NHL and hockey rumors for July 6, 2008

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Senators could be close to acquiring San Jose Sharks defenseman Kyle McLaren or Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Brochu's take: This is a Bruce Garrioch rumor, so take it with a bag of salt.

The star 940 radio is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are trying to move forward Martin Havlat. Teams rumored to be interested are the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres and Atlanta Thrashers, as well as the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens. Brochu's take: The Hawks have to get rid of some salary soon, and Havlat has only one year left on his contract. This could be a salary dump type of trade.

In an interview with Global TV in Vancouver, Canucks GM Mike Gillis revealed he has had more discussions with Brendan Morrison, and it's still possible a deal could be made to keep the UFA forward in Vancouver.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Matt Cooke to a two-year, $2.4 million contract.

Sources tell TSN that former Maple Leaf Joe Nieuwendyk is scheduled to meet with Toronto general manager Cliff Fletcher this week to discuss joining the team's management group. Nieuwendyk's contract as advisor to Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin expired June 30.