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.

Minnesota Wild may pursue Saku Koivu or may do nothing

Mixed reports coming out of Minnesota. This one says the Wild may pursue center Saku Koivu, uniting him with his brother, Mikko. While this report, while mentioning the Saku Koivu, possibility, says the Wild might be done signing free agents. What do you think?

Martin Havlat close to signing with Minnesota Wild

TSN reports that forward Martin Havlat has a verbal agreement to play for Minnesota. Looks like the Wild are acting quickly to replace the scoring they lost earlier today when Marian Gaborik took his game to New York. And, as we know, the Chicago Blackhawks were no longer in need of Havlat’s services, having inked Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal this morning.

Saku Koivu could join brother in Minnesota

The Minnesota Wild could be interesting in bringing in Mikko Koivu’s big brother, former Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu, for next season. The elder Koivu is a free agent tomorrow. Would be preetty neat to see them on the same team, though a bit odd for Saku to not be wearing a Habs sweater.

ESPN notes on Chris Chelios, Marian Gaborik

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun has some notes about Chris Chelios and Marian Gaborik. Chelios is excited to be a UFA, noting “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge.” He also says he doesn’t want to be a seventh defenseman. He wants to play next season.

Gaborik’s agent, according to LeBrun, has killed the rumor that his client has bought a home in Vancouver, though many still believe he may sign with the Canucks to play with his former linemate, Pavol Demitra.

Maple Leafs and Canadiens may vie for Sedin twins

Daniel and Henrik Sedin appear to be headed to the open market, with no progress made with the Vancouver Canucks. Sun Media’s Mike Zeisberger believes there could be a bidding war between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens for the twins. He also thinks that Minnesota Wild and Los Angeles Kings could get in on the bidding.

Where do you think they’ll end up? Do you think a team will meet their demans for 12-year deals worth $63 million each?

GM ‘disgusted’ by New York Rangers trade offer for Dany Heatley

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray was “disgusted” with the New York Rangers’ offer of Michael Roszival and Nikolai Zherdev for Dany Heatley, according to Bruce Garrioch.

The article also says the Los Angeles Kings are no longer pursuing Heatley. The teams remaining in the hunt are the Minnesota Wild, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks. If the Senators would consider taking back defenseman Brian Campbell, the Chicago Blackhawks would jump into the mix.

Another day, another set of Dany Heatley trade rumors

Lots’ of news about Dany Heatley today.

Sun Media reports that the Ottawa Senators are asking for two players plus a draft pick (likely a first-rounder) in exchange for Heatley. The team would also like to make the deal before July 1, when Heatley is due a $4 million signing bonus. The article notes that the Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars are leading the Heatley sweepstakes, though the St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers also are interested.

Another Sun Media report looks at some of the players who could be involved in discussions, ranging from Kings winger Alexander Frolov and defenceman Jack Johnson to Wild center James Sheppard, defenseman Tyler Cuma and winger Cal Clutterbuck.

And an Ottawa Citizen article notes the close relationship between Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray and Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher. Such a deal between the two teams, the article says, could include prospects James Sheppard Tyler Cuma plus a draft pick. The author, Allen Panzeri, also questions the interest by the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers, though he does list some pieces that could be exchanged if a deal were to go down.

Slap shots: Stars, Wild, Canadians, Sharks

A few interesting stories from today and late last night:

• The Dallas Morning News looks at the tasks ahead for new GM Joe Nieuwendyk
• The Star-Tribune looks at how Phil Kessel could be a fit for the Minnesota Wild
• Similarly, the Pioneer Press says the Wild would like to make a deal prior to the draft
• The Gazette says that Canadians captain Saku Koivu’s future with the team is in limbo
• The Sharks have various matters at hand that need addressing.

Slap shots: Gionta, Chelios, Lecavalier, Heatley, Bouwmeester

Need to post quickly, so here’s a rundown of some of today’s most interesting NHL rumors:

• The Star-Ledger - Brian Gionta wants to return to New Jersey Devils
• The Detroit News – Chris Chelios still wants to play, but it won’t be with the Red Wings
• The Tampa Tribune – Ownership squabbling clouds the future for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• USA Today – Vinny Lecavalier won’t likely be dealt this weekend
• Sun Media – Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild likely are leaders in Dany Heatley sweepstakes
• South Florida Sun-Sentinel – Florida Panthers working to deal negotiating rights to Jay Bouwmeester