The latest on Vincent Lecavalier,the Niedermayers, Ilya Kovalchuk, Mike Knuble and more.

- Strachan called the "Niedermayers to Vancouver" rumor totally a "media creation", saying it got started on a talk show, suggested their agent "being an agent" naturally suggested they'd be interested and said the Canucks "have not lifted as much as a fingernail" to bring about signing the Niedermayers. 

-Strachan reports media consensus is that Vincent Lecavalier could be moved prior to July 1st, when his no-trade clause would kick in, and it appears Los Angeles could be the front-runner, citing how the Kings management quietly let it be known a couple of months ago they would pursue a big  name player, and given their depth in young talent they could make "a hockey deal" which is something the Lightning would prefer. 

- Strachan also said the retention of Tom Lynn as the assistant GM of the Minnesota Wild ensures Marian Gaborik won't be back as Gaborik "hates" Lynn. 

- Pierre Lebrun reports Ilya Kovalchuk met this past Thursday with Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell, the meeting went well and the Thrashers hope it could pave the way for Kovalchuk signing an extension with the club this summer. Lebrun does suggest however the Thrashers might have to consider trading Kovalchuk if he doesn't re-sign this summer. 

SPECTOR'S NOTE: I have to agree with Strachan's take regarding the Niedermayers. Even if the pair were willing to play for the Canucks I don't believe they'd suit their needs, especially if they lose the Sedins to free agency. If Lecavalier is traded I believe the Kings would have the inside track as they can offer up a much better return to the Lightning in affordable young talent than the Montreal Canadiens. Sorry, Habs fans, but Vinny will not be a Canadien this summer. Gaborik won't be returning with the Wild. As for Kovalchuk, Waddell has to convince him that he's got the team heading in the right direction. They've got some promising young talent there but he's also got to make the right moves in adding some veteran skill as well. If Kovalchuk re-signs I could see him doing so on a two-year extension, which would still allow him to be eligible for UFA status whilst still in his playing prime. 

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports Philadelphia Flyers winger Mike Knuble could emerge as a person of "considerable interest" to the Rangers and that interest is likely to be mutual. Brooks acknowledged Knuble will soon turn 37 but writes what matters is he scores goals and could be affordable.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Keep the contract affordable and short (0ne-two years tops) and Knuble might be a good addition for the Rangers. Still, his age has to be of concern.

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports it's still possible for Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli to re-sign both David Krejci and Phil Kessel, noting that teams are allowed during the off-season to spend up to ten percent over the cap ceiling provided they're under the cap prior to the start of the season. Dupont also noted Glen Murray's arbitration hearings ended Wednesday and if they go in Murray's favor Chiarelli's obligations for next season increase by $1.4 million, plus he still has Peter Schaefer's salary on the books for next season and a buyout would add another $700K to the Bruins books for the next two seasons. 

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Overspending during the off-season buys some time but it won't make it any easier for Chiarelli to juggle the numbers. It could mean burying more salary in the minors, buyouts or trades.

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