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

Zidlicky traded to Wild, more rumors

The Nashville Predators have traded defenseman Marek Zidlicky to the Minnesota Wild for Ryan Jones and a second round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: A bit of a salary dump, and I wonder how much new Wild owner (ex-Preds owner) Craig Leipold has to do with this trade.

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Denis Gauthier and a second round pick in the 2010 draft to the Los Angeles Kings for Patrik Hersley and Ned Lukacevic. Brochu's take: I guess the Flyers didn't have to buyout Gauthier's contract. Source

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Andrew Brunette. Terms were not disclosed as of this post.

The Boston Bruins have signed UFA forward Blake Wheeler to an entry-level contract.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Kyle Wellwood to a one-year, $997,500 contract. The Canucks are also rumored to be in pursuit of forward Niklas Hagman.

There are rumors that the Boston Bruins have made a 12-year, $100 million contract offer to Marian Hossa.

There are also rumors that Olaf Kolzig could be signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning.