The NHL Minute – 5 Dec

Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location.  Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.

• NHLPA Plans to file grievance on Avery suspension
  The National Hockey League Players Association is planning on grieving Sean Avery’s 6-game suspension. The PA believes NHL commissioner Gary Bettman handed down a summary suspension before the hearing, constituting a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. The CBA suggests for off-ice discipline a hearing must take place before action is taken. (The Full Story on TSN)

News

• Wild keeping Gillies from World Juniors
  While Team Canada’s December camp roster for the World Junior Hockey Championship has room for additions, forward Colton Gillies will not be one of them. (The Full Story on TSN)
• Wilson puts struggling leafs through early morning skate
  For most NHL teams taking a road trip through a warm and sunny locale, a round of golf is usually on the schedule. But for a Toronto Maple Leafs club that dropped two of three games after a humiliating loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, it’s a good ol’ fashioned bag skate. (The Full Story on TSN)
• Can the Stars start fresh without Avery?
  While it has been made clear that the Dallas Stars aren’t interested in getting Sean Avery back in their lineup anytime soon — if at all — are there any other opportunities that might work with other teams around the NHL? (The Full Story on TSN)
• Canucks GM Gillis believes Sundin decision imminent
  As Mats Sundin continues to ponder his future, Canucks general Mike Gillis is once again attempting to convince the Maple Leafs all-time leading scorer that Vancouver should be his destination of choice. (The Full Story on TSN)

Trades & Transactions:

• None

Injuries:

• Sam Gagner (C – Oilers) Day-to-Day with concussion.
• Owen Nolan (RW – Wild) Day-to-Day with lower body injury.
• Robert Nilsson (LW – Oilers) Placed on Injured Reserve.

Rumours & Gossip:

• Possible trade locations for Avery?
  Could there be a trade involving Sean Avery?  An article allegedly from TSN lists 5 teams who could provide possible trade locations for the forward.  All would involve long term contracts that have not paid off; Dustin Penner (LW – Oilers), Jason Blake (LW – Maple Leafs), Radim Vrbata (RW – Lightning), Rostislav Olesz (LW – Panthers) & Sergei Samsonov (LW, Hurricanes).

Scores:

• Calgary 4 – 3 St Louis (Overtime)
• Vancouver 2 – 1 Minnesota
• Dallas 2 – 1 Colorado (shootout)
• Edmonton 5 – 4 Los Angeles (Shootout)

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

NHL Trade & Free Agent Rumours

It’s that time of year people, and the rumour mills are running wild. On the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, rumours about trades and free agency are starting to heat up. Here is a brief rundown of a few of the latest.

• The Sedin Twins. Although Canucks GM denies it, the rumours are rampant.
• Markus Naslund will apparently become a free agent, and will not be re-signed.
• Toronto acquired Jamal Mayers from the Blues for a 3rd round pick.
• Bryan McCabe is rumoured to be on the block in Toronto. Cliff Fletcher, GM of the Leafs denies all.
• Tampa Bay are rumoured to be trying to tie up top line centre, Vinnie Lecavalier to a multi-year deal.
• The San Jose Sharks are rumoured to be contemplating shopping the rights to Brian Campbell before the draft.
• The LA Kings are rumoured to have put Mike Cammalleri on the block.
• The Ottawa Senators are rumoured to be wanting to trade Ray Emery, however there is also talk of a buy-out if a trade can not be found.
• Wade Redden will most probably be leaving Ottawa if rumours prove to be true. Senators GM Brian Murray has confirmed he is open to the idea.
• Pavel Kubina’s NTC is no longer an issue, so he may change teams before the season starts.

And what of the 2 most popular trade rumours?

• Patrick Marleau has been talk of the town for a few years now, so trade rumours about the Sharks shipping him are not unheard of. At over $6 million a year, and declining offensive numbers it may be harder than it appears.
• Florida captain Olli Jokinen apparently wants out of Florida, and is rumoured to have made it clear to Panthers management he wants a trade. Olli would be a positive addition to most NHL teams… but which one?

Article Sources: NHL – Yahoo! Sports | Slam Canoe | NHL.com

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