Ballard close to contract?

According to the azcentral.com, Keith Ballard is close to re-signing with the Coyotes. The RFA earned $900,600 last year and is looking for a multi-year deal in the same neighbourhood as the Kevin Bieksa contract. Also, they are looking to fill a few holes and are reportedly interested in Anson Carter. Source

The New York Rangers are almost at the cap and still have to sign Sean Avery and Marcel Hossa. The Canucks and Oilers have shown mild interest in Hossa but only at a bargain price. The Rangers are also looking to unload some salary and may trade one of their top defensemen, such as Paul Mara or Michal Rozsival.

Habs sign Ryder

As per TSN. The deal is rumoured to be in the 3.5-4 million dollar range. Source

Rejected Kiprusoff offer

A Calgary source has indicated that the contract extention Miikka Kiprusoff turned down was a 6 year, $36 million dollar deal. It is believed he is seeking a contract comparable to Roberto Luongo, who is averaging $6.75 million a year.

Patrick Stefan may be signing a one year contract with Sparta Praha.

Montreal has offered Patrice Brisebois a one year, $700,000 contract.

Milan Jurcina signed - official.

The Washington Capitals have signed Milan Jurcina to a two year deal. He will earn $850,000 next season and $912,500 in 2008-09. Washington Post

Cammalleri sign and trade?

A source has revealed that the possibility of a sign and trade with Mike Cammalleri is high. GM Dean Lombardi has been quoted as saying that the two parties are "far apart." The 25 year old centre was the leading scorer for the Kings last season and his salary could reach as high as $5 million after arbitration. Teams that put calls to the Kings are Edmonton, Detroit and the Islanders.

The Senators are dangling Martin Gerber's contract but no one is biting. However, GM Bryan Murray may be willing to include a first rounder with Gerber to tempt another team to take his contract. Teams that have ample cap space and backup position available, such as Nashville and San Jose, may take the bait.

Martin Gelinas to Montreal?

There are rumours coming from Montreal that the Canadiens are interested in signing Martin Gelinas. Gelinas, a UFA, was rumoured early on that he would sign in the Northwest or Florida. GM Jacque Martin may feel he needs to move in another direction with the Panthers.

The Detroit Red Wings are in negotiations with UFA Eric Lindros. The Wings have lost Robert Lang to free agency and Lindros can provide some much needed size and depth at centre.

Ekman the next to sign?

Nils Ekman is being pursued by several teams, including the Canucks, Oilers, Canadiens and the Lightning. Vancouver was heavily rumoured a few weeks ago, but talks have cooled.

Jeff O'Neil is rumoured to be re-signing with the Maple Leafs at a rate much lower than his last contract.

The St. Louis Blues have shopped Jay McKee around the league, but his contract is unappealing to most teams around the league. However, New Jersey and Nashville have shown some interest.

Pominville trade rejected?

A source has revealed the Vancouver and Buffalo trade was rejected by Vancouver, as Buffalo wanted a roster player and a top prospect for Jason Pominville. It is believed that Vancouver is still looking around the league for a player to fit into their top 6.

Nashville has shown interest in signing Mike Peca.

Jan Bulis may be headed to Chicago.

Raycroft to St. Louis?

Rumours from St. Louis indicate that Andrew Raycroft may be headed to the Blues. The return seems to be only prospects and picks, as Toronto is dumping salary to get another scorer on their team.

Edmonton might work out a deal with the Islanders for Trent Hunter. The 26 year old right winger scored 20 goals last season.

Vancouver has been in talks with Montreal the last few days. Discussions seemed to be centered on Chris Higgins.

Sutter to be Devils coach?

According to TSN, Brent Sutter will be the next coach of the New Jersey Devils. The Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League have called a news conference for Thursday and it's widely believed he will be named the new head coach. Source

The Vancouver Canucks are definitely shopping prospect Luc Bourdon around the league. GM Dave Nonis wants a young winger in return, and many names have come up including Jason Pominville, Trent Hunter, Chris Higgins, Michael Ryder, Dustin Penner and Jussi Jokinen.

Dallas is looking for more scoring and is said to be interested in Glen Murray.

Bourdon/2nd rounder for Pominville?

The Canucks have signed Kevin Bieksa to a 3 year, $11.25 million extension and also have signed Aaron Miller to a one year, $1.5 million contract. Rumours have circulated that the Canucks are on the verge of a trade, and the biggest rumour around is that they would trade Luc Bourdon and a 2nd rounder in 2009 for Jason Pominville. It is believed the Bieksa contract does not contain a NTC.

Wings interested in Lindros

According to The Detroit News, the Red Wings are still interested in acquiring another forward. They are interested in several players including Eric Lindros. They are also considering Alexei Yashin, Peter Forsberg and Brendan Shanahan. Source

According to the New York Post, Paul Mara may be on the trade block to free up some cap space. With Mara's $3 million salary off the books, the Rangers can comfortably sign Henrik Lundqvist and other free agents. It is believed Edmonton, Montreal and LA are interested. Source

Edmonton/San Jose trade?

Late reports out of San Jose have indicated that the Oilers and Sharks may be in talks. There are rumours that it could involve Patrick Marleau. San Jose is very interested in prospects Andrew Cogliano and Rob Shremp.

According to the Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper in Poland, Mariusz Czerkawski is interested in returning to the NHL. It is believed that the New York Islanders are pursing him. The "Polish Prince" played for the Islanders from 1997-2002, and again from 2003-2004. Link

New Jersey is the new frontrunner in the Sheldon Souray sweepstakes, but San Jose and LA remain in the race.

Scott Niedermayer to retire - confirmed.

According to Team 1040 in Vancouver, Scott Niedermayer will retire. Several sources have confirmed that Niedermayer has already told close friends and family that he will retire. Niedermayer's $6.75 million salary will come off the books and will not be counted against the cap.

Hamrlik signs with Montreal - confirmed.

Roman Hamrlik has signed with the Montreal Canadiens in a 4 year deal. Terms unknown. Link

Preissing to LA - confirmed.

Tom Preissing has signed a 4 year, $11 million deal with LA. Source

Nylander to Edmonton - Official

As per Team 1260 in Edmonton. Early reports indicate a multiyear deal around 4 million a year.

Souray sweepstakes?

According to inside sources, Sheldon Souray is headed to three teams: San Jose, LA and Montreal. The contract is expected to be in the 5 year, 27.5 million range.

Jamie McLennan is rumoured to be signing with the Vancouver Canucks.

Blake to Minnesota?

There are rumours that Jason Blake has signed in Minnesota in a 3 year deal. No numbers have been released yet.

The LA Kings are focusing their efforts on Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and Scott Gomez. They will overpay if they have to get at least one of these players.