With Antti Niemi taking over the starting job from Cristobal Huet, and with a raise he’ll be getting this off-season, the ‘Hawks may bury Huet and his $5.625 in minors or buy him out.
The price for shot-blocking stay-at-home bluelines, Zbynek Michalek (Pho.), and Anton Volchenkov (Ott) could be in the $4-4.5 million range. Michalek will most likely have out priced himself in Phoenix. Volchenkov and the Senators are hoping to work something out.
The Ducks asked Teemu Selanne if he wanted to go anywhere at the trade deadline, he wanted to say. The Kings called about him.
After July 1st, the Bruins can talk to Zdeno Chara about a contract extension. He’ll be a UFA in 2011, and currently carries a $7.5 cap hit.
Sheldon Souray’s no-movement clause expires on July 1st, and Oilers will work hard to move him. He’d prefer the west coast to be closer to his family. The New York Rangers will most likely make a pitch.
The Canadiens didn’t want to move Jaroslav Halak at the deadline but may look deal him before the NHL Draft.
Contract talks between the Penguins and Sergei Gonchar are not going well. He could hit the open market and get in the $6-7 million range, the Pens were hoping for a hometown discount.
Jaromir Jagr is still a possibility for the Oilers next year, and the Rangers would like to get him back …. “But some believe it’s a risky move. “I just don’t know about Jagr. I understand why (the Oilers) want to make the move, I’m just not sure they should do it. I’m not sure if there is any gas left in that tank,” said one league executive”
Pierre LeBrun of the ESPN: The Russians have talked to Hockey Canada about a 2012 Summit Series, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the ’72 event. LeBrun thinks the Canada and USA should do the same. Signs are pointing to the Canadiens resigning Tomas Plekanec, but they would probably have to move out some salary to make it happen.
Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke said in a radio interview the other day that he expects Tomas Kaberle to remain a Maple Leaf next season, and coach Ron Wilson hopes he’s back as well. If Burke gets a really good offer for Kaberle, he might end up pulling the trigger.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Manny Legace has played really well of late for the Carolina Hurricanes, but it still may not be good enough to earn a new contract from the ‘Canes. Carolina may go with the 23 year old Justin Peters as Cam Ward’s backup next year, instead of the 37 year old Legace. But Legace thinks some team will come calling for next year.
