Quick Update now as I have been compiling information for the rumor chart this morning.

Meanwhile *HERE ARE SOME MORE QUICK HIT RUMORS AS UPDATED ON THE RUMOR CHART:

Hossa...

Reports that came out during the Finals had Hossa very close to signing a long-term deal. I still believe the odds are that Hossa does stay in Detroit, but that won't stop some other teams from looking into this...Mainly Edmonton.

Edmonton's search for a star continues and when you consider what the Oilers were willing to pay Hossa this past summer, surely his value hasn't diminished after this past season. Or has it?

Has his rather quiet playoffs really hurt him long term, at least in Detroit? The Red Wings have seen HUGE steps forward from Abdelkader and Helm in these playoffs. Does it not make more sense to bring in some rookie contracts right now?

Other teams with interest in Hossa include Vancouver, the NY Rangers, and Anaheim. And yes, all three of those teams have their own issues.


Update on Tavares and Lecavalier.

Will The NY Islanders really let him slip through the cracks? I don't see it. But if they do, I am told that the likelhood of Lecavalier being traded increases dramatically. Essentially if the Lightning end up with Tavares in their lap the race will be on. My bet is that unless the Leafs are willing to move Luke Schenn, the Lightning will keep Tavares and find their defensive help through moving Vinny.

And the Montreal Canadiens are REALLY looking like the favorite today. As you will notice by the huge jump on the Chart. I am told the Canadiens are willing to consider moving Markov again and that really is the key to this whole deal.

Like the Isles not passing on Tavares, I also have a hard time imagining the Canadiens passing on Lecavalier and chosing Markov.

As for some of the other Penguins and Red Wings that I am updating: Fedontenko looks like a sure bet to return, but I am not sold that Billy Guerin may not find his way back to the NY Metro area. Especially if the Isles were to draft Tavares.

In my opinion, the main reason the Penguins won the Stanley Cup this year was the impact that Billy Guerin had on the team. It is that simple. He relaxed Sidney and in many ways took over a defacto captain role on the team. His influence on this team was so palpable and what better way to help a guy like John Tavares along then to have Billy Guerin by his side?

more to come.