Heatley To Oilers / CHAT NOW

Sources tell Hockeyleaks.com that the Oilers are moving in on a deal to acquire Dany Heatley.

*Note: while writing this blog, TSN has also posted the same rumour.

The deal would send Heatley and his large contract to the Oilers for Dustin Penner, Ladislav Smid and Andrew Cogliano.

Great move for the Sens, who badly need this youth injection into their system.

Go to hockeyleaks.com/chat.html in the next five minutes for a pre-July 1 chat.

The Top 25 Free Agents

Here is my list of the top 25 UFAs to hit the market tomorrow, though half-way done my list TSN announces that Bouwmeester has signed. I promise my predictions were all down for Bouwmeester before the announcement, so both my dollar figure and team were pretty dead on. Let's see how I do on the other 24.

1.

The Sedins
Predicted Value: $7 million each
Teams Interested: Vancouver, Toronto, Minnesota, Montreal
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Vancouver before July 1st, Toronto on/after July 1st.

2.

Jay Bouwmeester
Predicted Value: $6.5 million
Teams Interested: Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Calgary
Signs with: Calgary Flames, five years - $33 million.

3.

Marian Hossa
Predicted Value: $7.5 million
Teams Interested: Detroit, Edmonton, Vancouver, Minnesota, LA
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Detroit.

4.

Marian Gaborik
Predicted Value: $5 million
Teams Interested: Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, LA
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Vancouver

5.

Mike Komisarek
Predicted Value: $5.5 million
Teams Interested: Montreal, NYI, Toronto, Boston, NJ
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Toronto

6.

Martin Havlat
Predicted Value: $6 million
Teams Interested: Chicago, Montreal, LA, Edmonton
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Vancouver

7.

Mike Cammalleri
Predicted Value: $5.5 million
Teams Interested: Toronto, Vancouver, Washington, Atlanta
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Toronto if they don't sign Sedins, Vancouver if they don't sign Sedins.

8.

Alex Tanguay
Predicted Value: $5 million
Teams Interested: Colorado, Washington, Dallas
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Washington

9.

Mattias Ohlund
Predicted Value: $4 million
Teams Interested: San Jose, Colorado, Vancouver, Montreal
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Montreal

10.

Saku Koivu
Predicted Value: $5 million
Teams Interested: Minnesota, Anaheim
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Minnesota

11.

Nikolai Khabibulin
Predicted Value: $5 million
Teams Interested: Chicago, Edmonton
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Edmonton

12.

Brian Gionta
Predicted Value: $3.5 million
Teams Interested: NJ, Calgary, Carolina, Montreal
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: New Jersey

13.

Alex Kovalev
Predicted Value: $4 million
Teams Interested: Washington, Montreal, Colorado
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Montreal

14.

Mats Sundin
Predicted Value: $4.5 million
Teams Interested: Toronto, Anaheim, Vancouver, NYR
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Vancouver

15.

Derek Morris
Predicted Value: $4.5 million
Teams Interested: Phoenix, NYR, Florida, Washington
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Florida

16.

Nik Antropov
Predicted Value: $4 million
Teams Interested: NYR, Nashville, St. Louis, Vancouver, Florida
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: NYR

17.

Erik Cole
Predicted Value: $4 million
Teams Interested: Boston, Carolina, Montreal
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Carolina

18.

Francois Beauchemin
Predicted Value: $3.5 million
Teams Interested: Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Anaheim, Vancouver
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Toronto

19.

Todd Bertuzzi
Predicted Value: $2.5 million
Teams Interested: Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, NYI
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: NYI

20.

Mikael Samuelsson
Predicted Value: $3 million
Teams Interested: Detroit, Atlanta, NYI, Tampa Bay
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Atlanta

21.

Robert Lang
Predicted Value: $3.5 million
Teams Interested: Montreal, Nashville, Columbus, LA
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Montreal

22.

Matthieu Schneider
Predicted Value: $3.5 million
Teams Interested: Montreal, Boston, Florida, LA
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Montreal

23.

Sameul Pahlsson
Predicted Value: $2 million
Teams Interested: Toronto, Anaheim, Chicago, Vancouver
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Anaheim

24.

Chris Neil
Predicted Value: $1.5 million
Teams interested: Toronto, Ottawa, Minnesota, Columbus, Chicago
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Toronto

25.

Mike Knuble
Predicted Value: $2.5 million
Teams interested: Philly, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Nashville
Hockeyleaks.com predicts: Pittsburgh


Unfortunatly I have to work tomorrow until 330, so I will not be online before 4pm. The good news is that I will be having our annual July 1st chat tomorrow at 430 pm. Check the forums and the blogs for details and a link.

It's just like Christmas eve, I cant wait to see who ends up where tomorrow!

What The Gomez Deal Means...

For those of you living in a hole, the Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto from the New York Rangers for Chris Higgins, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.

The Habs win this deal, though I don't think Gomez is at all the player to turn around the Habs season.

So what does this mean for the Rangers? It means the team has quite a bit more money to spend tomorrow, and those funds could be used on Heatley.

It's between NYR and Edmonton as far as I'm hearing, though you can never count San Jose out of these talks. I'm hearing Ottawa is looking at Penner and one of edmonton's goalie prospects, plus one more high-profile forward from the Oilers. The Sens are still hoping to get Staal from the Rangers.

If a deal isn't completed for Heatley tonight, there is still a hope. A source told me the Sens would accept a early round pick in return for the $4 million they must spend tomorrow.

As for the Habs, Gomez is a big investment for them and this basically ends the chances of the Sedins coming to Quebec. For those wondering, the Habs have not offered Koivu or Tanguay a contract. They have made last-chance offers on Komisarek and Kovalev, with Komisarek already announcing he will test the open market.

Thats all for now, in the next few hours my free agent preview / plans for tomorrow will be up.

July 1 Approaches...

With UFA season just hours away, so much is still to be determined before then. For those looking for a Free Agent Preview, I will have something up later tonight or tomorrow regarding that. For now, we look at what could happen over the next 31 hours.

Dany Heatley will be traded before July 1st or not at all. He is owed $4 million dollars on July 1st, and if Heatley is still a Senator by noon on July 1st, it is extremely doubtful he will be moved. Still, the Rangers are making quite the last-minute push to bring in Heatley, but to this point, have not stepped up to the Rangers asking price which is said to include Marc Staal +.

The Sharks are still looking at dealing Patrick Marleau, but Nabokov is not on the market. Marleau will likely be dealt after all the early july fun is over.

Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson is still on the market, with Dallas and Toronto the two finalists. This really is a toss-up, with me personally thinking Dallas will win this. With that said, I'm hoping for Toronto.

The Sedins could very well be staying in Vancouver as Mike Gillis has flown to Sweden to give on final push. I still think they'll stay, but if they don't, watch Toronto, Montreal, Minnesota and the Islanders.

Phil Kessel is very much available, but some feel the Bruins will wait until the UFA's are snatched up and the return could be higher. With that said, the Bruins are right up against a cap and would struggle to match any offersheet of above $3.5 million, which is around the number it would cost to just qualify kessel.

As far as Kaberle goes, he will likely move in the next 10 days, with Boston, Anaheim, and Philly all having inquired about him over the last few days. Philly is interested despite acquiring Pronger, with Toronto willing to take back some salary from Philly if they can get the player they have their eye on.

As far as UFA #1 Jay Bouwmeester goes, sources tell Hockeyleaks.com that contract talks began with Bouwmeester today and the Flames are optimistic they can get him signed.

Keep your eye on Hockeyleaks.com as the free agent preview will up before you know it!

Rumour Mill's In Overdrive

Here we go...

Vincent Lecavalier to Montreal talks have hit a stall this morning, and sources are telling me it's at about 25% he gets dealt.

Polling a list of ten sources last night: 70% Islanders take Hedman, 20% Tavares, 10% Duchene. Boy is that #1 pick going to be interesting.

The San Jose Sharks are expected to be this weekends busiest team. Clowe isn't expected to be a Shark beyond this weekend, with TSN confirming that both Toronto and Philly have shown interest. Clowe could be part of an even bigger deal, with the Sharks shopping both Marleau and Nabokov. Strong speculation that at least one of those two will be dealt this weekend.

The Sens continue to shop Heatley, and the St. Louis Blues are very in this. Who else is in this? The Boston Bruins. Kessel would be part of this deal 100%.

The Leafs are another team to watch, with Burke really attempting to move a roster player or two and a couple other mid-round picks for another first round pick. This could be used to move up or to pick two great prospects.

Jay Bouwmeester's rights will likely be dealt today or tomorrow, with the price being a third round pick. The Flyers, Canucks and Oilers are all pushing this, I see the final price being a 3rd and a 5th round pick.

Chris Pronger could very-well be on the move this weekend. Montreal is very in this, just like they were at the deadline.

Demitra came out and said that Gaborik had not purchased a house in Vancouver, but sources still believe Gaborik will be a Canuck should the Sedins not re-sign in Vancouver.

Another team to watch this weekend could be the Columbus Blue Jackets, who will be looking to move up in this year's draft. One source told me that management isn't confident they can re-sign Nash following this season, and would move him for a package that blew them away.

I am off to work shortly, and then off to Montreal for the draft early in the morning. Unfortunatly, my hotel in Montreal does not have an internet connection, so for all updates you have two sources:

1) http://www.twitter.com/hockeyleaks

I will be updating my twitter VERY often from the draft via my cell phone, so make sure to check that often.

2) http://hockeyleaks.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4030.0

I will be sending texts all day and night to a forum member who will be updating this post with all the latest news and rumours I acquire from the draft.

Make sure to stay glued to those two sources all day tomorrow as it's going to be one of the most exciting days the NHL has seen in a long, long time.

2009 NHL Mock Draft / Part 2

So here are my thirty selections in the NHL Draft. The top ten is difficult, because I predict major movement. I believe LA will deal their pick, while at this point it is 50/50 on Tampa Bay holding on to theirs. With that said, here is my prediction for the top 30 picks as they currently sit.

1. New York Islanders - Victor Hedman

2. Tampa Bay Lightning - John Tavares

3. Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene

4. Atlanta Thrashers - Evander Kane

5. LA Kings - Oliver Ekman-Larsson

6. Phoenix Coyotes - Jared Cowan

7. Toronto Maple Leafs - Brayden Schenn

8. Dallas Stars - Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson

9. Ottawa Senators - Nazem Kadri

10. Edmonton Oilers - Demitry Kulikov

11. Nashville Predators - Jordan Scroeder

12. Minnesota Wild - Zach Kassian

13. Buffalo Sabres - Scott Glennie

14. Florida Panthers - Ryan Ellis

15. Anaheim Ducks - David Rundblad

16. Columbus Blue Jackets - John Moore

17. St. Louis Blues - Jacob Josefeson

18. Montreal Canadiens - Louis Leblanc

19. New York Rangers - Carter Ashton

20. Calgary Flames - Simon Despres

21. Philadelphia Flyers - Dylan Olson

22. Vancouver Canucks - Stefan Elliot

23. New Jersey Devils - Robin Lehner

24. Washington Capitals - Nick Leddy

25. Boston Bruins - Chris Kreider

26. New York Islanders - Landon Ferraro

27. Carolina Hurricanes - Calvin DeHaan

28. Chicago Blackhawks - Peter Holland

29. Detroit Red Wings - Kyle Palmieri

30. Pittsburgh Penguins - Tim Erixon

2009 NHL Mock Draft / Part 1

Hockeyleaks.com is proud to bring you the 2009 NHL Mock Draft. Each pick has been made by a blogger / hockey writer who specializes in the team they are choosing from. They know the NHL well, and they know exactly what their team's needs are. This is as accurate as it gets, so let's get started. This mock draft covers the first 20 picks in this years draft.

1. Timothy Hilts / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "With the first overall selection in the 2009 NHL entry draft, the New York Islanders are proud to select John Tavares. The Islanders need a superstar to draw fans and this is the guy to do just that."

2. Jon Jordan / blogger for Hockeybuzz.com - "With the second selection in the 2009 NHL entry draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning are proud to select Victor Hedman."

Jon had this to say about his pick:

"With Tavares gone, the Lightning will no doubt take Victor Hedman.

For a team that needs a cornerstone defenseman who can fill a need both
immediately and for the long-term future, there is no better match than
Hedman and the bolts.

Of course, if whoever is playing the role of Brian Burke in this draft
wanted to talk turkey with me, I would most definitely be willing to
entertain the thought of a deal (as would the real life Lightning ...)"

3. David Driscoll-Carignan / owner of MileHighHockey.com - "With the third selection in the 2009 Entry Draft, the Colorado Avalanche are proud to select Matt Duchene. Duchene projects to be a talented two-way pivot man and would seem capable of forming a solid 1-2 punch up the middle with Paul Stastny for many, many years"

4. Scott Fuller / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "With the fourth selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Atlanta Thrashers are proud to select Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson. This kid has Tremendous Offensive upside in a big package. Strong on the puck, just needs to work on his defense. Solid showing in the WJC."

5. Mark Millard / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "With the fifth overall selection in the 2009 NHL entry draft, the LA Kings select Jacob Josefson."

we asked Mark why he took Josefson so early in the draft.

"If Justin Williams can stay healthy and regain his old 30-goal self, and with a good up and coming offensive presence in young players like Kopitar, Brown and Frolov, a strong two way Swede is exactly what the Kings need. With two years experience playing for Djurgården of the Swedish Elite League, Josefson should have no problem making the transition to the NHL, helping the young Kings netminders in the process with his strong back checking ability."

6. Allison / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "The Hamilton, I mean Phoenix Coyotes are proud to select Evander Kane. The guy impressed at the WJC, and 96 regular season points for the Giants combined with his ability to play a physical style make him a perfect fit for the young Coyote's squad"

7. Corey Johnson / owner of Hockeyleaks.com - "With the seventh selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select Brayden Schenn. This kid is a leader and has a great career in front of him. It doesn't hurt that his brother is already a star on the Leafs."

8. TJ Hurst / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "The Dallas Stars are pleased to select Zack Kassian."

Here is what TJ had to say about the Stars selection of the big Petes forward.

"The Dallas Stars have become a big player in the European markets, particularly Sweden and often use the European professional leagues (mainly the Swedish Elite League) to develop their players which has many thinking Oliver Ekman Larsson will find a home with the Stars. But he's just too small for a Dallas brand of hockey. With Kassian they get the total package. He comes with big energy and 120% work ethic. Make no mistake, he will hurt you on the ice and isn't afraid to back it up by dropping the gloves. And while that may be the biggest part of his game it masks his other skillsets. While his skating and speed need a little improvement, his hands are exceptional. He's not afraid to step into the dangerous areas such as the corners and in front of the net. He's a workhouse and an individual who lead by example. Hitting hard and often, but also has the finish to make him a real threat in front of the net and on the rush. At this stage of his career, he's a Brendan Morrow in the making which makes him a hot commodity for the Dallas Stars."

9. Mark Christopher / blogger for Hockeybuzz.com - "For the second year in a row, the Sens are proud to select a swedish defenseman, this time it's Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Plain and simple OEL just doesn't get tired, the kid has the ability to play 30+ minutes a night if called upon. While he will need to strengthen up and fill out his frame, Oliver has all the necessary skills to control the blueline similiar to fellow Swede Nik Lidstrom. OEL has seen his stock jump more than any other prospect over the past few months despite missing out on the World Jrs."

10. Adam Forsyth / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "The Oilers would have liked to select Kassian, but because he's taken, the Oilers are proud to select Ryan Ellis. Ellis is a game changing offensive gem with very under-rated defensive abillities.
Smallish. Yes. However, his vision on the ice is too difficult to ignore and with
a big booming sot, he's a PP quarterback for many years to come"

11. Brandon Felder / blogger for Hockeybuzz.com - "The Nashville Predators are proud to select Jordan Schroeder. The Preds need forward depth and Schroeder has previous experience with Colin Wilson in the World Juniors. Should he slip to 11, the Preds should select Schroeder.

12. Jeff Small / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "With the 12th overall pick, the Minnesota Wild are very happy to select Jared Cowan."

Here is what Small said about the luck of getting Cowan so late in the draft.

"New GM Chuck Fletcher would be overjoyed to select Jared Cowen who at one point was considered to be challenging John Tavares and Victor Hedman for one of the top two spots in the entry draft. While the Wild already have some pretty impressive young defenseman including Brent Burns, Nick Schultz, and Tyler Cuma this pick is about choosing the best player available, which at 12 is no doubt Jared Cowen. At 18, Cowen already stands at 6'5, 218 pounds and is considered to be one of if not the best defensive defenseman in the draft. The biggest question mark concerning Cowen will be if he can return from season ending reconstructive surgery on his right knee. Although a big injury, if Cowen can return to form there is no question that he is a steal at #12 and will fit right in with Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Colorado once he makes the NHL"

13. Colin Lim / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "The Buffalo Sabres are proud to select Chris Kreider. Kreider gives Buffalo some much needed size down the middle. He has a natural goal scoring ability and should be a solid top-two centreman for the Sabres in a couple of years."

14. Rey Edmonds / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "The Florida Panthers are proud to select Nazim Kadri. Florida needs a forward that can be relied upon with both offensively and defensively. Micheal Frolik is the only forward in the system who has really good offensive skills. Horton, Booth, Mattias, Campbell are the guys that can create room and will be able to complement skill players such as Kadri. Some could argue that Kadri outplayed Tavares in the OHL playoffs with the London Knights. Skill level isn't as good as Tavares, but Kadri's compete level is as good as anyone. "

15. Edgar Arce / writer for http://torosviews.blogspot.com - "The Ducks are proud to select Louis Leblanc."

16. Eric Smith / blogger for Hockeybuzz.com - "The Columbus Blue Jackets are pleased to select Dmitry Kulikov"

we asked Eric Smith about the surprise of getting a top 10 prospect at #16.

"The Blue Jackets need a center and I think they will draft one
because they don't even have a warm body at center in Syracuse but Kulikov is just
way too good to pass up and he should be gone by now in the draft. The top rated
Russian, played this year in Drummondville
and certainly helped his drafted stock. 6′1″ and 195 pounds, he has
enough size to play physical when needed but he is a puck moving
defenseman that loves to score. Had 62 points in 57 games this year.
Very good skater that understands that he has to play both ends of the
ice. Kulikov is the full package and will be a top 4 defenseman plus be able to QB
the power play some day. The only down fall is that he shoots left which the CBJ is
in desperate need of a right handed shot from the point. GM Scott Howson will be
extactic if Kulikov falls into his lap at 16."

17. Marc Whittington / writer for Hockeyleaks.com - "The St. Louis Blues are proud to select Scott Glennie."

18. All Habs / owner of allhabs.blogspot.com and organizer of the NHL Draft Tweetup. - "The Habs are proud to select Carter Ashton. the Canadiens need immediate help up front. Ashton is a 6'3" 205 lb power forward who is an offensive force on the RW. He skates well, is tough to knock off the puck, and goes hard to the net"

19. Catherine Marzi / ESPN employee - "The New York Rangers are proud to select Peter Holland. Theteam will benefit from the young forward to support in scoring. At 6'2, he has a lot of room to grow muscle mass in the off season, and be a large physical presence on a scoring line (note: his officially reported weight is lower than some other quotes so he likely is already larger/stronger than reported). He has been noted an effective on the power play, and has been cited as a leader. He will make a solid addition to the Rangers squad.

20. Corey Johnson / owner of Hockeyleaks.com - "The Calgary Flames are proud to select John Moore with the 20th overall pick. This kid is a tank and will be a big part of the Flames future. The fact that he slipped to 20 is a shock to the Flames organization."


so there you have it, the first 20 teams predicted. Surprised David Runblad didn't chosen, while Moore going 20 is also a big surprise. Check Hockeyleaks.com tomorrow for my mock draft, where I post my first round predictions.

Team To Watch: Tampa Bay Lightning

So earlier tonight I read a tweet from Hockeybuzz blogger Jon Jordan (who will be featured in the first of two mock drafts, the first of which will be posted tomorrow) that the Lightning were not having a draft party, like they originally planned.

For those who are not aware, the Islanders are having a draft party and 10 000 + are expected to attend. When you have a chance at a guy like Hedman or Tavares, you have a draft party, so why is Tampa Bay avoiding this.

So curious, I ask Jon over twitter if this means that #2 pick is going elsewhere, and responds with..."or some other deal ... Hmm ... :) (bites tongue out of necessity)"

So loaded with that answer, I fire off an email to a good source of mine, and he responds with...

"I honestly believe Tampa will hold onto the second overall pick, but nothing is for sure. As far as the draft party being cancelled, whispers are that the team is simply avoiding a riot when the commish gets on stage and announces Lecavalier has been dealt, probably to the Canadiens, but there are at least three or four western teams showing interest as well"

We've heard rumours for months that Vinnie is on his way out, but after tonight I firmly believe Vincent Lecavalier has played his last game for the Tampa Bay Lightning. His no trade kicks in on July 1st, and I'd be surprised if he's still a member of the bolts beyond that.

Check Hockeyleaks.com tomorrow for our insider mock draft, where bloggers representing their own team will select the top twenty picks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Then on Wednesday, I will post my mock draft of the entire first round and where i think 2009's top prospects will end up.

Sunday Night Rumours

The talk of Toronto talking to LA regarding #5 overall is very correct. The Kings are looking to dump that pick for a couple of players that can step right into the lineup, and Toronto has just that. Some rumours have the Leafs getting #5 without dealing #7.

Vinny to the Habs is looking more likely than ever. The Molson Brothers want to make a splash and they have put the pressure on Gainey to make something big happen during the draft. Whether it's Vinny or the Habs moving into the top 10, something big is going to happen for the Habs this weekend.

The latest on Heatley? San Jose is still the big favourite, but don't count out Chicago. I'm hearing the Blackhawks have put together quite the offer for the skilled winger.

Speaking of the Blackhawks, they are still trying to get Havlat re-signed, but the two sides are still a bit apart on both the term and the dollar amount.

The Flames could be major players at this weekends draft I've been told. I keep hearing one of the Flames big d-men could be on the move, but surely the Flames wouldn't trade Phaneuf, would they?

The Bruins don't want to qualify Kessel at the close to four million he's expecting, so he could be on the move this weekend or before July 1st. Colorado and Anaheim are two teams to watch there.

Sources tell me Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson is down to Toronto, Anaheim and Dallas.

While Giguere could end up in Toronto if the Monster falls through, Montreal could be in this too.

Finally, Jay Bouwmeester is still likely to Vancouver or Edmonton, but don't count out Toronto, Montreal and Colorado?

For all the latest, check out Hockeyleaks.com and our forums!

The Molson Canadiens

According to RDS, the Molson Brothers have offically purchased the Habs from George Gillettee. Many believe that Habs negotiations with their players were on hold until the sale, so hopefully this speeds things up in Montreal.

Speaking of Montreal, six days until the draft. I will be attending, and am looking for someone to help out. Basically this person would recieve texts from me during the draft and would report the rumours and news I have from the forums. If you are interested please email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com

Expect two mock drafts this week. One from me, one from Hockeyleaks, Hockeybuzz and other other bloggers from around the league, each representing a team they specialize in.

It looks all but certain Brent Sutter will join his brother in Calgary as the new coach. Expect that announcement Monday or Tuesday.

As far as New Jersey goes, look for one of Hartley or Lemaire to get that job.

On the trade front, it still looks like Heatley will end up in San Jose, but it's far from other. Several western teams, including Colorado and Minnesota, have offers still to come.

The rumours of the Islanders taking Duchene first overall baffle me. Sure the kid is good, but he's no Tavares or Hedman. Let's hope for Islanders fans (yes, there are some!) that these rumours are false.

Finally, how about our friend Eklund's rumour about the Sedins rights going to NYI? I don't believe it, but if it did happen, what a turn around the Islanders could be in for. I still think the Sedins will stay in Vancouver...

The Return of the Rumour Mill

Well kids, the cup has been handed out and now we head into silly season, where players will move from team to team and fans will renew their hopes and dreams of their favourite team hoisting the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup.

First, we start with Ottawa, who is shopping Heatley. A report came out today saying Heatley has interest in San Jose, and let me tell you, the feeling is mutual. The Sharks and Sens have held talks and it will be interesting to see how this happens. Heatley and Thornton would be a dynamic duo, but can the Sharks get Heatley without dealing big Joe? Talk is the deal could be a big one, with San Jose looking to dump Cheechoo, Marleau and possibly Clowe this summer. Don't be surprised if the Sens first round pick gets thrown into this to make this deal a big one.

The Canucks are still working hard to sign the Sedins, but nothing is close there as of yet. I'm hearing that if the Canucks lose the Sedins, they will use that money to lure Gaborik and one of Bouwmeester or Niedermayer to Vancouver. I'm hearing at this point that it's between Vancouver and Edmonton in the Bouwmeester race.

What about Toronto? Sundin coming back isn't out of the question, but Burke will only do so if he has the money remaining after he's done what he hopes to do. The Leafs have many players on their offseason radar including the Sedins, Komisarek, and Cammaleri. Expect Burke to be quite busy on the draft, with Kaberle the most likely current Leaf to be on the move. The Leafs and Tampa Bay continue to talk, but if talks fall through, the Leafs could move up to fifth by dealing with LA, a team very interested in dealing their pick for some veteran defensive help.

In Montreal, a good source told me to expect Koivu to head to Minnesota and join his brother. That same source told me he expects Komisarek and Kovalev to remain Habs.

In Anaheim, it will be an interesting summer for the Ducks. The rumoured Pronger for Johnson and the fifth overall pick deal isn't going to happen, Johnson's contract demands are just too high. The Ducks are looking to deal Giguere badly, and Toronto is the rumoured team that just won't go away. LA is another team, as is Edmonton.

We're hoping for a decision by judge Baum today about the future of the Phoenix Coyetes. While I have no inside information on the matter, I honestly believe Balsillie will pay whatever it takes to complete his dream. He's got corporate sponsors on board, I wouldn't be surprised if he offers some of them shares in the team for a little help at the start. The Hamilton Coyotes (I really like the name "SteelHawks") are still a very big possibility.

I'm about half done this mock draft, so please email me if you'd like to represent Buffalo...I've been stuck on Buffalo for several days, surely someone likes the Sabres?

Cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com if you want to get a hold of me!

Have a great monday!

Jacques Martin lands Habs coaching job

The Montreal Canadiens' coaching search is over, with the team signing former Ottawa Senators bench boss Jacques Martin to a contract. The move leaves the Florida Panthers in search of a new general manager.

Martin had little success in Ottawa and Florida, so the Habs, who are in a vulnerable state with their disappointing 100th season and a summer of uncertainty due to several big-name UFAs, are surprising me here.

I thought someone like Bob Hartley or Jacques Lemaire would have been a perfect choice for the Habs, but Martin is quite the shock to me.

What do you guys think?

Also, if you are a blogger for a certain team, please email me at cjohnon202@hockeyleaks.com as we are looking for representatives for our mock draft. It's a good way to get you and your blog some exposure!