Rumour Update

Here is a list of the most discussed names leading to the deadline, and rumours to possible suitors:


THE BIG THREE

Olli Jokinen - San Jose, Detroit, Minnesota, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton (rumoured to have offered a "serious young star" in exchange)

Brad Richards - Columbus, Minnesota, Vancouver, Dallas, Montreal (rumoured to have thrown their name in the mix on Sunday). Richards reportedly gave Tampa management a list of teams he would waive his NTC to play for. He will make $7.8 million over the next 3 seasons. TSN.ca reports Vancouver, Columbus and Dallas have all submitted offers for the Conn Smythe trophy winner.

Marian Hossa - Montreal, Detroit, San Jose, Boston (Waddell reportedly checked out the Bulldogs/Marlies AHL tilt tonight, where Hamilton won 3-1 led by 2 goals from Grabovski)


THE BEST OF THE REST:

Alex Tanguay - Montreal, NY Islanders

Brian Campbell - Chicago, San Jose

Vaclav Prospal - Detorit, Nashville

Rob Blake - Anaheim, San Jose (Likely to stay put in L.A however)

Sergei Fedorov - Ottawa, Montreal, but likely to stay in Columbus.

Dwayne Roloson - Likely to be dealt, although no real teams rumoured. I'd guess Ottawa.

Michael Ryder - Calgary, Dallas

Patrick Marleau - Calgary, Montreal. A deal was rumoured to be offered by San Jose to Toronto which would have sent Marleau, Bernier, Ehrhoff and a 2nd rounder for Sundin and Kaberle, but with Sundin's recent refusal to waive his NTC, that rumoured deal can now be forgotten of.

J.M. Liles - Boston, NYR, Pittsburgh

Bryan McCabe - Has reportedly stated that he would "consider" moving to a contender. Interestees could include San Jose, NYR and Boston.

Jaromir Jagr - Likely to not be dealt as he seems to be awakening from a season-long sluber, but rumoured to be interested in by Calgary and San Jose.


ALMOST CERTAIN TO STAY PUT (but still have been rumoured to move):

Mats Sundin - Check that; Mats is now officially staying put. Speculation and rumours have it that Mats may retire at season's end, which would explaing why he wants to remain a Leaf. I will say this now: I think Sundin will get booed at Toronto's next home game...as much as it is a shame, fans are fans, and Mats may have crushed the potential of landing a few solid prospects for the Leafs.

Dan Boyle - New owner Oren Koules is intent on keeping his assets, and if Prospal gets dealt (as he should), Boyle will almost certainly stay.

Tomas Kaberle - Rumours galore, but Tomas' agent has stated that Tomas will not waive his NTC.


As I expected, no big deals have been made prior to the last 2 days of the deadline, excluding the Ottawa - Carolina swap. Tuesday has the potential to be something specaial...So many big names in the mix this year; difference is, Montreal is in the BUYER position for a change. Gainey should have his hands full within the next 24-48 hours, as the crunch time is upon him.