Still no word on the Mark Messier negotiations with the Canucks! The Canucks, who would like to retain the famous leader, but not at $6 million a year as his previous contract stipulated, have made it known that discussions with Messier will remain secretive until something is ironed out one way or another. As for Messier, reports have stated that he's willing to open talks. As 1999-2000 closed, the rugged vet had mentioned that there are things more important than money.

In Detroit, even if veteran Larry Murphy is slated for unrestricted free agency, his primary wish is to stay with the Red Wings. "I told him where we're at and he told me what he was looking for. We'll both look at it and we'll talk again," said GM Ken Holland. However, much like in Messier's case (above), Murphy should be playing for less money if he stays in Detroit for 2000-2001. Igor Larionov is also in the same boat as Murphy. He's eligible for unrestricted free agent status on July 1, but wishes to remain with the Wings.

Rick Tocchet of the Flyers is another seasoned NHL veteran that isn't exactly certain of what's in store for him in the upcoming months. For one, Tocchet is also scheduled for unrestricted free agency. "It will be a long summer and you will be bitter about a few things, but I think a lot of guys will be proud about it. Like I told the guys after the game (when the Flyers were eliminated by the Devils), I am really proud to be a part of these guys. Whether (I'm) around here next year or not, I will always remember this year. Even though I have won the Stanley Cup and have been on successful teams, this will definitely be a memory for me."

Kenny Jonsson, whom many observers feel possesses the potential to become one of the NHL's top defenders, could be mired in a contract struggle with the Islanders over the summer with possibilities of it spilling over into camp and the new season. Jonsson, who went through his most difficult season of his NHL career in 1999-2000, hopes that's not the case and has stated that a situation of the sort wouldn't serve either party well. Don't be surprised if the Isles even trade him!

It would be a great thing indeed, for the Calgary Flames, if former hockey star Lanny McDonald moves into a hockey management position over the summer. McDonald, the Flames' ambassador since his retirement, would relish the appointment. "Yes, it certainly does interest me. You always believe you have something to offer, especially having played the game for 16 years and having been involved here in Calgary for 20 years -- the last 11 in just about every aspect of the organization," said McDonald. "I take great pride in living here and being part of the Flames and hopefully being a part of getting them back to where we were in the 80s," said McDonald. "We have to be better than everybody else, more thorough at making sure every player who comes into this organization not only can play, but is as proud of this city and being part of something as we all are. We have to continue to get better. That's the bottom line. Not only do we make the playoffs, but you legitimately have an opportunity to go further and at some point take another run at the Cup."

One can't state for certain that only a few weeks prior to the Memorial Cup tournament, the Tampa Bay Lightning was adamant about signing junior-aged prospect Brad Richards to a contract. Well, Richards' recent brilliant performance with the Rimosuki Oceanic gave them no choice. Richards, who led all CHL players with 186 points in 1999-2000, put the icing on the cake with a superlative 2-goal, 4-point effort during the Memorial Cup clinching game against Barrie of the OHL. Another note of interest, Richards was Vince Lecavalier's former linemate while the latter was playing in the QMJHL.

The Atlanta Thrashers, who pin great hopes on late-season acquisition Fran Kaberle, were happy to learn that his knee injury suffered at the recent World Championships won't require surgery.

The Boston Bruins are currently toying with the idea of whether or not adding a goaltneding coach to their coaching staff for 2000-2001. "It's nice to have somebody who's here every day to talk to, someone who understands what you're going through. People see what happens to a goalie, but they may not know the whole story. A goalie coach can see what really happens. You can kind of nit-pick things. It's just a way to get a little better," said youngster John Grahame, who will most probably be seeing a lot of action alongside Byron Dafoe next season.

A minor deal that almost went unnoticed during the playoffs was that of the Nashville Predators acquiring Mike Watt off waivers form the New York Islanders. Watt, a big-sized, hard-skating winger with still unrealized potential, could blossom if given the ice time to fully develop his skills.