Morning Rumors: Nolan, Phaneuf, Hiller, Gaborik, Vlasic, Theodore, Havlat and Miller
  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The odds are slim that Ted Nolan will be behind the bench for the Sabres next season.

    Shinzawa thinks the Maple Leafs will re-sign captain Dion Phaneuf. He’s 28-years old and is averaging 24.:23 minutes per game. Those types of defenseman are hard to find and are even harder to acquire.

    Jonas Hiller will be a UFA at the end of the season and the Ducks may look to acquire some assets for him. The Islanders and Predators are potential landing spots for him. The Ducks are deep in net with Viktor Fasth, Frederik Andersen and John Gibson in the pipeline.

  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks it’s doubtful that the Blue Jackets will look to re-sign Marian Gaborik for another four or five years at $6 million. They gave up Derrick Brassard, Derek Dorsett and John Moore to get him.

    Marc-Eduoard Vlasic may have played himself ahead of Marc Staal and Dan Hamhuis on the Canadian Olympic team depth chart.

    The Wild may be looking for a backup goalie with experience. Best bet is they bring back Jose Theodore.

    The Sharks will likely buyout Martin Havlat after this season. They may have done it this summer, but he was injured and you can’t buyout injured players.

    Still rumors out there that the Blues will make a play for Sabres Ryan Miller at the trade deadline.