Thornton-Sharks talking extension … On why Kovalchuk deal should be accepted … Devils moving Zajac?
Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Joe Thornton is having preliminary talks with the San Jose Sharks about a contract extension. The 31-year old Thornton will be a UFA at seasons end. Thornton has a cap hit of…
Tikhonov, did he or didn’t he request trade … Blues call Sweatt … Likely rule changes could be ….
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Phoenix Coyotes forward Viktor Tikhonov has requested a trade according to his father, and 15 teams are interested. Scott Burnside via twitter: Coyotes GM Don Malony says there is no truth to Tikhonov requesting a trade.…
Sharks interested in Niemi? Preds may not be talking to Theodore … Price-Canadiens talks are slow
Gary Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News: Could the San Jose Sharks be interested in Antti Niemi? The Sharks have about $4 million in cap space, with 2 goalies under contract. Are Antero Niittymaki (2 years and $4 million)…
Nabokov going to Russia … Zherdev signing with the Flyers? No comment for Kovalchuk agent
4:37 PM: Helene Elliott via Twitter: "Kings believed to have gotten a proposal from Kovalchuk, but nothing has been settled and no response is imminent." 4:20 PM: Aaron Portzline via Twitter: Flyers and Zherdev deal could be finalized tonight. Pierre…
Qualifying offers and other Free Agency Rumors
Yesterday at 5:00 pm was the deadline for teams to make qualifying offers from their RFAs. If they didn't receive a qualifying offer, they'll become a UFA. Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: The Nashville Predators did not qualify Denis Grebeshkov…
Trade Rumors still going on … Eyes turning to Free Agency
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The LA Kings made a play at the rights for Ilya Kovalchuk, but the New Jersey Devils reject as they still hope to re-sign him. If Dan Hamhuis and the Pittsburgh Penguins don't reach a deal,…
Some late day NHL Rumor quick hits
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Filatov: "I am coming back to CBJ in August. I have already spoken with GM. Haven't talked to coach, but read he's good w/young players." TSN: The Boston Bruins have granted Tim Thomas' agent, Bill Zito,…
Maple Leafs interested in Hamhuis? Kovalchuk update, well sort of …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins continue to shop Tim Thomas around in hope of freeing up some cash before July 1st. The Blues had shown some interest before they acquired Halak. Other teams that could be looking…
Montreal Canadiens trade Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues
The Montreal Canadiens have traded their playoff hero, Jaroslav Halak, to the St. Louis Blues for forwards Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. The 25-year old Halak is a restricted free agent, and the Canadiens decided that Carey Price (also a…
Spezza for #2 “Outlandish” … Kovalchuk situation … Center options for Gaborik … Price for Penner?
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…
Plenty of free agent rumors and trade options
Jim Kelly of SportsIllustrated: Kelly throws out a new Blackhawks name as possible trade bait to elevate their cap situation, Marion Hossa and his 12 year, $62.8 million contract. Though it would be hard to see someone biting on the…
Kaberle trade talk heating up … Spezza for the 4th pick? New GMs looking to make moves?
Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Columbus Blue Jackets may be making a stronger push next season to make the playoffs, and could be kicking around the idea of trading their 4th overall draft pick. The Blue Jackets still need to…