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Spezza for #2 “Outlandish” … Kovalchuk situation … Center options for Gaborik … Price for Penner?
Mark Easson
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Fluto calling Spezza to Bruins for the 2nd overall pick, “outlandish”. He gives 5 reasons as to why it won’t happen. Do you think? Not a chance the Bruins would do that. That’s a Maple Leaf style rumor suggested by some crazed fan who calls in to a Fan 590 radio show (and starts off the call with “long time listener, first time caller”) or posted by some anonymous blogger.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils are still talking, but appears he’ll test the market (which doesn’t mean he won’t return to the Devils). Kovalchuk’s agent wouldn`t comment on the reports out of Russia about the supposed KHL offers. LeBrun (and many others) think the LA Kings is the prime landing spot for Kovalchuk, as they have the cap room and are a team that is seriously close to contending. Brian Burke told ESPN that they are not going to be involved in Kovalchuk talks. 10 or more teams have contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs about trading for Tomas Kaberle, but nothing serious at this point, which will probably change by the draft.
Timo Seppa and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: The Rangers could use someone to play with Marian Gaborik, and it doesn’t look like anyone on their current rosters is able to fit the bill. One option could be trading for Tim Connelly, though Hradek doesn’t agree with that suggestion. If they could fit it into their cap situation, Patrick Marleau would be worth a look. Tomas Plekanec and Matthew Lombardi may be the best options for the Rangers.
Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins GM Ray Shero said talks with his free agents will increase this week. He has 8 UFA’s, with Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke drawing the most interest. He’s had preliminary talks with both, and both have shown an interest to return.
Tom Awad and E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Everyone and their mother knows that the Montreal Canadiens are a small team and need to get bigger. One off-season option would be for them to trade Carey Price for Oilers winger Dustin Penner (I’m not sure if straight up would work). The Oilers still have the Bulin wall but might be able to include him in a larger deal (I don’t see that happening as he’s a $4 million cap hit for 3 more years). 2 other options could be free agents Alexei Ponikarovsky or Freddy Modin.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: After reviewing a contract offer from the Atlanta Thrashers, Maxim Aginogenov and his agent agree that they are not close on the terms of the deal. The Thrashers and Colby Armstrong are also not close on a deal. There were also reports that Atlanta had signed Swedish winger Fredrick Pettersson, but those are false for the moment at least.
Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: Vancouver Canucks winger Alex Burrows underwent shoulder surgery last week to repair a torn labrum, and may have to start next season without him. The shoulder started bugging him half way through the season, and affected his play down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Nothing is set in stone yet, but it appears that Doug Weight will be returning to the New York Islanders next season.