RUMOURS DU JOUR – By Bruce Garrioch ,Ottawa Sun
After Montreal GM Marc Bergevin sat down with agent Don Meehan for a meeting Friday, the future of Habs blueliner P.K. Subban is all the rage. The two sides have gotten nowhere and many wouldn’t be surprised if this ended in a trade demand from the Subban camp in the near future. As reported last week, Subban wants a five-year, $27.5-million deal at $5.5 million per season. Sources say Bergevin used Florida D Dmitry Kulikov (two years, $5 million) and New York D Michael Del Zotto (two years, $5.1 million) as comparisons. That won’t wash with Subban. If the Habs decide to deal Subban, Detroit, Philadelphia and the Rangers will make a push. But sources insist there is a surprise candidate that could have the assets to acquire Subban — the Winnipeg Jets. League sources say GM Kevin Cheveldayoff wants to make a splash to get an impact player. The problem for Bergevin is simple: As mad as the Habs’ camp is at Subban, he’s a thoroughbred and they don’t come along often … Lots of teams are waiting to see where the dominos fall with Vancouver G Roberto Luongo before making a move for a netminder. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has told several teams he’s not doing anything until he gets his asking price. Yes, the Edmonton Oilers have what it takes to acquire Luongo, but he wouldn’t approve a trade there. The Panthers don’t want to make a deal unless Gillis is willing to take cash back. The Canucks know the pressure is mounting in some markets to win and they’ll find a desperate GM trying to save his job, maybe even Washington or Philly.