Gomez talks have intensified this morning with a source telling me there are three deals on the table. “1 with eastern and 3 with western teams that sound appealing.” Speculation as to what teams they are is all over the map of course, but the leading candidates appear to Washington, Phoenix, St Louis and Calgary. “The Blues may be closest, “ a source reported to me.
However as I am writing this, I am getting word that Vancouver and LA are also making calls. But as my source said, “This is the kind of deal that could go down with a team making their first call and Lou likes it, and it is done.” Needless to say, I will continue to monitor this throughout the day in hopes of being the first to bring it to you…
Meanwhile Rumors continue to swirl of a three way trade in involving the Sabres, Canucks and Oilers. Many names have been speculated on various websites, but I am still not comfortable enough to say any or some of those names are correct. I am actually hearing some really big names involved, but I need further confirmation from sources closer to the scene to be certain.
The Red Wings are waiting on Biron, according to my sources. I hope this works out for Biron. He could be very dangerous in Motown, and the guy was a great soldier last year for the Sabres. Biron could put the Wings right back in the thick of things in my opinion. There is however “no way” that deal will go down until Miller signs long-term, and the Sabres have other pressing issues right now. I am hearing that they will accept Briere’s rulling shortly… Rumors are very strong that Brian Boucher, a really under-rated UFA, could find a home with the Sabres as Miller’s backup and mentor. Two USA goalies with great attitudes.
Rad Dvorak, according to a source, is getting close to signing with an eastern team, believed to be Washington (e3). A source also told me that he heard the Flyers came very close to signing Dvorak prior to inking Sanderson. Petr Bondra is also rumored heading back that way. I will say this much, the Caps are not far from becoming a powerhouse with a few of these moves. Love what they are doing down there.
One agent said that the current stalling of the quality UFA's that remains is due in total to the amount of arbitrations going on. "Teams are going to see if they can give the guys alot or a penny."
More to come, talk to you on XM at 12:20 ET and in our chatroom at 4pm ET. We had a ton of fun in the chatroom yesterday as the Hemsky news broke. I am setting up some cool guests to be in chat in the upcoming days and weeks...
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