ESPN.com presents NHL Rumors http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/ 60 en-us Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:58:41 webmaster@espn.go.com http://assets.espn.go.com/i/espn/teamlogos/lrg/trans/espn_dotcom_black.gif 110 110 It appears the Nashville Predators are keen to sign a backup goaltender this offseason -- one not named Chris Mason. Josh Cooper of the Tennessean reports the Preds have already relayed their willingness to shop around to their current (2012-13) No. 2. GM David Poile "might, maybe and in all probability will be looking to see what's available" among backups once the market opens July 5. Signed to a one-year, $1.25 million deal last summer, Mason wasn't great (3.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3600 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:04:21 EDT 3600 UPDATE: TSN's Bob McKenzie reports Logan Couture's new five-year deal with the San Jose Sharks includes an average annual salary of $6 million ($30 million total). *** While a few free agents must be dealt with (or not) this summer, the San Jose Sharks are also looking ahead to 2014-15. As first reported by Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (and relayed by the San Jose Mercury News), the Sharks and forward Logan Couture have agreed to a contract extension for beyond this coming season.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3583 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:07:29 EDT 3583 The upper-body issue badgering veteran Marian Hossa doesn't appear to be all that serious. After sitting out Game 3 as a late scratch, Hossa is expected back in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 4 between the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. That's the word from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, as relayed by ESPN Insider Craig Custance. If so, look for Ben Smith (Hossa's replacement on Monday) to sit out Game 4. As for the actual injury, TSN's Aaron Ward suggests Hossa may have injured his neck ahead of the warmup.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3602 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:06:55 EDT 3602 If elite draft prospect Jonathan Drouin gets his wish, the Tampa Bay Lightning will call his name 12 days from now. According to "le journal de montreal", Drouin was more "comfortable" with the Lightning than any other of the 18 NHL teams he met with recently. And the 18-year-old Halifax forward has nothing against playing in the warm Florida sunshine. "Ça ne me dérangerait pas d’aller aux ­entraînements en sandale," a-t-il lancé dans un éclat de rire.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3598 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:14:19 EDT 3598 UPDATE: Rumored to have agreed to a four-year deal worth $21 million with the Philadelphia Flyers, defenseman Mark Streit appears poised to finish out his playing career in Pennsylvania. However, as outlined by Tim Panaccio, the Flyers can't discuss the agreement until there's the required 2013-14 cap space available. As it stands, Streit's deal would put the Flyers nearly $8 million over next season's $64.3-million cap -- more than the 10 percent overflow allowed during the summer.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3479 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:30:31 EDT 3479 UPDATE: As reported by the Calgary Sun, the Calgary Flames confirm they are looking to expand their hockey operations department, and Brendan Shanahan is one potential candidate. But Flames president and CEO Ken King insists the organization is looking to grow the front office, and any such hire won't serve as replacement for himself or current GM Jay Feaster. "This is not a death watch," King said. "I can tell you we are now on a long-term process to add depth to our hockey operations.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3561 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:59:46 EDT 3561 Feel free to add the New York Islanders to the list of teams interested in dealing for Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier. According to Newsday's Arthur Staple, it's believed Islanders GM Garth Snow has had "preliminary conversations" with Kings GM Dean Lombardi about a potential trade. Even though the Isles are thought to be "relatively close" to agreeing to a new deal for veteran Evgeni Nabokov, Staple suggests a prospect/draft pick combo pack could secure the 24-year-old RFA-to-be in Long Island.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3592 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:31:45 EDT 3592 From the mathematical angle, such a move would make good sense. With only $2.4 million in salary cap space and five roster spots to fill, using a compliance buyout on Vincent Lecavalier would create a great deal ($7.73 million) of extra breathing room for the Tampa Bay Lightning. As discussed by Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, Lecavalier himself is aware the club could go in that direction. "It's obviously something you think about," Lecavalier said.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3590 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:06:03 EDT 3590 Don't expect any Drew Doughty-like drama (circa 2011) in regards to the Los Angeles Kings negotiating an extension with Slava Voynov this summer. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports the Kings and young RFA-to-be defenseman should have a fresh deal in place soon. "... The LA Kings are 'close' to locking up Slava Voynov to a new contract extension, per a source close to negotiations ..." With under $12 million in salary cap space and nine roster spots to fill, the Kings won't be throwing oodles of money at anyone.]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=3587 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:26:15 EDT 3587 UPDATE: As anticipated, the Detroit Red Wings and Pavel Datsyuk have agreed to a three-year extension for 2014-15 and beyond. Datsyuk tweeted as much himself Tuesday morning. *** UPDATE: Everyone is on the same page here. As reported by MLive.com, Pavel Datsyuk says he hopes to sign a contract extension with the Detroit Red Wings this offseason. "It's not 100 percent, but I hope we agree and sign more," Datsyuk said. "I'm looking forward (to signing with the Red Wings).]]> http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/nhl/rumors/post?id=2959 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:59:04 EDT 2959