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NHL News And Notes - 6/23/09

Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League

Jun 23, 12:14 PM | Hype this story!

• With the NHL Entry Draft slated for this weekend, several teams may be looking to unload star players. Among those believed to be available are Dany Heatley, Vincent Lecavalier, and Jay Bouwmeester.

• Veteran forward Keith Tkachuk has signed a one year contract with the St. Louis Blues. The contract, which could serve as a model for Penguins forward Bill Guerin, is worth $2.15 million and includes a no-movement clause.

• The Detroit Red Wings have opted to cut ties with veteran defenseman Chris Chelios. At 47, he is the second oldest player to have played the game and is a lock for the Hall of Fame – but is his career over, or will there be a team willing to take a gamble?

• The Hockey Hall of Fame is expected to make an announcement today regarding the 2009 entries. Among those eligible are former Red Wings Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille, as well as Brian Leetch, Dave Andreychuk and Alex Mogilny.

• Red Wings, coach Mike Babcock will be named coach of the 2010 Canadian Olympic team.

• Reports out of Calgary suggest recently-resigned New Jersey Devils coach Brent Sutter could be the next coach of the Flames. With one year remaining on his contract with the Devils, Sutter must seek permission from general manager Lou Lamoriello before beginning negotiations with the Flames.

• The Devils, meanwhile, have not yet hired a replacement for Sutter and are in no rush to do so.

• The Montreal Canadiens have been sold to the Molson family of the brewing fame. Financial terms have not yet been confirmed, but the transaction, which included the Montreal Canadiens, the Bell Centre and the Gillett Entertainment Group, is rumored to have been worth as much as $550 million.

• The Phoenix Coyotes are accepting local bids to purchase the franchise, and while there is no guarantee there will be much interest, Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf is expected to make a formal bit by Friday’s deadline. If no suitable owner is found by August 5 to keep the team in Arizona, Jim Balsillie’s bid to move the team will once again come into play.

• NHL officials have tossed around an idea to have two Winter Classic outdoor games this year – one for the Eastern Conference and one for the Western Conference.

• While Alexander Ovechkin graces the cover of 2KSports’ NHL 2K9, Patrick Kane will be the cover boy for EA Sports’ NHL 2009.