Warrener, Markov, Auld, Ricci, the Blue Jackets and Marleau, and Forsberg

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald reports that sources within the Chicago Blackhawks organization are telling him there is no truth to Internet rumors that the club is close to trading for Calgary Flames defenseman Rhett Warrener.

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Fluto Shinzawa of The Boston Globe suggests that unrestricted free agent defenseman Danny Markov would be wise to lower his salary demands if he wants to sign with an NHL team. While a team like the Boston Bruins could really use a blueliner of Markov’s skills, they do not have the salary cap space to pick him up.

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Unconfirmed reports suggest that former Florida Panthers goalie and current UFA Alex Auld “may try signing in Europe,” according to George Richards of the Miami Herald. Former Panthers forwards Janis Sprukts and Juraj Kolnik are also likely to play in Europe next season.

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While an official announcement hasn’t been made it, according to John Ryan of the Mercury News, UFA forward Mike Ricci’s NHL career is pretty much done.

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Michael Arace of The Columbus Dispatch dispels rumors that the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in trading for San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau.

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The agent for Peter Forsberg, Don Baizley, tells The Tennessean’s John Glennon that the UFA forward is open-minded “as to what team he might play for this season,” should he decide to return to the NHL.