Monday, February 23, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 24, 2009

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets are interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Tim Connolly. The Sabres are willing to trade the forward, because he is due to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, and it's unlikely that they will re-sign the injury troubled centre. Brochu's take: Connolly would be a good fit in Columbus, as they are still looking for a centre for their top two lines.

Pittsburgh Penguins scouts have been following the Blue Jackets closely lately. Also, Jackets scouts have been attending several Tampa Bay Lightning games. The most rumored names being tossed around are defenseman Rostislav Klesla and forward Jeff Halpern. Source

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, there is a "very good chance" that the Anaheim Ducks will trade Chris Pronger at some point. Teams such as the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames and several other teams are monitoring the situation closely. McKenzie also believes that the Ducks could shop Chris Kunitz to get some salary cap space in the summer. Brochu's take: All those teams McKenzie mentions have some serious cap issues IF they want to bring Pronger in. And something tells me Pronger doesn't want to go back to Alberta. Source

The New York Rangers have officially announced John Tortorella as the new head coach, but McKenzie's blog states that "sources say there may have been other potentially "inappropriate" contact between the Ranger organization and members of the Lightning." The NHL is investigating and while there has been much discussion between all involved parties, it's not out of the question that the Lightning will file formal tampering charges against the Rangers. Brochu's take: I think this has to do with Bolts assistant coach Mike Sullivan, who HAD a clause in his contract that stated he could leave the team to join Tortorella. I'm sure this will be settled privately unless Tampa plays hardball.

Allan Maki of the Globe and Mail is reporting that the Calgary Flames have a keen interest in re-acquiring Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris. Brochu's take: GM Don Maloney has let the league know that Morris is available, and the Flames desperately need re-inforcements. I would think a 3rd round pick would do the trick. Source

Pierre McGuire on a New York radio station stated that the Rangers are shopping forward Scott Gomez, and there is some definite interest. Brochu's take: Not dismissing McGuire's sources, but when do you remember a player with a massive contract (term and dollar value) being traded at the deadline?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Not dismissing McGuire's sources, but when do you remember a player with a massive contract (term and dollar value) being traded at the deadline?"

Answer : Last year, Brad Richards to Dallas.

Anonymous said...

Not dismissing McGuire's sources, but when do you remember a player with a massive contract (term and dollar value) being traded at the deadline?

Richards last year

Brochu said...

Ah...you got me there! But, it's quite rare. And that was a bit of a ownership/slash payroll move.