Hockey Bums

2 HOURS TILL PUCK DROP

2008-10-04T09:55:00.003-04:00

With Just over 2 hours until the Puck will drop on the 2008-09 NHL SEASON IN EUROPE here are the lineups for todays game(s):

LIGHTNING VS RANGERS

LIGHTNING

Forwards: Marty St. Louis, Vinny Lecavalier, Vinny Prospal, Ryan Malone, Steven Stamkos, Radim Vrbata, Gary Roberts, Chris Gratton, Mark Recchi, Adam Hall, Jussi Jokinen, Evgeny Artyukhin

Defensemen: Andrej Meszaros, Vladimir Mihalik, Jamie Heward, Matt Carle, Janne Niskala, Shane O'Brien

Goaltenders: Mike Smith, Olaf Kolzig

RANGERS(NOT CONFIRMED)

Forward:Drury,Gomez,Naslund,Zherdev,Dubinsky,Fritche,Callahan,C.Orr,Korpikoski,Sjostrom,Betts,Prucha

Defensemen:Girardi,Kalinin,Mara,Redden,Rozsival and Marc Staal

Goaltenders:Henrik Lundqvist,Stephen Valiquette

More Rosters later: Anyone else who has the rosters that are confirmed LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

Scotty

Will McCabe be a Panther?

2008-08-28T13:14:00.002-04:00

On Monday?

Around the league, it is known that the Panthers are in a deal with the Leafs to send over McCabe for MVR and another player. Zedniks name has come up also Weiss, Booth, and Dvorak. I see one of two things happening.

1: McCabe to FLA Poni to FLA
Zednik to TOR MVR to TOR

or

2: No trade goes down.

I'm leaning towards the 1st one. I think it is going to be a two player swap, it is very hard to speculate who is also included in the deal but hopefully we will find out on Monday (SEPT 1ST)

News In Montreal

2008-08-27T15:28:00.003-04:00

As reported a Schneider to MTL deal is IMMINENT i hear. I have heard this from quite a few people one of them from California. I hear the return would be Dandenault and a higher pick. I am looking into it more..

Greg reported that Koivu may be on his way out...I have contacted 4 people who have all said this is absolutely false! Koivu is not going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe Greg's source knows something but im just passing on the info that i have received.

But I am also hearing that MTL are not out of the Sundin sweeps. One person told me that Gainey may be playing a game with our heads here..I'll look more into it..take it for what it's worth.

CHANGED LOCATIONS

2008-08-22T17:48:00.004-04:00

HOCKEYBUMS HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS OUR NEW SITE IS LINKED

http://hockey-bums.blogspot.com/

THIS IS NOT THE BIG SITE YOUVE BEEN WAITING FOR BUT IT IS CLEANER VERSION OF WHAT WE HAVE NOW HOPE YOU ENJOY!

SCOTTY

P.S. YOULL BE GLAD TO SEE THE BLOGGER WE HAVE BROUGHT BACK!!!

Devils Place Vitaly Vishnevski On Waivers

2008-08-22T16:06:00.006-04:00

The New Jersey Devils have placed defenceman Vitaly Vishnevski on waivers.

The 28-year old blueliner had two goals and five assists in 69 games last season.

The Devils signed Vishnevski to a three-year contract prior to last season. The Ukraine native was drafted in the first round, 5th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry draft by the Anaheim Ducks.

***-Courtesy Of TSN-***

Heard this MAY be related to Mathieu Schneider, as the Devils have shown high interest in the defenceman.

UPDATE 4:09pm:LA KINGS INTERESTED IN VISHNEVSKI.

Leafs Sign D-man Boumedienne

2008-08-22T11:46:00.003-04:00

According to SportBladet, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed D-man Josef Boumedienne to a contract. Boumedienne played for the Hershey Bears of the AHL last year and put up 42 points in the 52 games that he appeared in. The Hershey Bears are the Washington Capital's minor league affiliate . Terms of his contract are unknown at this moment in time.

HOCKEYBUMS SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT COMING WEDNESDAY

2008-08-22T11:36:00.002-04:00

The HOCKEYBUMS SEASON PREVIEW SPECIAL is something Scotty and I have been working on for about a month and a half, and we're very excited to give your our special news release pertaining to our work coming WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27TH. The news release will be giving the unoffical schedule of the team previews, extensive features and fan interactivities that will be presented to you days before the drop of the first puck in North America.

We look forward to getting your feedback on what you would like to see in the HockeyBums Season Preview Special by e-mailing Brodes at hockeybums@yahoo.ca.

Thank you!

-Hockeybums Administration Team

SHOUTOUT TO TOM HALL

2008-08-22T08:30:00.003-04:00

THIS IS NOT A HOCKEY RELATED STORY.....however id like to give a big shoutout to Olympic bronze medalist in Canoe Thomas Hall. Hes a good friend of the family and we congratulate him in his efforts and success.

GREAT JOB TOM!

Scotty

HOCKEYBUMS VISITOR FANTASY LEAGUE

2008-08-21T21:28:00.004-04:00

ATTENTION HOCKEYBUMS VISITORS,

YOUR INVITED TO COMPETE IN A HOCKEYBUMS FANTASY LEAGUE. ITS ALSO A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS FIRST 10 TO LEAVE THERE CONTACT INFO AND NAME IN THE COMMENTS SECTION WILL BE INCLUDED.

SCOTTY

P.S. IF YOUR NOT IN THE FIRST 10 KEEP COMMENTING AND IF WE GET ENOUGH I MAY DO ANOTHER LEAGUE....

Great New Blog On My Site Guys.

2008-08-21T00:19:00.001-04:00

Hey guys I just wrote an excellent blog on my site go there and give it a read. Its all about the next captain of the Leafs and I sure would like your opinion.

http://leafscrazyrumors.blogspot.com/

Thanks everyone

The Source

More on Legein's Motives

2008-08-20T15:50:00.004-04:00

Great article by Aaron Portzline in the Dispatch......

My take : As a BJ fan I have no regrets of seeing him retire at that age. At least he was very class about it and didn't pull off a Peter Forsberg saying he might or might not play when the time comes. Stefan, if you ever find the spark in you to play hockey again your always welcome to comeback and play for the BJ's.

Excellent article on NHL.com about heavy metal and hockey

2008-08-20T15:26:00.003-04:00

As a die-hard heavy metal and hockey fan, I enjoyed a lot the article by Doug Karda:

Stop the Moralizing: Why Fighting Belongs in the NHL

2008-08-20T14:39:00.003-04:00

Fighting in the NHL remains one of the most staunchly debated subjects in the world of hockey and yet the argument barely divides supporters down the middle. Far from a modern topic, last seasons incident with Patrick Roy’s son Jonathon returned fighting back to its usual grandstanded place. Now I’m not here to endorse stupidity like Roy’s kid or fighting for the sake of fighting but I am here to support fighting as the part of the game it always was and the integral part at that.

Last season 38.46% of regular season games saw a fighting major called with 143 games seeing multiple fights, up from 31.22% of games and 87 multiples the season before. Where the statistics spiked were less than 3% down on the season before the lockout and the “new” family friendly NHL. The big project of castigating the enforcers on the ice whilst remaining cryptic off it has begun to backfire on the league and there is a stonewall reason behind the increase that defies the concepts of entertainment and goonery.

Post-lockout the NHL was looking to rebrand itself, the pre-lockout game was getting bogged down with obstruction plays and slowing the sport that marketed itself as the fastest game in the world. The remit was to tighten holding, hooking and interference calls and open out the game, showcase the talent and make the sport a more family orientated spectacle. There is this perception that if they took the hard stuff out of the game the fans will suddenly flock; of course this could be dubbed as more league chicanery in the face of next-to-zero TV coverage. After all, how are you going to promote the friendlier NHL when nobody gets to see it and furthermore why oxymoronically support the divisional schedules with phrases like “familiarity breeds contempt” and then complain if it becomes violent? But I digress.With the post-lockout game opening up the ice the game certainly became faster and players such as Peter Worrell, Gordie Dwyer, Chris Dingham or any enforcer who possessed little to no skating ability, puck handling consistency or offensive flair were rendered extinct either in the first year or after the instigator penalty was brought in and that was not entirely a bad thing, after all even Bob Probert or Tiger Williams could post nigh on 30 goal seasons. What the death of the barely-skating-fists brought in however was an entirely new type of enforcer designed for an entirely new NHL.
With the prototypical goons rendered obsolete by the rule changes and antsy officiating calling chincy penalties left right and centre, the NHL has become blighted by the agitator. Generally smaller players who won’t think twice about drilling players head first into boards or laying stupid charging hits in vulnerable positions, with the emphasis on stupid and not “a hit.” Players who to name and shame include Hollweg, Janssen, Tootoo, Avery and Cooke have become cheap shot merchants with free reign.

Now the agitator isn’t a new breed, but time was their job to draw penalties could be negated by the threat of a hulking player like Worrell or Dingman offering them a beat down for their insolence. Now there is a lack of respect and the hitting is getting out of hand, the fact that an instigator penalty can give the cheap shots a power play is drawing significantly closer to a bad injury and not one brought about by fists.

In fighting there is a code and honor, but hammering players head first into boards is downright dangerous. One of the anti-fighting schools of thought is that eventually a fight is going to end in tragedy, and of course as a Toronto fan, I and the rest of the league held our collective breath when Kris Newbury hit the ice head first after a series of haymakers from Ronald Petrovicky in 2007. The fact that Newbury, a competent scrapper, came out of hospital amidst the moralizing and said “I think it [fighting] belongs in the game, it's just a freak accident that happens every once in a while." Seemed to have been lost in the moral panic, meanwhile think back to Hollweg’s head high cross check on Sergei Kostitsyn or Cam Janssen’s frankly pathetic über late jumping hit on Tomas Kaberle and its hardly surprising that a new talented breed of enforcers are making their way back into the game.

Of course the whole deal became a lot smoother for the contemporary goon after Anaheim’s cup winning triumphs atop the record of most fighting majors by a team, a fete fronted by fan favorite George Parros. Not only popular with the fake moustache wearing crowd, Anaheim showed that fighting could still be used as an integral part of a winning formula be it as a momentum breaker/builder, keeping dirty players in check or bringing the crowd into the game whilst mocking the ambiguity of the instigator rule. What Anaheim did was set the wheels moving towards intense offensive hockey, supported by a heavy core of players who could be called upon to intimidate if needed, basically hockey where it was prior to the lockout. Of course a return to fighting would clearly result in fans marching out of the arenas in utter disgust, but low and behold the NHL saw a 2% increase league wide in attendances in 07-08’. To note this simply to the increased proliferation of gloves on the ice would be trite, but to say the trend, which started early in the season, was damaging to the game would be plain wrong. As Mr. Hockey himself, a.k.a. Gordie Howe once said:

“I have always believed that far more people come to games to see the fights
than stay away.”

And in this sentiment belies the paradox that stereotypes the act. Hockey is not solely about fighting and those reputed fans that come to see the fighting alone, if such a fan base exists, are not fans of the game, but there are almost certainly more of them out there than this phantom crowd that are put of by the “nature and barbarity of the game.” The nature being the important phrase and not one implicit to the act of fighting alone but owing to the history, traditions and stereotypes of the game, draw from its necessity. Basically if you don’t like fighting and physicality, chances are hockey is never going to be your cup of tea.

Perhaps it’s easy to wax lyrical in the face of naysayers about the good ol’ days, the Broad Street Bullies and the Big Bad Boston Bruins, but the fact of the matter is that fighting is still an important part of the game, both in play and also in the marketing of it. Whilst I don’t believe in pandering to a crowd of fight hungry meatheads, many would argue that the NHL’s inability to pull a major US TV deal lies in the decreased marketability of the game sans fighting in the American market. The fact the league uses this as a springboard to usurp much of the physicality in the game for endless power plays shows how out of touch the league is in marketing itself to even the most fervent followers.

If you were to take an example, one particular to my argument, say the Columbus Blue Jackets. Their season was all but over with a couple of months to spare, in the face of a miracle. The fact they had the league leader in fights, the small but ultra willing Jared Boll provided some pull for crowds in a quiet market. Pair that up with the fact that Boll and fellow fighter Jody Shelley are amongst the fan favorites after Rick Nash and that after Nash are two of the most enthusiastic players to skate in the Jackets teams and its hard to see how these power players can’t be a pull of a mainstay demographic.

Subsequently fighting is a part of a multi faceted sport and that is what makes hockey the spectacle it is. The various roles of the players, the strategy, the scoring and the physicality, its all part and parcel of what makes hockey the greatest game in the world and the NHL the greatest league. A wise man would market fighting for what it is, a part of the game and stop placing it on a pedestal of evil as if the debate were more prevalent than the sport itself. A great fight, especially if it were for the right reasons, can be part of a spectrum of experiences that can occur in hockey from the nasty to the sublime and we should stop striving to remove the various layers of the game as if to leave it bare and bleak.

For me I don’t find a place for marketing in the debate of hockey fighting. Hockey fights happen for a variety of reasons, some good and noble, some bad and pointless they are never there to be a circus sideshow attraction and the guys dropping their gloves are not performing monkeys. It happens down to emotion and protecting your team mates and god forbid if those elements are ever removed from the game.

Questions About The Northwest

2008-08-20T12:55:00.003-04:00

The Northwest Division is going to be a battle from start to finish, and unless something catastrophic happens, any team can win it. Last year saw the Wild grab it and even though they lost Brian Rolston and Pavol Demitra, can they defend their title? Or will a new brand come in, like Calgary or Edmonton? Just a hoot, these aren't my predictions, but assumptions.

The Canucks had a busy off-season letting long-time Canucks Brendan Morrison and Markus Naslund go, while signing Pavol Demitra. They also offered Mats Sundin a 2-year $20 million dollar contract, but that may not work out, at least for now. The Canucks are going to the road of last season, if though their offense may be a bit improved, it's going to take more than Roberto Luongo and Kevin Bieksa to supply this team not only for the division, but for the playoffs.

Minnesota lost 2 of their best scorers in the off-season, and even when they were around, their offense was hurting under the Lemaire system, so imagine now. They lost Sean Hill to Russia, although they traded for Marek Zidlicky. Many have put them already in the playoffs, but I'm not so keen on them. With the distraction of Marian Gaborik's contract, the Wild will have to fight for a playoff spot.

The Avalanche had an OK off-season, signing former Leafs Darcy Tucker and Andrew Raycroft, although they lost goaltender Jose Theodore, defenseman Jeff Finger, and could potentially lose Joe Sakic. Even without Big Joe, I think this team can make it. If Budaj improves his play and the offense comes out to a fast start, I think they will make the playoffs.

Calgary made some changes this off-season, by re-signing key players, and signing bigman Todd Bertuzzi, who oculd play awesome with Jarome Iginla. They lost Kristian Huselius so right now we will have to see if they can cover that up. Their defense stayed the same and will be dominant as always, and Miikka Kiprusoff will play great again. They have a great chance for the Northwest title but in my mind they're gonna lose it on the last day of the season to......

The Oilers had one heck of an off-season, trading away Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene, Joni Pitkanen, and Raffi Tores for Lubomir Visnovsky, Erik Cole, and Gilbert Brule. The offense will be extraordinary with Andrew Cogliano's speed, Ales Hemsky's playmaking touches, Shawn Horcoff's finishing abilities, Erik Cole's big time scoring, and Sam Gagner's clutch play. Their defense should get bigger and better with a healthy Sheldon Souray and a big puck player in Visnovsky. Tom Gilbert also improved and should continue this year. The only question is goaltending where either can win the starting job but htey should be able to win the Northwest.

Thanks For Reading, and be sure to check out the new blog over at http://www.nhlrumour.blogspot.com/!

LIVE CHAT INTERACTIVE: Many Topics Covered

2008-08-20T12:29:00.004-04:00

Another Live Chat came and went, with special guest Brad Ratgen from Hockeybuzz joining us. Here's what he said about the upcoming tussle in the Northwest division this season:

"The Northwest will be tight as always. The question is will Calgary step up? Will Edmonton catch up? Can the Wild repeat as division champs?"

We will see. We discussed the best games of last season, and it ended up being the HB Exclusive Poll Question, which turned out like this:

Wings vs Pens (S.C Game 5) ( 9% )

Habs Comeback vs Rangers (Season) ( 73% )

Kings Comeback vs Stars (Season) ( 9% )

Stars vs Sharks (WC SF Game 6) ( 9% )

We also covered Michael Ryder, Stephen Legein, early Stanley Cup favs, Teemu and Mats, and Russia and the KHL!!! Plus much much more.

If you want to see the live chat and how it unfolded, check the replay of it on the bottom of the page. And stay tuned for info of the next live chat, if you want to be apart of the COVERITLIVE experience!

My Own Site

2008-08-20T02:23:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone The Source here while I'll continue to post my blogs right here on the great Hockeybums I have opened my own site.

Here is the link its all Maple Leafs all the time

http://leafscrazyrumors.blogspot.com/

Come on over while I'm completley new to the world of Blogspot I will figure out my site in time so be patient thanks guys and I'll hope to see you there.

The Source

Legein retires!!

2008-08-20T01:32:00.002-04:00

Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Stefen Legein decided he won't play hockey as a living. He is 19 years old and was on the Canadian junior team! Legein was drafted in the 2nd round by the Blue Jackets...

Maple Leafs Choose GM and Fletcher wants Bouwmeester.

2008-08-19T23:02:00.006-04:00

I just want to put this out that the Maple Leafs may have found their man, and we didn't even notice. According to sources close to the team Joe Nieuwendyk will become the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager after this season.

It is believed by many that Cliff Fletcher will groom Joe into the role and Nieuwendyk will take over after this year. While I dislike the idea of another rookie GM, at least they have a timetable to train the person who they feel is best for the job. Joe Nieuwendyk comes to Toronto with an impressive resume which includes a Stanley Cup and a very good knowledge of the sport. While this is unconfirmed, many including the likes of Darren Dreger, Bob McKenzie, Nik Kypreos, and Howard Berger have all said they feel that Joe will take the role when Fletchers contract expires and that he will be something the Leafs have needed for a long time someone with hockey sense.

Moving on now I know this has been said 1,000,000 times but word on the street is the deal that was said to be happening is getting bigger! Now by no means does this mean it will happen but I truly feel that this could get Bouwmeester into Toronto if Fletcher wants him bad enough and word out tonight is that he does.

The rumored deal that is reportedly being thrown around is this:

To Toronto: D Jay Bouwmeester, F Richard Zednik

To Florida: D Bryan McCabe, D Ian White, F Alexei Ponikarovsky

I'M GOING TO PUT EMPHASIS ON THIS! "THIS IS A RUMOR NOT FACT"

So please take it as such.

(The Sources Take: Now me personally, I like the trade. It does at first seem a little steep but I think it's better than giving up a 1st, especially if the return is Bouwmeester. With the Nieuwendyk situation I like it better than bringing on Brian Burke who has a big mouth and really needs to settle that whole thing with Lowe down.)

WHATS NEW WITH OUR SISTER SITE???

2008-08-19T20:59:00.006-04:00

Hey guys! I got this article from nhlrumour.blogspot.com, our sister site. It's about The Best Player Outside The NHL (who haven't played there either):

This is written by Riley M. I hope you enjoy!

The Elitserien League, or the Swedish Elite League has a lot of ex NHLers but a player that really sticks out it my mind, like..

Johan Akerman

Jonathan Akerman is a defenceman who last season played for HV71 Jonkoping and had remarkable numbers for a defenceman, and all though his 33 points were 15 less then last season he really flourished on a defensive minded HV71 team. He's signed with the Lokomotiv Jaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League and expect more coverage of this all-star Swede. Akerman was never drafted into the NHL.

The KHL has a whole bunch of Ex-NHL players I could of chose, but the player that really stood out in my mind was..

READ THE REST!!!!

The Latest on Andrej Meszaros

2008-08-19T13:51:00.003-04:00

The Senators front has been quiet so far and with GM Bryan Murray teeling everyone to keep their mouths closed, it's hard to expect what will happen. Here is the latest on one of the best defenseman left on the market, Andrej Meszaros.

I think everyone is reporting now that Andrej has been given his final offer and even though the numbers aren't out it can't be possibly more than Antoine Vermette got and look for the range in what Antoine got. Meszy, according to Sens Chirp, is also weighing an offer from the newly-formed KHL, though I don't see a guy like Andrej, who isn't washed up like many players who have gone there, going home.

Another possibility could include seeing him being traded, and with many teams steeping up at plate ready to acquire a defenseman, trading could be Bryan Murray's last option. Teams interested could be teams that need to get to the floor, like LA (could we be going back to the three-way deal?), and Atlanta. Kevin Lee from HockeyBuzz says GM Murray wants lots in return, so Atlanta could be in the thick of it with lots of forwards (such as Slava Kozlov) and prospects to choose from.

One thing we know, this is Bryan Murray. The power is in his hands.

The Latest on Gaborik

2008-08-19T12:54:00.009-04:00

Talking with Brad Ratgen, the Minnesota Wild Correspondant on Hockeybuzz about the latest with forward Marian Gaborik's supposed contract talks ith the organization. Contract negotitations should be commencing shortly (although it has been reported that they have started already). His agent, Ron Salcer is back from vacation, which will speed up the process because Salcer and the Wild "seem to be able to work together and get deals done", just like the last time Gaborik and the Wild were involved in talks.

Ratgen also says that he "wouldn't be surprised if he re-signed a HUGE deal and I wouldn't be surprised if he simply asks for too much as a way to save face without saying he wants to leave."

And on a quick note, Michael Russo from the StarTribune.com cites Salcer as saying that he denies any rumor of Gaborik ever thinking about playin in Russia. But as we have seen in the exile of many players to the new KHL and such, it is absolutley a possibility.

NEW CHATROOM!

2008-08-19T11:39:00.001-04:00

THERE A NEW HOCKEYBUMS CHATROOM CHECK IT OUT!

THEHOCKEYBUMS MESSAGE BOARD!!!

2008-08-19T10:49:00.002-04:00

HEY EVERYONE JUST A REMINDER MESSAGE BOARDS HAVE BEEN QUIET. JUST A REMINDER HERES THE LINK LETS KEEP TALKING HOCKEY.......CHATS ARENT THE ONLY WAY!

heres the link to message board or just click the picture on front page that says MESSAGE BOARD

http://hockeybums.proboards103.com/index.cgi

Scotty

Nylander On "A" Market But Not "The" Market

2008-08-19T10:24:00.003-04:00

Capitals forward Michael Nylander is in the market.............FOR A NEW HOME. Rumors ran through the world wide web that he had put his Washington House up for sale but theres nothing more to it then wanting a new house in Washington. The Caps would like to have him back and he wants to be back and then you can add the fact that hes got a No-Trade Clause anyway.

DAY 50: THE SUNDIN WATCH

2008-08-19T08:28:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone heres an UPDATE on everything that has happened in the Sundin Situation as we have hit DAY 50 of the SUNDIN, WATCH AND WAIT.

NHL DRAFT: Mats Sundin's negotiation rights given to the Montreal Canadiens. Deal was never worked out before Sundin hit the market.

EARLY JULY: Reports that Sundin had decided Toronto Or Retirement that also has turned out to be false at this point in time.

LATE JULY: Rumors that Sundin had told the habs so "GOOD NEWS".......to this date I WONDER? Also REPORTS THAT SUNDIN WOULD DECIDE WHERE HES GOING IF HE CAME BACK ON AUGUST 1st. Im wondering what happened to that decision?Also despite being over the salary cap rumors that Philadelphia Flyers made a pitch for him.

JULY 27th:HABS SIGN SUNDIN ACCORDING TO A LEAK ON THE HABS MOBILE PHONE WEBSITE...................False

JULY 30th: Habs GM Bob Gainey contacts J.P. Barry, Sundin's Agent and lets him know the habs are still VERY MUCH interested in Mats Services.

AUGUST 2nd: Wonder what happened to that decision on August 1st?

MIDDLE AUGUST: Rangers "hot" after Sundin looks like they could be "THE CHOSEN ONES", BUT THEN.......DENIAL FROM JP BARRY THAT THE RAGS ARE THE TEAM.

TODAY: Sundin apparently Has No Interest in Joining the Maple Leafs.

AND THATS WHERE WE STAND ON DAY 50 OF THE ALWAYS POPULAR, ALWAYS FAMOUS SUNDIN WATCH AND WAIT!

Scotty

SUNDIN HAS "NO INTEREST" IN LEAFS

2008-08-19T08:25:00.003-04:00

According to an article in The Montreal Gazette today Mats Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry has said that Sundin has "NO INTEREST" in returning back to Toronto. Rumors still rampant that Sundin will join the Rangers but everyone can keep guessing cause I dont think even Mats knows what hes doing yet.

O'Sullivan Off The Market

2008-08-18T22:49:00.003-04:00

Talked to a source in LA he has told me that the LA Kings brass met today and have decided to keep Patrick O'Sullivan. He is being taken off the market and they have declined every and all offers that have come in over the weeks. The only way he gets traded is if it is one crazy deal that helps the kings A LOT.

LA's new focus is to resign both O'Sullivan and Slovenian forward Anze Kopitar.

BOTTOM LINE: O'SULLIVAN IS OFF THE MARKET!

Scotty

Sundin To Rangers Being Denied! McCabe still being denied!

2008-08-18T19:42:00.007-04:00

According to a source of mine and Spector the TFP rumor is completley false. Mats has not signed and has not even decided to play.

The source went on to say that while the Rangers are leading the way for Sundin they have to much cap space to clear and Mats wants to sign before the opening of training camp. There are rumors that the Rangers would be moving Micheal Roszival and his brand new $5,000,000 contract but that would make the Blueshirts very thin on the blueline.

(The Sources take: While I'm sure Mats has interest in the Rangers I believe they will have difficulty finding any takers for Roszivals massive contract. I fully believe that the Leafs, Canadiens, and Canucks out of the race for Mats services)

In other news the rumors of a Bryan McCabe trade continue to be denied by GM Fletcher and McCabes agent. But when GM Martin was approached for comment he didn't confirm or deny so things are up in the air right now.

(The Sources take: I don't think the Leafs wanted this to get out but I'm sure that they are glad that it is now as this may drive up McCabes value. There are plenty of teams looking for a PP specialist and McCabe fits at least that bill so I fully expect him to still be traded despite what Fletcher and McCabes agent say.)

The Source

New Site

2008-08-18T18:45:00.001-04:00

Responding to the last post, the new twin site of Hockey Bums is nhlrumour.blogspot.com, the first post is up so enjoy!

Rumor Addition

2008-08-18T18:06:00.002-04:00

Hey guys just a heads up.

Me and a couple new guys are going to create the rumor half of this website. not sure what the link will be but it will be posted here!

Scotty

SUNDIN A RANGER VERY VERY SOON?

2008-08-18T17:56:00.001-04:00

According to TheFourthperiod Forward Mats Sundin is set to join the New York Rangers. The deal will be announced as soon as the Rangers clear cap space.

This is from THE FOURTHPERIOD

A Great Honour

2008-08-18T17:55:00.002-04:00

I'd like to thank Scotty for inviting me on Hockey Bums, one of the best sites for your daily hockey news. It's a privilege to be contributing and writing about the best sport in the planet...hockey.

First off, my name is albanada which is a mixture of my two home countries, Albania and Canada. Clever, eh? I've loved hockey since I was in diapers and have been in the blogging community and also SportingNews for almost 2 years now. I love to spread some reasonable rumours that I've researched and digged up. Me and Scotty met on HockeyBuzz Buzzcast and we share the same passion for hockey!

I am in the midsts of creating a blogspot where I dig some rumours and sensible ones not really really stupid ones. Me and Scotty will be combining the sites sometime.

If anyone hasn't figured yet, I'm a Sens fan and I'll be supplying some news and rumours daily ofr the Sens and even more teams. I say ain, thanks to Scotty for inviting me and I will be starting tomorrow will a look at the defenseman left on the market. Till then, Thanks For Reading!

Another Habs Centennial Logo Leak

2008-08-18T15:47:00.001-04:00

Here is another Montreal Canadiens CENTENNIAL YEAR LOGO that has been leaked. It was come across in a video for the new EA SPORTS NHL 09 that releases sometime in the next month or so. Heres the picture:

Minor signings

2008-08-18T12:51:00.004-04:00

- Goalie Adam Berkhoel signed a contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. He played for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL last season. Adam played for the Trashers in 2005-06.

- Left wing Kip Brennan signed a contract with HIFK Helsinki of the SM-Liiga (Finland). He played 3 games for the Islanders last season, notching 0 point and 12 PIM. Brennan also played for Anaheim, Atlanta and Los Angeles in the NHL.

Nagy signs in Russia

2008-08-18T10:35:00.005-04:00

Forward Ladislav Nagy has left the NHL after signing a contract with Cherepovets in the Russian Continential League. The terms of the deal have not been published.

Nagy, 29, played 38 games with the LA Kings last year. He recorded 9 goals and 17 assists for 26 points during a season that was plagued with injuries (it happens very year). Nagy played for St. Louis, Pheonix, Dallas and Los Angeles during his 10-year NHL career.

My take: Nobody was willing to take a chance on him because of his inconsistency and fragility. Nobody will miss Nagy, especially in fantasy leagues.

EDIT: The deal is a two-year contract worth $5.6 million, with an escape clause if Nagy is signed by an NHL team.

Wild Management Have Met With Gaborik

2008-08-17T17:18:00.003-04:00

The Minnesota Wild management have met with there star forward Marian Gaborik over a 4 hour long dinner in Trencin,Slovakia. There message was loud and clear MINNESOTA IS THE PLACE TO BE. I am hearing a contract offer of about 8.5 million per year over the course of an undisclosed amount of years could be coming to the pending free agent. Both sides know where they stand so a deal could be coming. Lots of rumors of him being traded but if he is to be traded id expect it at deadline if the Wild and Gaborik can not work out a deal by then.

Sundins Agent Denies Reports

2008-08-17T17:12:00.005-04:00

Mats Sundin''s agent, JP Barry has denied reports from the NY POST that Sundins top 2 teams of choice are the Rangers and Flyers. He also denied the reports that hes been in constant negotiations. He also said that hes had long conversations with Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher and Canucks GM Mike Gillis about Sundin joining there respective teams. He also noted they're 6 teams interested in Sundin's services and from reports that have come out and what not throughout the months im thinking these are the 6 teams:Toronto,Vancouver,Montreal,Colorado,New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers.

More On The Habs/Oilers Trade Talks

2008-08-17T11:05:00.002-04:00

I just got off the phone with McGuire, and I got more news on the Habs/Oilers talks. Again, McGuire says this is all depending on how the Sundin saga plays out, that's what he's been hearing. He said if Sundin signs with the Habs, this trade could go down. Meaning it is probably a centerman leaving MTL. He told me the Habs are definitely after Ales Hemsky. In return the Oilers are asking for a young player, I have heard the name of Plekanec thrown out there, hence why its depending on Sundin as the Habs would need another centerman. McGuire does not think Plekanec will be leaving, he says the Habs want to roll three scoring lines. He thinks the return would be Higgins. This is the trade he gave me..

To MTL: Ales Hemsky
Denis Grebeshkov

To EDM: Chris Higgins
Roster Player
P.K. Subban

Take it for what it's worth but this came from McGuire..I will post more as i hear it.

SUNDIN UPDATE

2008-08-17T09:22:00.003-04:00

According to the New York Post: Mats Sundin's first 2 teams of choice are the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. If he were to choose 1 of those team then these would likely be the situations to follow.

If he signs with the Rangers: If Mats Sundin signs With The Rangers there will be a couple moves made to clear some cap space. In my opinion theres no way Sundin take 2 million to play.It would also mean they have given up on talks with Shanahan and we'd likely see him sign somewhere else.

If He Signs With Flyers: If Mats Sundin Signs With the Flyers this is what could transpire. In my opinion the Flyers are not as much a contender as the Rangers thats just my opinion. They also have 2 first line centers already. I think if he were to sign there they'd trade either carter or Upshall+ for a d-man. even though there in the same conference I could see the Flyers swinging a deal for Frantisek Kaberle.

BUT THERES ONLY 1 THING FOR SURE......WE AINT SEEN THE LAST OF THIS SWEDISH MEATBALL!

Scotty

Maple Leafs Need Strong Start

2008-08-17T06:17:00.002-04:00

Its been 3 long years since we've seen any playoff hockey for the Buds and this year could be no different. But lets think about this for a minute the Leafs even though they couldn't keep the puck out of the net they certainley had no problem putting it in the net. The Leafs were still top 10 in the league for goals scored and really only lost Sundin this summer.

Now does that mean the team is doomed without him "NO" simply put this team has a lot of new faces on it and there are still changes in the works with the rumored exchange of McCabe and one other Leaf player going to the Panthers for Van Ryn and another Panther (Rumored to be David Booth).

The Leafs have Nikolai Kulemin who scored 33 points in 57 games, they also have Niklas Hagman who scored more goals then Tucker last year and provides more speed then him as well. The Defence is a lot stronger with the additions of Finger and Frogren and not to mention the strong continued play of Kaberle and Stralman.

The goaltending is some of the best in the East I would go as far to say that its top 3. Toskala had terrific numbers on a poor defensive squad and will be better this season with a strong coach leading the way.

The Leafs also hope for big things from Mikael Grabovski and Nik Antropov as well as Alex Steen who may flurish with more minutes.

I think anyone predicting the Leafs to miss the playoffs has there reasons especially because they've missed them the last 3 years. But I think this year will be different and until January we can't really predict what will happen lets give them a chance before we dump on them.

The Source

Questions revolving around Vancouver

2008-08-17T03:16:00.003-04:00

As we wait longer and longer for Sundin to make a decision, you have to wonder that if he really hasn't decided whether he is going to play next season, do you really want him? Its not long before training camp opens, and the new NHL season begins and Sundin still has yet to make up his mind. My personal opinion, if he wanted to come to Vancouver, he would have done so already and its time to move on. But to what you may ask, well at this time that is unclear, but its obvious the Canucks need atleast 1 more top 6 forwards. The names that have been thrown around, linked to Vancouver are, Vermette, Gionta, Afinogenov, Williams, Jokinen, and Weiss. Unfortunately out of those players none of them are 1st line centers, but they are good forwards nonetheless. But what would be a good fit in Vancouver? Should Sundin be off the radar, look for Vancouver to go very hard for Weiss, as he maynot be anything more then a 2nd line center, but he definately has a play making ability, and the Panthers look like they are going to be sellers, with the Bouwmeaster rumours running rampid, and their captain Oli Jokinen already traded to Phoenix. Another good fit would be Vermette, a player that I have personally be a fan of for quite some time, Vermette had put him 20+ goals on a 3rd line in Ottawa, so in a second line roll you would expect the same, if not more. Finally, Justin Williams, he is a young stud, only 26 years of age, and has scored 30+ goals twice, prior to last season. A player who could be an impact on Vancouver's second line, Williams could bring some much needed scoring to a team that is dearly lacking. Now on a different note, a move that I would not be surprised if the Canucks made would be trading long time Canuck Mattias Ohlund. With UFA's like Gaborik next season, look for Ohlund to be possibly moved, depending what he wants to stay in Vancouver. Canucks have some key Free-Agents like the Sedins, Ryan Kesler, Alexandre Burrows and Steve Bernier to name a few, look for them to possibly trade Ohlund. For Ohlund to stay he would need to take a home town discount, and unfortunately, that is not something, I suspect, he is willing to do. So what do you guys think? What is Gillis's next move? What will he do with pending UFA/RFA's? Has Gillis moved on from Sundin? Is Gillis targetting a big name player? Is Bieksa a movable asset? Some many questions, so little time before training camp. So I ask you, if you were Mike Gillis what would you do?

PANEL OF UNBIASED FANS NEEDED

2008-08-16T21:29:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys,

I NEED A COUPLE GUYS WHO ARE UNBIASED TO HELP ME OUT WITH THE SELECTION PROCESS OF THE NEXT HOCKEYBUMS BLOGGER CONTEST IF YOUR INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT EMAIL ME AT hockeybums@yahoo.ca

Scotty

LIVE CHAT 9:00am TOMORROW

2008-08-16T20:40:00.000-04:00

HEY GUYS LIVE CHAT TOMORROW AT 9:00am HERE ON HOCKEYBUMS TO DISCUSS EVERYTHING IN THE HOCKEY WORLD!

Scotty

Selanne Returning......To Ducks?

2008-08-16T20:05:00.002-04:00

Today in a Finnish TV interview Selänne pretty much confirmed he's going to return, again saying the Ducks are the only team he will play for. I guess there won't be anything official until Anaheim can clear some cap space for him, but it looks like he has decided to play.

kudos to atc of hockeybuzz for this info.

Future Watch:Alex Goligoski

2008-08-16T19:13:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys Im Thinking Of Starting A New Feature Called Future Watch So Here Is My First Kick At The Can Let Me Know What You think Of The Idea.

FUTURE WATCH:ALEX GOLIGOSKI

Born in the self proclaimed new Hockey Town USA,Minnesota Goligoski is a 6 foot tall 187 pound defensive stud.He attended the U of Minnesota for college and was a d-man for there NCAA hockey team the Golden Gophers. He was then selected 61st overall in the NHL entry draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Hes had a couple of stints with the Penguins since concluding his tenure at the University of Minnesota but he plays the majority of his games right now with the affiliate team Wilkes Barre-Scranton.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion it looks like he will get playing time this year with the Pens as one of there top d-men Ryan Whitney will be out for 3-5 months recovering from surgery. Look for some good numbers from Goligoski on the pens point as he can play in all situations and excel. Hes also a GREAT sleeper pick in a fantasy draft.

Ryan Whitney out 3-5 months with injury

2008-08-16T11:38:00.004-04:00

From Rob Rossi at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Whitney, whose point total dropped from 59 in 2006-07 to 40 last season, underwent surgery to correct a left-foot misalignment Friday in Charlotte. Full recovery from the osteotomy, usually takes three to five months, which means he won't be back before the end of November.

“Ryan has been bothered by this condition in his foot for some time,” Shero said. “He consulted with a number of specialists in an effort to correct the problem without surgery, but it was ultimately determined that surgery was the best path to take – for his general well-being, and for his career.

Look for Kris Letang to get more ice time, especially on the PP and for rookie Alex Goligoski to start the season with the Penguins.

Blues High On Shanny

2008-08-15T21:11:00.003-04:00

After reports tonight coming from hockeybuzz.com's Andy Strickland that the Blues would not sign Brendan Shanahan I have come upon this article from St.Louis Today's Jeremy Rutherford. He had these quotes from Blues John Davidson......

"For us, we think Brendan can still play," Davidson said. "He's in great shape. We've done our research."

As far as taking the spot of a young prospect on the roster, Davidson said: "We want our young players to graduate to the next level. We're trying to surround them in the right atmosphere and Brendan could be a big part of that. We're still going to play a lot of youth. We'll just see how it goes."

Im thinking theres a good chance he signs there,

Scotty

Panthers re-sign Drew Larman

2008-08-15T15:35:00.003-04:00

The Florida Panthers agreed yesterday to terms with restricted free-agent center Drew Larman on a one-year contract.
The Michigan native Larman, 23, appeared in six games with Florida last season, recording only one assist. He spent the majority of the campaign with Rochester of the AHL, where he registered 10 goals and 22 points in 54 contests.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Habs sign Yannick Weber

2008-08-15T11:47:00.004-04:00

The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of defencemen Yannick Weber to a three-year contract. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed yet.

Weber, 19, played for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL last season, scoring 55 points in 59 games. He also played in the Memorial Cup, where his Rangers lost in final vs the Spokane Chiefs.

Weber will likely head to Hamilton for a few years of seasoning before before turning pro.

Oilers invite Guillaume Lefebvre to training camp

2008-08-15T09:23:00.003-04:00

Tough winger Guillaume Lefebvre, who played a few NHL games with Philly and Pittsburgh, is on the main training camp roster on a tryout. Lefebvre will be at training camp with the Oilers in September. He has two goals and six points in 38 career NHL game.

Lefebvre, 27, played the past 2 seasons with the St. Jean Chiefs of the NAHL.

McCabe trade confirmed but return is sketchy.

2008-08-15T04:02:00.004-04:00

So earlier I reported that the players in the McCabe trade had been confirmed to be David Booth and Mike Van Ryn. While the Booth and Van Ryn part are still there, there's others being mentioned.

Speculation is beginning to rear its ugly head again as there are now several more players being named.

On Torontos end: Nik Antropov, Alex Steen, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bryan McCabe.

On Floridas end: Mike Van Ryn, Anthony Stewart, David Booth, Stephen Weiss.

There are picks involved including Floridas 1st rounder next year. (I know this sounds crazy but this is what Dreger has said)

Now not all these players will be moving but at least one or more of these players will have new jerseys come Sept 1st. I say that if Antropov is involved there will be that 1st rounder coming the other way as Torontos surprise late bloomer from last season has an all time high trade value right now.

Anyways stay tuned for more.

The Source

Ovechkin unleashed

2008-08-14T20:41:00.002-04:00

Check this YouTube video in Russian (with subtitles) on Alexander Ovechkin looking for a wife Ovechkin unleashed

Coyotes re-sign Joel Perrault

2008-08-14T20:31:00.004-04:00

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed Joel Perrault to a two-year contract.

No financial terms were announced. Perrault got into 49 games with the Coyotes last season and managed seven goals and 17 points in limited duty. Don't expect much more points this season from Perrault with the addition of Olli Jokinen and with Kyle Turris likely graduating with the Coyotes.

Flyers Extend Head Coach John Stevens

2008-08-14T18:46:00.005-04:00

The Philadelphia Flyers signed head coach John Stevens to a two year extension today, keeping him with the Flyers through 2010-11. Stevens helped engineer one of the greatest turnarounds in NHL history last season, taking the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals a year after they were the worst team in the league. The former Philadelphia Phantoms head coach and player is looking to repeat his AHL success, winning a Calder Cup in each role with the Flyers' farm club.

LEAFS,PANTHERS HAVE A DEAL IN PRINCIPLE

2008-08-14T17:07:00.002-04:00

According to sportsnet the Leafs and Panthers have a deal reached in principle. The deal will be waited on till September 1stwhen Mccabe accepts his 2 million dollar paycheck owed to him by the leafs. Then the deal will just need to be accepted by the league and its done. IT SOUNDS LIKE JUST VAN RYN TO LEAFS.

Wings re-sign enforcer Aaron Downey

2008-08-14T16:06:00.003-04:00

Forward Aaron Downey signed a two-way contract to remain with the defending Stanley Cup champion Red Wings. The deal is reportedly worth $575,000 for the 2008-08 season. He would make $100,000 with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL.

Downey, 33, had 116 penalty minutes in 56 games last season, but had no goals and only three assists. The Wings now might try to re-sign Darren McCarthy and Chris Chelios.

MCCABE TO PANTHERS EARLY SEPTEMBER

2008-08-14T14:21:00.005-04:00

It appears as though Brian Mccabe will be headed to the Florida Panthers but only after September 1st when he collects his 2 million dollar bonus from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jay Bouwmeester is reportedly NOT IN THE DEAL. Sounds as though the deal will be Van Ryn and Booth or as we alluded to before Van Ryn and Weiss.

UPDATE (3:18PM) ALL OF THIS IS CONFIRMED BY MIKE ZEISBERGER FROM THE TORONTO SUN SPEAKING ON THE TEAM 990. HIS SOURCE CLOSE TO MCCABE ALOS TELLS HIM THAT THE LEADING CANDIDATE TO GET MCCABE ARE THE FLORIDA PANTHERS.

McCabe a Panther???

2008-08-14T09:40:00.005-04:00

As 1st reported on HB's by me and Scotty Bryan McCabe has waived NMC to facilitate a trade to the Florida Panthers. Despite what one of my colleagues said this morning there is a chance the return could be D Jay Bouwmeester.

This is what I have been hearing for weeks actually almost a month since Bouwmeester made it clear that he does not wish to return to the sunshine state.

To Toronto: D Jay Bouwmeester, Unnamed Roster Player (Sorry I can't get any word on who this might be)

To Florida: D Bryan McCabe, Alex Steen, Cond Pick in 2010

While it is true that McCabe has waived the players I have in the trade above have not been confirmed as of yet besides McCabe. This could be the "HOMERUN" trade that Fletcher was talking about.

The Source

UPDATE: ACCORDING TO SPECTOR AND ONE OF HIS SOURCES FLETCHER HAD DENIED THE WAIVING SAYING HE IS UN-AWARE OF ANY MOVE BEING MADE RIGHT NOW. HE ALSO WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE DEAL MAY NOT HAPPEN UNTIL AFTER THE LEAFS PAY MCCABE THE $2,000,000 SIGNING BONUS THAT THEY OWE HIM.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

THE SOURCE

3 Keys to Thrasher Success

2008-08-14T09:02:00.003-04:00

There are a ton of question marks entering the season for the Thrash considering a whole new coaching staff, player turnover, and unproven youngsters in the lineup. But this blog I would like to address 3 key players that could prove to be the difference between either a successful or disappointing season.

Kari Lehtonen. Of course. Lehtonen signed a 1 year deal this offseason, making many a Thrasher fan wonder why not long term. I was one. After careful consideration I think this will be a plus. Up to this point Kari has been successful, but has lacked the consistency to be an elite goaltender in this league. He certainly has the talent, but has yet to show he can carry a team, or even show up every night. A 1 year deal puts him on the hot seat yet again, playing for another contract. Another year under his belt, an improved defense in front of him, and the motivation of another impending contract should give Kari all of the tools he needs to carry this team night in and night out.
Eric Christensen. This team needed a talented center, and Christensen is it. I know he is unproven, he really never had a chance to show his stuff in Pittsburgh (some Pens fans would argue with me about that). How could he crack that lineup with any consistency? EC is going to have his chance here in Atlanta. He will most likely be our first line center, flipping the puck to Ilya Kovalchuk as much as he can. If EC can live up to his potential, he could be the real steal of the Hossa trade, and make most fans forget we let Marc Savard walk a couple of years back. I will be watching him almost exclusively when we get rolling in October, a successful season for him goes hand in hand with overall team success.
Boris Valabik. Big Boris may still be considered a bust. Valabik was drafted #10 overall in 2004 and has spent all of his career up until the last 10 or so games of last year developing. A 6' 7" defensive defenseman with a real nasty streak in him, Boris is going to have to step up and play a ton of solid minutes in '08-'09. If Valabik can handle the load, the Thrashers will have a really solid top 2 pairings with Havelid-Enstrom, Hainsey-Valabik. Our defense is quick and handles the puck well, now we need some serious nastiness to defend in our own end. Boris Valabik is the key to that success.

As stated earlier, there are a ton of question marks; Is Zach Bogosian NHL ready? Will Kozlov have a rebound year? Is Ilya one foot out the door already? Can the new coaches sytem be successful? But these are the 3 guys I will be expecting a lot from for the Atlanta Thrashers success in '08-'09.

MAZE

Mezaros development?? Maybe...

2008-08-14T08:51:00.005-04:00

An interesting rumor has come to life on the internet.

Apparently, the offer Mezaros received from the KHL was for more than most originally figured. Initially it was thought to be for $3.5M for a 3 yr minimum term; however, late yesterday afternoon, a rumour surfaced where this 'informant' claimed that the figure is actually in the $5M range, which may explain why Mezaros is taking his time deciding between that and Murray's offer of approximately $2.2M - $2.8M. Oh, it gets better...

He also goes on to say that the other reason there is a hold-up is because Mezie's agent has been notified that he may be a part of a package deal to have his rights moved to a team that's willing to sign him for $4M over a few years, i.e. 3-5; and that a highly sought-after Sniper will be coming back Ottawa's way to play alongside Alfie.

Now, I've read this over and over and discussed with a few friends and fans and it just seems a little odd to say the least, but as promised, when I hear or read something, I'll throw it out there for others to see and discuss. I cannot vouch for this informant's credibility, but he certainly has got a few fans all riled up on other sites and forums. Maybe there's something to this, maybe not, I suppose time will tell. Needless to say, my opinion has ALWAYS been, no matter how good or how much potential Mezie has or could have, if he wants $$ that both Murray and some Sens fans feel he hasn't earned yet, well, as they say in Montreal: "SALUT BYE!!"

Oh, a few of my rabid hockey fans and colleagues have begun a new venture (Cap 'n' Clutch, Heater 504, Jamvan and myself) and we would all like you to come and check it out.

http://gmcentralhockey.forumotion.net/forum.htm

Should I hear or find anything else in my morning search, I'll be back with updates.

MCCABE WAIVES NO TRADE CLAUSE?

2008-08-13T22:52:00.004-04:00

According to Sportsnets Nick Kypreos Leafs D-man Brian Mccabe has waived his no movement clause. Florida appears to be the team he will be traded to for who were not sure. Im sure we will find out soon enough.

UPDATE: Appears as though Jay Bouwmeester Would Not Be Included In The Deal But You Never Know.

Shanny To Blues?

2008-08-13T21:50:00.001-04:00

Sorry to Alex Chiappini who said Shanahan is likely Rangers or Retirement. This From A good Source: Brendan Shanahan close to signing with the St.Louis Blues.

PARRISH TO NUCKS?

2008-08-13T20:46:00.005-04:00

According to TSN The Vancouver Canucks are interested in the services of forward Mark Parrish.

The Best of the Rest

2008-08-13T17:08:00.009-04:00

As a lot of you may know (unless you where on Mars hanging upside down in a cave) the FA period is pretty much over and there is still some good talent out there willing to get a job. Here is a descriptive list of who is still good and where they might end up.

Ladislav Nagy: His production has been declining but I think he can still pull it off for a comeback. This guy has just too much of a raw scoring touch to be left rotting in the FA market. Team’s that are pitching out some offers are the Thrasher’s, Islander’s (it’s between him and Parrish) and……The Canucks….hmmm maybe plan B in case that bald Swedish guy doesn’t sign.

Dan Cloutier: Might as well give him a shot, the team that will sign him might get either a formidable backup goalie or an NHL finished player. Where he might end up I have no idea, but Colorado might be a candidate or a team not too sure about their backup.

Bryan Berard: Didn’t have that much of a bad season at 800k. This guy will get one last chance and the team to hand him that last chance will be the one that drafted him…yes the Predators and Senators (question of just connecting the dots) or else he might go to Europe.

Marek Malik : Another guy that still has something to prove . But seeing how he might end up in Russia teams might stay away from because he can use the KHL as leverage. If he does decide to stay in the NHL the Senators are considering him and the Rangers might give him a second shot for less.

Mark Parrish : Good for more than 15 goals and he could be a good temporary second line winger. For sure he still has some fight left in him and the teams that want him are the Kings, Islanders,Predators and Canucks.

Glen Murray: Because age is catching up to him he had a terrible season, maybe if he did the same thing he did last season for less he could be an interesting acquisition , look for Nashville to give him an offer or the Kings.

Brendan Shanahan: No need to explain that its either the Rangers or retirement (although the Devils are interested but I dought it with their current pay roll).

Chris Chelios: Surprising Detroit didn’t sign him…..oh yeah they got Brad Stuart, better, faster, stronger and YOUNGER. So where will he end up. Will he play for free in Detroit or will teams actually approach him with an offer…..or will it be the end of the line for Cheli. He once said on HNIC after hours that a team he would like to play for are the NY Rangers.

Stoll Resigned?

2008-08-13T16:23:00.002-04:00

The Los Angeles Kings apparently Have a verbal contract agreement with newly acquired Jared Stoll. No word on how long or how much money but im hearing rumors of it being a 4 year contract extension. The deal will become official when Stoll gets back from New Zealand where he was on a trip with his Fiance.

Higgins For O'Sullivan COMPLETELY FALSE

2008-08-13T15:59:00.003-04:00

I Talked To Josh The King,The LA Kings Blogger For Our Website, This Is What He Said About The Higgins For O'Sullivan Rumor:
"Only thing I have heard is the O'Sullivan for Higgins is complete bullshit"

The habs have shown lots of interest in O'Sullivan but the Kings apparently have no intention of trading him.

Eklund confirms our Bouwmeester rumors!

2008-08-13T14:48:00.002-04:00

While I don't really like the guy he is now confirming what we have already stated that the Leafs are in on Bouwmeester. I would like to point out that Scotty and I were the 1st ones to come out with this rumor and would like people to realize that if this does happen people can finally give us the credit we deserve.

On to other news: There are a bunch of rumored spots for McCabe right now including the Islanders, Panthers, Penguins (Don't see this one happening) and the Rangers (No Cap Space)

I think Fletcher is right when he says the return would not be that significant and could only be a contract for contract swap. The Leafs would also more than likely get a low level prospect and or pick for McCabe.

"About What People Say About Me And The Site"
I would like to suggest to people that if you don't like what we write on our website then don't visit no one is forcing you to visit and as of right now we have far more credibility then most websites. So keep the Derogatory comments of the boards.

The Source

Lukas Kaspar re-signs with the Sharks

2008-08-13T09:31:00.003-04:00

San Jose GM Doug Wilson announced that the team has resigned restricted free agent Lukas Kaspar to a one-year deal. In keeping with club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In 2007-08, Kaspar played 3 games for thr Sharks, recording 0 point.
The 6'2'', 220 lb native of Most, Czech Republic was selected by San Jose in the 1st round (22nd overall) of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

GABORIK TO KHL???

2008-08-13T09:25:00.002-04:00

I KNOW WERE LATE ON THIS ONE AS BRAD RATGEN OF HOCKEYBUZZ BEAT US TO IT BUT NONE THE LESS BIG NEWS!

http://mvn.com/nhl-wild/2008/08/11/marian-gaborik-rumors-should-wild-fans-read-more-into-this/

ITS JUST A RUMOR..... NOT A DONE DEAL!

Doing Some Digging

2008-08-13T08:41:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone just letting everyone know that im digging for news so if you got any questions involving players or deals drop a comment below and ill try to find out for you!

***REMINDER*** LIVE CHAT AT 10:00am THIS MORNING ABOUT AN HOUR AWAY!

Scotty

McCabe to Islanders?

2008-08-13T08:29:00.004-04:00

News this morning and while its allready been reported here on our fine website I have a bit more info. According to a source close to the situation the Islanders have indeed inquired about the availability of 33 year old D Bryan McCabe.

The package offered to the Leafs was a little wrong however!

To Toronto:D Chris Campoli, 3rd round pick is the actual deal that I've heard whether this is correct I'm not sure at this moment but I will find out like I always do.

There is another rumor out there that the Leafs signed F Ladislav Nagy I would like to reiterate that this was false. TheFan590 1st reported this yesterday and I just want to make it clear that it is not true.

On D Pavel Kubina in 3 days the defensemans window to trade him closes I think its quite evident at this point he won't be moved I truly feel that there will be some kind of trade in the next few weeks leading up to training camp.

Fletcher has been quoted that he will attempt to make one of his "HOMERUN" trades we have yet to see it.

SCOTT GORDON TO MAN THE LONG ISLAND

2008-08-12T20:37:00.005-04:00

Newsday is reporting that Scott Gordon, the AHL Coach of the year has taken the step up like many of his minor league peers to become the head coach of the New York Islanders. GM Garth Snow had a grueling month of deliberations with many candidates after firing the popular Ted Nolan, and liked what he saw in Gordon. He feels that he is the man who can get this team in a positive direction in a positive way.

Paul Maurice and Bob Hartley, two coaches with NHL experience were beaten out in the end by the 45 year old Gordon. According to Newsday, the other candidates were John Tortorella, Mike Sullivan, Marc Crawford, Gerard Gallant and Joel Quenneville, who instead will be taking the year off from professional coaching.

Brodes' take: Another example of the Bruce Boudreau approach with NHL general managers quite recently. Although my perception of the whole Ted Nolan saga was very disenlightening, I must congratulate Snow for having the balls to make sure he got the right guy, and it wouldn't matter that he didn't coach in the NHL in his career, and that he would be the one to attempt and right the ship that has gone very stormy in the Long Island.

Special thanks to Habster for the scoop!

Nylander on the move?

2008-08-12T17:30:00.006-04:00

With the team almost $2.7 million over the cap after re-signing a few players and a logjam up the middle (Fedorov, Kozlov, Backstrom, Laich, Steckel), it's hard not to speculate as to what General Manager George McPhee might have up his sleeve to get under the cap by opening night.

Take it for what it's worth but Michael Nylander put his Potomac house on sale on July 17. He had bought it in October 2007 when he signed a multi-year deal with the Capitals. Check this link: Washington Post
Nylander is coming at a cap hit of $4.875 million, so trading Nylander would make sense to get under the cap.

Nylander, 35, recorded 37 points in 40 points last season with the Caps before going down with a season-ending injury.

Vancouver could be the likely destination as Mike Gillis, the Canucks GM, is Nylander's former agent.... Stay tuned.

COME TO THE CHATROOM NOW!!!!

2008-08-12T15:46:00.000-04:00

COME ON IN TO THE CHATROOM AND TALK HOCKEY!!! RIGHT NOW!!!

SCOTTY!

McCabe to Isles imminent? Kings,Pens Talking About Sydor?

2008-08-12T13:23:00.006-04:00

According to Pittsburgh's Insider DePaoli, the Islanders would send Freddy Meyer and a 4th rounder in exchange for Bryan McCabe.

McCabe to the Islanders makes sense as his wife Roberta, is a native of Long Island. McCabe started his career as an Islander in 1995-96 as he was drafted by them in 1993.

Last season, McCabe recorded 23 points in 54 games as he battled injuries throughout the season.

Also, the Penguins would send veteran Darryl Sydor to the LA Kings for a prospect or a late round pick. Vyacheslav Voinov has been mentioned in recent discussions.

Sydor began his career with the Kings in 1991-92 after being drafted by them 7th overall in 1990.

Last year, Sydor played 74 games with the Penguins, notching 13 points. He won the Cup with Dallas and Tampa Bay.

Radulov officially introduced in Russia

2008-08-12T12:16:00.002-04:00

Salavat Yulaev introducing Alexander Radulov at a press conference. It looks more and more like Radu will not return to the NHL next season. It will be very hard for the Preds to clinch a playoff berth next year, especially with much improved teams like the Hawks and the Oilers.

Sullivan's comeback still unsure

2008-08-12T11:47:00.004-04:00

As per Nashville City Paper:

Predators' GM David Poile has chosen to not be overly pessimistic or overly optimistic about the status of forward Steve Sullivan.

“He has been to the doctor,” Poile said. “He is working with his therapist. There has unfortunately not been a lot of change.”

Sullivan has not played in an NHL game since February of 2007. He is already back in Nashville for the season in order for his children to start school this week.

“He remains guardedly optimistic that he will be in camp and be ready for the season. It is a long shot right now.”

My take: Don't bet on Sullivan's return this season as it's been more than 18 months since he last played an NHL game. However, The Preds would certainly welcome him back in their line-up, especially after the Radulov saga.

Leafs sign Nagy False, Where will McCabe go?

2008-08-12T03:14:00.003-04:00

There was a report out tonight that the Leafs had signed Ladislav Nagy on thefan590 this is completley false.

Nagy has not signed and is still a UFA.

And finally I wanted to start a "Where do you think McCabe will go subject"

So please when you answer my blog be creative but not outlandish ok lets keep it in the realm of possibility.

I say he ends up on one of the NY Teams I would expect thats someone like Hunter could be a return from the Islanders and maybe Prucha from the Rangers anyways like I said have fun but keep it real.

The Source

Small Update

2008-08-12T00:20:00.002-04:00

Just A Couple Things:

1.CUTTEROV FROM LIVE CHAT: I contacted Oilers Beat Writer he responded but is currently in Beijing to cover Olympics so nothing of note.

2. "Hockeybums Next Blogger" Contest: We have about 5 or 6 entrants hoping for 15 or 16 SO ENTER IN THE CONTEST AND ADVERTISE THIS CONTEST!

3. Hockeybums Newsletter: Subscribe To The Hockeybums Email COMPLETELY FREE NEWSLETTER! Put your email in the comment section of this blog and say I WANT TO RECEIVE THE HOCKEYBUMS NEWSLETTER!

4. ***REMINDER***: LIVE CHAT AT 9:00am EASTERN TIME TUESDAY MORNING.

Thats It For Now Ill Talk To You Guys Tomorrow,
Scotty

Canadiens jersey for the Centennial

2008-08-11T21:43:00.005-04:00

I know it is a little bit off topic guys, but I just watched a NHL 09 hockey video. In this video, the Montreal Canadiens were playing, and I remarked some patches for the Centennial. Are they official? I don't know...but what do you think?

EDIT: Do not care about the equipment, the video is about Be A Pro, so the user were choosing their helmets and stuff.

Predators sign Chet Pickard

2008-08-11T20:50:00.007-04:00

The Nashville Predators signed Chet Pickard, on Monday. The Moncton native was the first goalie drafted this year, at the 18th spot. He signed an entry-level contract, but the details are unknown.

He played for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL this season, having league best record 46-12-4. He had a 2.32GAA and a .918 save percentage.

Kings sign Drew Doughty

2008-08-11T16:55:00.005-04:00

The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with defenseman Drew Doughty, the club’s first-round choice (second overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi announced Monday.

Per club policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Doughty, 18, played in 58 regular season games this past season for Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and recorded 50 points (13-37=50) and 68 penalty minutes.

Doughty will likely make the team since the Kings are very thin on defence after Johnson, Preissing, Gauthier and Greene.

LIVE CHAT ON HOCKEYBUMS AT 4:15

2008-08-11T15:36:00.002-04:00

HEY GUYS THERE WILL BE A LIVE CHAT TODAY AT 4:15 EASTERN TIME ABOUT 45 MINUTES! TUNE INTO THE SITE AND THE LIVE CHAT BOX WILL BE ON THE HOME PAGE!

HOPE TO HEAR FORM YOU THERE!

Scotty

Trader Cliff Up To Something!

2008-08-10T22:46:00.002-04:00

Since July 1 there have been non stop rumors of a "HOMERUN" trade by Cliff Fletcher and now that Bryan McCabe has seemingly agreed to waive things should heat up. You have to look back on the many trades that Cliff is famous for to really get a feel of what this man is capable of.

Lets look here we have the Doug Gilmour trade and then the very criticized Clark for Sundin trade. This is just the tip of the iceberg what is this man really capable of..............................????

Lets look at some of the rumors that are out there that have been bantered about on the internet and on TV.

Patrick Marleau: Lots of these last year and this summer could this be something that is considered

Jay Bouwmeester: Something we have been working on all summer is the Bouwmeester watch this could still be out there.

Jussi Jokinnen and Jeff Halpern: This rumor still hasn't died but with the current speculation of there being no trade to begin with its hard to see it going down.

There are many options and if Cliff puts the right deal on that table there may be a substantial move in the works. Fletcher is famous for this so lets wait and see.

The Source

McCabe rumors false

2008-08-10T18:35:00.003-04:00

I would like to appologize I was searching the net and talking to some people and the Lightning although rumored to be interested are not. The source I got the info from had said the he talked to "ERLENDSON" about this and he said they still did.

So I don't know what to believe that was also a typo about the PK specialist I meant to say PP specialist.

Anyways I do appologize for the mix up.

However there is a list with suspected teams to be on there:

NY Rangers
NY Islanders

Those are the 2 major ones we all know. What do you think the other will be?

The Source

Who's left after 5 weeks

2008-08-10T16:52:00.003-04:00

Forwards - last team
Sundin, Mats TOR
Shanahan, Brendan NYR
Sakic, Joe COL
Robitaille, Randy OTT
Nagy, Ladislav LA
Smolinski, Bryan MON
Hamilton, Jeff CAR
Selanne, Teemu ANA
Gelinas, Martin NAS
Forsberg, Peter COL
Perreault, Yanic CHI
Lapointe, Martin OTT
Sanderson, Geoff EDM
Yelle, Stephane CGY

Defensemen - last team
Berard, Bryan NYI
Hedican, Bret CAR
Ozolinsh, Sandis SJ
Carney, Keith MIN
Brisebois, Patrice MON
Malik, Marek NYR
Miller, Aaron VAN
Richardson, Luke OTT
Zhitnik, Alexei ATL
Pratt, Nolan BUF
Dallman, Kevin LA

Goalies - last team
Aubin, Jean-Sebastien ANA
Thibault, Jocelyn BUF

Michael Ryan lands in Russia

2008-08-10T15:46:00.004-04:00

Former Buffalo Sabre Michael Ryan signed a contract in Russia with the Minsk Dynamo. Ryan, 28, played 46 games with the Sabres in 2007-08, recording 8 points. The Boston native, was drafted 32 overall by the Dallas Stars in 1999.

The terms of the deal are still unknown.

gone for night

2008-08-10T14:52:00.001-04:00

ok guys im gone for tonight be back tomorrow hopefully some juicy rumors.

EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE "Blog For HockeyBums" Contest OR THE HOCKEYBUMS NEWSLETTER.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT,
scotty

"BLOG FOR HOCKEYBUMS" CONTEST

2008-08-10T14:39:00.003-04:00

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BLOGGING FOR HOCKEYBUMS? DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE AS A BLOGGER? WELL EVEN IF YOU DONT HAVE EXPERIENCE BUT WANT TO BLOG THIS IS A CONTEST FOR YOU!

IF YOUR INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE CONTEST YOU MUST EMAIL ME(hockeybums@yahoo.ca) WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
Name:
Team:
Age:
Former Blogging Experience(If You Have Had Any):

Then I will Give You The Next Instructions

Prizes:

1st Prize: Blogging For The Site+If possible were trying toget PAIR OF TICKETS DONATED

2ns Prize: Blog For Site

3rd Prize: Blog For Site

Scotty

HOPE TO HAVE A GOOD TURN OUT.

Tampa has interest in McCabe

2008-08-10T14:03:00.003-04:00

Even though it was stated that they didn't have interest it now seems they do. According to Eric Endersson I don't know if thats the correct way to spell his name as this is the 1st time I have ever talked to him believes that the Lightning have a package as previously mentioned on HB's (Hockeybums) for McCabe in place should McCabe pick them as a prefered destination when he hands the list of teams to Fletcher at the end of the month. It is rumored teams like the Rangers and Islanders will definitely be on the list with maybe San Jose and LA being there as well.

Sources Take: Like I've said before Florida and Tampa have the best offers on the table for the Leafs with Jokinnen from Tampa and as rumored Bouwmeester from Florida. Today though there is a rumor that he could choose Philadelphia in a package that could see someone like Upshall or Hartnell come to T.O. I can't wait to see that list of teams at the end of the month. Despite what people say McCabe does have some value and could get a substantial return from the right team looking for a PK specialist (I.E. Philadelphia)

The Source

HOCKEYBUMS NEWSLETTER

2008-08-10T11:27:00.003-04:00

HEY EVERYONE,

HOCKEYBUMS WILL BE ADDING A NEW FEATURE SOON THE EMAIL NEWSLETTER. ITS COMPLETELY FREE AND IF YOUD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE PLACE YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND YOU WILL BE ON THE MAILING LIST!

Scotty

Also if youd like to join a sim league online this is a great one:
http://www.prosimulation08-09.proboards57.com/index.cgi

Juicy Blues Rumour, Oh And Intro!

2008-08-10T00:12:00.003-04:00

Hello good chaps! I'm Ade, a St. Louis rumour guy. Like I'll hunt down rumours till' 4 in the morning at times just for other fans. So I've got a heart and that's all you need! I'll also have very good email conversations with J.R. (Blues Beat Writer) quite a bit and I'll always keep you informed on what I learn from those chats! So I'm definitely a Blues super fan and if anyone says differently I'll whack em'!

Now I have to tell you about a deal that I have learned about from a credible source. The deal would send Afinogenov and a late draft pick or prospect to St. Louis for Lee Stempniak, Marek Schwarz & a 4th round pick to Buffalo. This deal is something that they're highly consdering but with St. Louis wanting a prospect or late draft pick along with Maxim the deal may end up going down around Trade Deadline Day.

So that's all I can you for now but please, if you have any questions about the Blues. If it's rumours, prospects or anything else Blues related, email me at bluesrumourdude@live.com as I'd rather answerr questions their insteads of the comments section.

Thanks, Ade.

NEW NAME ENTERED IN WEBSITE CONTEST

2008-08-09T17:30:00.000-04:00

THERE A NEW NAME ENTERED IN THE HOCKEY NAME CONTEST.

THE OTHER SITES TO GET .com WOULD HAVE TO BE THEHOCKEYINSIDERS.COM or THEHOCKEYBUMS.COM

BUT HERE IT IS: CONSTANTHOCKEY.COM

you like?

SCotty

My Intro Blog!

2008-08-09T16:22:00.009-04:00

Hey Guys! I'm AC, a big and smooth guy with a huge passion for the AJHL. I live in a city called Langford for the school year and then I'll usually make a trip to Alberta in the summer. I also have a heart of gold but when watching hockey I can be known as the "Crazy Man". So that's pretty much all the personal stuff you really need to know about me so I'll continue onto the "good" stuff!
I'm a huge fan of the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL. The Oil' are a very exciting team in my opinion and even though they haven't won anything yet, I think they're one of the best teams in this league. Like they've got a balance of big & small players, a great coaching staff & front office and a fantastic fanbase. What else could you want, they've also made the playoffs in all three seasons thay played! So those reasons alone should get you following the Oilers!
But their is another reason and that is the AJHL! Here is just a quick snap - shot of what I think of the league: "The AJHL is about helping players show their talent and developing players skills sets to get into the big leagues. So I think what the league stands for is respect, patience and knowledge as the coaches have amazing patience, the players all respect each - other and I think what you get out of the league is knowledge. Also. the level of hockey is Junior A and I really believe that it's the best one around".
So yeah that's the reason I follow the Okotoks Oilers, and I really hope all of you liked me blog as I'll definitely be back for more!

McCabe lowers stance willing to talk trade!

2008-08-09T13:49:00.002-04:00

This only puts more gasoline on the fire according to the Toronto Sun and Cliff Fletcher Bryan McCabe is willing to be traded. This comes during speculation of a Jay Bouwmeester deal to the Leafs.

"Bryan is starting to think about possibly getting his career started somewhere else," said Fletcher. "We'll leave him alone. He's going to get back to us in a couple of weeks. There's not going to be any issues. I'm really confidant it's going to be resolved amicably before training camp."

Which is good for Leaf fans who many didn't want another Larry Murphy fiasco.
Expect the rumors to fly out of Toronto now as training camp gets closer.

The days of McCabe are over.

The Source

NEW SITE COMING/Poll Results/NEED YOUR HELP

2008-08-09T13:45:00.002-04:00

Hockeybums is in the process of a new website being built. Our poll still has days left but the website builder needs information today. Ive decided it has come down to hockeybums and hockeyinsiders ill take the name by a new poll first 25 votes in the comment section of this blog write WHY YOU PICKED EITHER NAME.

PUCKOFF will be used as a weekly rant blog. Im thinking maybe some visitors can write some a we can put them on a a FANS PSEAK OUT kind of thing.

Let me know what you think,

Scotty

G R E T Z K Y

2008-08-09T01:04:00.002-04:00

20 years ago the biggest trade in sports history took place. On August 9th 1988 Wayne Gretzky became the greatest King in team history.

J-Bo to Leafs not happening YET!

2008-08-09T00:39:00.002-04:00

Speaking to Darren Dreger and he said he knows that Florida and Toronto are talking but he wouldn't guarantee that it was for D Jay Bouwmeester.

"Well ***** I wouldn't say its for Bouwmeester but there is something going on between the Leafs and Panthers"

That was the exact quote he gave me.

But he also said that it doesn't mean that isn't the deal being worked out and that fans of our website shouldn't think that it isn't being talked about between Fletcher and Martin.

On another note he has confirmed that the Leafs are going to pull a "HOMERUN" trade in the coming days maybe as early as next Friday but he had no info on who or where anyone would be going.

Anyways so don't get to worried the deal is still out there in the vast reaches of space!

The Source

The End Of J-Bo To LEafs?

2008-08-08T23:06:00.001-04:00

Looks like I should have listened to you fans. Hearing from a guy that Darren Dreger has reported this as false. That does not mean it wont happen but dont hold your breath. SORRY FOR EVERYTHING IVE CAUSED YOU.

Scotty

Mathieu Schneider And Selanne Situations

2008-08-08T22:15:00.002-04:00

This article is to clear up the whole Schneider Situation and also Selannes situation:

Schneider Situation:
The Ducks are trying 100% to get Schneider moved before training camp. Many offers have come in, they are waiting for the biggest one. The teams creating most buzz around the organization according to a guy inside the organization are: New Jersey,LA,Washington,Dallas And Montreal.
That does not meen he will go to one of those teams but those are the most talked about teams.

Selanne Situation:
this is small update but hey ITS AN UPDATE
Apparently Selanne is started to burn his Bridges with the Ducks because the team simply cannot reach him.