*-> After loosing 10 games out of the past 12 the New York Rangers have parted ways with coach Tom Renney and assistant Perry Pearn. The Rangers who have been struggling of late and risk a playoff position made the move after an overtime loss to the lowly Leafs. A replacement has yet to be hired but according to TSN's Bob McKenzie John Tortorella is most likely the head candidate for the job. Although Tampa Bay still owns the rights to Tortorella they expect to meet with him this afternoon. The New York post has claimed Jim Schoenfeld former New Jersey bench boss is expected to be named as replacement. Tortorella would be a great replacement in my mind as Tortorella is not afraid to speak his mind and would instantly fix the dressing room problems the Rangers are apparently having.
*-> Kari Lehtonen's name has been thrown about the league as of late as the Thrashers appear to be making room for prospect Ondrej Pavelec next year as they are floating Lehtonen's name out there to see what teams are interested. Lehtonen who was expected to be the next great Finn as floundered in Atlanta the past few seasons and has struggled with injuries during his tenure there. Lehtonen is a restricted free agent next season and instead of resigning him it would probably be easier to shop him now for highest value then to re-sign him. The teams interested are the Flyer's who would have to dump one of their two top goalies (most likely Nittymaki as Biron as a no trade). The Detroit Red Wings have also been linked as Chris Osgood was recently sent to the minors for a conditioning stint and Ty Conklin is not expected to resign next year. The Washington Capitols also have interest in Lehtonen but would have to find a trading partner for incosistant Jose Theodore. Finally the Ottawa Sens maybe looking to the future in net for next year and Kari Lehtonen is affordable at 3MIL$ and probably wouldn't expect that big of a raise since his performance has been flawed of late.
*-> Colby Armstrong could be heading back to Pittsburgh and reunited with Sydney Crosby very soon. Atlanta and Pittsburgh are reportedly working out a deal for Colby Armstrong who got traded to Atlanta is in the Hossa deal. Armstrong is a RFA this summer and Atlanta is disapointed with his performance so far. Pittsburgh is desperatly trying to find a winger for Crosby to somehow help their dying team. Armstrong fits the bill and has great chemistry with Sid the Kid.
*-> All rumors involving Ryan Smyth should be squashed today as he announced to the Denver Post he would not waive his no movement clause for the Colorado Avalanche not matter what. Smyth who is very happy playing in Colorado wouldn't even waive his clause he said for any team out West. This all could just be smoke and mirrors but I believe that Smyth is the kind of guy who really believes in playing for one team and one team only. He was crushed a few deadlines back when he was traded to the Islanders. Everybody remembers his tears and pain that year during his press conference. I think he'll finish out his contract unless the Colorado management tell him hes not wanted.
That's it for now, I'll have another one later and an I.R report later this afternoon. I expect to have the rest of the Northwest Deadline review finished tonight as well. Thanks to everyone who is commenting it is greatly appreciated and keep going the more the better!
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