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: Trade

*-> The Montreal Canadians have landed the center they've been after this afternoon. the Canadians have trade Chris Higgins, Doug Janik, The rights to bluechip prospect Ryan McDonough, and KHL runaways Pavel Valentenko to the New York Rangers for center Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt, and future journeyman Mike Busto.

The Canadians apparently have given up the hope of landing Vincent Lecavalier or another higher calibre big centerman and chose Scott Gomez. Many say this comes as a cap clearing space for the New York Rangers so they may welcome Danny Heatley sometime in the next 24hours. Chris Higgins may be a part of the return for Ottawa in a deal.

To me personally I find this a waste. Why would Gainey want another short undersized franchise player? Saku Koivu would not only put up 3/4 of the points (for half the price) of Gomez but also inspire the room with his trendous heart and what he's done for the Canadians in the past. 7.5$Mil is a ridiculous to take on and could have been spent elsewhere like on retaining Alexei Kovalev and Saku Koivu. Disapointing as a Habs fan.

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! Derek Morris To The Rangers

* Derek Morris of the Phoenix Coyotes gets traded to the New York Rangers for Nigel Dawes, Dmitri Kalinen and Petr Prucha.

Trade! Bright Lights & Big City For Antropov

*Nik Antropov of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets traded to the New York Rangers for a 2nd round pick.

Ice Scoopz: Monday Evening -> Avery On Re-Entry Waivers

*-> The Dallas Star's have placed super pest Sean Avery on re-entry waivers today after announcing it Friday afternoon. The Dallas Stars are hoping that the New York Ranger's are going to claim him for their playoff run. There has been no secret that the Ranger's want Sean back and having to pay only half his salary should help that cause. If the Ranger's don't claim him it's highly unlikely another team will. Rumors say Avery hasn't been the same player since he got back from his rehab program. My thinking is that he just needs some time to get game ready and that also he's playing soft because he's hoping a team will grab him and he wants to be healthy.

*-> A big rumor out of Ottawa has surfaced today as Bryan Murray continues to work the phones. The Columbus Blue Jacket's interest in Antoine Vermette has increased as of late and Columbus scouts and GM Jay Howson was seen in Ottawa this Saturday night watching the Sens and Leafs. Ottawa has apparently shown interest in goalie Pascal Leclaire and many feel a deal could be worked out between the two sides as a 1 for 1 swap. There is no secret Ottawa still needs goaltending and Vermette hasn't exactly shined in his role in Ottawa. The Blue Jacket's would love to see Vermette playing with Rick Nash. Some pundits have put Jason Spezza as the man the Blue Jacket's want and it could even involve a multi player deal. I doubt they would shop Spezza unless they could get another big name or blue chip prospect in return. anything could happen though it's trade deadline day.

*-> Another Columbus rumor to bring out is that the Blue Jacket's have apparently called the Buffalo Sabre's organization in regards to soon to be UFA and often injured center Tim Connolly. The Buffalo Sabre's are really reluctant in trading Connolly because he has been playing extremely well as of late but they may risk loosing him this summer. The Jacket's feel he would resign with them and he would be a good fit for Nash.

*-> Rumor has it the reason the Guerin deal is taking a lot longer than expected is that there are more suitors than expected. Most teams deny interest or talking to the Islander's but that's just politics. The Montreal Canadian's have stepped into the fray as the Carolina Hurricanes. The leader though still appears to be Washington as they would like to add experience and Bill Guerin's leadership to their young core.

*-> Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leaf's spoke out today and squashed all rumors he was working on a deal with the Boston Bruin's for Tomas Kaberle. Burke claims this is not the case and he has never spoken with the Bruins about Tomas Kaberle and nor would as they are division rivals. This doesn't sound like politics to me as it's highly unlikely unless the Bruins were willing to pay over the top for the allstar blueliner.

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: Monday Afternoon ->Jokinen To Carolina

Well I'm back from a much needed weekend off and I see I have quite a bit of catching up to do from thsi weekend so here it goes. My Deadline day review will continue tonight with Monreal so check it out.

*-> Jussi Jokinen that is has been traded from the Tampa Bay Lighting after being placed on waivers. He now is a member of the Carolina Hurricanes in a deal that sent Josef Melichar F Wade Brookbank and a 4th round pick to Tampa Bay. Brookbank who was played in 27 games this year only has 1 point and 40 PIM's while Melichar has 4 assists in 15 games. Jussi Jokinen who was brought in to play a 2 way role for the Hurricanes has 6 goals and 10 assists in 46 games this year.

*-> Ray Emery has made headlines again, this time Ray is refusing to return to his KHL club Atlant Mystichi after what is being described as a salary dispute. Apparently Emery was not being paid the full amount of his contract because the Russian club was not converting the exchange rate properly. It seams the KHL is having a big of finacial problems during this recession. Emery who now is looking for work elsewhere has hinted that if he is pick-up by another European team he will look to return to the NHL next season.

*-> Manny Legace has cleared waivers and is expected to head to Peoria of the AHL. The Columbus Blue Jackets are extremely interested in Legace still and are expected to make a move for the goaltender. Rumor has it is that the Blue Jackets are trying to work out a deal in which Legace is put on re-entry waivers so that they may claim him.

*-> Sean Avery of the Dallas Stars seams to be headed back to the New York Rangers. The Dallas Stars took the first step of the process by waiving Sean Avery Saturday and then starting negotiaitions to loan him to the Hartford Wolfpack of the AHL. Avery cleared waivers this morning and is expected to finish his rehabilitation prgram this week. Hartford as you may or may not know is the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers. Expect a New York - Dallas deal fairly shortly that would involve Avery being put on re-entry waivers before the deadline.

*-> Andy McDonald of the St.Louis Blues has agreed to a 4 year 18.8MIL$ deal this morning that should end most of the trade rumors about it. McDonald who has been a key member of the Blues since being traded by Anaheim for Doug Weight last season. McDonald who has 18 points in 16 games this season. McDonald has been sidelined by a fractured leg since Nov 16th.

*-> Last rumor for now is that the Montreal Canadiens are trying to shop Alexei Kovalev. Apparently the Habs are growing tired of his disapearing act. Now this is one I read the other day and I promised myself I'd post most rumors that I heard or saw but this one really made me hesitate. I decided to post it anyways just because its my duty to report any rumors posted by hopefully reliable media sources. Bruce Garioch reported this in the Ottawa Sun on Sunday but I really feel it was ridiculous. Why would the Canadien's give him the "C" while Koivu was out? Why would the Habs keep the "A" on his shirt if they wern't happy? Obviously the guy has been struggling but by saying there actively shopping him is ludicris. He was double shifting on Saturday night agains't the Leafs, he was also playing on the penatly kill. I highly doubt they would trade him just sinply for the fact the city is in love with him and also they need him til atleast Tanguay gets back. So there might be some truth to this being that the Habs may be willing to trade him or frustrated with his play, I'd definatly say their not actively shopping him.

*->Germany and Norway are the two last teams to qualify for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Germany who beat Slovenia on Saturday to qualify while Norway beat Denmark 5-2.

Ice Scoopz: Friday Evening -> Legace On Waivers

*-> Manny Legace was placed on waivers today by his club the St. Louis Blues after Chris Mason's recent performances solidified Mason's number one status and St.Louis's no need for a back-up at 2.5$MIL. Legace who was really down on the recent slide and was understandably upset when he learned he was waived. Manny said he still will play his heart out and will 100% report to Peoria of the AHL if not claimed. Good thing for Manny he most likely will get picked up it seams as many teams are clamoring for a reliable back-up. The Washington Capitols recently lost Brent Johnson so a 8 week injury and Theodore hasn't played to his usual rate all season. Another team that has reportedly shown interest is the New York Islanders who also have no clear cut back-up no that DiPietro is out for the season. New york has no real incentive though to acquire a back-up unless they feel they could re-sign him as they are already out of the picture and most likely want to keep sliding. Ottawa is another team with goaltending woes, rumor has it that Bryan Murray wont give up on playoff hopes yet and going to keep puching till the very end. Legace could fill that void nicely. The last team I hear is interested is the columbus Blue Jackets who really need to give their young goalie Steve Mason a rest to get healthy. The Blue Jackets are really being pushed by ownership to make the playoffs this year and a really good run down the stretch could do it. Do they have enough faith in Mason that he wont fade down the stretch now that they have learned hes playing with mono?

*-> Another big story is that TSN and the New York Times are reporting that the New York Rangers really would love to bring back Sean Avery. Sean Avery is just about complete the NHL's program and would like to restart his career. Acording to the article the New York management has asked its staff and its players if they thought bringing in Avery could really help the club and apparently the reaction was positive. The Dallas Stars would love to get him off the books in any way possible and most liekly would sweeten the deal for the Rangers if they were willing to take him. The Dallas Stars happen to play the Rangers this weekend so expect talks to begin.

*-> Oilers scout Dave Semenko has been seen watching yet another Bruin game, this leads many to believe that as i reported last night a deal will be close to be done for Erik Cole. Expect a deal sometime this week and from what I am hearing it still involves Vladimir Sobotka and some sort of pick. Brad Marchant's name is also being thrown around as the possible target. I doubt this is the case as Semenko has been watching Bruin's games not Providence so it most likely is Sobotka or someone else off the roster. Michael Ryder could be the target as well, as the Oilers could use his finishing abilities.

That's it for now, there's a few more on the line for later, stay tuned..

Ice Scoopz: Thursday Evening ->Fritsche To Wild

*-> Forward Dan Fritsche of the New York Rangers was traded today to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Erik Reitz. Both players had been playing minor roles for their organizations. Reitz is expected to be a 7th D for Rangers while Dan Fritsche will be a key penatly killer and 3rd liner for the Wild.

*-> Big George Parros will be a Duck for at least a few more years by signing a by signing a 3 year deal with Anaheim today. The terms were undisclosed but should be roughly around the 750K$ mark. Parros is having a career year in points this season with 8.

*-> Ray Emery formerly of the Ottawa Senators and now playing for Atlant Mystichi of the KHL was involved in yet another altercation yesterday afternoon. Emery after being pulled in a 5-1 loss refused to wear a team hat which is team policy for goaltenders on the bench. After refusing to wear the hat which one of the trainers provided for him he stared down the trainer until he returned with the hat again. This time Ray Emery decided to swing his blocker at the trainer. The trainer then backed off and another trainer ran to break up the altercation. Emery refused to let it go and took another swipe at the trainer before knocking him down and sending him into the tunnel that leads to the locker rooms. Ray Emery's agent J.P Barry claims that it was just Ray being fiery and upset that he had a bad game, and that Ray only pushed the trainer. the fottage was caught on video by a fan. The team has yet to comment.

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!

September 9th News Hits

->Keith Ballard of the Florida Panthers just signed a 6 year $25.2 mil contract.

->The Sedin twins are meeting with Vancouver's GM Mike Gillis to talk about his plans for the pair in the future and also contract exstensions for the duo. Both players would like to stay in Vancouver but their asking roughly $6 mil per season.

-> Mathieu Schnieder is almost definatly on his way out, the Ducks are $2 mil over the cap and his $5.6 mil salary for a 3-4 pairing d-man is not exactly worth it. Expect the deal to go down before training camp. Possibly targets include L.A where he once played and are still under the salary cap. I also hear that Montreal could be interested in making a pitch if they loose out on Sundin.

->The Globe and Mail has reported that two more teams are interested in Mats Sundin and apparently the Lightning are among the two. Good luck as Tampa Bay is ether gunna have to make some trades or magically create cap space. Also on the Mats front apparently Bob Gainey has given him a deadline. J.P Barry says Mats could be seriously interested.

-> Teemu Selanne is believed to be re-signing with the Anaheim Ducks sometime this or next week once the salary cap issue is solved. He is believed to be asking for $2 mil or under.

->Chris Chelios has signed a 1 year deal for $750 000 with the Detroit Red Wings, it was reported last week but made official today.

->Free Agent Brendan Shanahan is rumoured to still be in talks with the New York Rangers, he has been attending team practices though. Rumours again have resurfaced about an offer to play in the KHL. Highly unlikely as the Rangers are desperate to have him back.

That's it for today!