today. If only it were that simple. The Wild, in need of a second-line center behind Mikko Koivu, is expected to try and unite the Koivu Bros. during free-agency, which begins this morning. But Mikko Koivu said Tuesday that doesn't mean Saku, the longtime captain in Montreal, automatically will sign on the dotted line. "It would be a great opportunity and something special for sure, but there's a lot of things that he has to figure out with his family, and honestly, me," Koivu, 8 1/2 years younger than his brother, said by phone from Turku, Finland. "We've talked about it, and it ..."

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 ..."

Monster won't decide until after July 1

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June 30

Sportsnet.ca

"Jonas Gustavsson, the free-agent goalie from Sweden is going to wait until after July 1 to announce his decision. Gustavsson's agent Joe Resnick told Hockeycentral "It's highly unlikely we'll commit before 12 noon Wednesday. With so many teams potentially making major changes to their rosters, maybe it's best to wait and watch it unfold first." The 24-year-old was Sweden's national goalie at the world hockey championship and is considered the best goalie not playing in the NHL."

Bonus hangs over Sens

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June 30

Ottawa Sun

"Getting rid of Dany Heatley by today would be a bonus for the Senators. While the Wild, Oilers, Kings and Rangers remain interested in landing the disgruntled winger, a league source told Sun Media yesterday that teams are waiting to see if they can get a better deal from Ottawa today with Heatley due a $4-million (all terms US) bonus tomorrow. Though Senators GM Bryan Murray said he would be less likely to deal Heatley if owner Eugene Melnyk has to cough up the bonus, he backed off on those claims on the weekend. Murray indicated, however, a team dealing for Heatley after the bonus is paid might have to take back another player. The Senators could ask a team to take on one of defencemen ..."

Wings, Marian Hossa still talking

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June 30

Detroit News

"There's not much time left for the Red Wings. NHL free agency begins Wednesday, and the Wings continue working on finding a way to keep potential free agent Marian Hossa in the fold. The Wings and Hossa continued talks Monday, with the Wednesday deadline looming for both sides. It doesn't look promising. With the salary cap at $56.8 million -- and the Wings already committed to nearly $53 million for 19 players -- there isn't much room for Hossa. "We only have so much cap space left," Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "We can get creative in term, but at the end of the day, we only have so much left." The Wings are hopeful Hossa will accept a long-term contract with a lower ..."

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 ..."

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 ..."

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, ..."

Tollefsen on way out as free agent

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June 30

Columbus Dispatch

"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. "Ole is everything you want represented in a Blue Jackets sweater. He's unselfish. He has lots of character. He's hard to play against. He has all the characteristics of our kind of player." But Tollefsen, who missed 94 of 164 games the past two seasons mostly because of injuries, had two strikes against him. To keep him, the Blue Jackets ..."

Kotalik poised to take plunge

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June 30

Edmonton Sun

"It appears Ales Kotalik is out of the picture in Edmonton. Despite scoring seven goals in 19 games with Edmonton last year, which translates to about 30 over the course of a full season, the Czech winger will be testing the market tomorrow morning. He has no choice. With one day to go before he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency, he hasn't even seen a pitch from Edmonton. "He's never received an offer, so it's pretty straightforward," said Kotalik's agent Larry Kelly, adding Kotalik truly wanted to remain in Edmonton. "He was happy to stay there. He enjoyed it, he said the fans love the game, they understand it. What can he do?" The Oilers will now hope this doesn't turn into ..."

Calgary perfect for strong, silent Bouwmeester, says former coach

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June 30

Calgary Herald

"This scenario, according to Rick Carriere, is worth a chuckle or two. Sitting down for contract "talks" Monday afternoon in Edmonton were two famously tight-lipped parties--Calgary Flames boss Darryl Sutter (notorious for being a gruff dude of few words) and Jay Bouwmeester (a polite young fellow with a well-known shy streak). "Imagine the conversation," Carriere--a family friend of the Bouwmeesters, a current coworker of Jay's father Dan, a former coach of Jay with the Medicine Hat Tigers--was saying. He then laughs. "It wouldn't be much. 'Yup' . . . 'Yup' . . . 'Yup' . . . 'OK' . . . 'What do you think?' . . . 'Yup' . . . 'Don't know' . . . 'Yup.' " Of course, the Flames and their fans ..."

Team just trying the cap on for size

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June 30

Vancouver Province

"The Vancouver Canucks are headed into free agency tomorrow with options. But those options may shrink significantly if Canucks GM Mike Gillis is able to sign the Sedin twins to a contract extension today, before they become unrestricted free agents tomorrow morning. It's believed that Gillis is trying to get Daniel and Henrik's names on new multi-year deals that would have twin cap hits (the average annual payout of the contract) in the $5.5- million-US range, although he might be willing to go a bit higher. But even if Gillis is able to accomplish that negotiating miracle, the team's overall cap suddenly begins to get tight. As it sits, the Canucks have 13 players signed with about $33.8 ..."

Kessel stays put for now

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June 30

Boston Globe

"The Bruins had a deal in place Friday to ship right winger Phil Kessel, their high-scoring restricted free agent, to the Maple Leafs for veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle, just the kind of skilled, minutes-crunching blue liner who could make Boston a bona fide contender to be an Eastern Conference playoff champion, maybe even a Stanley Cup champion, next spring. But like many well-prepared meals, garnish and presentation are so often the key, and the Kessel-for-Kaberle deal crumbled because Toronto didn't have as many trimmings on the plate as the Bruins initially believed. According to sources on both sides of the deal who had first-hand knowledge of the negotiations, the Bruins arrived at ..."

Penguins come to terms with Guerin, Adams

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June 30

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"By keeping a couple of wingers Monday, the Penguins left themselves not much of a prayer to retain a trio of key contributors to their Stanley Cup championship squad. After re-signing veteran wingers Bill Guerin and Craig Adams, Penguins general manager Ray Shero has today to secure the services of other notable players eligible to become unrestricted free agents Wednesday - specifically winger Ruslan Fedotenko and shutdown defense paring Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill. That won't be easy and might prove impossible. With Guerin, who signed for one year at $2 million, and Adams, at $1.10 million total over the next two seasons, the Penguins are committed to $51,218,000 for 17 players next season. ..."

Blake signs with Sharks for 1 year

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June 30

San Francisco Chronicle

"Defenseman Rob Blake has re-signed with the Sharks, agreeing to a one-year contract worth approximately $3.5 million. CSN Bay Area first reported the deal late Monday night. Blake, 39, had played for the Kings and Avalanche before joining the Sharks prior to the 2008-09 season. He had 10 goals in 73 games with San Jose. Also, the Sharks declined to make qualifying offers to forwards Marcel Goc, Tomas Plihal and Lukas Kaspar. Goc, a first-round draft choice by San Jose in 2001, scored 11 points in 55 games last season. Injuries have limited the defensive-minded Goc's play for the past two seasons. Plihal scored 13 points in 64 games with San Jose last season as a 26-year-old rookie. San ..."

Wait 'n' see on Roloson

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June 30

Edmonton Sun

"Dwayne Roloson is on the clock. Oilers GM Steve Tambellini has offered the about-to-turn-40 goaltender a one year deal for significant money -- believed to be in the same neighbourhood as the $3 million US he earned as the team's MVP last season. If Roloson decides to test free agency at 10 a.m. tomorrow, finding a goaltender will be at the top of the Oilers' free-agent frenzy game plan. "For sure we're going to be a player in free agency if Roloson seeks free agency," Tambellini said yesterday. And if not? That's the bigger question. As was the case with making any Brian Burke-like proclamations at the draft, Tambellini isn't going to build up Oilers fans for a large letdown. If Roloson ..."

Devils Near Oduya Deal

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June 30

New York Post

"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."

Ducks plan patience with free agent market

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June 30

Orange County Register

"The combination of economic uncertainty and a largely non-descript pool of available players figures to make for an intriguing case study when the NHL's annual free-agent market opens Wednesday. Historically, teams have spent lavishly and many times unwisely on July 1 and ensuing days, often with little to show for their investments. Despite an array of caution flags this year, at least some of the league's 30 clubs remain likely to throw around big bucks. The Ducks are not in that group. While the NHL's salary cap next season will rise $100,000 to $56.8 million per team, expectations are that financial realities and anticipated decreases in league-wide revenue could result in a ..."

Oilers make their pitch

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June 30

Toronto Sun

"Dwayne Roloson is on the clock. General manager Steve Tambellini has offered the about-to-turn 40 goaltender a one-year deal for significant money believed to be in the same area as the $3 million U.S. he earned as the Edmonton Oilers MVP last year. If Roloson decides to test free agency at noon tomorrow, finding a goaltender will be at the top of the Oilers' free-agent frenzy game plan. "For sure we're going to be a player in free agency if Roloson seeks free agency," the first year Oilers GM said. And if not? That is the bigger question. As was the case with making any Brian Burke-like proclamations at the draft, Tambellini isn't going to build Oilers fans up for a large letdown."

Thrashers make contract offers to seven players

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June 30

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Thrashers made qualifying contract offers to seven players Monday, ensuring that they will remain with the team for the 2009-10 season. The club made the one-year offers to restricted free agent forwards Colby Armstrong, Jordan Lavallee and Jim Slater, defensemen Scott Lehman, Grant Lewis and Boris Valabik and goaltender Kari Lehtonen. Forward Chris Thorburn and goalie Dan Turple were not made offers, making them unrestricted free agents on Wednesday. The Thrashers said they will continue negotiations with Thorburn and expect to re-sign him."

Time running out for Canes

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June 30

Raleigh News & Observer

"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. Jokinen, a restricted free agent, will be paid $1.5 million next season and $1.9 million for the 2010-11 season. But coming to terms with Cole and LaRose has been challenging, and Rutherford said he was unsure if he would have either signed by Wednesday. "I don't know. It's ..."

Sharks don't make qualifying offer to Goc

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June 30

San Jose Mercury News

"Anyone waiting to find out which Sharks would be the first to go as General Manager Doug Wilson retools his roster after San Jose's playoff collapse got the answer Monday: forwards Marcel Goc and Tomas Plihal. The two were among eight players who did not receive qualifying offers, and will become unrestricted free agents Wednesday. Wilson did extend qualifying offers to left wing Ryane Clowe, center Torrey Mitchell, goalie Thomas Greiss and right wing Brad Staubitz. If they aren't signed to new contracts by tonight, they become restricted free agents with the Sharks able to match any offer from another team or receive draft picks as compensation. Other untethered players are forwards ..."

Defenseman Johnny Oduya expected to finalize new deal with New Jersey Devils on Tuesday

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June 30

Trenton Times

"It appears the Devils will be able to keep highly-regarded defenseman Johnny Oduya from testing the market when the free agency period officiallly begins at noon Wednesday. Oduya has been priority No. 1 for Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, who said Monday night that a deal with the speedy defenseman could be finalized Tuesday. Lamoriello and agent Don Meehan are believed to be close to a multi-year contract at about $3 million per season. "I think that's close," Lamoriello said Monday night about re-signing Oduya. In fact, Lamoriello wasn't content to stop there. "Hopefully we can get one or two things done in the next 48 hours," he said. That may mean a new contract for restricted ..."

Dallas Stars make offers to Fistric, Gagnon

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June 30

Dallas Morning News

"The Stars made restricted free agent qualifying offers to defenseman Mark Fistric ($715,000) and center Aaron Gagnon ($522,500) to retain their rights under the collective bargaining agreement of the NHL. The players can sign an offer sheet from another team, but the Stars would maintain the ability to match and would receive compensation if they did not match."

Leafs qualify goaltender Pogge

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June 30

Sportsnet.ca

"The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a qualifying offer to goaltender Justin Pogge, Sportsnet has learned. The move ensures that Pogge remains a restricted free agent after July 1st, allowing the Leafs to match any offer made to Pogge by other clubs. Had the Leafs not extended the offer and failed to sign him to a new contract by Wednesday, Pogge would have become an unrestricted free agent. Drafted by the Leafs 90th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Pogge has failed to live up to expectations. The Fort McMurray, AB native has spent most of the last few seasons with the Marlies, Toronto's AHL affiliate, and has not impressed in call-ups to the big club. In seven appearances with the Leafs ..."

Penguins re-sign forward Adams to two-year contract

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June 30

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The Penguins today re-signed forward Craig Adams to a two-year contract. Adams, 32, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Adams, acquired off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks in February, became a capable role player for the Penguins in their run to the Stanley Cup championship. In 24 playoff games, he contributed three goals and two assists. In the regular-season, he had one point in nine games with the Penguins. Adams has accumulated 37 goals and 53 assists in 507 career NHL games. "Craig is a steady, reliable, physical player who was an important part of our mix this season," general manager Ray Shero said. "He plays with a lot of grit, but he also contributed ..."

Budaj signs deal, likely No. 2 in net

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June 30

Denver Post

"Peter Budaj may not be the starting goaltender for the Avalanche when the 2009-10 season begins. But he will be on the roster. Budaj signed a one-year, $1.25 million contract with the Avs on Monday, avoiding arbitration. The Slovakian native made $800,000 last season, and many speculated he would be cut loose by a team that finished last in the Western Conference. But Budaj is still young, at 26, and always has been praised by teammates for his good attitude and work ethic. Those are the qualities best associated with backup goaltenders, and it is likely Budaj will enter the Avs' training camp as their No. 2 goalie. Colorado is still waiting to hear the decision from 24-year-old Swedish ..."

Avalanche re-sign goaltender Budaj

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June 30

Denver Post

"Peter Budaj, who like the rest of the Avalanche suffered through an up-and-down season in 2008-09, has been re-signed by the team. A source with the Avs said Budaj has agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract. He made $800,000 with the Avs last season. Budaj went 20-29-5 with Colorado, with a 2.86 goals-against average. The Avs will not re-sign Andrew Raycroft, the team said, which means Budaj will battle with another goalie in training camp for the starting job. Colorado is still waiting to hear from Swedish netminder Jonas Gustavsson, whether it is the team he selects to play with this coming season. Gustavsson, 24, denied a Swedish newspaper report that he had crossed the Avs off ..."

Bruins, NHL tiptoe into start of free agency

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June 30

Boston Herald

"In a normal year, noon tomorrow would be the start of the NHL's annual rite of self-destruction. The opening of the free agent market in years past annually signaled an epidemic of profligate and uncontrolled spending. As NHL revenues went up and up, so did teams' willingness to lavish obscene contracts on unrestricted free agents with very good timing. This summer turns out not to be such a great time to become a UFA, not with the uncertain fiscal future the league faces, which is universally expected to include a significant drop in income during the 2009-10 season and a commensurate decrease in the salary cap the following season. It is expected to be a rare year of fiscal conservatism, ..."

Pens sign Guerin, Pogge gets offer

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June 30

Toronto Star

"The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Bill Guerin yesterday, opting to keep an important part of their championship team ahead of free agency. The veteran forward signed a $2-million (U.S.), one-year deal with the Stanley Cup champions. Guerin, 38, was set to become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow. "We are excited to agree to terms with Billy on this one-year deal," said Penguins general manager Ray Shero. "He made a tremendous impact on this team with his scoring ability, physical play and outstanding leadership and was a key factor in our drive to the Cup. "I know our players, coaches and fans will be happy to have him back in Pittsburgh." A 17-year veteran, Guerin had seven goals and ..."

Let the bidding begin!

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June 30

Toronto Sun

"Gentlemen, open your wallets. The Canada Day bonanza is just hours away. The NHL's 30 GMs, at least those with money to spend, are getting ready to splurge as this year's crop of free agents hits the market tomorrow. Vancouver (Henrik and Daniel Sedin), Detroit (Marian Hossa), Chicago (Martin Havlat), Montreal (Mike Komisarek) and Calgary (Jay Bouwmeester) are making last-ditch efforts to sign their players. But all could wind up on the market. Plenty of teams are tight against next season's $56.8- million (all terms US) salary cap and others are worried about the cap dropping in a year, expect some big deals to go down as GMs look for a quick fix. "You really have to be careful about ..."

Sabres expect to avoid holiday shopping

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June 30

Buffalo News

"Darcy Regier, a native of Saskatchewan, surely has nothing against July 1. It is, after all, Canada Day, a chance for those from north of the border to celebrate the founding of their beloved country. But as far as shopping on July 1, Regier hates it. The Buffalo Sabres general manager sees inflated prices and deals that run too long, so he prefers to stay out of the way until the holiday rush is over. Expect the same this week. The NHL free agency period starts at noon Wednesday, and the festive season is once again sure to raise eyebrows and player salaries. Just don't expect the Sabres to gift-wrap a big- name player for the folks who watch games in HSBC Arena. Regier hinted again ..."

Knuble on signing: 'It's now or never'

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June 30

Camden Courier-Post

"For two months, Mike Knuble and his agent, Kurt Overhardt, have heard the Flyers say they had no money to spend because their payroll was precariously close to the NHL's $56.8 million salary cap. Now that the club has committed $6.25 million to defenseman Chris Pronger, Knuble is wondering if any of the $5 million the Flyers have remaining under the cap will be left for him. "It's a little confusing," said Knuble, who has one more day of negotiating with the Flyers before becoming an unrestricted free agent Wednesday. "We see Paul (Holmgren) add $2 million to the payroll when we've heard all spring there's no money." Knuble, who will turn 37 Saturday, would like a two-year deal with the ..."

Here are the NHL's top 10 free agents

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June 30

Orange County Register

"The combination of economic uncertainty and a largely non-descript pool of available players figures to make for an intriguing case study when the NHL's annual free-agent market opens Wednesday. Historically, teams have spent lavishly and many times unwisely on July 1 and ensuing days, often with little to show for their investments. Despite an array of caution flags this year, at least some of the league's 30 clubs remain likely to throw around big bucks. The Ducks are not in that group. While the NHL's salary cap next season will rise $100,000 to $56.8 million per team, expectations are that financial realities and anticipated decreases in league-wide revenue could result in a ..."

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