NHL: Shakeup continues in MTL; Five teams in talks with Leafs about Nik Antropov

The Montreal Canadiens have re-assigned forward Sergei Kostitsyn to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League

Official Release from the Canadiens: Forward Gregory Stewart has been recalled from the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. Forward Sergei Kostitsyn has been assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Stewart will join the club in Washington.

Stewart, 22, registered one point (1 assist), posted a plus-1 rating and averaged 9:38 of ice time in three games this season with the Canadiens. The left-winger, who started the season in Hamilton, is sixth in the AHL this season with 170 penalty minutes. The Kitchener, Ontario, native amassed 17 points (7 goals, 10 assists) with a plus-8 rating in 51 games with the Bulldogs in 2008-09.

This season with the Canadiens, Sergei Kostitsyn, 21, scored 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) and served 64 penalty minutes in 52 contests

GM Brian Burke is trying to drive up the market price for Center Nik Antropov. Burke is hopeful to land a first round pick for Antropov and remains in talks with the Blue Jackets, Blackhawks, Panthers and Stars. The Leafs and Jackets have discussed a package that would send Antropov & defenseman Pavel Kubina to Columbus.

Andy Strickland who is very reliable is reporting the Leafs may pick up Sean Avery on re-entry waivers.

The Bruins have also expressed an interest in Antropov but appear to be targeting Oilers forward Eric Cole and Blues forward Keith Tkachuk.