If the Penguins want Colby Armstrong it is going to cost them puck moving defenseman Alex Goligoski according to a league source. Contrary to other reports, the Thrashers are not actively shopping Armstrong and they remain very high on him.
Armstrong has 13 goals on the year, has been a great locker room presence and is averaging between 15-17 minutes of ice time per game.
The Thrashers have received quite a few inquires about Armstrong including from the Penguins, Wild, Rangers, Kings, and Flames.
As I’ve been mentioning for a while, the Thrashers are actively shopping former Penguins forward Eric Christensen. Columbus, Montreal, New York Islanders and the Phoenix Coyotes are four teams to express interest.
The trade deadline always brings out some crazy rumors. Pierre LeBrun reports a source told him the Panthers, Senators and Rangers were talking about a major three way trade involving Scott Gomez, Jason Spezza and Jay Bouwmeester. Lebrun notes there isn’t anything to the rumor.
Lightning forward Gary Roberts will return to the lineup this week for the Lightning. Management is hopeful Roberts can stay healthy leading up to the trade deadline and they can get a draft pick for him.
Some teams have been eyeing Mark Recchi to bolster their teams power play. Predators, Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Stars and Coyotes are showing mild interest to this point. He can be acquired rather cheaply.
Blackhawks and Bruins looking hard at Blues forward Keith Tkachuk
The four most dangerous teams at the trade deadline are going to be the Capitals, Bruins, Canadiens and Devils. The Capitals have saved some cap space with Chris Clark going on IR for the rest of the season

Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar is due back in about two weeks. That will give the Penguins nine NHL defenseman.
To this point the Penguins are receiving the most calls about Hal Gill. Columbus, Buffalo, Anaheim, Edmonton and Dallas have made inquires. IF the Penguins were willing to move Gill to an Eastern Conference team, they would have a lot of options. If the Penguins are still in the hunt at the deadline, the best option will be keeping Hal Gill. He has been a leader in the locker room and plays well in the playoffs. The Caps, Rangers and maybe even the Devils would love to acquire a big defenseman like Gill.
The market for Philippe Boucher is unclear. Early Janaury, Anaheim, columbus, and Buffalo were mentioned. All of those teams are looking at other options and they prefer Gill over Boucher. Going to be difficult to move him.
Columbus is one of the most active teams in trade talks right now with various teams including the Penguins. Last Wednesday they had three scouts at Mellon Arena.
Islanders only team showing significant interest in Eaton. The coaching staff has been praising Eaton’s play’s the past couple weeks through the media and as we all know Shero believes Eaton is one of the Penguins top four defenseman when healthy.
5-7 teams expected to be in the building tonight. I will have an update on which representatives are in town following the game.
Photo courtesy of Dan4th