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.