Ducks close to deal?

According to the On the Pond blog in Anaheim, the Ducks could be close to making a trade. The last two Duck games have had scouts from seventeen different teams - Tampa Bay, Carolina, Vancouver, Chicago, Minnesota, Calgary, Columbus, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Boston, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Florida and Atlanta. On Wednesday, the same scouts were there, with the exception of Calgary. Toronto and Dallas were also represented and Boston had a second scout in attendance. GM Brian Burke had talked of moving Ilya Bryzgalov in the summer and with a healthy Jean-Sebastian Giguere, he may move the Russian goalie for offensive help. LA needs a goalie but inter-divisional trades are rare. Source

The Peoria Journal Star is reporting that Petr Cajanek is on the verge of signing with Ak Bars Kazan of the RSL. The Blues are working out a deal with the Russian club on financial compensation for the winger, who has $2 million left on his contract. Essentially, he is on loan to Kazan until next year, when he will become a UFA. Source

Andy Strickland of ESPN radio in St. Louis is reporting that Tony Amonte is working out in Boston and may be signing with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Patrik Stefan to Phoenix?

According to Swiss sources, Patrik Stefan may be headed back to the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stefan signed with SC Bern in late August, but had an escape clause if he signed with an NHL team. The report indicates that the clause expires tomorrow, and if Stefan has not signed he will report to Bern on Thursday. Stefan has been in negotiations with the Coyotes and the deal seems to be hinged on financial terms. Bern Sportchief Sven Leuenberger believes that there is a "50/50" chance he will play with Bern. Source

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun has reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Scotty Bowman are still negotiating. It was rumoured earlier this summer that the Leafs were pursuing Bowman for a senior position in the organization. Despite the public rejections, Simmons claims that they have met again in late August and early September to discuss the matter. Source

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that GM Dale Tallon has denied any internet or rumoured dealings that have swirled around his team. In response to questions asked about Pavel Kubina, Danny Markov and Tony Amonte, Tallon answered, "Nope." Source

New rule changes for 2007-2008

According to the Globe and Mail, these are the four rule changes in the NHL this season:

Rule 24 - Gross Misconduct. The term "gross misconduct" was eliminated from the rulebook. Any act that would have been assessed a gross misconduct penalty will receive a game misconduct penalty. Accumulated game misconduct penalties can lead to fines or suspension.

Rule 25 - Penalty Shot. A player may be awarded a penalty shot if he is fouled on a clear breakaway outside his defensive zone (i.e., anywhere in the neutral zone or in the attacking zone). Previously, a penalty shot was awarded only when the player on a clear breakaway was fouled on the attacking side of the centre line.

Rule 56 - Interference. Referees were given discretion to assess a major penalty and a game misconduct when an injury results from an act of interference. Previously, only a minor penalty could be assessed for interference.

Rule 76 - Faceoffs. All faceoffs must be conducted at one of the nine faceoff dots painted on the rink. Previously, there had been instances, such as when a puck left the playing surface, which caused the faceoff to occur on unmarked ice, parallel to the dot nearest the place where the puck departed.

Janis Sprukts has signed with Latvian club Riga 2000. The Florida Panthers offered a two-way contract to the restricted free agent, but he wanted a one way because he did not want to jump between the AHL and NHL during the season. He received an offer from Metallurg Magnitogorsk, but wanted to play closer to home. He remains as Panthers property. Source

There's a rumour that Tony Amonte has been invited to the Oilers training camp, but Amonte is still hoping he can get a contract offer from a team.