Deals that are "close to being done" are like lit flames. The longer they burn the greater the chances of the whole thing falling completely apart...for the simple reason that when a nearly done deal reaches Day 3 or 4 you know the hold up is more than logistics. It’s usually about cold feet...

This trade is a big deal for Dorion...and the cold feet I am told...are his.

And the Rangers aren't happy at all either..

As Tampa insider Erik Erlendsson said on XM yesterday the Lightning are trying to figure out how to make this cap work and Kucherov is a player who has to be considered...I am told the NY Rangers are fixated on the possibility of landing Kucherov and so far Tampa hasn’t slammed any doors.

But either way, Callahan will not be enough and the Rangers need a lot more...which has led the NJ Devils into this dance as a team with plenty of cap space who could help this all be worked out...

Meanwhile my sources are telling me Dallas is "Just as close to working out a trade as is Tampa..." However the only team that has the extension part figured out....is Tampa...

Vegas is still toying with Ottawa as well...They are the only team willing to take on Bobby Ryan....

On Patrick Maroon....

The St Louis Blues are making a nice pitch for Maroon I am told...that could get done as early as today...which harkens the question..."Why hasn't NJ locked up Maroon yet?" He wants to go back to NJ and he wants to keep pushing that ball forward...

more to come

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