NHL: Scouts fill HSBC Arena for Penguins/Sabres Game.

Tonight’s Penguins/Sabres is a hot attraction and over 10 teams have scouts in the building according to sources. One team in particular is there to see Janne Pesonen according to source and others have their eye on Max Afinigonov. For a complete list of whose in the building read more

Capitals – Hawks eye third team to finalize deal

The Washington Capitals and the Chicago Blackhawks continue to work on finalizing a potential deal that would send Capitals center Michael Nylander to Chicago. The Capitals and Hawks are looking for a third team to finalize the deal. Shanahan to Washington? Sources tell me the Capitals eye the chance to clear enough cap space to sign forward Brendan Shanahan to Washington. Sergei Fedorov has played an vital role in trying to get Shanahan to Washington according to sources. Shanahan appears willing to wait to see if the Caps can clear enough cap space but for how long remains a question mark. Shanahan is also believed to have offers on the table from the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey

NHL: Stastny signs 5 year extension

The Colorado Avalanche made a crucial signing for their future as the team announced the signing of Paul Stastny to a five-year contract extension worth $33 million The Avalanche chose Stastny in the second round, 44th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In 164 career games, Stastny has scored 55 goals and added 109 assists. Stastny currently leads the Avalanche in scoring with 15 pts on the season.

Deal in the works between the Av’s & Sens?

The Latest NHL Buzz The Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping Radim Vrbata who has minimal value right now. Vrbata has gone 40 games dating back to last season without a goal. Winger Gary Roberts is also believed to be on the trade block with the Detroit Red Wings showing interest. The big name who could be moved at the trade deadline is Marty St. Louis. If the playoffs are an afterthought, indications are ownership will explore the possibility with the idea of getting younger and clearing enough cap room to make a run at one of the top tier wingers on the free agent market next season. St. Louis is 33 yrs old and has two years remaining on his

NHL: Senators in hot pursuit of Mats Sundin?

Ottawa Senators’ owner, Eugene Melnyk, told Mats Sundin last week they are very interested in signing him. Sundin who was in Sweden last week for the ceremonial puck drop between the Penguins and Senators, remains undecided on his future. Sundin looking to join a contender has been heavily pursued by the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche. The Canucks, Avalanche and Senators all have over $4 million in cap space. Sundin is likely to return sometime after December. Source: Ottawa Sun

NHL Preview: Northwest division

Inside Report While every team in this division took a step backward, the Oilers got much better. 1. Edmonton Oilers (41-35-6) The Oilers head into the 08-09 campaign with a better squad than they had in 2005-2006 when they made the Stanley Cup finals. Kevin Lowe stayed away from RFA sheets this summer and focused on the trade market. Lowe first brought in winger Erik Cole from the Carolina Hurricanes. Cole a potential 30-35 goal scorer will play on a line with Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky. Lowe also bolstered his blue line trading for Kings defensemen Lubomir Visnovsky and added depth with the addition of Gilbert Brule. Visnovsky will team with D Sheldon Souray who missed the majority of