Dick Tarnstrom signs

Dick Tarnstrom is returning to the Oilers. It is believed to be a two year deal, at 4.2 million.

Buffalo to trade rights to Drury, Briere?

There are reports coming from Buffalo that they made trade one of either Daniel Briere or Chris Drury's rights to another team. It is almost a given that they will lose one of these players, and Buffalo at least wants to get something in return. San Jose, LA and Phoenix are all interested in Drury. Briere is drawing a lot of interest in the East.

The deal between Philadelphia and Carolina seems to be hinged on Niclas Wallin's waiver on his no trade clause.

Dainius Zubrus is getting a lot of attention from the West, especially Chicago and Vancouver.

Redden, Vermette for Horcoff, Smith?

According to the Ottawa Sun, the rumoured deal was Wade Redden and Antoine Vermette for Shawn Horcoff and Jason Smith. The Senators would rather have Joffrey Lupul instead of Horcoff. Phoenix and LA are also interested in Redden and Phoenix may try to unload Keith Ballard in a package to get Redden. Source

Several sources have indicated that the bidding for the top UFAs in this year's market could reach 8-8.5 million, depending on the final cap number.

Big Edmonton deal done?

Several sources around the league have confirmed that Kevin Lowe has a big deal done. Speculation has involved several players, including Wade Redden, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jay Bouwmeester, and Thomas Vanek. There is a wild rumour it could be Dany Heatley, but nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Entry draft day rumours

The Aucoin move to Calgary is almost complete, and this has increased speculation that the Blackhawks are close to signing a center for their team. They are still negotiating with Michal Handzus, but it is believed he is out of their price range. However, they may go after one of the main UFA centerman on July 1st.

The Columbus Blue Jackets may make a huge splash and try to move up in the draft. New GM Scott Howson is very interested in top prospects Kyle Turris and Karl Alzner.

The Vancouver Canucks have inquired to Philadelphia about the no. 2 pick, but the price is too high, as the Flyers demanded the Canucks 1st rounder and a high-end prospect from their system.

Both the Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues have 3 picks in the first round. Look for these teams to flip some of their picks to either go into the top 3 selections, or to acquire NHL ready players. Nikolai Zherdev has been rumoured to both teams.

Reports coming from Orange County indicate that Ilya Bryzgalov will be moved at the draft.