Today in The NHL (August 23rd): Kovalchuk, Souray, and Mueller

Ilya Kovalchuk

Pavel Lysenkov and Dmitry Chesnokov have been tweeting quite a bit about Kovalchuk's status today. According to them, Kovlalchuk will sign with the New Jersey Devils by tomorrow. Stay tuned for more news on Kovalchuk.

"I heard similar RT @plysenkov: As I know, at Monday-Tuesday (Monday most likely) Ilya Kovalchuk will sign the new contract with NJ."

(via Dmitry Chesnokov's twitter)

Sheldon Souray

According to Sportsnet.ca, Souray fully expects to be moved by the Edmonton Oilers before opening night. He says that the Oilers have made no effort to settle things with him after he accused management of making him play injured.

Moving Souray might be an issue for the Oilers since there really isn't a market for an oft-injured veteran defenseman at the moment.

Peter Mueller

According to the Denver Post, the RFA Mueller expects to sign with Avalanche before training camp.

"We have to run a few things past the doctors, then it will be good to go."

(via Denver Post) 

Mueller, who seemed to feel right at home in Colorado after being traded from the Phoenix Coyotes, suffered a concussion that kept him out of the playoffs. However, he has recovered and should sign soon. The Avalanche still have to sign two RFAs—Mueller and Chris Stewart.

Bryan Little SIGNED (UPDATE)

After scoring 31 goals and recording 51 points in the 2008-09 NHL season, Little's production went down (13 goals and 21 points last season) after losing playing time to new signee Antropov. However, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta still has interest signing the promising young forward. 

"It would be nice to have it done as soon as possible. No matter how much you want to concentrate on the season its still in the back of your head that it’s not taken care of. I know it’s going to be pretty soon so I’m not worried about it. I’m just concentrating on getting ready for the year," said Little.

(via Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Also on Atlanta's priority list—

Sign Bergfors, a promising young forward that Atlanta received from the Kovalchuk trade with the Devils.

Sign Zubarev, a Russian defenseman with some potential who was a sixth-round pick in 2005.

UPDATE:

"RealKyper

Apologies. Bryan Little agrees to 7.15 over 3 years. 1.65M/ 2.5M / 3M. Cap hit is 2.38M"

(via Nick Kypreos)

Tim Kennedy

The former Buffalo Sabre has been speaking to five or six teams since his hometown team, the Buffalo Sabres, bought him out.

"I've talked to about five or six teams, and I'm looking at what might be the right fit and not just the money,'' he said. "I just want the opportunity to come in and play a lot and make an impact.''

(via Lansing State Journal)

Jay Pandolfo

The 35 year old two-way forward has not found a job yet after leaving the Devils for free agency.

“Up in the air right now,’’ said Pandolfo. “Seems like a slow summer for free agents. Just trying to be patient here. Hopefully something will happen before training camp.’’

(via Boston.com)

Stay tuned for more updates coming later today!