Sunday rumor roundup

Bruce Garrioch is has a great piece this morning talking about the NHL’s investigation on players contracts like Roberto Luongo and Marian Hossa. He also looks at Peter Forsberg’s situation and a couple of trade possibility’s involving Joe Corvo, Ray Whitney and Andrei Meszaros.

Whispers have started that the Detroit Red Wings are looking for a goalie with Chris Osgood and Jimmy Howard both struggling. There aren’t many options. The New York Islanders could move Martin Biron if Rick DiPietro ever gets healthy … An NHL’s scout’s take on Tampa Bay Lightning C Vinny Lecavalier: “He looks like a guy playing like he wants to be dealt. Just doesn’t look happy.” … The NHLPA will hold a conference call today on which direction to take in the search for an executive director … Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, and Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell continue to hold discussions on a contract extension. The face of the franchise, Kovalchuk is set to become an unrestricted agent July 1. Both sides would like to get a long-term deal done, but Kovalchuk also wants to play for a winner.

Around the boards

The Bolts haven’t been thrilled with former Senators D Andrej Meszaros. There’s talk in league circles Tampa GM Brian Lawton is trying to move the 23-year-old, who has five years left on a deal signed the day after he was traded in August 2008. The Bolts will have a hard time unloading Meszaros and his $4-million average salary. It should be noted the other players in the trade, Ds Filip Kuba and Alexandre Picard, are looking good for the Senators … What’s this we hear about Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk sniffing around for a big forward? He will be doing a lot of talking in Toronto … Why did the Flames take all that heat for jumping the H1N1 queue when it sounds like the Leafs pulled a similar move? Better public relations department in Toronto, I guess.

Oh, Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes are desperate to make changes, but GM Jim Rutherford is finding it difficult. The ’Canes were rumoured to be willing to move LW Ray Whitney, but he has a no-movement clause and that talk doesn’t make any sense. Sources say Carolina has been offering D Joe Corvo to teams trying to improve their power play. Making $2.75 million, Corvo is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and it’s doubtful he’ll be kept. The biggest issue for the ’Canes could be C Rod Brind’Amour. The 38-year-old is struggling and has two years left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.6 million per season. The ’Canes need to get quicker. A move that could be imminent in Carolina: Ron Francis taking over from coach Paul Maurice.

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