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.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 8, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have claimed forward Joakim Lindstrom off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks and assigned him to Iowa of the American Hockey League.

The Boston Bruins have put forwards Peter Schaefer, Nate Thompson and Jeremy Reich on waivers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Luke Schenn to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Leafs also put forward Boyd Devereaux and defenseman Staffan Kronwall.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Patrick O'Sullivan to a three year contract averaging $2.925 million a year.

The Vancouver Canucks have put forwards Jason Krog and Matt Pettinger on waivers.

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Kyle McLaren on waivers.

The Detroit Red Wings have place defenseman Aaron Downey on waivers.

Canucks, Flames scouting Leafs

According to the Vancouver Province, the Vancouver Canucks sent two scouts to the Toronto Maple Leafs-Carolina Hurricanes game on Tuesday. The Calgary Flames also sent two scouts, along with several others from other teams. It's believed that both teams are keeping a close eye on which players will be available, and also keeping an eye on Mats Sundin. The Canucks could fit Sundin under their cap, but would have to trade somebody off the roster to do that. It's rumoured they are looking closely at Alex Steen and Darcy Tucker. There are also reports that they are interested in Andrew Ladd. Source

Sportsnet's Hockeycentral panel adds that the Flames could be looking at Tucker as well as veteran forward Boyd Devereaux.

The Daily Herald is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks may be trying to trade goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. However, Khabibulin's large contract and inconsistent play may prevent him from moving. Source