Darche heads to Buffalo

Forward Mathieu Darche signed today a two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres. Darche, 31, played 73 games with the Lightning last year, recording 5 goals and 20 points. Darche's brother, Jean-Philippe Darche plays for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.

Nothing to go on!!

You know generally I would never bash a fellow paper or reporter. But recently a so-called very reliable newspaper claimed to have Mats Sundin signing in Vancouver. Well Mats finally came out and finally put everything to rest making the newspaper look like a complete ass.

Now I have it from a very good source that its Toronto or retirement and apparently some people agree with me including a fellow reporter from Sportsnet.

If Mats chooses to re-sign in the TDot I would have to say the Leafs have a very good shot at making the post season. While most won't agree with my statement I think you have to look at what Fletcher has done this offseason:

Finger (4 years $14,000,000) This guy is a bruiser straight up he is exactly what Toronto has needed and ever naysayer will be wondering why they bashed this guy. He will bring something the Leafs have sorely lacked lately.

Hagman (4 years $12,000,000) This guy is a great 2 way player and will pot some goals he will definitely be on the top 2 lines.

Grabovksi (1 year $850,000) Montreal made a HUGE mistake letting this kid leave town and when the Habs and Leafs play he will show them why they shouldn't have given up on him.

Frogren (2 years $2,000,000) This is the proposed salary that I have heard. This guy will replace what Hal Gill left behind except Frogren comes with speed.

All in all Fletcher has made some good moves even though some are questionable this team will compete for a playoff spot especially with Ron Wilson running the team and with the new addtions of Tim Hunter and Rob Zettler backing him up this team will be tough to play against.

Some rumors I am hearing:

The Leafs have been in discussions with Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Columbus about Kubina.

Montreal is apparently trying to sign Sellane although his agent has said its Anaheim or retirement

Mats Sundin has narrowed it down to Toronto and Vancouver

Ottawa is not interested in swapping Vermette (Leave it alone Eklund)

Atlanta has apparently contacted Ed Belfours agent about a backup roll???? (This is crazy and weird considering they re-signed the Moose and Lehtonen)

Anyways this is all I have for now I will try and get more

The Source

Coyotes Resign Carcillo

The Phoenix Coyotes Have Reached A contract Extension With Grinder/Forward Dan Carcillo. The deal is reportedly for 2 years although no terms have been released as of this time. Here Is What Coyotes GM Don Maloney Had To Say:

"We are very pleased to have signed Daniel Carcillo to a new contract," said Coyotes general manager Don Maloney in a statement. "He is a key member of our team who brings a unique combination of toughness, speed and skill to the lineup."

Those Comments Courtesy Of TSN

LIVE CHAT ON HOCKEYBUMS TONIGHT 7:00PM

Hey Everyone HOCKEYBUMS Will Hold A Live Chat At 7:00PM EASTERN TIME TONIGHT!!! Hope To See You There.

In The Meantime Check Out The Message Board.

Also Check Out The Hockeybums Online Store If Anything Captures Your Eye ORDER IT!

Scotty

Red Wing Notes

Assistant General Manager Jim Nill told MLive.com that Finnish forward Valtteri Filppula's arbitration date with the Detroit Red Wings on August 1st could be avoided, as they will most likely settle in on a contract before then. The deal, according to Nill, could be between two to five years, although we know that Detroit likes to sign their top players and valuable assets to long term deals, so look for the deal to be more in the 5 year range.

Nill also told the Michigan-based website that defenseman Kyle Quincey could be signed by the defending champs soon to a one to three year deal.

Cherry to ESPN?

I heard today on CHML 900 in Hamilton that Don Cherry is thinking about joining on with ESPN. My opinion is that he's to strong as a hockey personality to catch on in the United States. Mr. Cherry should stay where he is loved on Hockey Night In Canada.

Kings, Stars Swap Prospects

The Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars made a minor trade on Monday. The Kings sent prospect Lauri Tukonen to the Stars for winger Richard Clune. Tukonen, was a 1st round pick, 11th overall in 2004 and was one of the youngest players ever to play in the Finnish Elite League.

The Kings also announced the resigning of young defenceman Peter Harrold to a 3 year deal. Harrold is expected to get alot of playing time this next season due to the loss of Blake and Visnovsky.

Bruins Avoid Arbitration With Wideman

The Boston Bruins have avoided salary arbitration with defenceman Dennis Wideman. The two sides agreed on a deal yesterday that was 4 years worth 15.75 million dollars, that averges out to about 3.9 million per year. Wideman made 600,000 dollars last year.

Fedor Fedorov Returns To NHL, Signs With Devils

Fedor Fedorov, a center who has not played in the NHL since 2005-06 season. Last year he played for Moscow Dynamo of the Russian League and picked up 26 points in 49 games. Fedorov has decided he will return to the league and has signed a contract with the NEW JERSEY DEVILS. Terms Have Not Been Released but I would assume its going to be a 1 or 2 year contract.

Blackhawks Resign Corey Crawford

The Chicago Blackhawks Have Resigned Rookie Goalie Corey Crawford To A 1 Year Contract Extension. Crawford played primarily for the Rockford IceHogs but got the call up to the big leagues by the Hawks for 5 games in 5 games he allowed 8 goals and finished with a save percentage of 0.929.