hockey rumors for today...

And here we go:

Jun 11 - Everyone knows Chris Drury is one of this offseason's biggest free agents, but one team will likely not be in the running for the veteran forward.

According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Flyers will not go after Drury because the price -- and fit into the roster -- isn't right.

The Inquirer speculated that the Flyers will turn their efforts toward soon-to-be free agent and longtime Devils veteran Scott Gomez.

If the Sabres don't re-sign him before July 1, Drury will hit the market. The Rangers and Sharks, among many others, are reportedly interested in the veteran.

Some have also speculated that the Kings could be a leading contender because Drury lives in Manhattan Beach, Calif., during the offseason, not far from Los Angeles D Rob Blake.

Reports previously indicated the Sabres will have to offer Drury $6M-$7M per season, about what he'd be offered on the open market.

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Wings 45-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios still doesn't look as if he's ready for retirement.

According to local reports, the Wings and Chelios are close to signing a one-year deal.

"Nothing's signed, but we had a recent conversation and we're close," Wings general manager Ken Holland told reporters Thursday.

Holland added that if the team locks up Chelios, the Red Wings will look to shore up a few more defensemen and forwards, some from their own free-agent pool.

Chelios, G Dominik Hasek, D Mathieu Schneider, D Danny Markov, F Todd Bertuzzi, F Kyle Calder and C Robert Lang are all set to become unrestricted free agents July 1.

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Alexei Yashin out of the picture, there are rumors swirling as to who might want to return to the Islanders given the Russian's buyout.

One of those players: Michael Peca.

The veteran forward and former Islander, whose rocky relationship with Yashin reportedly led to his trade to Edmonton during the 2005-06 season, could be interested in a return to Long Island, the New York Post reported Friday.

Peca, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, also played under current Isles coach Ted Nolan in Buffalo.

The possibility of Peca returning to New York all hinges on this week's talks with the Maple Leafs. In 2006-07, Peca played an injury-shortened season, posting 15 points in 35 games.