Wednesday, December 10, 2008

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 11, 2008

The New York Islanders have placed forward Jon Sim on waivers. The Islanders blog "Point Blank" suggests that this move is the first in a series of transactions that could see several veterans being waived to make roster space. Brochu's take: A quick peep at the Islanders roster indicates there are already lots of players about to become UFAs, so they might as well wait until the end of the year. However, defensemen Brendan Witt and Andy Sutton could be possible targets for the waiver wire. Source

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has received several offers, but none that have interested him. Burke will not make any personnel moves before his self-imposed Christmas trade freeze, but has been fielding calls on players. "It's a compassionate group," he said of his fellow GMs with a laugh. "They say, `Here's the new guy, he's lost a couple of games, he's got cap room,' so I've been offered some world-class salaries. Unfortunately the players' play haven't been commensurate with their salaries." Brochu's take: There have been rumors that Burke's first priority is getting back some of the draft picks that ex-GM Cliff Fletcher has doled out. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks want to free up some salary cap space for Mats Sundin, and are actively shopping forward Martin Havlat around the league. Garrioch suggests that the Florida
Panthers, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets could use a dynamic offensive player. Brochu's take: Havlat's injury-free season (so far) might be enough bait for someone to bite. Perhaps the Leafs could take on his salary for a 1st rounder? Source

According to Ken Campbell of The Hockey News, sources are saying that Dallas Stars co-GM Brett Hull will be moved to a smaller role in the organization, most likely as advisor to owner Tom Hicks. Brochu's take: Rumors are that Hull never went to scout minor or junior players, and missed a lot of "essential" GM duties.

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