Morning News Links
NHL
Wayne Gretzky reportedly met with officials from the Seattle suburb of Bellevue, Washington to discuss bringing an NHL team to a new arena in the city. [KJR Radio]
Recently-acquired Columbus Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky says that he sees Columbus as a great opportunity. "This is an organization that wants success and is moving in the right direction for it. I'm excited to be a part of it," Dubinsky said. [Columbus Dispatch]
Nashville Predators defenceman Shea Weber says that he is comfortable spending the rest of his career in Nashville. "I'm comfortable staying for the rest of my career. We've made that clear to the organization. We're trying to get a no-movement clause." [The Tennessean]
Do the Buffalo Sabres have a recruiting problem? [Buffalo News]
The once highly touted Swedish forward Fabian Brunnstrom is heading back to the Swedish Elite League after three less than successful seasons in the NHL. [Red Wings Front]
Veteran defenceman Steve Staios announced his retirement after 18 seasons, and then he accepted a position with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a Player Development Advisor. [NHL.com]
Brad Richards spoke about the New York Rangers' newest acquisition Rick Nash. "It's what we need," Richards said. "He's one of the best scorers and power forwards in the league. He brings us size and goal scoring." [The Guardian]
NFL
Pittsburgh Steelers leading receiver Mike Wallace is not expected to report to training camp today. The Steelers will likely suspend negotiations on a long-term contract. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams has a tryout with the Houston Texans today. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who is unhappy with his contract situation, will not report to training camp today. [ESPN]
New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis showed up on time for training camp today. He will not be holding out for a better contract. [ESPN]
Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best has still not been cleared for contact. Best is still recovering from a concussion he sustained last year. [Detroit Free Press]
Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson opened training camp at strong safety. [ESPN]
NBA
Dwight Howard reiterated to Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan that he wants to be traded, and that he will not sign a contract extension. [ESPN]
If Dwight Howard reaches free agency in 2013 without being traded to the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks are the overwhelming favourite to sign him. [Yahoo! Sports]
Andrew Bynum's agent denies having talked with the Lakers about a long-term contract extension. "We talk all the time, but we've never had a conversation about an extension," Bynum's agent said. [ESPN]
Kevin Love caught his Team USA teammates dreaming of a gold medal on their way to London. [Twitter]
Kobe Bryant says that he has lost 16 pounds to ease the burden on his knees of an Olympic run and another NBA season. [USA Today]
MLB
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Zack Greinke is drawing significant trade interest, but the teams involved feel the price tag is extremely high. [CBS Sports]
At least one team has contacted the Chicago Cubs regarding outfielder Alfonso Soriano. The issue with Soriano is that he is owed $36 million over the next two seasons. [Fox Sports]
Starting pitcher Cliff Lee is not formally available, but the Philadelphia Phillies would consider listening to trade offers for the left-hander. [Fox Sports]
Toronto Blue Jays catcher JP Arencibia is expected to miss six weeks after suffering a broken hand on a foul tip in last night's 16-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics. [Globe and Mail]
The Oakland Athletics are still interested in acquiring Blue Jays shortstop Yunel Escobar, but he doesn't want to be traded. "I like it here. I don't like getting traded," Escobar said. [San Francisco Chronicle]
