ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun ponders futures for Sergei Zubov, Anton Babchuk

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun’s most recent article focuses heavily on the Ducks’ signing of Saku Koivu. However, if you keep reading, there is some discussion regarding Sergei Zubov. LeBrun says that Zubov is being considred by as many as six or seven teams, possibly including the New York Rangers.

LeBrun also says that the Carolina Hurricanes are not close to a contract with RFA Anton Babchuk (the defenseman quietly netted 16 goals last season – I’m surprised, to be honest). The stalemate may lead the team to seek a trade of the 25-year-old.

Anaheim Ducks keep core in place, bring in Koivu to play with Selanne

NHL.com has a feature story explaining how, with the Chris Pronger trade coupled with moves like the recent signing of forward Saku Koivu, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray is reshaping his team while keeping most of the core in place. Check out the article by clicking here. (As an editorial comment, I’m not sure if I agree completely, as Pronger was a huge piece of the Ducks puzzle and I think he’ll be missed next season.)

Another NHL.com article (click here) explains that although the general thought was that Koivu would sign with the Minnesota Wild to play with younger brother Mikko, Koivu instead decided to play alongside longtime friend and countryman Teemu Selanne. The article also notes that Koivu turned down a reported multiyear offer from the Wild.

Chris Pronger traded to Philadelphia Flyers

Chris Pronger has been traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, according to TSN’s televised draft coverage. More details to come.

Talk swirls around Lecavalier, Kaberle, Pronger, others

The Canadian Press’s Chris Johnston recently posted a column regarding the NHL trade rumors floating around in Montreal as teams have gathered for the draft. Here are few highlights from the column:

• Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke received an offer for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. The offer grabbed Burke’s attention, and came unsolicited. Wonder what team it was? In my last post, I noted a rumor regarding the Atlanta Thrashers and Kaberle.
• The Anaheim Ducks could be looking to shed payroll by moving one or both of goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere and defenseman Chris Pronger.
• The Detroit Red Wings are still hoping to re-sign winger Marian Hossa.
• The Canadians would like to add a big center, and the target could be Vincent Lecavalier.

Notes from up north: Hossa, Bouwmeester, Niedermayer

Sun Media’s Bruce Garrioch has some interesting notes in today’s column, including:

• The Detroit Red Wings have allegedly made a big, long-term offer to Marian Hossa, and are hoping to know his decision by July 1.
• The Florida Panthers hoping to land a first-round draft choice and prospect for the rights to negotiate exclusively with Jay Bouwmeester. The Flyers, Oilers, Stars, Canucks and Senators are in the mix.
• Scott Niedermayer is still planning to let the Ducks know about his intentions to return prior to Friday’s draft. The clock is ticking …

Slap Shots: Steven Reinprecht, Scott Niedermayer, Sedin twins

Just a few notes from today’s headlines:

• The Phoenix Coyotes traded the rights to Steven Reinprecht to the Florida Panthers, and the center signed a three-year contract. The ‘Yotes receive winger Stefan Meyer.
• Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer mulls his future, though his brother Rod is likely moving on from Anaheim.
• It’s a stalemate between the Vancouver Canucks and Sedin twins.

Rumor: Pronger to Kings for Jack Johnson and draft pick

Newsday’s Steve Zipay reports an unconfirmed rumor that the Los Angeles Kings have offered unhappy defenseman Jack Johnson and the No 5 overall pick in this summer’s draft to the Anaheim Ducks for D-man Chris Pronger. I’m not sure what to think of this one, if true. Any thoughts?

UPDATE: Looks like I may have posted too soon. LA folks denying the rumor. See here. Will still be interesting to see what happens with both Johnson and Pronger this summer.

Would Martin Havlat be an ideal linemate for Sidney Crosby?

The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garroich has some interesting notes in a column posted earlier this week. He says:
- Chicago’s Martin Havlat would be an ideal linemate for Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby
- Minnesota is trying to resign Marian Gaborik, but he could end up signing elsewhere, like with the Los Angeles Kings
- Phil Kessel and the Bruins are far apart on contract negotiations; he could be traded
- The Kings, Canadians and Leafs all could make a pitch for Ducks UFA defenseman Francois Beauchemin

Read Garroich’s column here.