Angus here… some updates from later on in the day.

According to TSN, Olli Jokinen has requested a trade out of Florida. Apparently the Panthers want a first round pick and two young roster players. There will be no shortage of suitors for Jokinen, who is a legitimate top center signed to a cap-friendly deal.

Both Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo are in numerous rumors as well. Trading Cheechoo at a low point makes little sense, and the Sharks lack wingers to play with Thornton. Marleau is probably the more likely one to move, thanks to the emergence of Joe Pavelski.

Carolina desperately is seeking defensemen, and are going to dangle Erik Cole and/or Justin Williams to land one. Look for something to shake down on draft day.

Interesting quote from Waddell in the AJC regarding Alexei Zhitnik's contract that pays $3.5 million and whether he will buy him out: "That's never been talked about. We think he'll be a big part of our future. We expect him to come back and be part of our team,". I guess he's pretty happy with getting just over two points per million dollars…

Hedberg's deal was for two years. An interesting decision, because Pavelec is ready and is coming off a Calder Cup win. With Lehtonen's injury proneness, I still think we will see Pavelec this year.

Increasing the Brian Burke speculation, the Leafs have plucked Al Coates from the Anaheim office and made him their director of player personnel.

The teams that Blake Wheeler was considering: Boston, Montreal, the Rangers and the Devils. He will probably be in Boston's prospect camp July 8-12.

The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that Joe Sakic has still not made a decision.

Ditto for Peter Forsberg. Foppa was visiting a doctor in Sweden to determine if he can handle another campaign physically. I say he can. After all, he'd only play 30 games – surely he can handle that?

Aaron Portzline of the Dispatch is reporting that a deal will be struck by tomorrow to acquire Ryan Malone. I think they will find that they are getting a hard-hitting, solid penalty killer who will only put 45 points on the board without Malkin. However, his style may compliment Rick Nash – and he can play center. Minnesota and Vancouver are also in the mix to land Malone.

Porztline speculates that if the Sharks sign Brian Campbell, then Patrick Marleau will be on the move – perhaps to Columbus. Any trade involving the sixth overall pick would be made after the first five picks are complete.

According to Sam Carchidi of the Inquirer, the Flyers are negotiating with potential restricted free agents Jeff Carter, R.J. Umberger and Randy Jones. Holmgren said he was hopeful of signing them but was not especially close. He was close to signing Riley Cote, another potential free agent on July 1.

The Flyers apparently wanted James van Riemsdyk to join the team for this season, but JVR has decided to stay in college for another season.

Simon Gagne is reportedly feeling great now, but no way of knowing for sure until he starts taking contact.
 

The Canucks have hired former player Ryan Walter as one of their assistant coaches. He joines Rick Bowness. Look for them to add an offensive/PP coach, and one guy they are definitely eying is Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson.