Saturday, December 29, 2007

Finnish NHL players implicated in drug trafficking


The Agence France-Presse (AFP) is reporting that Finnish ice hockey players competing in the NHL have been implicated in a network of trafficking amphetamines recently uncovered in Finland and Estonia, as reported by the sports newspaper Urheilulehti. Police have refused to comment on the affair. "We have decided not to make public the results of the preliminary inquiry or the names of the people being questioned," the head of the enquiry Ari Karvonen said. The head of the Finnish Association of Ice Hockey Players however dismissed the newspaper claims. This story will continue to be updated as it breaks. Source

Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery was sent home from practise because he was "ill". Emery's absence comes just one day after a stick-slamming outburst during an optional practice on Thursday, apparently venting some frustration with his lack of playing time. There were rumours of Emery being shopped earlier this season, and perhaps with this latest incident, GM Bryan Murray would consider offers for him. The usual suspects that would be interested are the LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Source

Sportsnet hockey analyst Pierre LeBrun reports that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster has given the green light for Marc Denis and his agent to talk to other teams to see if anyone is interested. Feaster has assured that Denis will be recalled on re-entry waivers if a team is indeed interested. Denis is earning $2.8 million this year and will earn $3 million next year.

Rumors are hotter than ever that the Minnesota Wild will be sold to former Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold of Racine, Wis., within months. The Wild, who became an expansion franchise for $80 million eight years ago, could bring $225 million in a sale. Source

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