| Malone could be headed to Columbus | Tuesday 6/17, 12:10 PM CT |
|
The Blue Jackets are reportedly close to acquiring the rights to Ryan Malone, according to TSN.ca. The Penguins' forward is to become a unrestricted free agent on July 1, and Columbus is said to acquire his rights as soon as Tuesday.
Our View: Vancouver and Minnesota are also believed to be interested in acquiring Malone's rights. The source indicates the Blue Jackets would likely offer Malone a four or five-year contract worth between $4.5 million and $5.5 million per season. Malone reached a career-best 27 goals in 2007-08 with Pittsburgh. |
|
| Zhitnik's contract won't be bought out | Tuesday 6/17, 8:56 AM CT |
|
Thrashers' GM Don Waddell stated that the team will not buy out Alexei Zhitnik's contract, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has one year left on his contract, and made $3.5 million in 2007-08.
Our View: Zhitnik suffered through a dreadful season as he only scored three goals and five assists over 65 games, but Waddell thinks he is still a big part of their future. |
|
| Guerin underwent surgery in May | Tuesday 6/17, 8:22 AM CT |
|
A team spokesman disclosed that Bill Guerin underwent major shoulder surgery in early May, according to Newsday. Surgery was needed to remove loose bodies and to repair the labrum. It was not disclosed which shoulder was injured.
Our View: Guerin is expected to recover in time to take part in training camp in mid-September. He will turn 38 in November, and his 23 goals led the young Islanders in 2007-08.
|
|
| Deal for Chelios not set | Tuesday 6/17, 7:52 AM CT |
|
Chris Chelios has reportedly agreed in principle on a new one-year deal to extend his career another season in Detroit, but GM Ken Holland wants to have one more talk with the future Hall of Famer before he commits to the deal, according to the Detroit News. Holland wants to make sure they are on the same page regarding his role for next season, and stated, "I'm open to bringing Cheli back, but we need to have a real heart-to-heart talk here in the next week, or two, and talk about where we're headed."
Our View: Chelios rode the pine through the Stanley Cup finals, and could have to agree to a very limited role to remain in Detroit. His most value to the club comes in his leadership and experience to help develop the younger defensemen on the team. |
|
| Lindstrom could head to Europe | Tuesday 6/17, 7:44 AM CT |
|
Joakim Lindstrom has been granted qualifying offers, and is said to considering playing in Europe, according to the Columbus Post-Dispatch.
Our View: Lindstrom registered three goals and four assists over 25 games with the Blue Jackets in 2007-08. He may feel he can make a bigger impact in Europe. |
|
| Team may buy out Westcott's contract | Tuesday 6/17, 7:39 AM CT |
|
The Blue Jackets may opt to buy out the remaining time on Duvie Westcott's contract, according to the Columbus Post-Dispatch. He was sent to minor-league Syracuse last season.
Our View: If they buy him out, it'll cost the Blue Jackets $616,697.50 in each of the next four seasons, even if Westcott signs elsewhere. If they keep him, they'll have a defenseman making $1.85 million per season in the minors. He had trouble staying healthy while with the Blue Jackets, due namely to concussions. The Blue Jackets will likely complete the draft before they decide what to do with Westcott.
|
|
| Bruins set to sign Wheeler | Tuesday 6/17, 7:33 AM CT |
|
Free agent winger Blake Wheeler advised his agent yesterday to finalize terms of a contract with the Bruins, a two-year deal that won't be made official until July 1, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: There were around 20 teams interested in Wheeler, according to his agent. He chose the Bruins because of their success in developing young players and likes where the team is headed. |
|
| Team isn't optimistic regarding Ellis | Tuesday 6/17, 7:16 AM CT |
|
GM Dave Poile isn't optimistic the club can re-sign goalie Dan Ellis before he becomes a free agent on July 1, according to the Tennessean. Little progress has been made to work out a deal, and team GM Dave Poile said, "If it gets to July 1, I don't think it's realistic that Dan is coming back here. I don't think there is any better opportunity to be a No. 1 goalie than there is here. That's where he ended up with us. I've gone through all the possibilities where he could go and I don't see as good of opportunities."
Our View: Ellis went 23-10-3 in 2007-08, and led the league in save percentage with a .924 mark. |
|
| Nashville working on Weber | Tuesday 6/17, 7:04 AM CT |
|
The Predators are working on a deal to keep restricted free agent Shea Weber, according to the Tennessean.
Our View: Weber joins Ryan Suter and Dan Hamhuis to give the Predators one of the youngest and most talented trios on defense. |
|
|
|
