That free agent guy … Bieksa getting some interest … No rush for Modano
Mark Everson of the NY Post: A source close to Ilya Kovalchuk is saying he's still deciding between a couple teams, but the saga is close to ending. One source is saying the Kings have a 50-50 chance of signing…
“98% sure” for Kovalchuk … No Sweatt for Leafs … No Love of Lee
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: According to one of Elliott's sources, "he's 98% sure" that Ilya Kovalchuk and the Los Angeles Kings will get a deal done, either side will not comment on it. (For the love of God…
Kovalchuk and Kings close … Market to open up soon? Malkin to the wing with Crosby
Nick Kyperos via Twitter: 8:40 AM Post - "A big swing in the Ilya/Kings talks. Major stumbling blocks have been rectified. A source now described it to me as "close but not done" Mike Russo via Twitter: Lockout protection has…
M. Koivu gets big bucks … Demitra and Bourque off to KHL … No Progress with Mason Raymond
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have signed Mikko Koivu to a 7 year contract extension worth $47.25 million, with a full no-trade clause. That works out to a $6.75 million cap hit per season. He will…
Leafs and Lightning interested in Gagne … Filatov returning in August … No Modano in Anaheim
Dave Fuller of the Toronto Sun: When asked if he's interested in trading for Simon Gagne, Brian Burke said in an email, "Not at this time". The Maple Leafs, Kings and Rangers are said to be interested. Fuller took Burke's…
Afternoon rumors involving Gagne, Savard, Sharp, and a list of UFA’s
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Flyers have given Simon Gagne's agent permission to speak directly with teams, nothing yet. Jimmy Murphy via Twitter: One GM said this morning, "As far as I know, Bruins aren't actively shopping Savard at this…
The Guy who won’t sign … Elias hoping for Kaberle … Neal and Stars not close
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk left Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon, his agent stayed to have more talks with GM Dean Lombardi, but left last night without a deal in place. There were rumors that the talks were…
Ilya Kovalchuk update #624 … Chicago may now have to move Patrick Sharp
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk and his agent met with Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi yesterday. Club executives didn't say much, and there is no indication if they were any closer on a deal. Kovalchuk toured…
Blackhawks to match offer to Niklas Hjalmarsson
ESPN: The Chicago Blackhawks will be matching the offer sheet that Niklas Hjalmarsson signed with the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks had until Friday to match the 4 year, $14 million contract. If the 'Hawks had decided not to match…
Kovalchuk in LA to meet with the Kings … Gagne: has he or hasn’t he? Offer sheet for Neal next?
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk will be meeting with executives of the Los Angeles Kings today. Twice the Kings have said they are finished negotiating with Kovalchuk, after his agent Jay Grossman, stood pat on a 10…
Rangers need Kovalchuk? Modano has more options … Burke still looking for more … Bruins remaining off-season issues
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers don't have any young, blue chip prospects coming up that would need to receive big contracts once Marc Staal is done, so they don't need to conserve money on that front. They…
Though choices in Chicago … Gagne to Leafs? No ‘Sweat’ for Leafs? Senators need a tough Dman
Tim Sassone of the Chicago Tribune: With the Sharks signing Niklas Hjalmarsson to a 4 year, $14 million offer sheet, the Blackhawks may have to decide if they want to keep Hjalmarsson, Antti Niemi, or possibly Patrick Sharp. The Blackhawks…