Latest Pens Rumblings: Kesler, Vanek, Hemsky, Brodeur, Callahan

(12:00 p.m.)

— Ryan Kesler to Anaheim or Pittsburgh? That’s where things might be headed if he gets moved at all. Bob McKenzie of TSN reported this morning that based on the process of elimination that’s where things appear to be. McKenzie and Pierre LeBrun have both reported that they believe Kesler would accept a trade to Anaheim.

— The Islanders asking price for Tomas Vanek has dropped. Wrote last week that the Penguins have believed that the Sabres would get a bigger return for Matt Moulson than the Islanders will for Vanek. I hear the Islanders are telling teams that Pittsburgh is in on Vanek, (I do believe they are considering him), but there’s a lot more talk in Penguins circles that Pittsburgh’s top winger target is Ales Hemsky because of price. However, the betting money is on Hemsky landing in Ottawa.

{Updated 12:20 p.m.) – Ales Hemsky has been traded to the Ottawa Senators for two draft picks, believed to be a third and fifth round pick, per TSN.

— An NHL source confirms that Marty Brodeur would waive his no trade clause to Pittsburgh and has “great respect” for Marc Andre Fleury. However, to this point can’t find anyone close to the situation who believes Pittsburgh has interest in Brodeur..

— Corey Potter was claimed by the Boston Bruins who were ahead of the Penguins in the waiver standings. The Penguins had discussed Potter as I mentioned earlier today.

— The big trade to this point today was Tampa Bay Lightning trading Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan Callahan, a first round pick (2015) and second round pick (2014). That second round pick turns into a 2014 first round pick if the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Finals. There’s talk that the Lightning are at least interested in moving Callahan. Pittsburgh kicked the tires at somepoint over the last couple weeks.