Matheson also reported the following a week ago:

- The Edmonton Oilers would like to re-sign impending UFA defenceman Cory Cross, but are unlikely to offer more than the $1.2 million US he made this season. The Chicago Blackhawks and NY Rangers would both love to have Cross on their respective bluelines.

Spector's Note: Cross might seek more, but then again, he seemed happy to be back home in Alberta and was a fan favourite in Edmonton. He may feel he has better opportunities with the Oilers, where he can be a leader, than with the circus-like atmosphere of the 'Hawks or Blueshirts.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

OILERS GM DENIES SHOPPING SALO.

EDMONTON SUN: Robin Brownlee reports Oilers GM Kevin Lowe denies rumours he's been actively shopping goaltender Tommy Salo. Lowe was critical of Salo's performance in his team's first-round exit at the hands of the Dallas Stars, and believes this is how the rumour got started. It was further fuelled by Salo's contract, which pays him $3.9 million US next season, compared to backup Jussi Markkanen's $462 K and prospect Ty Conklin's two-way deal.

Spector's Note: Thanks once again to "Word". Markkanen has promise, as does Conklin, but neither one has yet demonstrated they can fill in for Salo as a starter. Salo had an off-year this past season, after coming off one of his better seasons in 2001-02, and I think Lowe is willing to give Tommy the benefit of the doubt going into next season.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

OILERS TO TOUCH BASE WITH MARCHANT?

EDMONTON SUN: Robin Brownlee reported last week Oilers GM Kevin Lowe might get in touch with the agent for impending UFA forward Todd Marchant in hopes of re-signing the veteran Oiler before July 1. Brownlee believes Marchant and his agent will listen to Lowe's offer, but will probably want to see what else he can get on the UFA market.

Spector's Note: Marchant's going into this year's UFA market as one of the younger players available (29). His strengths as a two-way forward, combined with his experience and leadership, will make him a valuable, not to mention affordable, commodity this summer.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

Oilers sichern sich die Rechte an Brian Leetch

Edmonton, 1. Juli Die Edmonton Oilers haben sich die Rechte an Brian Leetch, dem Star-Verteidiger der New York Rangers, gesichert. Im Gegenzug erhielten die Rangers den finnischen Keeper Jussi Markkanen und ein zusätzliches Draftrecht. Der Tausch kam zustande, da Leetch sich nicht vor dem 1. Juli mit den Rangers einigen konnte und der Broadwayclub so wenigstens etwas für Leetch erhält, was nicht der Fall gewesen wäre, wenn Leetch als Free-Agent bei einem anderen Club unterschrieben hätte. Wo der mehrmalige All-Star allerdings in der nächsten Saison spielt, ist noch lange nicht entscheiden. Für die Oilers selbst ist der 33-jährige Verteidiger sowieso viel zu teuer. Zuletzt verdiente Leetch knappe 10 Millionen Dollar. Leetch kann nun mit allen Clubs frei über einen neuen Vertrag verhandeln, auch eine Rückkehr zu den Rangers scheint durchaus im Bereich des Möglichen. Die Oilers erhalten dann von Leetch's neuem Team als Ausgleich ein Draftrecht - wahrscheinlich der zweiten Runde
hockeyweb.de