I Heard Things

I Heard Things
By Jim Iovino, Ace Reporter

FEDOROV A DEFENSEMAN NO MORE?
The Detroit Red Wings and Group II restricted free agent Sergei Fedorov recently began talking about a new contract. In a recent interview, Fedorov said money is not going to be the sticking point in the negotiations. His amount of playing time and where he plays will be key.
Fedorov emphatically said he does not want to play defense at all this season. Last year the 27-year-old Russian star was used on defense by head coach Scotty Bowman. Bowman also used Fedorov in more of a defensive role throughout the season, which Fedorov didn't find too pleasing, either.
The market value for Fedorov is off-kilter due to the role Bowman used him last season. Fedorov, usually one of the highest-scoring players in the league, tallied 63 points and 30 goals in 74 games last season. Those numbers don't make for a huge contract, but everyone knows the kind of talent Fedorov can display when he gets a chance. Fedorov did lead the club in postseason scoring with 20 points.
Other high-profile Group II free agents include Paul Kariya, Mike Modano and Alexander Mogilny.
HULL WON'T BE AN AV
Colorado Avalanche GM Pierre Lacroix denied the rumor that the Avs were trying to trade for St. Louis Blues star Brett Hull.
Hull, who is in the last year of a contract that will pay him $4.7 million, is reportedly on the trading block (once again). The Blues would like to get rid of Hull's big paycheck, especially since he will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Colorado was one of a few teams reportedly interested (along with Washington and the Rangers), but the Avalanche won't be calling for Hull's services anytime soon. The Avs already had to do some major financing just to sign Joe Sakic, so taking on Hull's contract just wouldn't make sense.
Colorado might have to trade off some salaries themselves before the start of the season. If such drastic measures are needed, defenseman Uwe Krupp could be one of the first to go.
BURE ON THE BLOCK
While the Blues are looking for a taker for Brett Hull, the Vancouver Canucks are trying to deal disgruntled speedster Pavel Bure. Bure asked for a trade last week because he just wasn't happy with coach Tom Renney's defensive system.
The Canucks might find it hard to trade Bure due to his enormous contract. Bure, who has scored just 49 goals combined in the past three seasons, is set to make $5.5 million this season and next. The Russian Rocket is also coming off several injured years, as well. He has had severe knee problems and had to sit out a lot of games last season due to complications associated with whiplash.
If Bure had his way, he'd love to play on Broadway with the New York Rangers. Apparently the price is too steep for the Rangers, however, who don't want to give up Niklas Sundstrom in any deal. Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles are reportedly the teams with the most interest in Bure. The New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders are also supposedly interested. Each team is looking for a big-name player to fill some seats. But is giving up $5.5 million dollars worth it?
By the way, Alexander Mogilny is on the trade block, also.
MODANO TALKS SLOW
Mike Modano, who is a Group II free agent, said talks are going slow with the Dallas Stars and he might not be in the Stars' camp when it opens next week.
The Stars reportedly offered Modano a six-year deal worth $22 million. For those of you not wise in the ways of division, that works out an average of $3.5 million a year. Modano is believed to be looking for a contract worth about $4.5 million a year.
Modano's agent said he has also been in contact with the Rangers, Florida Panthers and the Detroit Red Wings.
AS DANGEROUS AS A HURRICANE
Due to last week's trade that sent Andrew Cassels to Calgary, Gary Roberts will attempt his incredible comeback with the Carolina Hurricanes, formerly the Hartford Whalers.
Roberts is attempting to come back from a serious neck injury that forced him to retire before last season. After several surgeries and a tremendous amount of rehabilitation, Roberts believes he is ready to make a comeback, and an impact, as well.
Doctors gave Roberts an OK to make the comeback. They said he wouldn't risk paralysis or other serious consequences by playing again.
Roberts did admit that he's going to have to change his style of game a little if he wants to stick around this season. He said he's going to have to be "a little smarter," meaning he will try not to go into corners or stand in front of the net with reckless abandon.
How confident is Roberts in his comeback attempt? The former 50-goal scorer said he thinks he has five good years of hockey left in him. Let's hope Roberts is right. The guy's one of the game's best.