I have some very sad news to pass on. Apparently Bob Probert collapsed on a boat and was rushed to hospital where he passed away. Full (preliminary) story is here. Probert was a feared enforcer, some say the toughest fighter in history – and he could put up points as well, as he did several times with Steve Yzerman as his pivot. Shocking to say the least. My condolences to his family if indeed it proves to be Probert.

Today is the deadline for players to file for salary arbitration. Tomas Fleischmann is the most interesting name to file. He’s not close in contract talks with the Caps.

Brett Clark has signed contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s a one-year deal, a solid depth move.

Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent has indicated that he will settle his future today. Speculation is rampant about the Devils signing him and that the Isles are 100% out. I think too little speculation is on the KHL option. I think that option is very much in play.

Jeremy Rutherford reports that Carlo Colaiacovo’s deal will be for two years, $4.25 million.

A player deep on my prospects template will certainly move up with this latest info on the Columbus development camp. Cam Atkinson looks like one to watch.

Jeremy Rutherford is reporting that Carlo Colaiacovo is close to re-signing with the Blues, announcement should be soon. I’ve said it before – I think his hockey sense and natural talent, if it were allowed to develop, would have him a Top 5 d-man scorer in the NHL. But injury after injury at a Forsbergian rate stunted him so badly that now even if he’s healthy and plays 82 games he’d top out at 45 points. But his skill with the puck and ability to find the open man, during his brief healthy spurts, is very impressive.

The Post-Gazette is reporting that the Penguins are after a third-line center and if they get one they would move either Malkin or Staal to the wing. Candidates include Ryan Johnson, Rob Niedermayer, John Madden and Jeff Halpern.

Here’s the Rangers Q and A with prospect Evgeni Grachev, if you’re interested.

Simon Gagne has waived his no-trade clause and speculation is that the Flyers will use some of that money to sign Marty Turco. My opinion (of couse I’ll give it, I don’t know when to shut up) is that their first offer to Turco was a fair one and I wouldn’t budge from that. As I’ve said, the last time his save percentage was above 0.913 was seven years ago, and 0.913 would have been 17th this season. His best years are long gone. That being said, with Pronger, Carle, Timonen, Coburn, O’Donnell and Meszaros in front of him, he’ll likely beat that 0.913 number as well as 38 wins. But then again, so would Leighton if the Flyers do nothing. In this case, average will be good enough for a strong season in net. So what would I do with the money saved in a Gagne deal? Pocket it, and make a move in February to shore up my weaknesses.

A very touching gesture – Brian Burke marches in the Pride parade to honor his late son Brendan.

The day after Sunday, in July, after an American holiday …and I’m drawing a blank. What hockey news is there? Ummmm I’ll do my best. It looks like one of many mornings where there are only one or two tidbits, followed by a s***storm of news hammering us in the early afternoon. So absolutely check back.

The Flames bought out Nigel Dawes contract, as expected. I’m not sure what the CBA allotted delay is allowed to be between clearing waivers and the actual buyout. But I know there is one.

Los Angeles has dropped out of the Ilya Kovalchuk race. Apparently, Dean Lombardi has been reading my ramblings. I keep saying it – the Kings are and will be just fine as is. Do nothing, your team is gonna be pretty solid.

What else… what else… apparently, the KHL team SKA is offering $36 million over four years, according to Russian Hockey Fans. And they say if they bump that offer to $40 million, he’ll sign. Buh-bye.

Although, Kovy is the centerpiece on my one keeper team. So that tempers my eagerness to have him just leave.