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The Deliberating Foppa. (remember him from "Horton Hears a Who?")
More confirmation today that Forsberg 's delay is more about his health and comfort level.
From a source: "I heard the same thing as you have regarding Forsberg's physical readiness to come back. He's trying very hard to be patient, but he still doesn't feel close enough to 100% that he's comfortable about making a final decision....he also hasn't had an outright setback where the old problem with the foot returns. He just feels a bit sluggish on his feet and not yet ready to play his style. What he's trying to figure out is whether he can, in good conscience, commit to an NHL contract and be ready given more time. If the level he's at now is as good as it's going to get, he won't play anywhere. Meanwhile, they are still tinkering with his skates."
That is from a top source close as close to the situation as you can get.
Brett Hull Serious about Hossa, Jokinen, and Sundin.
The former Stars' sniper is reportedly frustrated that he has not yet been able to make a deal happen. Hull has been trying to land a big name and put his footprint on the organization. Reports are that the Stars have been way out in front of many teams in terms of Sundin, Hossa, and even talked about Olli Jokinen a few months ago.
The Oilers and Habs talking
Details are pretty sketchy right now, but don't just assume that the Oilers are sellers. They reportedly have contacted many teams in an attempt to pull off at least two deals so far and the general feeling is that the Oilers and their soon to be new owner, Katz, are willing to spend, spend, spend. One player they have interest in, and I have been told reportedly over and over again is likely to be moved out of Montreal is Ryder. The Oilers also like Halak. The Canadiens like Horcoff and also like Stoll. "There is a deal to be made if the Habs say, 'make it so'," a source assured me, "In fact I have even heard the missing piece for the Habs to land Jokinen may come through Edmonton."
It has been widely speculated that the Panthers would NOT move him to an Eastern Conference team. I don't think that decision has yet been made and the Panthers at this point are still very much keeping their options opened.
A look ahead to this summer..
You know that I personally am not a real "prospects" writer. Nor do I follow European players all that regularly. There has been much talk about Brunnstrom for good reason, but there is a 24-year-old Finnish kid that is drawing attention from well over half of NHL teams...
Remember the name Ville Leino this summer. He is leading the Finnish League in scoring: 25g-35a-60pts and is +30 in 45 games played. He is a puck possession forward who is not a afraid to get physical, and is drawing HUGE comparisons to some recent European greats. From all reports he will be stepping into someone's top six in the NHL next season.
Sabres working the phones.
Several sources are telling me to keep an eye on the Sabres "prior to the weekend." Not sure if this is the Campbell signing, but at least two sources told me the Sabres could move, "a top six player for a defenseman and a prospect at forward."
More to come...talkcast tonight at 6pm ET
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