Rumor Central

BUF- According to Buffalo TV station WGRZ, the Buffalo Sabres offered unrestricted free-agent Daniel Briere a contract late last night. No indications have been given on the length, or even salary associated with the contract.

NYI- Per Darren Dreger of TSN, the New York Islanders are ready to offer forward Ryan Smyth a 7-8 year contract, with an average salary of US$6 million per season. His salary's pattern over that span would be similar to Kimmo Timonen's, which would mean a hefty salary during the first 3-4 years, followed by decreasing amounts for the remaining seasons.

NYR- The Rangers are not at all close to re-signing forward Michael Nylander, reports the New York Post's Larry Brooks. He is said to be "playing it smart", as by waiting for big name UFAs Scott Gomez, Daniel Briere, Chris Drury... to be signed, he drives up his own value.

STL- According to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the St. Louis Blues have submitted a contract offer to Keith Tkachuk, whom they acquired the rights of negotiation to on Tuesday. The contract is worth US$7 million over a span of 2 years (US$3.5 million per season).