News and Rumors involving the Red Wings – June 3rd
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: With Nicklas Lidstrom returning next season at a friendly $6.2 million, the Detroit Red Wings can now turn their attention to the other free agents. They have just under $9 million (that's…
Kovalev not retiring … Extra money could keep Gonchar and Cooke in Pitt … No talks for Martin-Devils until coach is found
Ottawa Citizen: Despite reports (and wishes from some Senators fans}, Alex Kovalev won't be retiring and will be returning to the Sens lineup next season at $5 million. Kovalev had a disappointing first season with the Senators, scoring 18 goals…
Brian Burke talks about Tomas Kaberle, what the Maple Leafs need, Kadri
Michael Traikos of the National Post: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke was on the Fan590/Hockey Central at Noon yesterday. For Audio of complete interview, June 1st link, about the 1:40 mark. Highlights from the conversation ... It's not a priority…
Nicklas Lidstrom back in Detroit for another year
According to TSN, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be back with the team next season. No "official" has come from Lidstrom or the team, but from someone speaking "on condition of anonymity". No word on what exactly he'll…
Lidstrom decision by week’s end … Flames talking with White … Back to Hartford?
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Nicklas Lidstrom will give his decision to Ken Holland by the end of this week if he'll retire or play another season for the Red Wings. Many teammates and personel in management…
Boston: Buyout for Ryder, trade Wheeler? Kaberle and more for the 4th overall pick? Boston to trade up for #1?
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: GM Chiarelli says that one of either Hall or Seguin will have an impact on the how the organization will move forward in the future. "Yes," said Chiarelli, "it will have a bearing…
Salary cap could increase $2 million which would the Penguins and others … James Wisniewski may seek #2 Dman money and/or be traded … NHL Draft Rumors
Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the league received some good news in that according to Gary Bettman, the salary cap could be going up by about $2 million from it's current $56.8…
Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Frolov get KHL Offers
TSN.ca: According to a Russian website (Sovsports) , Ilya Kovalchuk as received a 3-year, $30 million contract offer from the SKA St Petersburg. Kovalchuk would like to stay in the NHL, and will wait to see all his options on…
Kulemin-Maple Leaf talks at a standstill … Zherdev wanting to return to NHL … Capitals looking for a #2 center
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Nikolai Kulemin are at a standstill. It is rumored that Kulemin is after a $3 million a year contract, after putting up 36 points in 78…
Boucher back Saturday? Rob Blake leaning to retirement … Nabokov would like to stay in San Jose … Yzerman needs to lock up Stamkos
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Though it was speculated that his season was over after suffering sprained ligaments in both knees on May 10th, Brian Boucher returned to practice with the hope of dressing for game 1 on Saturday.…
More on the Canadiens … Ryan and Ducks talking … Marleau to Toronto? Jacob Markstrom coming to North America?
Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens will have $13-14 million to fill out 9 roster spots. That is not a lot play when players like Tomas Plekanec, Jaroslav Halak and/or Carey Price are due for raises,…
Steve Yzerman named new GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersbrug Times: It came as a bit of surprise today that Steve Yzerman was named the new General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. For weeks it was thought that he wasn't interested in taking…