Friday, March 06, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 6, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Jeff Hamilton for the rest of the season. Brochu's take: A curious move, coming after the NHL trade deadline. He's likely a roster filler so the Leafs don't have to use their callups.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Florida Panthers were weighing two offers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was ultimately not traded. The Vancouver Canucks were willing to give up forward Mason Raymond and a 1st rounde draft pick. It's believed that Florida wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Edler included and GM Mike Gillis wasn't willing to make the move. The Philadelphia Flyers were offering Joffrey Lupul or Scottie Upshall along with prospect James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round pick. The Panthers wanted Scott Hartnell. Upshall was eventually traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. Brochu's take: In my opinion, GM Jacques Martin will regret not getting something for Bouwmeester. He's already turned down a contract offer, and even if the Panthers make the playoffs, it's not guaranteed they'll make it far. However, I do think that Bouwmeester's negotiation rights will be offered in the summer, likely for a draft pick. Source

The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir is reporting that the Capitals had talked to the Anaheim Ducks about acquiring Chris Pronger, but the asking price was much too high. The Ducks wanted defenseman Karl Alzner, goalie Simeon Varlamov and prospect John Carlson. Brochu's take: That would fall in line with Pronger's supposed asking price. Look for a similar type of package by other NHL teams this summer, when Pronger will be available. Source

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