However, Sundin says that a decision could come later this month.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Sundin said. “I think sometime in August I hope to come to a conclusion on what I’m going to do … if I’m going to play or not this year.”

Word came from Sundin’s agent, J.P Barry, back in late July that Mats would announce his plans by August 1st. Sundin says that was never the case.

“I never had a deadline,” Sundin said. “I know there was talk about the first of August, but …. I said sometime in August hopefully I’ll be able to make a decision. I won’t make that until I really feel comfortable with making a good decision.”

Reports are that there are as many as six teams interested in signing Sundin, but the former Maple Leafs captain says his priority is deciding whether he wants to continue his hockey career and not which team to suit up for next season.

“I haven’t even worried about any teams,” Sundin told Sportsnet. ” I’m just trying to bring my mind to a point where I can make a good decision whether or not I’m going to play hockey right now. That’s my first decision and we’ll go from there after that.”

Still, a return to Toronto has not been ruled out by the Swedish forward.

TSN reports are that the Maple Leafs will send McCabe to Florida along with another player, with at least one player coming back from the Panthers. Not Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, though. Sportsnet’ Nick Kypreos suggests that the player heading to Toronto is defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

However, McCabe’s agent, Ian Pulver, says that his client hasn’t made a decision on his future yet and the two sides continue to talk about a compromise.

“We continue to talk to the Leafs about whether he is going to remain a Leaf or move to another team. Technically he won’t waive the no-trade until there is a trade and there hasn’t been a trade.”

Pulver notes that McCabe may in fact stay in Toronto.

“Having said that, he may remain a Leaf. There’s a lot of things to discuss.”

Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher appears to support Pulver’s stance, saying that a deal is not imminent.

“(McCabe) hasn’t even said he would accept being traded yet. We’re working on it.”

It’s expected that if the Maple Leafs were to move McCabe, they would do it after September 1st, the day he is to receive a $2 million signing bonus.

McCabe is set to earn $6.15 million (including the $2 million dollar signing bonus) this season, and $4.15 million for the next two seasons remaining on his contract. His salary cap hit will remain at $5.75 million.

Avery was signed to four-year contract on July 2nd, and brings with him a fierce attitude that will fit in nicely with the Stars already aggressive bunch. Avery comes from the New York Rangers where he finished last season with 15 goals and 18 assists in just 57 regular season games. He did have quite the playoffs, as he had 4 goals and 3 assists in eight games.

Dallas fans have to like the idea of Sean Avery teaming up with Brenden Morrow and Steve Ott. This will make for a nice balance of rough lines that teams will certainly have to be aware of when they take on the Stars.

Avery is not just a physical player, but also one who can attack the net and make those around him better because of the presence he brings. The Stars reported that he is exactly the type of player that will complement their style of play.

The Stars have been locking up players they feel will not only make an impact this year but for the next few seasons, and that is what they believe Avery will deliver. This kind of firepower has to have the Stars as a favorite to make tons of noise in the 2008-2009 season, and it will be exciting to watch this team perform especially with the addition of Sean Avery.

The Philadelphia Flyers locked Joffrey Lupul up with a four-year contract extension. Lupul is one of several players the Flyers are committing to for years to come as they believe only good things will come from these young talents.

The Phoenix Coyotes re-signed left wing Daniel Carcillo in which they feel this sparkplug brings great balance of speed and toughness to the team. Carcillo led the league in penalty minutes last season as a rookie and that seemed to be the type of player the Coyotes want as they deal is undisclosed but was a 2 year contract.

The New Jersey Devils signing center Fedor Fedorov, who is the brother of Sergei Fedorov and has been playing in Europe the past few seasons.

Other signings this week included the Anaheim Ducks agreeing to one year contracts with left win Josh Green and center Eric Boguniecki. The biggest signing of the week has come from the Vancouver Canucks, as they signed six players Wednesday. Those players include RW-Ryan Shannon, C-Rick Rypien, RW-Mike Brown, Defs-Nathan McIver, Zach FitzGerald, and James Sharrow. Make sure to check back to see all the NHL’s top news as this year the Stanley Cup will truly be up for grabs. All this action is getting fans excited for the 2008-2009 season and with opening day being less than three months away it will be interesting to see what other deals come our way.

The fact the Fernandez is working out at the Bruins annual development camp shows what type of player he is and that leadership should not go unnoticed. With the 2008-2009 season being a contract year for Fernandez, he is out to prove why he was and still is an elite NHL goaltender.

The Bruins players are seeing just what Fernandez is to the team, as he is working hard to get back. That is a lost trait it seems like in the world of sports and while Fernandez understands he must be patient in his return, there is so much more he can provide Boston with in terms of leadership and guidance. Especially for the prospects, as having veteran leadership is something that we see all the time that makes teams as successful as they are.

Sure the young talent is the future, but experience goes a very long way especially in the NHL. So I think a lot of Bruins fans are anxious to see what the upcoming season will bring for Manny Fernandez because he is the type of guy you want around, and in the Bruins case back.

‘Hockey Player For Life’, an 88 page book, is the continuation or follow-up to last year’s ‘Hockey Days’ and is aimed at 11 - 15 year olds. The story features the main character from ‘Hockey Days’, Tom Leonard who is now 13 years old, as he becomes his AA hockey team’s ‘can’t miss kid.’ Along the way to the NHL, Tom hits a few road bumps and it takes his best friend Terry Adamson, who is the team’s worst player, and Tom’s mom and dad to teach him what it means to be a hockey player for life.

‘I’m really happy with the story,’ said Howard Shapiro. ‘It’s done in flashback and it was a lot of fun to write it from the perspective of a 13 year old. To tap into those emotions and feelings wasn’t too difficult since I remember those days vividly, as I think most people do. A friend who has read the book told me that even though he didn’t play any sports in school, he could still relate to what Tom and Terry go through in the story. That meant a lot to me because even though it is a hockey-themed book, I think teens and adults will be able to relate and identify with the struggles that both Tom and Terry go through on and off the rink.’

‘I am very honored to have the great Keith Primeau do the Foreword for the book. Having him do that means a tremendous amount to me and I cannot thank him enough. It was wonderful to work with Nico Di Mattia from Cordoba, Argentina who did the video. I gave him a storyboard and he ran with it and did a tremendous job. I highly encourage everyone to please check the video out. It’s very cool!’

For a sneak peek of ‘Hockey Player For Life’ and for further information, please log onto www.howardshapiro.net

Contact Supersonic Storybook Productions at 866.520.4286 or send an email to howard.shapiro@hotmail.com

VERSUS will kick-off the Conference Finals with a special 30-minute “Hockey Central” on May 8 at 7 p.m. ET, prior to Game 1 of the Western Conference Final between Dallas and Detroit. VERSUS’ Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage will culminate with exclusive coverage of the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. All VERSUS-produced games are produced in hi-definition.

The network’s studio show, “Hockey Central,” is hosted by Bill Patrick with Brian Engblom and Keith Jones and provides extensive insight and commentary of the games and what’s happening around the Stanley Cup Playoffs each night. VERSUS will, on occasion, bring players and coaches into the studio to serve as celebrity guest analysts. In the Quarterfinal round, Manny Legace, goaltender for the St. Louis Blues and Rick DiPietro, goaltender for the New York Islanders joined the VERSUS studio crew. Additions in the Conference Final round will be announced as information becomes available.

Among the regular segments of the studio show are the following:

• Keith Jones’ Odd Man Rush, Keith’s unique look at the plays and players who have put themselves in the spotlight, whether for good or bad
• Brian Engblom’s Reality Check, Brian’s personal opinion on NHL issues
• Highlights from games not airing on VERSUS, as well as Plays of the Week
• Parting Shots; where Engblom and Jones debate bullet point debate topics in rapid fire fashion
• Live-Look-Ins wherever possible, bringing viewers live action from games being played concurrently during VERSUS’ telecast
• Features on NHL players away from the ice
• Historical recaps which spotlight the defining and greatest moments in NHL Stanley Cup history

Total viewership for “Hockey Central” during the first two rounds of this postseason has increased 65 percent compared to the first two playoff rounds last year.

Assistant coach Dallas Eakins has been offered a position elsewhere in the organization. Keith Acton will remain as an assistant coach.

“My objective is to create the best environment possible for the next Leafs general manager to bring in his own staff and to create a new culture around the team,” said interim general manager Cliff Fletcher in making the announcement. “Since the season ended we’ve spent considerable time evaluating our organization and how best to move it forward. Paul has been in a difficult position for several months. Making this decision now also provides the best opportunity for Paul to pursue all options potentially open to him.”

Watch the Press Conference for full coverage:

For more analysis, Mapleleafs.com’s Mike Ulmer was at Air Canada Centre and he stopped in with his thoughts on the dismissal of Paul Maurice.

I have to admit, it’s pretty cool to read an NHL’er’s take on the post-season; not to mention that you can always find little bits of information you previously didn’t know. For example, Ryan is good friends with Colorado Avalanche defenseman John Michael Liles from their days at Michigan State. That’s an interesting tidbit, especially since Liles is an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. Might the two buddies reunite in Buffalo? The Sabres could sure use an offensive defenseman…

Ryan is also kind enough to answer questions from fans on his blog. Of course, I had to take advantage of the situation, so, I posted a question for Ryan. Here’s what he had to say:

RumorMeThis: Hey Ryan! Great blog. It’s really nice to read your thoughts on the playoffs. Speaking of the playoffs, I would be interested to know what is your all-time favorite moment in the post-season (one that you were part of)?

Ryan: Beating Ottawa in overtime to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. Just the sudden joy of winning in overtime and being able to really celebrate on the ice with the boys.

As a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and all-around Ottawa Senators hater, I found that answer a little humorous. It’s always fun watching the Senators get hoisted from the playoffs, no matter which team eliminates them. Sorry, Sens fans.

I was actually going to ask him about the rumors of him heading off to the Detroit Red Wings when his contract with the Sabres ends, but, browsing questions posted by other fans, I realized that that was already asked. Suffice to say, Ryan didn’t answer any questions regarding his contract. Can’t blame him, I guess. He’s in a no-win situation if he starts discussing his contract publicly.

Anyway, if you want to post a question for Ryan, head off to Maxim.com and ask away.

Check out one of their promos they have dubbed the “NHL playoff anthem.”

What do you think?

Stamford, CONN. (April 8, 2008)—VERSUS, the exclusive cable television home of the NHL, will televise wall-to-wall Stanley Cup Playoffs action starting April 9 with the Conference Quarterfinals as the Ottawa Senators begin their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7 p.m. ET followed by Game 1 of the series between the Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET. VERSUS will kick-off the night with “Hockey Central” at 6:30 p.m. ET. The network will air all of the rounds leading up to and including the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. Each night during the playoffs, VERSUS will televise one or two playoff games as well as the studio wrap-up show, “Hockey Central.”

Now in its third year televising the NHL, VERSUS has seen a substantial increase in total viewership and ratings for the 2007/08 regular season compared to the 2006/07 campaign. At the conclusion of this year’s regular season, national household ratings were up 50 percent (.3 vs. .2), total viewership showed an increase of 28 percent (272,417 vs. 212,366), household impressions were up 20 percent (192,675 vs. 160,134) and viewership for Men 25-54 was up 45 percent (99,753 vs. 69,018).

In the Conference Quarterfinals, which begin on April 9, VERSUS’ coverage is non-exclusive and subject to local blackouts. In the Conference Semifinals, which are scheduled to begin April 23, VERSUS has two exclusive games per series. During the Conference Finals, which are scheduled to begin on May 8, the network will have exclusive coverage of both series. The total number of playoff games will vary depending upon the length of each individual series. VERSUS’ Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage will culminate with the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, currently scheduled for May 27 and 29. All VERSUS-produced games in each series will be produced in hi-definition. VERSUS will, when feasible, simulcast games from Canadian networks to give viewers the unique perspective of other networks’ coverage.

“As the exclusive cable television home of the NHL, it is our goal to super-serve hockey fans during both the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said Gavin Harvey, President of VERSUS. “Our best-in-class production and hours of in-depth coverage, coupled with our tremendous presence online, on demand and on mobile, makes VERSUS the ultimate destination for both the casual and hardcore hockey fan.”

Check out VERSUS’ entire quarterfinal coverage for dates and times.

HOCKEY CENTRAL:

The network’s studio show, “Hockey Central,” is hosted by Bill Patrick with Brian Engblom and Keith Jones and will provide extensive insight and commentary of the games and what’s happening around the Stanley Cup Playoffs each night. VERSUS will also, on occasion, bring players and coaches into the studio to serve as celebrity guest analysts. From April 10 through April 14, Manny Legace, goaltender for the St. Louis Blues, will be the first guest to join the VERSUS studio crew.

Among the regular segments of the studio show are the following:

• Keith Jones’ Odd Man Rush, Keith’s unique look at the plays and players who have put themselves in the spotlight, whether for good or bad
• Brian Engblom’s Reality Check, Brian’s personal opinion on NHL issues
• Highlights from games not airing on VERSUS, as well as Plays of the Week
• Parting Shots; where Engblom and Jones debate bullet point debate topics in rapid fire fashion
• Live-Look-Ins wherever possible, bringing viewers live action from games being played concurrently during VERSUS’ telecast
• Features on NHL players away from the ice
• Historical recaps which spotlight the defining and greatest moments in NHL Stanley Cup history

VERSUS-on-Demand:

Each night VERSUS features a playoff match-up, the network will deliver a condensed highlight version of the game that will be distributed via the network’s VOD platform. These will be available the morning after game play, so that hockey fans who may not have seen the previous night’s game won’t miss out on any of the playoff action.

WEB AND MOBILE:

Throughout the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs, VERSUS.com will continue to provide extensive information about the NHL, including editorial coverage from some of the most knowledgeable hockey sources. The network also launched the playoffs specific microsite (www.versus.com/stanleycup), which features a video library of the defining moments from last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as the best moments in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. The network’s website will ramp up daily coverage to include game Podcasts and highlights from all of VERSUS’ games as well as daily insider video featuring VERSUS’ NHL talent on the network’s broadband channel “The Player.” Each night after the studio show, VERSUS’ talent will film web-exclusive content that will give the inside scoop on what has happened to-date in the playoffs, as well as their predictions for the future games in the series. The website will also feature a fan zone area where viewers can submit their ultimate NHL moment and photos of a game they attended for a chance to win great playoff prizes.

The network will run media rich banner advertisements on national sports and endemic hockey websites which will, when clicked on, feature expanding video of the previous night’s game highlights. In addition to the media rich banners, VERSUS will also place flash banners on these national sports and endemic hockey sites which will allow viewers to enter their mobile telephone number to receive real-time game alerts throughout the playoffs including when games are about to go in to sudden-death overtime.

VERSUS celebrates real competition in all its forms across all platforms (VERSUS.com, VERSUS on Demand and VERSUS HD). Now in more than 74 million homes, the network is the national cable home of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as best-in-class events such as The Tour de France, Davis Cup Tennis, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR), World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) and Professional Boxing. The network also offers collegiate sports featuring nationally-ranked teams from top conferences such as the Pac-10, Big 12 and Mountain West. VERSUS features the best field sports programming on television and is a destination for sports fans, athletes and sportsmen to find exclusive, competitive events that audiences can’t find elsewhere. VERSUS, a wholly owned company of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA, CMCSK), is distributed via cable systems and satellite operators throughout the United States.

Perhaps that’s why Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has initiate contract talks with Carter’s agent, Rick Curran, as Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post Online reports. However, a deal isn’t close to being completed.

Carter was almost traded along with a first round draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the trade deadline in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kaberle. The deal was called off when Kaberle refused to waive his no-trade clause.

Erik Erlendsson of The Tampa Tribune suggests that with the addition of “couple of top-six forwards” (whether acquired via free agency or the entry draft), “at least one more veteran defenseman,” and “a solid backup goaltender” the Tampa bay Lightning would be a much better team.

The Lightning have $33 million already committed to 14 players for next season, leaving them perhaps as much as $23 million to spend under the salary cap. Of course, the club may have a different budget to work with depending on what ownership may impose.

Atlanta Thrashers forward Slava Kozlov tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal Constitution that his team could really use a top defenseman.

“This team needs a foundation, defensively - like a [Zdeno] Chara or [Nicklas] Lidstrom. Good teams, they have one or two very good defensemen who can play 30-35 [minutes per game]. Like [Chris] Pronger on Anaheim - one of those guys. They’re hard to find, but that’s what we need. With our goalie, he can win a game by himself, but we have to help them. We can’t let the other team shoot 40-45 times.”

According to Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, the future of pending UFA forward Mats Sundin with the Toronto Maple Leafs is up in the air.

The team may decide to offer him an $8 million deal over two years, or not even bother to bring him back.

Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun suggests that any team thinking of spending the $3 or $4 million Calgary Flames pending UFA forward Kristian Huselius may ask for this summer, would be better off spending their money elsewhere.

The 31-year-old has seen his ice time reduced from fourth-line minutes to zero, as he has been made a healthy scratch in three of the teams last past eight games.

“Uh, I mean … aahhh, hmmm … I don’t know what to say,” he said before answering most questions. “I feel bad because I don’t have answers.”

“I just don’t know what to do or say. It’s playoff time. It’s crunch time. I don’t want to be a distraction,” Parrish said. “The only thing I care about is the team winning and these guys in the locker room. The last thing I want is to be viewed as a distraction or negative thing. I want to cheer these guys on.”

Might the Minnesota-native demand a trade in the off-season? His fall from favor with the coaching staff and management could surely provide an incentive for him to do just that.

And the Wild may just comply. Of course, if there are no takers, other avenues could be explored by the club to rid themselves of Parrish’s $2.65 million salary cap hit.

Should his play not improve during the remainder of the regular season and into the playoffs, perhaps GM Doug Risebrough may decide to buy out Parrish, who is in the second year of a five-year, $13.25 million deal. Placing Parrish on waivers and sending him to the minors is a possibility, but would the Wild ownership accept paying all that money for an AHLer? Not likely.

For now, Parrish says that he’s not thinking of what may happen down the road but what he can do to get in the line-up and help his team right now.

“I want to play, but I can’t control that. All I can control is my efforts, my actions, my attitude.”

While Penguins GM Ray Shero has reportedly offered Malone a contract, he is not willing to pay him much more than the $1.45 million Malone is making this season.

Rossi believes that the 28-year-old could get upwards of $3.5 million per season on a three-year deal in the off-season, pricing himself right out of Pittsburgh. The Penguins simply cannot afford to retain Malone at such a salary, even if the cap is supposed to increase by as much as $4 million.

The Penguins are already committed to a number of high-priced players on their roster, including forward Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million salary cap hit), defenseman Sergei Gonchar ($5 million), and defenseman Ryan Whitney ($4 million).

The club also has a number of key restricted free agent forwards they would like to re-sign long-term, namely forwards Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Malkin and Staal could command a combined salary cap hit of $11 million (beginning in 2009-10), while Fleury might cost an average of $3 million.

Secondary players such as defensemen Brooks Orpik and Mark Eaton, and forwards Pascal Dupuis, Jarkko Ruutu, Georges Laraque, and Gary Roberts will also need to be re-signed, or replaced.

The could be a total cap hit of $38.7 million for 13 players.

Of course, the Penguins may also want to bring back pending UFA forward Marian Hossa, which could cost them around $7 million per season. That’s $45.7 million for 14 players.

Adding Malone and his potential $3.5 million cap hit would bring the total figure to $49.2 million for 15 players. Shero isn’t expected to burden his club with those kind of salary cap troubles.

So, unless Malone decided to give the Penguins a hometown discount, it’s more than likely he’ll sign elsewhere in the summer.

“I’m not just saying I want to stay because this is my home town,” says Morrison. “If this team was a bottom feeder, there’s no way I would want to hang around. I want to win as much as the next guy; I happen to think that’s possible with this team.”

However, salary and term will play an important factor in where he will play next season and beyond. Whether it’s in Vancouver, or elsewhere, Morrison doesn’t appear too interested in accepting any less than what he sees as fair value.

“… I’m not going to sit here and say the numbers aren’t important. Any player who would say money is not important is lying because you only have so many years to make a living in this business and you have to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes along.”

As for the Canucks, GM Dave Nonis has said in the past that “he intends to try to re-sign Morrison.” Of course, they want Morrison to take a pay cut on the $3.2 million salary he is earning this season and sign a short-term deal, too. But with a number of teams in the market for a play-making center, it’s unlikely that the 32-year-old will have to accept those terms.

“It all depends on what teams will be looking for,” said Morrison, who like so many players of his age and era has waited his whole career to get to this point of freedom. “We’ll look at it at the end of the year and see what happens.”

Morrison is believed to be seeking at least $3.2 million per season, on a deal spanning four years or more, perhaps pricing himself out of Vancouver.

Mainly, the Blue Jackets will look to add a couple of puck-moving defenseman.

With all of Rostislav Klesla, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Kris Russell signed through at least next season, the Blue Jackets have three spots to fill in their top-six.

Dick Tarnstrom is unlikely to return.

And then there’s restricted free agents Jan Hejda and Ron Hainsey, who may not be brought back if Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson finds their asking prices too costly. Hejda is likely to get a raise on his current $1 million salary, and it is thought that Hainsey may seek upwards of $3-4 million per season.

Staying in-house is an option for Howson. The Blue Jackets have Marc Methot and Aaron Rome in their system (both RFAs) who “are held in high” by the club. The Blue Jackets could also bring up Duvie Westcott, who is currently playing for the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate team.

However, picking up reinforcements from the open market appears to be a more viable option for Howson if he really wants to give his club a stronger defense.

John-Michael Liles of the Colorado Avalanche, Wade Redden of the Ottawa Senators, Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks and Brad Stuart of the Detroit Red Wings are all set to become UFAs July 1st. A number of second tier defensemen could also become available.

The belief is that Carter will seek a similar deal to the one signed by teammate Mike Richards, who signed a 12-year, $69 million contract extension earlier in the season. Carter and Richards have similar career statistics, and so would be comparables during negotiations.

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch suggests that the Columbus Blue Jackets may re-sign pending UFA forward Michael Peca because he has a great “dressing room presence” and could help guide Rick Nash through the “early stages” of his captaincy.

Portzline also speculates that the Buffalo Sabres will botch contract negotiations with goaltender Ryan Miller much in the same way they did with forwards Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, and defenseman Brian Campbell.

Miller is set to become a UFA after the 2008-09 season, and word is that he already sees himself playing for the Detroit Red Wings in 2009-10. A native of East Lansing, Michigan, Miller is also good friends with Red Wings goaltending coach Jim Bedard.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun suggests that if the Toronto Maple Leafs can’t trade forward Darcy Tucker, they should buy him out.

A buy out would cost the Maple Leafs two-thirds of Tucker’s $6 million contract; the club would be on the hook for a $1 million cap hit per season, over six years.

Garrioch also wonders if teams like the Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks may put in an offer sheet to Montreal Canadiens pending restricted free agent goalie Jaroslav Halak this summer. Aside for Cristobal Huet of the Washington Capitals, the free agent market appears to be pretty bare, leaving teams looking for an upgrade in net to perhaps try and poach RFAs.

Lastly from Garrioch, he reports that if Boston Bruins struggling forward Glen Murray doesn’t start scoring and help the team earn a playoff spot, he will likely be dealt in the off-season.

Murray’s $4.15 million salary could then be used by the Bruins to try and land Pittsburgh Penguins pending UFA forward Marian Hossa.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach John Tortorella tells Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times that 23-year-old defenseman Paul Ranger is an “untouchable” in terms of trades.

“To me, he’s an untouchable because of what he’s going to be.”

“He’s one of the most underrated players in the league,” Tortorella said. “He’s a huge piece of our team as far as transition, as far as his stick, getting us out of our end zone, penalty killing. Ranger is more physical than any of our D. He’s grown.”

Not because they want to be stingy with their only NHL-ready puck-moving blueliner, but because they want to determine if the 25-year-old’s breakthrough season was a fluke or not. The Bruins would like to see Wideman sustain his level of play for at least one more season before deciding to lock him up long-term.

Wideman, who is expected to get a raise either way, has a few options at his disposal: “accept a one-year qualifying offer and hope he has another solid season in 2008-09; sign a multiyear extension; or go to arbitration.”

His current comparables include Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks, Brent Burns of the Minnesota Wild, and Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings. They all earn at least $3 million per season.

Of course, Wideman’s representatives will also keep tabs on the likes of Mike Green of the Washington Capitals, Andrej Meszaros of the Ottawa Senators, and Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators and their negotiations. Whatever each player in that trio manage to sign for could also impact Wideman.

However, Commodore tells Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun that before he makes such a decision, he will have to assess if the club’s style of play suits him.

“Before I sign a contract here, I have to see if I can play here,” he said.

“The way it’s been going, I’ll wind up being a minus-300 player for my career.”

Commodore has been struggling since his arrival form the Carolina Hurricanes. He tells Koshan that his awful statistical numbers are a result of his inability to adapt to the club’s system, rather than effort.

“Not through a lack of effort, but for whatever reason, the system change has been a struggle for me. In Carolina it was always get up the ice when you can, make the play and go. Here it is more back off, let the forward do the work.”

Still, Senators head coach and GM Bryan Murray doesn’t appear to be too down on the player he acquired before last month’s trade deadline. Murray says that what Commodore lacks in skill he makes up for with his grit and determined play.

“He does not have a great deal of skill, but he tries hard,” Murray said. “People like that can bring intangibles in the playoffs.”

Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that while the Senators haven’t held any contract talks with pending UFA defenseman Wade Redden thus far, it doesn’t necessarily mean the club won’t initiate talks before July 1st.

To stay in Ottawa, Redden would have to take a significant pay cut form his current the $6.5 million salary. Unlikely to happen, Garrioch suggests.

Lastly, Garrioch reports that the Senators will try to re-sign Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA forward Andre Roy if he hits the open market July 1st.

“… I hope I stay here. This is where I want to be. I don’t want to go anywhere. I love it here. For me it’s an honour to play with the Leafs.”

If the Maple Leafs do not earn a playoff spot, Kubina’s contract stipulates that he cannot invoke his no-trade clause from June 20 to August 15. Kubina says that he would understand if the Maple Leafs tried to take advantage of the short period time where they could trade him without asking his permission.

“As a player, you can’t control what happens in those circumstances,” Kubina said yesterday, acknowledging the opportunity the Leafs might have to swap him.”

Due to his recent boost in production and overall improved play, the Maple Leafs may be tempted to deal the Czech blueliner and his $5 million average salary. An assortment of picks and prospects, along with the opportunity to clear some salary cap space, would really benefit the rebuilding Maple Leafs.

So where might the veteran defenseman land?

The San Jose Sharks were apparently interested in Kubina before last month’s the deadline. Sharks GM Doug Wilson tried to acquire Kubina, and a deal was thought to be done. However, Kubina decided to invoke his no-trade clause.