With the Vancouver Canucks waiving their number 10 pick around, coupled with the fact that they most likely won’t resign forward Brendan Morrison and the possibility that Markus Naslund will resign cheaper, the ‘Nucks will try something.

It is still unclear at this point if the Toronto Maple Leafs will resign Mats Sundin. What is clear however is that they are waiving their number 7 pick around and have been linked with Patrick Marleau, Olli Jokinen, and Vincent Lecavalier to name a few.

The Montreal Canadiens have also been rumoured to try and move up in the draft to make a deal go through. Andrei Kostitsyn should be signed by the draft. Marc Streit could be also although rumours suggest that he would be traded. The Habs are also being linked to Marian Hossa, Sundin, Eric Cole, Ryan Malone, and Lecavalier to name a few. In Hossa’s case the Habs are trying to trade for his rights.

The Carolina Hurricanes are rumoured to be in on Joni Pitkanen.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are rumoured to be in on Marleau as well as Malone.

The Calgary Flames are rumoured to be hunting Jokinen.

The Boston Bruins are hunting Hossa.

To be brief, just mentioning seven teams and one could see that the draft this year might live up to the hype that every media source is putting out there.

Perhaps the draft will be more exciting than the first week of July.

Let’s hope that this year’s draft will be one not to miss.

The entry draft is for minor league players to move up in life, unfortunately for the minor leaguers, fortunately for the fans, this year it should be more about NHL players changing addresses.

There are 30 teams in the NHL. Perhaps not all the teams will make something happen, but if one believes the hype, it should be a draft day frenzy.

One must wonder why the Panthers really just have such a hard time winning against such a depleted team. The fact is, even when they are depleted, they still seem tough as ever. That’s with losing Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore to trade, Rod Brind’amour to injury and Justin Williams, others as well. Yet they keep moving along like nothing has ever happened. Quite amazing to me. A team so injury plagued, they still put up a fight each night and victorious on most. Even new comers to the team like Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo look like they could have been there all season. Is it Peter Laviolette? Or is it just the amount of skill and experience the team itself has. I’d think its both, they don’t get rattled by much. The worst can happen and they will still play their system the best they can and keep doing what they do best. Sometimes thats all they need to win games they shouldn’t be in, too.

After being denied a history making eight game winning streak, the Panthers decided to start another winning streak by beating Tampa Bay. If they want to make the playoffs they need to get about 10 more points and rely heavily on teams out of the playoffs to put up a fight with the seventh and eighth spot holders.

Unlike other teams, the Panthers have a schedule that is heavily in their favor. Tampa Bay Lightning twice, Washington Capitals twice and the Hurricanes twice. Tampa Bay, I don’t see being a problem but the Capitals and the Hurricanes just might be a thorn in the side. The Capitals aren’t that same team that you just look at and expect them to fold to teams that are making a playoff push. They are right in it as well and needless to say a much better team on top of it all, than they used to be. Olaf Kolzig? Good goaltender but Huet I believe is more consistent, Sergei Fedorov definitely helps them and I believe Matt Cooke has a bit of an edge over Matt Pettinger. With Bruce Boudreau coming in as well and doing a wonderful job, I just don’t think winning against Washington will be all that easy.

I already talked about how we can’t seem to have any luck against Carolina, to begin with. Winning against the Capitals will be the MOST important objective to get into the playoffs, winning both games eliminates them from the playoff race because ideally Florida and Washington are chasing the same spot. Both games are must win scenarios for the Panthers. The Panthers also need to at least win one game against Carolina to stay in the chase. Although the schedule looks easy, to me, it really isn’t. The Panthers need to come out and play some of the best hockey they could ever imagine playing to make it that far. There is no other way around it. This roster on paper, wouldn’t make the playoffs. They are playing with their hearts and souls into the game. Thats the way they need to play to win. Thats the only way. Florida just does not have the Michael Frolik’s and the Shawn Matthias’ ready for the club yet.

I personally could not fathom the feeling of seeing the Panthers in the playoffs, in my opinion they have every right for being there as much as the next team. It would just be so nice to overcome the “laughing stock” that the Panthers are, in the NHL. Its never easy or nice to hear, “They haven’t made it into the playoffs in over six years.” Over and over again. I blame that on the endless ring of coaches and general managers that Mr. Alan Cohen felt was needed to make this team into a winner.

Olli Jokinen has certainly stepped up his game. After the Zednik incident he went into a prolonged slump. Something not good for this club that already has horrible troubles trying to score. Not only that but its like dressing a player that is injured. He was close to useless for that time. It took him to score against Henrik Lundqvist in a Panthers win to snap out of it, and ever since he has been back to the captain clutch, that he is. That the Panthers need. That the team relies on. If there is no Jokinen leading the way and helping the team. There is no playoffs. There is no leadership. There is no hope. Most of all, everybody in that locker room loves that guy. If there isn’t Jokinen doing what he does best, there isn’t a Panthers team that has desire to do much.

However, Commodore tells Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun that before he makes such a decision, he will have to assess if the club’s style of play suits him.

“Before I sign a contract here, I have to see if I can play here,” he said.

“The way it’s been going, I’ll wind up being a minus-300 player for my career.”

Commodore has been struggling since his arrival form the Carolina Hurricanes. He tells Koshan that his awful statistical numbers are a result of his inability to adapt to the club’s system, rather than effort.

“Not through a lack of effort, but for whatever reason, the system change has been a struggle for me. In Carolina it was always get up the ice when you can, make the play and go. Here it is more back off, let the forward do the work.”

Still, Senators head coach and GM Bryan Murray doesn’t appear to be too down on the player he acquired before last month’s trade deadline. Murray says that what Commodore lacks in skill he makes up for with his grit and determined play.

“He does not have a great deal of skill, but he tries hard,” Murray said. “People like that can bring intangibles in the playoffs.”

Meanwhile, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that while the Senators haven’t held any contract talks with pending UFA defenseman Wade Redden thus far, it doesn’t necessarily mean the club won’t initiate talks before July 1st.

To stay in Ottawa, Redden would have to take a significant pay cut form his current the $6.5 million salary. Unlikely to happen, Garrioch suggests.

Lastly, Garrioch reports that the Senators will try to re-sign Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA forward Andre Roy if he hits the open market July 1st.

The Habs are undoubtedly silently thanking the Canes for that favor. The Canadiens if at least don’t win the east, will hopefully win their division, they must win at least 4, or 5 more games to do so. The Habs will hopefully get some help from the Sens other opponents as well.

With the surrounding rumours floating around that the Sens might buy out Ray Emery’s contract, perhaps this will be a distraction for the team for a few games, giving the Habs a chance to widen the gap of two points between the two clubs. Goal-tending is the biggest question for the Sens, although they have not been doing well since the trade deadline, they might gel together for the play-offs.

The Hab are facing the Sens two more times in the next 9 games, with the help from the Sens other opponents, and if the Habs manage to beat the Sens, gathering four points against them, it could help the Habs propel themselves to stay first in their division.

The Habs are in tight against the Sens but, no-one gave the Habs a chance to make the play-offs this year, never-mind being first in their division, in a race for first overall, first on the power-play, and first for goals scored. So called experts did not count on the youngsters playing so well this year, they predicted that perhaps next year the Habs would start to play better. Either way, the Canadiens are where no-one expected them to be, which is good for the team’s self esteem.

Thank you Hurricanes for the favor you have done the Habs, hopefully Canadiens fans will be thanking other teams as well in the next few days, and with a little skill and luck, the Habs will be first in their division at the end of the season, and maybe first in the east as well.

According to Section 13 of the Standard Players Contract, players that are under 26 years of age can be bought out at only one-third of their deals. Since Emery turn 26 in September, the Senators would have to pay the struggling goaltender $2.25 million of the $6.75 million left on his remaining deal. The club would only take a $562,500 per season salary cap hit for the next four years.

There is a catch, however. If the Senators want to buy out Emery during the buyout period from June 15-30, they will have to place him on waivers and risk losing him for nothing.

Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs will buy out back-up goalie Andrew Raycroft in the summer and replace him with rookie Justin Pogge.

The Maple Leafs will have to pay Raycroft $666,666 in each of the next two seasons.

Detroit Red Wings pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Brad Stuart tells Ansar Khan of mLive.com he’s not necessarily looking to sign his next contract with a Western Conference team.

“I’ve read that I’m a West Coast guy. I don’t see myself that way,” Stuart said. “I don’t have to play on the West Coast.”

Khan suggests that the Red Wings will wait until season’s end to begin negotiations with Stuart, if they choose to pursue him at all.

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports that Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson would like to sign pending unrestricted free agent goaltender Pascal Leclaire to a contract extension before his current deal expires.

However, negotiations with Leclaire’s agent will not commence until the end of the regular season.

According to Luke DeCock of The News & Observer, the Carolina Hurricanes have been negotiating an NHL contract with the agent for junior forward Brandon Sutter for the past week.

Sutter’s season in the Western Hockey League will come to and end this weekend, and the Hurricanes are hoping to call up their first round pick in last summer’s entry draft to the big club.

However, it’s unclear if the CBA allows the Hurricanes to bring up Sutter straight to their big club or if the youngster will have to first suit up for their AHL affiliate.

“That’s a decision, obviously, that [general manager] Jim [Rutherford] and the coaches would make,” Hurricanes assistant general manager Ron Francis said.

Atlanta Thrashers co-owner Bruce Levenson tells Craig Custance of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Marian Hossa’s decision not to re-sign with the club wasn’t necessarily because he didn’t like “what he saw about the future of the organization.”

“I don’t think that’s an accurate statement. It was more complicated than that. To say Marian didn’t want to be here is a gross simplification of what happened.”

Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings, Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche, Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins, Alexander Radulov of the Nashville Predators, Drew Stafford of the Buffalo Sabres, Jiri Hudler of the Detroit Red Wings, David Booth of the Florida Panthers, Brandon Dubinsky of the New York Rangers, and Travis Zajac of the New Jersey Devils.

While not all are expected to receive long-term deals such as the one signed by Philadelphia Flyers forward Mike Richards last December (12 years totaling $69 million), it’s possible that some of the top tier players may.

Looks like we were on to something: the NHL’s CBA prohibits teams from buying out injured players at two-thirds of their salaries, as Luke DeCock of The News & Observer suggested the Carolina Hurricanes may do with defenseman David Tanabe this summer.

DeCock reports today that for the Hurricanes to be allowed to buy out his contract for 2/3, Tanabe would have be declared fit to play by July 1.

Otherwise, the Hurricanes would be on the hook for Tanabe’s entire $900,000 salary. The good news is that it wouldn’t count against the salary cap.

Look for the St. Louis Blues to bolster their inconsistent offense during the off-season.

St. Louis Post Dispatch President John Davidson tells Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch that while he’s well aware of his club’s shortcomings, the organization still needs to pinpoint where their troubles stem from.

“For whatever reason, we haven’t scored and we have to figure out why,” Davidson said Sunday, one day after the Blues’ 4-2 loss to Vancouver.

“… there’s a lot of variables that we’ll have to sift through.”

The Rangers are set to play the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Czech Republic next October, and Sather would like to have the Czech forward in the line-up.

But while Jagr claims he would like to return to the Big Apple, the 36-year-old is yet to decide if and where he will play next season.

Phoenix Coyotes pending unrestricted free agent forward Mike York tells Jim Gintonio of The Arizona Republic that he’s not too concerned about his contractual status. York says he’s more focused on helping his club earn a playoff berth.

“I think much more, we’re playing for the playoffs,” he said. “You want to be your best at this time of year, no matter what. Next year’s a long way off.”

While Pittsburgh Penguins pending unrestricted free agent Georges Laraque has fallen out of grace with the Penguins’ coaching staff recently, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports the club would like to bring him back due to his physical play and fighting abilities.

Luke DeCock of The News & Observer reports that Carolina Hurricanes defenseman David Tanabe is done for the season due to concussion problems.

DeCock suggests that the Hurricanes may consider buying out Tanabe’s remaining year of his contract (valued at $900,000) during the off-season at two-thirds of the amount (which would come out to $600,000). Is that even possible, though? Can a team buy out an injured player?

Now, more and more NHL teams are employing the hockey version of cheerleaders.

The Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Tampa Bay Lightning all have them. That’s 16 teams.

Three Canadian teams have them, too, including the Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators, and the Vancouver Canucks.

So, what exactly do Ice Girls do?

Well, according to PuckThatHit.com, this is what the job entails:

Ice Girls often (but not always) step onto the ice, clean away excess snow, wipe down the glass, and of course give away t-shirts. Any excuse to have them parade their increased chest sizes and minuscule waists is good enough for management and fans.

For those interested, there’s a poll over at PuckThatHit.com where you can vote for which team has the best ice girls. There’s pictures, too… pretty pictures… go check ‘em out. I threw in my vote for the Chicago Blackhawks’ Ice Crew.

Anyway, I’m wondering how soon will it be before ALL NHL teams has a crew of Ice Girls dancing in a seat near you? And which team will it be the next in line? Will it be the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, or the Washington Capitals?

This is an unscientific poll, by the way.

The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont reports that Atlanta Thrashers forward Erik Christensen wanted out of Pittsburgh because he wasn’t getting enough playing time.

Dupont also suggests that the Boston Bruins should give goalie Tim Thomas a one-year contract extension, while signing Glen Metropolit to a two-year extension due to their strong performances this season.

Lastly from Dupont, he reports that the San Jose Sharks tried hard to deal struggling forward Patrick Marleau before the February 26 trade deadline, but could not find any takers.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, Marleau has a “no-movement” clause kicks in on July 1, so he will be even more difficult to deal. That’s why the Sharks wanted to part ways with him now.

Garrioch also reports that the Montreal Canadiens contacted the Chicago Blackhawks to inquire about the availability of forward Martin Havlat, but could not put a deal together. Speculation is that Havlat may be moved during the off-season.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens were also working on trading pending unrestricted free agent forward Michael Ryder to the Calgary Flames for Alex Tanguay. It’s believed that the deal fell through when Flames GM Darryl Sutter decided not trade Tanguay.

Tanguay, who agreed to waive his no-trade clause, is said to be disappointed he was not moved.

Look for the Washington Capitals to attempt and re-sign pending UFA goalie Cristobal Huet, says Garrioch. If they’re successful, longtime Capitals netminder and pending UFA Olaf Kolzig could find himself playing for another team.

Did the Columbus Blue Jackets trade pending UFA defenseman Adam Foote to the Colorado Avalanche over $500,000? Yes, according to Garrioch.

The Blue Jackets also lost out on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards, even though they made a decent offer of forwards Gilbert Brule and Dan Fritsche along with a prospect.

So, which teams tried to acquire Blackhawks forward Tuomo Ruutu before the was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes? Garrioch claims it was the Bruins, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Negotiations between the Buffalo Sabres and goalie Ryan Miller aren’t going well, as Miller doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to sign a contract extension with the Sabres. This leaves Garrioch to speculate that he’ll take off as a UFA after the 2008-09 season.

- For the love of god, and myself, Nigel Dawes proved once again why he cannot be replaced by Prucha in the lineup. Two assists, including a goregous pass across zone to Shanahan for the goal to put the game on ice, gives him four points in three games. This offense, which is finally looking threatening and potent, needs him in the lineup. The only viable option to get prucha in the lineup is to take out Callahan, who has been playing solid Defensive hockey along with providing good forechecking and hitting. If Prucha gets another crack at the lineup, he better get his money’s worth, because he’s not touching the ice in playoffs if this team keeps rolling.

- Lundqvist stopped 26 shots, and really only got beat once, the first goal, which was a nice tip in. The second goal was an unlucky bounce by a good poke-check by Blair Betts that happened to bounce in. The King is looking extremely solid as of late. Which begs the question…. Does Vally play at all this month? The only opportunity I see him playing is March 14th or 15th, when the Rangers take a spring break down in Florida to visit the Panthers and Lightning, respectively. After that its all Hank.

- Many are wondering why Drury is playing on the 3rd line. The way I look at it, the Rangers have finally found their match ups for lines. I don’t expect many changes for the rest of the year. It really is a perfect setup because Renney can now roll 3 lines and be very very effective. The only liability is Shanny, if he gets run down. But Sjostrom showed that he can sub in for any line at any time and keep up with their pace. What a great move by Sather. ANY WHO, Drury got the Game-Winner, his 21st. He now as 9 goals in his last 13 games, along with a 7 game point scoring streak, tying his career high. Hopefully he can get one Sunday. Captain Clutch is getting hot at the right time.

- Shanahan notched the goal which stopped Carolina’s momentum. It was a HUGE goal to me because it seemed Carolina was having its way for a while. Shanny will be a huge part of this teams playoff quest and run. He might get run-down, but he’s got the experience, and he can finish. He had 3 good chances last night which Ward either made good saves on or the puck was deflected. Shanny also has a 6 game point scoring streak as well.

- What can you say about Sean “heart of the team” Avery? My boy has 6 goals in 7 games and is flying out there. His talking to the press embargo has slightly lifted, but lets hope he can shut Riley Cote and the Flyers up.

- After watching Brandon Dubinksy absolutely undress Cam Ward, I decided for my birthday this summer I’m getting Jersey #2: Brandon Dubinky - 17. His first goal was a beaut. If he had put up points like this all year, its no doubt he would have gotten Calder consideration. He has 31 total points, 7 in the last 5 games. Here is the game highlights with the goal: http://www.nhl.tv/team/console?hlg=20072008,2,966

- The two newbies played well. Freddy Sjostrom showed great speed breaking into the zone and cutting to the net, with Drury almost putting home the rebound. He also showed his physical play, and had some great puck control with the 4th line. He’s a good addition and it will be interesting to see what Renney does when Orr is back healthy. Backman played ok as well. Many are upset with his multiple penalties, but I think its ok. He knows he took too many, but a little physical presence on the blue line doesn’t hurt. Isn’t that what we all wanted the Rangers to pick up anyways?

- One thing that worried me as I was watching was the amount of time Carolina could control and retain the puck in our zone. Numerous times it looked like a Penalty Kill in our zone when it was 5v5. Another scary thing was our wingers constantly just tried to throw the puck out without looking, and got caught doing it. A team with better puck-moving defense than Carolina will kill the Rangers if they continue that charade.

So the Rangers go back to the Garden and wait for Sunday. They are playing solid hockey right now, and that’s all we can ask for. I guess I want to give a warning to Ranger fans: we will not win-out the rest of the season, we will lose at least once. So be prepared. Yea its great to see us 5-0-2 in our last 7, but when we lose don’t act like the sky is falling. We are putting ourselves in great shape here, and our record versus Atlantic teams makes March and April very, very appealing. Have a good day and look for another post between now and Sunday. - Rob

Heading the other way appears to be forward Andrew Ladd.

TSN is now also reporting the trade on their website.

More updates to come.

Howson doesn’t see it quite that way, though.

“If we think he or anyone else can help us get in, we’ll keep him,” Jackets GM Scott Howson said.

In fact, Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch believes that Howson will not deal Fedorov if the Blue Jackets are within reaching distance of a spot in the post-season.

But that won’t stop the speculation.

Arace believes that a number of teams could express some interest in acquiring Fedorov before the February 26 trade deadline.

The Carolina Hurricanes, who lost forward Rod Brind’Amour for the season, might be willing to part with a first-round draft pick for a replacement.

The Detroit Red Wings might offer up forward Matt Ellis to re-acquire Fedorov.

And that would sit just fine with him, the former Red Wing tells George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.

“If that kind of thing happened, that’s the route I’m going to take. Hopefully I’d be part of something that (has) been here before a few years back when we won some Stanley Cups.”

Yes, even if Red Wings fans boo him every time he takes the ice at the Joe Louis Arena Fedorov tells Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News.

However, for now, according to Portzline, Fedorov says he’s more concerned with returning to action from a concussion and help his current club earn a playoff spot rather than what may or may not happen before the 26th.

“I don’t know,” Fedorov said. “Whatever happen, happen. I’m not really looking that far. Just one step at a time. Get healthy. Get back in the lineup and work hard for the team I’m on right now.”

“My focus right now is to get healthy, get back in the lineup, work hard for the team I’m on and get something (accomplished) here first,” Fedorov said.

Fedorov is expected to return to the Blue Jackets’ lineup in a matter of days.

“We are desperate to win some games,” Fedorov said. “So I want to get back in the lineup as soon as I can.”

Senators GM Bryan Murray confirmed to Garrioch that he did have a deal in place with the Sharks and that Redden was the reason it didn’t go through.

“I told (Redden) there was outside interest and asked him if he wanted to discuss it. He did not.”

Redden, too, admitted he did not want to accept a trade.

“I really have the same thing to say that I said the last time: I signed a two-year deal with Ottawa because I want to win a Stanley Cup with this team,” said Redden. “I want to stay here and I want to do the best I can to help this team win.”

In fact, Tim Wharnsby of The Globe and Mail reported yesterday that Redden would take a hometown discount to re-sign with the Senators.

Still, rumors about Redden’s future in Ottawa have surfaced all season long and will continue to swirl for as long as he remains unsigned.

Earlier in the season, David Pollak of the Mercury News points out that Redden’s name was mentioned in trade rumors involving Sharks forward Patrick Marleau.

Pollak also points out that scouts from eight teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa, attended the Sharks’ Friday night game.

The Senators’ scout on hand would not comment on the Redden situation.

When approached for a comment, Sharks GM Doug Wilson had nothing to say, reports Pollak.

Waddell tells Custance that a decision to trade Hossa has not been made, even though he has not been able to get the All-Star forward signed to a contract extension.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be a tough decision for us,” Waddell said, stressing again that an extension is still the priority. But if that doesn’t happen, “The next eight to 10 games will help us decide if we look at moving him for assets or look at keeping him because winning the division is within our grasp and something that is very important to us,” Waddell said.

For Hossa’s part, he says he’ll let his agent take care of business in the boardroom while he’ll take care of business on the ice.

“I told Ritch, ‘You handle the contract, and I’ll do my best on the ice,’ ” Hossa said.

Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford tells Rachel Carter of The News & Observer that he waived forward Jeff Hamilton to clear his salary cap hit in case he wants to make a trade before the trade deadline.

“He wasn’t getting a lot of ice time when he was dressing over the last month,” Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said. “So now, we’re starting to prepare for possible moves here in the last month and this possibly — if someone picks him up — could be a move toward making it easier for us to make a move on the type of player that we’re looking for.”

Rutherford has mentioned that he’s looking to bring in a defenseman that can help the club on the powerplay.

Stephen Harris of the Boston Bruins figures that if the Boston Bruins “remain in the playoff picture” they will be buyers leading up to the February 26 trade deadline.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier will try to re-start contract talks with pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Brian Campbell. Campbell ceased negotiations with the Sabres several days ago, but it appears as though Regier is eager to get a deal done before the blueliner hits free agency.

If Campbell isn’t signed by the February 26 trade deadline, however, the Sabres may decide to trade him rather than risk losing him for nothing in the off-season.

Also from McKenzie, he suggests that the Tampa Bay Lightning will not make any significant deals (i.e. trading the forwards Vincent Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Brad Richards and defenseman Dan Boyle) until their ownership situation gets settled.

Oren Koules, a Hollywood producer who was among the failed/dysfunctional group that had an agreement to purchase the Lightning from current owners Palace Sports, is expected to “reach an agreement” to buy the franchise “in fairly short order.”

However, if Koules can’t get it done, the current Lightning owner may decide to “divesting themselves of significant” by cutting payroll.

Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon tells Lacy Banks of the Chicago Sun Times that while he would like to pull the trigger on a trade, the market is a little slow at the moment.

“With the trade deadline drawing near [Feb. 26], we’re still trying to make deals that will improve our team,” Tallon said. “But while I have some pots on the stove, they’re just simmering right now instead of boiling.”

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the Carolina Hurricanes are shopping for a puck-moving defenseman. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has apparently contacted the Los Angeles Kings to inquire about the availability of defenseman Tom Preissing. The problem is that Kings GM Dean Lombardi is said to be asking “inflated prices for his players.”

Garrioch also reports that UFA forward Peter Forsberg could decide on whether to return to the NHL or retire within the next 10 days. The Philadelphia Flyers are said to be at the top of his list, while the Colorado Avalanche, Vancouver Canucks, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks are also interested.

Lastly from Garrioch, he reports that the Florida Panthers are exploring trading defenseman Branislav Mezei and forward Radek Dvorak, and despite the club’s denials, forward Olli Jokinen as well.

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland tells Jo-Ann Barnas of the Detroit Free Press that he will consider re-signing unrestricted free agent forward Darren McCarty.

McCarty is currently in the minor leagues trying to stay in shape so he can eventually return tot he NHL.

“We’re in January, and he’s in September,” Holland said of McCarty’s fitness level. “So he’s already behind. He’s going to really have to be committed to hitting the gym.”

“Once he shows up in Grand Rapids [the Red Wings' AHL affiliate], the evaluation period begins for me,” Holland said. “Can he play in the NHL? I don’t know. We’d like to give him an opportunity, if he’s good enough.”

Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal, too, believes that with the emergence of pending RFA blueliner Tom Gilbert as an offensive talent, the Oilers could part with Pitkanen in exchange for a much needed scoring forward.

The Oilers also need to consider that Pitkanen, who currently earns $2.4 million, has played so well this season that he could get as much as $5 million per season on his next contract. Especially if he signs an offer sheet with another team.

So, would Oilers GM Kevin Lowe give Pitkanen $5 million per season considering he is already spending a $5.4 salary cap hit on defenseman Sheldon Souray? Not to mention that Gilbert could get as much as $3.45 million per season in the off-season.

But if Lowe decides to shop Pitkanen, what kind of return might he expect?

“Those guys aren’t easy to get,” said Carolina GM Jim Rutherford, who’s trying hard to find one of his own for his aging, slow back end, and for now is looking at Colorado’s John-Michael Liles. “You have to pay a good price to get one.”

Would Rutherford move Erik Cole and a prospect for Pitkanen? Would the Los Angeles Kings part with forwards Alex Frolov or Mike Cammalleri in exchange for the 24-year-old blueliner?

Bucky Gleason of The Buffalo News suggests that the Oilers may try to use Pitkanen to acquire Dallas Stars forward Lou Eriksson.

However, Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal believes that there is a 75% chance Selanne will return to the Anaheim Ducks this season.

Matheson also reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets have been scouting the Ottawa Senators in recent games against the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes.

The Senators are pursuing a top-six forward, likely a center, and may have some interest in Blue Jackets’ forward Sergei Fedorov. The link here is that current GM Bryan Murray traded for Fedorov while he was the GM in Anaheim.

Both Matheson and Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post Dispatch agree that if the Edmonton Oilers haven’t locked up a playoff spot by the February 26 trade deadline, they will shop goalie Dwayne Roloson.

The Chicago Blackhawks might have some interest if they can move their Nikolai Khabibulin, their high-priced starter.

Portzline also reports that the Blue Jackets are interested in Pittsburgh Penguins forward Erik Christensen, and may have to part with defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen in return.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that the Carolina Hurricanes would love to acquire Senators defenseman Joe Corvo or forward Antoine Vermette.

However, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford isn’t willing to meet the Senators’ asking price of forward Erik Cole. That’s contrary to chatter that Rutherford might be interested in sending Cole to the Blue Jackets for forward David Vyborny, though.

Garrioch also reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to dump goalie Andrew Raycroft, but aren’t finding any takers.

Lastly from Garrioch, word is that Florida Panthers prospect Michael Frolik might re-enter the draft, where “he’d be a top-five pick.” The Czech forward is yet to sign an entry-level contract with the club after being low-balled by the Panthers.

Their expensive salaries and long-term deals make them virtually untradeable.

Jim Matheson of The Edmonton Journal reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets are trying to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Jan Hejda to a long-term contract.

Still from Matheson, he reports that the Carolina Hurricanes are pursuing Colorado Avalanche pending UFA defenseman John-Michael Liles to bolster their blueline.

The Hurricanes are said to be offering forward Andrew Ladd or defenseman Tim Gleason in return.

Matheson also suggests that UFA Teemu Selanne will return to the Anaheim Ducks in early February for a $1 million salary.

Lastly from Matheson, he speculates that the agent for pending restricted free agent goalie Henrik Lundqvist, Don Meehan, is trying to get his client an average of $6 million per season on a contract extension.