With the Trade Deadline two weeks away, here’s the latest buzz around the league for Monday, February 14th– Forsberg calls it quits: Petr Forsberg’s comeback has lasted just two games. The Brett Favre of hockey will announce his retirement today.
Bruins see opportunity in East: With the Pittsburgh Penguins depleted by injuries and likely to take a step back this season, even if Sidney Crosby returns, Contenders in the East are said to be seeing a prime opportunity in front of themselves.
The Boston Bruins are believed to be one of those teams. The Bruins are actively seeking a puck moving defenseman with Tomas Kaberle at the top of their radar and they could also explore making a splash.
The Boston Globe reports the Bruins are willing to move “Toronto’s “1st round pick but only for two players. According to the report they will only surrender their 1st rounder for Stars center Brad Richards and Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Zach Bogosian.
The Stars have yet to make Richards available but have not ruled it out. Boston, Tampa Bay and the New York Rangers have significant interest in Richards.
Bogosian has drawn strong interest from the Edmonton Oilers.
Flyers looking to Add: The conference leading Philadelphia Flyers have cap space with over $3.6 million to spend and are actively looking to acquire a top-9 forward. Erik Cole is at the top of their radar but he has yet to be made available.
Other targets include Florida’s Cory Stillman as the Flyers and Panthers have been engaged in exploratory talks.
Meanwhile, CSNPhilly.com reports the Flyers could have interest in Toronto Maple Leafs winger Kris Versteeg.
Kings/Penguins among teams scouting Panthers:
The Los Angeles Kings reportedly had 5 scouts in attendance for last night’s Panthers game and the Kings have been scouting the Panthers heavily over the past week.
Florida has made it no secret is that everyone is available including centerman Stephen Weiss.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh had scouts in attendance for last night’s Panthers-Sharks game and team scouts got another look at Chris Higgins who had a goal and assist and is playing solid hockey of late.
Impending free agent Cory Stillman returned to the lineup for Florida, logging 17:26 of ice time and collecting an assist.
ELSEWHERE AROUND THE LEAGUE
*Sources indicate the Atlanta Thrashers and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams to express early interest in Oilers forward Ales Hemsky. However, there are doubts that he will be moved as the asking price is extremely high.
*Tampa Bay is aggressively looking to add and have signficant cap space available. They are seeking a top 3-line center, toughness upfront and blueline depth. Some bigger names connected to Tampa include Jason Arnott and Chris Phillips.
*The Flyers have explored the possibility of putting a package together for Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Steve Mason.
*Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is extremely active on the trade front but centerman R.J. Umberger who is regarded as the Blue Jackets heart and soul of their team, is viewed as an untouchable, according to league executives.
