Penguins/NHL
The economy has halted any talk about expansion in the United States. That is a good thing because the NHL needs to downsize or relocate some cities. This talk of expanding into Europe would not be a good thing.
The cap will remain in the $55 – $57 million range for the upcoming season but after that it could go down to the $49 – $50 million range.
Las Vegas continues to be the most talked about city that could get a team via relocation.
Mats Sundin was a popular subject at the meetings. Glen Sather has been telling rival GM’s that Sundin is only considering the Rangers, Canucks and a mystery team.
Dave Tallon has been aggressive in his pursuit of Sundin. Still unclear if they are the third team still being considered. Tallon talked to a lot of teams about Martin Havlat.
The Canadiens and Senators remain very interested in Sundin
The Islanders are looking for prospects and a draft pick for Dough Weight and Bill Guerin. Both would like to be a packaged deal according to sources.
The Lightning are exploring the market for Marty St. Louis.
The Panthers would like some immediate return upfront in return for Jay Bouwmeester. Pressure is on the front office to make the playoffs. Senators are a good fit with Antoine Vermette going the other way. The issue right now is teams want to talk to Bouwmeester about an extension before trading for him.
The Thrashers are shopping Slava Kozlov and Erik Christensen.
The Bruins will look to move a first or second round pick to bolster their blueline. They are in on all of the top names. The Bruins are receiving a lot of calls about Manny Fernandez and prospect Tuukka Rask. The Bruins have no intentions of moving Rask.
The Wild will be lucky to get a Marian Hossa type of return for Marian Gaborik. The Devils could be a surprise team that makes a strong pitch for Marian Gaborik.
Photo courtesy of Dan4th
