NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 29, 2009

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in re-acquiring forward Colby Armstrong from the Atlanta Thrashers. Dreger adds that GM Ray Shero may also be shopping defenseman Ryan Whitney, as the Pens are looking for a top-line forward. Brochu's take: Dreger lists more names, but those players have been rumored for quite some time. No point in reporting the same rumor again and again. Source

The Calgary Sun is reporting that it's a given that Flames forward Michael Cammalleri will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer, and the impending unrestricted free agent will garner a contract almost equal to teammate Jarome Iginla. Brochu's take: Cammalleri's strong play will get him a good contract, but I don't think he will get Iggy money. I would say a deal in the $5-$5.5 million range. Source

The Calgary Herald is reporting "internet rumours" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade defenseman Chris Pronger to the Flames.

According to Al Strachan on the Score, there is definite speculation that the Anaheim Ducks are shopping Chris Pronger. Pronger was asked about the rumors, and said that he has heard about them too. Brochu's take: Hmmm, this is more or less a "confirmation" that he is really on the trade block.

Strachan also reported that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Florida Panthers Jay Bouwmeester. The speculation is IF Bouwmeester ends up in Montreal, the Habs would then trade defenseman Andrei Markov to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the much-hyped Vincent Lecavalier deal. Brochu's take: That's a lot of dominos to fall in order for it to happen. I don't think this will happen.

The Minnesota Wild have placed forward Krys Kolanos on waivers.

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.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 15, 2009

According to Al Strachan of the Score's Hardcore Hockey Talk, the Montreal Canadiens have made an offer to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Vincent Lecavalier. However, it's believed the Bolts want Andrei Markov in return, someone the Habs do not want to trade. The deal is still rumored to involve P.K. Subban and a 1st rounder. Brochu's take: More updates as this story begins to explode across the NHL.

Strachan also reports that various NHL governors have had informal discussions about a dispersal draft, if the Phoenix Coyotes do indeed fold. Meanwhile, TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that the Coyotes are likely to be sold in the next two months, with current owner Jerry Moyes retaining as much as 20 percent.

Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez met this morning with commissioner Gary Bettman at the NHL Headquarters in Manhattan. He was there to update the commissioner on the status of Hartford's plans for a new arena in the city. Perez hopes to bring back NHL hockey back to Connecticut. Brochu's take: I got an idea, move the Coyotes to Hartford and bring back the Whalers. But only if they promise to play "Brass Bonanza" after every single goal. Source

According to the Columbus Blue Jackets blog "Puck-rakers", BJ's assistant GM Chris MacFarland was at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto last night, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs play the Nashville Predators. Writer Aaron Portzline also reports that two scouts from the Pittsburgh Penguins, one each from the Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers were at the Blue Jackets-Colorado Avalanche game on Tuesday. Brochu's take: It looks like teams are circling the Leafs, looking to pick up whatever's left. Scouts are at every game, but trade speculation seems to be picking up around the league.

There appears to be still no contract talks between the Minnesota Wild and free-agent to be Niklas Backstrom. There has been no indication that GM Doug Risebrough event wants the goaltender to come back. Source

Markov to Russia

Danny Markov has signed a 2 year deal with Dynamo Moscow. The contract contains an out clause if he wants to return to the NHL next summer. However, since there is no transfer agreement between Russia and the NHL, it's conceivable that he could leave at any time and sign with an NHL team. Source

Darius Kasparaitis has agreed to play the rest of the season with SKA St. Petersburg. This has been agreed to by both parties, as Kasparaitis was holding a spot in the Rangers AHL affiliate Hartford, a spot that could have been used by a young developing player. Source

The Florida Panthers signed defenseman Jassen Cullimore on a one year deal Friday and assigned him to their AHL affiliate in Rochester on a two week conditioning stint. Source

The LA Kings have signed forward Dustin Brown to a 6 year, $19.05 million contract extension.

Jeff Friesen to Switzerland?

According to the Swiss newspaper "Il Caffè", HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A is interested in signing Jeff Friesen. Friesen is currently without contract. Source

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi is shopping Alexander Frolov and Dustin Brown in the hopes of landing a goalie.

The Ottawa Senators might be willing to discuss Brian McGrattan with other teams. The Panthers and Oilers are both looking for enforcers. The Panthers have been looking for a tough guy and may be close to getting one soon.

Danny Markov may be signed by tomorrow. The two most likely teams are Boston and New Jersey, although Atlanta remain in the mix.

Garrioch is also reporting that Capitals forward Matt Bradley could be moved. Source

Mara, Matvichuk on trade block?

Richard Matvichuk looks to have played his last game for the New Jersey Devils. GM Lou Lamoriello has announced that he will try to trade the defenseman so that he can have an opportunity to play for another team. "We've already talked to (other teams) and more than likely something will be done in the near future," Lamoriello said. Tom Gulitti is also speculating that the Devils could use the $1.368 million from Matvichuk's contract to spend on UFA Danny Markov. Source

Paul Mara may also be on the trading block. Mara has been a healthy scratch for two straight games for the New York Rangers, and seems to be in coach Tom Renney's doghouse.

According to New York sources, Jon Sim will be out for the season with a knee injury.

Jesse Boulerice could be suspended for more than 20 games for his crosscheck on Ryan Kesler. Boulerice received a match penalty for crosschecking Kesler in the face on Wednesday night, and is suspended indefinitely by the league pending review.

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

Patrik Stefan to Phoenix?

According to Swiss sources, Patrik Stefan may be headed back to the NHL with the Phoenix Coyotes. Stefan signed with SC Bern in late August, but had an escape clause if he signed with an NHL team. The report indicates that the clause expires tomorrow, and if Stefan has not signed he will report to Bern on Thursday. Stefan has been in negotiations with the Coyotes and the deal seems to be hinged on financial terms. Bern Sportchief Sven Leuenberger believes that there is a "50/50" chance he will play with Bern. Source

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun has reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Scotty Bowman are still negotiating. It was rumoured earlier this summer that the Leafs were pursuing Bowman for a senior position in the organization. Despite the public rejections, Simmons claims that they have met again in late August and early September to discuss the matter. Source

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that GM Dale Tallon has denied any internet or rumoured dealings that have swirled around his team. In response to questions asked about Pavel Kubina, Danny Markov and Tony Amonte, Tallon answered, "Nope." Source

Markov update

According to "Sportsnet Rumours" on Sportsnet, Danny Markov is close to making a decision on his future. He has been offered a two-year contract by Pittsburgh, as well as a one year deal from a team in the Russian Super League. It's believed he will be deciding by mid next week. Sportsnet also claimed that the rumour of Markov signing with the Maple Leafs was "false".

Peca to Blue Jackets?

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Michael Peca may sign with the Blue Jackets. It's believed that GM Scott Howson wants to use the money freed from the Svitov contract on an offer to Peca. The Rangers are still negotiating with him, and the Maple Leafs are still interested. Also, the article mentions that the Jackets may go after Jason Allison, Mike Johnson and Danny Markov. Source

According to the Boston Globe, Nikita Alexeev may be signing in Russia. Alexeev played for the Chicago Blackhawks last season. Source

The same Globe article mentions that GM Bob Gainey "inquired about Bergeron's availability approximately a month before the 2007 trade deadline." GM Peter Chiarelli said he wasn't interested at the time. Source

RDS has reported that the Philadelphia Flyers have invited Patrick Lebeau to their training camp. The 37 year old last played in the NHL for the Penguins, and has spent the last five years playing for the Frankfurt Lions in the DEL. Source