NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 13, 2009

According to Erik Erlendsson of TBO.com, the San Jose Sharks have been scouting the Lightning somewhat in the past couple of games. John Ferguson Jr., was in Pittsburgh last week watching the game and then showed up in Tampa for Tuesday’s game against Atlanta. The word is that they are looking at Jeff Halpern, who has one year left on his contract at $2 million. Source

Erlendsson also reports a rumor that the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Bolts forward Vinny Prospal. Brochu's take: Scouts are at the games all the time. But I don't see the Bolts trading Prospal yet.

The Pioneer Press is reporting that 11 NHL scouts were at Wednesday's game between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche, including four from the Boston Bruins. Also represented were San Jose, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington, Tampa Bay, Detroit and Montreal. Writer John Shipley speculates that the Wild are looking to trade a defenseman for some offensive, and Kim Johnsson's name would make the most sense. Brochu's take: The teams could also be looking at the Avalanche, who are currently dwelling in the Western Conference cellar. Johnsson's large contract won't attract a lot of interest. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forwards Bates Battaglia and Boyd Devereaux on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: This was reported earlier this week here.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 10, 2009

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Andy McDonald to a four-year, $18.8 million contract extension. Brochu's take: A fair price for a point-a-game player. Good move by the Blues.

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Montreal Canadiens and Phoenix Coyotes are in trade discussions. Forward Olli Jokinen and defenseman Derek Morris were mentioned as possible targets. Brochu's take: The Habs are still looking to make a big splash on the trade front, but has done nothing yet. Their recent struggles might trigger a move.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke gave a clear indication that Nik Antropov is done as a Leaf. "From my take, at this point, I don't see any reason to put a new contract offer on the table here," Burke told AM 640. "I think that this might be time for a change of scenery for Nik Antropov. I don't think Nik's play has merited that discussion to this point." Brochu's take: You got to give credit, he certainly cuts to the point. This really doesn't hurt Antropov's value as he was already on the market. Source

On Toronto radio station AM640, Burke also mentioned that certain players from the Leafs AHL affiliate Marlies will be recalled on re-entry waivers before the end of the season. Burke specifically mentioned forwards Mark Bell, Kris Newbury, Boyd Devereux and Bates Battaglia. Brochu's take: Clearing roster space? In a recent interview with The Hockey News, Burke said he wanted to build a "fair" organization, where players will be given chances to play for the Leafs, or another NHL team.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed defenseman Lasse Kukkonen on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: Poor guy has been on waivers a good 3 or 4 times this season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Wade Brookbank on waivers today, and have recalled defenseman Josef Melichar on re-entry waivers.

Roy, Battaglia waived, Philly/Dallas trade

The Philadelphia Flyers dealt defenceman Jussi Timonen to the Dallas Stars on Monday for a conditional draft pick in 2009. Timonen has been assigned to Dallas' AHL affiliate in Iowa. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Bates Battaglia on waivers.

The Edmonton Oilers have put defenseman Mathieu Roy on waivers.