Monday, October 30, 2006

Gagne being shopped

According to the Daily Herald, Simon Gagne is being shopped. New GM Paul Holmgren is actively seeking a blockbuster trade involving Gagne, who just signed a new contract this year. Teams that have shown interest are Phoenix, Boston, Edmonton and Calgary. A source in Calgary suggests that the Flames would be willing to give up a forward prospect and Roman Hamrlik. LA has also been dangling Craig Conroy as tradebait, but the Flyers are not interested. Source

Tuomo Ruutu has been quietly shopped around the league. Many teams fear his injury problems, but Carolina and Toronto have shown interest.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Bertuzzi out 3-4 months?

According to sources in Florida, Todd Bertuzzi's back may require surgery. If that is the case, he may be out for 3-4 months or even the entire season. He has missed some games for Florida this year and may be sidelined for months now.

There have been rumours floating around the hockey world that Yanic Perreault may sign with Ottawa.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Barnett fired, Gretzky to GM?

Various sources around the league indicate that Coyotes GM Mike Barnett will be fired and Wayne Gretzky will step down as coach and replace Barnett as general manager. Also, Gretzky's close friend Ken Hitchcock will be hired as coach for the rest of the season.

The Blues are believed to be very interested in the spare defensemen currently on the Florida Panthers roster. The word is that they want Steve Montador and he could come at a very affordable price, most likely a mid to late draft pick.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Phoenix fire sale?

There have been rumblings that Phoenix are desperate to change their club around. Every name on their roster is available, according to GM Mike Barnett. The name most tossed around is Ladislav Nagy, who has been disappointing so far. Also, a source has indicated there has been talk between the Coyotes and the Tampa Bay Lightning. A trade may be imminent.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Philly has more trades coming

A source in Philadelphia indicates that the firing of Ken Hitchcock and "resignation" of Bobby Clarke are just the beginning of major changes in the Flyers organization. New interim GM Paul Holmgren has kept talks with Jason Allison and he may be signed by next week. Several sources have also indicated that Robert Esche may be headed to Phoenix in exchange for Mike Comrie and Keith Yandle.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Detroit interested in Toskala

According to a source in Detroit, the Red Wings are heavily pushing for Vesa Toskala. GM Ken Holland is disappointed with his goaltending so far, as Osgood has not been good and Hasek is always an injury risk. It is believed that the Wings would trade prospects to San Jose, and one of the names that have come up is Valtteri Filppula.

There has also been some talk between Philadelphia and Ottawa about a trade of players. Both teams are currently struggling out of the gate.

Peter Bondra could be signed as early as next week. Detroit remains the frontrunner in his services.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Glen Murray being shopped

According to a Boston source, Glen Murray is being shopped. However, it is highly unlikely anyone will take his 4+ million dollar contract. Possible teams include the Detroit Red Wings and the LA Kings.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Palffy planning return

Zigmund Palffy is planning a return to hockey. Whether it is in the NHL or the Czech league is the question. Palffy has played one exhibition game in Slovakia, and is working hard to see if he wants to return to hockey. He is ineligible to return to the NHL until February, when his 1 year retirement period expires. He would still be under contract to the Pittsburgh Penguins if he returns. Source

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Leetch to Toronto?, Comrie/Morrison swap?

According to the Toronto Sun, Leetch has had discussions with Toronto. With Pavel Kubina's injury and others, Toronto is desperately looking for defensive help. Leetch is still deciding which team he wants to play for, as Philadelphia, Boston and the Rangers have all called him. There is also the possibility he could retire. Source

A source has indicated that Phoenix and Vancouver have had discussions. The Phoenix Coyotes have been quietly shopping Mike Comrie. A deal involving a swap of Mike Comrie and Brendan Morrison has been discussed. More on this later.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Ottawa, Calgary looking for offense

Both the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames are desperately looking for some offensive help. Jason Allison and Yanic Perreault have been rumoured to both teams, and also Valeri Bure's name has been tossed around. Tradewise, both teams don't have much cap room to add a top line player.

The recent appointment of Chris Zimmerman as the CEO/President of the Vancouver Canucks have added fuel to the rumours of a re-design of the Canucks logo. Also, there have been reports from CKNW radio in Vancouver that the Canucks are interested in establishing a 24 hour TV channel dedicated to Canucks hockey, similiar to Leafs TV in Toronto.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Aebischer being showcased?

Aebischer is starting his second consecutive game, but according to sources, he is being showcased to potential teams as tradebait. The Canadiens are looking for defensive help, and are willing to use Aebischer to get it. Source

Monday, October 09, 2006

Perreault to Calgary?

There have been a few rumours floating around that Yanic Perreault may be headed to Calgary. The Flames powerplay so far this season has been anemic, and GM Darryl Sutter won't stand by idly. Perreault would bring a much needed offensive punch to the Flames lineup, especially on the powerplay.

Brian Leetch and the Philadelphia Flyers have been talking, and there are rumours that they are discussing a contract. But don't rule out that he may end up retiring. His family is happy in Boston and it would take a lot for him to leave.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Atlanta, Philly interested in Allison

Several sources close to Jason Allison have indicated that he will sign with either the Thrashers or the Flyers. Both of these teams need help up the middle, and in Atlanta's case, they are still looking for a number one centre. Expect him to be signed later next week.

There are also rumours that Calgary Flames coach Jim Playfair is on a very tight leash. Should Calgary falter in the first 10 games, expect Darryl Sutter to resume head coaching duties. This was discussed on the CBC on opening night.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Tellqvist on the block

Reports coming from Toronto indicate that GM John Ferguson Jr. is shopping Mikael Tellqvist. JS Aubin has won the backup job. The lack of jobs around the NHL will slow the market for Tellqvist, but expect him to be moved before the trade deadline.

The New Jersey Devils have signed unrestricted free agent Dan LaCouture to a contract.

There are some earlier rumblings that the Vancouver Canucks are looking to redesign their logo for 2007-2008. The new owner, Francesco Aquilini, is interested in distancing the Canucks from the Orca Bay connection. More on this later.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Gionta signed

The deal is to be rumoured at 3.5 million a year for 3 years. 3 million in the 1st, 3.5 million in the 2nd and 4 million in the final year of the contract. He will be officially signed when Mogilny is put on the long term IR.

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Malakov to Sharks, more trades coming

Vladimir Malakov has been traded to the San Jose Sharks along with a conditional first round pick for Alexander Korolyuk and defenceman Jim Fahey. The conditional pick is dependent on Korolyuk's return to the NHL. TSN

There have been reports that Nabokov may be headed to Pittsburgh. The Malakov deal has set the gears in motion for this. Pittsburgh is looking for goaltender help and is willing to part with Marc-Andre Fleury.