Steve Eminger

Before starting, I would once again like to thank David for covering the papers for me this weekend, as I was in Montreal at the Draft. Speaking of the Draft, I will be posting my review of the weekend a little bit later on this morning. For now though, let's focus on the papers. NHL Free Agency With free agency only a day away, Eric Duhatschek runs down the best free agent players available. Are the Habs waiting for a chance to make a big offer to the Sedin twins? If the Habs rumors are true, Canucks GM Mike Gillis has a lot of work to do before tomorrow. There are a number of important Ducks players that the team could lose to free agency come Wednesday, explains Dan Wood. By making qualifying offers to seven players yesterday, Don Waddell and the Thrashers have ensured that they will maintain said players' rights. In Boston, the Bruins are not exactly loaded with free agent cash to spend, writes Stephen Harris. Hurricanes fans are a bit concerned that the team has yet to come to terms with both Erik Cole and Chad LaRose. On Monday the Hawks finalized a five-year deal with Dave Bolland, and now the team shifts its focus to trying to secure Martin Havlat. Meanwhile, Tim Sassone says the chances of re-signing Havlat are looking slim. Peter Budaj has agreed to a one-year contract with the Avalanche. In light of the world's economic crisis, do players and agents have unrealistic expecations for this upcoming free agent period? In Columbus, the Jackets have parted ways with free-agent-to-be Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. South of Columbus, the Stars have made qualifiying offers to Mark Frstic and Aaron Gagnon. The Wings have structured a cap-friendly offer to Marian Hossa that would see the pending UFA make $4 million per season. The Oilers have offered Dwayne Roloson a one-year, $3 million deal, but will he accept it? Speaking of Oilers free agents, the team has yet to even make an offer to Ales Kotalik. Interim GM Randy Sexton has decided not to qualify six Panthers players, including Steve Eminger and Anthony Stewart. The team has also waived Brett McLean. With the acquisition of Kyle Brodziak, the Wild deemed Dan Fristche expendable, and that's one of the main reasons why he is now going to be an UFA after not being qualified. As Dave linked last night, the Devils are closing in on a contract with Johnny Oduya. With Oduya back in the fold, the Devils apparently still want to keep Brian Gionta but have concerns over the salary cap. Mike Knuble wants to return to Broad Street and the Flyers want him back, but where is the money going to come from? Both Bill Guerin and Craig Adams took less money to stay in Pittsburgh. Marcel Goc was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Sharks. While San Jose is planning on letting Goc go, the team made sure it re-signed Rob Blake to a one-year pact. Count Jay McKee as another player that will be available for free agency tomorrow, after he was bought out by the Blues. He loves rumors, so Bruce Garrioch is excited for the free agent bidding to get underway. NHL Trade Rumors Apparently the Bruins thought their deal with Toronto was finalized to the point that they were planning on selecting Zack Kassian with the seventh overall selection. Eugene Melnyk is very disappointed with Dany Heatley's trade request. While Melnyk is disappointed, Heatley's mom is on the defensive....or offensive. Luca Sbisa's injured groin won't jeopardize the Pronger trade, says Paul Holmgren. Everything Else Team USA has named John Tortorella and Scott Gordon as assistant coaches for the 2010 Olympics. Legendary Rod Phillips has decided to return to the Oilers radio booth for another season. The Wild said goodbye to Dan Fristche, but also said hello to Nick Leddy. Sticking with draft picks, Scott Gordon is obviously ecstatic to have John Tavares in the fold. Rangers players beware; John Tortorella is already talking tough for next season. Chris Pronger's experience should help Mike Richards develop as a leader, writes Sam Donnellon. In the desert, Phoenix owner Jerry Moyes has blasted the latest bid to purchase the bankrupt team. The Blues are definitely loaded with young talent in their system. With one pre-season game already slated for Winnipeg, the Bolts will now play one in Regina too. With Mike Cammalleri almost certainly on his way out, expect a bigger workload for Dustin Boyd next season. Mike Babcock knows how imporant leadership will be for Team Canada 2010. Tomorrow is Free Agent Frenzy Day, so be sure to check out Illegal Curve's live blog detailing all the signings and news from what's expected to be a very busy Wednesday. Also, after the live blog the IllegalCurve.com Radio Show will be on air, where we are hoping to have TSN Insider Bob McKenzie on the show to breakdown the day's news.

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition): Marian Hossa offered $4 million per season in Detroit, a number of well-known players don’t get qualifying offers, Luca Sbisa injury won’t jeopardize Chris Pronger trade and Dany Heatley’s mom gets defensive.

NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Sedin brothers don’t seem close to extensions, officials need to give Avery a break and Gainey victorious in coaching return

NHL Morning Papers: Special Post-Draft Edition