Angus here, whats up gang. Scott Niedermayer will be confirming his return, possibly as early as tomorrow. The source is the Ducks official blog on their site. Will be very interesting to see how they handle RFA-to-be Corey Perry.

The Newsday out of New York is reporting that Jay Bouwmeester is unhappy with the Jokinen trade (duh) and wants out of Florida.

The Sharks signed Joe Pavelski for two years, and Jeremy Roenick and Brian Boucher for one. Pavelski is a breakout candidate in the year ahead. You know what you're getting with JR and Boucher.

The Coyotes have added Brian McGratton, giving the Sens a fifth rounder for him. This will reduce the need for Daniel Carcillo to drop the gloves, thus verifying my earlier musings that he will get 35-40 points and just over 200 PIMs this season. Half the pace of last year.

TSN is reporting that Montreal has qualified Andrei Kostitsyn, Mikhail Grabovski, Corey Lock, Josh Gorges, Ryan O'Byrne and Jaroslav Halak. None of this is a surprise.

The Canucks have claimed Kyle Wellwood off of waivers. He's still young, and there was a 30 or 40 game span there where he looked like he may be a star. That being said, I doubt it would happen – he is far too injury prone. His fragility is also impacting the way he plays the game.

The Panthers have waived Jozef Stumpel as expected, to buy him out.

Vincent Lecavalier – nine years, $77 million contract extension. Nice! 

The Gazette is reporting that the Habs will sign Andrei Kostitsyn to a contract extension.

The Blackhawks extended d-man Jordan Hendry for two years.

Triston Grant, whom the Preds acquired for Niskala yesterday, could take Hordichuk's roster spot if they don't sign a tough guy. He had good numbers for the Phantoms last year 72-10-11, +9 and 181 penalty minutes and could be a sleeper PIM pick.

The Avs have signed Marty Sertich to a multi-year extension. Sertich was a star college player in Colorado and he led Iowa in scoring last season. Despite his 5-8 frame, I think he may have a shot at a roster spot. If he ever had an opportunity it's this season.

The Avs also did a minor swap, sending Johnny Boychuk to the Bruins for Matt Hendricks. Neither will impact your fantasy squad. 

TSN is reporting that the Leafs will be buying out Darcy Tucker's contract, making him a UFA. I know Calgary was interested in him earlier, perhaps he will go there and replace Owen Nolan.

The Bruins signed defensive rearguard Mark Stuart to a multi-year contract extension.

The Avs signed tough guy and press box sitter Scott Parker to a one-year deal.

JUST A REMINDER THAT IN THE OFFSEASON OVER 50% OF THE RAMBLINGS ARE DONE IN THE AFTERNOON BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN THE DAILY NEWS REALLY STARTS FLOWING… click "next" below, to ready yesterday's late ramblings…