Blackhawks showcasing Richmond?

The Chicago Blackhawks have recalled defenseman Danny Richmond from the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL on Sunday. Earlier this week, GM Dale Tallon admitted that Richmond was a possible candidate to be traded. The trade freeze ended Friday and Tallon also said he would begin to talk to teams about possible moves. "Seems we get one back and we lose two," Tallon said of injuries. "It looked like we were going to be really healthy there for a while. When that happens we'll be a much better team." Perhaps Richmond is being showcased? Source

The Denver Post is reporting that LA Kings defenseman Rob Blake would waive his no trade clause if he was asked. "(The Kings) would have to come to me first, but, yeah, it's a possibility," Blake said, after Saturday's 3-1 Kings victory over the Avs. Source

Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is looking for a puck-moving defenseman and an enforcer. It's believed he's made calls for Chicago Blackhawks tough guy David Koci. Could he be interested in Rob Blake? Source

Forward Darren McCarty will try to make a comeback to the NHL after signing with the Flint Generals of the IHL. The 35-year-old plans to practice with the International Hockey League team on Monday but must be cleared by the NHL before playing, the Generals announced Saturday. Hat-tip to the people over at HockeyFights.com and Kuklas Korner, who had this earlier than the major media outlets.

Brochu's European round-up:

Goaltender Fred Brathwaite has signed with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League. Brathwaite had left the Atlanta Thrashers affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, in December.

Forward Nathan Perrott has left the Toronto Marlies (Maple Leafs AHL affiliate) and signed with Vityaz Podolsk Chekhov of the Russian Super League. Source

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.