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Early evening rumors involving: Capitals, Sabres, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Rangers, Flames and Blue Jackets
Mark Easson
Jesse Spector of the Sporting News: Spector writes about 3 teams that should be sellers. Capitals – Both Roman Hamrlik and Mike Knuble could be valuable veteran additions for contenders. The Capitals are close to the cap ceiling, and have been putting players on LTIR to stay below. Alex Semin will be a UFA at the end of the year. GM McPhee needs to figure quickly what went wrong, and make some moves to free up some cap space. Buffalo – If the Sabres can find someone to take on one of their bad contracts, or get a solid return for Drew Stafford, they may make a deal. Rental players that have available are Brad Boyes, Paul Gaustad and Jochen Hecht. Edmonton – Ales Hemsky is their most intriguing trade candidate, but they are also trying to re-sign him. If the Oilers can find a taker for Cam Barker or Theo Peckham, they should make the deal.
Howard Berger via twitter: Though not certain of the magnitude, but Berger would be surprised if the Maple Leafs haven’t made a deal by late Sunday. A source has said that the Leafs have received “several” trade scenarios involving Mikhail Grabovski. Wouldn’t be a surprise if he’s dealt. Grabovski and Carl Gunnarsson are the players most often mentioned in trade talks @NewfamousLeafer via twitter: LeBrun reported on TSN 1050 that Luke Schenn is the likely to be traded Maple Leaf.
Larry Brooks via twitter: Rangers discussing placing Sean Avery on re-entry waivers tomorrow. Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Flames were the 1 team that was interested in Avery a month ago, but the Rangers were relucant to put him on re-entry.
Jim Matheson via twitter: The Oilers want Ales Hemsky to decide on contract offer now, so if 2 years isn’t good enough, they have until Monday to talk to teams about a trade.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Oilers may have interest in Blue Jackets defenseman Marc Methot despite him being done for the year with a a broken jaw.
John Vogl via twitter: Sabres GM Darcy Regier said he’s less likely to acquire a rental player. Added that the trade market has shrunk in the last couple days.