ROMAN HAMRLIK Stars' lefty is unlikely to go

KNIGHT-RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
DALLAS -- Don't put too much stock in the Roman Hamrlik-to-Dallas talk. He's a lefty and would fit well with Sergei Zubov, but the Stars would have to give up a big contract to make room for Hamrlik, and the Islanders don't want another big contract.
The Blues have re-boosted former Stars wing Scott Pellerin on a two-way contract (pro-rated at $500,000). Expect Pellerin to be a depth player who bounces between the minors and the parent team.
Bobby Holik is back to being his nasty checking self now that Rangers coach/GM Glen Sather has put the $9 million free agent in the role of taking out the opponent's best player. Look for Holik's offensive numbers to soar, ironically, in the new role.
Luongo evolving
Florida goalie Roberto Luongo, 24, is becoming the leader of that team. He ripped teammates after an overtime loss to Ottawa and told them they have to be better.
"He's got carte blanche for that," teammate Mathieu Biron said. "He's been so good, you've got to respect everything he's got to say."
Atlanta 'wunderkind' Dany Heatley skated for 10 minutes Tuesday and appears ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation after a preseason car wreck that killed teammate Dan Snyder. GM Don Waddell said he believes Heatley will be ready to return by late February.
"It's an emotional lift for everyone," Waddell said.
The Kings expect Roman Cechmanek (hip) back in net soon. Youngster Cristobal Huet has been shaky in recent performances, particularly a 4-4 tie with Vancouver in which the Kings lost a three-goal lead.
There's still hope for future hockey at Maple Leaf Gardens. The venerable downtown Toronto building was going to be turned into a grocery store/office building. But grocery store chain Loblaws has pulled out. A potential new ownership group could keep the ice in some form of a renovated building.