Wednesday, May 13, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for May 14, 2009

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has refuted rumors that he has entered draft negotiations with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Speculation was rampant on Tuesday that the Lightning were willing to send the 2nd overall pick and forward Ryan Malone to the Leafs in exchange for the 7th overall pick. There was also a rumor that the Leafs would consider sending Luke Schenn and Tomas Kaberle and the pick to the Bolts for the 2nd overall pick. Burke still stands that he would try to get John Tavares at the draft. Brochu's take: I think this story will continue to simmer and heat up once the draft rolls around. I really don't think Burke will give up Schenn. Source

The Globe and Mail is reporting that Jim Balsillie has reached an agreement with the city of Hamilton for “an option on a 20-year lease” for Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Place and the convention centre. In the meantime, it has been revealed that Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf's offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes is valued at around $130 million, significantly less than Balsillie's $212.5 million. Brochu's take: The bankrupty hearing is still ongoing, but you really have to wonder if the judge is going to look at both offers and see which one is better for the creditors. It doesn't take a genius to see that Balsillie's offer puts more money in the creditors' pockets. There's also rumors that Reinsdorf's offer isn't really "official" and that he was more or less kicking the tires on the whole deal. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Mitch Fadden to a three-year, entry-level contract. Fadden was the Bolts' 4th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman P.K. Subban to a three-year, entry-level contract. Subban was the Habs' 2nd round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Canadiens have also re-signed defenseman Andre Benoit, who played the last two seasons with Sodertalje in Sweden, to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Jamie Arniel to a three-year, entry-level contract. Arniel was the B's 4th round pick in 2007.

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