Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: When asked if he’s interested in trading for Simon Gagne, Brian Burke said in an email, “Not at this time”. The Maple Leafs, Kings and Rangers are said to be interested. Fuller took Burke’s comments to mean that ‘talks are in the initial stages’. Trading for Gagne could be an affordable risk the Leafs could take, both for salary and injury wise. The Flyers would probably want a prospect in return as they are looking to shed salary. Fuller brings up the idea of shipping Kaberle to Boston or wh0ever for prospects, which in turn could be sent to Philly.
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested in Flyers winger Simon Gagne. Gagne would give the Lightning 2 solid lines: Gagne-Lecavalier-St. Louis and Malone-Stamkos-Downie. The Lightning are about $14 million below the salary cap ceiling. The Lightning have 8 bodies along the blueline, and/or they have depth in ‘high-end goaltending prospects’. Would Gagne waive his no-trade clause for the Lightning?
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Nikita Filatov will be returning to Columbus early/mid August, and he’s looking forward to returning to the NHL. Tyler Wright, the teams developmental coach was over in Russia for several days and came back impressed with Filatov. Filatov is excited about the new direction of the coaching staff.
ChicagoBreakingSports: The Chicago Blackhawks have turned their attention to goaltender Antti Niemi. Niemi’s arbitration hearing is set for July 29th, but his agent Bill Zito would like to get something done before then. “We’re confident we have a good case, but with that said, there is always risk,” Zito said of the unpredictability of a hearing. “It’s just like going to court … Did O.J. (Simpson) really not do it?”
Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Nikolai Zherdev could find himself on the line with Mike Richards and Jeff Carter if Simon Gagne is traded, or alongside Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There were rumors that the Anaheim Ducks were interested in signing Mike Modano, but that is not the case. From GM Bob Murray, “we are not involved in talks with Modano.” The Ducks don’t really need a centerman, but they could use some help on the blueline.
Mike Russo via Twitter: The Minnesota Wild won’t be signing Bobby Ryan to an offer sheet, they’ve traded away their 2nd round pick.
