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So I am finishing up the rumor chart, and here are ten major rumors I have been tracking...with another 20 or so to come....
1. Winnipeg Deal not yet completed.
There will be no announcement today, but they are definitely getting there...Numbers still in the same realm that I have been reporting all along...$170M....$60M of which will be the relocation fee.
2. There are all sorts of rumors about Jeff Carter to Toronto.
I can't say enough how the Flyers are NOT shopping Jeff Carter. There may be interest from Toronto...but the Flyers organization has a very solid, long lasting relationship with Jeff. It goes back to before he was even drafted by the Orange and Black. My sources in Toronto and Philly are not confirming that the teams are having any talks right now. They very well could end up discussing Jeff, but Philly would have to be "Blown Away" I am told to listen....
3. Brad Richards to the East?
That is what I have heard from quite a few sources...He very much wants to play in the East. What is interesting is the Rangers, long believed to be the frontrunner for Brad, actually look less and less likely to get him all the time.
4. Ilya Bryzgalov...
Yes he has come out and said he would love to be a Flyer, and I get the impression the Flyers won't settle for anything less than the best goalie available this summer. There is a mandate from above, and when that happens in Philly...stuff happens. This will mean losing some guys however...or not being able to bring some guys back. (This has more to do with the Carter speculation than anything else right now) Also when you consider the Leafs have interest in Bryzgalov as well...
5. Oilers considering dealing first pick?
No. Not that I am hearing, however they are actively pursuing another top ten pick to make a "franchise move" with a team from the East. It has long been known the Oilers love Jason Spezza, and there is a strong belief the team needs some experienced star power to bring along the ridiculous riches of youth they have in Edmonton. The Oilers are looking hard at defense with the #1 pick, and they will almost certainly draft the player many are touting as the next great D-man...Adam Larsson. "better than Hedman, closer to Lidstrom...ready NOW" yeh...I might take that...
The Oilers will also be in the goalie market I hear.
6. Flames will let league take a shot at Tanguay?
Rumors are abounding the Flames may let Tangs look at league wide offers before they make their offer. The Flames really gave Tanguay life this year and his assist totals and chemistry with Iginla make him what most consider a "must keep." The Flames are definitely in a bind with the Cap however, and also like Sabres forward Tim Connolly...
7. Vokoun likely stays if Florida...
That's the word on the street. He has value, but loves playing in Florida...Even had they been able to deal him at the deadline I am hearing he would have returned to Florida in all likelihood.
8. Dallas and Pittsburgh talking (again)
Not quite sure who these discussions are about, but it looks like they may be pretty intense and something at the draft could give way.
9. Montreal wants to make a splash
Not a shocker, but I am hearing the Habs feel they finally have the pieces in place to attract a big name UFA. Many a free agent have looked at Montreal but have been waiting for the youth and long range plans of the organization...This is finally turning in the Habs favor and they would love to grab a star player. The dream name I am hearing continues to be Semin out of Washington. Many feel he would be the perfect fit for the Habs.
10. What will Detroit do with all that Cap space...
The retirement of Rafalski is a double edge sword and personally I hate to see Brian go. In my opinion Rafalski it the fourth pillar of those killer Devils teams. It was always Brodeur, Stevens, Niedermayer and Rafalski.... The Devils should honour Nieds and Raf together this year...and Niedermayer's number needs to be RETIRED. Were it me...I would retire all four of those players...
So what will Detroit do?
They won't be making an offer sheet for Shea Weber I am told.....but they will be looking hard at some of the D-men currently still playing out West right now..
More to come as I tweak the UFA rumor chart and get it ready for launch..
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