Kevin Bieksa

For those who don't know, Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin's court hearing yesterday didn't go over very well.

Khabibulin will now spend a minimum of 30 days in jail. Once he gets out, he will need some time to get into shape before he returns to the Oilers.

Now that Khabibulin is out of the picture in Edmonton (for a couple months anyways) you have to believe they will take a long hard look at Antti Niemi.

According to Eric Stephens of The Orange County Register, the Anaheim Ducks are looking into trading for Kevin Bieksa.

This is supposed to be a big money deal for the Ducks, and makes perfect sense as they missed out on Willie Mitchell, and now Bieksa is the top defenseman available.

Update:

Penguins pass on Guerin.

Ilya Kovalchuk

According to Tom Gulitti of Fire and Ice, the New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk will go back to the drawing board once again. Gulitti also notes that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is not frustrated with this process at all.

Update:

News on Kaberle

Ilya Kovalchuk

Mark Everson of the New York Times is reporting that the NHL has rejected a proposed contract from the Devils to sign Kovalchuk. Apparently the framework of the contract is the issue.

Bryan Little has agreed to a multi-year contract extension. Terms of the deal are currently unknown.

Vincent Lecavalier will undergo minor arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Expect him to be back before preseason begins.

Willie Mitchell is expected to make his playing decision today or tomorrow. The Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, LA Kings, and Vancouver Canucks continue to express interest. I personally think he will sign in Washington, but I certainly wouldn't be shocked if he signed elsewhere.

If Kevin Bieksa is indeed traded the Canucks would want either an NHL forward (top-six or bottom) and prospects or draft picks.

The Devils are still in talks with Ilya Kovalchuk. I am hearing they are progressing, but nothing is too close yet.

If the Devils sign Kovalchuk, look for one (maybe two) of Bryce Salvador, Colin White, Dainius Zubrus, or Brian Rolston to be on the move. The Islanders may be interested in a player or two if and when they become available.

Alex Semin was in a car accident last night, several reports suggest that he is all right.

Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Ilya Kovalchuk's Russian agent has received no indication that Kovalchuk will even consider the KHL. As a Devils fan that is good news as that shows that he is committed to playing in the NHL and would like to sign in New Jersey.

Lukas Krajicek is indeed in talks with several teams; I can confirm the Anaheim Ducks are among them.

Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports is reporting that there are five teams in on Willie Mitchell. He stated the five teams are the Kings, Sharks, Lightning, Capitals, and Canucks.