Modano signing with the Wings … What now for Niemi? Mitchell symptom free, 12 teams inquiring
Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Mike Modano will be signing with the Detroit Red Wings, the official announcement most likely coming on Thursday. Modano has been offered a 1 year, $1.25 million deal. James Mirtle of the…
‘Hawks to keep Niemi or go with Turco? Still plenty of FA’s out there … Maltby hopes to return to the Wings
Lyle Richardson (Spector's Hockey) via twitter: A reliable source told him that the Chicago Blackhawks will keep Antti Niemi. Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has until Monday to decide if they'll be accepting Antti Niemi's…
A comparison of NHL Contracts that are front-loaded
After the Kovalchuk contract rejection by the NHL for circumventing the cap, we've put together a chart showing the salary numbers for contracts that have been called in to question for being front-loaded, but were allowed to go through. Johan…
“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…
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…
Kovalchuk and the Devils … Modano, Wings or retirement … Family concerns for Nabokov
Mark Everson of the NY Post: Nothing much has changed with Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils the past couple days. They are still considered the leading NHL candidate (maybe the only NHL candidate) to sign the Russian super-star.…
Are the Kings interested in Gagne and others? Modano has 4 options … Not much going on for Frolov
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: One report is saying the Los Angeles Kings are out of the running for Simon Gagne, and another says they are still interested. Things were quiet involving Tomas Kaberle over the weekend, but should pick up…
Will offer sheets start to come? Rumors surrounding Kovalchuk
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: With the lack of depth in the NHL Free Agent market, teams may send out an offer sheets to improve their club. Some possible restricted free agents are Bobby Ryan, Marc Staal, Steve Downie,…
Leafs talking to Afinogenov … Yzerman still shopping … Bieksa receiving interest
David Pagnotta via Twitter: The Stars are still dangling Mike Ribeiro, but nothing is close. Rob Rossi via Twitter: The Penguins will take the weekend to look at some trade possibilities. They'd like to add a veteran 'character' guy who…
NHL Draft Day Rumors
George Richards of the Miami Herald: It's looking like the Florida Panthers will be selecting Erik Gudbranson with the 3rd overall pick. Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting calls about the 6th overall pick, but Yzerman…