Thursday, January 26, 2006

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.

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