Stempniak for Steen, Coliacovo

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded forward Alex Steen and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to the St. Louis Blues for forward Lee Stempniak. Brochu's take: The Leafs have made another blunder here. Steen, while currently struggling, has lots more potential than Stempniak, who has not established himself as a steady scorer in the NHL. Colaiacovo's injury history makes him questionable, but he definitely has the talent to be a top-4 defender in the league.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 27, 2008

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Darryl Sydor has asked for a trade. Sydor knows that he won't get much playing time once Ryan Whitney returns in December from injury. Brochu's take: GM Ray Shero will most likely hold on to him until the trade deadline, where he could get maximum return for the veteran defender. Source

The Florida Panthers may be close to signing defenseman Jassen Cullimore, as the Cats are decimated by injuries on the blueline. Source

Here's the latest from Bruce Garrioch and the Ottawa Sun:

The Chicago Blackhawks may be willing to move forward Martin Havlat.

Garrioch reports that "don't be surprised" if the Toronto Maple Leafs try to move Alex Steen, Matt Stajan and defenseman Tomas Kaberle before the end of the season. Brochu's take: Kaberle has a no trade clause and has refused to waive it once already. As for Steen, that's the first time I've heard his name in the rumor mill.

There are "whispers" that the Atlanta Thrashers are willing to move forward Ilya Kovalchuk. Brochu's take: Garrioch loves his "whispers"...they are in every one of his columns. It's possible, but I don't think the Thrashers are going to trade their one superstar.

The Philadelphia Flyers are quietly shopping for a goaltender, and could be interested in the Thrasher's Ondrej Pavelec and Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak. Brochu's take: Neither are established NHL goalies yet, so why would GM Paul Holmgren want them?

Sundin refuses to waive NTC

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, Mats Sundin has told the Toronto Maple Leafs that he will NOT waive his no trade clause. He does not want to be a rental player. Interim GM Cliff Fletcher also met with Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle and Darcy Tucker, and all said "NO" to waiving their no trade clauses. Bryan McCabe may "consider" deals to the Eastern Conference. McKenzie speculates the only option for Fletcher is deal signed players such as Alex Steen, who the Edmonton Oilers covet.

McKenzie also reports that the Atlanta Thrashers may trade Marian Hossa as soon as tomorrow. The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens are the front-runners. Also, GM Don Waddell was watching the Montreal's AHL affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs, while Atlanta scouts were watching the Senator's AHL affiliate in Binghamton.

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.

Canucks, Flames scouting Leafs

According to the Vancouver Province, the Vancouver Canucks sent two scouts to the Toronto Maple Leafs-Carolina Hurricanes game on Tuesday. The Calgary Flames also sent two scouts, along with several others from other teams. It's believed that both teams are keeping a close eye on which players will be available, and also keeping an eye on Mats Sundin. The Canucks could fit Sundin under their cap, but would have to trade somebody off the roster to do that. It's rumoured they are looking closely at Alex Steen and Darcy Tucker. There are also reports that they are interested in Andrew Ladd. Source

Sportsnet's Hockeycentral panel adds that the Flames could be looking at Tucker as well as veteran forward Boyd Devereaux.

The Daily Herald is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks may be trying to trade goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. However, Khabibulin's large contract and inconsistent play may prevent him from moving. Source

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.

Snow denies Kovalev for Satan rumours

GM Garth Snow has denied rumours of a trade involving Alexei Kovalev and Miroslav Satan. Snow insists Satan won't be traded, but if the Islanders aren't in the running for the playoffs, he will most likely be shopped.

The Maple Leafs are trying to get top prospect John Tavares to play for the Leafs AHL ffiliate, the Toronto Marlies. The rumours were that the Leafs were offering a 3 year AHL contract, and hope that Tavares doesn't sign with whichever NHL team drafts him in 2009. However, numerous AHL and NHL bylaws prevent him from doing this, but it's possible that these could be changed through a majority vote. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that GM John Ferguson Jr. is shopping Alex Steen, Matt Stajan and Wade Belak. Source

Mattias Karlsson has left the Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate Birmingham and signed with Bofors IK in Sweden. Source

An update on Tony Salmelainen. Apparently he has signed a one year deal with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the Russian Super League for almost $1.5-million. Source