Canucks Retire Linden’s #16 The Vancouver Canucks paid homage to one of their fan favorites. The Canucks retired Trevor Linden’s No. 16 prior to Wednesday’s contest against the Edmonton Oilers, making the him the second player to receive such an honor from the franchise. (The Full Story on Yahoo!)
Sundin awaits Rangers offer
After a lengthy delay, Mats Sundin apparently plans to play the waiting game a little while longer. The 37-year-old free-agent center is waiting for the New York Rangers to clear enough salary cap space before the team offers a full-season $6 million contract offer, according to a report late Wednesday night in the New York Post. (The Full Story on Yahoo!)
Suspensions:
None
Trades & Transactions:
None (NHL)
Injuries:
Chris Osgood (G – Detroit) Day-to-Day with groin injury.
Jay McKee (D – St. Louis) Out indefinitely with fractured finger.
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (D – Columbus) Out 4 – 6 weeks after arthroscopic surgery.
Erik Ersberg (G – Los Angeles) Out at least 2 weeks after negative MRI results.
Marc-Andre Fleury (G – Pittsburgh) To return thursday.
Adrian Dater reports on the possibility of former Colorado Avalanche forward Chris Drury accepting a trade to the Avalanche or perhaps another NHL city of his preference if the Rangers were to ask him to waive his “no-movement” clause.
Aaron Portzline reports Fredrik Norrena has cleared waivers but it’s possible he might not accept demotion to the Blue Jackets farm team, which would give the club the right to terminate his contract.
Tim Sassone reports the return of James Wisniewski gives the Blackhawks eight defenseman, which GM Dale Tallon may soon have to decide which one to move.
Darren Dreger reports Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke hopes to make his first trade soon after the Christmas trade freeze ends. Dreger didn’t specify which Leafs could be peddled but said the only untouchable on the team is young blueliner Luke Schenn, and that Burke is willing to listeon to any trade offers that don’t involve Schenn. The Leafs GM is believed seeking players with size to play the physical game Burke insists his teams play.
Ken Warren reports Senators GM Bryan Murray has no plans to make any trade prior to the start of the Christmas trade freeze.
It’s that time of year people, and the rumour mills are running wild. On the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, rumours about trades and free agency are starting to heat up. Here is a brief rundown of a few of the latest.
The Sedin Twins. Although Canucks GM denies it, the rumours are rampant.
Markus Naslund will apparently become a free agent, and will not be re-signed.
Toronto acquired Jamal Mayers from the Blues for a 3rd round pick.
Bryan McCabe is rumoured to be on the block in Toronto. Cliff Fletcher, GM of the Leafs denies all.
Tampa Bay are rumoured to be trying to tie up top line centre, Vinnie Lecavalier to a multi-year deal.
The San Jose Sharks are rumoured to be contemplating shopping the rights to Brian Campbell before the draft.
The LA Kings are rumoured to have put Mike Cammalleri on the block.
The Ottawa Senators are rumoured to be wanting to trade Ray Emery, however there is also talk of a buy-out if a trade can not be found.
Wade Redden will most probably be leaving Ottawa if rumours prove to be true. Senators GM Brian Murray has confirmed he is open to the idea.
Pavel Kubina’s NTC is no longer an issue, so he may change teams before the season starts.
And what of the 2 most popular trade rumours?
Patrick Marleau has been talk of the town for a few years now, so trade rumours about the Sharks shipping him are not unheard of. At over $6 million a year, and declining offensive numbers it may be harder than it appears.
Florida captain Olli Jokinen apparently wants out of Florida, and is rumoured to have made it clear to Panthers management he wants a trade. Olli would be a positive addition to most NHL teams… but which one?
