Carle and a 3rd for Eminger, Downie and a 4th

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded Steve Eminger, Steve Downie and a 4th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Matt Carle and a 3rd round pick. Brochu's take: Carle could not find the ice time in Tampa. The Flyers finally get the puck-moving defenseman they've been looking for. Source

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.

Carter, York to Switzerland?

According to Swiss newspaper "Blick", Anson Carter and Jason York could be headed to Switzerland. Carter, who suffered a concussion in his first pre-season game, has not been offered a contract by the Oilers yet. York, who is at the Senators camp, also has yet to sign with the club. York has previously played for HC Lugano in 2005-2006.

Steve Downie has been handed a 20 game suspension from the NHL. However, it is unlikely that he will make the NHL this season, and it's believed it will carry over to whenever he makes the Flyers squad.

Brent Sopel has left the Red Wings training camp and signed a one year, $1.5 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Also, Mark Smith has signed with the Calgary Flames. Smith was released by the New York Rangers earlier this week. Source

Flashback Friday: With all the recent concussion talks, anyone remember this from 2004?

Downie to get more than 10 games?

According to reports from the East coast, Steve Downie may get more than 10 games for his hit on Dean McAmmond. Downie has been suspended indefinitely, pending a review by the league. Colin Campbell has already been angered by the amount of fighting and violent play of the pre-season, and may use Downie as an example to the rest of the league that such actions will not be tolerated.

Dan McGillis has been playing well with the Vancouver Canucks and is very close to signing a contract. The deal is most likely a two-way deal in the $650,000 range. Source

The Anaheim Ducks and Cologne Sharks are officially pairing up. "This partnership can be of great importance to the DEL", says Sharks GM Thomas Eichin. The teams will work together on scouting, coaching, youth development and other hockey matters. It's also rumoured that the Ducks may play an exhibition game in the KölnArena in the 2008-2009 season. Source