Your 2010 UFA/RFA Rumor Chart Update
Get up-to-the-second mini updates between blogs follow me on Twitter by clicking HERE
GET THE FREE HOCKEYBUZZ iPHONE APP HERE
Some quick hits for your Saturday Night...
On Kaberle...
Yesterday's trade of James Wisniewski to the NY Islanders was widely speculated to open the door for the Ducks to pick up Kaberle. According to my sources, "Not a chance." It is safe to say that Kaberle is not heading to Anaheim. Kaberle to Washington, LA or Boston is still the prevailing thought. Tonight I have also heard Vancouver and Dallas mentioned.
An hour ago I asked a source, "When will the Kaberle trade likely go down?"
"Ask me this time next week."
Again, I am hedging to the Kings here. and also know the Kings are waiting for the Kovalchuk ruling...which many feel will be announced on Friday..(however, I still maintain we will see a settlement before the arbitrator rules)
On the Ducks...
One os the common questions I hear is "What's up with Selanne and Kariya?"
The Ducks will bring Teemu back. In fact I am told the Wisniewski trade was more about freeing up space for Selanne than it was about Kaberle.
There is another theory out there...That Teemu is quietly hinting to the Ducks that he may take less if they were to bring back Kariya.
On Kariya and Selanne to the Pens...
Here is the "crazy ass rumor" of the last 24 hours. Kariya and Selanne taking a serious discount to go and play with Sidney Crosby. Can you imagine Crosby having those wing pairs?
I am not saying this rumor is at all likely, but it is a fun one to think about!
Sidney Crosby has never played with skilled players who could elevate his game like I believe Teemu and Paul would.
On Antti Niemi...
The ruling today is maybe the most difficult number Bowman and company could have been handed. A week ago I was told any ruling between 2 and 3 would likely mean a trade. Over 3 they would walk.
With rumors abounding Marty Turco is ready to be signed for 1.5, does anyone in their right mind believe the Hawks shouldn't go the extra 1.25 to get a proven playoff performer, Cup winning, pressure goalie?
If Bowman walks away from Niemi at 2.75 I know several Hawk players, who will seriously question the direction and motivation of this franchise.
On Reghr...
Rumors abound tonight the Flames may be shipping their unsung d-man for a top line center. I keep hearing Moller out of LA or of course Savard out of Boston....and a new name tonight...Connolly out of Buffalo...
On the NY Islanders and Garth Snow...
Following the STEAL of a trade Garth Snow made for James Wisniewski last night, I had a discussion with a very respected GM in the NHL and we both agreed "Garth Snow is a very underrated GM, and at times uses that fact to his advantage."
On the Canadiens...
Still hearing they are talking trade and that Price may be swapped out for another starting goalie and top 6 forward...finally able to give you a clue....look to one of the California teams...one who has a proven #1, and an unsigned top 6 forward....
On the Flyers Goaltending...
I get the impression that for now, the Flyers are staying put, however if the situation looks shaky in camp there is a trade I have heard which I believe would be absolutely perfect for both teams involved...it would fix the Flyers goaltending situation, and help the team the Flyers would deal with dramatically...
more to come...