Tuesday Rumor Roundup

- The Calgary Flames are expected to introduce to Brent Sutter as their new head coach later today. For those who didn't see, I wrote a little on the topic here. 

- The Pittsburgh Penguins' top priority this offseason: re-signing Rob Scuderi.

- As expected, Chris Chelios will not be re-signed by the Red Wings. 

- F Dany Heatley has informed Senators GM Bryan Murray of his 10 preferred destinations: Los Angeles, New York, San Jose, Detroit, Chicago, Vancouver and Boston are 7 of them.

Sens fire Paddock

OTTAWA-- The Senators, having been ''blanked'' in 2 consecutives games (5-0: vs TOR, 4-0: vs BOS), relieved head coach John Paddock and assistant coach Ron Low from their coaching duties today. Paddock seemed like a brilliant coach at the beginning of the season, as the Sens had a 16-3-0 record after 19 games and seemed like they would win the East easily. Unfortunately, things haven't been that easy for them since, as they've gone 20-19-6 in their last 45 games and are now ranked 2nd in the East.

Even though fired, the Senators Organization would like to retain them both, and have submitted to Paddock a "mainly scouting" position, that he will consider over the next few weeks.

General Manager Bryan Murray will step behind the bench, and try to lead his team to the Stanley Cup Finals like he did last season. He will continue to perform his duties as General Manager. He had a 100-46-18 record during his 1st coaching gig with the Senators, from 2005 to 2007.

2007-08 New Jerseys -- Northeast

Boston Bruins:


Buffalo Sabres:


Montreal Canadiens:



Ottawa Senators:





Toronto Maple Leafs (Ugh!):

7/6/07 UFA SIGNINGS

ANY COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ?
Please e-mail me at: afi.ville.49@gmail.com

6:45 PM- Stars sign LW Brad Winchester:
1 year at US$475,000


4:40 PM- Leafs sign G Scott Clemmensen:
1 year, two-way contract


3:40 PM- Wild sign D Sean Hill:
1 year


12:50 PM- Vanek Update:

In a 12:30 PM Press conference, Sabres' GM Darcy Regier announced that the Sabres will match the Oilers' contract offer of US$50 million over 7 years.

12:30 PM- Oilers send Vanek an offer sheet:

According to various sources, the Edmonton Oilers have sent forward Tomas Vanek an offer sheet. The offer is worth US$50 million over a period of 7 years. If the Sabres can not match the Oilers' offer, Edmonton will obtain Vanek in exchange for a compensation, more precisely of 4 1st round drat picks.

12:25 PM- Senators promote John Paddock to head coach.



8:00 AM- Top 5 Free Agents:

5) D Brent Sopel
4) C Alexei Yashin
3) LW Brendan Shanahan
2) C Peter Forsberg
1) D Sheldon Souray

7:50 AM- Rumor Central (Teams Interested):

LW Martin Gelinas (DAL)
D Sean Hill (MIN)
D Sheldon Souray (NJ, NYR, SJ)
C Alexei Yashin (DAL)

6 teams will "modernize" their Jerseys

According to Tarik El-Bashir, a Capitals beatwriter for the Washington Post:

"Six other teams -- Boston, Columbus, Ottawa, San Jose, Tampa Bay and Vancouver-- also will make changes to their uniforms as the NHL switches to a new form-fitting uniform designed by Reebok. The Capitals' overhaul is among the most extensive because both the logo and colors are completely different."

Here are the Jerseys I have leads on, note that they are all designed by RBK (view pictures at the end of the article):

1) Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks will be making a drastic change to their jerseys, even though the colours will "practically" remain the same.

Their logo, as well, will change, turning into a blue, green and white pilot inside a dark blue triangle.

Verdict: This was a perfect change for the Canucks, as they add a brand new and more coherent logo to their front. Very nice jersey!

2) Boston Bruins: This shouldn't be called a "change" due to the fact that the Bruins are only adding a white stripe to their vintage jersey.

Verdict: Even though only adding a single element to their jersey, the Bruins' new jerseys are quite nice and modern at the same time. Very good choice!

3) Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus' new jersey is a blend between their alternate jersey last season and their regular ones.

Their new home jersey is exactly the same as last year's alternate, but with a new feel and texture, while their away one is the exact same pattern as their new home jersey, but in a different colour, white.

Verdict: Finally moving on from their inaugural jerseys, the Blue Jackets will wear much more appealing jerseys next season. Very good move!

Jerseys:

1) Vancouver Canucks
2) Boston Bruins

3) Columbus Blue Jackets

Note: Every new jersey will be adding the "NHL" Logo to their collar.