Friday’s NHL RUMOR MILL
Smyth expected to be moved today
The Los Angeles Kings are close to moving Ryan Smyth who has requested a trade. Rich Hammond of LAkingsinsider.com reports, GM Dean Lombardi indicates a deal involving the veteran is nearly done.
The two suitors are the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers.
Richards seeking 8 years – $55 million?
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that coveted center Brad Richards is seeking an 8 year deal worth $50-$55 million.
That type of salary may even be too rich for the Rangers.
The Kings on the heels of just adding Mike Richards are expected to be in the mix on July 1, along with the Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Four sleeper teams are the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres and the Philadelphia Flyers who have more assets to clear salary.
The Flyers have around $8 million in cap space following yesterday’s blockbuster moves.
Flyers/Locker Room Issues
By moving close friends Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, the Flyers are now Chris Pronger’s team.
The moves are said to cement the speculative major rift between Pronger and younger core players like Carter and Richards.
Giving Pronger a full “room” is said to be extremely risky, according to league executives.
Senators not looking to move Spezza
Jason Spezza’s name finds it’s way in the rumor mill just about every off-season but this year there’s been no chatter surrounding Spezza.
Main reason why is that the Senators are not shopping him, like they had in the past.
RDS reports Renaud Lavoie Reports that GM Bryan Murray has no intention of moving Spezza.
Lightning, Brewer close to new deal
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is close to locking up one of his top priorities. Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet reports the Lightning and Brewer are “closing in” on a four-year deal in the range of $16 million.
Brewer was a valuable player for Tampa in the playoffs, but a four year deal in the $16 million range brings risk as Brewer is 32 years old.
The Lightning who are in the process of locking of Steven Stamkos to a multi-year deal that is expected to carry a cap hit of $7 million, have $37 million committed to 12 players for next season, via capgeek.
Regehr to waive NMC?
The Buffalo Sabres under new owner Terry Pegula are finally spenders.
TSN.ca reported yesterday that the Sabres and Calgary Flames have a deal in place that would send defenseman Robyn Regehr to Buffalo.
For the deal to go through, Regehr must waive his no movement clause.
Laich to hit open market?
The Washington Capitals have yet to give Brooks Laich any inkling whether they intend to make an offer before July 1. “Still quiet, no talks set up, ” Roland Thompson the agent for Laich told Inside Pittsburgh Sports.
Thompson though does expect to hear from GM George McPhee this weekend.
Laich is expected to be coveted on the market and regarded by some executives as the No. 2 overall forward behind Brad Richards
Hawks, confident in locking up Patrick Sharp
A player several GM’s want to get their hands on is Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com, reported today that GM Stan Bowman and agent Rick Curran have spoken and the two sides expect to speak again in a couple weeks.
LeBrun reports that the Hawks are confident something can get done.
Sharp is a bargain with a $3.9 million cap hit. The Hawks have $49 million committed to 13 players for next season, according to cap geek.
Leino seeking $4 million per season
27 year forward Villie Leino and his agent Bill Zito are seeking $4 million per season in talks with the Flyers. Zito is said to have proposed a $4 year – $16 million deal to the Flyers, sources say.
Leino made $825,000 last season.
Stastny in play
The Colorado Avalanche have made center Paul Stastny available in trade talks. Stastny carried a $6.6 million cap hit and is signed through the 2013-2014 season.
The Av’s would like to move his salary but by doing so, they face obstacles in getting to the salary cap floor of $48.3 million.
They only have $32 million committed to salaries for next season.
Teams said to express interest: Florida, Buffalo, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
