Wednesday, June 03, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 4, 2009

The Colorado Avalanche have fired head coach Tony Granato and named Greg Sherman as the new general manager. Along with Granato, five others in the Avs' front office were also fired. Brochu's take: It's absolutely bush-league the way the Colorado organization let Granato sit like a sitting duck, waiting for the hammer to fall. I think future players and management will be more careful about joining the Avs. Source

According to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, the Philadelphia Flyers are close to signing goalie Ray Emery to a contract. Several NHL GMs have confirmed that this is pretty close to a "done deal". Emery cannot sign a contract until July 1, because he is still considered a UFA, even though he spent last season with KHL team Atlant Mytischi. Source

Here comes Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Garrioch claims that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier is available, despite numerous denials by Bolts GM Brian Lawton. Speculation is that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings remain the frontrunners to land the superstar, while Garrioch claims the Edmonton Oilers made a pitch for him last season. Brochu's take: Expect the Lecavalier rumors to reach a crescendo near the NHL Entry Draft.

San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has fielded calls on forwards Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, but it's unlikely that Wilson will move either. He is however, certain to make moves this summer.

The Boston Herald is reporting that the Bruins may consider trading RFA forward Phil Kessel, as they are limited by the amount of cap space after re-signing forward David Krejci. The Herald is also reporting speculation that forward Marc Savard be willing to waive his no trade clause. Brochu's take: There's just no more salary cap space for the Bruins to keep all that talent. Teams will be lining up to get their hands on Savard and Kessel, but that's a shocker that Savard would be willing to waive his NTC. Source

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