Coyotes Trade Rumors

"Right wing Radim Vrbata, who tailed off toward the end of the season but still had the best offensive output of his career, is hoping for a quick resolution in his unrestricted free-agent status."

"Whether Vrbata re-signs (both sides have indicated they'd like to get a deal done) will partially determine how active Phoenix is in the free agent market. But with a commitment to building from within and key restricted free agents like Carcillo all but guaranteed to be back, the Coyotes don't see much need for outside help."

"Blake Wheeler, the Coyotes' first-round draft pick in 2004, says he is still deciding whether to turn pro or return to the University of Minnesota for his senior season. He said he would weigh his options over the next several weeks. He said he really enjoys college life, and despite not winning a championship feels he has had a satisfying career."

"Left wing Mike York, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, said his only focus is on making the playoffs, and that "playing for a contract" isn't in his mind."

"The name of right wing Radim Vrbata, who would be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season if he is not re-signed, popped up Monday in a trade rumor on ESPN.com. Vrbata is having the best year of his career, with 27 goals and 51 points. Talks have been ongoing between the team and Vrbata's agent."

"While most of the attention first was focused on signing goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov and now on negotiating a deal with right wing Radim Vrbata, there are other unrestricted free agents on the Coyotes whose futures remain unclear. "

"While RW Radim Vrbata has been on fire, the Coyotes might consider moving him... The Jackets are fielding calls for D Ron Hainsey, but they haven't decided if they're going to be a buyer or seller at the deadline ..."

" Which is why the Rangers GM is obligated now to find out what he can get in return for Jagr as the Feb. 26 trade deadline approaches. It is difficult now to conceive of the scenario under which Jagr will return to the Rangers next season... Detroit should be interested. Phoenix and Wayne Gretzky should be interested. Dallas and Brett Hull should be interested. If even two teams are interested - and perhaps there would be five - Sather could raise the ante."

"Every remaining game is vital as the Coyotes continue what they hope is a march into the Western Conference playoffs. With the Feb. 26 trade deadline approaching, there is the usual speculation of bringing in a player who might help the team in the short term but is not considered a part of the team's future."

"The prices have gone up for Senators GM Bryan Murray. League sources say Murray has been among the NHL's most active GMs with the Feb. 26 trade deadline approaching, but he's been rebuffed in his attempts to land a forward and a depth defencemen. It's believed Murray has held talks with the Kings, Lightning and Coyotes to see who they will make available if they become sellers once the deadline arrives. "

"Lightning GM Jay Feaster said during Tuesday's nationally televised game he intends to speak to the agent for Boyle, George Bazos, about a possible contract extension before Boyle becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer... Chicago is believed to be the most interested and have scouted the Lightning extensively the past two weeks, as have Phoenix and Ottawa, who were both in attendance Saturday."

"Five weeks remain to complete the construction of a contender. Don't be surprised if Lou Lamoriello joins the Kings' auction of Rob Blake or perhaps grabs Brad Stuart to bolster his backline and power play... Another name advanced as a potential Devil target is John-Michael Liles, but Colorado is expected to be a buyer, not a seller. Other teams likely to be sellers are Phoenix, where Ed Jovanovski has two more seasons on his $6 million deal, and Edmonton, where pickings are slim."

"The plot has thickened in the Cliff-hanger developing around the future of Toronto Maple Leafs management. The Leafs have requested and received permission from the Phoenix Coyotes to speak to Cliff Fletcher, that team's former director of player personnel."

"Possible Ferguson successors include Scotty Bowman, Glenn Healy, Neil Smith, Colin Campbell and other excellent GMs or assistants currently under contracts with other teams, including Detroit's assistant GM Jim Nill and Phoenix assistant Laurence Gilman, considered one of the best legal-salary cap minds in the NHL."

"With Justin Williams likely out for the rest of the regular season and with Matt Cullen slowly recovering from a concussion, the Canes are in talks to add an NHL forward to fill out their top nine -- perhaps as soon as today. But the Canes continue to pursue potential deals for an offensive-minded defenseman, even if the price now is far too high."

"Ducks General Manager Brian Burke dismissed a rumor that the waiving of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov on Nov. 16 was tied to their subsequent acquisition of center Brian Sutherby. According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, Burke agreed to take Sutherby for a second-round pick if the Capitals did not claim Bryzgalov off waivers."

"Did Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke really give away goalie Ilja Bryzgalov on waivers? The story making the rounds is the Ducks agreed to take centre Brian Sutherby from the Caps for a second-round pick so McPhee would pass on Bryzgalov. That allowed the Coyotes to pick up the netminder off waivers. The belief is Phoenix GM Don Maloney will send something Anaheim's way at the trade deadline."

" The Coyotes apparently waived goalie David Aebischer on Tuesday. Although the team would not confirm nor deny the news, there were indications Aebischer was on his way out. If he clears waivers, he will either return to the Coyotes on Wednesday or be assigned to San Antonio of the American Hockey League."

"The Philadelphia Flyers are the latest team to be eyeing the Phoenix Coyotes' blue line and in particular Derek Morris, who is making $3.9 million this year and $3.95 million next year... The Flyers, however, aren't the only one salivating over the Coyotes' blue line. While the Boston Bruins also placed a call to Coyotes GM Don Maloney about Morris, the New York Rangers are hoping to land defenceman Ed Jovanovski."

"The Rangers could have an interest in picking up warhorse Ed Jovanovski, whose Coyotes deal, worth $26 million over the next four seasons, includes a no-trade clause. If he wanted out of the desert, a deal almost certainly would include M"

"General manager Paul Holmgren denied that that Flyers are trying to acquire Phoenix defenseman Derek Morris, as reported by the Ottawa Sun."