NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 13, 2009

According to Erik Erlendsson of TBO.com, the San Jose Sharks have been scouting the Lightning somewhat in the past couple of games. John Ferguson Jr., was in Pittsburgh last week watching the game and then showed up in Tampa for Tuesday’s game against Atlanta. The word is that they are looking at Jeff Halpern, who has one year left on his contract at $2 million. Source

Erlendsson also reports a rumor that the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Bolts forward Vinny Prospal. Brochu's take: Scouts are at the games all the time. But I don't see the Bolts trading Prospal yet.

The Pioneer Press is reporting that 11 NHL scouts were at Wednesday's game between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche, including four from the Boston Bruins. Also represented were San Jose, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, Tampa Bay, Detroit and Montreal. Writer John Shipley speculates that the Wild are looking to trade a defenseman for some offensive, and Kim Johnsson's name would make the most sense. Brochu's take: The teams could also be looking at the Avalanche, who are currently dwelling in the Western Conference cellar. Johnsson's large contract won't attract a lot of interest. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forwards Bates Battaglia and Boyd Devereaux on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: This was reported earlier this week here.

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Dec 20-21, 2008

The following rumors are from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

There are apparently "whispers" in the NHL circles that the Atlanta Thrashers and Minnesota Wild are discussing a blockbuster trade that would see the Wild trade forward Marian Gaborik and defenseman Kim Johnsson to the Thrashers for forwards Ilya Kovalchuk and Colby Armstrong. Brochu's take: It's been reported earlier that the Wild and Thrashers have been in trade talks, and it's obvious that Garrioch just jumped in on this and added some likely names.

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, "The Hotstove", Al Strachan reported that the Ottawa Senators are still trying to move forward Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: You'd think that after signing that long extension, these type of rumors would die. But here they are. When's the last time a big contract player was traded??

Strachan also reported that the Florida Panthers are trying to move goaltender Tomas Vokoun, and the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to move goalie Cristobal Huet. Brochu's take: There's been rumors that the Panthers may be trying to shed more payroll because of the economic situation.

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Stars are looking for a no.1 defenseman. There are rumors that they have called the Toronto Maple Leafs about the availability of defenseman Pavel Kubina.