July 1 is like Christmas in July for the NHL and its fans, as the annual free agency period begins, making today like Christmas Eve. So for all those fans wondering what might be under your team’s tree come tomorrow and in the following days after free agency begins, here’s some of what we’re hearing here at Murphy’s Law. But just remember, the loophole of having a blog/column called Murphy’s Law:

“Murphy’s Law” broadly states that if anything can go wrong, it will. "If there's more than one possible outcome of a job or task, and one of those outcomes will result in disaster or an undesirable consequence, then somebody will do it that way." It is most often cited as "Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong" (or, alternately, "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way").

So hey, if these reports don’t occur or we were wrong, oh well, blame it on Murphy’s Law, eh? All joking aside, after numerous calls and texts over the last 48 hours, here’s what we can tell you and predict:

Mats Sundin has narrowed it down to two choices: retirement or the Montreal Canadiens. The Rangers could come in tomorrow and provide a financially irresistible offer, but it doesn’t appear to be about the money with Sundin, it’s more about the situation and apparently playing in Montreal is a very enticing situation for Sundin.

If Sundin were to not choose the Habs, Bob Gainey’s plan b was apparently Brian Rolston, but with Tampa now acquiring his rights to negotiate, look for Gainey to make a push for Jaromir Jagr. There is still, however, a chance that Rolston ends up elsewhere and count on not only Montreal to be a suitor but also Rolston's favorite team growing up, the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings.

Speaking of Tampa, what in the name of post-lockout signings are they doing? Does this team understand that you build from the goalie out? Did the Brad Richards signing--that they admitted fault on by trading him to Dallas at the deadline--not teach them this lesson? I commend them for going out and getting character and role players like Gary Roberts, Brian Rolston and Ryan Malone, but a.) they’re overpaying and b.) they need defense and goaltending!

Now comes word that they’re shopping defenseman Dan Boyle, who by the way would look pretty nasty on the power play with Rolston, to alleviate the money they’re spending up front. Sources tell Murphy’s Law that Chicago would be willing to part with Brent Seabrook, another roster player and/or a first rounder in 2009 for Boyle. The Blackhawks are also as reportedly very interested in Brian Campbell, as are the Bruins, Senators, Red Wings, Capitals and Thrashers.

Sources in Pittsburgh tell us that the Marian Hossa talks are not dead yet and as we write this, Ray Shero is working very hard to re-sign the most highly coveted winger on the market. However, after offering defenseman Brooks Orpik a multi-year deal in excess of $16 million, they have all but said goodbye to the East Amherst, NY native, who may just be headed home to play for the Sabres.

As far as Hossa goes, the Bruins, Red Wings, Canadiens and Capitals are all still in the running. Also, the Bruins are apparently looking at Wade Redden as plan B if they don't get Hossa and maybe even plan 1A if they do.

After Kevin Lowe opened the floodgates on offer sheets last summer, one has to believe Capitals defenseman Mike Green will be a prime candidate for an offer sheet, and don’t be surprised if Lowe is the first one to come knocking again. Also, keep an eye on the Colorado Avalanche and Phoenix Coyotes.

That’s about it for now, folks but we’ll keep you posted if anything else rolls in on this hot muggy Free Agency Eve!

Slainte,
Murph