Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Comment

November 4

Ottawa Citizen

"The current battle between Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and superstar Dany Heatley could set the emotional level for the National Hockey League's next round of contract talks. The NHL has served the NHL Players' Association a grievance over a $4-million US signing bonus Melnyk had to pay Heatley on July 1 after the disgruntled forward refused a trade to the Edmonton Oilers. Melnyk wants his money back. He thinks Heatley should have accepted the trade. Heatley, who demanded a trade, had a no-movement clause in his contract, which did give him the right to veto a trade. Melnyk might be stuck by the very contract he approved for Heatley. However, at the time the possibility of a ..."

Sharks' Pavelski to miss a couple of weeks

Comment

October 6

San Jose Mercury News

"That first Sharks victory of the season came at a price. Center Joe Pavelski won't be in the San Jose lineup tonight against the Los Angeles Kings. Monday, he underwent what the team described only as a "minor procedure" to repair a foot injury that is expected to sideline him for at least two weeks. "Pavs plays a huge role," coach Todd McLellan said shortly before the team flew to Southern California. The injury occurred at 2:30 of the first period Saturday night in a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks were short-handed when Pavelski dropped to the ice and blocked a slap shot from the blue line by Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf. The puck appeared to hit Pavelski around the left ..."

Sharks on verge of signing veteran Malhotra

Comment

September 17

San Jose Mercury News

"The ongoing competition for a forward spot on the Sharks' roster is getting a little tougher just as the exhibition season that determines who stays and who goes is about to begin. Free agent Manny Malhotra, a 29-year-old center who has spent the past five seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, is about to become a Shark, according to an NHL source. Malhotra, who immediately becomes a favorite for a spot on San Jose's third line, won't be in the lineup tonight when the Sharks face the Los Angeles Kings in Southern California but should be with the team in the next two or three days. Unlike a year ago, when nearly every spot on the roster seemed filled before training camp began, this ..."

Sharks acquire Heatley

Comment

September 13

San Jose Mercury News

"With one trade on the opening day of training camp, the Sharks answered two of the major questions circulating around the NHL all summer: How will the Dany Heatley melodrama end in Ottawa? And will San Jose ever make the blockbuster move everybody has been expecting since that embarrassing first-round playoff exit last spring? The Sharks acquired the high-scoring Heatley and a fifth-round draft pick Saturday from the Senators for forwards Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo and a second-round selection in a deal that turned out to be less complicated than many of the rumored transactions that surfaced in the past week. "When you get a player of this caliber, it can only make you better," ..."

Sharks deny Marleau report

Comment

September 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Sharks general manager Doug Wilson told The Chronicle that an ESPN.com report that San Jose has agreed to trade the team's all-time leading scorer, Patrick Marleau, and acquire Ottawa forward Dany Heatley is "complete bull." According to ESPN.com, the Sharks have reached an agreement to send Marleau, recently stripped of his title as team captain, to Los Angeles as part of a three-way deal that would bring Heatley to San Jose and send Alexander Frolov and Jarret Stoll to the Senators. Wilson, Kings general manager Dean Lombardi and Senators GM Bryan Murray issued denials to ESPN.com. Heatley, a two-time 50-goal scorer, has requested a trade, but, like Marleau, his contract has a no-trade ..."

McKenzie: No Truth To Reports That Heatley Has Been Traded

Comment

September 11

TSN.ca

"Here we go again. Amid reports that the Ottawa Senators have traded Dany Heatley to the San Jose Sharks as part of a three-way deal with the Los Angeles Kings, sources tell TSN nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, sources tell TSN that not only is the report of a three-way deal being done not true, but the Senators are no closer to trading Heatley now than they have been for most of the summer."

Heatley interests Sharks

Comment

September 10

Ottawa Sun

"Dany Heatley is expected to arrive in Ottawa today, but he could eventually find his way to San Jose. Two league executives told Sun Media Wednesday they've heard talk the Senators, Sharks and Kings have discussed a three-way deal that would send Heatley to San Jose, centre Jarrett Stoll and winger Alexander Frolov to Ottawa and centre Patrick Marleau to the Kings. Sharks GM Doug Wilson has insisted he has "never" asked Marleau to waive his no-trade clause. The executive said Marleau, recently stripped of his captaincy by the Sharks, likely wouldn't remove the clause to move East, but might be enticed if he could stay in the West. While Senators GM Bryan Murray confirmed he talked to ..."

Sharks making room for Heatley?

Comment

August 30

Ottawa Citizen

"The Dany Heatley to San Jose Sharks speculation picked up steam in a hurry Friday. After Sharks general manager Doug Wilson dumped $4.66 million U.S. in salary by trading defencemen Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich to the Vancouver Canucks for prospects Patrick White and Daniel Rahimi, he suggested the door was open for more trades. "It gives you the ability to explore all opportunities that do come our way," Wilson said. "It also creates some flexibility in our team payroll for potential future transactions as the season progresses." Heatley has been linked to the Sharks in trade talks all summer, but they couldn't take on his salary because they were too close to the salary cap of ..."

Shark bait for Heatley gone

Comment

August 29

Ottawa Sun

"Dany Heatley could have lost his way to San Jose. A player the Sharks were offering for the disgruntled Senators winger — defenceman Christian Ehrhoff — was dealt to the Canucks Friday in a four-player trade. Sharks GM Doug Wilson also traded veteran defenceman Brad Lukowich to Vancouver for a pair of prospects, 20-year-old centre Patrick White and 22-year-old defenceman Daniel Rahimi. The deal does free up $5 million (all terms US) in cap space for the Sharks; Ehrhoff will make $3.15 million this season and Lukowich $1.8 million. But sources say the deal indicates the Sharks could be headed in a different direction, away from Heatley. San Jose could be resigned to keeping pricey winger ..."

Heatley: It remains destination unknown

Comment

August 4

Ottawa Citizen

"As the long weekend drew to a close on Monday, the Dany Heatley mess was as unresolved as it has it been since he demanded to be traded in June. There's nothing new to say, Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray said in an e-mail on Monday. With the Edmonton Oilers officially withdrawn from the Heatley sweepstakes, after Heatley rebuffed them twice, Murray has been forced to resume his search for the deal that will satisfy Heatley and his agents. That this is happening shouldn't surprise anyone. The Heatley camp is merely forcing Murray to do what they wanted him to do all along: send Heatley to his preferred destination. That's what they meant, at the start of all this, when they ..."

Clock ticking on Heatley

Comment

August 4

Ottawa Sun

"San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has to decide if he's serious about acquiring Dany Heatley. League sources say the Sharks are the only remaining suitor for the disgruntled Senators winger after the Edmonton Oilers dropped out of the running last week. But a deal won't happen unless Wilson pays Senators GM Bryan Murray's asking price -- and pays it soon. As first reported by Sun Media on the weekend, Murray confirmed he still has an "option" to fulfill Heatley's trade request. However, indications are Wilson is dragging his feet and has to step up his efforts if a trade is going to happen this week. "There comes a time where you have to stop trying to manipulate the process and get down to ..."

Habs could facilitate Heatley trade to Sharks

Comment

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 ..."

Rumblings

Comment

July 10

Columbus Dispatch

"The San Jose Sharks could emerge as a trade partner for the Blue Jackets, who continue their search for a puck-moving defenseman. The Sharks' signing of Ryane Clowe, Kent Huskins and Rob Blake leaves them $1.7 million from the $56.8 million salary cap for next season, and they still need to sign at least four players -- depth forwards and a backup goaltender. The Sharks have five defensemen making $3 million or more per season. The Blue Jackets have depth forwards to trade and can offer cap relief; a player such as San Jose defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, who makes $3.1 million, would fill the need here. One possible complication to this scenario is that Sharks general manager Doug Wilson ..."

Monster won't decide until after July 1

Comment

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."

Blake signs with Sharks for 1 year

Comment

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 ..."

Sharks don't make qualifying offer to Goc

Comment

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 ..."

Teams looking at Heatley

Comment

June 24

Ottawa Citizen

(scroll down)

"The Edmonton Oilers are thought to be interested in Heatley. The Oilers have some young players the Senators would be interested in, such as defenceman Tom Gilbert and forward Patrick O'Sullivan. Centre Andrew Cogliano has also been mentioned, but the Oilers have let it be known that they won't trade him. There was some thought the Oilers would make a pitch for Florida defenceman Jay Bouwmeester, a native Edmontonian, but they've decided they'd like to score a few more goals, for a change. Broadway Dany? The New York Rangers are said to be one of the teams on Heatley's list and one of the teams that's actually interested in him. But the Rangers would first have to shed at least one of ..."

Heatley gives Sens wishlist

Comment

June 24

Ottawa Sun

"Dany Heatley has told the Senators where he wants to go. But if the Senators can't trade him before a $4-million (all terms US) bonus kicks in on July 1, they may tell him where to go. Senators GM Bryan Murray expects talks will heat up this week at the NHL draft in Montreal as several league sources confirmed Heatley's agents have given the club a wishlist of up to 10 teams. But there could be some flexibility -- he may agree to go somewhere not listed. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents J.P. Barry and Stacey ..."

Heatley gives Senators wish list of destinations

Comment

June 23

Toronto Sun

"Dany Heatley has told the Ottawa Senators where he wants to go. But if the Senators can't trade him before a $4-million US bonus kicks in on July 1, they may tell him where to go. Senators general manager Bryan Murray expects talks will heat up this week at the NHL draft in Montreal as several league sources confirmed Heatley's agents have given the club a wish list of up to 10 teams. But there could be some flexibility -- he may agree to go somewhere not listed. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents, J.P. Barry ..."

Maple Leafs try to lure Monster between pipes

Comment

June 20

Toronto Star

"Free agent goalie Jonas Gustavsson jetted into town yesterday, surrounded, apparently, by a cone of silence. It was all quiet from Gustavsson's agent, Joe Resnick, while the only comment Leafs GM Brian Burke was: "Radio silence." Gustavsson – nicknamed The Monster because of his 6-foot-3 frame – blossomed last season in leading Farjestad to the Swedish Elite League championship to become this off-season's most sought-after undrafted player. The 24-year-old was also Sweden's goalie at the world championship. Toronto was the last stop on his tour of the four NHL teams he's interested in, which included Dallas, San Jose and Colorado."

Heatley to swim with Sharks?

Comment

June 15

Edmonton Sun

"The Edmonton Oilers like Dany Heatley. The feeling may not be mutual. League sources say the Oilers are one of the two teams that have contacted Senators GM Bryan Murray about the disgruntled Ottawa winger, but the indications are Edmonton might not be at the top of Heatley's list of destinations he'd like to land. The Senators have been fielding calls about the high-scoring Heatley since his request for a trade was made public last Wednesday. Murray has put him on the market, but has told teams he's not just going to give Heatley away. The Oilers have been looking for a big-name player like Heatley for the last 12 months. They were rebuffed in their attempts to sign Marian Hossa as a ..."

Heatley still a hot ticket, NHL exec says

Comment

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 ..."

Heatley camp calls its shot

Comment

June 15

Ottawa Citizen

"Ordinarily, it would be an easy matter to trade a superstar sniper like Dany Heatley. Slap a "For Sale" sign on him, wait for the bids to roll in, and take the highest offer. It doesn't appear, however, as if Senators general manager Bryan Murray is going to have it this easy. The growing suspicion among league executives and agents contacted by the Citizen is that Heatley's agents have not only given Murray a list of preferred teams, they've also named one or two as their top choices. While there's colossal gall in this -- demanding a trade and then demanding where to go takes a lot of nerve -- there's also obvious self-interest. Who, after all, would want to be sent to the gulag known as ..."

Sharks G.M. is safe

Comment

April 29

San Jose Mercury News

"Whatever changes lie ahead for the Sharks after the embarrassment of their first-round playoff exit in Anaheim, they won't involve a new name on the wall outside the general manager's office. Sharks President Greg Jamison said Tuesday that while he and the ownership group are frustrated with the team's postseason performance, Doug Wilson will continue to lead the hockey department. "His body of work stands for itself, and our goal is to work together toward that magic goal of the Stanley Cup," Jamison said. Wilson revamped the Sharks' lineup last summer with the acquisition of key players such as Dan Boyle and Rob Blake. Todd McLellan was hired as coach in the hopes of conquering playoff ..."

Roenick likely to return for Sharks today

Comment

March 25

San Jose Mercury News

"Jeremy Roenick doesn't hide the fact that he loves returning to play in Chicago, where he started his NHL career 20 years ago. Now it looks as if he'll get at least one more chance. The Sharks forward has missed 39 games this season because of two shoulder injuries. But Tuesday all signs indicated he'd be in the lineup for the first time in nearly a month when San Jose faces the Chicago Blackhawks today at the United Center. "J.R. will be a game-time decision, but he's looking like he's ready to go," Coach Todd McLellan said after practice, where Roenick skated on the third line with Travis Moen and Ryan Vesce. Roenick sounded more certain. "The injury is not an issue," he said. "Your body ..."

Neil had a way to San Jose

Comment

March 5

Ottawa Sun

"Senators GM Bryan Murray was ready to move Chris Neil right at the deadline, but not at the bargain-basement offers for the rugged winger. After trading centre Antoine Vermette to the Blue Jackets for goaltender Pascal Lecaire and signing defenceman Filip Kuba, Murray rebuffed an offer from the Sharks for Neil -- a looming unrestricted free agent in the summer -- just before the deadline clock struck zero. Sources say San Jose GM Doug Wilson rejected Murray's demand for forward prospect Nick Bonino, who landed with the Ducks. Bonino, a sophomore at Boston University, was MVP at last month's Beanpot Tournament. The Sharks' sixth-round pick in 2007 has 13 goals and 24 assists in 33 games ..."

Deadline sellers unlikely to see big returns

Comment

March 4

Toronto Star

"More and more, today's trade deadline appears to be a prelude to that which lies ahead. To a significant degree, much of what we'll see today – or don't see today – is the direct result of 30 clubs trying to forecast the future in terms of where the industry is heading and, in particular, where the salary cap may be headed. In fact, there were moves yesterday that were indicators of what teams are thinking. Nicklas Backstrom signed a new contract to be the starting goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, and the salary was significant, an average of $6 million per season."

GMs go down to the wire

Comment

March 4

Toronto Star

"Coffee brewed, scouting charts laid out, and lists of wants and needs neatly organized, the general managers of the NHL's 30 teams will meet in boardrooms across North America this morning prior to the trade deadline. Around them will be their confidantes, assistants and scouting directors ready to dial phones, buzz the BlackBerrys, text the messages and e the mail. Reputations will be carved, saviours will be anointed, nerves will be frayed, and regrets – there'll be a few. If things begin as normal, the morning will go slowly from a public perspective: Perhaps a few fourth liners, or fifth defender for some low-round picks as selling GMs try to talk up the price to the buyers. Behind ..."

Deadline provides good theatre

Comment

March 2

Globe and Mail

columnist Eric Duhatschek

"This is how the sands can shift in the ridiculously close NHL standings, with the trading deadline less than 72 hours away: At the all-star break, during the final week of January, it looked as though the only bona fide seller in the Western Conference would be the 15th-place St. Louis Blues, a team undermined for much of the season by injuries, limited scoring and so-so goaltending. The Blues featured at least one tradable commodity - left winger/centre Keith Tkachuk - who would be of some interest to a contender. Every week, a new version of the Tkachuk to the Boston Bruins rumour made the rounds. In the meantime, the Blues quietly chipped away at the gap between them and eighth place. ..."

Pronger likely on the move...and other trade chatter

Comment

March 2

Ottawa Sun

(scroll down)

"The Blues are going to make a serious pitch for Ducks D Chris Pronger and could be offering up LW David Perron as part of a package in return. The Ducks are almost sure to deal Pronger, who has one year and $6.25 million left on his contract. He probably wouldn't mind returning to St. Louis, where he played for seven seasons. The Bruins have shown mild interest in Pronger as have the Capitals, Leafs and Flyers ... The Kings have been fielding calls for D Sean O'Donnell, but there's a strong belief he'll be re-signed. Los Angeles D Tom Preissing returned from injury yesterday against the Blackhawks and the Kings hope to move him ahead of O'Donnell ... The Sharks, Oilers and Bolts are ..."

D-Day looms

Comment

February 28

Edmonton Journal

"Trade deadline day, in the words of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, is a mixed bag -- "an awful day, an exciting day, a day full of magic, also a day full of very poor decision making." While we've basically had a league-wide roster freeze for the last five months because of salary cap issues with teams, the trade deadline is the one day where GMs actually try to appease (a) braying fans, (b) players who are looking for a jolt, and (c) coaches who can't transplant hands on Shean Donovan or get a heart that beats for Tyler Arnason. You always get some strange trade ideas on Internet sites -- like Edmonton Oilers unrestricted free agent Erik Cole and a fourth-round draft to ..."

NHL teams have stars in their eyes

Comment

February 26

Buffalo News

"The NHL trade deadline is next Wednesday, and nobody is quite sure what to expect in the days ahead. Six teams were within nine points of fourth-place Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference heading into Wednesday night. Eight points separated fifth-place Vancouver and 13th-place St. Louis in the West. Buy, sell or flip a coin? So many teams, so many players, so many possibilities. Several superstars are almost certain to change addresses, and several more are capable of pushing teams into contention. Here are a few items worth watching leading into Wednesday while pondering trade rumors du jour. STAR GAZING Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida. General Manager Jacques Martin didn't rule out trading ..."

Sens name trading price

Comment

February 26

Ottawa Sun

"Take your pick, or your prospect, Senators fans. Senators GM Bryan Murray told Sun Media yesterday that he'll be looking to acquire prospects and draft picks in any deal he makes by next Wednesday's NHL trade deadline -- particularly for pending unrestricted free agents Chris Neil and Filip Kuba. Murray also confirmed he'll meet face-to-face with Neil and Kuba in the next couple of days to see if there's anything that can break the stalemate in contract talks with both players before the Senators make a trade. "I can't really say definitely (they'll be traded)," said Murray. "I have talked to their agents and I haven't talked to the individual players really, which I'd like to do before I ..."

All or nothing

Comment

February 22

Toronto Sun

"Will the desperate Habs finally sever ties with Kovalev? Will the Panthers send big Bouwmeester packing to beef up their forward ranks? And what about Pronger, Havlat, Gaborik, Tkachuk... With the NHL trade deadline only 10 days away, Sun Media's Bruce Garrioch breaks down what each club needs -- and who's up for grabs as teams look to play let's make a deal. --- FLORIDA PANTHERS Needs: The Panthers have to decide what they're going to do with D Jay Bouwmeester, who won't be back next season. The club needs scoring up front and there's no question it would be able to fetch that in a trade. GM Jacques Martin could be the biggest player at the deadline. Who's available: D Jay Bouwmeester, D ..."

Flames could start season on Kipper's home ice

Comment

February 2

Calgary Herald

"Miikka Kiprusoff better brush up on his knowledge of the top tourist attractions in Helsinki, such as the Linnanmaki amusement park, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Korkeasaari Zoo. The Calgary Flames netminder is set to welcome 22 of his closest friends to his homeland with the National Hockey League team on the verge of opening the 2009/10 regular season in Helsinki, Finland. "I guess we could make the trip," Flames centre Craig Conroy said Sunday in the depths of the Pengrowth Saddledome. "If Miikka's going to show us some hospitality, it would be fun. Miikka's going to show us a good time." The proposed field trip to Finland dominated conversation Sunday in the Flames dressing room prior ..."

Sharks consider playing 2009-10 opener in Finland

Comment

February 2

San Jose Mercury News

"The NHL has asked the Sharks to be among the teams opening the 2009-10 season in Europe, with one report indicating a possible match-up with the Calgary Flames in Helsinki. "We have been invited by the league and there are discussions going on about it," said Scott Emmert, Sharks director of media relations. "It's not a finalized deal but it's something they are discussing and will be determined down the road." He stopped short, however, of confirming the site of the game or likely opponent. The possibility of a Sharks-Flames match-up in Helsinki was first reported Saturday during the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast by journalist Scott Morrison, who said that San Jose tentatively would be ..."

Claude Lemieux To Sign With Sharks?

Comment

November 25

San Jose Mercury News

(scroll down)

"Claude Lemieux — yes, that Claude Lemieux — is about to join the Worcester Sharks on a PTO, or professional tryout contract. At 43 and having played his last NHL game in 2002-03, the super-pest, royal pain with four Stanley Cup rings has been playing in Europe, but he is now on the North American comeback trail after a few games with the China Sharks last week. A PTO contract lasts a maximum 25 games, though it can be renewed once. Beyond that, a standard player contract would be needed. Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson has been traveling, but a team representative said this is strictly about Worcester, not San Jose."

Jeff Friesen still in limbo

Comment

October 8

San Jose Mercury News

(scroll down)

"Meanwhile, another popular player, Jeff Friesen , stands in limbo. General Manager Doug Wilson said the Sharks will wait another few days before deciding whether to offer Friesen a contract. "He's still in competition," Wilson said. "But we won't draw this out indefinitely, because it wouldn't be fair to the player." Friesen, 32, came to camp on a tryout basis, hoping to finish his career where it began in 1994. Now his fate seems partly tied to the health of Marcel Goc, who again didn't skate Tuesday because of a back problem. "I'm still here," Friesen said. "I've worked hard and I feel good about my effort. The rest is out of my hands.""

Jeff Friesen invited to Sharks' camp

Comment

August 28

San Jose Mercury News

"Left wing Jeff Friesen - the Sharks' first-round draft pick in 1994 and a popular presence in San Jose for seven seasons - will be invited to training camp as a tryout. Friesen, who has played on four NHL teams since the Sharks traded him to Anaheim in 2001, did not make an NHL roster last season. "He has a very good history here,'' Wilson said, "and we look forward to him coming and being given the opportunity to play.''"

Shanahan offer bunk: agent

Comment

July 15

Vancouver Province

"A U.S. report that unrestricted free agent Brendan Shanahan was offered and rejected a one-year, $2-million US offer from the Vancouver Canucks is inaccurate, according to his agent. "I can tell you that I've never been approached or had any discussions with Vancouver regarding Brendan," said Rick Curran, who added that San Jose and Montreal are not in the mix either. "We've only been having discussions with one team and that's the New York Rangers."

Sens rising to defence

Comment

July 5

Ottawa Sun

"The Senators appear close to acquiring a defenceman. Two league executives told Sun Media yesterday that Senators GM Bryan Murray could have a trade for a blueliner worked out in the next couple of days. The whisper among NHL executives is Murray was busy working the phones yesterday with offers on the table for Sharks defenceman Kyle McLaren and Ducks blueliner Mathieu Schneider."

Boyle Agrees To Waive No-Trade To Go To San Jose

Comment

July 4

TSN.ca

"Sources tell TSN Dan Boyle has signed his no-trade clause and has agreed to a trade to the San Jose Sharks. The paper work is now in the hands of the NHL. Pending NHL approval the next step will be the finalization of the deal. In return for the 31-year old veteran defenseman, it is believed Tampa will receive a package that will include 23-year old defenseman Matt Carle, a first round draft pick, a prospect and a 4th round pick. Sources say defenseman Brad Lukowich is also part of the deal going to San Jose."

Three Teams Remain In The Hunt For Dan Boyle

Comment

July 4

TSN.ca

"The Vancouver Canucks are one of three teams in the running for veteran defenseman, Dan Boyle. Sources tell TSN the Canucks, San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers are the three teams Boyle is considering, however he has yet to waive his no-trade clause to clear the way for a trade. The belief is Boyle will consent to trade at some point today and will select the team of his choice, however until he officially waives his no-trade, there is always a chance the Lightning's efforts to move him may be scuttled."

Sharks Covet Boyle

Comment

July 4

San Jose Mercury News

(scroll down)

"In February, Tampa Bay signed Boyle to a six-year, $40 million contract with a no-trade clause. The franchise's new owners are trying to persuade him to waive it, with the Sharks one of six teams courting the Ottawa native... The past two weeks have brought a flurry of transactions for the Lightning. At this point, Tampa Bay appears to be looking for a younger and less-expensive defenseman than Boyle, making Matt Carle, Marc-Edouard Vlasic or restricted free agent Christian Ehrhoff a potential part of any trade. Some media reports have had the Sharks as the front-runner, but Bazos would not go so far."

Campbell looks like hot commodity

Comment

July 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon isn't mentioning names of players he'd like to acquire when the NHL's free-agent signing period begins Tuesday, but one is obvious. The Hawks sorely need a puck-moving defenseman, and Brian Campbell is available. The 2008-09 salary cap was announced last week at $56.7 million, and Tallon says the Hawks have about $44 million committed. That leaves plenty of money to sign Campbell, who finished last season with the San Jose Sharks. Cap regulations dictate that the most any player can earn next season is $11.34 million. Campbell, who made $1.75 million last season, is expected to sign for about $8 million annually."

Blackhawks seeking agents of change

Comment

July 1

Chicago Tribune

"Campbell finished last season with the San Jose Sharks. He's a puck-moving defenseman who would fill the Hawks' need as the quarterback on the power play. He had eight goals and 54 assists splitting time between the Buffalo Sabres and the Sharks. The Hawks are about $13 million under the salary cap of $56.7 million and Campbell is likely looking for a deal worth between $6 million and $8 million per season. The other big name available and expected to get a call from the Hawks is winger Marian Hossa, who turned down an extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Hawks are in the market for a top-six forward, and Hossa would fit in well with coach Denis Savard's up-tempo offensive ..."

Devils, Campbell Talk

Comment

July 1

New York Post

"Devil GM Lou Lamoriello has already made an early, sanctioned, start at trying to land a top star in today's opening of unrestricted free agency, where his team shipwrecked last year. The Post has learned that Lamoriello took advantage of permission San Jose granted last week to woo defenseman Brian Campbell, widely regarded as the top prize in today's unrestricted crop. "We did have discussions. I'm not sure if Lou is going to make an offer, but we'd be receptive to listening," agent Larry Kelly said..."

Sens on Campbell's list

Comment

June 30

Ottawa Sun

"Brian Campbell will set off some fireworks in Ottawa on Canada Day. Campbell will be in town tomorrow at agent Larry Kelly's Slater St. law office for the onslaught of free agency at 12:01 p.m., and whether he stays in the capital as a member of the Senators remains to be seen, he will be one rich defenceman once he agrees to a contract. The 28-year-old Sharks blueliner and former 67's star will be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. Sources say the Senators believe they have a good shot at landing Campbell and he will be their No. 1 target tomorrow."

Defensive Options For S.J.

Comment

June 30

San Jose Mercury News

(scroll down)

"If the Sharks are looking to bolster their defense, Bret Hedican is an obvious candidate. Hedican, 37, has told the Carolina Hurricanes that if he plays, it will be closer to the Northern California home of his wife, Kristi Yamaguchi. If the Sharks do lose Campbell and need more offensive presence at the blue line, Wade Redden will be available. Redden, 31, reportedly refused to waive his no-trade clause when the Sharks tried to acquire him from Ottawa in February, but his circumstances have changed. The Rangers' Michal Rozsival is another possibility. Rozsival, 29, played junior hockey at Swift Current in 1996-98 when the team was coached by McLellan."

Ryane Clowe Returning To Sharks

Comment

June 30

San Jose Mercury News

(scroll down)

"Left wing Ryane Clowe, for example, could become a restricted free agent Tuesday. But Clowe is staying put. He and the Sharks have reached a tentative agreement on a new deal with only the length of the contract to be determined. And neither side sees that as an obstacle. "San Jose is where I want to be and it's just a matter of how many years fit me best," Clowe said Sunday."

Sharks Trade Rumors