Ilya Kovalchuk is once again a Free Agent
TSN: Arbitrator Richard Bloch sided with the NHL, rejecting Ilya Kovalchuk the 17 year, $102 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. Kovalchuk is now an unrestricted free agent again. The Devils still hope to sign Kovalchuk. "While we do…
Afinogenov to KHL … Where could Niemi end up? Mitchell taking physicals … “Nothing to report” on Kariya to Anaheim
Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Maxim Afinogenov will be signing a 5 year deal with SKA of the KHL. Adam Proteau of the Hockey News via twitter: The rumors that the Montreal Canadiens are chasing Antti Niemi are "ludicrous". Noah Love…
5 Options for Niemi … Pronger has knee surgery … Theodore to the Preds?
Tom Awad of Puck Prospectus/ESPN: 5 options as to where Antti Niemi could end up next season. 1. Washington Capitals: They have $5 million in cap space. Both Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth are only 22 years old. 2. Edmonton…
Life after the Kovalchuk signing … Other pieces will begin to fall
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Don't expect a Tomas Kaberle trade this week as GM Brian Burke has gone fishing for the week. He did have this to say before he left, "The number of offers are up to…
Isles could use Savard … Tampa-Philly talking Gagne …
DJ Been of WEEI.com: The Bruins have about $500,000 left to sign both Blake Wheeler and Tyler Seguin. With free agency holding up potential trades at the moment, things are 'relatively quiet' on the Marc Savard-Tim Thomas front. Teams that…
“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…
Afternoon rumors involving Gagne, Savard, Sharp, and a list of UFA’s
Pierre LeBrun via Twitter: The Flyers have given Simon Gagne's agent permission to speak directly with teams, nothing yet. Jimmy Murphy via Twitter: One GM said this morning, "As far as I know, Bruins aren't actively shopping Savard at this…
Kovalchuk and Kings talks back on? Gagne trade tied to Kovalchuk
Helen Elliott via Twitter: Kings GM Dean Lombardi says Kings and Kovalchuk are "re-engaged", Kovalchuk to make counter-offer today. Pierre LeBrun heard the same thing this morning. Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post: The trading of Simon Gagne may be…
The Ilya Kovalchuk Update for Tuesday
Well so much for Ilya Kovalchuk signing a deal by yesterday. Jay Grossman via Twitter: Kovalchuk's choices have been narrowed down, nothing finalized, but no announcement tonight (Monday night). Tom Gulitti via Twitter: Heard that Atlanta could be back in…
Kovalchuk turns down the LA Kings
Helene Elliot of the LA Times: Ilya Kovalchuk won't be heading to the Los Angeles Kings. Dean Lombardi said this afternoon that Kovalchuk has 'decided against joining the Kings'. Lombardi didn't say why they couldn't agree on a contract, or…
Ilya Kovalchuk could get big offer from the Islanders
The New York Islanders could be getting ready to make a push for Ilya Kovalchuk according to TSN. The Islanders are under the salary cap floor, so they have plenty of room to give him a big a deal. Would…
10 teams after Volchenkov? Isles have a big wish list … Coburn could be a tough sign … No progress with Hamhuis
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Anton Volchenkov could have as many as 10 teams checking in with him when the free agent market opens up tomorrow. Likely suitors could be Washington, San Jose, Atlanta, Anaheim, St. Louis, and the…