Big rumour update

There are lots of trade rumors going around today, most of them from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Nashville Predators could look to move centre Jason Arnott.

The LA Kings are shopping defenseman Tom Preissing. The Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes are interested. Garrioch also adds that Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is looking for another blueliner to help out Zdeno Chara. The New York Rangers are also shopping Paul Mara, and Garrioch believes that he would be a good fit in Boston because he is an ex-Bruin.

If the Edmonton Oilers don't re-sign defenseman Joni Pitkanen, there is "strong belief" that he could be moved by the trade deadline.

The Philadelphia Flyers are not happy with Steve Downie and could use him as tradebait.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in goaltender Ray Emery. Emery rumours continue to fly around the league.

The Ottawa Senators are still looking to move defenseman Joe Corvo.

Extension/Contract news, also from Garrioch:

Garrioch claims that sources tell him that Washington Capitals GM George McPhee "insulted" Alexander Ovechkin by offering a five-year, $37.5 million deal. Ovechkin rejected the offer and is believed to be seeking a $9-10 million a year contract.

Citing NHL agents, Garrioch claims Dion Phaneuf has turned down a 5 year, $30 million contract extension from the Calgary Flames. Phaneuf will become a RFA this summer.

Prucha for Malholtra?

The New York Rangers continue to scout the Columbus Blue Jackets closely, as another scout was at Sunday's game. The Puck-rakers blog adds that the Rangers have dispatched scout Gilles Leger to some Blue Jackets’ games. Word is that the Rangers like Manny Malholtra. The Blue Jackets have been interested in Petr Prucha for a few years. Could a swap be imminent? Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik could be available. Orpik was recently scratched for two games by coach Michel Therrien. Brooks claims there are players on the Pens that have ill feelings towards Therrien. Jarkko Ruutu and Gary Roberts have reportedly asked for trades. Source

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on Saturday night, Al Strachan mentioned that the Vancouver Canucks could be interested in three players on the Nashville Predators. Strachan, on the intermission program "Hotstove", reported that the Canucks should be looking at centres David Legwand, Jason Arnott and Radek Bonk. Legwand recently signed a long term extension with the Predators.