Latest on Phil Kessel, Maxim Afinogenov and Rob Niedermayer.

USA TODAY's Kevin Allen reported via Twitter that although the Toronto Maple Leafs are still the favorites in the Phil Kessel sweepstakes the Nashville Predators are still trying to acquire him and are offering more than draft picks.

STARTRIBUNE.COM: Michael Russo reports contrary to reports the Minnesota Wild are not in the bidding for Kessel.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: So far it appears to be a two team bidding war between the Leafs and Predators. The Rangers are rumored interested although the last thing I saw out of New York on this (the Post) suggested otherwise. Haven't heard of any other teams jumping in so far.

KUKLA'S KORNER: citing "Atlanta Thrashers web guy" Ben Wright (via Twitter) reported the club has invited former Buffalo Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov to training camp on a tryout basis.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: This'll be his last best chance to land with an NHL team this season. He'd better make the most of it.

TSN.CA: Darren Dreger reports former Anaheim Ducks forward Rob Niedermayer could be headed to the KHL if he's unable to land a contract with an NHL club soon.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: This is one instance where if there wasn't a salary cap Niedermayer wouldn't be facing that choice. He's still enough of a "name" checking forward and some teams as Dreger noted have spoken to him but obviously those clubs lack the cap space to sign him to anything other than deals probably worth less than $1 million.  Last season Niedermayer earned $2 million.