On the Dallas Stars …
Matt Larkin: Spoke with Stars GM Jim Nill the other day and he said it’s all quiet on the goalie trade front at the moment. They will be sticking with Antti Niemi and Kari Lehtonen for now.
On Las Vegas …
Steve Carp: Bill Foley said yesterday that the reports that all of the “Hawks” names (Desert Hawks, Red Hawks and Nighthawks) were out of the running as their team name are not true. He said that “Nighthawks” is very much in play.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Pierre Dorion is confident that they will have RFA defenseman Cody Ceci signed by the start of the season. Dorion indicated yesterday that he’s been in constant contact with Ceci’s agent J.P. Barry.
It is believed that they have talked about a bridge deal and a six-year deal. It’s believed they are focusing now on a bridge deal.
“J.P and I exchanged emails (Thursday) and they were really positive emails,” Dorion said. “We’re still looking at different angles and what we can do for a contract but I have a lot of faith.
“It’s taken a bit longer than I anticipated. I think maybe J.P. is trying to test me in my first time as GM, even though I’ve done quite a (few) contracts before. He’ll be playing for us Oct. 12th. I think in the next few weeks we’ll get something done.”
It’s believed Ceci is looking for around $4 million a year on a six-year deal. Some league executives think a bridge deal would be around $2.8 to $3 million.
Dorion said they are still looking at depth defenseman options in trade or free agency.
“I haven’t had much time off because I’ve kept making calls to guys who are on the market who would be capable, depth defencemen, guys who have played in the league and I’ve talked to quite a few GM’s over the past month (to see) if they’re looking to move pieces on the back end,” Dorion added.