NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 9, 2009

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Jordan Staal to a four-year, $16 million contract extension that would begin in the 2009-2010 season. Brochu's take: Rumor has it around the NHL that this could be a sign-and-trade scenario, as speculated by TSN's Darren Dreger.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle has hinted that he is willing to waive his no trade clause if he was asked. Kaberle added that he has not been approached by GM Brian Burke with any requests for a trade. Brochu's take: My guess is that Burke will hold on to Kaberle until the trade deadline, and wait for the best offer. But you have to keep in mind that Kaberle has already once used his no trade clause, in that infamous Jeff Carter rumor.

The Nashville Predators have signed defenseman Alexander Sulzer to a two-year, $1.3 million contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed defenseman Lasse Kukkonen on waivers. Brochu's take: This is got to be the 3rd time this year!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 6, 2009

According to former New York Islanders VP of Public Relations Chris Botta, veteran forwards Doug Weight and Bill Guerin could be traded to bring back draft picks or young players to the Isles. However, GM Garth Snow has a "gentleman's agreement" with the players, so they would likely have to approve any trades. Weight has previously stated that he doesn't want to move anywhere in the middle of the season. Botta speculates that forward Mike Comrie and defenseman Brendan Witt could also bring back good assets. Brochu's take: The rumor is that Weight could be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Colorado Avalanche are interested in Comrie. Source

The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website is reporting that Blue Jackets ownership has given permission to spend more money on adding players to the lineup. Writer Aaron Portzline is reporting that a deal will likely happen in the next week or so. GM Scott Howson has contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers and New York Islanders, along with several teams. Brochu's take: Portzline adds that the Blue Jackets are looking at Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle, Nik Antropov, Antoine Vermette, Jordan Staal and Doug Weight very closely. Source

Boston/Philly trade, Kings get Quincey

The Boston Bruins have traded defenseman Andrew Alberts to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Ned Lukacevic and a 4th round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: The Flyers were desperately looking for a depth defenseman, and Alberts should fill that role.

The Los Angeles Kings have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. Brochu's take: This should help the void of losing Jack Johnson for 3 months.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, "The Hotstove" segment suggests that the Minnesota Wild will trade Marian Gaborik at some point this year, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could be the most likely destination. There are rumours that Jordan Staal could be going the other way.

Look for a big version of Brochu's European rumor roundup to be posted tonight!

Poll Results:

Who will win the Art Ross Trophy (most points) this year?

Sidney Crosby	37 (26%)
Alexander Ovechkin	67 (48%)
Vincent Lecavalier	7 (5%)
Evgeni Malkin	8 (5%)
Joe Thornton	4 (2%)
Other	16 (11%)

Total votes: 139

Will you be playing fantasy hockey (pool) this year?

Yes	52 (71%)
No	21 (28%)

Total votes: 73