NHL Rumor Round-up: Kovalchuck/ Gagne top hockey headlines

           Over the past few days rumors of Simon Gagne, Thomas Kaberle, and Marc Savard getting traded have been heating up. Until Ilya Kovalchuck signs with a team, all the talk about Gagne, Kaberle, and Savard will remain being just “rumors”. All though those players are the most talked about players right now, there is still a lot of talent left in the Free Agent pool. Starting with Kovalchuck rumors I will give you, the readers, nine other rumors to think about. Here I go…  

Ilya Kovalchuck- the Kings are once again in talks with Kovy, and even recently had him come to Los Angeles to walk around the city. During the day he met with some of the players such as Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson, and they showed him around LA. While he was getting a tour of the restaurants, homes, beaches, exc. His wife was getting a tour of all the shops in Los Angeles. It’s obvious that the Kings want him, and it’s obvious that Kovalchuck wants to be in LA. But without a contract signed he is still on the market. The Devils are the other front runners in the Kovalchuck sweepstakes; while rumors have surfaced that the Sharks are very interested in his services. I have a hard time believing that the Sharks are interested, though. The Sharks already have Marleau, Thorton, and Heatley. If the Sharks are going to take on a big contract, like Kovalchucks, than their going to have to move someone to make cap room.

Simon Gagne- the Flyers are allowing Gagne to talk with teams which he would accept being traded to. It’s sounding more and more like a Gagne trade is imminent. Teams that are rumored to have interest in acquiring him are the Kings, Rangers, Islanders, and Maple Leafs. If the rumors are true, that Gagne may be waived, expect to see the Maple Leafs to pounce and sign him right away.

Thomas Kaberle- rumors are starting to heat up again, and at the top of the list are the San Jose Sharks. Other teams with rumored interest are the Devils, Sabres, Ducks, Flames, Capitals, Senators, and Flyers. Kaberle for Gagne perhaps? Maybe, but not likely.

Marc Savard- Marc Savard rumors are also starting to heat up. Teams interested in Savard are the Flames, Rangers, and the Senators. Recently a rumor has surfaced that the Bruins may package Savard and Blake Wheeler to the Sens for Jason Spezza. That would be a huge trade, but for now it’s only a rumor.

Alexander Frolov- Frolovs agents have announced that if a good offer is not given to Alex in the next week, then Frolov will move to Russia and play for SKA in the KHL. The Rangers are once again in talks with the Russian winger, and seem to be in the lead, for NHL teams at least. The Penguins and Kings are also believed to have interest in signing him.

Bill Guerin- Bill Guerin has said that he would like to play another season, and there are two rumored teams that have offered him. Those teams are the Penguins, and Rangers.

Pavol Demitra- Demitra has two ludicrous offers from the KHL, but has said that he would really like to play for the Rangers. The Rangers have contacted Demitra and his agents, and may start some serious negotiations. The Rangers have also offered Ryan Johnson, another free agent center coming for the Canucks.

Paul Kariya- The Penguins are in serious talks with Paul Kariya, and may have something done as soon as tomorrow.

Mike Madano- The Red Wings and Madano have stopped talking for now, but the Wild have started negotiations with Madano and may be close to signing the veteran.

Kevin Bieksa- Bieksa trade rumors are heating up, and the front runners are the Blue Jackets, Sharks, and Sabres. Other teams that may join the sweepstakes are the Devils, Capitals, and Bruins.

That’s it for now. Thanks for the read, hope you enjoyed. Leave any questions/comments below.