NHL Hockey rumors for February 7, 2013

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Andrei Loktionov to the New Jersey Devils for a 5th round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.  Brochu's take: Loktionov will get a chance to play in New Jersey, as he was a victim of a numbers game in LA.

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 5th round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

The Winnipeg Jets have placed forward Aaron Gagnon on waivers.

The Calgary Flames have signed goalie Danny Taylor to a one year, two-way contract for $525,000/$80,000.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis is listening to offers for forward Phil Kessel.  Nonis is reportedly looking for a forward, defenseman or a high draft pick in exchange.    Brochu's take:  Kessel has struggled to score this season, so his value at the moment is lower than it should be.  Nonis would be prudent to wait until the NHL trade deadline to maximize his returns.

Hockey Rumors for February 6, 2013

The Colorado Avalanche have claimed Montreal Canadiens forward Aaron Palushaj off waivers.

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Alexandre Bolduc on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor update:

Free agent forward Marco Sturm has signed with Kolner Haie in the DEL.

NYR/MINN trade, Palushaj on waivers

The New York Rangers have traded forward Michael Rupp to the Minnesota Wild for forwards Nick Palmieri and Darroll Powe.  Brochu's take: Rupp should add some needed toughness to the Wild.  

The Montreal Canadiens have placed forward Aaron Palushaj on waivers.

18 teams scouting Florida-Buffalo game

According to George Richards of the Miami Herald, 18 NHL teams were scouting the Florida Panthers-Buffalo Sabres game yesterday.  They were the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Lightning, Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Gillis spotted at Washington-Pittsburgh game?

According to TSN, Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis was spotted at the Washington Capitals - Pittsburgh Penguins game.  There are rumors that the Caps are the mystery team that Gillis was talking about a week ago in regards to a Roberto Luongo trade.  The Canucks are reported to be looking at forward Marcus Johansson and defenseman Tomas Kundratek.