Big trade day!

Only a massive trade day like today would awaken me from my blogging slumber! So to review:

The Calgary Flames have traded defenceman Dion Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom, and prospect defenceman Keith Aulie to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forwards Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers and defenseman Ian White. Brochu's take: My philosophy is that the team that the best player goes to "wins" the trade, and in this case I would have to say Toronto gets the better end of the deal. Phaneuf is capable of much more, and he will get plenty of ice-time in T.O. Hagman/Stajan are good players, and I'm not sure how the Leafs will score from now on. Calgary gets a lot more offensive in this deal.

The Leafs have also acquired goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goalie Vesa Toskala and forward Jason Blake. Brochu's take: Toskala's contract, along with Blake's, were essentially dead weight. After the signing of Hiller, Giguere's contract was the same on the Ducks. I see this trade more of moving dead money around than actual players.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed goalie Jonas Hiller to a 4-year, $18 million contract extension. Brochu's take: Not a bad deal.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Lukas Krajicek to a contract. The Tampa Bay Lightning had terminated his contract when he didn't show up to his AHL assignment.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 1, 2009

Speculation is rampant late tonight that the New York Islanders have finalized a trade with an Eastern Conference team, and forward Bill Guerin has agreed to waive his no trade clause. Chris Botta of the Islanders blog "Islanders Point Blank" is reporting that a deal is all but done and should be confirmed Sunday. Brochu's take: The rumor is that the Washington Capitals is his destination, but there's also speculation that it could be the Montreal Canadiens. I guess we'll know when the NHL offices open tomorrow. Source

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting that defenseman Derek Morris has given Phoenix Coyotes GM Don Maloney a list of teams he would be willing to lift his no-trade clause to join. In the meantime, Morris plans to sit out and not play for risk of injury. Source

Pierre LeBrun has made a post on his ESPN blog about the latest trade rumors, I will just go over the names that have not appeared previously:

The St. Louis Blues are interested in re-acquiring Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. Brochu's take: They have the cap space, but I would imagine they would have to trade of their good young defensive prospects and more to get him back.

The Boston Bruins may be targeting Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle and Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, as they are no longer in the Pronger hunt.

LeBrun reports that impending UFA Alex Burrows could be moved by the Vancouver Canucks if he hasn't signed an extension by the trade deadline. Brochu's take: I don't agree. I think they will keep him even if he doesn't sign at the deadline, and I expect a deal to be hammered before he reaches free agency.

Five teams have expressed interest in Phoenix forward Olli Jokinen.

The Detroit Red Wings are very interested in Colorado Avalanche forward Ian Laperriere, and several teams have inquired about forward Milan Hejduk. Brochu's take: I would imagine Hejduk would make any team that much more dangerous. Laperriere would provide a veteran presence.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jamal Mayers is now on the trading block.

NHL and hockey rumors for June 20, 2008

The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Jamal Mayers to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third round pick in 2008. Source

Rumors have been flying that the Pittsburgh Penguins are willing to trade Evgeni Malkin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 2nd overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft and forward Mike Cammalleri. Brochu's take: Both sides have denied talks, but what else do you expect.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Senators would consider trading Jason Spezza, with the Kings interested. Brochu's take: Garrioch started the rumor, than got GM Bryan Murray to deny it. And people wonder where rumors start?

According to Sportsnet, the Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed restricted free agent Jeff Carter to a three-year, $15 million contract.

There's apparently speculation that the Vancouver Canucks would consider trading one or both the Sedin twins, but the rumor has been denied before it even became a rumor.

The Canucks have also hired London Knights coach Dave Gagner as their new Director of Player Development. They have also moved Stan Smyl as their new Director of Collegiate Scouting.

The Atlanta Thrashers have hired AHL Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson as their new head coach.

The Anaheim Ducks are about to hire Dave Nonis as a senior adviser. It's believed his contract will have lots of out clauses in case more management positions open up for him.

There are also rumors that the New York Rangers are interested in restricted free agent Jay Bouwmeester of the Florida Panthers.