Free Agent Frenzy Signings

*-> Steve Montador has now signed in Buffalo for 2 years at 1.5$mil a season.

*-> Mike Knuble has officially ended his tenure in Philly and resumes his career in Washington with their young core. He is set to make 2.8$ Mil in the next 2 seasons.

*-> Scott Niedermayer has signed along the dotted line for yet another season with the Ducks. He will make 6$Mil for just one season and will start the process over next year.

*-> Aaron Rome was signed by the Vancouver Canucks for 550K for a year.

*-> Lukas Krajicek has resigned with the Tampa Bay Lightning for a year terms are still undisclosed.

July 1st: Free Agent Frenzy

*-> The Sedin Twins will remain in Vancouver for another 5 years after signing a deal early this morning. Henrik and Daniel agreed to terms with the Canucks offer of 6.1$Mil each per season. A lot of teams are going to be left scrambling to figure out a game plan now that the Sedin's will not be part of the frenzy.

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.

2 Minor Trades Out Of Anaheim

A couple of minor deals went down today in Anaheim starting with....

*-> Anaheim Ducks traded the rights to David McIntyre to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Sheldon Brookbank. Sheldon Brookbank this season has played only 15 games and 0 points with 25 PIM. David McIntyre is a long shot prospect that was drafted in the 2006 entry draft by Dallas 61st overall in the 4th round. He currently is playing for Colgate university.

*->Anaheim then traded defenseman Nathan McIver who has played in 18 games for the Ducks and put up 1 assist and 36 PIM's to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Mike Brown. Brown has 20 games played while also only putting up an assist but has 80 PIM's.

Both moves are just considered depth moves for all three organizations.

Curtis Sanford On Waivers

*-The Vancouver Canucks have placed Curtis Sanford on waivers this morning. After acquiring Jason Labarbera from the Kings it appears he is the chosen back-up for Roberto Luongo and Curtis Sanford will be heading to the AHL Manitoba Moose if he is not claimed. He is expected to clear but a few teams are showing interest including the New York Islanders, and L.A. The Ilses are still missing a reliable back-up for DiPietro and it appears he'll be out a lot longer than expected. Sanford could take some weight off McDonald's shoulders till DiPietro is ready to return. L.A really doesn't have a back-up at the moment and to say Jonathan Quick is the answer is not saying much about their organization. By adding Sanford it would give young Ersberg some much need support.

The I.R: Monday Evening

Here's today's I.R:

*-Vancouver Canucks superstar Roberto Luongo has deemed himself fit to return to action after his groin injury. After a full practice he has decided hes ready to play and felt 100%. Management however I expect wont rush him too fast. Expect him to miss another couple of games before hes back.

*-The Columbus Blue Jackets have place Rick Nash on the I.R today as he is suffering from a "lower body" injury what is believed to be a groin related issue as well. For Columbus fans this shouldn't scare you as hes expected to be activated by next Thursday and was only done to give the superstar some rest and take the salary off the cap.

Mondays Scoopz: Spezza? Schneider?

Well apparently "Rumor Round-up" is apparently has already being claimed by Hockey News so we have switched to "Scoopz" instead. So welcome to the first edition of Scoopz.

*- It has been reported the Ottawa Sens are ready to part with a big name. All signs point to the defensively prone but set-up superstar Jason Spezza. It's the most likely name that will bring back some return on the squad. Daniel Alfredsson has a no-trade and will likely end his career as a Sen while Dany Heatley has the NHL's highest salary and Mike Fisher also has a no trade clause so this leads us to believe Spezza will be the casualty. A lot of rumors point to Vancouver but this makes no sense as the Canucks just signed Mr. Sundin at centre. Columbus is another front runner because they have been searching for a set-up man for Rick Nash. I hear Ottawa is looking for a number one offensive defenseman and I really don't think Columbus has the answer unless they can work out a three way deal. Calgary has also been reported but once again that's another rumor that comes up short. Calgary wouldn't have the cap space unless they could convince Ottawa for Adrian Aucoin. The other name I'm hearing is Robyn Regher? could be possible but kind of unlikely. The last destination I'm hearing could be LA as they have lots of young stud offensive defensemen in waiting i.e Johnson, Doughty, and Hickey. They may be able to part with one to ensure a future at center.

*- Matthew Schnieder is being shopped as the Thrashers are falling out of contention by the day. His hefty 5.6Mil$ salary prevents many teams from jumping on the offers for the aging blueliner who still has a bit of puck moving left in him. Ottawa is a front runner for the defenseman but are a bit cautious as they too however may end up being sellers at the deadline if they don't make a change soon.

Thats it for now! game time!

Wednesday Late Night News Hits, the Sundin Saga

Well apparently I thought yesterday was Wednesday so heres the real Wednesdays Late Night News Hits.

->Joe Sakic was involved in a snowblower incident at home on Monday. After a snow jam in his snowblowers chute, Sakic tried to dislodge it by using his hand (the blower was apparently off) and ended up jamming his hand in the process. Tuesday night he had surgery to repair the three broken fingers which needed pins and also repair some tendons. He is expected to miss atleast 3 months.

->The Sundin saga continues and it appears to be almost over. Sundin's agent J.P Barry as announced that December 15th is Sundin's deadline time to when he will make a decesion. I know we've all heard this before but it appears to be legit. Sundin will also be apparently listening to the 4 teams who have shown interest in him from the start first. Toronto, Montreal, New York Rangers, and Vancouver. Right now it looks like Vancouver is the best fit for him as they still have cap space and their deseperate for some offense. They also have that huge offer still on the table for him. If hes looking for a Stanley Cup then Montreal would be the best fit except the cap space is limited and they are already having roster crowding. I personally don't believe Bob Gainey would take him at this point as Sundin dragged his wait on and on while Gainey was awaiting his decesion. The New York Ranger's are making the biggest push for him and have stated they are interested and are willing to clear up cap space if neccessary. Sundin is in New York this week and will use a Rangers private box to watch a game. He would fit but the roster moves are in need first. Toronto is the odd team out they don't seam to be improving and rumour has it Sundin is still bitter with the management after being asked to waive his no trade clause last year. I highly doubt Toronto will be an option. Finally Philly has jumped into this bidding war as well. The Flyers have cap issues as well but they are interested as long as the price tag isn't too high.

->The Lightning have placed Radim Vrbata and Chris Gratton on waivers. Radim Vrbata's expensive tag might cost him a pick-up but it is rumoured he has decided to go back over seas to the Czech Repubic to finish the season. Gratton on the other hand might find a home with the Minnesota Wild who are interested in obtaining a checking center. Another possible option is the Atlanta Thrashers who are desperate for anybody who can help out. If nether player gets claimed then expect to see them report to the AHL.

That's it for now, more coming a bit later!

September 18th New Hits

Well sorry folks I've been pretty busy the last few days as I've been recovering from knee surgery so I haven't had time to post anything but expect a steady flow of blogs and rumours as I've had alot of ideas and stuff to report. So here goes a quick flash of what we missed...

->Robert Lang has been traded from Chicago to Montreal for the 2nd round pick Montreal acquired from Toronto for Grabovsky in the 2010 draft. This officially means Montreal is out of the Sundin sweapstakes. I really feel still though Montreal was one of his considered options and now it has forced him to rethink his options. From what I'm hearing is the Vancouver offer is sounding awfully good right about now. Also expect a few other teams with cap room to step up and make a few offers.

->Anaheim's Mathieu Schnieder has successfully cleared waivers and will report to the AHL. This is a move so they can bring Teemu Selanne in. I really expected someone to jump on him but maybe this is a chance to get him for a steal because teams now know Anaheim has really no other choice. If they do decide to keep him down in the minors thats utterly disrespectful to a great defensemen wiith alot of life left in him still. Expect a re-entry waivers claim from Los Angeles or even Ottawa I'm hearing?

->Marcus Nilson from the Calgary Flames has been placed on waivers and is expected to clear by noon tomorow. This is pre-arranged so he may play in the KHL for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, he however will still be paid by the Flames for this season but will not count towards the cap. Also the lucky bastard by be paid as well by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

->Detroit has re-signed Darren McCarty to a one year deal, terms were not mentioned but I'm figuring about $825k?

->Darren Hatcher is reportedly not going to be ready for the Flyers camp next week or even the start of the season. GM Paul Holmgren has stated he expects Hatcher to stay on the IR for quite some time before his knee heels and he'll be back in the orange again.

->Vancouver Canucks assigned C Mario Bliznak and D Patrick Coulombe to Manitoba (AHL), G Morgan Clark to Red Deer (WHL) and C Prab Rai (WHL). Released D Jordie Benn, F Oren Eizenman, G Julien Ellis, LW Scott Howes, D Travis Ramsey, D Shawn Boutin, LW Tyler Matheson, F Tom May, RW Kyle Neuber and LW Jordan Skellet.

->Hurricanes forward Justin Williams will be out for 4-6 months because he tore his Achilles tendon in practise on Wednesday. That's a big blow to the Hurricanes.

That's it for now, tomorrows a new day or at least there's more of a day..

September 9th News Hits

->Keith Ballard of the Florida Panthers just signed a 6 year $25.2 mil contract.

->The Sedin twins are meeting with Vancouver's GM Mike Gillis to talk about his plans for the pair in the future and also contract exstensions for the duo. Both players would like to stay in Vancouver but their asking roughly $6 mil per season.

-> Mathieu Schnieder is almost definatly on his way out, the Ducks are $2 mil over the cap and his $5.6 mil salary for a 3-4 pairing d-man is not exactly worth it. Expect the deal to go down before training camp. Possibly targets include L.A where he once played and are still under the salary cap. I also hear that Montreal could be interested in making a pitch if they loose out on Sundin.

->The Globe and Mail has reported that two more teams are interested in Mats Sundin and apparently the Lightning are among the two. Good luck as Tampa Bay is ether gunna have to make some trades or magically create cap space. Also on the Mats front apparently Bob Gainey has given him a deadline. J.P Barry says Mats could be seriously interested.

-> Teemu Selanne is believed to be re-signing with the Anaheim Ducks sometime this or next week once the salary cap issue is solved. He is believed to be asking for $2 mil or under.

->Chris Chelios has signed a 1 year deal for $750 000 with the Detroit Red Wings, it was reported last week but made official today.

->Free Agent Brendan Shanahan is rumoured to still be in talks with the New York Rangers, he has been attending team practices though. Rumours again have resurfaced about an offer to play in the KHL. Highly unlikely as the Rangers are desperate to have him back.

That's it for today!