News From Around The Crease

 

~ TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs have received at least five offers for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. As they stand, none are good enough for General Manager Brian Burke to accept. But some finagling between the draft on Friday and the middle of July, when Kaberle's no trade clause is back in effect, could entice Burke to pull the trigger.

It is believed Burke is looking for a first round pick in a deal, but that is not necessarily a deal breaker. More importantly, Burke wants a scoring threat that can be plugged right into the lineup. While it's likely Kaberle will end up being traded, it is still possible that the Maple Leafs could retain his services and sign him to an extension.

~ The Phoenix Coyotes would like to build upon their shocking turnaround last season and have already made moves to bring back some key components, such as defenseman Keith Aucion, left wing Taylor Pyatt and left wing Scottie Upshall. General Manager Don Maloney focused his attention on mid-season acquisition Wojtek Wolski on Thusday, signing the 24-year old winger to a two-year, $7.6 million contract. The deal will pay Wolski $3.8 million per season - a raise from the $3.1 million he earned last year.

Wolski was acquired by the Coyotes from the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline this past March. The Avs received Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter in the deal. In 18 regular season games following the trade, Wolski netted six goals and a point-per-game pace, while adding five points in seven postseason games against the Detroit Red Wings. He totaled 23 goals and 65 points last year between the Avalanche and Coyotes.

~ Following the mega-deal from last night/early this morning that sent Dustin Byfuglien to the Atlanta Thrashers, the Chicago Blackhawks were immediately on the phones again. This time, General Manager Stan Bowman shipped pending restricted free agent forward Colin Fraser to the Edmonton Oilers for a sixth round selection (151st overall) in this year's draft.

Fraser is not a game-changer by any standard, but he is a solid depth player who is hard working and can add a bit of offense. The 25-year old scored seven goals and added 12 assists for 19 points last season in 70 games. He played just three games during the Blackhawks' run to the Stanley Cup. He had no points during that time.

In Edmonton, he has the ability to spread his wings a bit more. He should remain a third or fourth liner. But he will gain more responsibility from an organization starving for production from every player that suits up. For Chicago, this was another salary dump to try and clear some space in preparation for 2010-11, and to re-sign goaltender Antti Niemi.

~ Darren Dreger has learned that the Boston Bruins granted permission to Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas and his agent, Bill Zito, to seek a trade directly with other NHL teams. It is no secret that with the emergence of Tuukka Rask, the Bruins would love to shed the remaining three years and $15 million owed to Thomas. General Manager Peter Chiarelli believes this approach will give the team a better shot at unloading him. Thomas' deal includes a no-trade clause. But he will waive it for the right opportunity, which is more likely to come along if he agent is making the calls.

 

~ The Montreal Canadiens tendered qualifying offers to five of their upcoming restricted free agents. Forwards Maxim Lapierre, Tom Pyatt, and Sergei Kostitsyn, defenseman Mathieu Carle and goaltender Carey Price were given offers. Benoit Pouliot, acquired in a trade with Minnesota last November, was not. Those who do not receive qualifying offers by June 28 will be eligible as unrestricted free agents when the market opens on July 1.

~ As a reminder, the 2010 NHL Entry Draft begins tomorrow evening live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. TSN will have the coverage in Canada and Versus will be the U.S. carrier, likely using the TSN broadcast as usual. Will the Oilers take Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin with that first overall pick?