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.

McCabe to Oilers?

According to a source in Toronto, Oilers Vice-President of Hockey Operations Kevin Pendergast has been to at least two Maple Leafs games recently, and several scouts have been spotted at the games. The Oilers do not play the Leafs this year. It's been speculated that they were having a close look at Bryan McCabe. There is talk of a deal involving Jarret Stoll and Ladislav Smid.

Petr Cajanek looks to be signing in Russia. It's rumoured that he is close to a deal with HC CSKA Moscow. Source

Sandis Ozolinsh has been signed to a professional try out contract with the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate team, the Worcester Sharks. Also, according to the San Jose Mercury News blog, a San Jose scout was at a Florida-Montreal game Tuesday night and has led to speculation because the Sharks don’t play the Canadiens until March and don’t play Florida this year. Source

Emery being shopped?

According to Slapshot.ch, Ray Emery may be shopped. Emery is currently out with a wrist injury, while the Senators are riding on the hot hand of backup Martin Gerber. The Swiss article seems to be focusing on Emery's off-ice activities as basis for these rumours, so take it for what it's worth. Source

St. Louis are willing to buy out Petr Cajanek, however, they want SC Bern to pay the amount. Bern GM Sven Leuenberger wants to add Cajanek as a replacement to the retired Patrik Stefan. The two parties are still discussing options. Source

Another Scott Niedermayer update...or non-update. In an interview with the OC Register, Niedermayer is looking forward to the Stanley Cup banner unveiling Wednesday night, and it has him thinking about his future: Source

"Yeah, I'm in quite a different situation than I've ever been before," Niedermayer said. "To be able to go there and be a part of putting that banner up to the ceiling, to be there to support everybody who was part of that, is a great moment. I knew it was going to be a big moment, going back to the rink, There will be some different feelings on my part, as to what the future holds."

"I'm going to have to make a decision sooner or later. I don't have a time frame. It's hard for me to judge 'soon' — within two weeks, or two months. I don't know exactly what 'soon' means. I hope the sooner the better, but there still could be some time here."

Hockey Night in Prague?

According to TSN, the NHL could start its 2008-2009 NHL season in Prague, Czech Republic. It's rumoured that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning would be the participants in a two game series. Officials have spoken to both teams about going overseas. Source

Swiss reports have rumoured David Tanabe to sign with EHC Basel. Tanabe is currently in the Blues training camp. With the injury to Jay McKee, it would seem more likely he would sign with St. Louis then in Switzerland.

Petr Cajanek has been waived by the St. Louis Blues. His $2 million contract will deter most teams, but if he is ever recalled, half his contract will be payed by the blues. The Canucks and Oilers have shown mild interest, but will most likely wait for him to be recalled first. Source