Some rumors involving the Bruins … 2 better offers for Kaberle … Kovalchuk hearing begins today
  • Craig Custance via twitter: The Bruins are now over the cap (after signing Tyler Seguin) but after they put Marco Sturm on LTIR, they’ll be under.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said that he’s in talks with Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron regarding contract extensions, though nothing is imminent at the moment.
  • Joe Haggerty via twitter: Chiarelli also said that if no more roster moves are made, Tyler Seguin would probably start the season on the wing.
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Chances look slim that the Bruins will be able to trade Tim Thomas. The Bruins have gotten some inquiries for Marc Savard. They are asking for a roster player, but may settle for prospects or draft picks. Michael Ryder could be assigned to the AHL. Chiarelli doesn’t have to make an roster moves before the season.
  • Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Niemi’s agent, Bill Zito, said he had 5 calls on Monday and 2 more inquiries on Tuesday, regarding Niemi. No offers where made, but he expects to get more than 2, and that it wouldn’t be long before he signed somewhere. Brian Burke has received 2 better offers for Tomas Kaberle, and expects the offers to improve next week (as the Kovalchuk saga should be settled, and the August 15th deadline date getting closer).
  • Tom Gulitti of the Bergon County Record: Ilya Kovalchuk’s hearing begins today, but Gary Bettman won’t be there, he’ll be in Calgary promoting the Heritage Classic (he could be there tomorrow). A ruling may come on Friday, but more likely on Monday.
  • Mark Everson of the NY Post: Ilya Kovalchuk is expected to win his case versus the NHL, and if/when that happens, the Devils will have until the beginning of the season to shed about $5-6 million in cap space. Possible players to be either traded/waived/demoted are Bryce Salvador, Colin White and Dainius Zubrus. If the NHL wins and Kovalchuk becomes a free agent again, the Kings, Devils and Rangers could be interested.
  • Rick Carpiniello of LoHud.com: Recently acquired Todd White, who could be a versatile player for the Rangers, could also be a cap casualty and find himself in the minors if they are looking lower their cap number.