Ice Scoopz: Trade - > Heatley Saga Almost Over!

*-> It was recently reported by RDS that the Heatley Saga is almost over. The Ottawa Senators have a deal in place for Dany Heatley finally. The Senators would send Dany Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers for Ladislav Smid, Dustin Penner and Andrew Cogliano. All that's stopping the Sens from moving on in this chapter is Dany Heatley's no movement clause. I feel chances are this will be a done deal because bother parties would love to end this asap.

A decent deal for Ottawa but by no means got full value. Dustin Penner is a huge cap hit for not a whole lot while Ladislav Smid who is still an RFA which should be a problem. Andrew Cogliano is an above average player but is no 50 goal scorer they need to replace.

Ice Scoopz: Minor Trade

*-> The New Jersey Devils have traded the rights to prospect Tony Romano a 7th round draft pick in the 2006 draft to the New York Islanders for center Ben Walter of the Bridgeport Tigers and future considerations.

Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Early Evening

A lots going down currently so heres the latest...

*-> Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadians has announced he is heading to free agency tomorow. His agent said Montreal's offers so far have been sub par and he'd like to still remain with the Canadian's but would still like to test the water to see whats avaliable first. This comes as disapointing news to Habs fans as Montreal will most likely not retain his services. The New York Islanders and the Ottawa Senators are rumored to be interested.

*-> The Calgary Flames have solidified their backend for years! Marquee free agent Jay Bouwmeester has officially signed a 5 year deal worth 6.6Mil$ per season. The Flames acquired Jay Bouwmeester's rights at the draft this past Friday from the Florida Panthers for Jordon Leopold, and a 3rd round pick which Josh Berkholtz was selected with. This could be bad news for the Flames free agents as they are struggling with the cap and may need to clear more salary.

*-> Chris Neil has turned down an offer worth 1.7$Mil this evening from the Ottawa Senators. the rugged winger is reportedly asking for a raise of 2.5$Mil for several years which Ottawa is reluctant to put on the table. Neil is a wanted commodity out West and could easily meet his demands through free agency. The San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild are expected to make offers come 12pm tomorrow.

*-> Jere Lehtinen the veteran winger of the Dallas Stars has accepted an offer of 1.5$Mil plus over a million in bonuses to keep him in Dallas for yet another year. Truly a steal for the Stars as Lehtinen is one of the best two-way forwards around and if he stays healthy makes an instant impact.

Ice Scoopz: Trade

*-> The Montreal Canadians have landed the center they've been after this afternoon. the Canadians have trade Chris Higgins, Doug Janik, The rights to bluechip prospect Ryan McDonough, and KHL runaways Pavel Valentenko to the New York Rangers for center Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt, and future journeyman Mike Busto.

The Canadians apparently have given up the hope of landing Vincent Lecavalier or another higher calibre big centerman and chose Scott Gomez. Many say this comes as a cap clearing space for the New York Rangers so they may welcome Danny Heatley sometime in the next 24hours. Chris Higgins may be a part of the return for Ottawa in a deal.

To me personally I find this a waste. Why would Gainey want another short undersized franchise player? Saku Koivu would not only put up 3/4 of the points (for half the price) of Gomez but also inspire the room with his trendous heart and what he's done for the Canadians in the past. 7.5$Mil is a ridiculous to take on and could have been spent elsewhere like on retaining Alexei Kovalev and Saku Koivu. Disapointing as a Habs fan.

Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Morning

A ton of quick hits this morning before work. Lots of teams scrambling to sign their UFA's in preparation for Free Agent Franzy tomorrow.

*-> The Ottawa Senators are desperately trying to get a deal done for Danny Heatley this afternoon. I'd expect a deal in the next 48 hours. The word on the street is that the New York Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers are the only two teams left in the bidding. Bryan Murray is asking a steap price and may have to take a high salary back or settle for a low return. Edmonton would love to dump Penner. I think this is going down to the wire and they might have to suck it up and pay him the 4 mil.

*-> Bill Guerin has resigned with the Pittsburgh Penguins in hopes of obtaining another Cup ring. The deal is worth 2Mil$ for one year.

*-> In other Pittsburgh news they have also resigned penalty kill specialist Craig Adams to a 2 year deal. The Pens are also have a deal on the table for winger Ruslan Fedotenko who has expressed interest in staying with the team.

*-> Defenseman Rob Blake has resigned with the San Jose Sharks this morning. San Jose decided to lock him up for another season at 3.5mil$ after having a comeback season last season.

*-> Chicago has resigned young forward David Bolland to a 5 year deal worth 3.37mil$ a season.

*-> Vancouver signed Rick Rypien to a 2 year deal at 1.1mil$ per year.

*-> Florida has signed recent trade acquisition Steven Reinprecht to a 3 year deal worth 6.35mil$ overall.

*-> Carolina Hurricanes has resigned Jussi Jokinen their clutch playoff hero to a 2 year deal to keep him with the squad.

*-> Tampa Bay has qualified Matt Lashoff' Kari Ramo, Mike Lundin, Matt Smaby, Lukas Krajicek, Lauri Tukonen, Blair
Jones, Radek Smolenek, and Martins Karsums.

*-> Finally Montreal has announced Guy Boucher will take over as head coach for the Hamilton Bulldogs this season after clearing house. Boucher has been coaching the QMJHL for quite some time and has been with the Drummondville Voltigeurs for the past 3 seasons.

Trade!

*-> Pronger gets traded From the Ducks to the flyers for 2 1st round picks, Lucas Sbsisa and Joffery Lopul.

Ice Scoopz: Draft Day

*-> Scott Niedermyer has officially decided to play next season for the Anaheim Ducks. This means Chris Pronger is most likely on the block. The St Louis Blues are the leaders so far with LA behind.

Ice Scoopz:

*-> Tomas Kaberle appears to be in play now that the Leafs and Brian Burke seam to be listening to offers. A couple teams have made their pitches. Burke has said to have received an incredible offer that may have changed his mind on the matter. From what I hear the offer involves Jay Bouwmeester and the Florida Panthers. The deal is rumored to be the rights Bouwmeester and the Panthers 2nd round pick plus a depth forward for Tomas Kaberle. Its hard to say if it fits the Leafs plans or if it is all true but it sounds way more fesible than the Kessel deal.

The Flyers are also getting into the hunt as they are Kaberle as the more affordable option to having to clear tons of cap space and trying to sign Bouwmeester.

*-> A lot of pundits are now saying Matt Duchane could be the guy to go 1st overall. I don't see him 1st but maybe 2nd or 3rd. I can see Islanders unloading Tavares for a fortune just like Jalen commented.

Ice Scoopz: Draft Day Afternoon

*-> The talks are heating up at the predraft meetings. The Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to make an important decision on whether or not to trade Vinny or not. The Montreal Canadians have been presuing the star center since trade deadline last season. The habs have reportedly offered Tomas Plecanec, Chris Higgins, Pk Subban and their 1st round for him but the Lightning are looking for a defenseman. They would love Andrei Markov but he is untouchable. Mike Komisarek would also do it but the Lightning want him signed to a deal first.

Another front runner appears to be the San Jose Sharks but they would want a major a major cap dump. The rumor out there is Joe Thornton.

*-> Dean Lombardi the GM of the Los Angeles Kings claims he's not a front runner in the Dany Heatley sweepstakes. He has yet to put an offer on the table.

*-> The Anaheim Ducks have given veterans Scott Niedermyer and Teemu Selanne till 3pm today to decide if they will be playing for the Ducks or in the NHL next season. Selanne is leaning towards playing but Niedermyer appears torn.

Ice Scoopz: Draft Day Mornings

*-> The Ottawa Citizen has reported Ottawa Senators have yet to even receive an offer for star winger Dany Heatley. Apparently many teams have been scared off by his 4MIl$.

*_> TSN is currently breaking a trade involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins which the Bruins would send restricted free agent Phil Kessell for Torontos 1st round pick and Tomas Kaberle.

More to come soon.

Mock Draft

#1. New York Islanders - Victor Hedman D (Modo SEL)

#2. Tampa Bay Lightning - John Tavares C (London Knights OHL)

#3. Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene C (Brampton Battallion OHL)

#4. Atlanta Thrashers - Magnus PaajarviSvensson LW (Timra SEL)

#5. Los Angeles Kings - Evander Kane LW (Vancouver Giants WHL)

#6. Phoenix Coyotes - Dmitri Kulikov D (Drummondville Voltigeurs QMJHL)

#7. Toronto Maple Leafs - Brayden Schenn C (Brandon Wheat Kings WHL)

#8. Dallas Stars - Jared Cowen D (Spokane Cheifs WHL)

#9. Ottawa Senators - Zack Kassian RW (Peterborough Petes OHL)

#10. Edmonton Oilers - Nazem Kadri C (London Knights OHL)

#11. Nashville Preditors - Jordon Schroeder RW ( US U18 NTDP USA)

#12. Minnesota Wild - Jacob Josefson C (Djurgarden SEL)

#13. Buffalo Sabres - Ryan Ellis D (Windsor Spitfires OHL)

#14. Florida Panthers - Scott Glennie C (Brandon Wheat Kings WHL)

#15. Anaheim Ducks - John Moore D (Chicago USHL)

#16. Columbus Blue Jackets - Oliver Ekman Larsson D (Leksand SEL 2)

#17. St. Louis Blues - Carter Ashton LW (Lethbridge Hurricanes WHL)

#18. Montreal Canadians - Louis Lelanc C (Omaha USHL)

#19. New York Rangers - Carl Klingberg LW (Frolunda jr SEL 2)

#20. Calgary Flames - Landon Ferraro RW (Red Deer Rebels WEL)

#21. Philledelphia Flyers - Simone Despres D (Saint John Sea Dogs QMJHL)

#22. Vancouver Canucks - David Rundblad D (Skelleftea SEL)

#23. New Jersey Devils - Tim Erixon D (Skelleftea SEL)

#24. Washingtin Capitols - Dmitri Orlov D (NOVOKUZNETSK KHL)

#25. Boston Bruins - Chris Krieder C (Andover HS)

#26. New York Islanders - Peter Holland C (Guelph Storm OHL)

#27. Carolina Hurricanes - Stefan Elliot D (Saskatoon Blades WHL)

#28. Chicago Blackhawks - Jordon Caron C (Rimouski Oceanic QMJHL)

#29. Detroit Red Wings - Simon Bertilsson F (Brynas Jr SEL 2)

#30. Pittsburgh Penguins - Kyle Palmieri C (Us U18 USDP)

Ice Scoopz: Thursday Morning -> Draft Day Closing In

With less than a day before the draft the rumors continue to swirl around the league. It looks more and more likely that Danny Heatley and quite possibly Vincent Lecavalier will be moved at the draft . Leafs also have stated they would love to jump up in the draft as well.

*-> Brenden Shanahan is reportedly still interested in playing next season but his agent has reported Shanahan has yet to receive an offer from the New Jersey Devils. Shanahan has no targetted teams and would welcome a deal anywhere in the East.

*-> Sergei Fedorov has officially signed in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk as previosuly reported on Ice Scoopz. All that is know at this time is that Sergei wanted to furfil his fathers dream of the two Fedorov brothers (Fedor and Sergei) playing together on the same team. It is also reported to be a 2 year deal worth 2MIL$ a season.

*-> Aging defenseman Chris Chelios has stated this week that he definatly wants to keep playing for atleast another year now that Detroit has officially stated that he would no longer be part of their plans for the future. Chelios has no hard feelings about his parting with Detroit and will wait to receive offers from other teams. Is it rumored that Chicago one of his former teams is interested in bringing him on as a 6th to help their young mature. Chelios has also said if he does not receive an offer 2 months into the season he would officially retire.

*-> Rumors out of New York claim the Rangers are close to a deal with Ottawa for Danny Heatley. The deal reportedly on the table is for Chris Drury and Bobby Sanguinetti. The Rangers would love to swap Scott Gomez directly but Ottawa is seeking a impact roster player and ether a high draft pick or a blue chip prospect and it is highly unlikely they'd take such a high salary in return. Prospect Derek Stephan and winger Nikolai Zherdev are another two players that keep getting mentioned in the New York media.

Heatley is also hot talk in Colorado where the Avalanche look to rebuild for next season. Heatley would be a great addition as he is signed long term and could be the building point of a franchise. The return subject is where this rumor sorta falls off. The Avalanche are not interested in parting with any picks, prospects or young players other than Marek Svatos. John Michael Liles is another name been thrown about but he alone is not going to get a deal done with Ottawa. Ryan Smyth would be a name Ottawa is interested in and a player who could possibly turn the dressing room around an reunite the troops. Although Smyth told the media last deadline he is happy in Colorado and would not waive his no trade for any team. Would the prospect of coming back home to Canada sway his mind? Especially the nations capital?

Another Heatley rumor out there is the Chicago Blackhawks is highly interested in replacing Martin Havlat with Danny Heatley. Chicago would have to give up one of their 3 stud defensemen in Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook or Cam Barker with only the later in play. Barker who has been slow to develop would be much welcome in the Ottawa organization. Chicago's late 1st round draft pick plus Barker might be able to get a deal done, with hopes Ottawa can land a top line winger via free agency.

*-> Speaking of Marty Havlat, he recently posted on his blog he is enjoying his vacation and hopes to return to Chicago next season. It is his primary choice to resign in Chicago and his agent will continue talks this weekend in Montreal to try and get a deal worked out by July 1st.

*-> Rumors have been out of control this week in Vancouver due to a recent article stating Marian Gaborik has bought a house in the Vancouver area late last week. to add more fuel to the fire the Gaborik and Demetra are best of friends and have been dying to reunite together and Vancouver could be the destination now it looks like the Sedins will walk.

Part two of this rumor is that it is entirely false that Gaborik has purchased a home in Vancouver. Pavol Demetra appeared on a radio interview this week and crushed many Vancouver fans hopes by saying Gaborik has not bought a house and has not dicussed reuniting in vancouver with him although it would be much welcomed.

*-> Tsn reports the San Jose Sharks are shopping Ryan Clowe hard in Montreal today. the leafs have shown interest but San Jose is asking for their 1st round pick a price the Leafs wont pay. The Philly Flyers are also in the hunt but do not want to part with winger Claude Giroux.

*-> Last of all Tsn is also reporting that Jay Bouwmeester's rights are close to being dealt and they are expected to go soon.

Ice Scoopz: Heatley Rumors Heating Up

*-> As Many Ottawa fans anxiously and patiently await to see who may replace their star winger , GM Bryan Murray continues to work the phones. The Heatley Trade Countdown has begun as each day draws closer to the NHL Entry Draft next Friday and with July 1st Free Agency also creeping up. The rumors are heating up as most analysts believe Bryan Murray will trade Heater before the July 1st free agency period. Why? Because it only makes perfect sense. If the Sens decided to stupidly wait past July 1st they will be forced to pay Heatley a 4 Million$ bonus which although doesn't effect the cap it does however cost the team a large sum for someone who doesn't want to play there. Another key point is that Heatleys 7.5$ MIL salary could be used to lure in an impact free agent and we all know that most of the big names are gone within a two week period. So why would Bryan Murray wait to move Heatley? He's not. Realistically the GM would love to get rid of Heatley before or during the draft so not only could they get an impact player but also a draft pick in return. It isn't all positive for the Sens ether. Because Heatley decided to leak his trade request to the media he has handicapped Bryan Murray. Murray's fellow GM's now know Heatley wants out and the Sens are going to be forced to deal him quickly because of July 1st and the Draft. This should lower his price just a little. On top Heatley has a no movement clause which allows Heatley to choose his destination, so Heatley goes only where Heatley wants. Another discount. Finally Heatleys massive contract will have to be absorbed somehow and the Sens will almost certainly be asked to take cap space in return. thus reducing Heatley's value even more. So that's what we know so far.

What will Bryan Murray be able to do? Where will Heatley land? Who will Ottawa get? We know that Heatley would realistically like to play out West so the Western conference is most likely where he'll end up. If they did manage to swing a deal in the East we do know that "career stop" Ottawa, and "memory lane" Atlanta are out of the picture. Today Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leaf's said his club will 100% be out of the Heatley trade due to the way Heatley handled himself during this whole mess. Count T-dot out. The rumored teams so far have been Vancouver who most likely will lose their only offence the Sedins, The Calgary Flames, The Edmonton Oilers, and the LA Kings.

The Vancouver Canucks are in a dangerous situation in which they might lose 75% of their offence come July 1st. The Sedins don't appear to be happy with the offers so far made by the Canucks. This leaves Vancouver with a very large hole to fill on an already offence dry team. Heatley would be an instant fix and would cost less than resigning both Sedins. The rumored player to be traded in return is Loungo which personally I find ridiculous. Why would they deal a franchise goalie and the captain? I say the more likely scenario is Ottawa gets Michael Grabner or Jannick Hansen and their 1st or 2nd in this years draft. They mad be out an impact player now but they restock their system with a pretty decent prospect and a late 1st round pick before going out on July 1st and spending that 7.5$ MIL without having to worry about any trade back salary.

The Calgary Flames also have been mentioned several times mainly I believe because Alberta is Heatleys home province. Heatley for Phaneuf is the on going rumor in the hockey world but like the Vancouver rumor, I highly doubt Calgary would part with such an impact defenseman who is likely going to be a cornerstone in their franchise for years to come. It doesn't make sense. Also Calgary has major cap issues and would love to resign Mike Camalleri. Unless Ottawa is willing to take Olli Jokinen and Corey Sarich's salaries in return this deal won't work. It doesn't make sense for Ottawa as they already have a number one center and several aging old style NHL defenseman as it is.

The Edmonton Oilers another Alberta connection team could have what it takes to get a deal done with Ottawa. They have been seeking a star player for quite sometime and a hometown player would be sure to put the fans over. Rumor has it that Edmonton has a deal on the table that includes Sheldon Souray, Gilbert Brule and Patrick O'Sullivan for Heater. Another name being thrown about is defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky. Ottawa would really love to have that powerplay quarterback and their salaries would almost offset but I think Ottawa is looking for a player for the top line and secondary scoring before they touch defensemen. Edmonton also has struggling should have been star Robbie Shremp and most likely bust Gilbert Brule they may be able to toss in as a throw in to per sway Murray.

L.A is another interesting scenario which has been all over the media just simply because they have a deep talent pool of prospects and a boatload of cap space. The deal rumored so far is Alexander Frolov and this years 2nd for Heatley. It's a decent trade but I think Ottawa is looking for something else like a throw in or a prospect to weigh the scales a little better. Ted Purcell should be the prospect is after but defenseman Vyacheslav Voinov is the more likely prospect to be thrown in due to LA's defensive logjam.

Later tonight I'll have a few more rumored destinations as the evenings usual Ice Scoopz and a recapped of yesterdays news.

Ice Scoopz: Monday Afternoon

*-> The Nashville Preditors have indicated they would welcome Russian defect Alexander Radulov back just as long as he returns before July 1st. Dave Poille is willing to forgive an forget as long as he stays loyal to his club. There has been no indication Radulov is willing to leave his Khl club to return to the NHL at this curent time.

*-> In other Nashville news, defenseman Greg DeVries has stated he believes his days are numbered in the music city. Although he doesn't believe he'll return he does believe he'll still be playing hockey next season.

*-> Pittsburgh Penguin Bill Guerin has decided he would like to play another season in the NHL and avoid retirement for one more year. The only factor is for what team? Guerin would love to return to Pittsburgh as long as they keep the momentum going and aim for another cup.

*-> Speaking of aging superstars Mike Modano has also indicated he will be returning to the NHL after contemplating retirement as well. He has one more year in his contract with the Dallas Stars.

*-> The Carolina Hurricanes have liked the job Paul Maurice has done so much they have agreed to a 3 year deal with him early this morning.

*-> Finally the Philadelphia Flyers may not be done with signing North American KHL goalie castoffs. TSN has reported that the Flyers have serious interest in former Flyer Robert Esche. Esche still has a year in his contract would only be allowed to leave if his KHL team can find an equal goalie to replace him.

Well that's it for now, more rumors later including some Heatley rumors that are starting to HEAT up.

Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Afternoon

*-The the Ray Emery saga hits part two tomorrow when the Philadelphia Flyers are expected to announce his signing with the club. The terms of the deal are expected to be a bargain price. His badboy persona fits in well with the broadstreet bully image. Almost reminds us of Hextall.

*_Brent Sutter has officially resigned as the head coach of the New Jersey Devils. He decided to quit after an increasing pressure from his family. Rumor has it he will ask the Devils management quietly if he can be let out of his remaining contract to become the new head coach of his brothers Calgary Flames.

*-Mike Broduer is close to signing with the Ottawa Senators. The Sens are looking to add goaltending depth to the Binghamton Sens who had goaltending woes last season.

Breaking News

*-Hockey insider Cody Ackland has reported that Ottawa forward Danny Heatley has officially requested a trade out of the Nations capitol. It offically came to light today but has been a request since late last season. GM Bryan Murray has said he will take a look at his options in the next couple of days to what the next step is.for now he says Heatley is still under contract so he is still a Sen. Rumor has it is that Heatley has been unhappy with his role and the multiple coaching changes in the last year and a bit. He is also rumored to be interested in heading out West. Vancouver has been linked.