Flames Trade Rumors

"The word out of Calgary this morning is that Curtis Glencross will be marching down Highway 2 to sign a contract with the Calgary Flames. After turning heads with his play in Edmonton in the final 26 games of the 2007-08 campaign, Glencross and the Oilers could not come to an agreement as to how much he was going to be worth in the coming campaigns. The unrestricted free agent had arrived in Edmonton via a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets."

"If Rhett Warrener's tenure with the Calgary Flames is over, he's hopeful his NHL career will continue. "I still think I can play. I don't think that I should be packing it in or thinking that way," the 32-year-old said yesterday from his home in Calgary. As of early last night, the rugged defenceman was still a member of the Calgary Flames -- he'd yet to receive the paperwork necessary to complete a buyout of the final year of his contract -- but he knew that could change in the next day or two. He didn't have any advance notice he would be waived along with teammates Marcus Nilson and Anders Eriksson Thursday, available to every other NHL team at his current $2.5-million ..."

"The opening bell will sound on Canada Day Tuesday, marking the start of the NHL's free-agent season. Here's a look at some of the players who will be most coveted by NHL general managers."

"The Blue Jackets desperately need a power-play quarterback, so look for them to make attempts to sign Ottawa's Wade Redden, Colorado's John-Michael Liles, Montreal's Mark Streit or the New York Rangers' Michal Rozsival. San Jose's Brian Campbell, the top available "offensive" defenseman, could be a target, too, but he might be the most sought-after player this summer, and it's unlikely the Blue Jackets -- loads of money or not -- would be Campbell's choice. The Blue Jackets also want a big, nasty, shut-down defenseman who will make them harder to play against. Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik and Ottawa's Mike Commodore would fit the bill. Now to the other end of the ice...Look for ..."

"Darcy Tucker, a Calgary Flame. Love it or hate it, it might just be a perfect fit. No, it hasn't happened yet and, no, we're not suggesting it absolutely will. But you can bet it's a possibility -- an intriguing one -- that general manager Darryl Sutter is looking into as he prepares for the lifting of the free-agent freeze Tuesday. After all, Sutter tried to trade for Tucker just a few years back. Bought out of the final three years of his four-year, $12-million US contract by the Leafs last week, the 33-year-old forward will enter the open market knowing he'll be paid $2 million by the Leafs no matter where he toils. With that in mind, the question now is: What is Tucker ..."

"Rhett Warrener, Marcus Nilson and Anders Eriksson all went unclaimed through waivers, but Calgary Flames general manger Darryl Sutter said the team still hasn't decided what to do with the trio, and that talking buyout is premature. Although the buyout window ends early next week, Sutter says an extension is possible. Putting the trio on regular waivers -- not unconditional waivers, which is necessary to start the buyout process -- served a couple of purposes, according to the Flames GM. One is to gauge interest from other teams. It's also a statement Sutter is making to his players."

"The rumour mill is heating up with expected signings of Calgary Flames pending unrestricted free agents, but looks like you can for sure say farewell to a couple of players. Agent Don Meehan yesterday admitted Kristian Huselius is going to become an unrestricted free agent July 1 -- which is no big surprise -- and added goaltender Curtis Joseph likely won't return to Calgary. Meehan said Joseph, who joined the Flames for the final couple of months last season as the back-up netminder, would prefer to stay as close as possible to the Toronto area."

"One rumour yesterday had Toronto lining up ex-Leaf Curtis Joseph for a backup role here, now that Andrew Raycroft's status is in doubt, Scott Clemmensen is gone and Justin Pogge will be the full-time Marlies goalie. "A nice idea, but I've had no talks with the Leafs," Joseph's agent, Don Meehan said. Fletcher refused comment while Joseph still is under contract to Calgary, as well regarding speculation that soon-to-be ex-Penguin Gary Roberts might talk to the Leafs about filling their veteran leadership void."

"Forget about a star replacement, because Murray has limited space under the NHL's salary cap and must also plug holes on defence and at forward. The list of goaltending possibilities includes outgoing Boston Bruins netminder Alex Auld, former Buffalo Sabres backup Jocelyn Thibault, Curtis Joseph, late of the Calgary Flames, or Ty Conklin, who had an outstanding run for the Pittsburgh Penguins after their starter, Marc-André Fleury, was sidelined by an ankle injury in November and December."

"Most draft pundits believe Gardiner, a powerful skater who is one of the fastest in the draft, will be taken between No. 15 and No. 20 overall. The teams holding those picks are Nashville, Boston, Calgary, Ottawa, Columbus and the New York Rangers. Along with the Minnesota Wild, which picks 24th and has been rumored as a destination for Jokinen, Calgary appears to be an intriguing possibility. Flames coach Mike Keenan is fond of Jokinen, and the Panthers could ask for the Flames' No. 17 pick, forward Alex Tanguay and one of Calgary's several talented blue-liners."

"Like a commercial jingle that gets bouncing around inside your cranium, the Olli Jokinen rumours won't go away. For years there's been speculation the Finnish centreman was Calgary-bound. The talk started long before Mike Keenan moved behind the Flames bench and certainly picked up steam afterwards, the veteran coach and Jokinen having enjoyed a solid relationship during their days together in South Florida. Well, if it's ever going to happen, this coming week might be the time. The National Hockey League draft is on the docket next weekend in Ottawa and the annual gathering of team poobahs is often the scene of the first major transactions of the summer."

"The Flames say an IIHF transaction report that assistant coach Wayne Fleming has signed on to become head coach of the Dinamo Minsk in Belarus is "inaccurate," although Fleming is a candidate for the position"

"The list of unearthed Europeans expected to join the NHL next season isn't ending at Fabian Brunnstrom. Another name to keep in mind is Martin Thornberg, who helped lead HV71 Jonkoping to the Elitserien title, and apparently the Flames are among those teams greatly interested in signing the left winger who'll turn 25 this summer... According to sources, the Flames tried to ink Brunnstrom around a year ago, but the Swedish forward wanted to play through the season and see what interest came."

"The pending unrestricted free agent, who'll turn 37 before training camp begins in September, has to bide his time waiting to find out whether he fits into the Flames' future plans. A new contract for top-line centre Daymond Langkow is expected to come to fruition soon, and the club expects Matthew Lombardi to ascend into a second-line position for the coming season. Where that leaves Conroy remains to be seen. Conroy, content with the fact he'll have to take a cut in pay from the US$2.85 million salary he received this past season and a reduced role to remain in Calgary, just has to sit and wait. "They have to figure out what they want to do and make their decisions and let me ..."

"But as he turns 31 on Canada Day it's fair to ask whether Iginla isn't becoming the new Ray Bourque, the iconic team player who has to look elsewhere for a chance at winning the Stanley Cup. He's still a peak player, but the days when he could regularly log 25 to 30 minutes a game are growing shorter."

"Poor Alex Tanguay. If the trade rumours weren't bad enough during the season, now we find the fans might actually enjoy seeing the current Calgary Flames left-winger sporting new colours next season. In our 'You Be The Boss' season review, you were asked whether you believe the 28-year-old playmaker should be dealt for more depth. A convincing 84% of the voters said yes."

"Well, Miikka Kiprusoff may have been able to escape the media watchdogs. But he'll not be escaping the iron hand of Iron Mike. From that, short of demanding a trade, there is no parole."

"Alex Tanguay knows he's got to get out of town. Not necessarily permanently, although that's a very real possibility, but at least for the summer to get away from the trade talk that will no doubt start up the second the playoffs are over."

"Tanguay has another $5.35-million US season remaining on his contract. Sutter maintains Tanguay isn't going any place, but moving his salary would give the club some much-needed cap room."

"The nervous laughter from Kristian Huselius told quite a tale. Huselius, the Calgary Flames forward and pending unrestricted free agent, was asked if he could see himself playing another season with Mike Keenan as head coach."

"Left-winger Kristian Huselius, who's spent time in Mike Keenan's doghouse here in Calgary as he did in South Florida, on Friday said a lot of nice things about the city and what his time with the Flames has meant for his career. But after one healthy scratch and some extended benchings in the latter stages of the season, you have to think the Swede is looking for a new address."

"Without the Is dotted and Ts crossed, Daymond Langkow won't discuss his pending contract extension."

"So if you liked what you saw this year, get ready for more, because even with the cap soaring as high as $55 million to $56 million, the options are very limited. Short of another GM taking pity on Sutter and relieving him of Alex Tanguay's $5.3 million, Rhett Warrener's $2.5 million, Anders Eriksson's $1.5 million or Marcus Nilson's $1 million, dollars are in short supply."

"Energy. It's a track from the album Calgary Flames forward Mark Smith and his band -- The Vinyl Trees -- compiled on their disc, Pura Vida. It's also something the Calgary Flames were sorely lacking all season. And it's something that must become part of the team's repertoire before next season -- and should be added in major doses."

"The meat and potatoes remain. So, while Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter does have summertime decisions to ponder, the rejigging of his core isn't one of them. The superstar captain? Jarome Iginla, here through 2012-13. The budding blueliner? Dion Phaneuf, here through 2013-14. The clamp-down defender? Robyn Regehr, here through 2012-13. The top-flight puck-stopper? Miikka Kiprusoff, here through 2013-14. And, if you believe the persistent scuttlebutt around the rink, there's also . . . . The steady middleman? Daymond Langkow, here through 2011-12. That's a solid start."

"Perhaps the most immediate issue to be resolved is the role of Keenan, who unceremoniously yanked Miikka Kiprusoff from the Flames' net in the second period of Game 7. I'd have given good odds Keenan would return to the Flames bench -- if he still wanted the post. But giving the former Vezina-winning goalie the hook in the biggest game of the year -- then throwing him under the bus at the post-game news conference -- raises serious questions whether the coach and goalie can co-exist."

"A report out of Edmonton this week suggested the $20-million extension that has been agreed upon includes a no-trade clause, which means Langkow is destined to spend seven years with the Flames before it's all said and done."

"It's believed the Ducks, Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild all have made a pitch for Florida captain Olli Jokinen, who is being shopped. The Stars have been among the most aggressive because co-GM Brett Hull wants to make a big move at the deadline. Jokinen might not be opposed to a deal... Talk won't go away that Calgary left winger Alex Tanguay will be dealt to Montreal for right winger Michael Ryder... There has been little talk about Pittsburgh Penguins left winger Ryan Malone, who's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1."

"Kings D Rob Blake could be dealt to the Avs, although he has refused to waive his no-trade clause ... There has been talk in NHL circles that the Senators may again ask D Wade Redden if he's interested in moving. Listening to Murray lately, that seems highly doubtful. Redden killed a deal to the Sharks for D Matt Carle and a draft pick earlier this month ... The Sabres have to make a decision on D Brian Campbell, who's also set to become an unrestricted free agent."

"Meanwhile, the 6-foot-3-inch Carter could be a nice fit for the Bruins, both for his size and touch, but they don't have that Kaberle-like blue liner to offer in return... It's that kind of package that gives Chiarelli some legit clout with Atlanta GM Don Waddell when talking a swap for Marian Hossa, but it's too much to yield if Hossa, age 29, doesn't first agree to a long-term deal (sign-and-trade agreement)... A couple of other top offensive performers rumored to be available: Alex Tanguay (Calgary) and Martin Havlat (Chicago)."

"So if the Bruins want a top-six forward (other possibilities include Calgary's Alex Tanguay, Tampa Bay's Vaclav Prospal, and Edmonton's Jarret Stoll), other GMs might include Phil Kessel, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Tuukka Rask, Matt Lashoff, and Zach Hamill on their wish lists."

"The rumor with the most traction continues to surround talk that Lightning general manager Jay Feaster has put out feelers to see what kind of return could be had for C Brad Richards, with Columbus allegedly showing the most interest at this point, although TSN Canadian television reported that Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Edmonton also have interest. Richards, however, holds a no-trade clause, which means he would have to agree to any trade, which might eliminate Edmonton's chances."

"Calgary Flames forward Alex Tanguay's name has popped back up on the market with five days left before the trade deadline. Tanguay would have to waive his no-trade clause, but there's talk he could be sent to the Habs for Montreal winger Michael Ryder. It's believed the Panthers have also talked to the Flames about Tanguay... The Atlanta Thrashers would like a player and No. 1 pick for right winger Marian Hossa. The players being offered by numerous teams have been well publicized, but some wondered yesterday if Ottawa GM Bryan Murray might be willing to move defenceman Andrej Meszaros."

"There's a belief the New York Islanders have held talks with the Leafs to bring back Bryan McCabe, who would have to waive his no-trade clause ... While the Montreal has been linked to Mats Sundin, sources say they're a bigger player for Marian Hossa or Flames' Alex Tanguay."

"If Mats Sundin is to be taken at his word, that he truly bleeds blue and white, then in the best interests of the Maple Leafs he must act accordingly. He must waive the no-trade clause in his contract and allow Cliff Fletcher to trade him at the Feb. 26 deadline."

"The possibilities regarding offensive standouts Kristian Huselius and Daymond Langkow -- both due to become unrestricted free agents this summer -- have also been monitored closely. The status of Craig Conroy, however, hasn't been in the limelight."

"Does anybody out there believe the Calgary Flames won't re-sign Dion Phaneuf? Anyone? Anyone? Since there are only crickets chirping, we'll take it news the Flames and Phaneuf's agents -- namely Don Meehan -- are zeroing in on a deal comes as no big surprise."

"Rising star defenceman Dion Phaneuf is reportedly close to signing a contract extension. TSN said the agents for the third-year NHLer and GM Darryl Sutter only have a few "minor details" to iron out on a deal."

"A particularly sexy bit of conjecture surrounding the Flames has been the club's supposed interest in a couple of sensational Swedish centremen -- the unemployed Peter Forsberg, who has cranked up his training for a potential comeback from foot surgery, and Toronto Maple Leafs' Mats Sundin, who so far seems disinclined to waive his no-trade protection. According to Sutter, the Flames haven't been spending much time on either dossier. "I couldn't even tell you anything about Peter Forsberg and I haven't talked to Toronto," Sutter insisted."

"Alex Tanguay has had enough. So has Darryl Sutter. After days of patiently responding to questions concerning renewed speculation he's being shopped around, the Flames winger finally snapped yesterday. "What?" asked a disgusted Tanguay when a reporter asked if he hoped to be back with the Flames following the all-star break. "That's a stupid question. I'm not going to answer that.""

"Alex Tanguay denied having agreed to waiving his no-trade clause and said Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter hasn't asked for him to, despite the rampant reports... Tanguay has been the subject of a plethora of trade rumours lately, which appear to be gaining steam -- especially with Sutter out east watching NHL games this past week."

"While one national media outlet claims the 28-year-old native of Ste-Justine, Que., has already agreed to waive his no-trade clause, Tanguay insists that is not so. "It's not coming from me, that's for sure," he said Sunday afternoon. "We haven't talked about it." That jibes with what Calgary general manager Darryl Sutter said Saturday night in Montreal, the latest stop in his week-long tour of Eastern Conference cities. On the other hand, neither side is completely ruling out the possibility of movement before the Feb. 26 trade deadline."

"Even Tanguay admitted yesterday the money he makes doesn't jive with the secondary role he's been given, making him ripe for a trade. While vastly underappreciated in Calgary where he's now a second-line winger and penalty killer, there are plenty of teams throughout the Eastern Conference -- where Sutter is scouting -- understandably interested in the 28-year-old."

"The good news for Flames fans is Langkow is an integral part of any potential playoff run the Flames might mount, meaning GM Darryl Sutter wouldn't dare dream of moving the pending unrestricted free agent at the trade deadline. The bad news is, there's little chance the Flames will be able to afford to keep him given the monstrous money Phaneuf will command."

"Has there ever been a winger of the stature of Jarome Iginla to go his entire career without once having an elite center with whom to work? Wouldn't Sundin sort of cure that injustice if general manager Darryl Sutter can find the way to bring him to Calgary - Alex Tanguay would have to be part of the package going the other way - before the Feb. 26 deadline?"

"The Montreal Canadiens continue to have more than a passing interest in Calgary Flames winger Alex Tanguay... Los Angeles Kings defenceman Rob Blake has picked up his game considerably and might be on the move before the Feb. 26 deadline. And despite his club's strong record, San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson would love to get his hands on a defenceman."

"The Maple Leafs don't play on Feb. 26, the day of the NHL trade deadline, which might suit Jason Blake just fine. Though his name has become a part of trade talk, Blake does not mind the speculation... Captain Mats Sundin might not agree. His name has been linked to the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames, and it's known the Canucks will at least kick the Leafs' tires on Sundin, if they have not done so already."

"Amid a fresh set of rumours that a managerial change within the Leafs could see Sundin convinced to change his mind about becoming a rental player in the spring, the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames each had two scouts in Toronto on Tuesday for the Leafs' game against Carolina. The Canucks were not in TD Banknorth Gardens last night, but Flames general manager Darryl Sutter was assigned a press box seat."

"Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey and his right-hand man, Pierre Gauthier, have been watching the Flames for the past week, which has revived speculation about a deal bringing Alex Tanguay to Montreal. The last time there was talk of Tanguay, there were rumours of a straight-up deal for Michael Ryder. That seems unlikely. While the Flames might want to free up $5.3 million in cap room by dumping Tanguay, they are in a playoff position and would want some kind of asset in return."

"The Flames apparently have their man. Several sources are indicating that goaltender Curtis Joseph has made his decision and will sign with Calgary. Joseph, 40, has been an unrestricted free agent since playing out his contract with the Phoenix Coyotes a season ago."