Globe Sports talks some rumors on their Podcast, Lightning getting new owner that might want to move Vinny, Plenty of teams interested in Whitney
  • Globe Sports Podcast: A 1/2 hour podcast talking about the ‘Hockey Summit’ and the NHL’s participation in the Olympics. They also talk about Dion Phaneuf, Ilya Kovalchuk, and other things happening on the trade front. Trade talk starts around the 10 minute mark.
  • Ken Campbell and Adam Proteau of The Hockey News: The Tampa Bay Lightning ownership was been a mess for awhile, and there have been reports that the NHL covered their last payroll. But some better news may be on the way, as the NHL might have found a new owner in Boston based financier, Jeffery Vinik. The team, and 5 acres of land beside the arena are being sold for an estimated $170 million. It is also rumored that if Vinik gets the team he’ll want to trim payroll, and will be asking Vincent Lecavalier to waive his no-trade clause.
  • TSN.ca: The Penguins or Senators could be a great fit for Ray Whitney. Other clubs that might be interested are Buffalo, Boston, New Jersey, Vancouver and Los Angeles.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mike Modano was asked on a recent road trip if he’d consider moving to a Stanley Cup contender in what could be his last season,  he said he’d prefer to finish his career with the Stars.
  • Steve Buffery of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is fine with Jamal Mayers and Garnet Exelby asking for trade. They approached him privately and in a professional manner.
  • David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Dan Boyle missed his 3rd straight game with an upper-body injury, and is day-to-day. He’ll see how it feels before Saturday’s game, and if it’s a no go, he’ll try again on Tuesday.
  • Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom is day-to-day with a stiff back. He missed last nights game, and will be re-evaluated before their next game.