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Afternoon rumors and news involving Wisniewski, Jokinen, Leino, missed qualifying offers, Vokoun, Varlamov, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Blues
Mark Easson
Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Canadiens trade the rights to James Wisniewski to the Blue Jackets. It will be a 2012 5th round pick if he signs, a 7th if he doesn’t.
Chip Alexander via twitter: Jussi Jokinen’s agent hopes to have a deal done with the Hurricanes by Friday.
Dustin Leed: Leed and TheFouthPeriod think that Ville Leino hasn’t re-signed with the Flyers as the Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Penguins, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Avalanche, Bruins, Rangers and Kings have interest in him.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: NHL statement on NHL team(s) improperly filing qualifying offers to RFA’s is: “We’re not aware of any defects relating to Qualifying Offers tendered by NSH to certain of team’s players as several media outlets reported. Those players, having timely received Qualifying Offers, will be Restricted Free Agents as of July 1, and both the players and the team…will be accorded the various rights and benefits of Restricted Free Agency as are set forth in CBA.” The NHLPA has raised the improper filing with agents of the player that are affected.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: “#NHLPA continues internal investigation throughout the day regarding #Predators potentially missing Q.O deadline on their respective RFA’s” … “Its up to #NHLPA to file grievance with #NHL against #Predators if they believe theirs sufficient evidence to support a case for the players.”
George Richards via twitter: Panthers GM Dale Tallon on goalie Tomas Vokoun: “We’re in negotiations with him as we speak. We’re very hopeful. That’s all I can tell you.”
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Semyon Varlamov’s agent said he’s picked the KHL, but didn’t name the club. Varlamov’s rights are owned by Lokomotiv, but it’s unclear if he’ll sign with them or SKA. SKA filed a complaint with the KHL.
Eric Stephens via twitter: Stephens thinks the Ducks will look at free agents to fill their 3rd line.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets and Jan Hejda continue to work a deal, likely for 3 or 4 years. The Jackets will still look to sign a defenseman if they re-sign Hejda, 2 if they don’t.
Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues will have 1 or 2 forward spots open depending on if Matt D’Agostini is re-signed or not. They are looking to add a defenseman and possibly a back up goalie. Forwards they could look at are Tomas Fleischmann, Chad LaRose (re-signed by Car. after this article was written), Joel Ward, Chris Higgins, Andrew Brunette and Jamie Langenbrunner. Defenseman they could look at are Jan Hejda, Kent Huskins, Brent Sopel or Steve Montador.
Jeremy Rutherford via twitter: T.J. Oshie’s agent Matt Oates, says that “things are going well” in their negotiations with Blues GM Doug Armstrong.