DePaoli’s NHL Thursday Rumor Roundup
— Darren Dreger of TSN.CA reports the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are inching closer to a deal that would send Tomas Kaberle to Boston. The deal could be finalized as early as Friday.
The Bruins have been actively seeking a puck moving defenseman and this will address a serious need.
To make room for Kaberle, the Bruins are trying to move Blake Wheeler. Several teams showing interest, including the Atlanta Thrashers. The New Jersey Devils who were among Wheeler’s top choices when he was let go by the Phoenix Coyotes two summers ago, also have interest.
The Rangers have also kicked the tires on Kaberle but are said to not to have been seriously involved. Boston and New York are two of the few selected places in the East, where Kaberle will accept a trade too.
Tampa Bay is also interested but it’s unknown if Kaberle would waive his NTC to go there.
— With Kaberle likely out of the picture, at the top of the Rangers wishlist is Florida’s Bryan McCabe.
— The Los Angeles Kings are looking to make a splash. They remain the favorite to land Ales Hemsky. They have also expressed interest in Stephen Weiss.
— The New York Islanders this morning announced that the team has agreed to a one year extension with winger PA Parenteau. The deal is worth $1.25 million.
— What the Washington Capitals do at the trade deadline is going to be intriguing to watch. The belief is Capitals management feels they have a Stanley Cup Contender in place and that’s a mistake.
Despite having over $7 million in cap space, the Capitals though are not expected to make a big splash but look for them to still make some tweaks.
They are looking to add a center and have their eye on Jason Arnott and will likely add a depth defenseman at the deadline. They are among the teams with interest in Hurricanes defenseman Ian White who is also drawing interest from Nashville, Tampa Bay and San Jose.
— The New Jersey Devils have yet to make Jason Arnott available and won’t decide to move him until closer to the deadline. Arnott has a NTC. Several contenders in the East have Arnott on their radar, including the Lightning and Capitals. Pittsburgh who is exploring all options, could also get in the mix.
— Interesting tidbit on Alexei Kovalev. Those outside the Penguins organization see Kovalev as a good fit in Pittsburgh. Right now you don’t hear those same positive vibes coming from those inside the Penguins organization.
— Big stretch of games coming up for the Columbus Blue Jackets who are 6 points out of the final playoff spot. In the West, Edmonton, Colorado and St. Louis will be sellers. Columbus could also be moving into that direction depending on where they are by next weekend.
Updated: 6:00 p.m. Ruutu dealt to Anaheim – Jarkko Ruutu has been traded to the Anaheim Ducks for a 6th round pick.
