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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Speculation has been percolating the Avalanche might be interested in Lightning goalie Nikolai Khabibulin to replace the retired Patrick Roy. That has been helped by Khabibulin's unhappiness at being benched for Game 5 of the East semifinals.
Khabibulin's agent, Jay Grossman, downplayed the speculation, saying "I would be very surprised if the Lightning tried to trade Nik."
Lightning general manager Jay Feaster declined comment but has said he has no intention of trading either Tampa Bay goalie.
There also has been speculation the Avalanche might look at John Grahame because of his ties to Denver. Grahame, a potential restricted free agent, grew up there, and his mother is the executive assistant for Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix.
LIGHTNING APPEARANCE: Lightning defenseman Cory Sarich will appear from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the grand opening of the Kash N' Karry at 2525 N Dale Mabry, next to Raymond James Stadium. He will sign autographs and help with a street hockey clinic.
CANADIENS: Defenseman Francis Bouillon agreed to a two-year extension, and prospects Duncan Milroy and Andrew Archer reached three-year deals. Bouillon spent most of the season with Hamilton, getting a goal and 12 assists.
PREDATORS: Wing Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuit to be drafted when he was picked in the fourth round in 2002, signed.
RED WINGS: Prospect Igor Grigorenko was taken off a respirator and is fully conscious, but his condition is still serious. The second-round pick in 2001 was in a car crash in Moscow.
TRADE: Carolina sent center Harold Druken to Toronto for defenseman Allan Rourke. Druken had one assist in 14 games. Rourke had 12 goals and 19 assists in 65 games with St. John's of the AHL.
- Times staff writer Damian Cristodero contributed to this report.