Carolina feels that it was worth the Weight

The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired Doug Weight and 27-year-old Finnish forward Erkki Rajamaki from the St. Louis Blues. In exchange, Carolina gave to the Blues three draft picks and three players. The package includes forward Mike Zigomanis, Jesse Boulerice, Magnus Kahnberg and the Hurricanes' first-round pick in 2006
FULL STORY...

In another move the Blues traded centre Mike Sillinger to Nashville Predators for forward Timofei Shishkanov on Sunday.
Sillinger, 34, led the Blues in goals, including a team-high 11 power play markers, and ranked second on the club with 41 points in 48 games.
The Regina, Sask. native also led St. Louis and ranks among NHL leaders with a face-off winning percentage of 55.3 per cent.
"Mike Sillinger is a battle-tested veteran who will help us both offensively and defensively," said Executive Vice President and General Manager David Poile in a statement.
"He is an all-purpose forward who can play in any situation and can play centre or on the wing. He also gives us a top right-handed face-off man to complement Yanic Perreault."

Ron Francis has his Number 10 Retired in Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Ron Francis donned the familiar sweater and led the Carolina Hurricanes on the ice one final time, then took a victory lap around the rink to a standing ovation.When he was done, his wife and three children joined him near centre ice, as did his parents, his brother and a handful of friends."Having my family on the ice with me tonight makes the celebration complete," Francis told the crowd at the RBC Center. "There's no better group I could have asked to share this ride with. You are simply the best."The Hurricanes retired Francis' No. 10 on Saturday night before playing the Atlanta Thrashers. The end of his 23-year career officially came in September, when he announced he wasn't coming back following the lockout.And his former teammates had their own tribute on Ron Francis Night -- they each skated in warmups with a replica Francis sweater, complete with the captain's C on the shoulder that designated his status as captain."I think just the fact that we have a Hall of Famer in our midst, with this franchise and this team, is special," current captain Rod Brind'Amour said earlier in the day. "We don't have a Stanley Cup yet, we don't have anything like that to hang out hat on, but we have a Hall of Fame player."The touching pre-game ceremony featured a video montage of Francis' career, and he and his family were given a vacation package to a ski resort in western Canada. Finally, a banner with the number was raised to the rafters and became the first part of the team's Ring of Honour.Among those in attendance were NHL commissioner Gary Bettman."When you think of his accomplishments on and off the ice, the dignity, class and durability that his career represented, it's truly phenomenal," Bettman said. "He deserves the recognition that he's getting."Francis began his career as the fourth overall pick of the Hartford Whalers before getting traded to Pittsburgh, where he helped the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups. He returned to his original franchise as a free agent in 1998 -- only it was located in North Carolina and was called the Hurricanes.He still makes his home in the area."I've been very happy with the decision I made," Francis said a day before the ceremony. "I hate when guys just say it's the money has nothing to do with it, certainly the money had something to do with it. I'm glad when I got down here and started living in this community, it was everything I hoped it would be."When Francis stepped away from the game, he was second to Wayne Gretzky with 1,249 assists, and ranked among the NHL's career leaders with 1,731 games (third), 549 goals (19th) and 1,798 points (fourth)..Perhaps just as important as those numbers were the impact he had on the sport in a non-traditional market such as Raleigh. He led Carolina to the Stanley Cup final in 2002, and even losing to the Detroit Red Wings in five games hardly silenced the buzz about the team from Tobacco Road.It's back this season -- the Hurricanes entered Saturday with the most points in the league, along with an 18-point lead in the Southeast Division."Like a lot of people, I think this is the deepest team that's ever been in Carolina," Francis said. "I honestly thought they could win the division at the start of the year. Quite honestly, I wasn't expecting them to be challenging for the overall lead."None of the current members of the team were worried about losing their focus because of the ceremony."I think it's the furthest thing from a distraction, I think it brings an excitement," said center Kevyn Adams, an alternate captain. "We've played a lot of games in a short stretch here, and this should certainly be something that brings out a spark in us, no doubt about it."A standing-room only crowd didn't hurt, either."Unfortunately, it cost me a lot of money to fill up the building," Francis quipped. "For me, it's been a great time here. I enjoyed my time on the ice, and I've enjoyed seeing more and more people get interested in the game of hockey."

News and Notes from the NHL - TSN.ca

- In the midst of the Leafs' latest losing streak, everyone is on the chopping block, it seems, with head coach Pat Quinn and captain Mats Sundin both rumoured to be heading out. Leafs management and Sundin himself put on brave faces in the following days, insisting that both sides want to stay together for years to come. John Ferguson Jr. was vaguely supportive of Quinn, when questioned. The Globe and Mail thinks that the Leafs still have an interest in adding a winger to play with Sundin.

- The Toronto Sun also has C Jason Allison on the block, again.

- The Edmonton Journal addresses the Oilers' goaltending needs, suggesting that the Bruins would only consider dealing Andrew Raycroft for a forward like Jarret Stoll, which wouldn't happen. However, the Journal also says that Raffi Torres could be another target of the Bruins in a potential deal.


- Owen Nolan could be ready to return soon, perhaps gaining medical clearance within the week, according to the Vancouver Province. The paper lists San Jose as a potential destination for the former Sharks captain.

- Reports indicate that the Senators are Doug Weight's first choice, though the Ottawa Sun thinks the Blues might have high hopes of landing C Antoine Vermette or D Anton Volchenkov in return.

- For teams that are interested in goaltending, Blue Jackets GM Doug MacLean tells the Columbus Dispatch that he hasn't been shopping G Marc Denis, but with Denis and Pascal Leclaire splitting time, Denis seems less satisfied with his status in Columbus. The Dispatch also says that Blue Jackets D Luke Richardson could be on the move to defence-needy Toronto.

- Rumours also abound that Red Wings D Jamie Rivers could be on his way to the Leafs.

- The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Tampa Bay has been after Wild G Manny Fernandez and that several playoff contenders, including division rivals Colorado, Vancouver and Edmonton, have inquired about G Dwayne Roloson.

- Senators GM John Muckler is confident that the Senators will be able to re-sign defencemen Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden, both of whom will be unrestricted free agents this summer.

- According to the Los Angeles Times, the St. Louis Blues have dangled LW Dean McAmmond and D Eric Weinrich to the Kings in trade talks. The Miami Herald wonders if the injury-ravaged Panthers might have interest in McAmmond as well.

- Philadelphia is counting on Petr Nedved to help boost the club's secondary scoring. Jeff Carter is the only Flyer -- aside from first-liners Simon Gagne, Peter Forsberg and Mike Knuble -- in double-digits for goals through 50 games. Flyers GM Bob Clarke also indicated, in the Delaware County Times, that he spoke to injured C Keith Primeau and told Primeau, "If he can't be back by the beginning of March, then he's probably not coming back at all."

- Blackhawks C Tyler Arnason has been the subject of increasing trade rumours.

- In the Daily Herald Times, Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon denies that he has anything going with Montreal for LW Jan Bulis.
- According to the Edmonton Journal, several teams are hounding the Blackhawks for winger Kyle Calder.

- The Miami Herald reports that the Panthers have newly-acquired LW Jon Sim skating with C Joe Nieuwendyk and RW Nathan Horton.

- Several reports indicate that the Islanders have interviewed John Weisbrod for their GM position. Weisbrod, who played hockey at Harvard, was GM of the Orlando Solar Bears in the IHL before holding the same post with the Orlando Magic of the NBA.

Reports from TSN.ca - January 26th, 2006

Daniel Alfredsson scored two goals and added an assist on Thursday as the Ottawa Senators beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0. Dominik Hasek, who turns 41 on Sunday, made just 12 saves for his fifth shutout of the season.
FULL STORY...

Shanahan nets winner for Wings
Brendan Shanahan's power-play goal with seven minutes remaining earned the Detroit Red Wings a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night.

Leafs drop seventh straight to Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres, missing just as many injured regulars as Toronto, outhustled the Maple Leafs to earn an 8-4 victory Thursday night.

Trade talk worth its Weight
When the St. Louis Blues finally get around to trading Doug Weight - and they eventually will - the word is that he is interested in only going to the teams he thinks have the best chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

Oilers acquire Spacek and Tarnstrom
Islanders edge Penguins in shootout
Bruins win 3rd straight; inch closer to 8th
Niedermayer bothered by knee injury
Avs' Svatos living up to high expectations
Forsberg to miss at least two more games
Lehtonen withdraws from Finnish team
Miller returns to Kings lineup
Ferguson: Leafs not shopping Sundin
Canucks' Jovanovski re-injures groin
No fine, suspension after goalie fight
Francis to have number retired Saturday
More Headlines >>

Oilers add Tarnstrom and Spacek to their Defence

CP) -- The Edmonton Oilers got serious about winning this year, adding a pair of defencemen Thursday that will help the club in its stretch drive and hopefully into the playoffs.GM Kevin Lowe sprung a pair of deals to net offensive blue-liners Jaroslav Spacek and Dick Tarnstrom."We've been wanting to upgrade our defence pretty much all year, we had even talked about it in the summer," Lowe told The Canadian Press. "It just so happened that both deals came together around the same time. You never have enough good defencemen."The Oilers first acquired Tarnstrom, who will help their power play, from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for forward Jani Rita and defenceman Cory Cross. Then Lowe acquired Czech Olympian Spacek from the Chicago Blackhawks for forward Tony Salmelainen.
-thanks to www.sportsnet.ca

News, notes, and rumors from Sportsnet.ca

Sundin not happy in T.O.?January 24 @ 9:37 AM
With the Maple Leafs slumping to a six-game losing skid, it's no surprise that whispers of change are surrounding the club. What does come as a shock is that captain Mats Sundin is one of the names mentioned for a possible move out of Toronto. While the Leafs captain has a no-trade clause in his contract and isn't going to ask to be dealt before the March 9 deadline, the Toronto Sun says don't rule out the possibility of the 34-year-old being moved.Making $6.8 million US this season and $7 million US next, all you have to do is look at Sundin's linemates -- Nik Antropov and Alexei Ponikarovsky -- last night against the Senators to realize that something is wrong.Sources say Sundin isn't happy in Toronto, but, at the same time, he's not the kind of guy who is going to march into GM John Ferguson Jr.'s office and demand a trade.

Oilers looking to add DJanuary 25 @ 8:55 AM
With the Oilers clinging to the final playoff spot in the West, rumours of a shakeup are making the rounds in Edmonton.The Edmonton Journal is reporting that GM Kevin Lowe is looking to a veteran defenceman to the blueline before addressing his goalie issue.Names being bandied about include Pittsburgh's Dick Tarnstrom and Ric Jackman. Chicago's Jaroslav Spacek is also believed to be available for the right price.

Worth the Weight for Sens?January 25 @ 9:00 AM
Despite already having a plethora of offence, the Ottawa Sun is reporting the Ottawa Senators are looking at acquiring forward Doug Weight.Weight has a no trade clause in his contract and if he was to be traded, sources say his first choice would be Ottawa. It's believed Calgary, Philadelphia and Montreal are looking at adding Weight.

Nicholson to take over in VancouverJanuary 25 @ 9:05 AM
Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson may be headed to Lotusland.The B.C. native, who turned down the GM position in Toronto, is rumoured to be taking the president position in Vancouver following the Torino Olympics, reports the Ottawa Sun.

Sens face big problem with CharaJanuary 26 @ 8:05 AM
Trade rumour guru and Sun columnist Bruce Garrioch is one person who would not be surprised to see Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Bryan McCabe and Tomas Kaberle traded before the March 9 deadline.Sounds crazy, but the reality is all four defencemen will be unrestricted free-agents this summer, and with the economic reality of the new NHL, the Leafs and Sens will be hard-pressed to sign their commodities to big contracts. So, the possibilty of trading the four Olympians is not as far-fetched as it seems.Both Chara and Redden are committed to winning a Stanley Cup this season, and would rather wait until the offseason to discuss contracts, but for a GM this is not often a viable solution."Anything can happen in hockey, but we've got a good chance to win a Stanley Cup here and that's what I'm thinking about right now," Chara said.Senators GM John Muckler told the Sunday Sun he is confident the club will be able to get Chara and Wade Redden, the team's other potential unrestricted free agent, under contract if they come at the right price.In Toronto, McCabe and Kaberle face the same situation. GM John Ferguson is currently under fire to make a move and end a lengthy losing-streak, but as much as Leaf Nation call for change right now, it may not happen until March.Kaberle has indicated he wants to wait until the end of the season before negotiating, the word is Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. might not like that timetable and could make a deal. Stay tuned.

Nolan back to the Sharktank?January 26 @ 9:55 AM
According to Owen Nolan's agent, J.P. Barry, Nolan is 7-10 days away from gaining medical clearance to start his comeback bid to the NHL.The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Nolan would like to return to San Jose and GM Doug Wilson is just waiting for the power forward to get healthy.But before Nolan can return to the ice for any team, he still has a grievance with the Maple Leafs which must be settled. Nolan insists the injury suffered to his knee was during 03-04 season with the Maple Leafs while the Buds contend he was given a clean bill of health prior to the lockout. At stake is $5.6 million.

Toronto v/s Ottawa: Battle goes back-to-back

The Senators have outscored the Leafs 25-9 in four wins this season, including a 16-2 advantage over the past two meetings.
OTTAWA (CP) -- Dominik Hasek has seen a lot of things in his storied hockey career, but this weekend's Battle of Ontario is something new for the Ottawa Senators goaltender."It's the first time ever I'm going to play back-to-back home games against the same team," the 40-year-old said on the eve of Saturday's game against his team's bitter rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Allison for Leetch?January 20 @ 9:00 AM With the Maple Leafs defensive corps in shambles, rumours have surfaced linking a retrurn of Brian Leetch to the Buds' blue line.According to the Toronto Star, Toronto and Boston have reportedly been talking of a one-for-one swap of Brian Leetch and Jason Allison, despite the protestations of Bruins GM Mike O'Connell."There's no truth at all (to the Leetch rumours)," O'Connell said. "We haven't discussed trading Brian Leetch at all."

Flyers pick up Nedved
It was just a matter of time for Nedved, who has been a healthy scratch twice for the Coyotes in the last week.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Phoenix Coyotes traded centre Petr Nedved to the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday in exchange for defenceman Dennis Seidenberg.The Flyers will also have the option of swapping fourth-round draft choices with the Coyotes at this year's entry draft and third-round choices with the Coyotes in next year's entry draft."Obviously, I am very pleased and happy to be coming to Philadelphia," Nedved said. "I am coming to one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, so I am very excited to play for the Flyers. This year has been kind of frustrating as far as offensive production, so hopefully I can help Philadelphia and start producing offensively."Nedved, who was made a healthy scratch earlier last week, had two goals and nine assists in 25 games in his first season with the Coyotes. He's earning $2.2 million US this season and will make $2.01 million next year."Nedved has always been a good scorer and a real good player and we think he'll solve some of our problems up front," said Flyers general manager Bob Clarke.Seidenberg, earning $450,000 this season, has been in the NHL three years, all with the Flyers. He has two goals and five assists this season.

Ziggy Palffy Announces Retirement...Notes from around the league

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Ziggy Palffy has announced his retirement, effective immediately, due to a lingering shoulder injury. The native of Skalica, Slovakia played 12 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, the Los Angeles Kings and the Penguins. In 684 career games, he had 329 goals and 384 assists for 713 points.
FULL STORY...

Penguins acquire Cairns from Panthers
Fleury to stay with Penguins for season

ESPNEWS HEADLINES
• Penguins right wing Palffy retires with shoulder injury
• Flyers' Forsberg out at least one game with groin injury
• Jackets activate Foote, who missed nine games
• Injured Stars goalie Turco won't play vs. Atlanta
• Judge rules Ovechkin can stay in U.S.
• Goalie Fleury to stay with Pens for rest of season
• Still out: Leafs' McCabe has slight groin tear
• Ex-Canadiens coach Julien expects to coach again
• Coyotes' Doan sues Canadian Member of Parliament

Laraque beating back trade rumoursJanuary 18 @ 9:49 AMReports of Jose Theodore going to Edmonton for Ty Conklin and Georges Laraque have been greatly exaggerated. At least according to Laraque, writes Robin Brownlee of the Edmonton Sun."Every year (there are rumours)." said tough guy Laraque, who was earlier said to be headed to Pittsburgh for goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. "I don't even think about that."Oilers assistant general manager Scott Howson also dismissed the Theodore trade talk, saying no discussions with the Habs have occurred.

Brewer may be done for the yearJanuary 18 @ 9:30 AMThe tough season in St. Louis may be turning even bluer. According to the Post-Dispatch, defenceman Eric Brewer's season may be over as his dislocated left shoulder, his second shoulder injury of the season, might require surgery.Blues coach Mike Kitchen said that even if Brewer, who missed 10 games earlier this season with a separated right shoulder, decides against surgery, he will be out a while. "It could be a month, it could be longer I'm not sure," said Kitchen.

Leetch deal a brewin'?January 17 @ 9:20 AMThe Rangers search for help on defence might have a familiar ending, as Larry Brooks is reporting the Bruins and Rangers have already tried to swing a deal which would see Leetch return to MSG.A well-placed source reported Tom Poti was offered in exchange for Leetch, but Bruins' GM Mike O'Connell rebuffed the deal and since then has failed to make a counter-offer, perhaps a comment on O'Connell's future as boss in Boston."New York is so hypothetical, I can't even say what I would feel about it. But regardless, if it were to happen, I'd certainly go," said Leetch, who is currently out of the lineup with a groin injury.

-thanks to www.tsn.ca, www.espn.com, www.sportsnet.ca

Rangers raise Messier's No. 11 to Garden rafters

NEW YORK -- Mark Messier's connection to Madison Square Garden began in 1991, the first night he skated onto the ice with the C on his New York Rangers sweater.

After 10 seasons and one Stanley Cup championship that erased a half-century of despair, he went from being a captain to THE captain.
Messier's No. 11 was raised to the Garden rafters Thursday night, joining those of former teammate Mike Richter, and earlier stars Eddie Giacomin and Rod Gilbert, who found their way to the Hockey Hall of Fame but never to Broadway's Canyon of Heroes.
"He brought something to New York that Rod and I have never brought to New York and that is winning the Stanley Cup," Giacomin said.
Cameras flashed throughout the 1-hour, 15-minute ceremony that delayed the Rangers game against the Edmonton Oilers -- Messier's first NHL team.
A large revolving lighted C adorned one offensive zone, while a similar-looking 11 spun on the other side of the ice in the darkened arena. Stenciled into the playing surface were other 11s, with a simple message of "Thank You Mark" along the boards.
"He made us believe that the Stanley Cup was our destiny," said Adam Graves, who spoke on behalf of 20 teammates from the 1994 championship team, coaches Mike Keenan and Colin Campbell, and general manager Neil Smith.
"He changed the culture," Graves said. "He made us stronger as players, stronger as a team and stronger as an organization."

Just a few blocks away, the Empire State Building glowed in red, white and blue to honor the man who played 25 NHL seasons.
"Mark brought the level of hockey to another dimension in New York," Gilbert said. "When they won, it just felt like we won."

The current Oilers were all seated on the bench, with Edmonton coach Craig MacTavish and general manager Kevin Lowe -- both members of the '94 Rangers -- standing behind them. They along with this version of the Rangers banged their sticks in unison on the ice and the boards in a traditional hockey salute during the speeches and gift presentations. Messier received fishing gear, a portrait and a family trip to Ireland.
Then his jersey was raised slowly from a table, situated next to one that held the Stanley Cup.
After Messier hoisted the trophy over his head and shared it again with the adoring crowd, No. 11 went up at the end of the ice and took its place in front of the championship banner that represents his legacy.
"It's a symbol of the hard work and dedication of all the players I played with," Messier said, not of the title banner but the one that bears his name.
Messier read an open letter to the fans in a taped message, but the closing words were drowned out but cheers and screams that grew deafening when he was brought down the tunnel to the ice through an aisle lined by today's Rangers.
"I will never forget the 10 years I had the honor to be the captain of the New York Rangers," he said.
The first of many tears were already rolling down his face when he emerged from under the stands.
"Mark Messier Night, sponsored by Kleenex," Richter said.
The tears only continued through several speeches, including a recorded one by defenseman Brian Leetch, who now plays for the Boston Bruins.
Only part of that was audible as it was accompanied by chants of "Bring Him Back!"
Leetch spoke of the hockey lessons he learned from his mentor that began with when they were opponents and continued when they shared a locker room, car rides and hotel rooms.
"Each bad game hurt even more because I didn't want to let him down," Leetch said.
Messier's place in the hearts of the fans was sealed more than a decade ago when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup after 54 years without a title. He was brought to New York from Edmonton, where he won five championships in seven years, to win just one more.
And he knew it.
"I came here wanting to win the Stanley Cup, and what I got was a life of experience," Messier said in a thought interrupted by a brief breakdown and a quivering lower lip.
It took him three seasons in New York to deliver, though all seemed lost in the semifinals when the Devils held a 3-2 series lead with a chance to close it out in New Jersey.
Messier guaranteed there would be a Game 7 in the Garden, and he scored the tying and winning goals en route to a hat trick to make good on his promise.
"Typical Messier," Keenan said of the prediction. "I didn't mind it."
Messier retired in September second on the NHL scoring list to Wayne Gretzky with 1,887 regular-season points. He left the game six goals away from 700 -- a mark reached by only six players -- and 11 games short of tying Gordie Howe's record of 1,767.
"He was a Hall of Famer before he got here," Richter said, "but he's the greatest Ranger I ever played with."

Bob Gainey takes over as Habs bench boss

Claude Julien was fired and general manager Bob Gainey took over as interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, with former Montreal captain Guy Carbonneau tabbed to become head coach at the end of the season. Carbonneau, who was serving as assistant GM for the Dallas Stars, was hired as an associate coach and has already signed a contract to become head coach at season's end.FULL STORY...

Julien takes the fall
After a spell atop the standings early in the season, the Montreal Canadiens have fallen to 10th in the Eastern Conference.
MONTREAL (CP) -- Claude Julien was fired and general manager Bob Gainey took over as interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday.
Forum: Habs right to fire coach? Saturday Full Details

Off the Island
The Islanders currently occupy 12th spot in the Eastern Conference, seven points out of the final playoff spot.
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- Not only do the New York Islanders have a new coach, they're going to get a new general manager, too.A shake-up in the making finally occurred Thursday when assistant Brad Shaw replaced fired coach Steve Stirling, and GM Mike Milbury said he'll step aside after helping owner Charles Wang pick a successor.
"It is clear that changes need to be made with the Islanders and I am taking the responsibility of delivering the message firsthand," Wang said at a news conference at Nassau Coliseum."We have underperformed this season. We have a very talented team. Our fans have every right to be disappointed -- so am I and so is everyone in the Islanders family."The biggest surprise was the fall of Milbury, who seemed untouchable after an eighth coaching change in the past nine years. Milbury will leave the hockey operations side, and will move into a role as a vice president in charge of Wang's sports properties. Wang said he hopes to have a new GM by "the June draft date and off-season signing period."

Rumors and Trade Reports from TSN.ca

As the Montreal Canadiens continue to struggle, no one is safe from trade rumours. The Lightning are in a similar position and, of course, the Penguins can start moving veterans whenever they're ready to do so. Hot n' Not, Farm Report, Junior Report, Varsity Report and the best in quotes, Chirping, in this week's edition of TSN.ca's Backchecking.
AROUND THE RINKS- According to the Ottawa Sun, if the Canadiens are considering dealing G Jose Theodore, the Vancouver Canucks might be interestd, and the Habs would likely want Todd Bertuzzi in exchange. With Cristobal Huet getting back-to-back starts recently, Theodore's name becomes only more active on the trade front.
- The Ottawa Sun salso ays the Canadiens' current state of disarray has GM Bob Gainey willing to trade just about anybody, including C Mike Ribiero, D Craig Rivet, D Sheldon Souray and D Mike Komisarek. The paper reports that the Capitals are interested in Ribiero as a setup man for super rookie Alexander Ovechkin.
- The St. Petersburg Times suggests that the Lightning could be ready to make a major move, possibly sending D Pavel Kubina to Buffalo for G Martin Biron, while also mentioning that LW Fredrik Modin could go to Minnesota for G Manny Fernandez.
- Penguins RW Mark Recchi is on the block, according to the Delaware County Times, with the Flyers interested in bringing Recchi back into the fold, though the paper notes that Philly won't be making any major moves until they know what will happen with C Keith Primeau, who has missed most of the season due to a concussion.

- The Arizona Republic speculates that healthy scratch C Petr Nedved could be on the move for defensive help.
- Penguins C Ryan Malone, according to multiple reports, is on the block, with the Penguins apparently gauging interest around the league in the second-year forward.
- The Ottawa Sun has the Senators keeping an eye on Blues C Doug Weight and Panthers C Olli Jokinen, in addition to blue-collar Blackhawks Matthew Barnaby, Martin Lapointe and Jassen Cullimore.
- With injuries and inexperience taking hold on the blueline, the Toronto Sun reports that the Leafs could be in the market for some veteran defence help.
- Some speculation in Boston has the Bruins interested in Alexander Mogilny, but only if they can get him on re-entry waivers from the Devils, but the Bergen Record reports that no teams have expressed interest in actually trading for Mogilny.
- The Dallas Stars have apparently offered D Martin Skoula to the Thrashers for LW Vyacheslav Kozlov, according to the Ottawa Sun.
- According to the Belleville News-Democrat, recently-signed RW Vladimir Orszagh is still dealing with immigration issues in his native Slovakia, but the Blues expect that he'll be able to play on Sunday.
TRADING POSTSykora to the Rangers - In acquiring RW Petr Sykora from the Ducks, in exchange for defence prospect Maxim Kondratiev, the Rangers have bolstered their top two lines with a proven veteran scorer. Sykora seems like an ideal fit in the Rangers' Czech-dominated dressing room and he has already played on a line with Steve Rucchin and Petr Prucha as well as with the first power play unit. With four points in two games, Sykora's paid immediate dividends. In addition to improved cap flexibility, the Ducks get a 22 year-old defenceman in Kondratiev that GM Brian Burke says has top-four potential. In 29 games with the Rangers this year, Kondratiev had three points and a minus-2 rating.
Niinimaa to the Stars - In the final move before the Islanders' re-organization, they shipped out disappointing 30 year-old Janne Niinimaa and a fifth-round pick in 2007 to the Dallas Stars for John Erskine and a second-round pick. Since Erskine's really a seventh defenceman who can drop the gloves, the Stars are clearly getting the better player in the deal, with Niinimaa most likely able to play a top-four role. The second-round pick and salary relief will be the most valuable parts of the trade for the Isles.

Petr Sykora Traded to NY Rangers

The New York Rangers acquired Petr Sykora and a fourth-round draft pick in 2007 from the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for defenceman Maxim Kondratiev on Sunday, adding another skilled Czech forward to their offence. The Ducks had been shopping Sykora, who has seven goals and 13 assists in 34 games this season, for a while. The 29-year-old is making $3.1 million US this season and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1.FULL STORY...

Trade Rumors

The winds of change are blowing in Chicago, the Flames have been mentioned among possible destinations for some top centres and Owen Nolan could be ready to return soon.
January 6th