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15 Rumors...(Actually More than Kovalchuk and Kaberle...but Them Too)

July 8, 2010, 1:57 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
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First a non-rumor thought. Reports from those of you who are witnessing the Oilers rookie camp are that the kids look phenomenal. Wow is that team ever stacked and loaded for bear. The Oilers are going to be a powerhouse in the next few years. There is no team faster in the NHL already. They just need to balance out with some defensive depth. There are some people who believe they are after Willie Mitchell..which would be perfect.


So I really was preparing a NON-Kovalchuk /Kaberle rumor blog...but then...

* Sources tell me the Devils have offered a 17 year deal for $100M. Sure this deal is front-loaded...it will be interesting to see if Kovalchuk likes this idea or not...

* All this while a few rumors are surfacing that Kovalchuk may indeed take a one year deal in Detroit or Philly.

* I asked a source in Toronto if the Kovalchuk dealings were delaying potential Kaberle trade possibilities to which the response was, "IT'S NOT HELPING!!"

* Essentially what we are seeing with Kovalchuk is how difficult it is to squeeze $8-10 million into the capped NHL right now. It takes several teams working in accordance to pull it off...How long until the NHL follows the lead of other leagues and either puts in a luxury tax (MLB), allows teams to go over for current players (NBA), or gets rid of guaranteed contracts (NFL). There is a reason the other leagues have those systems in place...

* If no Kovalchuk, the Flyers do indeed appear very close to signing Nik Zherdev. It is an interesting choice on quite a few levels. Do the Flyers need another young, skilled forward? Especially one who has a track record of not being a good team guy? And is this player really why they asked Gagne to waive his NTC? Today there are reports Gagne may not waive his NTC. I would expect Simon to only agree to go to a few places. The Flyers asking an icon to waive his NTC to take a chance on Zherdev....not so sure how you Flyers fans feel about this... It's one thing if you are bringing in a proven Bobby Ryan or a Vezina winning goalie in Tim Thomas. There must be more to this story...I will reserve judgement...

* Pavol Demitra is also very close to signing in the KHL I am hearing...

* Alex Frolov wants 5 per, but not getting close to that number from anyone. The Rangers are the closest, but I still feel the Kings are the best bet to bring him back in...

* Don't count Jose Theodore out of the running for Philadelphia.

* Carey Price negotiations are going VERY slowly. I am still curious how much Price really wants to play in Montreal. On the inside there are plenty of rumors circulating that Price may not be long for Montreal...I don't buy it....yet.

* Hearing the Rangers and Islanders have interest in adding John Madden. Great fit, and Madden is the ultimate leader...almost an on-ice coach.

* The Canadiens and Blues are interested in Ruslan Fedotenko.

* I still feel strongly that Paul Kariya is destined to be a Penguin, while I can see Billy Guerin going to NJ or Philadelphia. Yes Philadelphia...

* I am not convinced that the Sharks are done looking for a goalie either...

* Glen Metropolit may be a Leaf or a Panther sooner than later...and a perfect pickup he would be ...I also hear he may stick in Montreal (the Habs would be nuts to not bring him back, in my opinion)

* Justin Williams could be on the move again as well.

* The Flames are trying to make a major trade with the Bruins...still.

Tomorrow will be CRAZY TRADE RUMOR Friday. There are so many trade rumors out there...many of which are sounding more and more strange, but this is the reality we live in...again...look what all has to happen to fit Kovalchuk into the system.
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