Evening Links: Heatley talk heats up but is it to the Rangers or the Oilers, Matt Duchene sets the bar high, Sabres not configured for “new nhl”.

Some news and notes from around the NHL:

• Dave Staples reacts to the red hot TSN rumor of Penner and Smid for Heatley.
• Matt Duchene has never set the bar low for himself and his plans include playing for the Avalanche this year.
• Sources say Chris Neil turned down the Ottawa Senators’ offer of $1.7-million per year and will likely go to free agency unless there are further developments tonight.
• The Dallas Stars have re-signed right wing Jere Lehtinen to a one-year contract for the 2009-10 season.
• The Sabres burst out of the lockout four years ago as a sleek, smallish team built for the so-called “new” NHL. But that wide-open, goal-filled league has quickly dissolved into one ruled by size and grit again.
• For the first time in years, Chris Chelios is waiting for a call.
• The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that they have bought out the final year of forward Peter Schaefer‘s contract.
• Getting cynical as the Red Wings free agent previews/rumors roll in.
• Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has named Jim Mill Assistant to the General Manager.
• While agents and general managers are forbidden from discussing specific contracts and players before the deadline passes, they’ve usually had some informal discussions ahead of that time.
• Step right up to the NHL’s annual three-ring free-agent circus Wednesday and under the big top you’ll see more than 300 players available to the highest bidder.