Feaster threatens to trade core, Wes Walz to retire

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster has threatened to break up the core of the team if they don't start winning. "Being sub-.500, being 13th or 14th out of a 15-team Eastern Conference isn't cutting it, given the money we lose, to think we're going to keep payroll where it is and not make changes," he said. Feaster added that ownership could be cutting and the core of Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Brad Richards and Dan Boyle could be broken up. The Absolute Hockey group has been stalled in buying the Lightning and management may cut payroll in order to make the team more attractive to buyers. Asked if trades were near, Feaster responded, "by Christmas time, yeah, for sure." Source

Yahoo Sports is also reporting that there is bad blood between defenseman Dan Boyle and the team and he could be shipped out by the trade deadline. Source

The Wild announced Friday night that they will hold a press conference with Wes Walz on Saturday morning, when Walz is expected to announce his retirement after 12 seasons in the NHL. The centre has been on leave for a month. Source

Mark Mowers has cleared waivers and has been assigned to SC Bern in the Swiss Nationalliga by the Anaheim Ducks. Source

Sydor to Columbus rumors heating up

According to the Columbus Dispatch "Puck-rakers" blog, the Blue Jackets have had scouts at the last two Pittsburgh Penguins games. Pittsburgh and Columbus do not play against each other this season. The Blue Jackets may be having a close look at defenseman Darryl Sydor.

Six teams were scouting the New York Rangers-Dallas Stars game last Sunday. The teams were the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Vancouver Canucks.

Sweden may pull out of the NHL transfer agreement. There will be a meeting in Stockholm on Wednesday between Swedish Elite League owners, and many think that the present agreement is unfair. The Swedes have until Jan 1, 2008 to cancel their participation in the agreement. Färjestad general manager Håkan Loob believes that Swedish teams should have more control over the player market. Source

Centre Mark Mowers has been put on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks.

Scott Hartnell has been suspended 2 games by the NHL for his hit on Andrew Alberts.