NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 14, 2009

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Phoenix Coyotes are not conducting a fire sale, but have let other NHL teams know that several players are available. Dreger mentions that forward Olli Jokinen, defenseman Derek Morris and defenseman Ed Jovanovski are up for grabs, if the right deal came along. The Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames are believed to be interested in Jokinen, while the Habs are also pursuing Morris. Brochu's take: It's not a trade deadline unless there's a Jokinen rumor! Dreger reports that there are definitely talks between the Coyotes and Habs, so you should probably keep an eye on the situation.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are reports from Sweden that several NHL teams are interested in goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. Scouts from the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets have been watching the young Swedish goalie. The 24-year old Gustavsson stars for Farjestad, and currently has a sparking .933 save percentage and 1.93 GAA in 37 games. Brochu's take: Another Swedish gem? Some have compared him to Henrik Lundqvist. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 18, 2009

Here's the latest NHL rumor report from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

League sources say the Tampa Bay Lightning have been shopping Lecavalier because his no-movement clause doesn't kick in until July 1 and that there's also a disagreement between co-owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie on what direction the club should take with its superstar. It appears that Koules wants Lecavalier to stay, while Barrie is telling GM Brian Lawton to see what he can get in return. Brochu's take: Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" also added that the deal seems to be stalling because the Montreal Canadiens don't want to give up defenseman Andrei Markov. Pierre Lebrun also stated that Montreal would be Vinny's top destination IF he was asked to provide a list of teams he would like to be traded to. Adds more fuel to the fire.

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to move forward Daniel Briere, but the salary and term of the contract will make it nearly impossible. Garrioch suggests that the Flyers will move defenseman Randy Jones or forward Joffrey Lupul in order to make room for Briere. Brochu's take: Joffrey and Jones have been in the rumor mill for months now. But the Flyers will be forced to make a roster move once Briere is healthy.

"There's a lot of talk the [Edmonton] Oilers will move [forward] Erik Cole if he doesn't agree to a contract extension before the trade deadline." Brochu's take: Not if the Oilers are still in the playoff hunt.

"The Bolts are expected to send forward Adam Hall back to the [Pittsburgh] Penguins for a draft pick." Brochu's take: Very likely to happen.

The Phoenix Coyotes may hold a firesale at the trade deadline, with the likes of defensemen Ed Jovanovski and Derek Morris, and forward Olli Jokinen being offered up as the club tries to shed salary. Brochu's take: Garrioch and his "league" sources again. I don't expect a firesale until the summer though.

Edmonton Oilers GM Steve Tambellini confirmed that newly acquired goalie Dany Sabourin will not play for the Oilers, and will try to trade him or send him to the minors in the next week.

The New York Islanders are still looking for a goaltender after Wade Dubielewicz was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rumour is that they are looking at Vancouver Canucks goalie Curtis Sanford, who cleared waivers earlier this week.

Steen, Jovo swap?

According to the NHL blog on Expressen.se, the Phoenix Coyotes are very interested in acquiring Alex Steen. The Coyotes were close to acquiring the Maple Leafs forward in the summer, but they have increased their efforts lately. They believe Steen would fit well into their young team. Gunnar Nordström also believes that the Maple Leafs may try to get Ed Jovanovski in return to boost their blueline. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that Scott Niedermayer has established a personal deadline on his decision to return or retire. The veteran defenceman says he has been working out, staying in shape and is just starting to intensify his routine. Niedermayer admits a decision on his playing future will be made well before Christmas. Source

Anson Carter has committed to playing for HC Lugano in the Swiss Nationalliga A, starting from the international match break. Carter was unavailable to secure an NHL contract. Source

Jason Spezza has signed a 7 year, $49 million contract extension with the Ottawa Senators. The contract contains a no trade clause.

Canucks being scouted?

According to the San Jose Mercury News, several teams had scouts observing the Friday game between the Canucks and Sharks. The Penguins, Devils, Flames, Red Wings, Stars, Wild, Flyers and Bruins all had scouts at the game. There has been rumours that the Penguins were having a close look at Matt Cooke. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that GM Glen Sather is trying to get Ed Jovanovski out of Phoenix. Jovanovski has a no movement clause in his contract.

Garrioch is also reporting that LA might have a chance of landing Peter Forsberg. Garrioch is citing the close relationship between Forsberg and Kings coach Marc Crawford as a reason.

Garrioch also reports that Toronto may be signing UFA Dave Scatchard, and Pavol Demitra is unhappy with the Wild.

Garrioch is working overtime on the rumour mill, as he is reporting that the Bruins and Devils are interested in signing Danny Markov. Source