Ducks acquire Caron

The Anaheim Duck and Chicago Blackhawks have just completed a 5 player trade. The Ducks have acquired Sebastien Caron, Matt Keith and Chris Durno. The Blackhawks get Bruno St. Jacques and Pierre Parenteau. It is believed that the injury to J.S. Giguere is worse than first thought. Link

Guerin to the Islanders?

There have been rumours that Bill Guerin might be headed to Long Island. The Islanders have recently shed a lot of salary from their team, and are looking to add to their offensive as they make a strong push for the playoffs. The Blues are shopping their veteran players and will be willing to give up Guerin for either a high draft pick or prospect.

Toronto has jumped into the Craig Conroy speculation. They are looking for a centre to fill Michael Peca's spot in the lineup, and Conroy might be the ideal choice. However, the Leafs are balking at the asking price, which is rumoured to be either Alex Steen or Matt Stajan.

The LA Kings are on the verge of a fire sale. Aside from Craig Conroy, the most tradeable assets are Aaron Miller, Lubomir Visnovsky and Jason LaBarbera. The Oilers are interested in acquiring Visnovsky as they are still in need of a powerplay quarterback.

Tkachuk to Vancouver?

Local radio reports in Vancouver have indicated that Keith Tkachuk could be an option to the Canucks at the trade deadline. The Canucks are desperate for scoring and the addition of Tkachuk could help in that category. Vancouver would have to unload some salary however, and the name that's come up most often is Matt Cooke.

The Islanders are looking for a defenseman to bolster their blueline corps. Their recent trades have fueled speculation that GM Garth Snow is looking to make a splash on the trade front.

The talks of realignment by commissioner Gary Bettman has started rumours that the NHL may consider expansion once again. The NHL is looking at 2 more teams so that each new division would have 8 teams each.

Roenick on waivers?

There are early reports from Phoenix that the Coyotes may waive Jeremy Roenick. Roenick has had a poor start to the season and has had some recent troubles with Wayne Gretzky about his playing time. Should he pass waivers, he may retire instead of reporting to the Coyotes minor league team.

The Islanders are be looking for offensive help. The recent trade of Alexei Zhitnik frees up some cap space for New York, and GM Garth Snow is looking to improve his scoring. He is not willing to give up any of his talented youngsters in the system, but may dangle Miroslav Satan as trade bait.

Tampa looking to trade

GM Jay Feaster has let it known that he is actively looking for a trade. It will not involve the troika of Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier or Martin St. Louis, but he is listening to offers for Ruslan Fedotenko, Vaclav Prospal and Mark Denis. Feaster is looking for a defenseman as well as a goalie.

LA is looking to acquire Martin Biron. The current goaltending situation in LA is dire, as they have called Yutaka Fukufuji up on an emergency basis to back up Barry Brust, who was called up when both Mathieu Garon and Dan Cloutier got injured. The Kings are willing to send draft picks.

A new rule that is being discussed between the league and the teams is the issue of goalie interference. The goalie may be considered "fair game" if he wanders outside the crease or the trapezoid area.

NHL to re-up with Versus

According to league sources, the NHL is about to re-sign with Versus. Formerly known as OLN, Versus will re-sign the T.V. contract with the league for 2 more years.

Marian Gaborik may be out another 4-6 weeks. The groin strain is worse than first thought, and it may require surgery.

Mike Kitchen fired, Andy Murray hired

Rumoured to be a multi-year deal.

Chicago signs Bondra

As per TSN. The deal is rumoured to be $500,000 with incentives. Check my previous post on Bondra here.

Names of available players

According to Marty York of the Metro news, several players are being dangled as trade bait by teams that have little to no chance of making the playoffs. Among the players available are Mike Comrie, Josef Stumpel, Martin Gelinas, Keith Tkachuk, Gary Roberts and Bill Guerin. Source

In a recent article written by Steve Ludzik of the Score, Ludzik suggested that several Maple Leafs players may be available and that Toronto needs to get rid of Darcy Tucker, as he will most likely command +5 million as a UFA next summer. Ludzik suggests that Bryan McCabe should be traded for prospects. He believes that the Leafs will not make the playoffs and that they should be trading their assets now to improve in the future.

Hartnell to Philly?

Reports from Philadelphia are indicating that the Flyers are very interested in Scott Hartnell. However, the Predators are waiting for the right deal as Hartnell has been playing well and is attractive to many teams that are looking for offense. The Flyers are willing to give up a 1st rounder for him, according to a source.

The Edmonton Oilers and the New Jersey Devils have been talking about the availability of Richard Matvichuk. Matvichuk is about to come off the long term IR, and he may not be able to fit under the cap. GM Lou Lamoriello will have to pull another rabbit out of his hat to get his team under the cap again.

NJ and LA close to trade?

According to reports from RDS, several scouts from the Kings were at the New Jersey-Montreal game. A deal may be close to happening.

Scouts from Columbus have been spotted attending Manchester Monarchs (LA's AHL affiliate) games. This has fueled rumours of trade, however sources indicate it may just be a small deal involving minor players.

Kotalik on the block?

Reports from Buffalo that Ales Kotalik may be available for the right deal. GM Darcy Regier is looking to shore up his defensive depth, and with a wealth of offensive talent waiting in the minors, Kotalik would look good for teams seeking offensive help. Vancouver, Phoenix and St. Louis are reportedly interested in his services.

There are rumours from New York that Sandis Ozolinsh may retire very soon. He has not played well since his return from his injury/alcohol problems and may hang up his skates for good.

The Souray rumours have heated up again as San Jose has shown interest in acquiring him at the trade deadline.

LeClair picked up by Vancouver?

There are early reports that Vancouver may pick up John LeClair on re-entry waivers. GM Dave Nonis has been looking for offensive help and may pick up the winger at a bargain price of $750,000. Should the Canucks pick him up, expect Jan Bulis or Marc Chouinard to be sent down to the minors to free up cap space.

Antoine Vermette may be the biggest chip the Ottawa Senators have to improve their defense. Wade Redden's chronic injuries may force Ottawa to look for defensive help and the emerging Vermette could be a part of the deal. The Senators are also listening to offers for Martin Gerber. St. Louis is reported to be interested in his services.

Jason Allison has been rumoured to be close to a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.

No rumours today

Now for a bit of a laugh, there seems to be an internet campaign to get Canucks defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick into the All-Star Game. Visit the site at www.voteforrory.com. Several media outlets have picked up on the story and given some press on it. In an interview with several of his teammates, his fellow Canucks have supported this and even have printed up T-shirts for the cause. Have a laugh and vote!