NHL Buzz: Saturday, July 24th
Here are the latest rumors I am hearing from all across the NHL.
It is looking like Antti Niemi may be moved, the Blackhawks have said over and over there is no chance they are moving Patrick Sharp, and it is safe to say not many (if any) teams want Brian Campbell's contract, so Niemi looks like the only big contract that could be moved. Niemi has an arbitration hearing coming up and it is expected they will reward Niemi around $4 mil per year, the Blackhawks could then match the offer and keep him or let him go to free agency. This should be something to watch in the next few weeks.
Rumor has it the Bruins are still shopping Marc Savard. It seems the interested teams are not offering enough for Savard so it is tough to say if he will be moved. Rumor has it the Kings, Leafs and a few other teams would be interested but only if the asking price stays low.
Andy Strickland is reporting the Blues and defenseman Erik Johnson are closing in on a contract extension. Rumor has it that it will be a short-term deal as the Blues don't want to go long-term.
It appears the Ducks are leading the way for Kevin Bieksa's services. Other teams interested are the Kings, Sharks, Sabres, Blue Jackets and Islanders.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for several depth forwards, Arron Asham, Eric Belanger, and Dominic Moore have all came up.
As you know Tomas Kaberle's NTC kicks in Augest 15th, I fully expect Kaberle will be dealt by then. He won't be dealt before Monday as Brian Burke is on a fishing trip and didn't bring a cell phone or blackberry with him.
This concludes today's edition of NHL Buzz, enjoy.
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