Updates on Jason Spezza, Tim Thomas, and the Flyers goaltending situation.
OTTAWA SUN/OTTAWA CITIZEN: report Senators GM Bryan Murray said he's not actively shopping center Jason Spezza and there's been little interest in him around the league. The Sun reported a rumor the Edmonton Oilers were interested but haven't got much to offer up in return.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: While it's still possible Spezza could be dealt before July 1st recent reports suggest that's growing increasingly unlikely.
PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS: Frank Seravalli reports there's been no progress in contract talks between Flyers management and recently-acquired defenseman Dan Hamhuis. Talks however have not come to a halt and are expected to continue during and following the draft. Seravalli also reports on potential goaltending trade targets for the Flyers, including Boston's Tim Thomas or LA's Jonathan Bernier.
CSNPHILLY.COM: Tim Panaccio reports sources say the Flyers have contacted the Boston Bruins regarding goalie Tim Thomas. While they consider him too expensive sources say they might be willing to move two players if they decide to go the Thomas route and if its the right players to move. Still, it appears they might end up re-signing Michael Leighton.
COURIERPOST ONLINE: Chuck Gormley reports Flyers forward Jeff Carter's name continues to float around in trade rumor but he hopes to remain with the club. Gormley reports it's not the first time Carter has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent years but he wonders if the Flyers can afford him and his $5 million salary for next season given the free agents they hope to re-sign plus their goaltending situation. Gormley suggests the LA Kings' Jonathan Bernier as a possible trade target, suggesting they might also land winger Wayne Simmonds if they included Carter in the deal or perhaps getting creative by shipping Carter to the Maple Leafs for Tomas Kaberle and a first round pick then send Braydon Coburn to the Coyotes for forward Shane Doan.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: Gormley forgets the Leafs don't have a first round pick and the Coyotes aren't moving team captain Shane Doan. He does however make a good point that Carter's salary could hinder the Flyers in their free agent and goaltending plans. Given their need to re-sign Hamhuis and Coburn I think the Flyers will seriously consider re-signing Leighton.
BOSTON HERALD: Stephan Harris reports the Bruins are trying to engineer blockbuster trades involving goalie Tim Thomas and center Marc Savard. Three teams are believed interested in Thomas but he could prove difficult to move now given the depth in available free agent goalies, while a Savard trade would be far more shocking although it's believed based on the need to make room for prospect center Tyler Seguin whom the Bruins are expected to select with the second overall pick.
BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports Thomas' agent isn't actively searching for a trade for his client, and hasn't been approached by any team with an offer for him. Dupont believes it's more likely Savard could be shipped out than Thomas.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: The glut of free agent goalies will seriously limit the potential market for Thomas. As for Savard, there likely is a market for him but given his movement clause and salary he won't be easy to move.
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