Hockey and NHL rumors for the weekend of Dec 5-6, 2009

It's Sunday, so you know it's another round of rumors from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The New York Rangers are interested in acquiring forward Pavol Demitra from the Vancouver Canucks. Demitra is currently injured. Brochu's take: Garrioch obviously uses the whole Demitra-Gaborik friendship angle to justify this rumor. He might have forgotten that the Rangers are pushing the cap as it is.

The Nashville Predators may be trying to move defenseman Dan Hamhuis. Brochu's take: This one I agree with. Hamhuis won't re-sign with the Preds, and there's plenty of young blueliners to replace him in Nashville. Watch him get moved at the deadline.

The San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Aaron Ward, while some teams have called about Ray Whitney.

"The Vancouver Canucks are expected to trade defenceman Shane O'Brien." Brochu's take: Not likely. The 'Nucks love their defensive depth.

Lightning/Hurricanes trade, Avery on waivers

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Jussi Jokinen to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Wade Brookbank, Josef Melichar and a fourth-round draft pick in 2009. Brochu's take: A pretty even hockey trade. Jokinen earns $1.81 million, while Melichar and Brookbank make a combined $1.475 million. The Bolts get a nice extra draft pick for taking on an extra contract. Source

The Dallas Stars have placed forward Sean Avery on waivers. Brochu's take: His journey back to New York City begins.

The Toronto Sun is reporting that New York Rangers scout Rick Kehoe has been following the Calgary Flames across the continent. Flames GM Darryl Sutter is said to have liked Rangers forward Nigel Dawes in the past. Brochu's take: Dawes could be available at the right price. Source

Nashville Predators scout Ray Knickle continues to monitor the Calgary Flames. The Flames might be willing to part with forward Matthew Lombardi for a defenceman such as Dan Hamhuis, writer Mike Zeisberger suggests. Brochu's take: I don't think Calgary needs another defenseman, and the loss of Lombardi would really kill their depth. Look for the Flames to add to their roster, not subtract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 28, 2009

The Detroit Red Wings have announced a 2 p.m. press conference Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena, when they will announce the signing of Henrik Zetterberg to a long-term contract extension. Speculation is that the deal is in the 10-year, $70 million range, although reports tonight indicate that the deal is more in the 8-year, $58 million range. Brochu's take: A ten year deal is risky in today's NHL. Zetterberg will be in his late 30's by the end of the contract. ***** New update, 9:13 pm**** Zetterberg has officially signed a 12-year, $72 million contract! Brochu's take: WOW! A bargain at $6 million per, but the length still scares me. Source

Chuck Gormley of the Courier Post speculates that the Philadelphia Flyers are still looking for a veteran defenseman. Atlanta's Niclas Havelid, Colorado's Brett Clark, Phoenix's Derek Morris, Nashville's Dan Hamhuis and the Islanders' Brendan Witt are expected to be on the trade block in the next six weeks. With forwards Scottie Upshall, Joffrey Lupul and Mike Knuble, the Flyers have the assets to land one of them. Source

There are also rumors that the New York Islanders are shopping defenseman Radek Martinek.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Dan Fritsche on waivers.