Seriously, you can not get a nicer day in Nashville..

I will be posting my preview for the Preds and Canucks later on, but it's time to start ramping up the off-season rumors... As you all know, the end of the second round usually signifies the beginning of the rumor season in full earnest around here as we will soon have 22 teams with only a few months to go until the draft and UFA Day 2011, aka The Most Wonderful Day of the Year.

On Winnipeg....

I was talking to several folks around here and the message is getting pretty clear: Winnipeg is getting a team. In fact, about a week ago I was told, and then re-told this morning that the players from an NHL franchise have been essentially told they will get the word "any week now" that they are going to Winnipeg.

My source this morning added: "Most the guys I talk to are OK with it, but the uncertainty is definitely the issue right now. They have been told several times now that they would know in the next few days."

On Richards, Avery, and Drury...

Word out of a NY source is that the Rangers are going heavy into cap clearing mode and will be buying out Avery, Drury and are "listening to offers for Anisomov." The strong assumption here is that the Rangers are trying to sign Brad Richards to a long-term mega contract.

My Rangers source noted "We just don't have the horses to get it done. We have a ton of solid role players, but we need more prime time guys."

The only other team truly in the hunt for Richards will be Toronto. They will get into this for certain.

As for Avery and Drury, there is talk that both players could find a new home in California...

Brooks Laich to Montreal (e3)...

Now here is officially your first bonafide Habs rumor of the summer.. The Canadiens are going to be aggressive this summer. The Canadiens aren't that far off of being a true contender as they have several key pieces in place, but Brooks Laich is one player who fits a few needs and I am hearing Brooks may be the Habs chief target this summer.


More to come....

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