Saturday July 21st Rumours

Good morning ya'll. Here's your Saturday rumour roundup:

-Multiple sources have confirmed that the San Jose Sharks are interested in Ottawa Senators defenseman Wade Redden. What I'm being told is that Ottawa General Manager Bryan Murray may be shopping Redden; however, he is looking for a younger 2nd line centerman who he would not end up losing to free agency after the season.

Pauser's Note: This makes sense as both Dany Heatley's and Jason Spezza's contracts are up for renewal at the end of the season. If they were to add Patrick Marleau to the mix they'd be guaranteed to lose at least one of them.

-The rumours of either Patrik Elias or Brian Gionta to Vancouver continue to linger out there. Word is that when Zach Parise is re-signed, this will create a ripple effect within the New Jersey organization and several trades will happen.

The latest of what I've been hearing is that Vancouver defenseman Mattias Ohlund has agreed to waive his no trade clause, and the proposed deal right now would see Mattias Ohlund and a 2nd round pick being dealt to New Jersey for Brian Gionta.

Also, Edmonton would send Jarret Stoll, Andrew Cogliano, 1st round pick to New Jersey for Patrik Elias.

Pauser's Note: Wow. Were you able to keep up with all that? Both trades make sense for all the teams involved. Vancouver needs a top 6 forward with a scoring touch, and Gionta has just that. Edmonton gets a first line player to play with Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff, while New Jersey gets a rock on defense as well as some youth and toughness upfront. New Jersey looks to be in somewhat of a transition mode and this is definately a step in the right direction.

-There are strong rumours about free agent center Michael Peca signing with the Buffalo Sabres. Currently Buffalo is looking at re-signing their restricted free agents, as well as trying to bring in a true number 1 centerman first. Once that happens, look for contract negotiations between Peca and the Sabres to heat up.

Pauser's Note: Peca loved his stay in Buffalo prior to moving on to Long Island. It would make sense for Buffalo to bring in a guy like Michael Peca. We saw that they sorely lacked grit during last years playoffs, and it really hurt them in the conference finals. Look for something to happen near the end of August.

-Despite rumours of the Florida Panthers trading franchise centerman Olli Jokinen, look for Jokinen to begin the season in a Florida Panthers uniform.