Hockey Trade Rumors

The Philadelphia Inquirer weighs in with some of its own speculation regarding some soon to be big name players. The speculate that the Flyers can forget about Briere or Drury but can focus their attention of Scott Gomez.

Although not supported by any direct sources there is a great deal of speculation that the Vancouver Canucks are very interested in the Blue Jackets Nikolai Zherdev. It is well known that the Canucks are in need of extra scoring and Zherdev could provide to be a good fit with Morrison and Naslund provided that he cleans up his attitude and comes prepared to play.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post speculates that Chris Drury has a strong desire to play in the Big Apple and that this desire may have him choose to sign in New York over other places such as Buffalo or Colorado.

The Miami Herald speculates that if JS Giguere does decide to part ways with the Ducks many teams will be lining up for his services. One of the problems facing Brian Burks and the Ducks is that several Anaheim players are due for a raise and it is possible that they will be constrained by the salary cap.

The New York Post is reporting that the Islanders buyout of Yashin could lead to a long term deal for Ryan Smyth. Larry Brooks indicates that if the Islanders did keep Yashin, Ryan Smyth would not even consider signing with the team. This does not speak well for Yashin’s team chemistry.

The Star Leger went out on a limb (sarcasm) by reporting that they do not feel that pending free agent Scott Gomez will re-sign with the Devils prior to the July 1 start of free agent season.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports that Michael Nylander is not interested in giving the Rangers “a home town discount” to stay in the big apple.

It is speculated that Nylander’s old agent had reached a three year contract with the Rangers for 3.75 million per year for 3 years. Nylanders new agent will be seeking more money … in the 4.5 million dollar range and as a result the Rangers will not be getting a bargain price to keep him under raps for the next few seasons. Nylander is set to become an UFA on July 1st.

Rumors out of Minnesota indicate that the Minnesota Wild may be looking to deal their number one goalie Manny Fernandez.

This year I hope the Leafs can make the playoffs, if they do I’m still not convinced they belong though. The team is just way too inconsistent, their needs to be some changes. With the salary cap going up next season, and the Leafs with some excess spending money, they will definitely make some upgrades.

Aaron Ward traded to Boston, TSN.

Team 990 in Montreal; TFP.com reports a 3rd round draft pick.

TSN is ready to report that Martin Biron has been traded to the Flyers for an undisclosed draft pick and acquired Ty Conklin from the Blue Jackets

TSN.ca jumps into the trade deadline speculation with two feet as well thing wonderful morning. Tons of speculation is abounding regarding big names such as Bertuzzi, Owen Nolan, Curtis Joseph, Georges Laraque, Jason Blake and others.