Busy News Day

Theres quite a bit going down in the NHL these days so heres a catch-up:

• The NHL established new payroll limits for the 2008-2009 season. The upper limit is $56.7 and the lower limit is $40.7. I've never seen the lower limit before. Are they trying to force teams to spend more and lower the quality of the play in the league by filling that minimum with kids that should be in the minors?
• One of my favorite players, Scott Niedermayer, announced he will be retuning to the Ducks for another season. The smooth-skating defenseman played a pivotal role in the Ducks' Cup run two years back and was also instrumental in pushing the Ducks into the playoffs last season after struggling through the beginning portion of the year.
• Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik reportedly turned down an offer (conditions unknown) but are still in talks. My guess is that he will test the open market and likely be largely over paid due in large part to his stellar performance in the playoffs. As per usual I would love to see him come to Buffalo and shore up our rather weak blueline.
• According to Eklund (read: don't believe a word of it) the Sabres are offering to trade Max Afinogenov to the Washington Capitals for the rights to Mike Green. Again, a dream move if it pans out but the Sabres and the Caps are both right up against the salary cap and Max's $3.5 million is not going to be an easy pill to swallow for the Caps.
• Martin Straka of the Rangers will leave the NHL to play for the KHL (maybe)
• Speaking of the KHL, TSN reports that Jaromir Jagr has received an offer to play in his homeland. I'm not a religious person but I'm praying that he accepts the offer and I never have to see him play another NHL game.
• There are reports that Bryan McCabe and Dan Boyle will be the next guys offered up as trade bait. Its no secret that the Leafs are trying to rid themselves of McCabe's expensive contract so I would expect to see him traded but Boyle will likely stay put.
• TSN is also reporting that the Ducks have placed winger Todd Bertuzzi on waivers, likely to make cap space available for Niedermayer and the possible return of Teemu Selanne
• Lastly, Puck That Hit has a rather humorous wrap up of all the trouble that has fallen into Mr. Bettman's lap.