First off, I apologize for the lack of true rumor blogs over the past week or so. I have been really burning the candle as I make some preparations for some really exciting news involving the buzz the I can not yet disclose. I told everyone that I had to stop today and get out a true rumor blog based on my week of notes. So if you have been calling me today....this is why.
Anyway, here goes...
Vancouver/Dallas>
The deal that was pending the other night I have been told is no longer on the table, however one source feels "fairly confident" that it could re-surface. While I am not being given all the names on record, one of them is a VERY big forward out of Dallas. I will say this. My goal is always to get you folks the latest and greatest information about what is being discussed.
Every GM will tell you privately (hell every manager of any company/staff) that they live a life of contingencies. Essentially "If this happens...then we have this option." Often my rumors will turn into trades months later when "this" has happened. A good example was Schneider's trade last year to the Canadiens. The Habs needed him and knew it was an option from discussions months prior. Also Jokinen to Calgary, which may hold the record for the longest contingency plan in NHL history. Calgary was ALWAYS looking into this and finally last year at the deadline the time was right.
"Bouwmeester to Philly" was very much that way over the last two seasons...In that case, the teams always talked but the names being discussed never quite fit and the Flyers and Panthers didn't hit either of their contingencies that forced them to go the extra yard and make it happen.
I think what we are seeing with Dallas/Vancouver (as we saw last year with NJ/Vancouver) may be a contingency plan if certain things go too far awry in Vancouver. I say that because the deal I heard is pretty extreme.
Sergei Kostitsyn>
The Thrashers, who are building some nice momentum here, are reportedly interested as are the Nashville Predators. The source I met with last night for dinner was very tuned into this situation and told me that this "will not be a Dany Heatley" situation, meaning this will not drag on. He agreed with Nashville and Atlanta, but also added the Kings and said that I should not rule out a complete, forgive and forget, return to the Canadiens saying, "People have overblown how the front office in Montreal has reacted to this. They are upset but they also like Andrei and know that Sergei is young."
Brendan Shanahan>
A source tells me "Not to assume that the St. Louis Blues aren't an option." Also, speaking of the Canadiens...I was told again yesterday that "at some point this season" Shanahan may return and play in Montreal. (I have said it before, people close to Shanny have always said he wanted to play in Montreal) In general we have heard that Brendan just wants to stay in the NY area, but unless the Isles want help on the Power Play, I think the NY are is not an option. I have also heard Pittsburgh has had internal talks. And while I rarely put out my own specuation, I wouldn't be shocked to see Boston get involved.
Ilya Kovalchuk>
This strong start definitely makes the chances of Ilya re-signing stronger than ever before. Ilya loves Atlanta and I have been told countless times that "he is not Hossa" and if he feels the team is moving towards becoming competitive he will sign long term. I am told that there is very serious talk in Montreal that the Habs are preparing to throw the bank at Ilya if they can. One source has always iterated to me that not taking on Lecavalier's salary may have had more to do with the possibility of Kovalchuk. Not certain, but that sentiment is out there in the hockey insider universe.
Brian Campbell and Patrick Sharp>
The Hawks are definitely going to have to move either/or.
As for Campbell, the Ottawa Senators and NY Islanders have interest. But I believe the real teams to look for are possibly talking to the Hawks and saying "we need to get our stuff worked out, but then..." Those teams are Atlanta and Phoenix. Once Kovalchuk is worked out I would definitely look to Atlanta. Remember back when the Hawks signed Campbell the only other team that was willing to spend that money (and some have told me even a little more at the time) was Atlanta. Campbell was actually so touched by how much the Thrashers wanted him that he did the cool thing of calling Atlanta personally to thank them for the offer...something that is NEVER done by players and showed how good of a person "soup" is.
As for Sharp, the Devils love him. Well, let's be honest...everyone loves Patrick Sharp, but the Devils NEED him yesterday. I am so happy for this kid's climb. Every now and again I will meet a player like this that you just can't help but root for. I remember talking to him in Philly and he was very cool and ridiculously humble. He was so happy to just be considered for the Flyers. He is "sharp" kid (sorry) and I remember talking to him about what he was gonna do with his life if he didn't make it. Now Sharp is being considered for the Canadian Olympic team. All that being said...in a world (cue the cheesy movie trailer music) where the Hawks have to figure out so very many young contracts, Sharp has to go. Basically when the Hawks signed Hossa they decided that Sharp would be gone. There is really no other conclusion you can draw. I draw the parallel to Kessel. The Bruins knew Kessel's deal was coming and yet signed Ryder on year and Morris the next. The Bruins obviously wanted to move Kessel. Right or wrong, the Bruins decided last year when they signed Ryder and Wheeler.
Leafs closing in on moving a D-man West?
That's what I was told, but I have no further info yet. still chasing.
I will be back with the HOCKEYBUZZ LIVE ROUNDTABLE PODCAST at 5pm ET.
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