Sunday, February 22, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 22, 2009

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

"League sources" are saying that the Montreal Canadiens are interested in acquiring forward Ryan Smyth from the Colorado Avalanche. Avs GM Francois Giguere is shopping the forward, as well as several other players. Giguere has orders from ownership to slash payroll. Smyth has three years left on a $6.5 million a year deal, and also has a no trade clause. Brochu's take: No one is going to take Smyth at $6.5 million, and especially not for three more years! Smyth is a good forward but his value is not in his production. I really don't believe in all these Smyth rumours.

The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning may be interested in Ottawa Senators defenseman Christoph Schubert. The Sens would like defenseman Ladislav Smid in return. Brochu's take: While both teams need defensemen desperately, there are better options for Schubert. As for Smid, I think he's worth more than Schubert, Bruce.

The Atlanta Thrashers have been shopping defensemen Ron Hainsey and Niclas Havelid. Both are expected to be dealt at the deadline. Brochu's take: Havelid, yes. Hainsey, no.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are interested in acquiring forward Erik Cole. Brochu's take: Like I've said before, as long as the Oilers are in the playoff race, they won't be subtracting roster players.

The Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks are interested in Sens forward Chris Neil.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Alex Kovalev. There's also rumors that the Penguins are interested in re-acquiring him. Brochu's take: The BJs are looking for more centres than wingers. The Pens could be a good fit for Kovalev.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris Neil, I have heard, is out for the season. Is that true?

Brochu said...

No, I think he's on the verge of returning...he had a laceration of his right calf.