Hockey Rumors for Feb 2, 2010

Happy Groundhog Day!

The Calgary Flames have traded forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust to the New York Rangers in exchange for forwards Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins. Brochu's take: This trade has been rumored for 24 hours, and it was believed that Kotalik's no trade clause was holding it up. The Flames wanted Jokinen in the lineup tonight, for some odd reason.

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Nick Boynton on waivers.

The New York Islanders have placed forward Trevor Gillies on waivers.

According to the Team 1040 in Vancouver, there is a rumor that the Vancouver Canucks are interested in acquiring Scott Niedermayer from the Anaheim Ducks. There is speculation that he wants to spend his last season in the NHL closer to home. Several Ducks' scouts were spotted at the last Toronto-Vancouver game.

Trade deadline wrap-up, Part 1

Here's part 1 of the NHL Trade Deadline wrap-up:

The Calgary Flames have acquired Olli Jokinen and a third-round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft from the the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Matthew Lombardi, forward Brandon Prust and a conditional first round draft pick. The draft pick heading to the Coyotes will either be in the upcoming NHL entry draft or the 2010 draft, at Calgary's option. Brochu's take: The Flames are really making a run for it, and Jokinen should shore up their centre depth. It's a lot to give up for him, but Jokinen does have one more year on his contract.

The Flames also acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat, prospect Ryan Wilson and a 2nd round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: With the injury to Mark Giordano, the Flames needed another defenseman. With Leopold in the fold, he should make a strong defensive core even stronger. Again, it's a big price to pay for a pending UFA.

The Flames also traded goalie Kevin Lalande to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fourth-round draft pick in 2009.

The Ottawa Senators have traded forward Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goalie Pascal Leclaire and a 2nd-round pick in 2009. Brochu's take: This trade has been rumored for a few days now. If Leclaire can regain his form from a year ago, this could become a steal for the Sens. Vermette should help the centre depth on the BJs, but I really don't see him as a top 6 forward.

The Phoenix Coyotes also traded defenseman Derek Morris to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Dmitri Kalinin and forwards Nigel Dawes and Petr Prucha. Brochu's take: Don Maloney's role as ex-assistant GM of the Rangers comes into play again. I think the Coyotes get the better deal, as Dawes and Prucha are good young players, while Kalinin provides veteran depth. Morris has been rumored to multiple teams, but his price has been driven up by the lack of quality defenseman available.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 1, 2009

Speculation is rampant late tonight that the New York Islanders have finalized a trade with an Eastern Conference team, and forward Bill Guerin has agreed to waive his no trade clause. Chris Botta of the Islanders blog "Islanders Point Blank" is reporting that a deal is all but done and should be confirmed Sunday. Brochu's take: The rumor is that the Washington Capitals is his destination, but there's also speculation that it could be the Montreal Canadiens. I guess we'll know when the NHL offices open tomorrow. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that defenseman Derek Morris has given Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he would be willing to lift his no-trade clause to join. In the meantime, Morris plans to sit out and not play for risk of injury. Source

Pierre LeBrun has made a post on his ESPN blog about the latest trade rumors, I will just go over the names that have not appeared previously:

The St. Louis Blues are interested in re-acquiring Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. Brochu's take: They have the cap space, but I would imagine they would have to trade of their good young defensive prospects and more to get him back.

The Boston Bruins may be targeting Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, as they are no longer in the Pronger hunt.

LeBrun reports that impending UFA Alex Burrows could be moved by the Vancouver Canucks if he hasn't signed an extension by the trade deadline. Brochu's take: I don't agree. I think they will keep him even if he doesn't sign at the deadline, and I expect a deal to be hammered before he reaches free agency.

Five teams have expressed interest in Phoenix forward Olli Jokinen.

The Detroit Red Wings are very interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere, and several teams have inquired about forward Milan Hejduk. Brochu's take: I would imagine Hejduk would make any team that much more dangerous. Laperriere would provide a veteran presence.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jamal Mayers is now on the trading block.

The latest rumors from the Hotstove

Here are the latest hockey and NHL rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, The Hotstove:

Pierre LeBrun reports that the Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers are the front-runners in the Jay Bouwmeester sweepstakes. GM Jacques Martin has confirmed that he is talking to teams about possible offers, but is also in serious contract negotiations with Bouwmeester and his agent. LeBrun also reports that Bouwmeester has turned down a contract offer worth $6.5 million a season. Brochu's take: The Panthers are now in a playoff position, so it makes trading Bouwmeester even harder. However, it's crystal clear now that Bouwmeester does not want to re-sign with Florida though.

It was also reported that several Colorado Avalanche players are available, notably defenseman Jordan Leopold, forward Ryan Smyth and forward Ian Laperriere. The Boston Bruins are very interested in Leopold. Brochu's take: Leopold seems to be on top of several GM lists around the league.

The panel also reported the rumor that's being going around the last few days, that Olli Jokinen is not fitting into the Phoenix Coyotes team (on and off the ice) and is on the market. Brochu's take: The rumor continues to be that the Montreal Canadiens are the most active team pursuing Jokinen.

The Hockeycentral panel on Sportnet is speculating that the Edmonton Oilers could pursue 'Yotes defenseman Derek Morris.

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 Feb 10, 2009

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Andy McDonald to a four-year, $18.8 million contract extension. Brochu's take: A fair price for a point-a-game player. Good move by the Blues.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Montreal Canadiens and Phoenix Coyotes are in trade discussions. Forward Olli Jokinen and defenseman Derek Morris were mentioned as possible targets. Brochu's take: The Habs are still looking to make a big splash on the trade front, but has done nothing yet. Their recent struggles might trigger a move.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke gave a clear indication that Nik Antropov is done as a Leaf. "From my take, at this point, I don't see any reason to put a new contract offer on the table here," Burke told AM 640. "I think that this might be time for a change of scenery for Nik Antropov. I don't think Nik's play has merited that discussion to this point." Brochu's take: You got to give credit, he certainly cuts to the point. This really doesn't hurt Antropov's value as he was already on the market. Source

On Toronto radio station AM640, Burke also mentioned that certain players from the Leafs AHL affiliate Marlies will be recalled on re-entry waivers before the end of the season. Burke specifically mentioned forwards Mark Bell, Kris Newbury, Boyd Devereux and Bates Battaglia. Brochu's take: Clearing roster space? In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Burke said he wanted to build a "fair" organization, where players will be given chances to play for the Leafs, or another NHL team.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed defenseman Lasse Kukkonen on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: Poor guy has been on waivers a good 3 or 4 times this season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Wade Brookbank on waivers today, and have recalled defenseman Josef Melichar on re-entry 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.

Jokinen dealt to Phoenix for Ballard, Boyton, pick

The Florida Panthers have traded Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes for Nick Boynton, Keith Ballard and the 49th overall pick. Brochu's take: Whoa! Who saw this coming??

NHL and hockey rumors for June 18, 2008

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, three teams could be heavily involved in trade discussions this week. The Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks are poised to make significant changes to their team as the NHL Entry draft approaches this Friday. Source

Apparently, there were rumors that Patrick Marleau was about to be sent to the Vancouver Canucks in a package that would include Ryan Kesler. Jonathan Cheechoo is also available.

Olli Jokinen remains available, and there's some speculation that it could be a straight swap with Marleau.

Dreger also reports that the Hurricanes are looking for a defenseman and maybe targeting Edmonton Oilers blueliner Joni Pitkanen. Erik Cole, Justin Williams and Tuomo Ruutu are are being shopped in return.

Speculation continues to swirl around Ryan Malone's future, as the Columbus Dispatch is reporting that a deal could be completed by Wednesday.

Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter has an agreement with UFA Daymond Langkow, but a deal won't be completed until July 1 due to salary cap restrictions. It's believed to be a 2 year deal.

The Vancouver Canucks also named Ryan Walter as an assistant coach Tuesday.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 17, 2008

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that the Senators could be big players in the trade market around the NHL Entry draft, which is held in Ottawa this year. There's already speculation that the St. Louis Blues could be interested in troubled goalie Ray Emery, and rumors are flying that the Sens could be interested in two of the most talked about players this offseason; San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau and Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen. It's also possible that the Senators would part with their draft pick. Brochu's take: Something could go down in the next week or so. Source

The Calgary Herald is bringing up the old Alex Tanguay for Olli Jokinen rumor again, and speculate that it could involve draft picks. Brochu's take: This rumor has been in the mill for the last year or so. However, Panthers' ownership has warmed up to the idea of trading Jokinen, so anything can happen. Source

Blake Wheeler has signed a two-year deal with the Boston Bruins, but it cannot be made official until July 1, in keeping with NHL bylaws that govern the movement and signing of unrestricted free agents. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed goalie Johan Hedberg to a multi-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have signed Swedish free agent forward Andreas Jamtin to a contract.

The Nashville Predators have signed defenseman Ryan Suter to a four-year, $14 million contract extension.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 12, 2008

According to the Miami Herald, the Florida Panthers are looking to deal forward Olli Jokinen, but they expect any package to include a 1st round pick. It's believed Calgary, Minnesota, Vancouver, Dallas and Philadelphia would be interested in Jokinen. Brochu's take: There's been some rumors that the Blue Jackets and Sharks are interested. Florida's ownership wants a big name player in return, not just draft picks and prospects. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have confirmed that interim GM Cliff Fletcher will remain the GM for the 2008-2009 season.

The San Jose Sharks are expected to announce on Thursday that they will hire Detroit Red Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan as their new head coach. Source

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed goalie Jonas Hiller to two-year contract extension. The Ducks also re-signed forward Andrew Ebbett to a two-year contract extension.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed goalie Michael Leighton to a two-year, $1.2-million contract.

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed defenseman Erik Reitz to a one-year contract.

NHL rumors for April 11, 2008

Jacques Martin will not return as the Florida Panthers coach for the 2008-2009 NHL season. Team owner Alan Cohen confirmed to season ticket-holders that Martin will not return as coach, but may stay as the GM. Possible coaching candidates include Guy Charron, Mike Kitchen, Randy Cunneyworth, Bob Hartley, and Pat Quinn. Brochu's take: With Martin still with the GM job, could Olli Jokinen be on the way out? Or will Martin be able to find a coach that Jokinen can along with? Source

The Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be signing draft pick Taylor Chorney after he finishes the NCAA tournament. His team, the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux, are in the Frozen Four. Source

The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with goaltender Jeff Zatkoff. Zatkoff had finished his junior season with Miami University of Ohio. Brochu's take: The Kings now have an overflow of goaltenders in their system. Both Dan Cloutier and Jason LaBarbera have one year remaining on their contracts, while Cloutier has been rumored to be the recipient of a buyout this summer. Look for the Kings to shop one of these goalies. Source

Hockey rumors from all over

The following NHL rumours come from the intermission program "The Hotstove", during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast:

Analyst Al Strachan believes there is "gossip" that the Vancouver Canucks could trade Roberto Luongo to the Ottawa Senators for Jason Spezza. Strachan believes that the rumors and speculation that Luongo wants out of Vancouver is distracting him. Brochu's take: Luongo clearly stated that he does not want out of Vancouver and is happy. But Strachan believes otherwise so it must be true. ;-)

Pierre LeBrun brings up the rumor around the trade deadline of the Florida Panthers asking for Daniel and Henrik Sedin in exchange for Olli Jokinen. LeBrun believes with the uncertainty of the Panthers management, this deal could be revisited in the summer. Brochu's take: I expect the Canucks to make a strong push for Jokinen sometime around the entry draft, as Jokinen and Luongo are good friends.

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Garrioch believes that both Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice and Los Angeles Kings coach Marc Crawford will be fired in the off-season. Brochu's take: Well, that isn't hard to speculate.

Garrioch believes that Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra will not re-sign with the club because he prefers a warmer destination. The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested. Brochu's take: I didn't know Garrioch was so in tune with Demitra's personal preferences. Demitra will probably stay in Minnesota, as he gets along with friend and fellow Slovak Marian Gaborik.

The Edmonton Oilers will shop goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: The Oilers could use up the money freed by trading Roloson to get some more experience in the lineup.

The Ottawa Senators are planning to re-signing captain Daniel Alfredsson to a long contract extension once July 1st arrives.

Leafs to buy out Tucker, Blake?

On the intermission program "The Hotstove" during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Al Strachan stated that the Toronto Maple Leafs will definitely buy out Darcy Tucker's contract and will likely buy out Jason Blake's contract as well. Scott Morrison speculated that Blake could be traded sometime this summer, as well as Bryan McCabe, who is rumored to accept a trade to the New York Islanders. Brochu's take: The buy-out is the new buzzword in Toronto. Tucker's contract is relatively manageable and I doubt that he would get bought out. Moving Blake and McCabe's contracts would be easier and better off in the long run.

The Leafs also signed forward Kyle Rogers to a two-year, entry level contract. He will the AHL Toronto Marlies for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Brochu's take: Rogers was pursued by many teams, and is a good step for the re-building Leafs. Source

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero is unsure if he could re-sign forward Marian Hossa. When asked about the situation, he responded "I don't know. If I had to look into a crystal ball, it would be a little cloudy." Brochu's take: Hossa knows he is the top free agent this summer and could get a better contract if he goes to free agency. I can only see Hossa re-signing with the Pens if they make a deep run in the playoffs. Source

The newspapers in Florida speculate that the Florida Panthers will be making several important decisions this summer. GM and head coach Jacques Martin and franchise forward Olli Jokinen have butted heads this season, and one or both of them could be gone. Brochu's take: My feeling is Martin is good as gone. As for Jokinen, several teams will make a run for him and the Panthers will have to seriously address if the packages are enough to trade him.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Raymond Sawada to a two-year, entry level contract and assigned him to the AHL Iowa Stars.

The Washington Capitals have signed center Mathieu Perreault to a three-year contract, entry level contract.

NHL rumor update Mar 1

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver reported these two rumors, citing sources close to the negotiations:

The Florida Panthers wanted both Daniel and Henrik Sedin fom the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Olli Jokinen.

The initial offer for Brad Richards from the Canucks was Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick in 2008. The Tampa Bay Lightning counter-offered with Ryan Kesler, Alex Edler, Mason Raymond and the three draft picks.

Both TSN and Rotoworld is reporting that Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke will accept a position in June as the President and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired right wing Nate DiCasmirro from the Phoenix Coyotes for right wing Steve Goertzen and assigned him to Syracuse of the American Hockey League. (Trades can still be conducted after the deadline, but the players are ineligible for the NHL playoffs.) Source

NHL rumor update Feb 25 2 PM EST

The San Jose Sharks are rumored to be sending a package of Patrick Marleau and Matt Carle to the Florida Panthers for Olli Jokinen. The Anaheim Ducks want to send Bobby Ryan and Edmonton's 1st rounder for Jokinen. The Minnesota Wild remain interested in the Finnish centre.

The Puck-rakers blog from the Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Blue Jackets offer to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Brad Richards is Gilbert Brule, Dan Fritsche and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers are looking to send Jeff Carter and prospects/picks for Richards.

The New York Rangers are very interested in Dan Boyle, and could ask permission from the Lightning to talk to Boyle about a long-term contract extension. Source

Brad Richards to Philly?

The following rumours come from Al Strachan, courtesy of the show "The Spin" on The Score network:

The Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards. Strachan also said that the Flyers were in the Dan Boyle sweepstakes, should the Lightning fail to sign him. Jeff Carter is rumored to be part of the deals.

Strachan believes the Montreal Canadiens are gunning after Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen, as well as the Boston Bruins, who could be going after some star players at the trade deadline.

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that two Blue Jackets scouts were watching the last Lightning game, and GM Scott Howson has some interest in Richards. The Blue Jackets have the cap space to add Richards, but do they have the prospects or picks to get him?

Darren Dreger of TSN reports that Toronto Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher and captain Mats Sundin met on Thursday to discuss his future with the team, and asked him for a list of teams that he would like to be traded to. Sundin has not give him a list, but may this weekend. Source

Dwayne Roloson has not demanded a trade, but is not happy with his playing situation. The Edmonton Sun is reporting that he would not oppose to going to a team where he would play more games.

Pierre McGuire of TSN was on the Team 990 radio in Montreal and mentioned that several teams have made offers for Florida Panthers defenseman Ruslan Salei and could become a hot commodity at the deadline.

The Philadelphia Flyers have claimed forward Patrick Thoresen off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers.

The New York Islanders have signed forward Trent Hunter to a 5-year, $10 million contract extension.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Alex Steen to a 2-year, $3.4 million contract extension.

Richards shopped, Hossa close to being a Hab?

According to La Presse, the Montreal Canadiens have ordered equipment for Marian Hossa. Reporter Mathias Brunet speculates that Mark Streit, Michael Ryder and a draft pick have been tossed around. Source

Pierre LeBrun of Sportsnet is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers have made a late bid for Hossa, and are interested if they can secure Hossa to a contract extension.

There are rumors that the Minnesota Wild are interested in acquiring Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen. GM Doug Risebrough and GM Jacques Martin were spotted huddled in "deep discussions" at the GM meetings in Florida.

Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets could be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards. Source

Darren McCarty may be close to returning to the Detroit Red Wings. GM Ken Holland says Wednesday the team is "leaning toward offering him a contract." McCarty has been productive in comeback stints with the IHL Flint Generals and the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, where he recently scored a hat-trick. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Jim Vandermeer to the Calgary Flames for a third round pick in 2009. Source

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Blackhawks are shopping defenseman Andrei Zyuzin. Source

Possible Olli Jokinen offers?

Several offers for Florida Panther Olli Jokinen has been speculated in the rumour mill lately, including:

The Calgary Flames have offered Alex Tanguay and a 2nd round pick, and a conditional pick.

The Montreal Canadiens have offered Michael Ryder, Ryan O'Byrne and a 3rd rounder.

CKAC 730 radio in Montreal is reporting that the Florida Panthers have been scouting O'Byrne for a while, and GM Jacques Martin is very interested in the big defenseman.

There were at least 2 Montreal Canadiens scouts watching the Atlanta Thrashers-New Jersey Devils game Friday. The Canadiens have been rumored to be a big player in the Marian Hossa Sweepstakes, and could also be looking at Devils forward Brian Gionta.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sergei Fedorov could be returning to the Red Wings at the trade deadline. The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website reports that GM Scott Howson spent half of the morning skate in conversation with Wings' GM Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill. Speculate away! Source

The Buffalo News is reporting that the Buffalo Sabres should look to move one of Maxim Afinogenov, Tim Connolly, Ales Kotalik and Dmitri Kalinin. Source

Poll Results:

Who will sign Peter Forsberg?

Philadelphia Flyers	100 (36%)
Colorado Avalanche	21 (7%)
Vancouver Canucks	109 (39%)
Ottawa Senators	16 (5%)
Anaheim Ducks	3 (1%)
New York Rangers	7 (2%)
Other	20 (7%)

Total votes: 276

Thank you for participating in the polls!

Jokinen for Marleau, Carle?

The latest NHL rumors from everyone's favourite rumormonger, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Sources say Florida Panthers assistant GM Randy Sexton held discussions with San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson early in the season that would have led to Olli Jokinen being shipped to the Sharks for Patrick Marleau and Matt Carle. Garrioch believes that this deal could happen at the trade deadline.

The Phoenix Coyotes are worried about Radim Vrbata's salary demands and he could be dealt. The Coyotes are also shopping defenseman Brendan Bell.

The New York Islanders are shopping Mike Comrie and Miroslav Satan. Satan is currently out with a knee injury.

Nick Schultz's impending UFA status may him available at the trade deadline. Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough could have had Schultz signed in the summer for $2.5 million but didn't. Schultz was awarded $1.8 million in arbitration. Now a lot of teams are calling.

Apparently LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi has told other GMs that any King over the age of 25 is available. This list includes Rob Blake, Ladislav Nagy, Derek Armstrong, Scott Thornton, Brad Stuart, Tom Preissing and Jaroslav Modry.