NHL Rumors II: Clowe close to being traded, Red Wings, Blackhawk-Isles talking trade and the Flyers

From twitter unless otherwise noted

  • Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: The Sharks are getting closer to trading Ryane Clowe. Source is saying that the team has approached Clowe’s agent about the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause. A deal could happen as soon as today. The Bruins, Canadiens and Rangers appear to be the most likely destinations. ESPN reported that the Sharks would like to get a first round pick and a young asset. Clowe has missed four games recently with a shoulder injury, something that concerned the Bruins.
  • David Pollak: The Bruins scouted the Sharks-Red Wings. The Canadiens didn’t scout the game, Canucks GM Mike Gillis was at the game. The Rangers weren’t on the scouting list either.
  • Bruce Garrioch: There are five or six teams that are interested in Clowe. There are rumblings that he wants a sign and trade.
  • Joe Haggerty: Can’t see the Bruins giving up a first round pick for a guy who looks to be broken down.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings don’t want to give up their first round pick this season.

    “I’m OK where we’re at,” Holland said. “Especially considering 20% of (the) roster has been out. And I’m not doing any rentals for fifth or sixth defensemen, or fourth-line players. If we can get a real player, a top-six forward or a top-four defenseman, at a price we can live with, who wouldn’t do that? But I’m not doing any rentals.”

  • The Fourth Period: Chicago Daily Herald reported that the Islanders and Blackhawks have discussed a multi-player trade involving Frans Nielsen. The Blackhawks had asked about Lubomir Visnovsky, but he signed an extension on Friday. The Blackhawks may now look to Mark Streit. The Islanders are rumored to be interested in defenseman Dylan Olsen and forward Jeremy Morin. The Blackhawks may also be interested in defenseman: Robyn Regehr, Ryan O’Bryne, Mark Fistric and Ryan Whitney, and forwards: Boyd Gordon, Derek Roy and Ryane Clowe.
  • Dave Isaac of the Courier Post: The Flyers have been hit hard with injuries, and acquiring a rental wouldn’t make sense. Daniel Briereis out with a concussion, and would have been a trade chip.

    “I don’t see him blowing things up,” NHL Network analyst Barry Melrose told the Courier-Post. “In a losing streak, you’re never as bad as you think you are. Same thing on a winning streak, you’re never as good as you think you are. I think Paul is a very deliberate general manager. I think he’ll evaluate everything.”

    “You’ve got (Claude) Giroux, who’s had an OK year,” Melrose said. “(Wayne) Simmonds has had a pretty good year and (Jake) Voracek has had a pretty good year. Other than that, everyone’s had a disappointing offensive year.”

    Briere and Ilya Bryzgalov are candidates to be bought out this summer.