With less than two days to go until unrestricte free agency begins the rumor mill is heating up. Check out the latest on the Canadiens, the Sedins, Alexander Radulov, JS Giguere, Brian Gionta and more!

RDS.CA: reports Kovalev has become the second Habs UFA (Komisarek was the first) to receive a contract offer from Gainey, who also said it would not be possible to offer contracts to Koivu and Tanguay but could discuss it with them after July 1st. 

SPECTOR'S NOTE: As a Habs fan, all I can say is "uh-oh". Actually ,what I can say is Gainey will need to find suitable replacements for Komisarek, Koivu and Tanguay and quickly, otherwise this could get ugly really fast. I expect Gainey will try hard to sign Francois Beauchemin if Komisarek walks, which now seems pretty much a certainty. As for bringing back Kovalev, I just don't see the sense in that considering he's only had one terrific season in the last four with Montreal and needed a time out to get his head straight mid-way through last season. Canadiens fans have a saying: "In Bob We Trust" but that trust could be seriously shaken if Gainey is unable to improve the roster this summer. 

ESPN.COM: Pierre LeBrun reported Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis was on the same plan to Sweden as JP Barry, the agent for the Sedin twins. It's believed Gillis is in Sweden to talk to the Sedins in hopes of working out a new contract prior to July 1st, when they'll be eligible for UFA status.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: I believe it would be a huge mistake on Gillis' part if he fails to re-sign the Twins as he won't be able to adequately replace them via free agency or trade.

TORONTO SUN: Mike Zeisberger reports Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke could train his sights on Anaheim goalie J.S. Giguere if he loses out on the Jonas Gustavsson sweepstakes. Giguere has submitted a list of preferred destinations to Ducks management and the Leafs are on that list. 

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Hat tip to "Salvatore" who suggested a swap of Vesa Toskala for Gigure. While Tosaka's $4 million salary for next season is cheaper than Giguere's $6 million that's still a lot of money to pay a guy to back up Jonas Hiller. I doubt that swap will happen.  

KUKLA'S KORNER: posted a report by Dan Tencer of 630 CHED radio in Edmonton regarding the Oilers efforts to re-sign Dwayne Roloson and Denis Grebeshkov. GM Steve Tambellini has tended what he considered a strong one-year offer to Roloson but isn't sure if the veteran goalie will take it. Tambellini also hopes to have Grebeshkov re-signed soon.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Looks like either a foray into the UFA market where the pickings are the best (Khabibulin, Biron, Gerber, Anderson, Auld) or trying to pry Josh Harding out of Minnesota via trade or offer sheet are the Oilers options. 

NORTHJERSEY.COM: Tom Gulitti reports Brian Gionta's agent said despite mutual interest in re-signing with the Devils he'll be fielding offers from other teams on Wednesday.  

SPECTOR'S NOTE: I wouldn't rule out the possibility of Gionta re-signing as he could give the Devils a chance to match a best offer but at this point I think it's a slim possibility.  

KUKLA'S KORNER: posted a line to The Cult of Hockey which reports Nashville Predators winger Alexander Radulov will be returning to the KHL next season citing his desire to honor his contract with Ufa. 

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Radulov overlooks the little detail of his failure to honour the final year of his contract with the Predators because, well , that would just be inconvenient.  

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