Free Agent Frenzy Signings

*-> David Koci has signed with the Colorado Avalanche in an attempt to replace Ian Laperriere. The deal is reportedly worth $525K for only one season.

*-> Defenseman Kent Huskins has resigned in San Jose for 2 years at 1.7$Mil a season.

*-> Chris Neil is listening to offers from the Rangers and Leafs at the moment. The Rangers have a deal thats 4 years at $2.2 Mil on the table at the current time.

Ice Scoopz: Monday Afternoon -> Renney Fired

*-> After loosing 10 games out of the past 12 the New York Rangers have parted ways with coach Tom Renney and assistant Perry Pearn. The Rangers who have been struggling of late and risk a playoff position made the move after an overtime loss to the lowly Leafs. A replacement has yet to be hired but according to TSN's Bob McKenzie John Tortorella is most likely the head candidate for the job. Although Tampa Bay still owns the rights to Tortorella they expect to meet with him this afternoon. The New York post has claimed Jim Schoenfeld former New Jersey bench boss is expected to be named as replacement. Tortorella would be a great replacement in my mind as Tortorella is not afraid to speak his mind and would instantly fix the dressing room problems the Rangers are apparently having.

*-> Kari Lehtonen's name has been thrown about the league as of late as the Thrashers appear to be making room for prospect Ondrej Pavelec next year as they are floating Lehtonen's name out there to see what teams are interested. Lehtonen who was expected to be the next great Finn as floundered in Atlanta the past few seasons and has struggled with injuries during his tenure there. Lehtonen is a restricted free agent next season and instead of resigning him it would probably be easier to shop him now for highest value then to re-sign him. The teams interested are the Flyer's who would have to dump one of their two top goalies (most likely Nittymaki as Biron as a no trade). The Detroit Red Wings have also been linked as Chris Osgood was recently sent to the minors for a conditioning stint and Ty Conklin is not expected to resign next year. The Washington Capitols also have interest in Lehtonen but would have to find a trading partner for incosistant Jose Theodore. Finally the Ottawa Sens maybe looking to the future in net for next year and Kari Lehtonen is affordable at 3MIL$ and probably wouldn't expect that big of a raise since his performance has been flawed of late.

*-> Colby Armstrong could be heading back to Pittsburgh and reunited with Sydney Crosby very soon. Atlanta and Pittsburgh are reportedly working out a deal for Colby Armstrong who got traded to Atlanta is in the Hossa deal. Armstrong is a RFA this summer and Atlanta is disapointed with his performance so far. Pittsburgh is desperatly trying to find a winger for Crosby to somehow help their dying team. Armstrong fits the bill and has great chemistry with Sid the Kid.

*-> All rumors involving Ryan Smyth should be squashed today as he announced to the Denver Post he would not waive his no movement clause for the Colorado Avalanche not matter what. Smyth who is very happy playing in Colorado wouldn't even waive his clause he said for any team out West. This all could just be smoke and mirrors but I believe that Smyth is the kind of guy who really believes in playing for one team and one team only. He was crushed a few deadlines back when he was traded to the Islanders. Everybody remembers his tears and pain that year during his press conference. I think he'll finish out his contract unless the Colorado management tell him hes not wanted.

That's it for now, I'll have another one later and an I.R report later this afternoon. I expect to have the rest of the Northwest Deadline review finished tonight as well. Thanks to everyone who is commenting it is greatly appreciated and keep going the more the better!

Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Evening - Forsberg Back??

*Former Colorado Avalanche member Peter Forsberg is once again contemplating playing again. He says he will take to the ice again next week to test out his skate after having yet another ankle surgery. Forsberg claims that this is his last shot at making a comeback and if his ankle is still bothering him hes going to hang up the skates for good. Rumors have Chicago wanting Forsberg badly to help their young core through the post season. Colorado would also love to have him back with the loss of Joe Sakic indefinitely.

*The Ottawa Senator's are apparently shopping Gerber hard to the New York Islanders now that Rick Dipietro is sidelined for the entire season. They have even offered to bring him up through re-entry waivers for the club. I highly doubt they will bite however because they are expected to claim Danny Sabourin off waivers tonight.

*Danny Sabourin who was recently traded to the Edmonton Oilers after the Mathieu Garon trade was told today not to report to Edmonton and he was immediately waived this afternoon. As mentioned before the New York Islanders are expected to claim him.

*Florida Panther defenseman Corey Murphy was claimed on re-entry waivers by the Tampa Bay Lightning late Monday night. Ottawa GM Bryan Murray stated that they Sens were never interested in Murphy and have their powerplay quarterback in Brenden Bell.

Wednesday Late Night News Hits, the Sundin Saga

Well apparently I thought yesterday was Wednesday so heres the real Wednesdays Late Night News Hits.

->Joe Sakic was involved in a snowblower incident at home on Monday. After a snow jam in his snowblowers chute, Sakic tried to dislodge it by using his hand (the blower was apparently off) and ended up jamming his hand in the process. Tuesday night he had surgery to repair the three broken fingers which needed pins and also repair some tendons. He is expected to miss atleast 3 months.

->The Sundin saga continues and it appears to be almost over. Sundin's agent J.P Barry as announced that December 15th is Sundin's deadline time to when he will make a decesion. I know we've all heard this before but it appears to be legit. Sundin will also be apparently listening to the 4 teams who have shown interest in him from the start first. Toronto, Montreal, New York Rangers, and Vancouver. Right now it looks like Vancouver is the best fit for him as they still have cap space and their deseperate for some offense. They also have that huge offer still on the table for him. If hes looking for a Stanley Cup then Montreal would be the best fit except the cap space is limited and they are already having roster crowding. I personally don't believe Bob Gainey would take him at this point as Sundin dragged his wait on and on while Gainey was awaiting his decesion. The New York Ranger's are making the biggest push for him and have stated they are interested and are willing to clear up cap space if neccessary. Sundin is in New York this week and will use a Rangers private box to watch a game. He would fit but the roster moves are in need first. Toronto is the odd team out they don't seam to be improving and rumour has it Sundin is still bitter with the management after being asked to waive his no trade clause last year. I highly doubt Toronto will be an option. Finally Philly has jumped into this bidding war as well. The Flyers have cap issues as well but they are interested as long as the price tag isn't too high.

->The Lightning have placed Radim Vrbata and Chris Gratton on waivers. Radim Vrbata's expensive tag might cost him a pick-up but it is rumoured he has decided to go back over seas to the Czech Repubic to finish the season. Gratton on the other hand might find a home with the Minnesota Wild who are interested in obtaining a checking center. Another possible option is the Atlanta Thrashers who are desperate for anybody who can help out. If nether player gets claimed then expect to see them report to the AHL.

That's it for now, more coming a bit later!