NHL Rumor Roundup: Trade Talks, and FA Rumors a Day Before July 1st

NHL Rumor Roundup: NHL trade talk, and FA rumors a day before July 1^st

                                    Here are a few rumors to watch out for as Free Agency period gets closer. Rumor has it that…

.Anton Volchenkov’s rights may be traded by the Sens, and teams reportedly interested are: Rangers, Capitals, Flyers, and the Canucks.

My take: I don’t see him being moved before Free Agency. Teams are better off going after him July 1^st.

.As of right now Jason Spezza isn’t getting traded. But, the Flames have reported interest in the very skilled center. The question is what will it take to acquire him?

My take: Honestly, what is up with Ottawa and their always upset superstars? I just don’t see Spezza being moved. The cost would be too high for the Flames, or anyone else.

.Ilya Kovalchuck has reportedly been offered a 3yr contract for $10 million dollars from a KHL team. He did, however, state that he would like to stay in the NHL, and win the Stanley Cup. The team that is believed to go all out for him is the Los Angeles Kings.

My take: He stays in the NHL, and signs a short term deal with LA.

.Alexander Frolov is another Russian forward who has reportedly been offered a contract by a KHL team. I believe there could be many teams in the NHL that could go after him come July 1^st. The Rangers, Canucks, Wild, and Stars may be teams looking for his services.

My take: If he is serious about winning the Stanley Cup then he will stay in the NHL. If I were a GM, I wouldn’t sign him for anything over $3 million.

.So far there are 5 known offers that Brian Burke has received, for the services of Thomas Kaberle. From what I heard, the San Jose sharks may be a team closing in on a deal for Kabs. Other teams that may be in the mix are the Canucks, Devils, Bruins, Sens, Flyers, Penguins, Ducks, Caps, and Predators.

My take: Kaberle will probably be dealt sometime in the near hours, or sometime over the next week.

.Marc Savard rumors have cooled down since the NHL draft weekend. But teams that may be looking to trade for him are the Rangers, Senators, and Flames. It is believed that Tim Thomas may be part of a trade package with Savard. If that’s the truth, then there may be more buyers in line for the two superstars.

My take: If a trade is going to be made, it should be soon.

.Evgeni Nabokov and the Flyers continue to negotiate a contract which would make Nabby the starting goalie for the Eastern Conference Champions.

 Reports say that Donald Brashear may be headed back to Washington. Brashear was recently waived by the Rangers, and it is believed his contract will not be bought out, so the only way the Caps could sign him is by picking him up off waivers.

After hearing the news that the Stars will not make an attempt to sign long time superstar Mike Madano, the Minnesota Wild have reported that they are ready to make an offer come July 1^st, in hope to bring Madano back to where his great career began.

 The Panthers may have a few buyers for Stephan Weiss, as it is believed the Predators, and Islanders are looking to trade for him

. Dan Hamuis is in negotiations with Pittsburgh, and if a deal isn’t made than the Caps, and Canucks are believed to be top buyers for his services come July 1^st. According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Rangers top priority tomorrow is to sign a solid backup goalie. Johan Hedberg and Martin Biron are reportedly on the top of Glen Sather’s list.

Glen Sather has reportedly offered Jody Shelley a 2yr deal worth somewhere around $850,000. Shelley’s agent is going to meet with Sather tomorrow with a counter offer. Erik Christenson turned down a 2yr $750,000 offer from New York. Thus making him a Free Agent tomorrow at noon.

 Finally, the Habs shipped off Sergei Kostitsyn’s rights to the Preds, in exchange for the rights to Dan Ellis, and Dustin Boyd.

My take:

 If Nabs doesn’t sign with Philly, than the Stars could be a nice team for him to end out his career.

 I couldn’t care less about Brashear and his situation.

 I hope Madano decides to sign with Minnesota, and end his career where it began.

 Stephan Weiss has a lot of skill to offer to a team in need of offense. A trade package for him may include a draft pick, and a prospect.

 I don’t see Hamuis signing with Pittsburgh, instead I see him becoming a Canuck, which would be great for Vancouver after recently acquiring Keith Ballard through trade.

 As a Rangers fan I would love to have either Hedberg or Biron. The question is how many games can they play, and how well can they play in those games?

The Rangers should really try hard to sign Shelley. But, if Shelley is asking for anything over $1 million, let him walk. I am surprised that Christenson didn’t except the offer. Good luck to him in Free Agency.

 Finally, the Canadiens need a Goalie, Dan Ellis is a skilled young goaltender, and should sign a long term deal with les Habs.

Well, that’s it for now. Hope you enjoyed, and please leave a response below.