Hockey Rumors for Feb 2, 2010

Happy Groundhog Day!

The Calgary Flames have traded forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust to the New York Rangers in exchange for forwards Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins. Brochu's take: This trade has been rumored for 24 hours, and it was believed that Kotalik's no trade clause was holding it up. The Flames wanted Jokinen in the lineup tonight, for some odd reason.

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Nick Boynton on waivers.

The New York Islanders have placed forward Trevor Gillies on waivers.

According to the Team 1040 in Vancouver, there is a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in acquiring Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Ducks. There is speculation that he wants to spend his last season in the NHL closer to home. Several Ducks' scouts were spotted at the last Toronto-Vancouver game.

Latest NHL Signings! Part XII

Colorado Avalanche forward Joe Sakic has officially retired from hockey. Brochu's take: He was always one of my favourite players. See you in the Hall of Fame!

The Philadephia Flyers have re-signed defenseman Chris Pronger to a 7-year, $34.9 million contract extension. Brochu's take: The contract is not even heavily front loaded, so in the last 3 years of this contract, he will still have a cap hit of around $5 million. I'm not sure how Philly will be able to afford this down the line, but it's clear that GM Paul Holmgren wants to win NOW.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Ales Kotalik to a 3-year, $9 million contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Kurtis Foster to a 1-year, $500 000 contract. They also signed forward Stephane Veilleux to a 1-year, $750k contract.

The Bolts have also signed 2009 NHL first round pick Victor Hedman to a 3-year, entry-level contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Nick Boynton to a 1-year, $1.5 million contract.

The Avs have signed defenseman Brett Skinner and forward Phillipe Dupuis to contracts.

San Jose Sharks forward Claude Lemieux has retired. Again.

Florida Panthers forward Chad Kilger has officially announced his retirement from hockey.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 28, 2009

Speculation continues to swirl that the Anaheim Ducks are willing to deal Chris Pronger at the trade deadline. The TSN Tradecentre panel reported that the Boston Bruins are very interested, as well as the San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils are the frontrunners for his services. There's rumors that the Ducks would want a package that would involve players such as Patrice Bergeron, Phil Kessel and Joe Colborne. Brochu's take: A defensive pair of Chara-Pronger would be downright scary. If the Bruins really believe that this is their year, than Pronger would be a fantastic addition, but he won't come cheap.

Ray Ferraro of TSN is also reporting that there's a rumor that the Philadelphia Flyers would package Joffrey Lupul and Randy Jones for Pronger. Brochu's take: Unless the Flyers have $6 million in imaginary cap space, I don't see this happening.

Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin has been scouting the Flyers very closely lately, and was present at Friday's game between the Flyers and Montreal Canadiens. It's believed that both teams are interested in acquiring Jay Bouwmeester, and Martin is most likely scouting potential players. Brochu's take: Martin wants players that will help his team now, so I guess that's why he's been following the Flyers so closely.

According to TSN, New York Islanders forward Bill Guerin is willing to waive his no trade clause if the right deal came. Brochu's take: His game has really dropped the last few years. He may get some interest, but the value in return will be low. Source

The Florida Panthers have sent defenseman Nick Boynton home and will not accompany the team's three game road trip. There have been rumors GM Jacques Martin was even thinking of waiving Boynton. Martin confirmed that Boynton had been sent home for discipline but wouldn't go into further detail. Brochu's take: There's probably a good chance he will be traded. Source

Jokinen dealt to Phoenix for Ballard, Boyton, pick

The Florida Panthers have traded Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes for Nick Boynton, Keith Ballard and the 49th overall pick. Brochu's take: Whoa! Who saw this coming??