I spent the day talking to too many hockey people....many of which whom were trapped in the Newark or Laguardia airports...and tonight I will be doing a complete update of the rumor chart which still holds 68 UFA's or trade candidates on it.... But first let's start with the big players...
On Danny Briere...
Some are calling him the poor man's Lecavalier at this point, but to be honest there are more teams kicking the tires on Briere than are on Vinny for a few good reasons. First over the last 7 seasons:
Briere 107 points in 101 playoff games including a remarkable 15 game winning goals
Lecavalier 30 points in 29 games.
The teams I am hearing the most interested are not really changing although I am not hearing Briere staying super close to home matters as much in a short term deal. It also appears Briere isn't looking to strap a club long-term at all.
On Vinny Lecavalier..
Vinny has gone from wanting a short-term deal to a 5 or 6 year deal and it appears three teams are out front at this point... The Flyers are the favorites, but the Stars and Red Wings are also very interested...
Another note with Vinny and Danny...
While players cant sign deals until the 5th since Briere and Lecavalier have been bought out and are not owned by any NHL team they can agree to a deal and start negotiating (which they have) now. I expect we will know where these two players are signing very shortly..perhaps even in the next 24-72 hours. I am hearing Vinny will decide tomorrow or Wednesday. Some have said Briere's list will shorten over the next few days...
On Nathan Horton.
Could we be seeing another player named Horton in the blue and white for Toronto? It certainly appears possible and the Leafs are going to be aggressive as are the Edmonton Oilers...
Ryan Miller looking East?
The Sabres want this done and I am told the fact that Miller really wants to play closer to California is making things difficult for the Sabres to make a deal. There was a strong belief Miller could be headed to Phoenix if the Coyotes couldn't get Smith done, but of course they got Smith done... so now, Miller may have to look to the east to move..and the Penguins, Panthers, Islanders and the Capitals could soon be involved...and the Flyers remain interested but more focused elsewhere at this point.
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