Post by Edward Thomas Swan on Jun 14, 2009 9:51:29 GMT -5
BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports a veteran NHL agent believes David Krejci's new contract (worth $11.25 million over three years) sets the barrier for the Bruins negotiations with Phil Kessel. GM Peter Chiarelli said he's working on re-signing Kessel but that's all he's willing to admit. Dupont estimates Kessel's agent could seek around $4.5 million or more but with Krejci's new deal as a barrier doesn't believe that's a reasonable price if Kessel wants to remain a Bruin. Dupont dismisses a recent rumor that has Kessel being shipped to the Colorado Avalanche for the third overall pick in this year's entry draft. He also reports several NHL GMs, aware of Chiarelli's cap situation, have contacted the Bruins general manager to see if he's interested in moving a forward or two. Only Marco Sturm and Marc Savard have no-trade clauses. If Chiarelli needs more money to retain Kessel he might have to consider moving a player, such as Chuck Kobesaw, Patrice Bergeron or Michael Ryder.
Commish's Note:
Ryder is probably the odd man out in that group, though finding a fair deal could prove difficult. Bergeron might fetch a good return if you can find a GM willing to look past his concussion history. I think retaining Kessel is the only option for the Bruins.
COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline recently examined the potential off-season plans of the Blue Jackets. He notes "something has to give" on the wings as the club is overstocked in that regard. The club doesn't plan on buying out the remaining two years of Fredrik Modin's contract and was hoping to re-sign checking forward Manny Malholtra but that now appears unlikely. RFA Alexandre Picard should get a qualifying offer but Jiri Novotny's status is less certain. UFA blueliner Christian Backman isn't expected to be re-signed. It'll be interesting to see what the Jackets do for a backup for Steve Mason as the coaching staff didn't appear to have enough confidence in Wade Dubieliewicz. Dan Lacosta should get a qualifying offer. Portzline also suggests the Jackets will try to re-sign Rick Nash to a contract extension this summer but if they're unable to accomplish that prior to next season the rumor mill will churn relentlessly.
Commish's Note:
There are some goaltending options on the UFA market this season a back-up wont be hard to find. They have tons of wingers, but none who are good enough to trade for a decent centre (other than Nash). If they want that centre they need they're going to have to look at the UFA market (Koivu?)
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrrioch reports the Edmonton Oilers are believed one of two teams to have contacted Senators GM Bryan Murray about disgruntled winger Dany Heatley but Edmonton might not be on the list of Heatley's preferred destinations. It's possible San Jose could be a potential destination but Heatley's $4 million bonus payable on July 1st might hinder any deal.
EDMONTON SUN: Robert Tychowski is vehemently opposed to the possibility of the Oilers acquiring Heatley, pointing out the number of teams over the years who spent too much money on acquiring selfish big name players, believing there are more affordable wingers available with bigger hearts.
Commish's Note:
Thank you...Heatley will want to go to a contender (Sharks) or a young team looking to take the next step (Kings, Hawks)
Commish's Note:
Ryder is probably the odd man out in that group, though finding a fair deal could prove difficult. Bergeron might fetch a good return if you can find a GM willing to look past his concussion history. I think retaining Kessel is the only option for the Bruins.
COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline recently examined the potential off-season plans of the Blue Jackets. He notes "something has to give" on the wings as the club is overstocked in that regard. The club doesn't plan on buying out the remaining two years of Fredrik Modin's contract and was hoping to re-sign checking forward Manny Malholtra but that now appears unlikely. RFA Alexandre Picard should get a qualifying offer but Jiri Novotny's status is less certain. UFA blueliner Christian Backman isn't expected to be re-signed. It'll be interesting to see what the Jackets do for a backup for Steve Mason as the coaching staff didn't appear to have enough confidence in Wade Dubieliewicz. Dan Lacosta should get a qualifying offer. Portzline also suggests the Jackets will try to re-sign Rick Nash to a contract extension this summer but if they're unable to accomplish that prior to next season the rumor mill will churn relentlessly.
Commish's Note:
There are some goaltending options on the UFA market this season a back-up wont be hard to find. They have tons of wingers, but none who are good enough to trade for a decent centre (other than Nash). If they want that centre they need they're going to have to look at the UFA market (Koivu?)
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrrioch reports the Edmonton Oilers are believed one of two teams to have contacted Senators GM Bryan Murray about disgruntled winger Dany Heatley but Edmonton might not be on the list of Heatley's preferred destinations. It's possible San Jose could be a potential destination but Heatley's $4 million bonus payable on July 1st might hinder any deal.
EDMONTON SUN: Robert Tychowski is vehemently opposed to the possibility of the Oilers acquiring Heatley, pointing out the number of teams over the years who spent too much money on acquiring selfish big name players, believing there are more affordable wingers available with bigger hearts.
Commish's Note:
Thank you...Heatley will want to go to a contender (Sharks) or a young team looking to take the next step (Kings, Hawks)
