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.

Monday Rumor Roundup

Not much going on this morning, but thankfully the Red Wings are here to keep us busy:

- Two writers went ahead and explained why the Wings should not re-sign Marian Hossa, even though they claim that their decision has nothing to do with the 2009 playoff debacle that occurred in the Motor City, both for the Club and the star forward. 

- Chris Chelios and Red Wings GM Ken Holland will reportedly meet in the coming days to discuss the 47-year old's future with the organization. He claims that he still would like to play, so a return to Detroit does not appear imminent. 

Central Division Trade Profiles, Candidates

Central Division: Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Nashville, St. Louis

The central division is divided in two clans: the playoff teams (Detroit, Nashville) and the non-playoff teams (Chicago, Columbus, St. Louis).

The Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and St. Louis Blues are, all at this moment, out of the playoff picture. To add to that, all of them seem to not be ready to contend, and therefore aren't necessarily considered as buyers at this point in time. They also do not seem to be sellers, but they could become some soon.

Amongst the players these 3 teams could part with are forwards David Vyborny, Michael Peca, Sergei Fedorov and defensemen Adam Foote, Barret Jackman and Bryce Salvador.

Eventhough their current status, the Blackhawks have also been linked to Swedish center Peter Forsberg.

As for Nashville and Detroit, both are likely to be buyers.

Detroit, eventhough being ranked 1st in the league in points, feels they need to add a Top 6 forward. Mats Sundin is the most likely to fit the bill.

On Nashville's part, their goalie situation is a concern, due to Chris Mason's inconsistency and Dan Ellis' lack of experience, and, with no reliable goalies on the market, will have to do with what they've got.

This Western Conference division is filled with teams' which status' could vary as the Trade Deadline approaches. Wait right down to the wire, as these teams, except Detroit, could be in and out of the Playoff Picture in no time.

2007-08 New Jerseys -- Central

Chicago Blakchawks:

Columbus Blue Jackets:



Detroit Red Wings:


Nashville Predators:

St. Louis Blues (Unofficial):

League Roundup: July 9th

- Detroit Red Wings signed F Dallas Drake to a 1-year contract.

- New York Islanders named F Bill Guerin captain.

- Phoenix Coyotes signed F Mike York to a 1-year, US$1 million contract.

- Vancouver Canucks re-signed D Kevin Bieksa to a 3-year contract, signed D Aaron Miller.

7/5/07 UFA SIGNINGS

11:50 PM- Red Wings sign G Dominik Hasek:
1 year at US$2 million (Without Bonuses)

9:00 PM- Nickle1371 sends in the following:

Do you think Patrick Kaleta will be in the sabres line-up next season? also do you think the sabres will go after comrie or souray. (sorry if we do take souray from u, cuz we want it bad too lol.)"

Dear Nickle,

I do think that Patrick Kaleta has a chance of making the Sabres out of training camp, especially with the losses of Daniel Briere, Chris Drury and Dainius Zubrus. He played 7 games for the Sabres, managing 2 assists and 21 penalty minutes. But nothing is certain.

I do also believe the Sabres went after New York Islander Mike Comrie, who could of filled their need of a speedy and gritty 2nd line center. Comrie signed with the Islanders a few moments ago.

As to going after Sheldon Souray, I am not so sure Darcy Regier was too kean on signing a defenceman for over US$5 million, with a lack of defensive ability. I also believe the Sabres lost a big part of their forwards this offseason, and did not need to sign defencemen, but needed to concentrate their money on forwards who could replace the ones who left via the UFA market.

I hope this helps,

I Want It!

8:34 PM- Islanders sign C Mike Comrie:
1 year

8:33 PM- Sabres sign G Jocelyn Thibault:
1 year

5:50 PM- Ducks sign D Shane Hnidy:
2 years

5:34 PM- Islanders sign F Bill Guerin:
2 year at US$9 million

4:20 PM- Canadiens sign D Jamie Rivers:
2 years

1:18 PM- Devils sign G Kevin Weekes:
2 years at US$1.375 million

11:33 AM- Columbus Blue Jackets sign D Jan Hejda:
1 year

Rumor Central

BOS- Bruins' GM Peter Chiarelli has admitted to being in the market for a goalie. Ilya Bryzgalov and Manny Fernandez both seem to be on the "expendable" list for both their clubs.

DET- "Hard decisions" have to be made by Red Wings' GM Ken Holland, and Philadelphia's signing of Kimmo Timonen to a monster contract isn't helping him or other GMs in the market for a quality defenseman. Add to that the fact that the Wings only have US$10 million dollars to spend this offseason, and the signing of UFAs Mathieu Schneider, Dominik Hasek, Todd Bertuzzi and Danny Markov will be difficult. The most likely to remain are Schneider and Hasek, but anything can happen.

EDM- Kevin Lowe aknowledges that he is in need of a veteran player that will create "some buzz". He also says that he is ready to compromise his future for such a player. Who knows, he might not have to compromise anything, if he signs Robert Lang, who will not be re-signed by the Wings.

LAK- The Los Angeles Daily News report that the Kings will buy out the remaining 4 years of forward Alyn McCauley's contract, which would cost the "mighty" club 666 thousand over the next 4 years.

NSH- John Glennon, a writer for the "Tennessean", reports that the Predators, with the departure of Kimmo Timonen, Scottie Upshall and Tomas Vokoun, are trying to retain the services of Paul Kariya for next season. "Talks have been very positive", he says.