3:20 p.m. Fletcher mades big move, acquires Barker

Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher made a bold move today, acquiring Chicago Blackhawks Cam Barker in exchange for defenseman Kim Johnsson and Nick Leddy according to TSN.CA. Johnsson is in the last year of his contract, while Nick Leddy was the Wild’s first round pick in 2009.

2:15 p.m. Cam Barker to Minnesota?

Bob McKenzie of TSN.Ca reports there is a lot of chatter that Minnesota and Chicago are working on a deal before today’s deadline.

1:21 p.m. – All Quiet on Pens/Whitney front

Just spoke to a Canes source who says nothing is brewing on the Penguins/Ray Whitney front. The source went on to tell me that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is focused elsewhere due to the Penguins unwillingness to come close to meeting the Hurricanes demands.
As I reported yesterday, Pittsburgh has not made an offer for Whitney.

1:15 p.m. – Blackhawks active in trade talks

An NHL source tells SportingNews.com “that the Blackhawks have had “lots of conversations” today in an attempt to bolster their lineup for a long playoff run. None of the discussions have centered around a goalie.”
A Pens’ source tells me Chicago remains very interested in Jay McKee. Two teams had discussions earlier in the week but it’s been quiet of late.

12:30 p.m. Boyes available for trade

The St. Louis Blues have made it known that they are open for business and are listening to offers for winger Brad Boyes among others. The team is not expected to trade veterans Paul Kariya or Keith Tkachuk until after the Olympic break.
Tkachuk continues to draw significant interest from the Boston Bruins.

Panthers approach Penguins about Dennis Seidenberg

The Florida Panthers are looking to make wholesale changes and sources tell me the Panthers have approached the Pittsburgh Penguins, others to gauge trade interest in defenseman Dennis Seidenberg. The Panthers are looking for a draft choice and an NHL ready prospect in return. Pittsburgh though covets other defenseman ahead of Seidenberg.
The Florida Panthers also sent out a letter to fans warning of potential moves. “GM Randy Sexton has begun the process of reshaping this team in order to achieve our goals and objectives, the Panthers announced.
“This is a multi-step process, beginning now, ahead of the trading deadline, and continuing through the draft, free agency and training camp so we ask that you assess our success only once this process has run its course.”
There is word the Panthers are in talks with an unknown Eastern Conference team in a deal that would move one of their top forwards and most liked players.
George Richards of the Miami Herald tweeted today that goaltender Tomas Vokoun has not been asked to waive his no trade clause but might be willing too.

12:18 p.m. – Cheechoo on waivers

Bob McKenzie of TSN reports the Jonathan Cheechoo (Ottawa), Jamie Lundmark (Calgary) and Brad May (Detroit) were placed on waivers today.

12:03 p.m. – Senators acquire Matt Cullen

The Ottawa Senators were busy this morning. First the Senators announced an extension for GM Bryan Murray then the Senators acquired Hurricanes forward Matt Cullen in exchange for a 2nd-round pick and 24-year-old defenseman Alexandre Picard.

11:01 a.m. – Pittsburgh/Toronto

Pittsburgh has yet to establish themselves as a serious suitor for Leafs winger Alexei Ponikarovsky but that hasn’t derailed trade talks. The Leafs have shown a willingness to take a back a roster player, unlike other sellers, which has been a reason for…..

the Leafs scouting the Penguins actively in recent weeks.