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.

Tomas Kaberle could be headed to Atlanta Thrashers

The Columbus Dispatch has an article about Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle. It says the Blue Jackets are not one of the teams interested. It also says the rumor going around is that Atlanta has offered to trade the No. 4 overall pick in tomorrow’s draft for Kaberle. Then, the Maple Leafs could either consider swapping that pick plus it’s No. 7 pick to move up in the draft, or stay at No. 4 and take Brayden Schenn, younger brother of Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn.

Rangers still trying to shed salary

Newsday’s Steve Zipay looks at potential options for the New York Rangers heading into the NHL draft and free agency. He notes that the Rangers have been trying to shed salary, but haven’t recieved much interest in Chris Drury, Scott Gomes or Wade Redden. Zipay also talks about how the team, if it has the cap room, could may a play for Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis. Personally, I haven’t see St. Louis’ name in many rumors so far. Not sure how much potential would be there. Anybody else notice St. Louis rumors?

Zipay also has a few random Rangers-related notes regarding the Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley and Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle.

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.

Sergei Fedorov takes his game back to Russia

According to NHL.com, Washington Capitals center Sergei Fedorov signed to play with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in Russia. The article cites a news item posted on the official Web site of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.

Will be sad to see him out of the NHL. He’s been around for what seems like forever (18 years), and still has game.

Would Chris Pronger improve Washington Capitals chances?

The Hockey News’ Ryan Dixon says that defenseman Chris Pronger is just the person to put the Washington Capitals over the top next season (and beyond). If Pronger is available this weekend, Dixon feels the Capitals “should be at the front of the line, asking Ducks GM Bob Murray what the cost of doing business is.”

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.

Vincent Lecavalier-to-Montreal speculation makes news again

Rumors regarding a Vincent Lecavalier trade are starting to heat up. The Globe and Mail’s Eric Duhatschekwould like to see him wearing a Montreal Canadians sweater, and Duhatscheck notes recent speculation about such a trade. However, NHL.com’s Larry Wigge says the rumors are just that: rumors.

The truth may lie somewhere in between. What do you think? Would be intersting to see him move (way) north.

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 …