Free Agent Frenzy Signing

*-> Tomas Kopecky of the Detroit Red Wings has just signed a2 year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks who seam to be picking the Red Wings free agents apart. The deal is worth 1.2$m a season.

Free Agent Frenzy

*-> Marian Hossa has continued his quest for a cup in yet another location. The Chicago Blackhawks have signed him to a multi year mega deal, this spells the end for Martin Havlat, more to follow.

Ice Scoopz: Thursday Morning -> Draft Day Closing In

With less than a day before the draft the rumors continue to swirl around the league. It looks more and more likely that Danny Heatley and quite possibly Vincent Lecavalier will be moved at the draft . Leafs also have stated they would love to jump up in the draft as well.

*-> Brenden Shanahan is reportedly still interested in playing next season but his agent has reported Shanahan has yet to receive an offer from the New Jersey Devils. Shanahan has no targetted teams and would welcome a deal anywhere in the East.

*-> Sergei Fedorov has officially signed in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk as previosuly reported on Ice Scoopz. All that is know at this time is that Sergei wanted to furfil his fathers dream of the two Fedorov brothers (Fedor and Sergei) playing together on the same team. It is also reported to be a 2 year deal worth 2MIL$ a season.

*-> Aging defenseman Chris Chelios has stated this week that he definatly wants to keep playing for atleast another year now that Detroit has officially stated that he would no longer be part of their plans for the future. Chelios has no hard feelings about his parting with Detroit and will wait to receive offers from other teams. Is it rumored that Chicago one of his former teams is interested in bringing him on as a 6th to help their young mature. Chelios has also said if he does not receive an offer 2 months into the season he would officially retire.

*-> Rumors out of New York claim the Rangers are close to a deal with Ottawa for Danny Heatley. The deal reportedly on the table is for Chris Drury and Bobby Sanguinetti. The Rangers would love to swap Scott Gomez directly but Ottawa is seeking a impact roster player and ether a high draft pick or a blue chip prospect and it is highly unlikely they'd take such a high salary in return. Prospect Derek Stephan and winger Nikolai Zherdev are another two players that keep getting mentioned in the New York media.

Heatley is also hot talk in Colorado where the Avalanche look to rebuild for next season. Heatley would be a great addition as he is signed long term and could be the building point of a franchise. The return subject is where this rumor sorta falls off. The Avalanche are not interested in parting with any picks, prospects or young players other than Marek Svatos. John Michael Liles is another name been thrown about but he alone is not going to get a deal done with Ottawa. Ryan Smyth would be a name Ottawa is interested in and a player who could possibly turn the dressing room around an reunite the troops. Although Smyth told the media last deadline he is happy in Colorado and would not waive his no trade for any team. Would the prospect of coming back home to Canada sway his mind? Especially the nations capital?

Another Heatley rumor out there is the Chicago Blackhawks is highly interested in replacing Martin Havlat with Danny Heatley. Chicago would have to give up one of their 3 stud defensemen in Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook or Cam Barker with only the later in play. Barker who has been slow to develop would be much welcome in the Ottawa organization. Chicago's late 1st round draft pick plus Barker might be able to get a deal done, with hopes Ottawa can land a top line winger via free agency.

*-> Speaking of Marty Havlat, he recently posted on his blog he is enjoying his vacation and hopes to return to Chicago next season. It is his primary choice to resign in Chicago and his agent will continue talks this weekend in Montreal to try and get a deal worked out by July 1st.

*-> Rumors have been out of control this week in Vancouver due to a recent article stating Marian Gaborik has bought a house in the Vancouver area late last week. to add more fuel to the fire the Gaborik and Demetra are best of friends and have been dying to reunite together and Vancouver could be the destination now it looks like the Sedins will walk.

Part two of this rumor is that it is entirely false that Gaborik has purchased a home in Vancouver. Pavol Demetra appeared on a radio interview this week and crushed many Vancouver fans hopes by saying Gaborik has not bought a house and has not dicussed reuniting in vancouver with him although it would be much welcomed.

*-> Tsn reports the San Jose Sharks are shopping Ryan Clowe hard in Montreal today. the leafs have shown interest but San Jose is asking for their 1st round pick a price the Leafs wont pay. The Philly Flyers are also in the hunt but do not want to part with winger Claude Giroux.

*-> Last of all Tsn is also reporting that Jay Bouwmeester's rights are close to being dealt and they are expected to go soon.

Trade Catch-Up!

*->The Toronto Maple Leafs acquire injured goalie Olaf Kolzig, defenseman Jaime Heward, defenseman Andy Rogers, and a 4th round pick in exchange for prospect Richard Petiot from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

*->Carolina trades Justin Williams for a 2nd round pick and Patrick O'Sullivan from the Kings.

*-Edmonton trades Erik Cole back to the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Patrick O'Sullivan and a 2nd round draft pick.

*->Edmonton trades the 2nd round pick to Buffalo for Ales Kotalik.

*-> San Jose trades prospect Nick Bonino, goalie Timo Pielmeier, and a conditional draft pick to Anaheim for Travis Moen and defenseman Kent Huskins.

*-> Chicago trades defenseman James Wisniewski for Samuel Pahlsson from the Anaheim Ducks.

*-> Philly trades their 6th round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks for Kyle McLaren.

*-> Calgary trades goaltender Kevin Lalonde to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 4th round draft pick.

*->Tampa Bay trades Steve Eminger to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Noah Welch and a 3rd round.

Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Evening -> Jagr Returns?

I'm currently watching the Oilers - Montreal game on Oilers PPV and I have to say that it is embarassingly bad. I cant believe they'd air some of this god awful banter, I mean I understand they want banter but some of this stuff is mindless and is making hockey look awful. One of their personalities literally spent 2 minutes just yelling out what you could wear to a game if you were a montreal fan. "A hat! A jersey! A jersey with a great player! A toque even! My goodness so many things you could use to support the Canandians!". It just confuses me to who would actually pay to watch this dribble. Thank god for Center Ice! Anyways the Habs are being beat 4-1 and they really need a change. Their playing really desperite hockey and it doesn't seam to be working. I think Bob should get on the phone and make a deal already before his club free falls off the map. Anyways on to the rumors!

*-> There has been a recent report out of Edmonton that the Oilers are close to signing Jaromir Jagr. The report claims that now that Visnovsky is out for season that leaves enough room to bring in the veteran winger. The report also claims that Jagr is close friends of Ales Hemsky and Hemsky has been a major influence in trying to bring him to Edmonton. I really don't believe this is true as I recently read an interview with Jagr and he claims he is happy in the KHL and would only consider moving in the summer to a NHL team possibly. Even if he were to leave or get bought opt of his KHL contract he'd have to be cleared on waivers once the Oilers signed him. He would almost certainly be claimed by most teams so I really don't think this report is true at all.

*-> Brian Burke has recently called out Toronto Maple Leaf forward Nik Antropov and suggested that Antropov could use a change of scenery. Unfortunatly for the Leafs Antropov and Brian Burke theres not much interest in the struggling forward although the Chicago Blackhawks have shown a bit of interest. The Blackhawks who have beenn looking for a center since trading Robert Lang to Montreal think that Nik Antropov might be a last option solution come playoffs.

*-> The New Jersey Devils are rumored to be shopping both Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmenson to make way for Martin Brodeur. After Brodeur's recent injury the Devils need to make some room in the net for the veteran superstar. Although many people would disagree about shopping Clemmenson after his incredible stretch, I doubt the Devils would just sit Martin Brodeur and let the franchise goalie watch from the bench. They could go the route of shopping Kevin Weekes who has barely had a chance to play this season but his value is incredibly low. Clemmenson would bring in a decent reap if he was to be traded and it solves the issue of having him sit after such a good performance. Clemmenson also has an extremely cheap price tag and is affordable for any teams looking for goaltending insurance for the playoffs.

*-> Ottawa's Dean McAmmond is reportedly unhappy with his role on the Ottawa Senators. He recently told the Ottawa media that he would like to be traded if they don't want to play him in an meaniingful role. He also went on to say that if he wasn't in the teams plans then they should go ahead and see what they can get for him. These comments were after being a healthy scratch for a few games last week. These just sound like words from a frustrated player whose team was tanking at the time but Ottawa will most likely move him by the deadline. San Jose scouts were in Ottawa this week so this might be a sign that San Jose is interested in ether McAmmond or Chris Neil.

*->Ray Emery has returned to his KHL Atlant Mystichi after his pay dispute with the clubs. Atlant Mystichi management has agreed to look into the situation and pay Emery any missing amount he has been owed. They have also stated it just was a big misunderstanding.

Wednesday Late Night News Hits, Vokoun to Ottawa?

Well after a rough weekend I'm back, a company Christmas party and the flu has decided to hit me. Luckily not a lot has happened except some more injuries surprise surprise.

-> Montreal's Mathieu Dandenault is out for up to 2 months with a broken arm after being hit to the ice. The hit looked fairly harmless except he landed akwardly and clearly breaks. after he gets up he stayed on the ice with his arm dangling to finnish the play. Although Dandenault is not even close to being one of my favorite players it shows alot of heart that he actually tried to finnish his shift.

->Another Montreal injury in that Calgary game, it looks like Chris Higgins will be out again indefinatly has he appears to have injured his wrist. Higgins is expected to have an MRI tommorow morning.

->Pittsburgh's Hal Gill will miss two to 4 weeks after suffering a shoulder injury in Ottawa this weekend.

->Canucks traded D James Sharrow to the Hawks for a conditional draft pick. Sharrow was originally drafter by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 4th round of the 2003 entry draft.

->Rumour has it that the Panthers are preparing to shop goaltender Tomas Vokoun. One of the usual top goalies in the league before this season and now he has taken the backseat to Craig Anderson. I hear Ottawa again as a possible trading partner but I really don't believe his 5.5 mil salary would go down well, not unless Martin Gerber was part of the package. Los Angeles is another possible destination which would make sense but I'm pretty sure that La is wants in on the Tavares sweepstakes. Also they believe next season Jonathan Bernier will be their Carey Price.

Well thats it for tonight, I need some rest but I'll be back tomorow with the KHL all star teams I keep putting off. Hopefully some OJ and bed will get rid of this so I can finally feel normal.

September 18th News Hits Part 2

-> The Phillidelphia Flyers have signed free agent goalie Jean-Sabastien Aubin to a one year deal. J.S Aubin split the season in L.A and the AHL.

-> Jason Pominville signed a 5 year extenstion with the Buffalo Sabres. Terms were not announced.

-> Earlier I was wrong when I stated that Mathieu Schnieder would be sent to the AHL apparently they will keep him on the roster till a deal is in place.

-> Vincent Lecavalier was named the Tampa Bay Lightnings new captian this season.

-> Mike Richards has been named Phillys new captain as well.

Rumours On The Wire

-> Nikolai Khabibulin is reported being shopped secretly by the Chicago Blackhawks. The two rumoured interested teams are the Ottawa Senators and the L.A Kings. I've heard this one before and it's the same two teams coming up. I also heard Ottawa tried to make a deadline deal last season with Chicago for Khabibulin and Lapointe. I don't really see this happening because of the cap situation but maybe if Ottawa unloads a hefty contract (Chris Kelly and Martin Gerber) it could get done. I see L.A as a better option because they need the cap hit bad. Also the fact that they still don't have a number one goalie yet.

-> Now that Justin Williams is out for most of the season Carolina is looking to Fill that void. Mark Parrish could be a possibility to replace him. I believe Mark Parrish is the best option out there for the Canes. The other name I hear whispered is Jeff O'Neil who is on a try-out basis with the club. If it was up to me I'd say stick with Parrish.

September 18th New Hits

Well sorry folks I've been pretty busy the last few days as I've been recovering from knee surgery so I haven't had time to post anything but expect a steady flow of blogs and rumours as I've had alot of ideas and stuff to report. So here goes a quick flash of what we missed...

->Robert Lang has been traded from Chicago to Montreal for the 2nd round pick Montreal acquired from Toronto for Grabovsky in the 2010 draft. This officially means Montreal is out of the Sundin sweapstakes. I really feel still though Montreal was one of his considered options and now it has forced him to rethink his options. From what I'm hearing is the Vancouver offer is sounding awfully good right about now. Also expect a few other teams with cap room to step up and make a few offers.

->Anaheim's Mathieu Schnieder has successfully cleared waivers and will report to the AHL. This is a move so they can bring Teemu Selanne in. I really expected someone to jump on him but maybe this is a chance to get him for a steal because teams now know Anaheim has really no other choice. If they do decide to keep him down in the minors thats utterly disrespectful to a great defensemen wiith alot of life left in him still. Expect a re-entry waivers claim from Los Angeles or even Ottawa I'm hearing?

->Marcus Nilson from the Calgary Flames has been placed on waivers and is expected to clear by noon tomorow. This is pre-arranged so he may play in the KHL for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, he however will still be paid by the Flames for this season but will not count towards the cap. Also the lucky bastard by be paid as well by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

->Detroit has re-signed Darren McCarty to a one year deal, terms were not mentioned but I'm figuring about $825k?

->Darren Hatcher is reportedly not going to be ready for the Flyers camp next week or even the start of the season. GM Paul Holmgren has stated he expects Hatcher to stay on the IR for quite some time before his knee heels and he'll be back in the orange again.

->Vancouver Canucks assigned C Mario Bliznak and D Patrick Coulombe to Manitoba (AHL), G Morgan Clark to Red Deer (WHL) and C Prab Rai (WHL). Released D Jordie Benn, F Oren Eizenman, G Julien Ellis, LW Scott Howes, D Travis Ramsey, D Shawn Boutin, LW Tyler Matheson, F Tom May, RW Kyle Neuber and LW Jordan Skellet.

->Hurricanes forward Justin Williams will be out for 4-6 months because he tore his Achilles tendon in practise on Wednesday. That's a big blow to the Hurricanes.

That's it for now, tomorrows a new day or at least there's more of a day..