Tuesday Night Rumors

This is a new feature I’m trying out for the off-season so pretty much I hope it works. Here zee go!

-I mentioned a week ago how the Avs were interested in Dany Heatley. Apparently, there may be more teams in the hunt including, yes, the New York Islanders(gasp!). A deal with the Islanders would possibly include, yes, the first overall pick of the Draft(another gasp!). There is a big market for a high-scoring winger and Heatley is one of the names in the mix.

-I’ve been asked about the future of Jason Smith. He didn’t have his best year including missing the rest of the season because of a lower body injury. I’ve been told he is contemplating his future but don’t expect a quick decision to come out. I expect him to announce his choice mid- August.

-July 1st isn’t very far, and expect some rumblings to come in Sens’ land in the next few days. I’ve heard the Sens are interested in Ales Kotalik, Mikael Samuelsson, Jiri Hudler, PJ Axelsson, and Phil Kessel. Right now Bryan Murray is talking to Ken Holland about the services of Hudler in exchange for Chris Kelly and a draft pick. However, I fully expect PJ Axelsson to sign with the Sens. It’s been rumored for a long time and Alfredsson would likely convince his Swedish buddy to come over to the good side.

-On the draft font, the 9th pick overall could be a very interesting one. I actually heard a rumor that Ottawa and St.Louis are talking a swap of some picks(9th for 18th, 48th, 108th) so the Sens in the meantime could get more picks and also draft Chris Kreider. Kreider is a very skilled player who has been compared to the likes of Jordan Staal and Rick Nash. It’s possible guys.

-On the GM front, it seems as if Murray will stay for the 09-10 season. If it’s another season of wary excuses, then he’s gone. I’ve heard Bryan is in contention for the President Role which would open the GM Role to you guessed it, Steve Yzerman.