Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 18, 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates, Blogger has been acting up lately and I haven't been able to log in.

The Minnesota Wild have signed Petr Sykora to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. Sykora was invited to attend the Wild's training camp.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Antoine Vermette to a 5-year, $18.75 million contract extension.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Phillipe Lefebvre to a contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed goalie Tyler Beskorowany to an entry-level contract.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Tyler Ennis to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Alexander Urbom to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Atlanta Thrashers have invited forward Maxim Afinogenov to their training camp. Brochu's take: I really don't understand why other NHL teams didn't at least invite him to training camp. It's clear that Afinogenov needed a fresh start, and I think it's possible he can return to his 60-70 point self.

Look for my European rumor update later tomorrow!

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 2, 2009

Bill Guerin's destination and status remains a hot topic in the NHL. As of Sunday night, no deal is done, but according to Darren Dreger of TSN, the "mystery" team is still waiting to sign off the deal. Guerin has already agreed to waive his no trade clause, and it appears an official announcement will come on Monday. Brochu's take: There's also the possibility the deal will fall through, but regardless, a decision will be expected on Monday.

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Herald believes that the Chicago Blackhawks were offering forward Jack Skille around the league in the hopes of landing a centre and a defenseman. The 'Hawks are also believed to be offering defensemen Cam Barker and James Wisniewski, if the right deal came along. Brochu's take: Barker's been on the block for most of this season. The Hawks are in a very similiar position as the Pittsburgh Penguins of last year, and may think a big trade will put them over the top. Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post believes that Rangers forward Blair Betts is available and the Detroit Red Wings are interested. Source

The Columbus Dispatch blog "Puck-rakers" is reporting a rumor that the Ottawa Senators will trade forward Antoine Vermette to the Blue Jackets in exchange for goalie Pascal Leclaire. Writer Aaron Portzline believes that there's a 50-50 chance that Vermette will be traded. Brochu's take: This would be a good "hockey" trade, as the Sens need a goalie desperately and Vermette could be used as a second line centre. Source

Rumors continue to swirl that the Tampa Bay Lightning will trade Gary Roberts to the Calgary Flames. Roberts and teammate Mark Recchi have been made available by the Bolts. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 6, 2009

According to former New York Islanders VP of Public Relations Chris Botta, veteran forwards Doug Weight and Bill Guerin could be traded to bring back draft picks or young players to the Isles. However, GM Garth Snow has a "gentleman's agreement" with the players, so they would likely have to approve any trades. Weight has previously stated that he doesn't want to move anywhere in the middle of the season. Botta speculates that forward Mike Comrie and defenseman Brendan Witt could also bring back good assets. Brochu's take: The rumor is that Weight could be headed to the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Colorado Avalanche are interested in Comrie. Source

The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website is reporting that Blue Jackets ownership has given permission to spend more money on adding players to the lineup. Writer Aaron Portzline is reporting that a deal will likely happen in the next week or so. GM Scott Howson has contacted the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers and New York Islanders, along with several teams. Brochu's take: Portzline adds that the Blue Jackets are looking at Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle, Nik Antropov, Antoine Vermette, Jordan Staal and Doug Weight very closely. Source

Weekend NHL and Hockey Rumor Roundup for Jan 3-4, 2009

Sorry about the delay, but here's the weekend NHL and Hockey rumor report for Jan 3-4, 2009:

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Ottawa Senators and Atlanta Thrashers have had talks, and it's likely that there could be a trade between these two teams. LeBrun believes that each team has what the other covets, and speculates that there could be a swap of defenseman Mathieu Schneider for Antoine Vermette. Brochu's take: The Sens are falling fast and they better make a move soon if they want to save the season. Source

It's Sunday, so it must be time for Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Florida Panthers are going to deal goalie Tomas Vokoun. Brochu's take: Vokoun's hefty contract, and his no trade clause, makes it unlikely he will be dealt.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to move defensemen Tomas Kaberle, Pavel Kubina, Mike Van Ryn and forward Nik Antropov. Garrioch is quoting sources that Kaberle would OK a deal to an Eastern Conference team, and the Montreal Canadiens are looking for a powerplay quarterback. Brochu's take: I don't think Brian Burke is going to do any favours for a divisional rival, but who knows if the right offer comes along.

The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets each had scouts at last night's game. Both are believed to be in trade talks with the Senators and might have a mild interest in Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: The possibility of trades between these 3 teams is high, but I doubt it will involve Spezza in any way.

Al Strachan on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program "The Hotstove" reported that both defenseman Jay Bouwmeester and forward Nathan Horton no longer want to play for the Florida Panthers.

According to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, the Vancouver Canucks could be looking at Leafs forward Nik Antropov. Brochu's take: He can probably be had for a 3rd rounder in the draft. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 3, 2009

Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik will have surgery on his hip on Monday and will be out a minimum of 10 weeks. This will rule out any chance of Gaborik being traded before the trade deadline, as players that are placed on the long-term injury list are ineligible to be traded. There's a small chance that his rights could be traded right before the July 1st UFA deadline. Brochu's take: And so dies the Gaborik rumors. Perhaps Gaborik should have taken that $8 milllion a year contract when he had the chance; now no one will pay that much for a oft-injured player.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators GM Bryan Murray might be willing to shop 1st round pick he received from the Tampa Bay Lightning. There has been interest in forward Antoine Vermette and defenseman Christoph Schubert, but none of the offers were good enough for the Sens. The Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets are believed to have mild interest in forward Jason Spezza. The BJs might also be interested in Vermette and forward Chris Kelly and might be offering up defenseman Kris Russell in return, although the Sens are believed seeking a more established blueliner. Brochu's take: Hmmm...looks like Garrioch reads the Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch, because this is essentially what they reported a few days ago, aside from Kelly's name being thrown in. Spezza's name continues to be in the rumor mill, but seriously, he won't be moved. Source

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Forward Dan LaCouture has left the Carolina Hurricanes franchise and signed with KHL team Barys Astana. Brochu's take: There were rumours of this a few days ago, but I don't think there was much interest in where Dan Lacouture was going. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 1, 2009

Happy New Year everyone!

The Columbus Dispatch hockey blog "Puck-rakers" is reporting that the Blue Jackets are expected to make a move in the next 7 to 10 days. Several teams have called about forward prospect Maxim Mayorov. There are rumours that there is a deal with the New York Islanders for Doug Weight, but it seems GM Scott Howson would be better off holding on their no. 2 pick until later in the season. Writer Aaron Portzline is also reporting that the Ottawa Senators would like to trade forward Antoine Vermette to the BJs in exchange for defenseman Kris Russell and a draft pick. There's also rumors that they are dangling goalie Pascal Leclaire, and the Sens are also interested in him as well. Brochu's take: As reported earlier, keep an eye on the Columbus situation. They may try to make moves to at least make the playoffs this year. Source

According to Sportnet's Hockeycentral panel, there are rumors that Pat Quinn could be named as the new coach/GM of the Ottawa Senators, and also as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers if they fire Craig MacTavish.

The New York Islanders have placed forward Mitch Fritz on waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 31, 2008

According to the Team 1200 radio in Ottawa, the Senators are rumored to be making a coaching change as soon as tomorrow. They are also reporting rumours that the Sens have a deal in place with the Colorado Avalanche that would see the Avs sending defenseman John-Michael Liles and forward Marek Svatos to Ottawa. Brochu's take: Speculation is that forward Antoine Vermette could be involved in the package to the Avs. Stay tuned.

The Columbus Dispatch hockey blog "Puck-rakers" is reporting that the Blue Jackets have talked to the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders about trades, but the BJ's have little to offer other than draft picks. Brochu's take: None of these teams are poised to make a playoff run. Perhaps some mutual salary dumping? Source

The Calgary Herald is reporting that three scouts from the Tampa Bay Lightning were at the Calgary Flames - Minnesota Wild game Monday night. The writer adds that the Bolts don't play the Wild again this season and don't play the Flames until March. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed goaltender Dustin Tokarski to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Matt McCue to a three-year, entry-level contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 15, 2008

The Tampa Bay Lightning have fired head coach Barry Melrose. Associate coach Rick Tocchet has been named interim head coach. Brochu's take: The Lightning franchise is a complete joke right now. It looks like Al "The Spaghetti Salesman" Strachan was right after all. I'm looking forward to hearing all the humble pie that Mike Milbury and the media are going to eat once Strachan goes on The Hotstove tomorrow.

Anaheim Ducks CEO Michael Schulman filed paperwork with the National Hockey League earlier today that would grant all teams permission to speak with former GM Brian Burke.

Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune reports that scouts from the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators and the Toronto Maple Leafs" attended the Tampa Bay Lightning-Detroit Red Wings game on Thursday.

There have been a lot of rumblings and rumors that the Dallas Stars will make some major changes if the team does not improve their play in the next few weeks.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, there were three Colorado Avalanche scouts at the Ottawa Senators-New York Islanders game. Senators GM Bryan Murray wants Av's defenseman Jordan Leopold and the Avalanche are interested in Antoine Vermette. Brochu's take: The Sens have been looking for a puck moving defenseman for quite some time now. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 9, 2008

Here are the latest rumors from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

There appears to be a logjam in net for the Atlanta Thrashers and it's believed that goalie Kari Lehtonen is available. Both Garrioch and Al Strachan of HNIC are reporting that GM Don Waddell is shopping the 23-year old Finn around the league. Garrioch speculates that the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers will make inquiries. Brochu's take: The Flyers are pushing the cap as it is, so they won't get him. The Wings will stick with Osgood for this season at least.

The Florida Panthers are looking more and more likely to be dwelling in the division cellar, which has fueled speculation that Jay Bouwmeester will be traded. The Ottawa Senators are interested, but the asking price is forward Antoine Vermette. GM Jacques Martin has coveted Vermette for sometime. The Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks are also interested. Brochu's take: Martin's time in Florida is running out, and if he does deal Bouwmeester this season, he won't have a job for long.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are shopping defenseman Christian Backman, forward Jiri Novotny and goalie Frederik Norrena. Garrioch believes there's not much interest in any of them. Brochu's take: For once, I agree with Garrioch.

Garrioch also believes that the Ducks will shop forward Bobby Ryan if they can't find a way to get him into the NHL. Brochu's take: I don't think that's a particularly good reason to shop a young forward.

Welcome to Brochu is Hockey, Mach II!

Hi everyone!

As you can see, Brochu is Hockey has a new look. It's been coming for a long time, and I hope you like it. It's a bit streamlined now, and I've optimized the site for widescreen monitors. Some of the links may not work, and some details need to be ironed out but overall, I think it looks really good. If some of you can't see the new look, I suggest clearing your cache. Feel free to leave a comment.

Thanks to everyone who have visited the site over the last few years! Hopefully, this new look will take Brochu is Hockey to the next level, whatever that is. ;-) Look out for new features in the next couple of weeks.

Now let's back to what you're here for, rumours!

Another Sunday edition of Bruce Garrioch's "Rumours Du Jour":

Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer (of CSI fame) has backed off on its interest in building an arena in Las Vegas and has pulled its bid off the table.

Brendan Shanahan could be headed to the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche or the Carolina Hurricanes. Brochu's take: Rumor is that Shanny wants to stay in the East, so that rules out Colorado.

The Anaheim Ducks may be shopping forward Chris Kunitz in order to make room for Mats Sundin. Brochu's take: Kunitz is probably on the market, but there's not much interest in him.

"Expect to see the Sabres move [forward] Ales Kotalik, who is making $2.5 million, before the March 4 trade deadline." Brochu's take: They might, but again the market is not strong for underperforming forwards with big cap hits.

"[Vancouver Canucks GM Mike]Gillis was telling anybody who would listen last week he is not going to trade [defenseman] Mattias Ohlund. As I told Gillis in an e-mail, he can deny he won't deal Ohlund all he wants, but if he doesn't get him signed before the trade deadline, then a move is a strong possibility. Oddly enough, Gillis admitted that "teams have called" on all his players and that means there's interest. He can't deny that." Brochu's take: That could be said about any player that has an expiring contract this season! And I could say that all 29 teams have interest in Sidney Crosby, and there's "no denying that".

The Anaheim Ducks have apparently jumped into the Mats Sundin sweepstakes: Brochu's take: I'll file this under "SC", as in salary cap.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Senators are pushing hard for a puck-moving defenseman, and may be willing to part with a roster player. Garrioch suggests that the Sens could part with forward Mike Fisher or Antoine Vermette, who have both under-performed this season. Brochu's take: Fisher isn't going anywhere, but Vermette's name has been in the rumour mill for some time. Maybe the Hawks will come calling? Source

The "Between the Circles" blog on the Chicago Daily Herald website is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks are looking for a top-6 forward, preferrably a centre, and another defenseman. Tim Sassone suggests they could send goalie Nikolai Khabibulin and defenseman Cam Barker to the minors, but they have both played well. Brochu's take: Like Sassone said, the Hawks are pushing the cap as it is. Unless they trade someone off their roster or demote them to the minors, they won't be making any moves. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Aug 1, 2008

The Edmonton Oilers have hired Vancouver Canucks assistant GM Steve Tambellini as their new GM, while Kevin Lowe has been promoted to the role of President of Hockey Operations for Rexall sports. Kevin Prendergast, who has been the Oielrs' Vice-President of Hockey Operations, will move in as the new assistant GM. Brochu's take: Maybe those rumors of Tambellini not getting along with new Canucks GM Mike Gillis were true.

The Chicago Blackhawks Scotty Bowman as a Senior Advisor, Hockey Operations. Bowman's son Stan is an assistant GM, Hockey Operations with the Blackhawks. Bowman has spent the last 17 years with the Detroit Red Wings organization, recently as an advisor.

The Ottawa Senators have avoided arbitration with Antoine Vermette and has signed the forward to a two-year, $5.525 million contract. Brochu's take: Hopefully this will keep those stupid Vermette rumors coming from the Ottawa Sun to rest...until Bruce Garrioch comes out with his latest "musings".

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Jerred Smithson to a two-year, $1.475 million contract extension. The Preds announced today that the club signed defenseman Ville Koistinen to a one-year, $700000 contract, which he was awarded through arbitration earlier this week.

According to Newsday, Petr Nedved will be at the New York Rangers training camp, trying to earn a contract with the team. Nedved spent the last season with Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic, where he had 20 goals and 5 assists in 45 games.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 30, 2008

The Edmonton Oilers have traded forward Jarret Stoll and defenseman Matt Greene to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky. Brochu's take: This could mean the end of Joni Pitkanen's stay in Edmonton, but there is still a small chance he will be re-signed. There are also rumors that the Ottawa Senators are looking to trade Antoine Vermette to the Oilers for the Finnish defenseman.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired the negotiating rights to forward Brian Rolston from the Minnesota Wild for a conditional pick in the 2009 or 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The pick will depend on if Tampa can re-sign Rolston to a contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to a seven-year, $31.5 million contract with Ryan Malone. Brochu's take: Some were saying Malone could get $5 million on the open market, so in some ways this is a bargain.

The Bolts have also signed Gary Roberts to a one-year, $1.25 million contract with performance incentives that could increase the salary to $2 million.

The Colorado Avalanche have re-signed defenseman John-Michael Liles to a 4-year deal worth slightly over $4 million a year. The Avs also re-signed defenseman Adam Foote to a two-year, $6 million contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed defenseman Steve Eminger to a one-year deal.

Senators fire Paddock, Low

The Ottawa Senators have fired coach John Paddock and assistant coach Ron Low. Speculation and rumours have surrounded the coach's future during the recent spell of bad games. GM Bryan Murray will take over coaching duties for the stretch run, while Paddock has been offered a job somewhere in the organization. Source

According to the Montreal Gazette, the Montreal Canadiens are believed to have offered forwards Michael Ryder, Maxim Lapierre and Mikhail Grabovski to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. GM Bob Gainey mentioned that the Thrashers wanted "4 elements", 3 of which were playing on Tuesday. Source

The Thrashers apparently wanted Antoine Vermette, Nick Foligno and 1st round pick in 2008 for Hossa, the Ottawa Sun reports. Source

Rumours are flying that Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero received orders from the owners to make a serious playoff run this year, leading to the acquisition of Hossa.

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis offered defenseman Luc Bourdon, goaltending prospect Cory Schneider, and Mason Raymond to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Brad Richards. Rumours are that the Lightning really wanted defenseman Alex Edler and forward Ryan Kesler.

Leftover NHL rumors from the weekend

There's been a lot of rumors over this weekend; here are some that didn't make the last post:

There's a rumour that the Ottawa Senators would like to trade goaltender Ray Emery to the Chicago Blackhawks for Nikolai Khabibulin.

Another one involves the Sens sending Antoine Vermette and a "high draft choice" to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. Considering some of the Hossa offers flying around, it would take more from the Senators to get Hossa.

Another Senators rumour involves Ray Emery, Andrej Meszaros and Joe Corvo sent to the Edmonton Oilers for Dwayne Roloson, Joni Pitkanen and Jarret Stoll.

The trade rumors above come from the The Gazette.

Scott Morrison of CBC is reporting that the Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals are interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Carle.

San Jose Sharks may be looking at Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, after the Wade Redden deal fell through.

Sundin for Kesler, Bourdon, Schneider and a 1st?

Team 1040 radio in Vancouver and TSN is reporting a rumour that the asking price for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin is Ryan Kesler, Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a 1st round pick in 2008 from the Canucks.

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that Ottawa Senators coach John Paddock made the four-hour trip to Binghamton from Ottawa after practice on Wednesday to check out the AHL Binghamton Senators in action against the Philadelphia Phantoms. Paddock was there to watch which players would fit on the big club if a roster player was traded. There are rumors that Antoine Vermette, Joe Corvo and Andrej Meszaros could be dealt at the deadline. When asked which players he was looking at, Paddock said: "Any one of the young players. (Alexander) Nikulin and (Ilya) Zubov have each had one game, or a few games up, and Brian Lee, and the goaltenders (Jeff Glass and Brian Elliott). And we know what Lawrence Nycholat can do as a call-up." Source

These following trade rumors are from TSN's Backchecking column:

The Ottawa Sun is reporting that Senators prospects Brian Lee, Ilya Zubov and Nick Foligno could be part of a deal to land a top-6 forward.

The New York Post is reporting that the New Jersey Devils have some cap room available and may target Chicago Blackhawks forwards Robert Lang and Martin Havlat. The paper also reports that they are interested in Edmonton Oilers defenseman Joni Pitkanen.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Red Wings might consider moving Dan Cleary if they can't get him signed to a contract extension, and if the Wings could get a top-six forward in return.

Bruce Garrioch's rumour round-up

Here is the latest from Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch. He covers a lot of rumours that have been floating around, so here are the ones that are less covered:

The Philadelphia Flyers may try to put a package together to get Mats Sundin from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Citing sources, GM Paul Holmgren would send Jeff Carter and a 1st round pick for the Swede.

The LA Kings are shopping forward Ladislav Nagy, and defensemen Brad Stuart, Jaroslav Modry and Rob Blake. GM Dean Lombardi wants a roster player, prospect and a 1st round pick for Blake's services.

Garrioch is also rehashing the old rumour of the Tampa Bay Lightning sending Martin St. Louis to the Dallas Stars for Marty Turco.

The Carolina Hurricanes want either Ottawa Senators defnseman Joe Corvo or forward Antoine Vermette, but are unwilling to send Erik Cole the other way. GM Jim Rutherford may also consider sending Cole to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward David Vyborny.

Thrashers prepared to trade Hossa

*** 2:44pmEST update *** Sportsnet and ESPN have confirmed that the Calgary Flames have signed goaltender Curtis Joseph. Source

Atlanta Thrashers GM and coach Don Waddell would still like to sign impending free agent Marian Hossa, but admitted that he may have to trade the forward. "The good thing is, in the next three or four weeks, we'll know which direction we're headed," Waddell said. "We'll be prepared for whatever we'll try to do." Waddell also thinks he can get a lot in return for Hossa, contrary to speculation that rental players won't get as much as years past. "I think the prices will be high again this year, absolutely." Waddell said. Source

The asking price for Hossa seems to be a young forward, a top to mid-level prospect and high draft picks. Some of the rumoured offers for Hossa are:

The Ottawa Senators have offered Antoine Vermette, Brian Lee, a 1st round draft pick and a 4th round pick in 2008.

The Montreal Canadiens have offered Michael Ryder, P.K. Subban, a 1st round draft pick and a 3rd round pick in 2008.

The Chicago Blackhawks are on the verge of making a trade for a power-play quarterback defenseman, and a deal could occur this week.

Rumours from Bruce Garrioch

Here are the latest rumors from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, who seems to have dipped into the eggnog early:

Garrioch reports that the Pittsburgh Penguins have talked to the Atlanta Thrashers about Marian Hossa. Penguins GM Ray Shero has been looking for a winger for Sidney Crosby and the UFA may be available at the trade deadline.

It's also possible that the Nashville Predators could send J.P. Dumont to the Pens. Shero used to be GM David Poile's assistant.

The New York Rangers haven't had any talks with goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who can become a restricted free agent July 1 and is making $4.25 million this season. The Rangers are going to have to pony up about $8 million per season on a new contract to fend off the threat of an offer sheet from a team looking for goaltending help. The Tampa Bay Lightning, LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers would all be in the running.

Garrioch speculates that the Detroit Red Wings could be in the running to acquire Jaromir Jagr, if the Rangers decide to shop the forward.

Garrioch is repeating the rumors that Patrick Marleau is being shopped by the San Jose Sharks, and the Thrashers would love to bring him in as their no. 1 centre.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will entertain offers for three players if they drop out of the playoff race. Forwards Sergei Fedorov and Michael Peca, along with defenseman Adam Foote will be shopped by GM Scott Howson at the trade deadline if that happens.

The Ottawa Senators might move forward Antoine Vermette before the deadline. The Penguins made a call earlier in the season and may still be interested.

Marleau to Toronto?

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

Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. has inquired about Patrick Marleau. The San Jose Sharks are believed to be shopping him. Marleau's no-movement clause kicks in on Jan 1, 2008.

There are whispers the Ottawa Senators contacted the Pittsburgh Penguins about Gary Roberts or Colby Armstrong a month ago. The word is Pittsburgh wanted Antoine Vermette in return because the team is looking for a winger to play with Sidney Crosby. Pens GM Ray Shero believes Vermette could be a nice fit.

Jarret Stoll's name has been tossed around in the rumor mill, and it looks like the latest rumor has him sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Gilbert Brule. The Edmonton Oilers made Stoll a healthy scratch on Friday.

The Montreal Canadiens are "sniffing" around to see if there is a market for Cristobal Huet.

Marc Crawford's tenure as LA Kings head coach could be on thin ice. Rumour has it Kings GM Dean Lombardi is feeling pressure from ownership to get results and Crawford might not be the right fit for young players.

The Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators could be preparing trade offers for Marian Hossa if the Atlanta Thrashers don't sign him to an extension.

The Thrashers have claimed Mark Recchi on re-entry waivers from the Penguins.