Weekend rumor roundup Oct 11-12, 2008

The Los Angeles Kings have re-signed forward Anze Kopitar to a seven-year, $47.6 million contract extension set to start in 2009-2010. Brochu's take: A good deal for LA, but what has happened to the second contract? It seems that young impact players move from their entry-level contracts straight into lucrative contracts that, in the past, would be reserved for their third contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed defenseman Alex Edler to a four-year, $13 million contract extension. Brochu's take: Another good signing, on par with similiar players that have signed recently.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Joey Haddad to a three-year contract.

The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Kyle Quincey on waivers.

The following rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, so take it with a grain(bag) of salt.

The Canucks are looking to move defenseman Kevin Bieksa. Brochu's take: The 'Nucks just traded a d-man, so I don't think they're looking to trade him at this moment.

The Carolina Hurricanes may be interested in Boston Bruins forward Peter Schaefer, whose $2.1 million contract is currently off the salary cap. The Canes are looking to dangle defensemen Frantisek Kaberle and Joe Corvo.

The Florida Panthers are looking to move forward Radek Dvorak.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are interested in signing free agent defenseman Marek Malik.

The Edmonton Oilers may be "willing to deal" defenseman Ladislav Smid. Brochu's take: The least that Garrioch could do was at least spell "Smead" right.

Weekend rumor roundup

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Vancouver Canucks are "quietly shopping" defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Ohlund has one year left on his contract, and the Ottawa Senators could be interested in him. Garrioch also suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes are willing to trade defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Joe Corvo. Brochu's take: The Hurricanes actually do need defenseman to play NHL games, despite what Garrioch thinks. Ohlund has a no trade clause in his contract, and is unlikely to waive it. Source

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that there are rumors that the Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to trade forwards Michel Ouellet, Jussi Jokinen and Jason Ward to make some salary cap space. Source

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal is suggesting that the Calgary Flames may send defenseman Adrian Aucoin to the Los Angeles Kings. Brochu's take: This would bring the Kings up to the cap, but Aucoin is not a solution to the King's need for an offensive defenseman. Source

There have been several confirmed discussions between the Kings and Anaheim Ducks about defenseman Mathieu Schneider. It would seem a deal is inevitable. Source

Stay tuned for my European rumor roundup on Monday.

Stillman, Commodore for Eaves, Corvo

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded forward Cory Stillman and defenseman Mike Commodore to the Ottawa Senators for forward Patrick Eaves and defenseman Joe Corvo. Hopefully this trade will spur more trading as the deadline approaches. Ottawa radio is also reporting that GM Bryan Murray may not be done dealing. Source

The Montreal Canadiens will not hand out any punishment to defenceman Ryan O'Byrne and forward Tom Kostopoulos after the two players were arrested outside of a Tampa nightclub early Monday morning. O'Byrne's name has been in the rumour mill lately, perhaps this will lower his trade value. Source

Leftover NHL rumors from the weekend

There's been a lot of rumors over this weekend; here are some that didn't make the last post:

There's a rumour that the Ottawa Senators would like to trade goaltender Ray Emery to the Chicago Blackhawks for Nikolai Khabibulin.

Another one involves the Sens sending Antoine Vermette and a "high draft choice" to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. Considering some of the Hossa offers flying around, it would take more from the Senators to get Hossa.

Another Senators rumour involves Ray Emery, Andrej Meszaros and Joe Corvo sent to the Edmonton Oilers for Dwayne Roloson, Joni Pitkanen and Jarret Stoll.

The trade rumors above come from the The Gazette.

Scott Morrison of CBC is reporting that the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals are interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Carle.

San Jose Sharks may be looking at Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, after the Wade Redden deal fell through.

Sundin for Kesler, Bourdon, Schneider and a 1st?

Team 1040 radio in Vancouver and TSN is reporting a rumour that the asking price for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is Ryan Kesler, Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a 1st round pick in 2008 from the Canucks.

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that Ottawa Senators coach John Paddock made the four-hour trip to Binghamton from Ottawa after practice on Wednesday to check out the AHL Binghamton Senators in action against the Philadelphia Phantoms. Paddock was there to watch which players would fit on the big club if a roster player was traded. There are rumors that Antoine Vermette, Joe Corvo and Andrej Meszaros could be dealt at the deadline. When asked which players he was looking at, Paddock said: "Any one of the young players. (Alexander) Nikulin and (Ilya) Zubov have each had one game, or a few games up, and Brian Lee, and the goaltenders (Jeff Glass and Brian Elliott). And we know what Lawrence Nycholat can do as a call-up." Source

These following trade rumors are from TSN's Backchecking column:

The Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators prospects Brian Lee, Ilya Zubov and Nick Foligno could be part of a deal to land a top-6 forward.

The New York Post is reporting that the New Jersey Devils have some cap room available and may target Chicago Blackhawks forwards Robert Lang and Martin Havlat. The paper also reports that they are interested in Edmonton Oilers defenseman Joni Pitkanen.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Red Wings might consider moving Dan Cleary if they can't get him signed to a contract extension, and if the Wings could get a top-six forward in return.

Bruce Garrioch's rumour round-up

Here is the latest from Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch. He covers a lot of rumours that have been floating around, so here are the ones that are less covered:

The Philadelphia Flyers may try to put a package together to get Mats Sundin from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Citing sources, GM Paul Holmgren would send Jeff Carter and a 1st round pick for the Swede.

The LA Kings are shopping forward Ladislav Nagy, and defensemen Brad Stuart, Jaroslav Modry and Rob Blake. GM Dean Lombardi wants a roster player, prospect and a 1st round pick for Blake's services.

Garrioch is also rehashing the old rumour of the Tampa Bay Lightning sending Martin St. Louis to the Dallas Stars for Marty Turco.

The Carolina Hurricanes want either Ottawa Senators defnseman Joe Corvo or forward Antoine Vermette, but are unwilling to send Erik Cole the other way. GM Jim Rutherford may also consider sending Cole to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward David Vyborny.

More outdoor games coming?

With the Winter Classic going on today in Buffalo, there has been talk that outdoor games could become a fixture in the NHL schedule. "It's something we're going to look at doing more of," said Bill Daly, the NHL's deputy commissioner. "I wouldn't say we'd do an outdoor game every year. But it could become a semi-regular event. It's a little early to make those predictions. But it's a pretty interesting event." Source

The Globe and Mail is also reporting that there are rumors that the Ottawa Senators are looking to play an outdoor game on the Rideau Canal in front of temporary bleachers. The Montreal Canadiens are also looking to play their NHL All-Star game in 2008-2009 outdoors, possibly on the St. Lawrence river. Source

According to the Hurricanes blog on WRAL.com, Carolina could be targeting two defenseman: Marek Zidlicky of the Nashville Predators and Joe Corvo of the Ottawa Senators. Source

Konstantin Pushkarev has mysteriously rejoined the Iowa Stars of the AHL. Pushkarev had left the Dallas Stars organization in November to return home to Russia.

Happy New Year to all my readers!

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.

Canucks-Islanders talking?

Assistant GM Steve Tambellini is currently on a four game swing with the New York Islanders, part of a father-son road-trip the Islanders are having. Although he is going only as the father of Jeff Tambellini, this has not stopped rumors that he may be doing some advance scouting for the Canucks. According to an NHL Source, GM Dave Nonis has inquired about the availabilty of several players, including impending UFAs Miroslav Satan and Trent Hunter. GM Garth Snow has not decided if these players will be available at the trade deadline. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are interested in Ottawa Senators defenseman Joe Corvo. GM Bryan Murray has worked the phones last week seeking a player to jumpstart his team. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Defenseman Jame Pollock has left the AHL Hershey Bears and signed with CSKA Moscow of the Russian Super League. He has been suspended by the Washington Capitals, but due to the lack of a transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia, he is free to join his new club. Source

Slovak defenseman Richard Stehlik has been rumored to be leaving the AHL Milwaukee Admirals and signing with HC Sparta Prague in the Czech Extraliga. The Nashville Predators are meeting with him and a decision should be finalized next week. Source

Big rumour update, part 1

There are lots of trade rumours flying around lately, so stayed tuned for part 2 later today.

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that sources are saying that the Ottawa Senators are dangling Joe Corvo, Antoine Vermette and Andrej Meszaros to teams such as the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers.

The Calgary Flames are looking for something to shake up their hockey team, and York is saying they may consider making a trade or two before firing coach Mike Keenan.

In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Daryl Sydor of the Pittsburgh Penguins admits he has heard rumors of the Penguins trying to trade him. "They know I'm not happy," Sydor said. "They got me here for a reason, and I'd like to help them. But that's not working out right now, and I don't think they can have my contract and a healthy scratch." Source

In other Penguins news, Scott Burnside of ESPN is reporting that GM Ray Shero have told UFA goaltender Curtis Joseph that they are happy with Dany Sabourin and Marc-Andre Fleury, at least for the time being.

Burnside is also reporting that the Anaheim Ducks may have interest in Mark Recchi, who is still being shopped by the Pens. Source

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal wonders if a package of Jiri Hudler, Jakub Kindl and a 2nd rounder in 2008 from the Detroit Red Wings could pry Mats Sundin from the Toronto Maple Leafs, if Sundin becomes available. Source

The NHL has reportedly put the Philadelphia Flyers on notice. The league handed Flyers forward Riley Cote a three-game suspension on Monday for his match penalty following a high head shot to Dallas Stars defenceman Matt Niskanen Saturday night. "I talked to (Gary Bettman) today," Holmgren told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He thinks, like I do, that these are different coincidences, different situations, that have to be viewed differently, but the question was raised about ramifications if it happens again. So obviously we're under watch." No word on yet if Bettman has put the Flyers on double secret probation.

Canucks listening to Naslund offers?

These following rumours are courtesy of Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Vancouver Canucks aren't looking to move Markus Naslund, but GM David Nonis is listening to offers. He'd like to make a move to shake up his team and bring in a quality blueliner with defensemen Sami Salo, Kevin Bieksa and Lukas Krajicek all injured.

The Ottawa Senators have been shopping Joe Corvo all summer, but has not gotten any offers. Garrioch hints that the Canucks may be interested.

The Edmonton Oilers would like to move Raffi Torres. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Oilers have been talking, but neither have each other's needs.

Ducks GM Brian Burke will try to get the NHL to study a proposal that will allow teams to pick up a portion of a player's salary to facilitate more trades. While Burke tried a similar move last year with a per-transaction cap of $2 million and a per-team cap of $4 million, it didn't fly. It's believed he has lowered the amount this year to $500,000 per transaction and several GMs are on board.

Various reports in Boston indicate that Patrice Bergeron could be out for the season. According to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, Bergeron came within an "inch" of being paralyzed.