NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 4, 2009

The New Jersey Devils have traded defenseman Sheldon Brookbank to the Anaheim Ducks for the rights to center David McIntyre. Brochu's take: Let the trade floodgates open!

CKAC is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens are interested in Brad Richards and Matt Niskanen of the Dallas Stars. According to the radio hosts, GM Bob Gainey has had some talks with Stars GM Les Jackson. Brochu's take: Gainey's been looking for an offensive centreman, but I think Richard's contract is a bit high for his production level. Source

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN is reporting that Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray was interested in acquiring Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Tobias Enstrom, but was told only defenseman Mathieu Schneider was available. There were also talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders, but nothing came of it. Brochu's take: Murray's on his last legs in Ottawa, he may be prone to making a panic trade. Look for him to be very active as we near the trade deadline. Source

Edmonton Oilers forward Dustin Penner, who has been called out again by coach Craig MacTavish for his poor play, has been rumored to traded to the Florida Panthers for Jay Bouwmeester. Brochu's take: Who would want Penner's contract? Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be interested in Bouwmeester as well.

Former NHL star Eric Lindros resigned as ombudsman of the NHL players' union. The NHLPA confirmed the move on Tuesday but gave no reason why. Brochu's take: You'll probably hear about it on Hockey Night in Canada this weekend.

NHL rumor update Mar 1

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver reported these two rumors, citing sources close to the negotiations:

The Florida Panthers wanted both Daniel and Henrik Sedin fom the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Olli Jokinen.

The initial offer for Brad Richards from the Canucks was Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick in 2008. The Tampa Bay Lightning counter-offered with Ryan Kesler, Alex Edler, Mason Raymond and the three draft picks.

Both TSN and Rotoworld is reporting that Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke will accept a position in June as the President and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired right wing Nate DiCasmirro from the Phoenix Coyotes for right wing Steve Goertzen and assigned him to Syracuse of the American Hockey League. (Trades can still be conducted after the deadline, but the players are ineligible for the NHL playoffs.) Source

Senators fire Paddock, Low

The Ottawa Senators have fired coach John Paddock and assistant coach Ron Low. Speculation and rumours have surrounded the coach's future during the recent spell of bad games. GM Bryan Murray will take over coaching duties for the stretch run, while Paddock has been offered a job somewhere in the organization. Source

According to the Montreal Gazette, the Montreal Canadiens are believed to have offered forwards Michael Ryder, Maxim Lapierre and Mikhail Grabovski to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. GM Bob Gainey mentioned that the Thrashers wanted "4 elements", 3 of which were playing on Tuesday. Source

The Thrashers apparently wanted Antoine Vermette, Nick Foligno and 1st round pick in 2008 for Hossa, the Ottawa Sun reports. Source

Rumours are flying that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero received orders from the owners to make a serious playoff run this year, leading to the acquisition of Hossa.

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis offered defenseman Luc Bourdon, goaltending prospect Cory Schneider, and Mason Raymond to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Brad Richards. Rumours are that the Lightning really wanted defenseman Alex Edler and forward Ryan Kesler.

NHL trade deadline round-up: Part 1

I'm going to post this in spurts, so there's enough labels to go around. Feel free to post your comments if you wish.

The Atlanta Thrashers traded forwards Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for prospect Angelo Esposito, forwards Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen and a 1st round pick in 2008. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning traded forward Brad Richards and goaltender Johan Holmqvist to the Dallas Stars for goaltender Mike Smith, forwards Jussi Jokinen and Jeff Halpern and a 4th round pick in 2009. Source

The Buffalo Sabres traded defenseman Brian Campbell and a 7th round pick in 2008 to the San Jose Sharks for forward Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick in 2008. Source

NHL trade rumor update Feb 26 3:00 AM EST

According to Bob McKenzie's blog on TSN.ca, the Chicago Blackhawks sent an email Monday night to the 29 other NHL teams indicating that 8 players were available. These 8 are Nikolai Khabibulin, Martin Havlat, Robert Lang, Tuomo Ruutu, Martin Lapointe, Yanic Perreault, Andrei Zyuzin, and Rene Bourque.

The NHL Experts Blog on Yahoo! is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning will send Brad Richards to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith, forward Jeff Halpern and defenseman Mark Fistric. The same article quotes a "league executive" as the source. The article also makes the note that the Montreal Canadiens are about to land Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa, with Michael Ryder going to Atlanta. Rumors are flying that the Habs included young prospect Mikhail Grabovski in the deal. Source

Forsberg signs with Avalanche!

TSN is reporting that Peter Forsberg has signed with the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of the season. Foppa had earlier declared it was "unlikely" he would return to the NHL this season. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN was on Team 1040 radio in Vancouver and reported that 4 teams are on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards short list of teams he would waive his no trade clause, and these teams are the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks. The frontrunners are Dallas and Columbus, with Vancouver among the bottom 3-4 teams.

Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter told reporters that he will not trade winger Alex Tanguay and is happy with his team as it is. Of course, it could be a smokescreen to ward off teams while Sutter works out a deal. This could be a Foppa-esque situation. Source

The Buffalo News is reporting that defenseman Brian Campbell will be playing his last game for the Buffalo Sabres tonight, as sources are saying he will "definitely" be traded by the deadline.

Richards willing to waive his NTC!

Sportsnet is reporting that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards is willing to waive his no trade clause. It's believed that GM Jay Feaster will be presenting deals to Richards this evening, and something could happen as early as Monday. The report also indicates that Richards wants to play for a playoff contender, which rules out the Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers. The Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens remain the front-runners. Let the Richards sweepstakes commence! Source

According to the Bergen Record, the New Jersey Devils have scouted and are interested in St. Louis Blues defensemen Bryce Salvador and Barret Jackman. Source

There will be more frequent posts as the deadline approaches.

Lightning ask Richards about possible trades?

TSN is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning have reached out to Brad Richards about their interest in trading him. Sources are saying the Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets are the frontrunners. A decision is expected Sunday night or Monday, at which point GM Jay Feaster will take the options to ownership for the final decision. Source

Possible scenarios could include:

Luc Bourdon, Michael Grabner, a 1st rounder in 2008.

Mike Smith, Mark Fistric, and a 1st rounder.

Jakub Voracek, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and a 1st rounder.

The Dallas Morning News is reporting that there have been Lightning scouts watching the last several Stars games. The Stars could be the leading candidates to land Richards.

Mats Sundin has confirmed that he has been approached by Toronto Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher to waive his no trade clause. He has been asked to provide a list of 3 teams he would like to be traded, but the rumor is that Sundin won't waive his clause at all. Source

The Detroit Red Wings have offered Darren McCarty a one-year deal for the league minimum $475,000 (pro-rated). Source

Marian Hossa will definitely be shopped at the trade deadline, as a last attempt to sign him has failed. It's believed that Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell is mulling over the offers.

The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Nick Schultz to a 6-year, $21 million contract extension. Source

Brad Richards to Philly?

The following rumours come from Al Strachan, courtesy of the show "The Spin" on The Score network:

The Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards. Strachan also said that the Flyers were in the Dan Boyle sweepstakes, should the Lightning fail to sign him. Jeff Carter is rumored to be part of the deals.

Strachan believes the Montreal Canadiens are gunning after Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen, as well as the Boston Bruins, who could be going after some star players at the trade deadline.

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that two Blue Jackets scouts were watching the last Lightning game, and GM Scott Howson has some interest in Richards. The Blue Jackets have the cap space to add Richards, but do they have the prospects or picks to get him?

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that Toronto Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher and captain Mats Sundin met on Thursday to discuss his future with the team, and asked him for a list of teams that he would like to be traded to. Sundin has not give him a list, but may this weekend. Source

Dwayne Roloson has not demanded a trade, but is not happy with his playing situation. The Edmonton Sun is reporting that he would not oppose to going to a team where he would play more games.

Pierre McGuire of TSN was on the Team 990 radio in Montreal and mentioned that several teams have made offers for Florida Panthers defenseman Ruslan Salei and could become a hot commodity at the deadline.

The Philadelphia Flyers have claimed forward Patrick Thoresen off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Trent Hunter to a 5-year, $10 million contract extension.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Alex Steen to a 2-year, $3.4 million contract extension.

Rangers after Boyle, Rucinsky and Sundin?

The New York Rangers dominate this rumor report, as several sources indicate that they could make a big splash at the trade deadline.

The New York Post is reporting that the Rangers are making a push for Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle. If Boyle is not signed by the deadline, and if there are no takers for forward Brad Richards, Boyle could be moved.

The New York Post reported the New York Rangers are believed interested in bringing back St. Louis Blues winger Martin Rucinsky for a fourth tour of duty on Broadway. St. Louis president John Davidson likes defenseman Marek Malik, but the Rangers would require a defenseman in return. Source

Marty York of Metro News believes that Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is "no. 1" on the Rangers shopping list. Source

New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is in the market for a "rental" player, and is not interested in signed players. Source

Team 1040 radio in Vancouver is reporting a rumour that the Dallas Stars would send defenseman Phillipe Boucher and goalie Mike Smith to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Brad Richards.

The Boston Bruins have placed forward Stanislav Chistov on waivers. Chistov left his Russian Super League team Salavat Yulaev Ufa late last week. Source

The Los Angeles Kings claimed Matt Ellis off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings.

The Edmonton Oilers put Patrick Thoresen on waivers Thursday.

Richards shopped, Hossa close to being a Hab?

According to La Presse, the Montreal Canadiens have ordered equipment for Marian Hossa. Reporter Mathias Brunet speculates that Mark Streit, Michael Ryder and a draft pick have been tossed around. Source

Pierre LeBrun of Sportsnet is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers have made a late bid for Hossa, and are interested if they can secure Hossa to a contract extension.

There are rumors that the Minnesota Wild are interested in acquiring Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen. GM Doug Risebrough and GM Jacques Martin were spotted huddled in "deep discussions" at the GM meetings in Florida.

Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards. Source

Darren McCarty may be close to returning to the Detroit Red Wings. GM Ken Holland says Wednesday the team is "leaning toward offering him a contract." McCarty has been productive in comeback stints with the IHL Flint Generals and the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, where he recently scored a hat-trick. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Jim Vandermeer to the Calgary Flames for a third round pick in 2009. Source

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Blackhawks are shopping defenseman Andrei Zyuzin. Source

Satan to Vancouver, Streit and Higgins to Atlanta?

According to Slovakian hockey site hokej.sk, there's a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks have offered forwards Ryan Shannon and Mike Brown to the New York Islanders for Miroslav Satan. Also, GM Dave Nonis was spotted talking to GM Garth Snow for 15 minutes at the GM meetings in Florida. Source

Swiss website hockeyfans.ch reports that the Montreal Canadiens are very interested in Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin and everyone's favourite rental player, Atlanta Thrashers forward Marian Hossa. The rumour is that the Habs have offered defenseman Mark Streit, forward Christopher Higgins and a first round pick to the Thrashers for Hossa. Source

TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that GM Bob Gainey is targeting an "impact player" at the trade deadline. It's believed that Gainey has offered Michael Ryder and a draft pick to the Calgary Flames for Alex Tanguay. McKenzie also confirms that the Canadiens are after Hossa and Sundin as well. Source

Rumors continue to fly about the Tampa Bay Lightning shopping forward Brad Richards, but his $7.8 million contract and no trade clause remains in the way. La Presse believes that the Canadiens would have interest. Source

The Los Angeles Kings have traded defenseman Jaroslav Modry to the the Philadelphia Flyers for a third round draft pick in 2008. Source

NHL trade rumors from the GM meetings

There's going to be a lot of rumours in the next few days as the annual GM meeting in Florida continues. Scott Morrison of CBC reports on the latest:

Citing a source, no fewer than 15 teams have expressed "serious" interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle, who, according to his agent, does not want to leave Toronto. The rumor is that the Philadelphia Flyers are the most interested. "I can say there has been a lot of interest in him," GM Cliff Fletcher told CBCSports.ca mid-afternoon Monday, "but I haven't asked Tomas yet if he would waive his no trade. We'll see what happens."

Morrison believes that the Atlanta Thrashers will definitely trade forward Marian Hossa, with the Montreal Canadiens as a front-runner. Christopher Higgins' name has been mentioned. The San Jose Sharks have also inquired, but the Thrashers would like Jonathan Cheechoo as part of the return. The Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars are also making bids.

Sources say that 8 teams, including the Ottawa Senators, are interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal.

The Carolina Hurricanes could be interested in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dominic Moore.

David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail was also there, and he has a humdinger of a rumor:

According to a league source, Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster is busy shopping forward Brad Richards among his fellow GMs after they arrived here for their annual winter meetings on Sunday night.

Peter Forsberg's agent Don Baizley has told NHL teams that "the prospect of Peter having enough confidence in the foot-skate issue to commit to being able to play in the NHL this season isn't where it needs to be at this moment. As a result, teams are being told it is unlikely he will be able to commit to return to the NHL this season." Foppa has not ruled out a return next season.

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Olivier Latendresse to the Montreal Canadiens for an unnamed player. He is the brother of Guillaume Latendresse. Source

Lecavalier demands trade?

During the intermission program "The Hotstove" (not "Satellite Hotstove" anymore, as some rumormongers put it) on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on CBC, Al Strachan quotes sources that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier has done all he can with the team and wants to be traded to a bigger market in the summer. Strachan speculates that Montreal, Los Angeles and New York could be possible destinations.

Pierre LeBrun refutes the Lecavalier rumor, but believes GM Jay Feaster will shop Brad Richards this summer to free up some cap space to get a top goaltender.

Rob Blake is rumoured to be headed to the San Jose Sharks or Anaheim Ducks.

Scott Morrison believes Peter Forsberg will make his decision to return to the NHL in the next few days, and the Philadelphia Flyers remain the frontrunners.

During the After Hours program, Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis confirmed that he has made an offer to Forsberg and is waiting for an answer. Nonis maintains that the Canucks are in the Foppa sweepstakes.

Also, Nonis stated bluntly that he will not trade young players Alexander Edler and Ryan Kesler for players at the deadline. Nonis revealed that he turned down a trade last year involving a UFA rental player that would have cost Edler.

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Toronto Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher has been working the phones and he may ask defenseman Tomas Kaberle to waive his no trade clause. It's believed the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers are making a push for the Czech blue-liner.

Sources are saying that the Florida Panthers are shopping forwards Jozef Stumpel and Radek Dvorak.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown an interest in Leafs defenseman Hal Gill.

More from Bruce Garrioch later, including the latest on Hossa, Havlat, Cammalleri, Blake and Boyle.

Ducks trade watch, day 7

The Anaheim Ducks trade watch continues. According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the most likely return for Scott Niedermayer would be Sunday for the game against the San Jose Sharks. GM Brian Burke has until then to free up around $900,000 from next year's salary cap. McKenzie is saying that "Burke is sitting on some deals that could be done in a heartbeat. He could move veteran Defenceman Sean O'Donnell for a draft pick or package defenceman Shane Hnidy and forward Brad May and the financial issues would be solved. But Burke is entertaining the idea of a "hockey trade" that would improve the Ducks and defenceman Mathieu Schneider would be part of that were it to happen." Source

Randy Youngman of the OC Register is reporting that Burke has been talking trade with the Florida Panthers, Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks and Caroline Hurricanes. He's also reporting a rumor that the New Jersey Devils are interested in Schneider. Source

The Ducks announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Bruno St. Jacques to a one-year contract. Subsequently, St. Jacques was recalled from the Portland Pirates, Anaheim’s AHL affiliate. Source

With the sale of the team official, the Nashville Predators are moving forward with their hockey team. This could mean several trades to improve their team, as the Predators have been looking for better goaltending. A few hours before announcing the sale had closed, Predators Holdings Chairman David Freeman said GM David Poile would soon have more freedom to move forward with other contract negotiations, explore trade opportunities and establish future payroll. Source

Goaltender Fred Brathwaite has left the Atlanta Thrashers AHL affiliate in Chicago and has been suspended by the organization. It's believed he received an offer to play in Russia. There are rumours that he may return to his old RSL team, Aq Bars Kazan. Source

Brochu's fantasy and injury update:

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo may miss several games with a rib contusion he suffered several weeks ago.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards suffered a leg injury in the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.

Feaster threatens to trade core, Wes Walz to retire

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster has threatened to break up the core of the team if they don't start winning. "Being sub-.500, being 13th or 14th out of a 15-team Eastern Conference isn't cutting it, given the money we lose, to think we're going to keep payroll where it is and not make changes," he said. Feaster added that ownership could be cutting and the core of Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Brad Richards and Dan Boyle could be broken up. The Absolute Hockey group has been stalled in buying the Lightning and management may cut payroll in order to make the team more attractive to buyers. Asked if trades were near, Feaster responded, "by Christmas time, yeah, for sure." Source

Yahoo Sports is also reporting that there is bad blood between defenseman Dan Boyle and the team and he could be shipped out by the trade deadline. Source

The Wild announced Friday night that they will hold a press conference with Wes Walz on Saturday morning, when Walz is expected to announce his retirement after 12 seasons in the NHL. The centre has been on leave for a month. Source

Mark Mowers has cleared waivers and has been assigned to SC Bern in the Swiss Nationalliga by the Anaheim Ducks. Source

Brad Richards being shopped?

According to Jason Gregor on Team 1260 radio in Edmonton, the Tampa Bay Lightning are quietly shopping Brad Richards. Gregor is citing a "good source" that the Lightning are putting out feelers about Richards. Richards has a no trade clause that kicked in last July. Source

Ilya Bryzgalov has been put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks. Many teams are interested and it's believed that he will not clear waivers and will be picked up by the 12:00 noon EST deadline. The usual suspects are Phoenix, Pittsburgh and Atlanta, with Phoenix as the frontrunner based on need and waiver priority.

The Chicago Blackhawks are interested in Swedish defenseman Johan Akerman. Åkerman played very well for Sweden in the Karjala Cup, and GM Dale Tallon, who was scouting the games in Helsinki, was astounded to find out he was never drafted. Akerman is currently playing for HV71 Jonkoping of the Swedish Elite League. Source

Tallon: Åkerman is really good - smart, one touch passing and with the ability to make correct decisions. He has the tools to play in the NHL.

Expressen.se: How interested is Chicago?

Tallon: We're following him and looks - precise as on other interesting players - most on how we believe that they can come over and make a transition to a smaller rink.

Winnipeg Jets to fly again?

There has been speculation that the NHL is considering a move back to Winnipeg, buoyed by the strength of the Canadian dollar. In a report in the Toronto Star, a high-ranking hockey source says the league receives daily calls about bringing a franchise back to Manitoba. The NHL contacted Canadian regulators to reinforce its trademark on the Winnipeg Jets name and there is a brand new hockey venue in the MTS Centre waiting for a major league partner. Source

PJ Stock on the Team 990 in Montreal is reporting that he heard a "trade idea" from an email involving a trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning. The trade would involve an exchange of Michael Ryder, Andrei Kostitsyn and Jaroslav Halak for Brad Richards and Andre Roy. Richards has a NTC.

Maxime Ouellet has signed a four week pro tryout contract with Red Bull Salzburg in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga in Austria. Ouellet signed a minor league contract with the New York Islanders earlier this summer. Source