Hockey Trade Rumors

According to a few sources, Dan Boyle is very close to returning. Interestingly, the Hawks are rumored to be searching for a PP specialist, and Boyle and Campbell have been mentioned as likely candidates given that both are UFAs next season.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/chi080123.html

The Blackhawks are supposedly dangling the likes of winger Tuomo Ruutu and young defenseman Cam Barker as trade bait. Not a bad return indeed!

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Blues are expected to trade a defenseman before the trade deadline. Right now, Backman seems the likely target. He has another year left on his contract worth $3.4 million, with a Cap Hit of $2.3 million.

The Palm Beach Post is downplaying any speculation regarding rumors with Olli Jokinen.

Toronto also may sign Alfredson-like star for 2008-09

From the latest rumors, the Mats Sundin sweepstakes appear to be getting hotter, as there are now a number of teams interested in the Maple Leaf captain.

– The Montreal Canadiens continue to have more than a passing interest in Calgary Flames winger Alex Tanguay. Canadiens assistant general manager Pierre Gauthier has been following the Flames like a bad smell, but there is the matter of Tanguay’s no-trade clause. The names of Canadiens being dealt in return range from understandable (Michael Ryder) to highly unlikely (Alex Kovalev or Saku Koivu).

According to Eklund at HockeyBuzz.com, the final touches are being put on a deal that could happen within the next 72 hours that would see one of Tomas Kaberle (TOR), Dan Boyle (TB) or Brian Campbell (BUF) being dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Cam Barker +.

Dale Tallon was a busy guy Thursday: He made a trade, extended a player’s contract and reassigned another player to Rockford.

Canadiens GM Bob Gainey told the media in Montreal on Monday, he’s not happy with their faceoffs (they’re 26th in the NHL at 48.1-per-cent efficiency). Sources in Montreal say one of the guys he’s keeping an eye on is Oilers centre Jarret Stoll, who had one of his better games of the year (two points, only his fourth multiple-point game). He also won seven of 12 face-offs, and is winning 53.8 percent on the year, which puts him in the top 20 in the league.

– According to the Ottawa Sun, the Sens have been shopping G Ray Emery around the league. Emery hasn’t played well after off-season wrist surgery and didn’t do himself any favors by showing up late for practice the day after a reported stick-breaking tantrum.

From Tsn.ca

With the bruins having alot of cap space to use there has been many teams wanting to acquire the assistance of P.J. Axelsson and young star Phil Kessel

The Denver Post is speculating about the possible return of Rob Blake to the Avalanche as things have not gone well for him in LA since his return to California.

Faceoff.com and Spectors trade rumors are reporting that Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Ryder may be on his way to the New York Rangers.

CJAD is reporting that Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is at the habs-panthers game and has been asking about Michael Ryder. He is reportedly a guest at tonights game, according to CJAD in Montreal.