The ‘Canes have walked away from Jiri Tlusty, not qualifying him. The Devils did qualify Alexander Vasyunov, although he has signed a contract with the KHL.

The Canucks have signed Bieksa to a long-term contract.

News of unqualified RFAs will continue to trickle in today – ttwo somewhat noteworthy ones – Sami Lepisto (CBJ), Anton Stralman (CBJ). Great news for Grant Clitsome owners, also points to the fact that Columbus will aggressively pursue a puck moving defenseman in free agency.

The Setoguchi trade opens up a spot in San Jose’s top six. Does Pavelski move to the wing? Last year he skated on a line with two other centers (Torrey Mitchell and Kyle Wellwood). I could see Mitchell sliding to center on the third line.

Marleau-Thornton-Pavelski, Clowe-Couture-Heatley? Lots of options in San Jose.

Kirk Muller is expected to be named as the Milwaukee head coach today.

The Canucks and the Chicago Wolves have announced a two year partnership agreement. The Wolves are run more like an NHL club than a development club, with an emphasis on generating reveune (winning). How will this affect the likes of Jordan Schroeder, Cody Hodgson, Eddie Lack, Kevin Connauton, and so on? Remains to be seen.

Mike Gillis is very shrewd, smart, and calculating. I don’t think he signs off on this move if he thinks it will in any way negatively impact the development of Vancouver’s prospects.

Michael Russo believes that the Wild will buy out the final year of Cam Barker’s contract if they are unable to trade him by Thursday. Barker has been below average for Minnesota (at best) since coming over from Chicago in exchange for Kim Johnsson and Nick Leddy.

Something tells me there are at least a few teams out there that would gladly give Barker, the former 3rd overall draft pick  a shot at cracking their roster.

Based on the comments in my latest 15 Points to Consider column, the Flames were left with little choice regarding Tanguay’s extension. It was either term, or cap hit. In the end, the cap hit is reasonable, but the term isn’t.

Jarome Iginla likely did request that Tanguay return, but was that move in the best interest of the organization?  The Flames do have a ton of bad money coming off the books after this season, so it will be interesting to see what they do if they are out of playoff contention before the trade deadline in 2011-12.

According to Larry Brooks, Brad Richards is telling people that he is heading to New York. The obvious plan would be to line him up alongside Gaborik. The LW spot would be up for grabs -Dubinsky, Stepan (if he moves from center), Avery, and so on.

Check out my interview on The Program from the past weekend.

Interesting book to read – The Extra 2%. About three Wall Street executives taking over the Tampa Bay Rays and turning them into a powerhouse baseball club. In addition to being a fantastic read, the book has relevance for fantasy hockey.

Matt Gilroy and Niclas Bergfors will both become UFAs on Friday. Gilroy could be worth a pick up if he signs with the right team – could have a Marc-Andre Bergeron type of career – number seven offensive specialist who floats around from team to team. Bergfors has skill but his chances of becoming an NHL scoring line player are running out.

“LIKE” Dobber Sports on Facebook, and win yourself a pair of Oakley’s! On July 6 I’ll draw a name from one of the likes, and send them a pair. We are also giving away two free copies of Tales from the Boston Bruins Locker Room, by Kerry Keene.

Fantasy Prospects Report – buy it here. You can read the player profiles of all the players whom you just saw drafted – and Matthew Bugg did a great job this year, nailing the Top 4 as well as Toronto drafting Biggs, Ottawa drafting Puempel, TB nabbing Namestnikov, and Buffalo grabbing Armia. He's kicking himself for having Edmonton take Musil to start the second round in the original release – but then in the update he changed it! Anyway, kudos to Matt. He's always been good with this stuff, but I think this was his best year yet.