Tuesday Night Quick Hit Rumors

With the deadline 8 days away, here are a few rumors I’ve collected for your entertainment. Consider it speculation, but this is what is certainly making more than just the rounds.

Avalanches are Sellers: Word on the street is they are looking at letting go of the “Denver Core”. I’m talking guys like Foote, Hejduk, etc. Penguins are interested in Hejduk, but the Avs have been requesting Whitney in the return. It’s likely the Pens will get more than just Hejduk in return, but one must wonder if this is the right decision to make for the Pens club going forward. Wolski and Stastny are believed to be the only untouchables.

Senators the Middle Men: Ottawa is a mixed team at this point. While they still believe they can make the playoffs (good luck) they are actively seeking additional leadership while willing to sell off key components such as Fisher and Vermette. Rumors have them looking at Whitney as well, including Pronger out of Anaheim. One has to wonder if the only way for this organization to move forward in rebuilding their team quickly is to move Heatley. Spezza is still young, and Heatley has fallen off of his gritty game into a pure shooter. Perhaps moving him for immediate young talent wouldn’t be that bad of an idea.

Sabres Slide: With the recent injuries to Miller and Vanek, the Sabres are in a fighting battle to maintain a playoff position; that being said, they do not rule out the possibility of selling at the deadline. While Tim Connolly has been effective despite being injured for half the year, the Sabres are attracting a lot of interest for his services and are keeping a keen ear to the phone on what is offered. If healthy, Connolly could be a steal of a deal, but the Sabres know that and look to get as much as possible for the young centerman.

Lecavalier – Yes or No?: Here’s a quote from the Lightning. “I’ll say never right now,” Lawton told the Tribune, Monday. “You can usually say you should never say never, but because people have taken such liberties with that whole deal, we never shopped Vinny Lecavalier. Did people ask about him? Of course. Who wouldn’t? Were we actively calling teams? No. We never did and we never will. Let’s leave it at that, so I don’t have to answer any questions.” I’ll just leave the speculation with what he said. Interesting to say the least.

8 Days Until the Hockey Holiday! Be sure to drop by for insight, rumors and full deadline coverage, including a live-link to The Score where I’ll be covering the deadline from 11:30 AM EST and on.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com