Flyers raise the bar for Habs' Kostitsyn

Darren Dreger says top 10 free agents http://www.tsn.ca/

This came from the Eklund site. Geez, I hope this isn't the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch type 'eenie-meenie minee moe' journalism. On the Sundin Front.... From a source, "Tomorrow is the key day." Another source told me something that was very encouraging if you are a Habs fan... "Talking to a Swedish friend of Mats he is starting to get excited about the possibility of playing in Montreal. His talks with Gainey have left him 'Blown away' by the man's professionalism and integrity. And Mats has even said he thinks Montreal would be a wonderful city to play in. Mats friend really believes that it is Montreal or retirement. And that the second Mats decides to make a go of it a 2-year deal will get done." "The Canadiens don't want Mats to do something he doesn't want to do. The Habs are fine saying, 'give us a try we know you will like it.'" In other words, if Mats wants another year it can be negotiated during the season if need be. Another source told me that Koivu may be playing a role as well, and also as a source said: "Saku is so respected by the Scandinavian Hockey Community that it is hard to imagine Mats hasn't contacted him." Compensation continues to be sketchy and there are some teams that are upset with the fact that the compensation has not been stated publicly yet. I continue to hear Grabovsky's name being mentioned. I don't believe the Higgins rumours for a second..

Has anyone heard what the story is on Ryder, Any offers, no offers,Whats the word around Montreal. I also dont think Sundin will play for the habs, because I think he is only pushing his value up in Toronto. And Fletcher is helping by offering 7 mill.Keep on track with YOUTH.

Ahhh, these Laugh fans. Three years ago they were falling over themselves to sign McCabe for whatever he wanted even though we all knew he sucked. Now they all want to get rid of him because they finally figured out that fact and are crapping all over him. Thank god I'm not a fan of that putrid organization. I hope he sticks it to them any way he can. Don't void the NTC Bryan, stay in your loved T.O. with those oh so fickle fans. Toronto is hockey Central? PUHHHH-LEEEEASSSSEEEEE. Maybe if management wasn't so dumb in the first place!

Tampa Bay -doormats? This past year was the first time in 7 years they didnt make the playoffs...

Gary Roberts can fit in Tampa. I wish we could have Roberts. He's tough and the kind of guy people listen to. Those kind of guys are needed, Therrien really screwed up when he benched him in the finals.

Devils may chase Tucker ... by Mark Everson .... http://www.nypost.com/seven/06282008/sports/devils/devs_may_chase_tucker...

Because of the cap, something that I think we will increasingly see during this time of year are the 'domino' trades. Trades that are made to either financially accommodate or rationalize rosters in response to Free Agent signings. What's available could be fairly fluid as teams compete for certain FA's. It makes predicting what rosters will look like in September very tricky. I have said this before but I will say it again, we may be surprised what opportunities present themselves if Sundin doesn't sign with us before Tuesday. With Gainey at the helm for this complex time of year we couldn't be in better hands. I for one feel confident that no matter how things unfold we will be in the best situation possible, given all the factors in play, when the dust settles. Just my humble opinion... or two cents.

Jagr unlikely to return to the Rangers ... By Larry Brooks ... New York Post ..... http://www.nypost.com/seven/06282008/sports/rangers/jaromir_unlikely_to_...

Hey Sign - nice initiative! Way to take action T-Roy: I know, I know... PS: Everybody can rest easy worrying about the Laffs 'cause Cliff has a PLAN!!! ~Listen to the smart dog!

Probably old news but Tampa has acquired exclusive negotation rights to Malone and Roberts.

Everybody just calm down. Kostitsyn's agent has said that Andrei is happy and wants to stay in Montreal. Also saying that Andrei doesn't expect to break the bank and that he realizes that experience is also considered when talking contracts and knows that Andrei's salary can't be based only on one full NHL season.

I am disgusted. This is irresponsible journalism by Pat Hickey. At a time when salaries are rising out of control, this will only serve to stir the pot in the Kostitsyn camp and make life a little bit more difficult for BG and our Habs. It's factually incorrect in that it leaves out a HUGE difference. Carter was not playing on the team's best line, with Kovalev on the other wing. He probably had less ice time, certainly had less support... so he did more with less. ~Listen to the smart dog!

So, is Holmgren still the genius all the Gainey bashers have asserted? Glad BG is the GM. If he signs Sundin that will shut a lot of the naysayers' mouths. #25 in 2009 is possible. Gilbert

Who were Carter's line-mates? ~Listen to the smart dog!

I think the Carter signing puts Philly at 55 mil. Which doesn't leave anything for Jason Smith. To make this deal work they have given up Umberger, Smith and Prospel (no big loss there). Meanwhile we have added Tanguay, still have plenty of room to bring someone else in and will not be giving up any of the elements that were significantly in play during the second round series.(just to nip this in the bud, Streit had 2 assists, both Gorges and Boullion were able to do that.) I wouldn't mind seeing how things will turn out another time around.

Gainey should just bite the bullet and give Kostitsyn whatever he feels he is worth. He is young, he seems to like playing in Montreal, and he has a bright future ahead of him. Sundin clearly has no intention of becoming a Hab. If he had, Gainey would heard by now. No news is bad news. He's headed south of the border - forget it Bob!