From Tom Gulitti at NorthJersey.com (Link):

“It appears defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski, who signed a three-year, $5.4 million contract last summer, is on his way out. If the Devils can’t find a taker in a trade, they could place Vishnevski on waivers and, if he’s not claimed, send him to the minors, which would clear $1.8 million in cap space.

When asked if Vishnevski would be on the team next season, Lamoriello replied, “I can’t answer that.”"

If this is true, then I for one am surprised.  Vish is a bit of a mixed bag for me: He hits like a truck and is a great punisher on the blue line, but he also gives up his positioning to make these hits work.  His contract is a bit large, but he played within my expectations.

But my surprise comes from the fact that few teams would like to pick up a defenseman like him.  With players like Jeff Finger getting $3.5M per year, who wouldn’t want a player like Vish with his cap hit for 2 more years?

From the sound of things, this might be part of a bigger overall plan.  Obviously, nobody wants Vishnevski by himself (especially after hearing that he may be placed on wavers anyways), but as part of a larger package… possibly one for a defenseman, it might be do-able.  It’s pretty obvious that Lou is not done for the summer, and that the Devils need to improve their D.  With $1.35M in cap space left, the only way to achieve this is through a trade.

Which brings us to this new report from The Insider on Pittsburgh Sports (Link):

“The New Jersey Devils are having trade discussions with the Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes. I’m hearing the Devils are looking at Hurricanes defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr. Calgary is very interested in Brian Gionta.”

I don’t know how much truth this report holds, but if true, it would be a great deal.  Frantisek Kaberle had 0g, 22a, and was a -4 over 80gp.  Robyn Regehr put up similar numbers with 5g, 15a, and was a +11 over 82gp.  In playoffs he garnered 2 assists over 7 games.

Carolina currently has $8.358M free in cap space.  However, their needs are not as clear as Calgary, who recently signed Todd Bertuzzi to a 1 year, $1.95M contract.  Their current cap space is: -1.449M, which means they need to make room.  Furthermore, a cursory look at their current lineup shows a deficiency in RWs.  The big question is:  While trading Regehr for Gionta helps add a great winger to the organization, what does it do to solve their current salary cap woes (a $4M per year hit versus a $4.02M hit)?

So until Calgary clears some additional space, a straight up trade involving Gionta just won’t happen.  The only twist on this situation is that the Flames have dealt with the Devils in the past, taking in David Hale (and a 5th rounder) in 06/07 for a 3rd Rounder in the 07′ Draft, who was recently signed by the Phoenix Coyotes. Furthermore, Flames GM Darryl Sutter is brother to Devils coach Brent Sutter.

But, knowing Lou, he will surprise us all and get… oh… I don’t know… Kevin Bieksa from the Canucks.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE: It appears Regehr has an NTC with Calgary further closing the door on that trade rumor.

Copyright Getty Images

Are the Rangers really interested in signing Mats Sundin? According to the NY Post’s Larry Brooks, that just might be the case. Though the Canadiens currently have a negotiating window before July 1.

The 37 year-old Swedish pivot has had an illustrious career playing first for the Nordiques and for over the last decade with the Maple Leafs. The nine-time All-Star all with Toronto all after coming over as part of the Wendel Clark trade has been one of the game’s most consistent forces up the middle. While it’s true his only 100-point season came way back in 1992-93 with Quebec, Sundin’s always been a complete player who played both ends of the rink and could be relied on for 30+ goals and over 70 points while posting a respectable plus/minus on a defenseless Original Six team north of the border.

His size (6-5, 231) makes him a royal pain to play against as he combines strength with finesse. The super skating is still there as is the touch. Sundin also is superb in the faceoff circle placing 13th at 55.2 percent. It’s worth noting that Ranger pivots Chris Drury (54.9 pct, 18th) and Scott Gomez (52.5 pct, 30th) also fared well.

However, if the Blueshirts were able to add Sundin at a discount with money deferred in some sort of package with Jaromir Jagr to form a lethal top line, once again Drury would be centering the third line or even moved to the wing due to Brandon Dubinsky’s development. On paper, this might seem like a good problem to have. However, many Ranger fans remember what happened when they became so overloaded at center a few ugly years back with Eric Lindros, Bobby Holik, Mark Messier and even Petr Nevded destroying Jamie Lundmark’s career.

Sometimes, having too many bullets in one hole can be a detriment because there won’t be enough ice-time for everyone to be happy and serve in defined roles.

From the looks of it, it sounds like Sundin wants Broadway more than the other way around. With Glen Sather needing to decide whether Jagr’s returning and if Sean Avery, Martin Straka, Brendan Shanahan and Michal Rozsival remain in their plans, it’s awfully hard to get a read on where exactly the future 600-goal Hall of Famer fits.

The Rangers need to focus on upgrading the blueline with a top defender who can log significant minutes while shutting down the opposition and find a capable skating D who can run the power play. Brooks Orpik would address the lack of physicality but his asking price might be too steep. Factor in that the Pen has been injury prone and handing out a long-term contract to a player who plays that rugged style might not be such a great investment.

As for the PP solution, Brian Campbell has been mentioned a ton. While the ex-Sabre who likely won’t return to San Jose after being rented has the skating and offensive game to upgrade a man-advantage, he’s not the best player in his end and will command a ton of cash. Someone will overpay. Is he worth it? After watching how weak he performed for the Sharks, I say no.

I’d much rather go after Mark Streit from Montreal, who did a stellar job getting his point shot through on the No.1 ranked PP in the league while also doubling up front. The versatile 30 year-old from Switzerland who totaled 62 points (13-49-62) had more than half via the power play (7 PPG, 27 PPA) and would be a cheaper alternative.

Another player who wouldn’t be a bad idea is Kristian Huselius. The 29 year-old left wing is a solid skater who can score and setup teammates. The former Panther evolved into one of Calgary’s top forwards the past two seasons totaling 59 goals and 84 helpers for 143 points along with a plus-31 rating. If there was a hindrance, it was that he didn’t find the back of the net during the Flames’ last two first round ousters finishing with just six assists in defeats to Detroit and San Jose. He’ll likely be on the market next week when the free agent frenzy begins.

Huselius is a complementary forward who can play on a first or second line. If say Straka or Avery (perhaps both) aren’t back, he wouldn’t be a bad idea. It really all depends on what direction Sather decides to go.

Leafs Buy Out Tucker: Also in the news yesterday was the Leafs making it official buying out Darcy Tucker paving the way for the gritty wing to become a UFA. Clearly, the 33 year-old’s career is on the downside after an injury plagued 2007-08 in which his production suffered tallying 34 points (18-16-34) in 74 games. The prior season, he missed 18 more games and produced nine more points including 24 goals.

Tucker isn’t the same player but it’s not had to see Slats deciding on the veteran as a replacement for Avery, who looks to have priced himself out of New York. Why wouldn’t it shock me if they traded places?

Melrose Place Now In St. Pete: And finally, it became official yesterday as Barry Melrose Place is no longer Bristol but rather St. Petersburgh. The ex-King coach who was a solid NHL analyst on ESPN for more than a decade will return to coaching 12 years later as he tries to turnaround the Lightning. Best of luck Barry. You’ll need plenty!

According to Al Strachan on HNIC’s Hockey Hotstove, as reported by Paul Kukla:

“Strachan mentioned the Canucks would claim Richard Matvichuk if the Devils tried to bring him back up. Devils may just let him sit and hope the Canucks try to make a deal with them.”

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/about_time_hnic/

More nuggets including an Outdoor ASG, Glenn Healy in Toronto and more.

Recap tomorrow…sigh.

According to a report, Pittsburgh and Buffalo will take each other on at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year’s Day at 1:00 PM on NBC.

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/rss/s_523982.html

Neither NBC or NHL officials would confirm, but the announcement is expected on Sept. 10

Reportedly, the Penguins will be in Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium for an outdoor game on January 1st, tentatively titled “The Ice Bowl”.

Remember, the official schedule is released tomorrow, so we’ll find out if it’s true.

-Ladislav Nagy and Michael Handzus to Los Angeles. Both would be solid signings for them.
-Zubrus possibly to the Leafs.
-Preissing to the Kings as well.

Neil Best told me that NBC is talking to former Islanders Coach/GM/Coach Again/Coach for a short time/GM Mike Milbury about filling Brett Hull’s arrogant ass in the NBC studio chair with Clement and Ferraro. Would be a good move for NBC if they could do it.

Here are the rest of the locals Day 2 Draft Picks:

New Jersey

NY Rangers

NY Islanders