FREE AGENT DAY IS UPON US!!!

It is now OFFICIALLY JULY 1st FREE AGENT DAY!!!! CHECK OUT THE FREE AGENCY WEBSITE

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Scotty

Rolston To Wait On Decision

Tsn reports that Brian Rolston who negotiating rights were recently traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning will wait until at least Tuesday morning to make his decision on whether to except the contract or explore elsewhere.

Quick Hits From The Insider On Penguins Sports

Malkin expected to sign 5- year extension worth roughly 8.5 million per year

The Penguins are expected to go after Swedish forward Markus Naslund.

Fleury and Pens close to a long term contract that would pay Fleury close to 5.1 million per year.

Rolston And The Lightning Are Close To Deal

According to Jon Jordan a Tampa Bay Lightning blogger, The Lightning and Brian Rolston have the numbers of the deal almost completely agreed on and the Lightning have given Rolston a deadline to make his decision.

Perry And Ducks Close,Lilja Signs On For 2 More

TSN reports that forward Corey Perry and the Anaheim Ducks are close to signing a deal that would keep Perry in a Ducks uniform. Perry and the Ducks will not make the deal official until tomorrow at noon or just after noon eastern. Perry has made it clear that he would not entertain offer sheets as he is an RFA.

Wings D-man Andreas Lilja has resigned with the Red Wings to a 2-year deal. Numbers were not released but it is said that it will be worth more than the 1 million that he made last year.

Gaustad Resigns With Sabres, Shelley With Sharks

TSN : The Buffalo Sabres have resigned forward Paul Gaustad to a 4 year deal worth 9.2 million dollars. The deal will see Gaustad make 1.7 million in the first year and 2.5 for each of the remaining 3 years. Gaustad was scheduled to be an RFA tomorrow when the clock struck to the noon hour.

The San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has announced that the team has resigned agitator Jody Shelley to a two year contract. The Numbers to the Contract were not available.

Prospal Resigns With Bolts

According to TSN the Tampa Bay Lightning have continued there very busy ways and have resigned forward Vaclav Prospal to a multi year deal. Prospal who was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers the day before the trade deadline and then his rights were re-acquired by the Lightning was set to become a free agent tomorrow.

Vrbata's Rights To Buffalo?

According to WGR 550 in Buffalo the Sabres are close to acquiring the negotiating rights to pending UFA Radim Vrbata from the Phoenix Coyotes. No word for what the Phoenix Coyotes will get in return.

Campbell In Ottawa

Murray has had intense negotiations with Campbell's agent - and Brian wants to come here bad. Now it's whether or not Ottawa can afford him. Atlanta's coming in with a gigantic offer, but she said that he needs to be in an environment where it's all about hockey. She said she thought the chances of him coming to Ottawa were around 70% - and that she'd call me at 12:01 - 1:00 when she found out.

Plus, he hates playing in places with no snow. Says he feels it's unnatural.

This is from Ottawa Senators Blogger Peter

Bolts Acquire Niskala

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired defenseman Janne Niskala. The d-man who was just traded to the Flyers is now on the move before he could even unpack. He was traded for a 6th round pick. From what I have heard form this guy he is a pretty underrated d-man and he is still in his 20's. He has yet to play a full season in the NHL and I don't even know if hes played one game but he played very well for the AHL team for Nashville, The Milwaukee Admirals.

Clowe Returning To Sharks

The San Jose Mercury Newspaper is reporting that the Sharks and power-forward Ryan Clowe have reached a tentative agreement that will keep the now un-pending RFA with the San Jose Sharks for at least another year.

Dont forget you home for NHL Free Agency 2008 is Hockeybums

nhlfreeagency.hockeybums.i8.com

Scotty

FREE AGENCY SITE IS A GO!!!!

HOCKEYBUMS IS SO HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE NEW WEBSITE FOR FREE AGENCY IS COMPLETE! NOT EVERY FREE AGENCY PREVIEW HAS COME IN YET BUT ALMOST.HERE IS THE LINK:

nhlfreeagency.hockeybums.i8.com

I HOPE YOU CHECK IT OUT AND SEND US YOUR OPINION.

Thanks,
Scotty

Olesz Resigns

TSN has reported that the Florida Panthers Have Resigned forward Rostislav Olesz. The deal is reportedly a 6 year deal worth about 18.75 million which is a cap hit of about 2.125 per year.
My Take: Great Job to Florida for locking up this guy!

Rolstons Rights To Tampa Bay

After they received the rights to Malone and Roberts and resigning Lecavalier to a lifelong contract and picking Steven Stamkos first overall the Lightning have continued there acquiring rights hunt and have acquired the rights to Brian Rolston who was expected to be one of the top UFA's this summer. In return the Wild receive a conditional pick.

This is from Minnesota Wild Beat Writer Michael Russo.

The Following is what the Wild receive all copy pasted form Mr.Russo

OK, here’s the best it’s been decribed to me. Rolston’s rights were traded to Tampa Bay for a third in 2010. However, if the Ryan Malone contract is approved as expected, the pick becomes the 2009 fourth round pick Tampa traded to Pittsburgh.

HOWEVER, if Rolston signs there, that fourth becomes a third again — either San Jose’s third-round pick in 2009 that Tampa Bay owns or Tampa Bay’s third in 2010 — at the Wild’s option.

Got it? Dizzy yet? I am. To make it simpler, essentially the Wild picked up a fourth that could become a third if Rolston signs there.

Kings And Oilers Swap+Rolstons Rights To T-Bay

Tsn reports that the Edmonton Oilers have traded D-man Matt Greene and forward Jarret Stoll to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Offensive D-man Lubomir Visnovsky.

My Take: Oilers win this deal. I love this Lubomir he's a great player with offensive talent. He is in my opinion one of the under rated guys in the NHL.But now after talking to some Kings fans it sounds like Greene fits one of there needs on defence and Stoll gets them that second line center that they wanted.so I guess its a fair deal.

Apparently there are rumors that the Tampa Bay Lightning may have acquired the rights to Brian Rolston.

Sundin Remains Undecided

The Mats Sundin camp has informed both the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs that Sundin has still yet to decide on his playing future. In fact its probable that both teams wont even know when free agency begins on Tuesday. It is said that his decision could come in the next 2 days,2 weeks or maybe even 2 months. I have still yet to hear from the Habs "Camp" or Leafs "Camp" on how they feel about his no-decision.

Liles Scratched Off Of Potential UFA List

Tsn is reporting that the Colorado Avalanche have resigned Defenceman John-Michael Liles to a 4 year contract worth just over 4 million dollars per year. The team will likely hold a press conference Monday and are also expected to announce the resigning of D-man Adam Foote to a 2-year deal worth 6 million(3 million dollars per year).

My Take:Great Job by the Avs getting these guys locked up before the free agency period begins on Tuesday!

Your Home For Free Agency 2008!

Hockeybums is proud to announce that there will be a new website for HOCKEYBUMS FREE AGENCY COVERAGE!!! With this site we hope to give you the most in-depth coverage of every team from around the league. We have analysts for ALMOST every team in the NHL here is the link:

nhlfreeagency.hockeybums.i8.com

note:the site is not completely finished as of now there are still some small changes and additions that must be made.

Scotty

Flyers Sign Eminger

Tsn is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers have signed d-man Steve Eminger. They acquired Eminger on the first day of the NHL draft with a 3rd round pick that saw the Capitals get the Flyers 1st round pick in that deal.

Malone and Roberts Close To Signing(edit:DONE)

According to Sportsnet the Tampa Bay Lightning are very close to signing new acquisitions Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts. The Malone deal would be worth 30 million on a long term deal probably about 6 years and the Roberts deal would be one-year that could end up being worth 2 million.

edit:Im hearing its official.

Malone contract:7 years, 31.5 million

News From Kevin Paul dumont of Boston.com

Bruins forward Dennis Wideman has filed for salary arbitration.

Theres a NEW rumor and it involves the Boston Bruins and the Anaheim Ducks. The deal would have D-man Mathieu Schneider headed to the Bruins and forward Glen Murray going to the Ducks.
My Take: Well if the bruins want to free up cap space to sign Hossa this is an awful move because Schneider is scheduled to make 5.25 million dollars this year. This also is not the greatest move for the Ducks,Even though they add a bit of scoring they kind of wanted to free up more cash and in my opinion this is not the greatest way to do that.

Dubielewicz To Russia

TSN is reporting that goaltender Wade Dubielewicz is headed to Russia. Sources tell TSN that "Dubie" has signed on with Ak-Bars Kazan of the Russian Continental Hockey League. TSN has also learned that the contract will be worth WAY more than the 500,000 dollar offer that the New York Islanders made.

Waiver Wire

The Atlanta Thrashers have placed veteran D-man Alexei Zhitnik on waivers, Zhitnik was acquired by Atlanta at the 2006-07 NHL trade deadline in exchange for Braydon Coburn.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed forward Duvie Westcott on waivers.

Lightning Trade For Rights To Malone and Roberts

Sources tell TSN that the Tampa Bay Lightning have traded a 4th round pick in next years draft in exchange for the exclusive rights to Gary Roberts and the exclusive rights to forward Ryan Malone. Both Roberts and Malone are scheduled to be UFA's on Tuesday if the Lightning fail to sign them.

Report From Day #3 At Sabres Rookie Camp

Here post this.
Report from Day #3

Good crowd, stands were about 3/4 full.

I spent most of my time on the main rink which had:

Gerbe - Zagrapan - Gogulla
Kennedy - Hunter - Allard
Van Guilder - Schutz - Orpik
Vatri - Scarsella - Lagace

Brennan - Crawford
Butler - Weber
Schiestel - Kostka
Funk - Biega

I spent the last 40 minutes at the other rink and the vast majority of the players looked very gassed. Not sure what drill they were running but the look like they just got done with a bag skate. It was 4 on 4, then 3 on 3 and finished with 2 on 2 so they were doing a lot of skating in open ice. Players from that rink will have a * next to gassed if they looked tired. On rink 2:

Tropp - Byron - Stafford
Ennis - Cepis - Whitmore
Adam - Irwin - Kaleta

Sekera - Myers
MacKenzie - Card
Southorn - Persson
Gragnani - Generous

On to the report, at least what I noticed

GERBE -
GENERAL NOTES - Just sick skills. First step speed is off the charts, top end is nice too. Any defender not paying attention was lost after the first step. Very fast hands. If there was a loose puck in the crease area he snapped it up before anyone.
SPECIFIC PLAYS - 1 on 1 in the crease with Weber right on him, roofed the puck in a blink. PP type drill. Top corner one timer, sweet shot. Next play one timer pass to him, faked the shot and made a nice pass to the middle, shot saved and then Gerbe put home the rebound low stick side. Scored numerous goals on the drills. Had one highlight play where he one timed one of the post and it came back in the air towards him, he kicked it in out of mid air, top corner. Lucky, but sweet. Had no trouble with size 1 on 1. Some trouble when traffic got real heavy. Took off on the wing and blew by the defender, made nice pass to Zagrapan who put it in. Nice heads up and selfless play. There was another drill where I saw a player in gray but couldn't see who it was, made several notes and was quite impressed, then he skated away and I saw [GERBE]. The kid has talent alright.

ZAGRAPAN - Decent faceoffs. Seemed tired on several plays. When he wanted to skate he did so well. Seemed to have some chemistry with Gerbe. Had some strong forechecks, but weak back checking. Seemed tentative in the corners, and pushed off the puck, at times easily. Nice hands.

Gogulla - Was impressed. Very nice hands. Made that note 'nice hands' then added x2, x3, x4, x5. He has a goal scorers touch around the net (Vanek like).

Hunter - Nice speed

Kennedy - Smooth skater, shifty. Wore 19 and reminded me of 19.

Shutz - Very competitive. Worked hard and never gave up on plays.

Sekera - Silky smooth, calm and in control of the play at all times. Looks like a pro.

Myers - Looked gassed* at times. When he did kick it in gear he showed excellent skating ability and nice speed. If a player was anywhere near him with the puck he would shut the play down.

Ennis - Very fast (sorry didn't see that rink much)

Gragani - nice stick work. Competitive.

Biega - Looked very good. Stuck with Gerbe on a few plays and would not let him loose. Played big.

Irwin - Have no idea who he is, but he impressed me. Very competitive, and solid all around play. Several times on the 3 on 3s he took over the play. Always right place and right time. Roofed a goal. Battled well.

Weber - Man among boys in terms of attitude. Very confident and in control. Gave off a big dog vibe.

Butler - Very nice. Blocked shots regularly and well. Handled Gerbe on a few plays.

Brennan - Him and Zagrapan are similar in that both obviously have the skills and show it on numerous plays. But consistency is a big problem for both. At times they seem very tentative and unsure, then the next play it 'clicks' and they look very sharp.
Compliments of Niagara Mike

Todd(Sabres Blogger)

Prospal Resigned

According to Sportsnet The Lightning have resigned forward Vaclav Prospal to a 4 year contract worth about 3.5 million for every year that he plays.

Carter and Flyers Agree On Deal

According to TSN the Philadelphia Flyers have agreed on a new deal with now un-pending restricted free agent(RFA) Jeff Carter. The deal would last 3 years worth upwards of 15 million dollars.

Flames Resign 4

The Calgary Flames have resigned 4 key players: Craig Conroy, Daymond Langkow, Eric Nystrom and rookie goaltender Curtis McElhinney. All four players were set to become UFA's on Tuesday at the noon hour.

Raycroft On Waivers.....again

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed goaltender Andrew Raycroft on UNCONDITIONAL Waivers which means Raycroft WILL be bought out.....Finally this saga ENDS

Big Bert Hits A Big Wave

According to FAN590 the Anaheim Ducks have parted ways with forward Todd Bertuzzi and have placed on waivers. Bertuzzi was going into his second year of a contract that would see him make 4 million dollars this year.

My Take:There will probably be quite a bit of interest in Bertuzzi but this is a good move by the Ducks making sure that if someone is to make a big offer sheet to Corey Perry they will be able to match it.

Greatings Oiler fans

Hello Oil nation! I’m happy to say I’ll be providing you with insight and opinions on all things Oilers.
Growing up in the 80’s I was instantly hooked on everything orange blue and white, some of my favourite memories as an early fanatic were racing home from soccer to watch the Oil finish off another pretender, the Oilers of the 1990’s, like my adolescence were a little shaky but from their we have blossomed into what you see today, a young fast exciting team on the rise.

My intentions are to cover my writing abilities with a lot of information, passion and opinion, so without further ado, I’m going to jump right into the mix. With next years cap announced and UFA/RFA season coming soon, now is a perfect time a look at the current roster situation as we ramp into summer.

So here’s where we sit today:

Forwards:
Hemsky: 4.1 /Horc: 3.6 /Penner: 4.25
Nilsson: 1.833 /Gagner: 1.625 /Cogliano: 1.133
Torres: 2.25/ ? /Pisani: 2.5
Moreau: 2/Brodziak: .497/?

Defense
Souray: 5.4/Glibert: 4
Staios: 2.7/Smid: .886
Green: 1.15/ Grebshkov: 1.5

Goaltending:
Garon: 1.1
Roloson: 3.667

Current cap hit: 41.047

Current cap: 56.7

Current space: 15.653

UFA’s:
Reasoner
Glenncross

RFA’s
Stoll
Pitkanen
Stortini
Pouliot

For the first time in years, the Edmonton Oilers will be going into a new season with the same core as last year….. A very promising sign.
Assuming we want to bring Glencross, Stortini and Pitkanen back, the Oilers are sitting on too many quality NHL’ers….a good problem to have. So where do we go from here Oiler fans? Who do you want to see added or removed from the team? Any UFA’s/RFA’s out their that interest you? Check back as the free agent season begins for an update as to which direction Lowe seems to be sailing the ship.

- Todd

Tucker To Retire

Now I heard this from a friend who has a friend that is close to Tucker and his family. I dont know how true it is so take it for what it is worth. If Tucker is to retire all I can say is you had a great run buddy!

Theodore To Test Free Agency, Flames Waive 3

According to The Denver Post Avalanche goalie Jose Theodore WILL test free agency. Agent Don Meehan stated that He and his client(Theodore) can still make a deal with the Avalanche but it looks more like it will happen after July 1st if at all.




Also Flames have placed Marcus Nilson, Anders Eriksson and Rhett Warrener on waivers.

Salary Cap Raised

TSN Reports that the NHL will raise its salary cap this year. The new salary cap will be 56.7 million. Thats a raise of 6.3 million dollars from last year. The Minimum amount of money that has to be spent is 40.7 million dollars.

1 More Year For Niedermayer!

According to TSN, Ducks D-man Scotty Niedermayer met with Ducks GM Brian Burke and has decided he will finish out his contract and remain with the Ducks for 1 last year!

My Take: I agree with his decision to return he has a great life in Anaheim and has to remain loyal to his team by finishing out his contract.

Preds Prospect Camp

Colin Wilson, Chet Pickard & Roman Jusi

Wow! I can see why David Poile and his team wanted center Colin Wilson. This kid is going to be with the big club sooner rather than later. Speaking of David Poile, Edward Fraser of THN had this to say: "Mix all of Poile’s off-season ingredients, stick ‘em in the oven and out pops a cake worthy of (very) early 2008-09 THN Executive of the Year consideration". I agree. Our first round pick in the just-completed draft (#7 overall) will have to eventually put Boston U. on hold for awhile. The player TSN said was comparable to Ron Francis certainly lived up to his billing for the brief time I was able to watch him.

Just returned from observing a bit of the first day of prospect camp. (The Preds have made two one-hour slots available to the public today and tomorrow.) After 45 minutes or so of various drills, the 20 or so prospects from recent drafts played a bit of cross-ice 3 on 2 that was all-out. A lot of fun for us, no doubt. The highlight was Mr. Colin Wilson with a behind the back pass, a deke move, another pass, and then a slick score as he took an elbow to the head. He is a tough athlete with excellent skills. He has good hands, sees the ice and those around him well, can pass, skate and shoot the puck. Plus, I saw early signs of someone that won't be afraid to get in front of the net.

Moving on, Cody Franson is awesome. He has filled out considerably since last year and is skating and shooting the puck with conviction. He exhibited a strong wrister and good eyes for the net. This 6' 5" 205 lbs defenseman won't be in the AHL much longer. He is becoming the young stud so many have predicted.

While not everyone looked great and NHL-ready today, the energy was good and the excitement in these players is palpable. Each one wants to make it to the NHL team, although unfortunately not all will.

Of note, I was most impressed with another of this year's picks, Swiss-born defenseman Roman Josi, a seccond-round pick (#38 overall). He will be an effective NHL player in the not-to-distant future. Great skating and stick handling skills. I had no idea he would be that accomplished. Also impressive was 2006 pick Blake Geoffrion who looked solid and confident. The Preds continue to amass great depth in D. Our tradition of wealth of future high quality NHL blueliners will not be broken anytime soon.

And then there are the goalies. Chet Pickard (another 1st round pick for us this year) was Carey Price's understudy for two years and is going to be a great one, I think. A friend who has watched him develop since he was a kid stated that he was a gem and would ultimately be better than Price, Giguere, and Toskala. Pretty strong endorsement. And we still have two more high-quality prospect goalies in Jeremy Smith and Mark Dekanich who the have potential to be starters in the NHL someday. They too looked sharp today.

Also of note were the skating of brothers Mike and Mark Santorelli, Nick Spaling, and a supercharged Andreas Thuresson, all forwards who are looking to make upward moves in their careers.

Enough glowing praises. All I'll say is that it was great seeing all of these up and coming skaters on the ice working to succeed in the game they love.

Perry Gets Qualifying Offer

according to TSN the Anaheim Ducks have made a qualifying offer to forward Corey Perry. Other players receiving qualifying offers were Stephen Dixon, Jason King, Geoff Platt and Drew Miller.

Sharks Sign A Trio

according to the San Jose Sharks official website the Sharks have resigned 3 players: Joe Pavelski, Jeremy Roenick and Brian Boucher. NO TERMS HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE AS OF YET.

Mcgrattan Traded To Coyotes

The Ottawa Senators have traded gritty forward Brian Mcgrattan to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange the Senators received a 2009 5th round pick. Mcgrattan is scheduled to be a restricted free agent if he is not signed before the NHL's 5:00 pm deadline. Phoenix has offered him a one-year 605,000 dollar qualifying offer.

Habs Give There Qualifying Offers

The Montreal Canadiens have given qualifying offers to forwards Mikhail Grabovski,Andrei Kostitsyn and Corey Locke,D-men Ryan O'Byrne and Josh Gorges and Goaltender Jaroslav Halak. The most important player is Kostitsyn but he is expected to sign in the very near future unless something drastic happens.

This news came from RDS

Panthers Place Stumpel On Waivers

According to TSN: The Florida Panthers have placed forward Jozef Stumpel on waivers. If he is not picked up by noon tomorrow than he will be eligible for a buyout.This coming season Stumpel is scheduled to make 2.25 million.

Canucks Snag Wellwood

TSN is reporting the the Vancouver Canucks have picked up forward Kyle Wellwood off of waivers.Wellwood was put on waivers by the Leafs yesterday. No terms have been released as of this time.

Lecavalier Resigns With Bolts!

According to TSN the Tampa Bay Lightning have resigned forward Vincent Lecavalier to a 9 year deal worth 77 million over the 9 years.

Tucker To Be Bought Out

According to TSN the Toronto Maple Leafs have informed Darcy Tucker and his agent that the team will take the necessary steps to buy him out. This comes after the Leafs refused to buy him out due to his contract money.

Bowman With Blackhawks?

According to Andy Strickland of ESPN 1380 the Chicago Blackhawks have offered a position to hall of famer Scotty Bowman that would make Bowman in charge of everything to do with Hockey Operations. Bowman's son, Stan is assistant GM of Hockey Operations and can probably influence Bowman to accept the offer. Bowman is expected to ACCEPT the offer.

Lightning Place Goalie, Denis On Waivers

According to TSN the Tampa Bay Lightning have placed goaltender Marc Denis on Waivers. It was expected to happen sooner rather than later and now it has happened. I believe the Lightning intend to Buy him out if he is to clear the waiver wire.

Raycroft And Wellwood Placed On Waivers

According to the FAN590 The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Goaltender Andrew Raycroft and forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers No word yet if the Leafs have an intent to buy them out if they are to clear waivers.

Also from FAN590, The Tampa Bay Lightning have introduced Barry Melrose as the new Head Coach of the team and The Carolina Hurricanes have Resigned now un-pending restricted free agent Tumo Ruutu to a one year deal worth 2.25 million.

Wellwood Done With The Leafs?

The Globe And Mail is reporting that young leafs forward Kyle Wellwood's days are numbered as a Toronto Maple Leaf. It is being reported that the Leafs will NOT even offer a contract to the Leafs RFA and as soon as Wellwood hits the market he will become a Unrestricted free Agent.

My Take: Leafs are getting worse, what do you know?

Other Leafs News: Today,The Leafs will officially announce the hiring of there two new assistant coaches, Tim Hunter and Rob Zettler, both of whom coached with new Head Coach Ron Wilson in San Jose.

Gary Roberts Will NOT re-sign With Penguins

According to TSN: Gary Roberts will NOT resign with the Pittsburgh Penguins after a two year stay. After helping the Penguins in there quest to the Stanley Cup Final Roberts will continue his career but will instead play in the NHL without a sweater with a Penguin on it.

My Take: In my opinion this is a good move by Roberts to leave. I think he will return back where he started to the Calgary Flames or maybe even Toronto. I know Toronto fans right now who are reading this are going "OH NO NOT ANOTHER OLD GUY" but this may be a one year plan so he can retire as a leaf.

Gainey "NOT" Headed To Sweden

According to Bob Mckenzie of TSN, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey is NOT and I repeat NOT headed to Sweden. Apparently Gainey has not received the Green Light to jump on the first plane to Sweden and will hold a telephone conference along with Sundin and Sundin's agent J.P. Barry.
I did not expect Gainey to head to Sweden this week anyway because of the big Gainey Foundation fundraiser that he is going to attend on tuesday at the Metropolis in Montreal.

I would like to apologize for giving FALSE INFORMATION on the Gainey/Sundin Situation as I did state that he would fly to Sweden so once again I apologize.

Rangers Got the OK To Speak To Sundin As Well

According to Sportsnet the New York Rangers have or had actually gotten the permission to speak to Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin before the Montreal Canadiens had received permission. Sportsnet also added that the Red Wings have lots of interest in Sundin but decided not to ask permission to speak with him. It is reported that if Sundin decides to continue his career and not with the Leafs it will be with either the Habs or the New York Rangers.

Weber Resigned!!!

The Nashville Predators have resigned Defensemen Shea Weber. Deal could be for about 3 years at 3.5-4.5 per year.more details when they come in. Press Conference to announce the signing will come at 2:00pm this afternoon.

Gainey Heading to Sweden

According to TSN Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey is flying to Sweden sometime this week in an effort to lure Leafs captain Mats Sundin not only out of retirement but to the Montreal Canadiens. Gainey who got permission from the Leafs organization to speak with Sundin has until July 1st to get a deal done with Sundin if he does in fact sign him than the habs will have to ship something over to Toronto as part of an agreement made when they gave Gainey the permission to sign Sundin.

Permission Given:Rangers Can Talk to Campbell

According to The New York Post the San Jose Sharks have given permission to the New York Rangers to speak with eligible free-agent d-man Brian Campbell. This is the exact same kind of thing the Canadiens and Leafs did with Sundin.

In other Rangers news there trouble making, pesty forward,Sean Avery will test the free-agent waters as the Rangers and Avery's agent could not come to a deal.

Florida Management Just STUPID!

Technically This is the Florida Panthers GM(Pictured)

During the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft I heard a deal for Olli Jokinen has just gone down. Gary Bettman steps to the podium with an overwhelming sing of BOO's to announce the Florida Panthers have traded Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Nick Boynton,Keith Ballard and a Second round pick. Ummmm.... EXCUSE ME DID I ACTUALLY JUST HEAR THAT, the answer is yes and I have not even gotten into the details of how stupid the Panthers Management is and im sure you have already found out. Now this is one of the reasons not one person has to explain why the Panthers have NO FANS.

I have actually heard from a couple stations on TV and the internet that this was one of the WORST deals offered but they were getting panicked and HAD to move Jokinen. Florida even said we want at least a first round pick included ummmmm.....rewind, NO FIRST ROUND PICK. I even heard an offer confirmed by both sides that looked exactly like this.

To Florida: Pierre-Marc Bouchard,2005 first round pick Benoit Pouliot and a 1st round pick

To Minnesota:JUST OLLI JOKINEN.

Now that deal compared to getting 1 defencemen who is in my mind past his prime and a second d-man who is young but still 1 young d-man and a second pick is still in my opinion a RIP OFF and this is what im going to make it:

FLORIDA MANAGEMENT IS JUST PLAIN,OLD STUPID!!!

NOW NOT ONE PERSON HAS TO WONDER WHY THEY HAVE NO FANS!!!!!!

Scotty