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 find a center for Rick Nash, and Friedman wonders if they’d consider taking on Jason Spezza’s contract. Michael Leighton may be getting a 3 year contract offer from the Flyers, Friedman doesn’t think it would be for more than $1.5 million. The Florida Panthers may take a crack at Tomas Kaberle, Nathan Horton is a Burke type player.
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Reiger did not want to talk about the rumor that they may be interested in Tomas Kaberle. The Sabres could use a power-play quarterback, and the Leafs could use some scoring. Two players that have to mentioned because of their subpar playoff performances are Tim Connolly and Drew Stafford. There are a few things that instantly pop in to my mind on this; would Burke trade his ‘all star’ dman to a division rival? Both are not ‘Burke’ type players (no toughness). Connolly is making $4.5 million in the last year of his contract and is one hit away from his carrier being over, Stafford hasn’t lived up to his offensive talents the past 2 seasons (34 pts in 71 games this past season, 45 pts in 79 games in 2008-09).
Michael Traikos in the Montreal Gazette: Even though he loses his no-trade clause for the summer (starting at the Draft) his agent Rick Curran believes Tomas Kaberle still has a clout on where he could end up. “As of the draft, we don’t have a no-trade (clause),” agent Rick Curran said. “But it’s almost effectively a no-trade, because unless Tomas wants to go there most general managers that I’m familiar with are not giving up asset value for a one-year player who may not even want to come to my team. Especially with what Brian wants in return.” It’s being reported that at least 4 teams have inquired about Kaberle; Anaheim, Buffalo, Columbus, and New Jersey.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: With such a weak free agent class, GMs have been more involved with trade talks (salary cap issues also play a big part). Teams with new GMs may be looking to make an early impression as well. Dale Tallon in Florida would like to make some moves, possibly trading Nathan Horton ($4 million cap hit until 2013) and Rostislav Olesz ($3.125 through 2014), but teams would rather have Stephen Weiss and Keith Ballard. Steve Yzerman may make a pitch for Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak. The Oilers would like to move Shawn Horcoff ($5.5 million through 2015) and Sheldon Souray ($5.4 through 2012).
Bryan Mullen of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile thinks it’s going to really tough to re-sign Dan Hamhuis, “I think it’s going to be very difficult,” Poile said. “But I’d like to continue having conversations this week and possibly reach out to Dan next week before we take our final position.” Hamhuis’ agent has said that talks have been positive and ongoing. If they are not able to re-sign Hamhuis, they may look to re-sign Denis Grebeshkov and/or UFA Francis Bouillon. Jonathon Blum or Ryan Ellis may be rushed a little a quicker than they originally wanted. The Predators are trying to lock up Patrick Hornqvist, but salary is hard to determine after 2 goals in 08-09, and 30 last season.
Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News: 2010 NHL Draft prospect, Kiril Kabanov, is better known for his off-ice antics than his on-ice talent has seen is stock plummet into the 2nd or 3rd round instead of top 5-10 pick. He’s had issues with the KHL, his QMJHL junior team (Moncton) and the Russian U-18 team, and now must find a new agent, 2 weeks before the draft. JP Barry has decided to move as “It just wasn’t a fit”. George Malik of MLive: Malik notes that Neate Sager of Yahoo, and Bruce Ciski of Fanhouse, think that Red Wings could still be interested in Kabanov, but not in the 1st round.
