Update - Per ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, the San Jose Sharks have locked up veteran forwards Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau to three year contract extensions.
Both forwards were scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2013-14 season. Marleau's deal is worth $6.66 Million per season, while Thornton has been signed for $6.75 Million.
I have updated 16 players including: Miller, Moulson, Kane, Wheeler, Wideman, Phillips, O'Reilly, Gardiner, Ott, Gagner, Briere and more on Eklund's Trade Rumor Chart
On Ryan Miller...
For the first time I am putting the odds that he stays with Buffalo equal to the odds he moves on to St. Louis. Talks have occurred, but not progressed today as far as anticipated. The Caps are still very much a player and the Islanders are rumored to be stepping this up.
On Matt Moulson...
The Kings and Penguins are the leaders...but the Canucks have picked up their interest significantly I'm told. The Sens and Preds are longshots....at this point.
On Blake Wheeler...
The Lightning and Sabres are the teams to watch SHOULD the Jets make Wheeler available...
On Ryan O'Reilly...
Toronto and Montreal have made it known they have interest...but keep your eyes on Tampa here as well. they have the assets to make this happen...especially on D.
On Steve Ott....
As I have said before...the Sabres would like to retain Ott for his leadership and the rebuild...unless they are seriously tempted...I am told the Capitals may be tempting...
On Byfuglien...
The Caps, the Flyers and the Canadiens are the teams with the most interest...the Flyers have been the most consistently interested, however they may not be offering up the kind of packages the other two are preparing.
On Sam Gagner...
I am told the Sabres are the team most likely to put forth the best offer for Sam Gagner. He has serious fans in Buffalo....
more tomorrow...