Pens shopping Fleury?

Its reported that the Pens are talking to some western teams about a deal to send Marc-Andre Fleury. They seem to have lost faith in the number 1 pick and are trying to change thier team fast.

More to come..

flames update

Andrew Ference signed a new three year extension. As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

#21 ANDREW FERRENCE – DEFENCEBORN: Edmonton, AB (March 17, 1979)HEIGHT: 5’10” WEIGHT: 189 lbs.SHOOTS: Left HOW ACQUIRED: From Pittsburgh on Feb.10, 2003 for a 3rd round choice in the 2004 Entry Draft

In 82 games last season he recorded 4 goals and 27 assists for 31 points. career highs in assists and points.

Upshall and Hartnell on the block?

It has been reported that Scotty Upshall and Scott Hartnell are place on the trading block by the Nashville Predators.

Upshall played 48 games last season recording 8 goals and 16 assists for 24 points with a +14 +/-

Hartnell played 81 games recording 25 goals and 23 assists for 48 points with a +8 +/-

more to come on this situation...

CAROLINA TRADES JACK JOHNSON TO L.A!

Late breaking news, The Carolina Hurricanes traded Jack Johnson and Oleg Tverdovsky to the Los Angeles Kings this afternoon forTim Gleason and Eric Belanger! read more at...http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=179262&hubname=

Opinion- Hurricanes got ripped on this trade, good on L.A to get a blue chip prospect from defending Stanley Cup Champs, to bad he wont play this year, but L.A can wait, or at least I would

Summit Series = Annoyance Series

I dunno about the rest of you, but the Summit Series is really getting to me. Media cannot stop mentioning it. I hear it all the damn time. Every time TSN or Sportsnet does a "Top Ten" thing, they always manage to squeeze in a play from the Summit Series. Yeah sure it was a good time and many people have fond memories of the series, but can we drop the media coverage of this thing? I mean Canadians have been relishing over this thing for years, and it still seems like it just happened yesterday. There's a TV series, there's a movie, there's a book, newspapers, magazines, interviews, etc, etc, etc. DROP IT ALREADY! We know how it happened, and all of us could probably retell the story while under the influence of heavy drugs and alcohol. It was 34 years ago! Can the hockey world focus on anything better and more recent than that? Apparently not.

Zherdev Finally Signs, Battle Of The Backups in T.O

Let me first start off by saying, Nikolai Zherdev re-signed with Columbus after about a month of negotiations. Zherdev, for 3 years straight, will be payed around 7 mill, give or take a bit. Zherdev finally got his wish, and the Zherdev to Toronto rumors will finally come to an end, because Nikolai is playing the the NHL this year. Read more about his signing at...

My Opinion on this is that its good the Blue Jackets re-signed their young star, but i don't think 7 mill was worth the money. Looks like Zherdev got his way thought, good signing, might as well get him then let him rot in Russia.

Now onto the Leafs Back-up situation. It's widley talked about around NHL sites everywhere, but they all say, Aubin For Back-up! Aubin Rules!... Yes, Aubin had a good end of the season last year. didnt suffer a regulation time loss. Not to take away from Aubs , but i think Tellqvist deserves the role over Aubin. First lets examine some stats for the two back-ups...


GP/W/L/OT/SA/Ga/GAA/SV%/SO

J.s Aubin
11 9/0/2 330 25 2.22 .924 1

Mikeal Tellqvist
25 10/11/2 697 73 3.13 .895 2

So Obviously, Aubin has the better record, playing 14 less games than Mikeal played might of helped that no loss streak, but Tellqvist has a respectable record for a back-up. After the Montreal Series, which some say lost the Leafs the playoffs for the first time in a long while, he was written off by the fans, coaches, and organization. 2 games dont make or break a career, neither does 11. Tellqvist, playing more games, has 1 more shutout than Aubin does. Which shows, along with Aubin, that he is capable of stealing a game, or in this case, 2 of them. 2 shutouts might not be that big of a deal, but if Tellqvist got to finish the season, he might have bounced back from the Montreal Series, like Aubin. Why? the Leafs had no pressure, they just went out to play, which lead to the above average (for the Leafs) defensive coverage, and the play of Mats Sundin, Alexei Ponikarovsky (sp?), and, arguably, Nik Antropov. So would Tellqvist have rose to the challenge in the last 11 games of the 05/06 season? My best guess is yes. Not as spectacular as Aubins run, but the Leafs were out of it after the series, so i am predicting his record would have been around 16/14/4 give or take a loss or so. Thats a pretty swell record. Tellqvist has proved last season that he could, and can take the backup role. Aubin, can be used as the third goalie, like last year, in case of ingury to Raycroft (which can be predictable) or to Telly himself. I dont not think that Telly should be traded or placed of waivers, cause this kid will be gone in a 2 week radius, because teams need an affordable back (Philly). Toronto's not gonna trade anymore, im about 80% sure of that. They'll start the season with three goalies. Maybe closer to the trade deadline is when they get rid of either one, or even Raycroft (if hes horrid like last year). Aubs and Telly are a great 1 two punch for backups, and could split the games evenly when the chance arrives. But if i was to take a back-up goalie out of the 2, Telly would be my choice, and on a highly unlikely last note, Trade Aubin, he has a higher trade value, i hear Philly needs a Goalie JFJ... Oh boy i can hear the stupid rumor mill coming, Aubin for Gagne, Oh Boy...

Calgary's Centre Quesions

Ok... so all flames fans are wondering about a first line centre and thinking up possible trades. Calgary currently has 5 natural centres: Langkow, Lombardi, Yelle, Ritchie, and Taratukhin, and 3 other players who can play centre: Nilson, Tanguay, and Lundmark. So all flames fans are going crazy on getting a first line centre. The real quesion is why do we need one? we have tons of guys that can play centre, we just need to find the right player. Lombardi is currently the first line centre and in the pre season game against Edmonton played fairly well showing great speed and goal scoring touch. Theres tons of potential lines for the flames Langkow could possible be that key guy, he score 25 goals and had 59 points, with Tanguay on his left and Iggy on his right his numbers will only go up. Iggy and Tanguay are both threats for scoring and are great passers to the opposition wouldnt know what to expect. Lundmark was a great pickup by GM Darryl Sutter and had 10 points in 12 games with the flames, watch for him to be a big part of the flames offence and who knows maybe he could be our first line centre. Dustin Boyd is having a great season and that could help our centre problems in the future, I dont see him making the big leagues right away but he will be in the next preseason game centering Tanguay and Iginla so who knows, maybe he is the key.

The "wonderful" Gomez rumor is completly dead because people are starting to relize that the NHL still does have a salary cap. Another rumor is Marleau to calgary, supposably sutter has been after Marleau for some time but just cant find the right trade. Also the 1-2 punch of Thornton and Marleau is going to be great once again this year so why would they want to give that up? There is a rumor that Marlaeu knows he can be that number 1 centre on a team such as calgary and could possibly ask to be traded. Calgary will stick with the lineup they have now and possibly make moves throughout the season. So fans please be patient, we could have a number 1 centre on our team without even knowing it.

Yzerman Becomes Detriot's VP

TSN reports that longtime Detriot Captain Steve Yzerman has just be given a role in the head office, Vice -President. No doubt that this role is to shape him into another postion in the head office, Assistant GM or even GM.


"The NHL team announced Monday that Yzerman is now its vice-president and will work with the management team of senior VP Jim Devellano, general manager Ken Holland and assistant general manager Jim Nill."



Read the full aritcle at....
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=178787&hubname=

Devils In Big Time Cap Trouble

Bob Mckenzie Posted a fanastic Article on tsn today about the salary cap troubles facing the New Jeresy Devils (http://www.tsn.ca/tsn_talent/columnists/bob_mckenzie/)

On further inspection of what the devils are facing, it seems they are in dire cap problems. Lets take a look at the players New Jeresy has signed.

Forwards:
Patrik Elias - $6.0 million
Scott Gomez - $5 million
John Madden - $3.893 million
Jamie Langenbrunner - $2.8 million
Sergei Brylin - $1.52 million
Jason Wiemer - $950,000
Jay Pandolfo - $836,000
Grant Marshall - $760,000
Zach Parise - $703,000
Cam Janssen - $450,000
Michael Rupp - $450,000

11 Forwards: $23.2

Defencemen:
Brian Rafalski - $4.2 million
Colin White - $3 million
Dan McGillis - $2.2 million
Richard Matvichuk - $1.368 million
Brad Lukowich - $1 million

5 Defencemen: $11.8

Goalies:
Martin Brodeur - $5.2 million
Scott Clemmensen - $500, 000

2 Goalies: $5.7

Retired/Not Playing:
Vladimir Malakhov - $3.6 million
Alexander Mogilny - $3.5 million

2 Players: $7.1

TOTAL: 48.0

Unsigned:
Brian Gionta - $3 Million *
David Hale - $1 Million *
Paul Martin - $1.5 Million *

* = Expected Salary requests


The Devils therefore have 18 players signed at 48.0 million, a team needs 20 players atleast at any given time. Lets say they sign all 3 restricted free agents at the asking prices. That will be 21 players on roster equaling out to $53.5 million. That is 9.5 million dollars over the cap. Lets cut the Devils some slack and say they will get out of Mogilny's salary for this year. That will knock them down to $50.0 Also John Madden has an injured Hernia, he will most likely not be ready till at least a month or 2 into season. That will buy the Devil some temporary Relief. Lets put them down to $46.1. However they are 1 forward short, so they will need to call up a minor league player at a salary of atleast $500,000. So they go back up to $46. 6. They are still $2.6 million dollars over the cap. They will now most likely trade Scott Gomez, getting a prospect or picks in return. That will take them down to $41.6 million + a player called up to replace gomez so back up to $42.1. So it is possible for the Devils to get under the cap, however when madden is ready to return he will need to be traded or salary equal to him must be dealt. The Devils were one of the better run teams during the last CBA. That can however not be said for the current state of the franchise. They overpaid for players such as Dan Mcgillis, John Madden, Brian Rafalski, Alex Mogilny and Vlad Malakov and they are paying for it now.

Leafs Cut Nine

The Toronto Maple Leafs have released a press statement annoucing 9 cuts made to the team, the following players have been assigned to the Marlies Training camp:

Forwards:
Jiri Tlusty
Robbie Earl
John Mitchell
Jeremy Williams
Kris Newbury

Defencemen:
Dominic D'Amour
Tyson Marsh
Jamie Sifers

Goalies:
Justin Pogge


That leaves Bates Battaglia, Ben Ondrus, Erik Westrum, Brett Engelhart, John Pohl and Alex Sugolobov fighting for 3 spots up front and Ian White, Carlo Colaiacovo, Staffen Kronwall, Marc Moro, Brendan Bell, Jay harrison and Andy Wozniewski fighting it out for 2-3 spots on defence. Along with the Battle for backup goalie between Mikael Tellqvist and J.S Aubin, this should be an interesting final week of camp

Leafs Trade Winds Blowing

The leafs are most likely to make some kind of trade before the rosters are finalized for the season. The leafs have 2 goalies in Aubin and Tellqvist who would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors. They also have defencemen in Bell and Harrison who if they dont make the team will have to clear waivers. The Leaf goalies, who have looked excellent during the preseason, have started to attract attention around the league. Its very possible the leafs will package a goalie with a defenceman in an attempt to get some help up front or for a decent prospect or pick. The leafs do not want to lost these player for nothing on waivers.

Gomez trade rumor

Gomez is rumored to go to St. Louis for Cajanek and some prospects St. Louis is well under the cap and this would be a great trade for them.
Also a source from Gomez is reporting that he will test out the UFA market next season.

Introduction - doman

Hi everyone I just wanted to introduce myself. I will be contributing to this blog with Buffalo Sabres information. I would like to thank Derwood for allowing me to contribute my 2 cents and I will be back with much more.

John Madden Injured

New Jeresy Devil's Forward John Madden has not recovered from Recent Hernia Surgery and does not seem to be close to rejoining the Devils for Training Camp. The Devils are looking at placing him on the Long Term Injury list therefore freeing up his salary from the cap until he is healthy enough to return.

Leafs Need Bondra, or do They?

The Bondra idea is very perplexing. You can look at it from two different perspectives. On the one hand, you have a guy that could potentially score 30+ goals if played with Sundin. Or, you could have a Bondra that scores much less than 30, and just turns into another Czerkawski. So what I am try say is that JFJ is possibly is thinking the same thing. What do I think? I think that they should get Bondra onboard immediately, because as far as I am concerned he could either help the team, which would be nice, or he could just do nothing and be a scratched from the line-up for half the season. Bondra is a much better offensive talent than Czerakawski is/was, so I think, that put in the right situation, Bondra could still excell for one season, and help the Leafs come close to at least making the playoffs.

Bondra to Leafs or Wings?

Sportsnet.ca is reporting that both the Red Wings and Maple leafs are looking at signing Peter Bondra to a contract

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_
hearsay/2006/09/20/leafs_looking_at_bondra/

Flames update

With a pre-season game over, flames look really good and with lots of depth. There is rumors that Canucks are trying to aquire Krahn from the flames. With thier number 1 centre issues the Allison rumors are still roaring. Talking to the fans there is mixed issues on this topic. This year should be a offensive year for the flames, Lombardi and Kobasew have untill the trade deadline to prove themselves or they can easily see themselves on the trading block. Boyd is looking great in pre-season so rumors involving him are now considered dead. Gomez is still looking to be the number one choice for the flames but Sutter is trying everything he can to aquire Maleau from San Jose.

Tie Domi Retires

Sources out of Toronto are reporting that Tie Domi has retired and the Leafs will shortly annouce a press conference.



(tsn.ca is now reporting this. Press Conference today at 4pm. http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=178047&hubname= )

TaiTheTMLFan, The Introduction

Hello to everyone out there in the Internet & Hockey World, I would be TaiTheTMLFan, the newest blogger on NHL Rumors and Updates. As You can see I specialize in the Toronto Maple Leafs, either it be rumors, Team Breakdown, or just about everything! I'm honored to be a blogger here, and I expect only the best from the Toronto Maple Leafs this season...

After just whipping the floor with Washington and Montreal in NHL 07 (great game btw, everyone should check that out), i was manjoring my minor leaguers, our rookies, and was wondering who was a possibilty for the extra defensive spots on the team...

Jay Harrison- Big, Strong, from what we saw last year in the Marlies and when he was called up, he might be worth switching in and out of the final spot, rotating with...

Ian White- Hes a great offensive defenceman who i think would generate best with Hall Gill, he makes up for Gill's spped, or lack of, and Gill definatley makes up for his lack of size.

Carlo Coliacavo- He did have that training camp scare a couple of days ago, but i think its a given he plays with either Kubina or McCabe on the 4th spot on D, second line of three.

Out of the many Defencemen we have in the minors, i can see these three being contenders, others have a chance, but i could only see Kronwall making it other than these 3, Brenden Bell has a slight chance, but again, i can't see him making it, also i could see Andy Wozniewski benifiting from another year in the AHL.

With the forward spots open, Pohl and Suglobov definatley make it, with their one way contracts, i think they both are a given, which is alright in my books, if Pohl doesn't get a full time NHL job soon, he might just rot in the minors, he only is 27, but he should have got a shot a few years ago. Ben Ondrus, also on a one way contract, makes the team this year to, which gives the team that extra something, that extra grit, Ondrus will play on the fourth line though.

My projected lines go something like this....

LW/C/RW

Steen-Sundin-Pony(can't see much from this line in terms of allstar numbers, unless Pony has another great year, suspect Sundin to rack up most of the goals, with Steen and Poni picking up thre assists, Steen would benefit from a second line duty, I'd personally move Tucker up to the first line, but he benefits playing a gritty game, that doesn't have a place on a first line.)

Antropov-Wellwood-O'Neill (Wellwood needs some grit to become a winger, so he stays center. Antro is big, but doesn't use his body, and O'neill needs to snap back to from, with Wellwood projected to have a breakout year, like he does every second year in a new league, what better a line then with two players who need to snap into from/breakout)

Tucker-Peca-Stajan (Great shutdown line, Stajan can learn from Pecks and my boy Tucker, predict a flustered opponents 1st line when these guys match up with them, the minutes will balance between the 2nd and 3rd lines)

Kilger-Pohl-Ondrus ( Its just a fourth line, only minor points from this line, wheres Suglobov go though?, apprently, well i think, Antropov is gonna be traded away, if not, Maurice has gonna have to put Suglobov somewhere, or theres gonna be trouble, personally, Suglobov>Ondrus, but Ondrus does make the team more harder to face, so thats where im baffled

Kaberle-McCabe
Kubina-Coli
Gill-Bell/Kronvall/Harrison/White (my picks white, just because of his speed)

Well thats my prediction, Many more to come,

Go Leafs Go!

,TaiTheTMLFan

Updates Sept. 17th

San Jose Sharks are having some goalie issues, Evgeny Nabokov and Vesa Toskala are competing for the starting job. With Nolan Schaefer currently 3rd on the depth chart he is contending for the backup role. Schaefer won five straight for the sharks in his time in the big leagues so this could mean a trade is upcomming for this strong group of goalies. Nabokov is looking like he will be the one being shipped around because of his 5 million doller salary this year.

Alexander Mogilny looks to have a serious injury in his hip, therefore if he is going to miss this season his 3.5 million doller salary will not count towards the cap. This will help out New Jerseys cap situation quite a bit and help GM's Lou Lamoriello with his trade offers. With Brian Gionta, Paul Martin, and David Hale still unsigned there will still be a salary dump and Scott Gomez looks to be the number 1 candidate.

Its reported that Peter Bondra is close to signing a one year deal worth about 1.5 million. If true Gionta to detroit rumors will be completly dead.

Yanic Perreault has had offers from the Fylers, Thrashers, and Hurricanes. Supposably they are waiting untill training camp and a few pre season games are done in order to see if they really need his service.

Jason Allison is rumored to sign with Calgary, Ive heard that sutter has offered him a tryout base contract in order to see if he is really what Sutter really wants. It is also rumored that Calgary will stay in contact with Jason Allison just in case Scott Gomez is still available and the right price for Calgary. In order for them to get Gomez, it would have to be a three-way trade or they would have to dump Hamrlik or Amontes salary. This also brings up salary cap problems, I dont see Hamrlik and Amonte going to NJ because thier salarys combined is just a little less then Gomez's salary. This would mean they would have to have some sort of three-way deal.

Alexander Khavanov signs in Europe

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Alexander Khavanov has signed a 1 year deal to play with Swiss team HC Davos. It will include an outclause if an NHL team wants to sign him.

Introduction - Zee

Hey all, I am a new blogger and will help make this a great Rumor and Update website for all. Check me out for the latest on Calgary Flames rumors/updates, also I will try and get information on other rumors as they come to me. I am excited to be a part of this website and will help make it grow!

-Zee

Bloggers Wanted, New Site and Message Board

If anyone is interested in becoming a blogger on this site, joining me and Criss please let me know. It be great if your a fan of a team and would like to post daily/weekly comments about your team, any news as it happens, game day previews or even a story about the most recent game. Rumour blogging would be welcome also. I plan on doing any blogs for the maple leafs but if you interested in any other teams or just rumour blogging in general, please email me at derwood710@yahoo.com.


The new blog will be up and running shortly at http://insidehockeyrumours.com and also check out our message board there, http://insidehockeyrumours.com/discussion.

Derwood

Jere Lehtinen signs two-year extension

The Dallas Stars have signed Jere Lehtinen to a 2 year contract extension worth 8 million dollars.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177671&hubname=


4 million does seem like an excessive amount for Jere Lehtinen, Lehtinen I would think would fall more into the 3 million dollar player range.

Matt Stajan Resigns with Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have resigned forward Matt Stajan to a 2 year 1.75 million dollar deal. He will earn $800,000 this year and $950,000 next year.

Brian Gionta to attend Devils Camp

The New York Post Reports Devils leading scorer Brian Gionta intends to attend training camp even if he is not signed. Gionta's agent, Steve Bartlett told the Post the restricted free agent is in the process of getting insurance to play.

Viktor Kozlov to the Islanders

The New York Post is reporting that Viktor Kozlov and the New York Islanders are in the process of finalizing a 1 year contract.

Radek Dvorak to St Louis.

Sources out of St Louis are reporting that the St Louis Blues will sign Forward Radek Dvorak within the next 24-48 hrs. He will help to Replace Vladimir Orszagh who is sidelined long term because of an upcoming knee surgery.

Ryan Kesler Signed to Offer sheet by Flyers

The Philadephia Flyers have signed Restricted Free Agent Ryan Kesler to 1 year , $1.9 million offer sheet. The Vancouver Canucks now have the right to match or will recieve a 2nd round draft pick as compensation.

Joffrey Lupul Resigned by Edmonton

Sources are pointing to Joffrey Lupul signing with the edmonton oilers today to a 3 year deal for around $7 million

Islanders Resign Rick DiPietro to 15 year Contract!!!

The New York Islanders have signed Goaltender Rick Dipietro to a 15 year $67.5 million that averages out to $4.5 millon a year.

<---- G.M. Garth Snow



For more information: http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177223&hubname=



The New York Islanders continue to be run as an inept franchise where the owner obviousley thinks he knows alot more about hockey then the G.M. This is the most brutal contract that a team has signed a player too since the Islanders signed Yashin to a 10 year deal. The team better hop Dipietro has a healthy 15 years ahead of him. Garth Snow Have Fun!

Nashville Resigns Tomas Vokoun

Nashville Predators have resigned Goalie Tomas Vokoun to a 4 year deal. Terms not disclosed.

Montreal Shoping for defencman

The Montreal Canadiens are shopping for a defenceman to add depth to a somewhat weak blueline which has lost Francis Bouillon till late november. According to La Presse out of Montreal they have spoke to former Buffalo Sabre Jason Woolley. Woolley is currently in negotiations with a Swiss Team.

Peter Bondra Update

Unsigned Free agent Peter Bondra continues to look for work. The Washington Capitals are no longer interested in his services and it seems likely Bondra will not find work until Anson Carter and Radek Dvorak have signed. He will most likely gain intrest from one of the teams that do not sign one of these players. Those interested may include Toronto and Detroit. Look for Bondra to sign sometime during training camp on a 1 year deal for between $500,000-$750,000.

Mike Keenan to......Toronto??

According to the Vancouver Province, Rumours should begin shortly speculating that Mike Keenan will join the Maple Leafs in some capacity. The most likely scenerio for this would be if the Leafs struggle early. Its very possible you could see something very similar to what happened last year with the Raptors. John Ferguson Jr. will be quickly fired and Mike Keenan would be hired on very shortly afterwards. Mike Keenan has always let it be known that Toronto is his dream job and JFJ is defintly on a very short leash in Toronto.

(Sources out of Florida are now suggesting that Mike Keenan was told by the owner of the Florida Panther, Alan Cohen, to either Resign Immediatly or be fired. Its becoming very obvious that Keenan lost a power struggle with Coach and Friend Jacques Martin.)

Shane Doan seeks Contract Extension

According to the Arizona Republic, upcoming unrestricted free agent Shane Doan has let the Phoenix Coyotes know that he would like to sign a long term Contract before the start of the season.

Radek Dvorak Update

The Ny Post reports the New York Rangers continue to talk to Radek Dvorak as they try to bring him back to the rangers. They believe he could help them greatly in a penalty killing role as they have lost quite a few of their regular penalty killers from last year. According to the Post the Detroit Red Wings and St Louis Blues also have intrest in Dvorak's Services

The Vancouver Canucks were very interested at one point, but that intrest has gone down as Dvorak has not lowered his asking price into a fittable amount for the Canucks payroll

Ilya Bryzgalov Signs 2 year Deal

Ilya Bryzgalov has signed a 2 year contract with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The contract averages about 1.25 millon over the 2 years. Bryzgalov will fight with J.S Gigure for the #1 goaltender spot on the team

Jim Dowd To Sign with Devils

The New Jeresy Devils are close to signing Jim Dowd. A depth move for New Jeresy as they are short on depth. Most likely will be a 2 way 1 year contract. This will be Dowd's second stint with the Devils.

Flames sign forward Andrei Taratukhin

The Calgary Flames have signed Russian Rookie Andrei Taratukhin to a 2 year deal.


http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060905_141205_5776

Daily Maple Leaf Rumours

- The Anson Carter sweepstakes continues to wind down with with Toronto and Detroit the only teams seemly still showing intrest at this point. The Columbus Blue Jackets have denied any intrest at all in Carter. Most sources point to Carter most likely Signing with Detroit before the end of the week.

- The Leafs continue to finalize a 2 or 3 year deal with Matt Stajan. The teams will be for about 1 million to 1.25 million a year. Rumours also continue to swirl that the leafs trying to trade Stajan, a natural centre for a young fairly inexpensive winger. The latest rumour has Stajan going to Nashville for Martin Erat. This makes alot more sense then the Zherdev rumours from a few weeks ago and the contracts would line up quite nicely as Erat makes approx $1.6 million dollars.

Devils Come calling for Lachance

The New Jeresy Devils have invited Scott Lachance to trying camp on a try out basis.

Evgeni Malkin Signs Finally with Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Evgeni Malkin to a 3 year rookie entry level contract


http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176492&hubname=

Inside Hockey Rumours Message Board

The Inside Hockey Rumours message board is up and running. If you have a chance stop by and discuss anything you'd like about hockey. If your interested in being a moderator, email me and ill set you up.

Inside Hockey Rumours Message Board: http://www.insidehockeyrumours.com/discussion

Toronto Maple Leafs Preview

There has been much debate on sports shows, talk radio and fan blogs about what the maple leaf lines will look like this year. Below I present what I believe makes the most sense right now line wise for the Toronto Maple Leafs as the roster stands now. This could change with the addition of another free agent or a trade.

Forwards:
Alex Steen Mats Sundin Alexei Ponikarovsky
Darcy Tucker Kyle Wellwood Jeff O'Neill
Nik Antropov Mike Peca Chad Kilger
TBD Matt Stajan John Pohl

Defence:
Tomas Kaberle Pavel Kubina
Bryan Mccabe TBD
Hal Gill TBD


Goaltender:
Andrew Raycroft
TBD

Camp Battles:

Forward
There will be a battle in camp for a spot on the 4th line or higher depending who wins it at camp and how much potiential they show. There is also a bench spot available. This spot could belong to one of Alex Suglobov, Bates Battaglia, Ben Ondrus, Erik Westrum and even Robbie Earl or recent 1st round draft pick Jiri Tlustly. It would not be out of the question for Tlustly to make the team if he proves himself ready. He spent last year playing among men in the czech league. If he does not make the team this year, look for him to challenge for a spot in 07/08. Most scouts Say Tlustly is almost NHL ready. Early Favourites for the 2 free forward spots would point to Bates Battaglia because of his relationship with Paul Maurice and Alex Suglobov because of his scoring potential and contract. Another Battle will be who plays with Mats Sundin. Alex Ponikarovsky showed great chemistry late in the season with Sundin and should find himself lined up with him once the season starts. Antropov will also get a look on Sundin's Line. The Leafs would love to have Alex Steen prove in camp he is ready for a 1st line role and a year spent playing on a line with Sundin would do great for his development. Look for Kyle Wellwood to take a 2nd line centre postion this year and continue his development into a dynmaic Offensive centre. Jeff O'Neill and Darcy Tucker would provide scoring and toughness on the line to make up for Wellwood's smaller stature. Mike Peca will most likely centre a 3rd line shutdown line along with Chad Kilger who will look to knock the other team's #1 line off kilter most nights. Matt Stajan could also be added to this line to develop alongside Mike Peca much like Fernando Pisani did last year in Edmonton.

Defence
There is 3 available defence spots available as camp opens. Wade Belak will garner the spot as 7th defenceman/extra forward. That leaves Jay harrison, Ian White, Staffan Kronwall, Andy Wozniewski and Carlo Colaiacavo battling for 2 spots. While Kronwall may have more potential then any of these players, I truly believe he needs more seasoning in the AHL. Wozniewski is also a project still and not as NHL proven or ready as the remaining Candidates. Colaiacavo goes into camp expected to win a top 4 job on the Maple Leafs Blueline. If he is unable to make them team in camp, expect a trade as this is about his last chance to prove himself to the Leaf Brass. That leaves one spot for either Ian White or Jay Harrison. Both in their own ways proved last year they are ready for the NHL. Ian White looks like he could develop into another Brian Rafalski. Harrison on the other hand provided grit and a worth effort along the lines of Former Maple Leaf Defenceman Jason Smith. The job will go to the player the Leafs believe they need more, with the early favourite odds going to Ian White. Among the the top 2 defensive lines look for Kubina and Kaberle to play together as they showed a dynamic chemistry playing together on the Czech National team. Mccabe will most likely line up with White or Colaiacovo depending on who makes the team. Hal Gill will anchor the 3rd defensive line with either Wade Belak or another of the young defensemen.

Goaltender
Andrew Raycroft is unquestionably the #1 goaltender on the Maple Leafs. If he does not rebound from the disaster that was his play last year, the leafs go nowhere and are stuck with Jim Carey #2. If he can regain the form he had in his Calder Winning rookie year, the Leafs are set in goal for the next 3 years. Look for Raycroft to be closer to his Rookie Year then his injury plagued season last year. The backup fight is between J.S Aubin and Mikael Tellqvist. Most signs point to Aubin winning this job, as he proved himself very capable down the stech last season. Whoever doesnt make the team will likely be traded as Justin Pogge will be cemented as Greg Gilbert's #1 Goaltender in the AHL with the Marlies.

Mike Keenan Fired!

The Florida Panthers have fired G.M Mike Keenan. Keenan had 3 years left on his deal with Florida. This news comes as quite a suprise as no whispers were going around about the depature of Keenan.

For More:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176329&hubname=






(Update: In a team statement sunday afternoon, The Panthers informed the media that Mike Keenan resigned from his post and has been replaced by Jacques Martin who will take a dual role as GM/Coach of the Florida Panthers)

Dvorak to New York Rangers?

Newspaper reports out of New York are claiming that the New York Rangers and Radek Dvorak are nearing a contract. Dvorak previous played with the Rangers a few years back before a trade to Edmonton. Its believed the Vancouver Canucks and possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs are also interested in his services.

Allison to Philly?

Jason Allison and the Philadelphia Flyers have had discussions the past few days and are 1 of 3 or 4 teams speaking to Allison at the moment. Allison will likely sign a deal soon with one of these teams on a 1 year deal for up to 1.5 or 2 million dollars.

Brian Leetch to Rangers?

It is seeming more and more likely that Brian Leetch will sign before training camp with the New York Rangers. This has been his wish all along and he has had numerous talks with G.M Glen Sather this past week. Leetch has already informed Edmonton that he has no intrest in signing with the Oilers. There is talk he could sign back with Boston, but this seems highly unlikely as Boston has much depth at the defensive position. If Leetch does sign with the Rangers, look for them to deal a defenceman. Possibly Michal Rozsival to Edmonton.