Monday could possibly be D Day for Ryane Clowe, the pending unrestricted free agent whom the San Jose Sharks are ready to trade.
What I’m hearing is that the Clowe camp -- led by agent Kent Hughes -- has worked closely with Sharks GM Doug Wilson on this process so that both sides are on the same page in terms of the teams in the mix.
Clowe has the hammer with a no-trade clause, but it sounds like that won’t be an issue.
Among the teams that have at least inquired about Clowe are Philadelphia -- a report out of Clowe's native Newfoundland reported he would be dealt to the Flyers -- Montreal, Boston, Minnesota, Vancouver and the Rangers. Canucks GM Mike Gillis attended Saturday's Coyotes-Sharks game in San Jose. I'm hearing there’s a chance Clowe gets traded Monday.
Will Ribeiro go?
The Capitals and Mike Ribeiro's agent, Don Meehan, chatted Friday and were planning to have another conversation Monday. Washington would like to sign the center, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency July 5. But it’s not clear if that’s going to happen before Wednesday.
Habs mulling moves
Rookie Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin heads into his first trade deadline with a few decisions to make.
I’ve reported before about his interest in Clowe, although, as I said last week, the Habs won’t overpay to get him, so I would not classify Montreal as a front-runner.
If they don’t get Clowe, they remain interested in a top-six forward with grit. Montreal would also like to add a depth defenseman.
Smid off the block
The Edmonton Oilers took a name off the trade market Monday, agreeing to a $14 million, four-year contract with defenseman Ladislav Smid. He was a pending unrestricted free agent and had generated interest from other teams. But he stays put, although his new deal does not have a no-trade clause.
