Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors - June 24, 2009.
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NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors - June 24, 2009.
Written by Lyle Richardson   
Wednesday, 24 June 2009 09:16
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Get the latest on Marian Gaborik, Roberto Luongo, Jay Bouwmeester, Scott Niedermayer, Steve Sullivan, Dwayne Roloson and more.

 

VANCOUVER PROVINCE: Jason Botchford recently reported Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has bought a home in the Vancouver area, leading to speculation he might sign with the Canucks should he become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, joining Canuck, fellow countryman and good friend Pavol Demitra, who played with Gaborik on the Wild for several seasons. Such a move might be considered "Plan B" for the Canucks if they're unable or unwilling to re-sign the Sedin twins.

 

STAR-TRIBUNE.COM: Michael Russo reports Gaborik's agent hasn't ruled out a potential return with the Wild but admitted free agency was very enticing for his client. Ron Salcer has met with Wild GM Chuck Fletcher but wouldn't discuss if Fletcher had made a contract offer. It's believed Fletcher could make a $7 million per season offer later this week. Salcer also said he has no knowledge of Gaborik buying a home in Vancouver nor has he had any talks with Canucks GM Mike Gillis.

VANCOUVER SUN: Brad Ziemer reports a source told him Roberto Luongo is building a home on the shore of Nicola Lake in Merrit BC.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: My thanks to everyone who sent in these links. We'll know by this time next week if the Sedins will be re-signed or if Gaborik could become a Canuck. As for Luongo if he's building a home in BC it could suggest he's intending on staying with the team beyond next season when his current contract expires. It'll be surprising if Gaborik does re-sign with the Wild for despite the change recently in the management and coaching staff the Gaborik camp seems intent on testing the market. 

PALM BEACH POST: Brian Biggane reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has spoken to Panthers assistant GM Randy Sexton about acquiring the rights to defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, and it's believed Holmgren might be willing to swap forward Joffrey Lupul for Bouwmeester. Vancouver might also be in the running for Bouwmeester, as could the Calgary Flames if they trade Dion Phaneuf to Ottawa for Dany Heatley. Edmonton isn't believed in the mix because of "repeated failures of their hometown products" who struggled to meet heightened expectations. 

SPECTOR'S NOTE: I can certainly see the Flyers having interest in Bouwmeester but not the Canucks or Flames. The Canucks are already deep on the blueline and need more offense while the Flames aren't swapping Phaneuf for Heatley, especially now that they've hired Phaneuf's former Junior coach Brent Sutter as their new head coach. As for the Oilers, it's because they've already got plenty of expensive puck-moving defensemen.

OCREGISTER.COM: Curtis Zupke reports Scott Niedermayer has yet to inform Ducks GM Bob Murray of his future plans. While it was believed Niedermayer would inform Murray prior to the upcoming draft Murray appeared to suggest his decision could also come prior to July 1st and the start of the UFA market. 

TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports the "no-trade" clauses of Pavel Kubina and Tomas Kaberle temporarily expire from draft day until August first giving GM Brian Burke a narrow window to move either of them. Burke admits he's had nibbles for both but said it's far too soon to tell if he'll move either player.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Of the two I expect Kubina would be the most likely to go but as we saw last summer that's not a guarantee. 

EDMONTON SUN: Robert Tychkowski reports Dwayne Roloson and Ales Kotalik are no closer to new contracts with the Oilers. GM Steve Tambellini is reluctant to lock himself into a multi-year contract with the 40-year-old Roloson and he isn't going to panic if Roloson isn't re-signed as there's a number of experienced goalies available this summer in the UFA market.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Unless Roloson accepts a one-year contract he won't be returning with the Oilers, and I honestly don't believe Kotalik will return. 

USATODAY.COM: Kevin Allen reports the Pittsburgh Penguins have limited cap space (about $8 million) and therefore won't be able to re-sign Bill Guerin for the same money ($4 million) he earned last season on a multi-year contract. Still, Allen believes the two sides could get a deal done to keep Guerin in Pittsburgh.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Guerin might be willing to accept a one-year contract worth between $2-$2.5 million. 

THE TENNESSEAN: John Glennon reports he believes the Predators will make a serious run at re-signing winger Steve Sullivan over the next few days but didn't rule out the possibility of shopping his rights prior to July 1st in hopes of getting something in return.

COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Aaron Portzline reports the Blue Jackets, which owns the 16th overall pick, have talks with a few teams over the possibility of moving up in the draft. He also dismissed a rumor suggesting the Jackets would swap Kris Russell for Alex Auld. 

 

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