Updates on Anton Babchuk and Denis Gauthier, plus the latest Predators and Sharks news.

RDS.CA: reports former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Anton Babchuk was about to agree to a contract with Avangard Omsk of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League. Babchuk, a restricted free agent, has refused a one-year, $1 million contract offer from the Hurricanes, who are trying to trade him.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Evidently there can't be much of a market for Babchuk so it would appear he's heading for Russia this season.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports defenseman Denis Gauthier was invited more than once to NY Rangers training camp on a tryout basis but has declined.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Either Gauthier is holding out for a contract or he's considering retirement.

CSNPHILLY.COM: Tim Panaccio reports San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson may have successfully landed Dany Heatley but he should be worried about his job. The Sharks have underachieved despite several notable, expensive stars on their roster.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: If the Sharks come up short again next spring not only could Wilson possibly lose his job but there might be a housecleaning, although many of those expensive name players on their roster - now including Heatley - has no-trade clauses.

TENNESSEAN.COM: John Glennon reports Predators GM David Poile will consider other options to bolster his offensive production, possibly via waivers leading up to the start of the season or an early season trade with strugging teams.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Those options however will be limited but Poile might be able to find something worthwhile.