Friday Morning Rumours

With other online hockey rumour bloggers out there (Eklund, Brochu, Hockeyleaks) and their rumours (some more credible than others), I have decided to break my silence and post the actual rumours of what is going on in the world of the NHL.

Yes folks, these rumours are all legitimate and are being reported as I get them. Unlike other posters I will not post anything and everything that I hear. I will only post rumours to trades, signings, and other hockey related movements that are LIKELY to occur. No, this does not guarantee that they will indeed happen; however, what you read here will be certainly more than media speculation.

To start, here's what I have for you now:

-A source out of Vancouver (Team 1040 radio) has confirmed that the Vancouver Canucks are in negotiations with former Dallas Stars forward Eric Lindros on a one year contract. Lindros (34) has been primarily focused on NHLPA matters; however, hasn't ruled out the possibility of retirement. In the past 3 seasons he has not played over 49 games in each season, so any type of contract would have to be incentive laden.

-A source out of Toronto has informed me that John Ferguson Jr. is currently holding negotiations with Curtis Joseph to back up newly acquired goaltender Vesa Toskala. A contract offer is pending the trade of former starting goaltender Andrew Raycroft.

-Multiple sources have confirmed that New Jersey Devils General Manager Lou Lamoreillo is very close to re-signing restricted free agent center Zach Parise to a long-term contract, worth between $3.5 to 4.5 million per season (cap hit).

-A source out of California has informed me that the San Jose Sharks are currently looking for a veteran puck moving defenseman to shore up their back end. They were in negotiations with free agent defenseman Sheldon Souray prior to him signing in Edmonton. The reason why Souray didn't sign in San Jose is because they are attempting to re-sign captain Patrick Marleau, and with Souray's salary on a long-term deal, re-signing Marleau wouldn't have been possible.

-A source out of Sweden has reported that free agent center Peter Forsberg is leaning towards coming back to the NHL next season. He would have interest in going back to Colorado, and despite public reports, Colorado may have interest in Forsberg on a 1 year contract.

-A source out of Philadelphia claims that General Manager Paul Holmgren is looking for some more toughness in the bottom 6. He is rumoured to have some interest in New York Rangers free agent Sean Avery; however, would need to clear some cap space in order to afford him once he is signed.