NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Kovalchuk and Shattenkirk
Karl Alzner to sign with the Montreal Canadiens

On the Montreal Canadiens …

Aaron Ward: “Unofficially hearing Alzner and Montreal Canadiens have agreed on a 5 year deal at roughly $4.5M per.

Eric Macramalla: “Alzner will pay about $11M in tax over five years on his reported $22.5M.”

Brian Wilde: “This is basically an Emelin replacement with that salary. At 28, at that number, this player is superior to Emelin. I take no issue here.”

On the Toronto Maple Leafs …

Elliotte Friedman: “Sounds like TOR has interest in Stanley Cup champion Ron Hainsey.”

Howard Berger: “Told have spoken with D Ron Hainsey of the Penguins, but I’d rather spend my money elsewhere.”

Dhiren Mahiban: “Per his agent, ‘ Timothy Liljegren “can not play OHL even if Maple Leafs sign him””

 

On Ilya Kovalchuk …

Slava Malamud: “Kovalchuk will not make his decision until at least Monday, according to his Russian agent.”

Aivis Kalnins: “Ilya Kovalchuk’s mom per reports has stated that even she doesn’t know where Ilya will end up.”

Slava Malamud: “Kovalchuk hasn’t signed with SKA yet, despite the last-minute pitch on Thursday. Still wavering between return and money/Olympics.”

Slava Malamud: (asked if it’s a zero chance Kovalchuk sign and remains with the Devils) “Haven’t heard this among the possibilities. Not zero, but definitely the least likely outcome.”

On Kevin Shattenkirk …

Update … Kevin Weekes: “Unofficially,what I’m told is Shattenkirk signing with 4yrs 6.9 Million per year.”

Andy Strickland: “Keith Yandle deal with Florida has been the barometer for a Kevin Shattenkirk contract. Look for Shattenkirk numbers to come in higher”

Craig Custance: “Nothing done with Kevin Shattenkirk yet. Weighing three good offers.”

Craig Morgan: “Coyotes have long been interested in D Kevin Shattenkirk. I can confirm talks between the sides, but signing him appears to be a long shot.”

Craig Button: “UFA offers opportunity to strengthen your team. Fit is important & Shattenkirk looks like a similar fit for as Stralman did.”