Sunday, February 15, 2009

The latest rumors from the Hotstove

Here are the latest hockey and NHL rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, The Hotstove:

Pierre LeBrun reports that the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers are the front-runners in the Jay Bouwmeester sweepstakes. GM Jacques Martin has confirmed that he is talking to teams about possible offers, but is also in serious contract negotiations with Bouwmeester and his agent. LeBrun also reports that Bouwmeester has turned down a contract offer worth $6.5 million a season. Brochu's take: The Panthers are now in a playoff position, so it makes trading Bouwmeester even harder. However, it's crystal clear now that Bouwmeester does not want to re-sign with Florida though.

It was also reported that several Colorado Avalanche players are available, notably defenseman Jordan Leopold, forward Ryan Smyth and forward Ian Laperriere. The Boston Bruins are very interested in Leopold. Brochu's take: Leopold seems to be on top of several GM lists around the league.

The panel also reported the rumor that's being going around the last few days, that Olli Jokinen is not fitting into the Phoenix Coyotes team (on and off the ice) and is on the market. Brochu's take: The rumor continues to be that the Montreal Canadiens are the most active team pursuing Jokinen.

The Hockeycentral panel on Sportnet is speculating that the Edmonton Oilers could pursue 'Yotes defenseman Derek Morris.

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