Will Alexei Kovalev finish his career in Russia? Are the Atlanta Thrashers trying to acquire P.J. Axelsson? Read the latest & more.

Brendan Shanahan remains focused on the New York Rangers but if the Rangers fail to make an offer in the next 10 days, Shanahan will look elsewhere and is set on playing this season. Shanahan prefers to stay in the Eastern conference.
Glen Murray turned down tryout offers from the Ottawa Senators and the Phoenix Coyotes
The Vancouver Canucks are prepared to make a major play for Marian Gaborik if talks between the Wild and Gaborik fall apart.
Canadiens right winger Alexei Kovalev a free agent at the end of the season believes he has three – four more years left in him and will command up to $5 million per season on the open market. Kovalev expressed an interest in working out an extension with the Canadiens prior to the season but the Habs want to wait until after the season. It is also expected that Kovalev will receive lucrative offers from team’s in the KHL league
Mathieu Schneider to the Ottawa Senators remains an possibility but it looks like a long shot right now. The Senators are among a group of teams Brian Burke has had discussions with about Schneider. The issue Brian Burke has is teams with cap space like the LA Kings have not been given the OK from ownership to add $5.6 million in salary. The Kings are also exploring cheaper alternatives. Burke may have to sweeten the pot and take a contract he doesn’t want or offer a high draft pick to complete a deal with the Kings
The Islanders, Lightning, and Canucks have also shown an interest in Schneider. The Isles interest has been strong according to a source.
The sleeper team in the Schneider sweepstakes have been the Phoenix Coyotes. The Coyotes continue to have discussions with the Ducks about Schneider but the Coyotes have a self imposed cap of $44 million. It remains to be seen whether the Yotes front office could pull something off but they remain interested.
The Atlanta thrashers have inquired about Bruins forward P.J. Axelsson. The Bruins are entertaining offers for Axelsson
The Atlanta Thrashers feel given the proper playing time Erik Christensen could have a 25 goal season.
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to showcase goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin early in the season but it’s very unlikely that Khabibulin will be moved before the trade deadline.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are showcasing RW Michel Ouellet during the preseason. Ouellet will play tonight against the Penguins for the second consecutive game.