Torres traded for Brule, other signings

Brochu is Hockey will be live blogging every signing and trade for the next few hours, so keep refreshing!

The Edmonton Oilers have traded Raffi Torres to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Gilbert Brule. Brochu's take: GM Kevin Lowe has once again shown how savvy he can be. Brule is a cheaper, younger version of Torres with more upside. Source

According to TSN, the Washington Capitals have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Mike Green to a four-year, $21 million contract extension.

The New Jersey Devils and defenceman Bryce Salvador have agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth an average of $2.9 million per season. The Devils have also re-signed forward Jay Pandolfo and declined an option on forward Sergei Brylin, according to the Bergen Record. The team also re-signed David Clarkson and Barry Tallackson, plus recent draftees Matt Halischuk and Vladimir Zharkov.

TSN is reporting that the Pittsburgh Penguins are close to a 5 year contract extension with Evgeni Malkin worth around $8.7 million a year.

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed defenseman Brad Stuart to a four-year, $15 million contract extension.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Pascal Dupuis to a three-year, $4.2 million contract extension.

NHL trade deadline round-up: Part 3

The New York Rangers traded forward Marcel Hossa and goaltending prospect Al Montoya to the Phoenix Coyotes for forwards Fredrik Sjostrom and Josh Gratton, goaltender David LeNeveu and a conditional draft pick in 2009.

The St. Louis Blues traded defenseman Christian Backman to the New York Rangers for 4th round pick in 2008.

The St. Louis Blues traded defenseman Bryce Salvador to the New Jersey Devils for forward Cam Janssen.

The Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Tuomo Ruutu to the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Andrew Ladd.

The Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Martin Lapointe to the Ottawa Senators for a 6th round pick in 2008.

Prospal to Philly, Boyle and Jackman signed

The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired Vaclav Prospal from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Alexandre Picard and a conditional (2nd or 3rd) pick in 2009. Source

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Barret Jackman to a 4-year, $14.4 million contract extension. Rumors are flying that the Blues will trade one of defensemen Bryce Salvador, Jay McKee and Christian Backman before the deadline, as many teams are "kicking the tires." Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Dan Boyle to a 6-year, $40 million contract extension. The Brad Richards rumours should explode about now. Source

Richards willing to waive his NTC!

Sportsnet is reporting that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards is willing to waive his no trade clause. It's believed that GM Jay Feaster will be presenting deals to Richards this evening, and something could happen as early as Monday. The report also indicates that Richards wants to play for a playoff contender, which rules out the Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers. The Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens remain the front-runners. Let the Richards sweepstakes commence! Source

According to the Bergen Record, the New Jersey Devils have scouted and are interested in St. Louis Blues defensemen Bryce Salvador and Barret Jackman. Source

There will be more frequent posts as the deadline approaches.

Hurricanes trade watch

According to Lord Stanley's Blog at the News & Observer, the Carolina Hurricanes are looking for a forward, and a trade could happen in the next 48 hours. They are looking to add forward depth with Justin Williams out indefinitely and Matt Cullen's concussion problems. The Canes would probably part with a draft pick or low-level prospect. They are also still pursuing a puck-moving defenseman. Source

Rumors continue to swirl that the Colorado Avalanche are shopping defenseman John-Michael Liles. Could he be a fit in Carolina?

The St. Louis Blues are shopping three of their defenseman, and a trade could come very soon. It's believed that Barret Jackman, Bryce Salvador and Christian Backman are the names being mentioned. Source

Pierre LeBrun of Sportsnet is reporting that if significant progress isn't made in contract talks between Marian Hossa and the Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers will begin to shop Hossa in earnest. Source

Various sources have confirmed that the Dallas Stars have signed Mike Ribeiro to a five year, $25 million contract extension.

Waiver wire news:

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed Sergei Samsonov on re-entry waivers again.

The Washington Capitals have placed Ben Clymer on re-entry waivers.

The San Jose Sharks have placed goaltender Dimitri Patzold on waivers.

Simon Gamache has cleared waivers and released by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will most likely be signing in Switzerland.