Daily NHL Rumours

[FatGoalie]

THRASHERS INVITE SHIELDS FOR TRYOUT.

ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION: John Manasso reports the Thrashers have invited UFA goaltender Steve Shields for a tryout and he could be signed if he's in shape. They'll likely sign him to a minor league contract and then sign him to an NHL one if needed. The club also contacted UFA Felix Potvin, but he didn't want to go to their farm team under those circumstances, he hasn't been in training camp nor does he possess the new regulation pads.

RUMOURS FROM MSGNETWORK.COM.

Stan Fischler reports the following:

- It's just a matter of time before the Washington Capitals deal defenceman Brendan Witt. The Islanders could use him but GM Mike Milbury denied speaking with the Caps. Fischler suggests the Maple Leafs and Canadiens might have interest.

- Jamie Lundmark's and Tom Poti's days as New York Rangers could be numbered, with Poti's skill level being of potential interest for the Boston Bruins.

THE LATEST THRASHERS NEWS.

ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION: Guy Curtright reports Thrashers GM Don Waddell has been "exploring his options" to possibly shore up his goaltending depth as regulars Kari Lehtonen and Mike Dunham continue to recover from groin injuries. Waddell had interest in Buffalo's Mika Noronen but was unable to tempt Sabres GM Darcy Regier with the offer of a second round draft pick. Curtright also notes that UFA goalie Felix Potvin is still available but wouldn't be ready to play right away. Dunham is expected back on Friday.

DAGENAIS'S DAYS NUMBERED IN MONTREAL?

MONTREAL GAZETTE: Pat Hickey reports Canadiens forward Pierre Dagenais could lose his spot on the number two line to rookie Tomas Plekanec, and his spot in the lineup "could be in jeopardy" once Richard Zednik returns to action. After four games Dagenais has one assist, 12 penalty minutes and is -3, leading Hickey to suggest he's struggling to adjust to the new rules.

16 OCTOBER 2005.


COYOTES TO POSSIBLY MOVE A GOALIE?

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: David Vest reports Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky believes goaltender David LeNeveu may have earned a full-time spot on the roster, which could create a logjam in goal. The Coyotes were to start the season with Curtis Joseph and Brian Boucher but both went down to groin injuries necessitating LeNeveu's callup.

RUMOURS FROM THE OTTAWA SUN.

Bruce Garrioch reports the following:

- Owen Nolan is working out and could be back in the NHL by Christmas once he gets his contract dispute with the Leafs sorted out.

- The Colorado Avalanche might consider shopping goaltender David Aebischer if backup Peter Budaj outplays him.

- The Bruins re-signing of Nick Boynton could be for the short term as he's an unrestricted free agent at season's end. His re-signing could also mean the Bruins try to shop Hal Gill.

- The NY Islanders are apparently looking to move defenceman Janne Niinimaa.

- The Phoenix Coyotes are apparently shopping for "character players".

15 OCTOBER 2005.


THE LATEST ON THE SABRES GOALTENDERS.

BUFFALO NEWS: Tim Graham yesterday reported Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff had earlier dismissed the possibility of his club trading one of its three goalies to free up roster room when Adam Mair returns from injured reserve, but that may change given the injuries to the Atlanta Thrashers goaltenders. Ruff said in all likelihood the team would waive a player, but Graham notes the Thrashers had interest in Mika Noronen prior to signing Mike Dunham, who along with fellow Thrasher goalie Kari Lehtonen is now sidelined with a groin injury. The Thrashers have little cap room to absorb Martin Biron's contract but could easily afford Noronen's $665K.

14 OCTOBER 2005.


SABRES NOT MOVING GOALIES?

TSN.CA: Bob McKenzie yesterday reported "a lot of people" believe the Atlanta Thrashers, whose goaltending tandem of Kari Lehtonen and Mike Dunham have been sidelined with groin injuries, are targetting the Buffalo Sabres for a trade, considering they're carrying three goalies, with Mika Noronen considered the most likely to be shopped. McKenzie claims, however, that the Sabres are standing pat for not and telling teams they're not moving a goalie.

ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION: John Manasso reports, however, that the Sabres are carrying the league-limit of 23 players and will soon activiate forward Adam Mair from injured reserve, "necessitating a move". Manasso suggests Noronen could be available for the right price.

BUFFALO NEWS: Tim Graham yesterday reported the Sabres wouldn't trade one of their goalies to free up roster room for Mair to return, instead they may place defenceman Jeff Jillson on waivers.

NO EARLY TRADE FOR WITT?

NEWSDAY: Alan Hahn reports Washington Capitals defenceman Brendan Witt hasn't backed off his August trade request but it seems the Caps may retain him until the March trade deadline. Hahn suggests Witt would make a welcome addition to the Isles blueline but GM Mike Milbury claims he hasn't spoken to a rival GM about Witt since late August.

KOLANOS OR TAFFE TO BE MOVED?

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: David Vest reports the activation of Petr Nedved from injured reserve by the Phoenix Coyotes and the placing of forward Mike Ricci onto that list delays the trade or demotion of centres Krys Kolanos or Jeff Taffe, both of whom have been frequently mentioned in trade speculations. Neither player can be demoted without passing through waivers first.


13 OCTOBER 2005.


UPDATED: 3:00 PM EST.


BOYNTON RE-SIGNS WITH BRUINS!

VARIOUS SOURCES EARLIER TODAY REPORTED HOLDOUT DEFENCEMAN NICK BOYNTON HAS RE-SIGNED A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE BOSTON BRUINS. FINANCIAL TERMS WEREN'T DISCLOSED, BUT TSN.CA REPORTS IT TO BE $1.75 MILLION.

Spector's Note: My thanks to everyone who sent this in. Perhaps the Bruins were able to convince Boynton to take less now and then more next season when they free up more payroll. Hopefully we'll find out soon enough.


THRASHERS SHORT OF VETERAN GOALTENDING.

ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION: John Manasso reports the Thrashers goaltending depth suffered another serious hit when Mike Dunham left last night's game against the Montreal Canadiens with a groin injury and didn't return. Kari Lehtonen is already sidelined with a groin injury and there's no timeline as to when he will return .

THE LATEST ON NICK BOYNTON.

BOSTON HERALD: Stephen Harris reports Bruins GM Mike O'Connell admitted to meeting recently with Nick Boynton's agent but claimed no progress was made, nor could he claim to be optimistic.


SENATORS TO MAKE ROSTER CHANGE.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the imminent return of forward Vaclav Varada from a knee injury means they'll have to clear some salary cap space. As well, they'll have to determine how long winger Mike Fisher will be sidelined with a shoulder injury. Garrioch writes the Sens could either demote defenceman Christoph Schubert or trade him, or they could demote tough guy Brian McGratton.


KABERLE FORGOTTEN BLUELINER.

RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER: JP Giglio reported yesterday veteran defenceman Frantisek Kaberle has yet to play a game for the Caroline Hurricanes.

[FatGoalie]

19 OCTOBER 2005.


**TRADE ALERT!**

VARIOUS SOURCES REPORT THE NEW YORK RANGERS LAST NIGHT DEALT CENTRE JAMIE LUNDMARK TO THE PHOENIX COYOTES IN EXCHANGE FOR CENTRE JEFF TAFFE.

**WAIVER ALERT**

THE ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS HAVE CLAIMED LEFT WING CHRIS KUNTZ OFF WAIVERS FROM THE ATLANTA THRASHERS.

WILD TO MAKE A ROSTER CUT.

MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: Michael Russo reports the Minnesota Wild will be facing a roster cut. They reactivated forward Marian Gaborik off injured reverse and defenceman Alex Henry is expected back on Saturday. Forward Matt Foy could be sent down as he doesn't have to pass through waivers but he's provided energy and hits, leading Russo to suspect the likely candidates are either agitator Andrei Nazarov or defenseman Daniel Tjarnqvist, both of whom have been healthy scratches in recent games.

HILBERT STILL AWAITS A TRADE.

THE SCORE: reported yesterday that Boston Bruins wingers Andy Hilbert is still waiting for management to action his trade request, but GM Mike O'Connell said there's been little interest.

[FatGoalie]

20 OCTOBER 2005.


AVS DECLINE OPTIONS ON SAKIC AND BLAKE.

DENVER POST: Adrian Dater reports the Colorado Avalanche have declined to pick up the option years in the contracts of forward Joe Sakic and defenceman Rob Blake, making them unrestricted free agents next summer. The move was done to save over $700K in cap space for this season "because team payroll numbers are based on the combined average of a player's length of contract." Dater writes the Avs could avoid losing both players to the UFA market if they re-sign them to contract extensions before then.

LARAQUE ON HIS WAY OUT OF EDMONTON?

THE SCORE: reports enforcer Georges Laraque's days as an Edmonton Oiler may be numbered. He's seen limited action over seven games and is -4, leading to suggestions he's struggling under the new NHL rules.

BLUE JACKETS RECALL PRUSEK.

ASSOCIATED PRESS: reports the Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled goaltender Martin Prusek and demoted Pascal Leclaire to their farm club.

[FatGoalie]

21 OCTOBER 2005.


SENS TO DUMP HAVLAT?

HOCKEY CENTRAL (SPORTSNET): Commentators Bill Watters and Nick Kypreos both weighed in last night on Ottawa Senators forward Martin Havlat's suspension for kicking Boston Bruins defenceman Hal Gill, suggesting the club management and coaching staff may be getting tired of Havlat's antics and immaturity. Both believed Havlat isn't a "Bryan Murray-type player" and that Havlat could be shopped soon after his suspension is over.

ANTROPOV FOR WITT?

TORONTO STAR: Mark Zwolinski reports of speculation Maple Leafs forward Nik Antropov could be part of a package for Washington Capitals blueliner Brendan Witt, who requested a trade to a Cup contender in August. The Caps apparently want a young defenceman in return, with Zwolinski suggesting "Jay Harrison or Brendan Bell" along with forward Nathan Perrott for salary cap reasons. Zwolinski writes nothing is imminent between the two clubs and there are up to a dozen teams believed interested in Witt.

SHIELDS TO GET CALLED UP?

ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION: John Manasso reports goaltender Steve Shields, recently signed to a minor league contract by the Thrashers, will play his first game for their farm club this weekend and could be available to be called up to the big club on Tuesday. That option has become increasingly likely as Kari Lehtonen suffered a setback on Thursday in his continuing efforts to recover from an early season groin injury.

[FatGoalie]

22 OCTOBER 2005

NOLAN TO SIGN WITH COYOTES?

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: David Vest reports a Toronto radio station reported on Friday that Owen Nolan may sign with the Phoenix Coyotes once his contract buyout dispute with the Toronto Maple Leafs is settled. GM Michael Barnett refused to comment, while Vest believes a better fit for Nolan might be his former team, the San Jose Sharks, given that he lives there and maintains several businesses.


OILERS INTERESTED IN KOLZIG?

EDMONTON SUN: Terry Jones reports the Oilers lost for the sixth straight time yesterday, falling 7-1 to the Colorado Avalanche. Jones suggests Oilers management "gambled and lost" on goalies Ty Conklin and Jussi Markkanen and it's time they dealt for some goalscoring. Jones also reports the Oilers are rumoured to be interested in Washington Capitals goaltender Olaf Kolzig.

PENGUINS TRYING TO LAND WITT.

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Dave Molinari yesterday reports the Penguins are seeking a "significant adjustment to the lineup" and have apparently stepped up efforts to land Washington Capitals defenceman Brendan Witt.

NO TAKERS FOR JILLSON

ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE: Kevin Oklobzija reports defenceman Jeff Jillson is still adjusting to being returned to the AHL after failing to make the cut with the Buffalo Sabres. Before placing him on waivers, the Sabres attempted to trade him but could find no takers, either because the club was asking too much in return of Jillson's salary ($833,910) was too much. He has asked the Sabres to continue shopping him around the league.

[FatGoalie]

23 OCTOBER 2005.


HAVLAT NOT AVAILABLE.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Edmonton Oilers are believed interested in Senators forward Martin Havlat, but he's not available. While the Sens aren't happy over Havlat getting suspended for kicking Boston Bruins defenceman Hal Gill, they aren't ready to trade him.


RUMOURS FROM THE OTTAWA SUN.

Bruce Garrioch reports the following:

- The Buffalo Sabres are trying to move Martin Biron and his $2.1 million salary. The Atlanta Thrashers would love to have him but can't absorb his salary.


- Philadelphia Flyers centre Michal Handzus was the subject of trade rumours last month, but his chemistry with rookie Mike Richards means he won't be dealt. The Flyers might, however, shop Robert Esche if he doesn't pick up his game.

- There's talk the Calgary Flames might be interested in Owen Nolan when his salary buyout with the Toronto Maple Leafs has been settled.

- Rumours persist the Anaheim Mighty Ducks might shop centre Sergei Fedorov once he returns from injury.

- The Edmonton Oilers are still rumoured to be interested in New Jersey Devils centre Viktor Kozlov, although he wouldn't be available until Patrik Elias returns to the lineup.

[FatGoalie]

24 OCTOBER 2005.


COMRIE BENCHING TO LEAD TO TRADE?

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: David Vest reports Phoenix Coyotes centre Mike Comrie was a healthy scratch in last night's game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. He's gone goalless in nine games and is -3, leading Vest to speculate if the move was done to send Comrie a message or to preserve his health for a trade. Comrie was stung by the move but acknowledged he has to play better.

COYOTES INTERESTED IN CORSON?

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan reports of speculation the Phoenix Coyotes may have interest in free agent forward Shayne Corson.

MORE SPECULATION ABOUT POTI.

THE SCORE: reports NY Rangers defenceman Tom Poti wasn't happy about being benched on Saturday following the club's back-to-back losses to the NY Islanders. Poti doesn't think head coach Tom Renney needed to bench him to send a message to the team, but Renney claimed it was done because of poor defensive zone coverage.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks believes the rumours of Poti being traded are "silly", given his $2.356 million contract and the fact no other clubs were interested in him during the Rangers trade deadline purge last year.

DEVILS CHEMISTRY DISRUPTED BY RUMOURS.

NEW YORK POST: Mark Everson reports the New Jersey Devils requirement to still shed some salary for this season before Patrik Elias returns to action has disputed the team concept GM Lou Lamoriello stresses. While defenceman Vladimir Malakhov's poor play and $2.8 million salary might make him an obvious candidate to be traded or moved, it still wouldn't be enough, meaning one of his best forwards ( Alex Mogilny ($3.5 million), Viktor Kozlov ($2.2 million), Sergei Brylin ($1.52 million) or Jamie Langenbrunner ($1.65 million) will also have to be moved. Given that Elias may not be in good enough shape he might not be back until December, meaning this could continue to hang over the Devils roster for some time.

[FatGoalie]

25 OCTOBER 2005

COYOTES GM THREATENING CHANGES.

ARIZONA REPUBLIC: David Vest reports Phoenix Coyotes GM Michael Barnett is concerned over the club's lack of scoring punch and the players consistently losing one-on-one battles. Barnett said if things don't improve over the next "ten games or so" major personnel changes will be considered. Vest notes the club is already linked to Owen Nolan and Shayne Corson in the rumour mill.


COLE NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Ottawa Senators contacted the Carolina Hurricanes during the off-season about the availability of forward Erik Cole but there've been no further talks and he's not going anywhere, although it's possible his name could come up again in trade talks if the Hurricanes falter at some point in the season. Garrioch dismissed the notion of a Cole-for-Martin Havlat swap.

OILERS DEMOTE TY CONKLIN.

EDMONTON SUN: Robert Tychkowski reports the Oilers have demoted goaltender Ty Conklin to the minors for conditioning in hopes of improving his performance.

DEVILS PLACE OLIWA ON WAIVERS.

NEW JERSEY STAR-LEDGER: Rich Chere reports the Devils have placed tough-guy forward Krzysztof Oliwa on waivers, where he'll either be claimed by another NHL club or sent to the minors with virtually no chance of being recalled. Management finds this more beneficial under the cap to "keep Darren Langdon ($450,000) instead of Oliwa ($836,000)."

NEW YORK POST: Mark Everson also reported on this, noting the move frees up some more salary space. GM Lou Lamoriello still needs to clear more once Patrik Elias returns to the club, but he wasn't necessarily going to make a move immediately, although it's rumoured he has interest in defencemen Cory Cross and Alexei Semenov.

[bigfinger]

Felix Potvin can join any team as long as it isn't the Canucks. I would take Dan Cloutier over Felix "Five Hole" Potvin any day of the week. Coming from me - that's saying something!

[FatGoalie]

26 OCTOBER 2005.


**TRADE ALERT**

ESPN.COM REPORTED LAST NIGHT THE NASHVILLE PREDATORS ACQUIRED JOURNEYMAN DEFENCEMAN RICK BERRY FROM THE PHOENIX COYOTES FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS.

THE LATEST ON THE OILERS.

EDMONTON SUN: Robin Brownlee reports that Oilers management will try to solve their club's problems internally before turning to trades, while speculation of their interest in players like Buffalo's Martin Biron, Washington's Olaf Kolzig and New Jersey's Viktor Kozlov continues. Brownlee reports Kolzig and Kozlov aren't considered to be available at this time.

WHERE WILL NOLAN LAND?

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: Ross McKeon yesterday commented on the rumours of forward Owen Nolan's return, rating his potential destinations thusly: "San Jose (no way), Phoenix (doubtful) and Calgary (maybe)".

NO MOVES FOR PENGUINS YET.

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW: reports Penguins GM Craig Patrick has no plans at the moment for making any major personnel changes with his struggling hockey club. This comes despite the presence of scouts from nine different NHL clubs, whom Patrick claimed he didn't even know was there or where they were from, although three of them were from teams the Pens won't play against this season.

HILBERT STILL AWAITS A TRADE.

BOSTON GLOBE: reports there's still no trade in the works for unsigned Bruins forward Andy Hilbert, who's requested to be dealt. GM Mike O'Connell has received some interest from other clubs offering late draft picks but he believes Hilbert is worth more. If he's unsigned by December 1, he'll be ineligible to play this season.

MAILBAG.

"Tonight on the penguins post game radio show the host mentioned that there were scouts from at least 9 teams in attendence. He mentioned the Aves, the Blue Jackets, the Kings, Ducks, Bolts, Flames, Oilers, Caps among those teams with scouts watching tonight. He went on to say that its unusual for a team to get this kind of attention this early in the season and that he feels that a trade is in the works."