NHL playing hardball with Kovalchuk Again; Torres signs with Canucks

Around the NHL The New Jersey Devils and Ilya Kovalchuk have agreed to the framework of a new deal in the range of 12-13 years but at this time both sides are not able to push forward with the deal. After Devils officials and agent Jay Grossman met with NHL officials on Monday, the NHL has not signed off on the framework of the deal nearly 48 hours later. Discussions though are ongoing between officials from both sides. A league source told me earlier in the week that the framework of the new deal has Kovalchuk’s cap hit closer to $7 million than the previously $6 million cap hit for the 17 year – $102 million deal that was rejected.

Ducks GM: “Pronger gives them {Flyers} a chance to win a Stanley Cup immediately.”

Montreal_ There was ton of trade talk Friday night regarding a number of big names including Ryan Smyth, Ryan Clowe, Phil Kessel and Tomas Kaberle to name a few, but only one major trade went down as the Philadelphia landed All-Star defenseman Chris Pronger. The Flyers acquired Pronger, Ryan Dingle for Luca Sbisa, Joffrey Lupul, two first-round picks and a conditional third-round pick in 2010 or 2011. It was a costly trade for the Flyers but in the eyes of many NHL insiders, it gives them a legitimate #1 shutdown defenseman that the Flyers have lacked to matchup against Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Anaheim Ducks GM said in his post-trade comments that “Pronger gives them {Flyers} a chance to

NHL: Flyers land Chris Pronger

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Dingle to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Luca Sbisa, forward Joffrey Lupul, two first-round picks and a conditional third-round pick in 2010 or 2011. The Philadelphia Flyers turned their attention away from Jay Bouwmeester early this afternoon and put all of their efforts into acquiring Pronger.

NHL: Bruins, Flyers turning attention to Chris Pronger?

The Philadelphia Flyers remain in the hunt for the rights to Jay Bouwmeester but the team is also keeping a close eye on Chris Pronger who is being shopped. The Flyers have approached the Ducks about what it would take to land Pronger but we’re hearing the Flyers and number of teams want to talk extension with Pronger first. A darkhorse in the Pronger sweepstakes are the Boston Bruins who pursued Pronger at the trade deadline. If they are unable to land Tomas Kaberle for Phil Kessel, they are expected to turn their attention to Pronger. A number of teams including the Blues, Capitals, Canucks, Leafs are also expressing interest in Pronger.

NHL: Prongers days with Ducks could be numbered

Scott Niedermayer will make a decision on his future for next season by Friday and if he opts to return, the Ducks are expected to trade Chris Pronger. Pronger 34, has one year remaining on his contract. At the trade deadline Pronger was pursued by the Bruins, Blues, Flyers, Devils, Panthers and Capitals. Leafs GM Brian Burke will explore a trade for Pronger.

The Latest buzz from the NHL GM meetings in Pittsburgh

Rumor Mill Heating Up NHL GM’s have convened in Pittsburgh for the annual GM meetings, trade winds and free agent talk is starting to heat up. Here’s the latest. Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell has his most important off-season ahead for him as his star forward Ilya Kovalchuk is entering the final year of his contract. Word is Waddell will be aggressive in free agency and will make a strong run at the Sedin twins with Waddell prepared to make long-term offers to both players worth as much as $6 million per season. *Another player on the Thrashers radar is San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau according to a league source. The asking price is steep. *The Atlanta Thrashers have approached

NHL: Western Conference GM has his sights set on Jordan Staal

NHL Draft will see plenty of trade talk The NHL Draft is less than 4 weeks away and there will be plenty of movement as teams look to shed salary in the wake of the salary cap decreasing by $2-$2.5 million. Among the big names currently being shopped are Anaheim’s Chris Pronger, and Tampa Bay’s Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Malone. We’re hearing

Devils will be active at the trade deadline

The New Jersey Devils appear to have their sights set on making a Stanley Cup run this spring. The Devils have been one of the most active teams exploring the trade market for a top three defensemean and the New York Post reports the Devils will be in the hunt for Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermayer The Devils have also been linked to Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris.