* Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla still remains the most sought after piece at the April 3 trade deadline. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings and Pittsburgh Penguins are still believed to be the primary suitors, with Boston considered the front-runners.
NHL trade rumors: Bruins look beyond Jarome Iginla; Flyers interested in Brent Burns
A daily roundup of trade rumors in the NHL (remember, rumors are not always reports). Wednesday’s edition includes the Bruins’ continued pursuit of forwards, their backup plan outside of Jarome Iginla and the Flyers’ potential pursuit of defense options.
USA TODAY Sports
The asking price is believed to be a first-round draft selection, primary prospect and secondary prospect.
* Boston and Calgary have been in constant communication with the Flames cautiously progressing in the discussions, according to Darren Dreger of TSN
However, Dreger states that Boston is in negotiations with other teams and is preparing to make a deal if things fall through on the Iginla front. San Jose Sharks forward Ryane Clowe is apparently one of the players they are pursuing. While Dreger doesn't list the others, he notes that they still have term remaining on their contracts, compared to the rental acquisitions of Iginla or Clowe.
* While the Bruins have been shopping for a forward, Joe Haggerty reminds everyone that the team is also looking for a left-handed defenseman to supplement the defense corps. A name that Haggerty thinks is a fit is that of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney, via CSNNE:
He’s a 6-foot-4, 215-pound offensive defenseman that could step in and give the Bruins another blueliner with some offensive skills, and Whitney will be highly motivated entering into unrestricted free agency following the season.
* Despite Stephen Weiss' season-ending surgery, Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet reported that Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon might still be able to move Weiss prior to the start of free agency. Kypreos insinuated that an opposing team might look to acquire his negotiation rights or might look to complete a sign-and-trade.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, this would allow Weiss to receive a maximum contract of eight-years. If he signs with a new club as a free agent he could only sign for seven years.
* The Philadelphia Flyers have fallen out of the playoff race with their chances of qualifying for the second season becoming slimmer with each day. However, the team still needs to improve their blue line heading into the future. Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote on Wednesday morning that the team is interested in San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns.
The team has also been linked to teammate Dan Boyle and Calgary Flames defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.
More in the NHL:
See More:
