Where Top UFA's could land and...

As the NHL prepares its future in entry draft on Friday and Saturday in Colombus, let's take a look at the UFA market, that is due to open in a few weeks.

Matthew Ryder from Spector's hockey trade rumour site, in his last ''End to End'' for 2006-07, established a list of where the top UFA's could play next season. If I disagree with his prediction,I will file a note.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere: Resigns in Anaheim, for 5.75m
Slava Kozlov: Resigns with Atlanta at 3.5 m
Note: His former team, the Red Wings, may show some interest in bringing him back.

Keith Tkachuk : 2.5 m and signs with the Blues.
Note:I doubt that the Blues re-sign him, as they will want to go with a youth program. He could land somewhere, but it won't be in St-Louis.

Daniel Briere:Signs with Montreal at 6m .
Note: The fans in Montreal would love having a french speaking player to identify to, as they did with Roy and Lafleur, the problem could be his size and his willing to play. The Habs need to beef up a bit, I think money would be better spend on a Ryan Smyth, than Briere.

Chris Drury:5.5 m in Buffalo
Note: Drury would be Buffalo's priority, but having a home in California where his wife is from, could be a factor in his decision, remember the wives of players have a say in where hubby goes, ex: Chris Pronger. LA, San Jose or even Colorado, could be destinations.

Sheldon Souray:5.25 m in St-Louis
Note: Souray has expressed interest in staying in Montreal, but not at the offering price of 4.5m a year. If it's not Montreal, LA or San Jose could destinations.

You can see Matthew's complete list by clicking on the end to end link above.

Gainey rids himself of Samsonov

Montreal Canadiens Gm and former Captain, Bob Gainey, found a taker for his disgruntled Russian Forward, Sergei Samsonov. Gainey obtained former hab Jassen Cullimore and forward Tony Salmelainen. Cullimore will not play for the Habs, as Gainey bought his contract at two thirds, which will mean a cap hit of 641,666. over the next two seasons.

Murray in, Muckler Out

Ottawa Senators fired John Muckler as Gm and promoted Coach Bryan Murray to the position. He will be looking for his own replacement behind bench. There is no doubt, that the best candidate out there is Pat Burns, he has won a Stanley cup, he is no pushover and knows how to get the best out of his players, but he might just takeover his old job in New Jersey.