Ice Scoopz: Monday Noon

I hope everyone was excited to see the Heritage Classic last night between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames. I happened to miss most of it unfortunately but caught the replay this morning. I like the idea of the outdoor games it adds a new exciting element to the season. I've been hearing recent talk of adding another 3 to 6 outdoor games through out the season but personally I feel that might take away the shine of an outdoor game. No need to over do it maybe 1 more tops, I know the NHL makes a ton of money on it but if they push too hard their going to loose the thrill and brilliance of it within a couple seasons. They should push the alumni games that happen before the actual game a bit more along with the outdoor game instead of treating them like a secondary side show. I don't know about all of you but watching some of those guys play brings back incredible memories from my childhood. It was good to see my childhood hockey idols such as Kirk Muller, Brian Skrudland, Theo Fleury and Al McInnis back in a uniform and playing the game that made them famous. Anyways here's a Sens mostly rumor package for this sunny Monday afternoon.

*-> Scouts were once again watching Alexei Kovalev Saturday night, it's believed he could be the next Senator moved. It's no secret that Bryan Murray would love to move the enigmatic Russian for anything but the interest has been at an all time low. It appears that Kovalev is trying to play himself out of Ottawa with a string of quality games recently. Some are saying Murray is patiently waiting while Kovalev's stock increases and then push for a trade at the deadline when teams are panicking trying to match the moves rival clubs have made. The Penguins have been linked since the Evgeni Malkin injury to Kovalev as he played his best hockey in the Burgh while also co-owner Mario Lemieux is also a fan of Kovalev's talents and remembers him fondly from his playing time with the Russian sniper. The Montreal Canadiens are also slightly interested in their former hero, this could be mainly due to the fan reaction when he was traded from the Habs. Kovalev would love to retire in a Habs jersey. Another team that has interest is the Nashville Predators who are looking for an extra offensive punch and the feeling is if Kovalev was just let loose in Nashville he could be a real threat.

*-> Chris Phillips has told the Ottawa management he'd be willing to take a bit of a cut to remain in Ottawa. It's now being said the two sides are planning to meet next week to discuss an extension but if the Sens arn't able to move another defenseman that's under contract for next season it won't happen. Murray is pushing Phillips to accept a deal for the better of the team and then possibly return in the summer via free agency. Phillips camp isn't quite sold on the idea. There's still a bevy of teams interested in Phillips and Murray knows a return could be good for the veteran shut down D. The Canadiens were linked to Phillips but it appears their search for a defenseman is now turned to adding a dynamic forward and a gritty offensive center. The Habs could still add a defenseman however. The Capitals and Blackhawks both would love a shut down d-man.

*-> Agitating winger Chris Neil is also being shopped, The Canucks had slight interest earlier on but due to the wave of injuries it's doubtful. It's expected in the next 14 days the interest for Neil will pick-up as a player of his mold is a hot playoff commodity. The Canadiens also have been rumored to be interested in Neil as have the Red Wings and Coyotes.

*-> Sergei Gonchar is still being linked to Columbus, the Jackets love the Russian pointman but the Sens now appear to be leaning to keeping him unless the return is great. Columbus has had talks with the Sens in regards to Gonchar but Murray wanted more from the Jackets. It's believed the Jackets were offering a 2nd and Jakub Voracek. Some have said Nikita Filitov was also a fixture in the trade. The New York Rangers have also inquired about Gonchar but the Rangers arn't willing to give up any future and have been trying to push mid picks and Matt Gillroy back the Sens way.

*-> Yes CA more Jason Spezza rumors, I'm not buying it but I will report it as this is a mainly Ottawa Senator rumor post. ESPN has rumored an offer from the Los Angeles Kings for Jason Spezza does exist. While Murray listed Spezza and an untouchable several weeks ago during and Ottawa/Oilers game when asked last week about his untouchables he said that only Daniel Alfredsson and Erik Karlsson were on that list. He also said however he wasn't just looking to dump bodies the deal had to make sense for his organization going forward and would have to have a team to play with next season. While an offer may have been made I highly doubt that Murray would ditch Spezza as his team wouldn't have any kind of offense to build on for next season plus that would shift Peter Regin into a number one role with the likes of Zach Smith, Jesse Winchester and Corey Locke as the next best centers. It's doesn't make sense for the Sens at all in my opinion. Keeps this one in the nonsense rumor filing folder.

*-> Despite recent rumors it's not believed that the Atlanta Thrashers are actively seeking to deal Zach Bogosian. It is however believed if they came across the right deal Bogosian could be had but the asking price is ridiculous. Some are saying that it's above 2 1st rounders plus a high end prospect. Many feel the Thrashers would part with him if they received an equal defensive prospect in return plus a high pick and a quality defenseman that help them now plus into the future. Over 15 teams have had reported interest in Bogosian but many feel the asking price is way too high.

*-> Sheldon Souray has cleared re-entry waivers once again surprise surprise, the Oilers will keep him in Hersey of the AHL until further notice. It looks like a buyout will be happening in the off season in Edmonton.