NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 24, 2009

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Dany Heatley has given the Senators a list of around 10 teams that he is willing to be traded to. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley’s agents J.P. Barry and Stacey McAlpine. Garrioch adds that the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues are taking a "serious look." Brochu's take: It's Garrioch, so take it with a bucket of salt, but he is pretty dialed in with the Senators. The Rangers, Sharks, Red Wings and Blackhawks have serious cap issues, so they can be eliminated. I expect Heatley to be traded at the NHL Entry Draft. Source

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has determined that Oren Koules has the final say in hockey matters with the Tampa Bay Lightning. GM Brian Lawton will remain in charge of team decisions. It's believed Koules and co-owner Len Barrie will have several weeks to work out their differences. Consequently, this increases the speculation that Vincent Lecavalier will be moved, as Koules wants to get the payroll down to around $40 million. Brochu's take: It's been confirmed that at last year's free agency frenzy, both Koules and Barrie, along with Lawton, negotiated contract talks with agents, almost all independently of each other. What a fantastically-run organization!

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Karri Ramo has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL. It's believed he has a out-clause after one year in Russia. Source

Marc Denis to be waived?

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Karri Ramo made an impressive debut Thursday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, winning 2-1. Tampa Bay management believe that Rämö is NHL ready and that could make Marc Denis available. GM Jay Feaster has been trying to trade Denis all season but he has had no offers. There are rumors that if Ramo continues his strong play that the Lightning would put Denis on waivers and try to get his contract off the salary cap.

In other Lightning news, prospect Luca Cunti has left St. Cloud State University and returned home to Switzerland. Cunti, the 3rd round, 75th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, has been stuck in limbo because the NCAA would not allow him to play for St. Cloud due to the issue of some games he had played previously for a second division Swiss league. He will most likely join the Chicago Steel of the USHL. And any reason to use Cunti in this blog is a good reason. ;-) Source

Michael Ryder was again a healthy scratch for the Montreal Canadiens and rumours of him heading to Edmonton have intensified the past few days. The Oilers are still shopping Jarret Stoll and he could be a good fit in Montreal.