Matt Lashoff

Want to read about the Leafs' long-time struggles to achieve success? Here is an excerpt from the new book Leafs Abomination. Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail looks at what's next for Dany Heatley suitors. According to the Toronto Sun, the Sharks/Canucks trade does not signal an increased interest in Heatley from the Sharks. While youth is important, Mike Babcock knows from his time with Detroit that Team Canada needs some veteran influence to succeed. Staying with Detroit, Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom say they are healthy and looking forward to next season. Alex Tanguay decided to pass on the Wild's one-year, $2.5 million offer to sign with Tampa Bay. Mark Everson says Phil Kessel, who is said to be readily available on the trade market, would fill a major need for both the Devils and the Rangers. Coyotes youngster Kyle Turris will be arriving at camp ten pounds heavier than he played at last season. (Writer's note: That weight is much-needed, as Turris looked too slight when I saw him play in person last season. Once he packs on the necessary pounds, his game should take off--because he doesn't lack for skill.) Glendale officials want to help to keep the Coyotes in the area, so long as it doesn't burden the taxpayers. Doug Wilson saw a chance to cut some payroll and add some flexibility so he took the chance and dealt Brad Lukowich and Christian Ehrhoff to Vancouver. James Mirtle has more on this deal in this morning's Globe & Mail. Meanwhile, Mathieu Schneider won't only be counted on to boost the Canucks' power play, but he will also be counted on to help develop the team's younger defensemen, writes Brad Ziemer. Here are the bios of Christian Ehrhoff, Mathieu Schneider and Brad Lukowich. The St. Petersburg Times provides readers with the same RDS report of Alex Tanguay signing in Tampa Bay that David provided IC readers with late last night. These reports out of Tampa Bay are confirmed, as the team has signed Matt Lashoff to a two-year deal. Tyler Bozak is hoping to crack the Leafs lineup this season, so it doesn't hurt that he's been on a new workout program all off-season. Bruce Dowbiggen tells readers about the "intense" golf matchup between the TSN and Sportsnet analysts. Wayne Gretzky has apparently thrown his support behind the Ice Edge Holdings bid for the Coyotes.

NHL Morning Papers (Saturday Edition): The Canucks add depth to defense, Tanguay passes on Minnesota for Tampa Bay and San Jose not necessarily moving closer to Heatley

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