Feaster threatens to trade core, Wes Walz to retire

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster has threatened to break up the core of the team if they don't start winning. "Being sub-.500, being 13th or 14th out of a 15-team Eastern Conference isn't cutting it, given the money we lose, to think we're going to keep payroll where it is and not make changes," he said. Feaster added that ownership could be cutting and the core of Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Brad Richards and Dan Boyle could be broken up. The Absolute Hockey group has been stalled in buying the Lightning and management may cut payroll in order to make the team more attractive to buyers. Asked if trades were near, Feaster responded, "by Christmas time, yeah, for sure." Source

Yahoo Sports is also reporting that there is bad blood between defenseman Dan Boyle and the team and he could be shipped out by the trade deadline. Source

The Wild announced Friday night that they will hold a press conference with Wes Walz on Saturday morning, when Walz is expected to announce his retirement after 12 seasons in the NHL. The centre has been on leave for a month. Source

Mark Mowers has cleared waivers and has been assigned to SC Bern in the Swiss Nationalliga by the Anaheim Ducks. Source

Belfour to return to NHL next year

In an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Ed Belfour discusses his decision to play with Leksands IF, as well as his career and life in Sweden. He is hoping to get Leksand back into the Elitserien, and hoping he can get back into the NHL next year.

Yes, my objective is to play in the NHL next year. I want to continue to develop as a goaltender.

I had offers from some NHL teams, but it was not anywhere I wanted to play. I wanted to play for a team that had the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup.

-Ed Belfour

Leksand currently has a 18-1-1 record, enjoying an eight-point advantage over second-place Rögle BK Ängelstad and an 11-point cushion over the Malmö Redhawks. Source

The NHL board of governors have officially approved of a new schedule, which is essentially the same schedule as the pre-lockout years. Each team will play each other at least once, and there will be less divisional games. The governors also approved of the sale of the Nashville Predators to the Freeman-Del Biaggio group. The meetings will conclude Friday.

According to Sportsnet, Mark Recchi could be returning home to BC. The Pittsburgh Penguins are actively shopping the forward, and the Vancouver Canucks may be interested. The most likely destination for Recchi is still Columbus, due to his familiarity with coach Ken Hitchcock.

With Sweden pulling out of the NHL-IIHF transfer agreement, there are rumors that the Czech Republic could do the same. Teams in the Czech Extraliga are also upset with the low transfer fees.

Ryder for Stoll?

According to cyberpresse.ca, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has recently returned from a scouting trip to Western Canada. It's believed that he was looking at Edmonton Oilers forward Jarret Stoll in particular. There's a trade rumor coming from Montreal that he could be acquired in exchange for Michael Ryder. Both Ryder and Stoll have struggled this season. Source

After a meeting in Stockholm on Wednesday between team officials in the Elitserien and the Svenska Hockey Ligan, the Swedish hockey clubs have decided to withdraw from the NHL-IIHF transfer agreement as of January 1. In the end, the Swedish clubs were unhappy with the low transfer fees and the two year signing window for junior players drafted by NHL teams. This could mean a decrease in the amount of Swedish players drafted by NHL clubs, as well as Swedes playing in the league. A similiar decrease has already happened with Russian players. Source

The NHL may not allow its players to participate in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was interviewed Tuesday and expressed doubt that the Winter Olympics will have NHL players after 2010. "It is a strain on the players, on the schedule and on our fans here,'' Bettman told Reuters. ''It has an impact on the momentum of the season and the benefits we get tend to be greater when the Olympics are in North America than when they're in distant time zones." Source

The San Jose Sharks have placed forward Tomas Plihal on waivers. Source

Sydor to Columbus rumors heating up

According to the Columbus Dispatch "Puck-rakers" blog, the Blue Jackets have had scouts at the last two Pittsburgh Penguins games. Pittsburgh and Columbus do not play against each other this season. The Blue Jackets may be having a close look at defenseman Darryl Sydor.

Six teams were scouting the New York Rangers-Dallas Stars game last Sunday. The teams were the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks.

Sweden may pull out of the NHL transfer agreement. There will be a meeting in Stockholm on Wednesday between Swedish Elite League owners, and many think that the present agreement is unfair. The Swedes have until Jan 1, 2008 to cancel their participation in the agreement. Färjestad general manager Håkan Loob believes that Swedish teams should have more control over the player market. Source

Centre Mark Mowers has been put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks.

Scott Hartnell has been suspended 2 games by the NHL for his hit on Andrew Alberts.

Fleury for Liles, Ladd available?

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post is reporting that he has a "trade hunch" that the Colorado Avalanche are trying to acquire goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is speculating that the Avs would send John-Michael Liles the other way. The Avalanche sent two scouts to the Ottawa Senators-Pittsburgh Penguins game last week. Liles will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

John Forslund of WRAL.com is reporting that the Carolina Hurricanes are desperately looking for a puck-moving defenseman and they may be willing to trade Andrew Ladd to get him. The Hurricanes are looking to change the dynamic of their team, as well as to fulfill their need for a power play quarterback. Source

Jaroslav Modry has been granted a leave of absence due to a serious illness to Modry's father. The LA Kings have given Modrý as much time as he needs as he returns to the Czech Republic to be with his father.

There are rumors that the NHL will take disciplinary action against the Philadelphia Flyers for yet another questionable hit on Monday. Scott Hartnell checked Andrew Alberts into the boards in the Flyers-Bruins game, and Hartnell was assessed a 5 minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct. Alberts left the game with an unspecified head injury and will be evaluated on Tuesday. Source

Leafs talking to Bowman again?

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Toronto Maple Leafs are talking to Scotty Bowman again. Brooks is saying that "dialogue has resumed between Bowman and the board of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment aimed at working out a deal so the nine-time Cup-winning coach and one-time player personnel director would become the Toronto club's president and director of hockey operations." Bowman has denied that there were talks earlier this season. Source

Rumours continue to swirl the Leafs as talks of firing the coach and GM intensify. The talk around the league has been that Leafs general manager John Ferguson Jr. feverishly has been trying to make a trade, but the desirable players other teams want have no-trade clauses. Asked if a trade was coming soon, Ferguson responded, "Those discussions are ongoing at a number of levels." Source

Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is interested in becoming an owner of TPS in Turku, Finland. Koivu started his career with TPS before coming to the Canadiens. TPS play in the SM-liiga.

Oilers looking at Kolzig, Leafs lining up GMs?

All the following rumors come from the one and only, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Olaf Kolzig is being "coveted" by the Edmonton Oilers to shore up their goaltending. Kolzig will be UFA at the end of the season. Garrioch claims the Oilers are unhappy with the performance of both Mathieu Garon and Dwayne Roloson.

If Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. is fired this season, Leafs management will be seeking star power for his replacement. Garrioch is reporting that an NHL executive told him that "if they're going to put somebody into that seat who hasn't done it before, they need to have a marquee name." Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman, Ron Francis and Glenn Healy are considered to be top candidates for the job.

GM George McPhee of the Washington Capitals may be the next on the chopping block in D.C. Garrioch is saying "the whisper is owner Ted Leonsis has already initiated the search for a new GM and all McPhee is doing is keeping the seat warm." The list of candidates includes Brian Lawton, and TSN analysts Pierre McGuire and Mike Milbury.

Michel Therrien's days behind the Pittsburgh Penguins bench could be numbered. The talk is players are getting tired of Therrien's constant yelling and screaming. There's talk GM Ray Shero might be willing to take a chance on the AHL Rochester Americans coach Randy Cunneyworth.

The Penguins have quietly been looking for a goalie with Marc-Andre Fleury struggling. The word is they've contacted UFA Curtis Joseph, who's been skating at his Toronto-area home.

Sydor, Recchi to Columbus?

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche each had two scouts in Ottawa on Thursday for the Senators-Penguins game. Columbus is coached by Ken Hitchcock, who has ties with Penguins' veterans Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor, each of whom was a healthy scratch last night. Source

The Hockey News is reporting that many NHL teams have shown an interest in Swedish forward Fabian Brunnstrom. Scouts are comparing the prospect to Daniel Alfredsson. Under the new CBA, the 22 year old rookie is an unrestricted free agent. Brunnström is currently playing with Färjestads BK in the Swedish Elitserien. The teams that have shown the most interest are the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. Source

Forward Johan Ryno has left the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and returned home to Sweden to play with Djurgården in the SEL. Ryno could be playing with Djurgarden as soon as next week. Source

Trade winds blowing in Minnesota

GM Doug Risebrough of the Minnesota Wild is not happy about his team, who have lost 9 of the last 13 games. Risebrough wants his team to play a grittier style, which explains his move yesterday. The Wild claimed Todd Fedoruk on re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars on Thursday, picking up half his salary in the process. In an interview with Star Tribune reporter Michael Russo, assistant GM Tom Lynn said, "The general manager is not happy where we are right now, so he’s made this move (Fedoruk). Some guys will have to step up or there will be other moves.” Source

In other Wild news, Swiss newspaper "Blick" is claiming that Petteri Nummelin has already signed a contract with HC Lugano for next season, and the only question is if he will join the team in the January transfer period. Source

The Washington Capitals have fired head coach Glen Hanlon. Bruce Boudreau, the head coach of Washington's AHL affilate Hershey Bears, has been named the team's interim head coach.

Several sources in Sweden have speculated that Teemu Selanne may be signing with Leksands IF in Sweden. Selänne has been apparently spotted in Leksand, where Ed Belfour is currently playing. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think Peter Forsberg will retire?

Yes	55 (60%)
No	18 (19%)
Don't Care	18 (19%)

Total Votes: 91

Aebischer signs with HC Lugano - official

David Aebischer has officially signed with HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Aebischer has signed a contract that will see him play with Lugano until the end of the 2011-2012 season. The Phoenix Coyotes have officially released him from his contract. Source

According to the Dallas Morning News Stars blog, scouts from 6 teams were at Wednesday's game between the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks. These teams were the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers, Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers. Three of these teams have games against the Stars next week. Rumors of more trades continue to swirl in Dallas. Source

Todd Fedoruk has also been called up on re-entry waivers. The Stars are hoping someone will pick him up.

Jamie McLennan and Tyson Nash have signed with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asian League Ice Hockey (ALIH). McLennan had left his team in Russia to return to Canada earlier this season, while Nash remained an unsigned UFA. The Nippon Paper Cranes, who may have the best team name in world hockey, play in Kushiro, Japan. Source

The San Jose Sharks locked up Matt Carle after signing the defenseman to a four-year contract extension worth $13.75 million on Wednesday.

Olli Jokinen rumours redux, Ducks talking to Leafs?

According to the Palm Beach Post, a well-placed NHL source said Tuesday that GM and coach Jacques Martin and captain Olli Jokinen must get the Panthers to the playoffs "this season or one or both are likely to be gone. Jokinen has got to pick up his productivity and leadership and get this team to the playoffs," said the source. The source is also reporting that Martin is having trouble communicating with his players. Jokinen admitted that he was "upset" with his ice time. Source

Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke was spotted talking to both GMs John Ferguson Jr. and Peter Chiarelli at the Toronto Maple Leafs - Boston Bruins game on Tuesday. The Ducks have already played against the Bruins and they don't play the Leafs until Jan 9, 2008. Could a trade be close? Source

In other Ducks news, Ryan Getzlaf has been signed to a 5 year, $26.265 million contract extension.

Both coach Glen Hanlon and GM George McPhee are on the hotseat and rumors are flying that they could be the next to get the axe.

Recchi available?

According to PJ Stock on the Team 990 in Montreal, Mark Recchi's days as a Pittsburgh Penguin could soon be over. Recchi has struggled early this season and was a healthy scratch last Thursday. There are rumors that the veterans on the Penguins were unhappy with the move and coach Michel Therrien could be the next NHL coach to be fired this season.

The New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be opening the 2008-2009 season with a two-game series in Prague. The Czech promoters were able to come up with the funds to cover the Rangers' revenue from the one home game at MSG. Source

Darren Pang of Fox Sports Arizona is reporting that Scott Niedermayer may be returning by December 10.

Brochu's European round-up:

Juuso Riksman has left the St. Louis Blues AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, saying he wants to return to Europe. Riksman has been suspended by the team. Source

Forward Tomas Kana has left the Blues ECHL affiliate, the Alaska Aces, and signed with HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Ducks acquire Sutherby, Dallas/Tampa Bay trade

The Anaheim Ducks acquired centre Brian Sutherby from the Washington Capitals for a second round pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft. Source

The Dallas Stars have acquired defenseman Bryce Lampman from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Mario Scalzo. There also could be bigger deals ahead for Dallas. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed goaltender Alex Auld on waivers.

Ducks scouting Naslund, McCabe for Hossa?

According to a source who attended the Canucks-Flames game on Sunday night, several Anaheim Ducks scouts were watching the game and keeping a close eye on Markus Naslund. GM Brian Burke is still looking for a top-6 forward and may want to bring in someone that he's familiar with.

Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun is reporting a trade rumour he heard at the game on Saturday between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre. Brennan heard a "juicy" rumor that the Leafs would send much-maligned defenseman Bryan McCabe to the Atlanta Thrashers for Marian Hossa. Source

Todd Fedoruk has been placed on waivers by the Dallas Stars. Perhaps there will be more moves to come as trade rumors swirl around Dallas. Source

Olli Jokinen rumours

According to RDS, TSN and Sportsnet, Olli Jokinen has been shopped by Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin. It was reported that four teams were contacted, with at least one team in Canada. However, Jacques Martin, Panther's owner Alan Cohen and Jokinen himself have all denied the rumor. Cohen went as far as saying "I'm never trading him." Source

Mattias Ohlund may receive a suspension for his actions on Friday night. Ohlund took a two-handed slash to Mikko Koivu's leg after Koivu tried elbowing Ohlund in the head. It's been reported that the Minnesota Wild forward has a broken fibula and will miss at least a week. There is speculation that the Vancouver Canucks defenseman could receive a 5 game suspension from the NHL. Source

These following rumours come courtesy of the often imitated, but never duplicated Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Dallas Stars are close to some deals and a name that's been mentioned is Glen Murray of the Boston Bruins.

Calgary GM Darryl Sutter is busy trying to land a No. 1 centre and sources say Sutter has held talks with Sharks GM Doug Wilson about Patrick Marleau. Wilson has maintained he's going to keep Marleau, but situations change. Marleau has a two-year extension kicking in next season that includes a "no-movement" clause, which means if Wilson wants to make a deal he has to do it this year.

Brad Richards being shopped?

According to Jason Gregor on Team 1260 radio in Edmonton, the Tampa Bay Lightning are quietly shopping Brad Richards. Gregor is citing a "good source" that the Lightning are putting out feelers about Richards. Richards has a no trade clause that kicked in last July. Source

Ilya Bryzgalov has been put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks. Many teams are interested and it's believed that he will not clear waivers and will be picked up by the 12:00 noon EST deadline. The usual suspects are Phoenix, Pittsburgh and Atlanta, with Phoenix as the frontrunner based on need and waiver priority.

The Chicago Blackhawks are interested in Swedish defenseman Johan Akerman. Åkerman played very well for Sweden in the Karjala Cup, and GM Dale Tallon, who was scouting the games in Helsinki, was astounded to find out he was never drafted. Akerman is currently playing for HV71 Jonkoping of the Swedish Elite League. Source

Tallon: Åkerman is really good - smart, one touch passing and with the ability to make correct decisions. He has the tools to play in the NHL.

Expressen.se: How interested is Chicago?

Tallon: We're following him and looks - precise as on other interesting players - most on how we believe that they can come over and make a transition to a smaller rink.

More Duck deals, Keenan to be fired by All-Star break?

*** Trade rumor update 12:30 AM EST ***

Jonas Hiller has been recalled by the Anaheim Ducks and it could mean that Ilya Bryzgalov is on his way out. "I think we will see the last of him in Portland; I think the Jonas Hiller bio will be similar to what we saw with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf," said Pirates coach Kevin Dineen in a recent video interview. This trade may involve Toronto. **3:00 AM EST update ** Bryzgalov may have been put on waivers. Stay tuned. Source

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that Mike Keenan is on the hot seat. According to sources, Keenan’s rigid methods have not been appreciated by the majority of the Flames and that captain Jarome Iginla has confronted, or soon will confront, the coach on the team’s behalf. An NHL assistant coach told York that " If things don’t improve in Calgary, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mike replaced by the all-star game." Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired defenceman Aaron Rome and left-winger Clay Wilson from the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday in exchange for centre Geoff Platt. All three players have been assigned to their respective AHL affiliates. Source

Erik Rasmussen has signed a professional tryout contract with the New Jersey Devils AHL affiliate in Lowell. Source

Andre Lakos has been assigned to Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League. The Austrian defenseman signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild in June. "He came over with the idea he'd get a shot at the NHL level," said Wild GM Doug Risebrough, adding Lakos' play with Houston in the American Hockey League showed he wasn't motivated to stay here. Source

J. Carter for Kesler?

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Philadelphia Flyers are looking for a defensive forward, and Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks may just be the player. There is rumors that the Flyers would want more in return, likely a prospect from the Canucks system.

Dreger is also reporting that fired GM Doug Armstrong of the Dallas Stars did not go down with a fight. Sources say Armstrong scoured the league until the very end looking for a game breaking goal scorer - including Patrick Elias, Simon Gagne and Martin St. Louis. It is unclear if new GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson would follow up on these efforts. Source

Krys Kolanos has signed a contract with the Quad City Flames of the AHL. Kolanos had attended the Calgary Flames training camp but did not report to Quad City in October. Source

Phaneuf, Ovechkin reject extensions, Roloson shopped?

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that Dion Phaneuf and Alexander Ovechkin have rejected contract extension proposals from the Calgary Flames and Washington Capitals, respectively. Both players are due to be RFA next summer and could receive lucrative offer sheets from other teams. The Caps offered Ovechkin a five-year pact similar to the deal the Pittsburgh Penguins gave Sidney Crosby ($8.7 million a season), but the sniper is demanding between $9 and $10 million a year. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have called up goaltender Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers from their AHL farm team in Springfield. Both Mathieu Garon and Dwayne Roloson are healthy. This has led to internet trade rumors that Roloson may be on his way out. Source

The Dallas Stars have fired GM Doug Armstrong and appointed Brett Hull and Les Jackson as interim co-general managers. Stars owner Tom Hicks has said that changes needed to be made.

Anaheim Ducks defenceman Maxim Kondratiev has returned to Russia after refusing assignment to the Portland Pirates of the AHL. It is expected that he will play with SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian Super League.

The Florida Panthers have claimed Garth Murray off re-entry waivers from the Montreal Canadiens.

Habs interested in Eriksson?

According to a source, several Montreal Canadiens scouts have been spotted at the Dallas Stars affiliate in Iowa, keeping an eye on forward Loui Eriksson. Eriksson had been a healthy scratch for Dallas for several games and sent down to Iowa for more playing time.

The NHL is looking into an incident involving Sean Avery and Jason Blake that happened on Saturday. The FAN 590 in Toronto reported that an unnamed Rangers player said Avery ignited a scuffle with Leafs forward Darcy Tucker because of insensitive remarks towards Blake. The league is expected to speak with Avery about the incident some time this week, possibly Tuesday. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Russian Super League team Locomotiv Yaroslavl has offered David Aebischer a contract around $1 million dollars. Aebischer is currently playing for the Phoenix Coyotes AHL affiliate. It's also believed that Swiss Nationalliga A teams HC Lugano and ZSC Lions have shown interest in signing the goaltender. Source

Jason York may be close to signing with Fribourg-Gottéron of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Source

Conroy, Yelle for Holik?

Allan Muir of Sports Illustrated is suggesting that both Craig Conroy and Stephane Yelle of the Calgary Flames could be available. Muir saids Calgary wants scoring and is willing to take a veteran forward with leadership experience and a winning background, someone like Bobby Holik of the Atlanta Thrashers. Sports Illustrated

On Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on CBC, a segment called "Hot Stove" discussed various rumours around the league. The segment involved a panel of Al Strachan, Eric Duhatschek and Scott Morrison. These are the topics they discussed:

Strachan believes that if GM John Ferguson Jr. is let go at the end of the season, the Maple Leafs would consider TSN analyst Glenn Healey for the GM job.

Strachan also suggested that the Vancouver Canucks would pick up Richard Matvichuk if he was called up on re-entry waivers. The New Jersey Devils may also try to work out a trade.

Duhatschek suggests that with the Montreal Canadiens' 100th anniversary as an organization occuring in 2009, the All-Star game could be played outdoors. Montreal may also be getting the NHL entry draft and awards show the same year. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Yanick Le-who? Yanick Lehoux has been suspended by the San Antonio Rampage (Phoenix Coyotes affiliate) of the AHL. Lehoux left the team to sign with Russian club Khimik Mytischy. Source

Konstantin Pushkarev has left the Dallas Stars affiliate in Iowa to return home to Russia. He is believed to have signed a $1 million contract to play with CSKA Moskva (Moscow). This is the second player in two weeks that has left the Dallas organization, as Vadim Khomitski left in October. Source

Expect more of these signings in the future, as there is still no transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia.

Bruce Garrioch's Sunday rumours

These rumours are courtesy of Ottawa Sun columnist, Bruce Garrioch:

Dion Phaneuf may be close to signing a long term contract extension with the Calgary Flames. Phaneuf's agent Don Meehan was in Calgary recently to discuss a possible extension for his client.

The Capitals are having trouble negotiating with restricted free-agent Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin fired Meehan and has hired a lawyer to be his advisor. Sources say the Caps were confident they'd be able to get something done with Meehan, but are having issues since Ovechkin, who's making $1.3 million, decided to take over his own negotiations. It's believed the Caps are willing to offer a deal similar to the five-year contract that will pay Sidney Crosby $8.7 million per season starting next year. It's believed Ovechkin's camp, which includes his mother Tatiana, is looking for a bigger deal, in the $9-to-10 million range. This could get interesting because somebody would most certainly give Ovechkin an offer as a restricted free agent on July 1.

Teemu Selanne was a visitor to the Duck's dressing room on Friday at the game between Anaheim and San Jose. He may be getting close to returning to the NHL.

There is talk the Chicago Blackhawks could move either Martin Lapointe or Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov has been a healthy scratch lately.

The Thrashers, Senators, Panthers, Kings and Canucks have all shown interest in impending UFA Glen Murray.

If Scott Niedermayer returns, Garrioch believes that Mathieu Schneider could be traded. He adds that Vancouver, Edmonton, Colorado and Atlanta are interested.

Big Senators-Kings trade?

According to Kevin Lee on XM Radio, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray is considering a package deal that would involve Ray Emery, Patrick Eaves and a prospect for a forward and a goaltender. The LA Kings are rumoured to be their destination. Jason LaBarbera would be coming back in return. As for the foward, a few names are out there. Dustin Brown, Patrick O'Sullivan, Alexander Frolov or Michal Handzus. Also, GM Murray and his assistant GM Tim Murray were both in Binghamton on Friday, leading to speculation that he was watching which prospect would be involved in the trade.

In other Senators news, the Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins are rumoured to be in discussions to play their 2008-2009 season openers in Sweden. Swedish media reports indicate the games would take place in the Globen Arena in Stockholm on October 4-5, 2008. Sources have indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs were their first choice, but the Leafs could not come to terms financially. Source

Scott Niedermayer skated for a second time on Thursday, but remains unsure whether he will return to the Anaheim Ducks or retire. "No decision has been made," Niedermayer said. "Really, there is no change in anything right now, other than the fact I'm skating. When the decision does come, if it is to go back and play, I'm a little bit closer." Source

Blake unhappy in Toronto?

In an interview with Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons, Jason Blake expressed his frustrations with his struggling Maple Leafs team. "I'm not going to sit here and blow off steam because if I did, we would be here for an hour," Blake said. "It has nothing to do with my (health). I feel 100 times better than I did last year. "It's frustrating," Blake said, about being a goal-scorer and having just two at this time. "You have to get the puck ... You have to get the puck in certain situations ... Shots on goal don't mean anything. You want to get good shots." Source

Wes Walz has been officially granted a leave of absence by the Minnesota Wild. It's rumoured that he is considering retirement as assistant GM Tom Lynn has confirmed that Walz's leaving has nothing to do with family or health. TSN

The Ducks placed defenseman Maxim Kondratiev on waivers Thursday. Coach Randy Carlyle said the team was uncertain what it would do if Kondratiev, who has played in only four games this season, is not claimed. Source

Avalanche acquire Bacashihua

The Colorado Avalanche have acquired goaltender Jason Bacashihua from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft. The Avs assigned Bacashihua to Lake Erie, the team's AHL affiliate in Cleveland. TSN

The LA Times is reporting that Scott Niedermayer has begun skating and could return to the Ducks by mid-December. Niedermayer's agent, Kevin Epp told the LA Times that the four-time Stanley Cup Champion has not yet made a decision and that he does not expect the defenceman to make one for "another month" but that the 34-year old Niedermayer has been practicing with former Ducks Travis Green and Jeff Friesen. TSN

Kevin Bieksa is feared to be injured worse than first thought, and could be out for months instead of weeks. This has added fuel to speculation that the Vancouver Canucks are close to dealing for a defenseman. TSN

Winnipeg Jets to fly again?

There has been speculation that the NHL is considering a move back to Winnipeg, buoyed by the strength of the Canadian dollar. In a report in the Toronto Star, a high-ranking hockey source says the league receives daily calls about bringing a franchise back to Manitoba. The NHL contacted Canadian regulators to reinforce its trademark on the Winnipeg Jets name and there is a brand new hockey venue in the MTS Centre waiting for a major league partner. Source

PJ Stock on the Team 990 in Montreal is reporting that he heard a "trade idea" from an email involving a trade between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning. The trade would involve an exchange of Michael Ryder, Andrei Kostitsyn and Jaroslav Halak for Brad Richards and Andre Roy. Richards has a NTC.

Maxime Ouellet has signed a four week pro tryout contract with Red Bull Salzburg in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga in Austria. Ouellet signed a minor league contract with the New York Islanders earlier this summer. Source

Forsberg injury update, goalies being moved?

Peter Forsberg's doctor has not given up hope on correcting Foppa's foot problem. Bertil Romanus, who performed the operation on Forsberg's foot in June, believes that there is a "possibility that the problem can be corrected." Romanus and Foppa spoke on Tuesday and both agreed that the doctor must examine the foot before any further decisions can be made. However, Romanus is currently vacationing in Phoenix and will not return to Sweden for 3 more weeks. It is not known if Forsberg will fly out to the United States to see him. Source

According to radio reports in Montreal, there is some speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins have inquired about the availablity of Cristobal Huet and Michael Ryder. The Penguins have been rumoured for sometime to be looking for goaltending help.

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that the Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning "have contacted the Dallas Stars in recent days in efforts to acquire veteran Marty Turco. " Source

Various sources have confirmed that Eric Lindros will announce his retirement at a press conference on Thursday.

The lawyer for Steve Moore has rejected a $350,000 offer to settle the player's $15-million lawsuit against Todd Bertuzzi and the former parent company of the Vancouver Canucks, according to recently filed documents in Ontario Superior Court. Source

Lightning shopping for goaltending help

Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for goaltending help. Both Johan Holmqvist and Marc Denis' play has been suspect, and GM Jay Feaster is working the phones to see if he can get a goalie to help his team. Source

Peter Forsberg has had a setback on his return to NHL hockey. Forsberg left the Swedish national team's practice after an hour, saying his ankle didn't feel right. "I'm not going to retire today, I'm going to check with the doctors to see one more time what can be done. They should be able to fix it. I don't want it to be any major procedures, if it's a small thing they can fix, I'll be okay, if not I think I'll let it be. It's looking pretty dark." Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Milan Bartovic has left the Atlanta Thrashers AHL affiliate in Chicago and signed a deal with HC Bílí Tygři Liberec of the Czech Extraliga. His contract had a clause where he could return to Europe if he did not make the NHL roster. Source

Travis Green has signed a one-year deal with EV Zug of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Green split last year with the Anaheim Ducks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Poll Results:

Who has been the best rookie so far?

Jonathan Toews	67 (24%)
Patrick Kane	95 (34%)
Andrew Cogliano	42 (15%)
Sam Gagner	43 (15%)
Nicklas Backstrom	8 (2%)
Carey Price	21 (7%)
Other (leave in comments)	2 (0%)

Votes so far: 278
Poll closed

Penguins interested in Turco?

According to Steve Zipay at Newsday.com, "Pittsburgh reps have been following the Stars from city-to-city. The hunch: Assessing Dallas G Marty Turco and/or defensemen." The Penguins have been rumoured to be shopping for an experienced goalie. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Erik Rasmussen and Dave Scatchard are interested in signing in Switzerland, specifically with SC Bern and EV Zug of the Nationalliga A. Rasmussen remains unsigned and Scatchard was recently released from his pro tryout contract with the New York Rangers. Source

Aftonbladet is reporting that Daniel Tjärnqvist will be joining Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Russian Super League. It is believed he will be joining the team after his participation in the Karjala Cup.

HC Lugano has contacted David Aebischer. Aebischer is currently playing for the AHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Canucks listening to Naslund offers?

These following rumours are courtesy of Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Vancouver Canucks aren't looking to move Markus Naslund, but GM David Nonis is listening to offers. He'd like to make a move to shake up his team and bring in a quality blueliner with defensemen Sami Salo, Kevin Bieksa and Lukas Krajicek all injured.

The Ottawa Senators have been shopping Joe Corvo all summer, but has not gotten any offers. Garrioch hints that the Canucks may be interested.

The Edmonton Oilers would like to move Raffi Torres. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Oilers have been talking, but neither have each other's needs.

Ducks GM Brian Burke will try to get the NHL to study a proposal that will allow teams to pick up a portion of a player's salary to facilitate more trades. While Burke tried a similar move last year with a per-transaction cap of $2 million and a per-team cap of $4 million, it didn't fly. It's believed he has lowered the amount this year to $500,000 per transaction and several GMs are on board.

Various reports in Boston indicate that Patrice Bergeron could be out for the season. According to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, Bergeron came within an "inch" of being paralyzed.

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.

Ozolinsh signs with San Jose

The San Jose Sharks have signed defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh to a one-year contract worth $625,000. Source

Pierre McGuire of TSN was on the Team 1040 in Vancouver and speculated that the San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Atlanta Thrashers are among the most likely to make a move in the near future. The Canucks are most likely shopping for a defenseman with Kevin Bieksa and Sami Salo out indefinitely.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Nolan Pratt to a one-year, $550,000 deal. Source

Poll Results:

Which team has been the most surprising?

Minnesota	31 (33%)
Ottawa	3 (3%)
Atlanta	24 (25%)
Philadelphia	31 (33%)
Other	4 (4%)

Votes so far: 93