- Pierre LeBrun on the CBC Hotstove and ESPN:
- The Leafs and Blackhawks’ have reportedly been talking about Brent Sopel. Sopel is owed $2.5 million this year, and $2.0 million next season. For taking Sopel in a salary cap dump, the Leafs would also receive a high pick, maybe in the 2nd round range. The ‘Hawks are obviously talking to other teams as well.
- Bobby Ryan had rejected a 3 year deal earlier this year, and talks won’t resume until after the season.
- Peter Mueller doesn’t appear to be working out in coach Tippett’s books, and other GM’s are calling.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
- Bob Gainey is still shopping around Sergei and Andrei Kostitsyn, and the Oilers might still be interested. Shawn Horcoff might be available but he’s making a good chuck of change at $5.5 million.
- The Anaheim Ducks might be looking to shed Joffrey Lupul and his $4.25 cap hit through 2013. That might not be an easy thing to do.
- Ilya Kovalchuk’s talks continue and it’s likely more than 10 years at around $9 million a season. Also:
The belief is Kovalchuk doesn’t want the pressure of playing in the scrutiny of a market where he’s going to face questions. Not only have the Thrashers tried to put together a playoff contender this season, Kovalchuk had input on some of the roster decisions that were made.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Even though the Maple Leafs finally won a game, trade or demotion speculation will still follow the team. There reportedly has been some interest in Matt Stajan. Only 5 forwards are under contract for next season (Kessel, Blake, Hagman, Grabovski, and Orr).
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Trade rumors of the Canadiens sending Sergei Kostitsyn to the Oilers for Andrew Cogliano.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus has received 1 trade offer for Nikita Filatov, but GM Scott Howson said he’s not looking to trade him.