Canucks interested in Zednik?

Reports from Vancouver indicate that the Canucks are interested in Richard Zednik. Zednik, an impending UFA, will be coming off the IR soon and GM George McPhee would like to move him for prospects. It is believed McPhee is asking for a 3rd rounder or higher for Zednik's services.

Colorado scouts have been spotted at a few LA games lately. This has led to speculation that they may make a deal soon. The Avalanche has just lost Patrice Brisebois for the year and are looking for a defenseman. The Avs are closely looking at the availability of Brent Sopel.

If the Detroit Red Wings do not win the Stanley Cup or make a long run into the playoffs, look for coach Mike Babcock to be fired. Many Detroit players have complained about Babcock's coaching style and it is believed it is wearing thin in Detroit.

Bruins ready to deal now

GM Peter Chiarelli is working the phones to make a trade for his team. According to the Boston Herald, a move may come as early as the next week. It is believed Chiarelli is after a defenseman, and the rumour is that he is after one of the surplus defenseman on Carolina's roster. Source

Update on the Nagy/Islanders rumours: According to the Arizona Republic, GM Mike Barnett has had discussions with many teams about the players on his club. "Many of the other teams in the league see us as potential sellers, so there's been no shortage of calls," Barnett is quoted. Source

Peter Forsberg has requested a sitdown with Flyers management about his future. Forsberg is tired of the trade rumours and believes all the speculation is hurting the team.

Islanders to acquire Nagy?

Rumours are rampant in New York that the Islanders are close to getting Ladislav Nagy. Nagy may be the offensive punch the Islanders need to make a playoff run. The Islanders may have to give up Jason Blake and another prospect (possibly Robert Nilsson) to get Nagy.

Toronto is looking to deal Pavel Kubina. Unfortunately, his contract is not appealing to many teams. Toronto is looking to shed some salary and try to rebuild for next year.

Sources from Buffalo indicate that the Sabres are willing to sign Daniel Briere at any price. Briere, who scored 5 points and was named the All Star MVP in the All Star game, could command a salary of more than 6 million a year. This would make Chris Drury available in the offseason.

All Star break rumours

With the All Star break in effect, general managers around the NHL have little to do other than talk on the phones. With that in mind, here are some of the latest rumours:

The Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers are discussing a trade for Martin Gelinas. The Canucks are reportedly offering Jan Bulis or Marc Chouinard. Gelinas is a UFA after this season and is an attractive option at the trade deadline because of his playoff experience. The Canucks really want him back in Vancouver and may throw a low level prospect to tempt the Panthers.

LA is on the verge of a massive firesale. With a young core of Anze Kopitar, Alexander Frolov and top prospect Jack Johnson, the Kings believe they can compete in the future. They are willing to trade some of their veteran assets to assemble more young players.

There have been reports that Peter Forsberg is headed to the Rangers. However, it is believed that Atlanta is bidding highly for him as well.

The Edmonton Oilers may try to snag Sandis Ozolinsh off re-entry waivers. The Rangers would accomodate that as they are trying to get rid of the troubled defenseman.

Jan Bulis demands trade

According to Sportsnet and other Vancouver sources, Jan Bulis has requested a trade. It is believed that he is frustrated with his position on the team, as he was promised a spot with the Sedin twins.

The Islanders are still seeking a second line centre and a first line winger. It was rumoured that they were in the Comrie trade talks but Ottawa won. The Islanders have cleared nearly 5 million dollars from their payroll after trading Mike York and Alexei Zhitnik.

Philly/Ottawa trade partners?

According to Marty York, the Flyers and Senators have been discussing about the possibility of sending Joni Pitkanen to Ottawa. Rumours are rampant about Pitkanen being dealt, however sources in Philly are saying that Pitkanen is one of the "untouchables" and GM Paul Holmgren is looking to build around the young defenseman. Source

John LeClair is still looking for a team to join. After being released outright by the Pittsburgh Penguins, LeClair is an unrestricted free agent. Teams that are gearing for the playoffs can sign him to a cheap contract. Ottawa, Vancouver and Dallas have shown some interest in his services.

Several sources have indicated that Atlanta may pull off a trade this week.

Esche to L.A.?

Sources from L.A. indicate that the Kings are one of the few teams interested in acquiring Robert Esche. Currently, both Dan Cloutier and Mathieu Garon are injured and it's possible that Cloutier may be out for the season. GM Dean Lombardi put in a claim for Michael Leighton but Philadelphia claimed him because of their higher waiver priority. This leaves a bit of a goalie jam in Philly, and they are eager to unload Esche.

Despite their recent surge, the Phoenix Coyotes are still shopping Shane Doan. The rumour is that both Atlanta and Tampa Bay have shown interest in the right winger.

The Nashville Predators could be the next team to relocate. They are currently having problems with attendance despite having an elite team.

Forsberg to Atlanta

Sources have indicated that Peter Forsberg may be headed to Atlanta. The Thrashers are seeking a 1st line centre after the departure of Marc Savard in the offseason. Atlanta wants to send some salary back to Philadelphia to make room for the oft-injured star, and would be willing to send prospect Braydon Coburn to sweeten the deal. Source

Dallas and Tampa Bay have been in heavy discussions lately. Rumours indicate that the Stars are looking for offensive help and could be one of the few teams interested in Vaclav Prospal.

The Calgary Flames are interested in re-acquiring Craig Conroy.

Gelinas, Roberts on the market?

According to the analysts on CBC's satellite hotstove, a number of Florida Panthers may be traded at the deadline. The names include Martin Gelinas, Gary Roberts and Josef Stumpel. Toronto has shown interest in re-acquiring Roberts for the playoff-run. If that happens, look for Roberts to retire at the end of the season as a Maple Leaf. The Vancouver Canucks have inquired about Gelinas.

Edmonton and Atlanta have been discussing the availability of Steve McCarthy. The Oilers are still looking for a powerplay quarterback.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are still looking for a puck moving defenseman but no-one wants Vaclav Prospal or Ruslan Fedotenko. There is absolutely no chance that GM Jay Feaster will move any of the big 3 (Brad Richards, Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier) to address his problems.

Edmonton to trade Horcoff?

With the recent addition of Petr Nedved via waivers, the Oilers have a glut of forwards. GM Kevin Lowe is looking for a defenseman, and he may trade Shawn Horcoff to get him. The LA Kings are very interested in Horcoff, and may be willing to give up Lubomir Visnovsky in exchange.

The Senators are still looking for centre help. The rumour mill has been running hot about Craig Conroy. The Senators are very interested and he will come at a reasonable price. It is believed that Ottawa has offered Anton Volchenkov and a prospect for Conroy.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are still shopping their players, but no one seems to be biting. Ruslan Fedotenko and Vaclav Prospal have been available for several months, but GM Jay Feaster is not getting any interest from any team.