Rumors For January 14th

RANGERS AFTER RUCINSKY OR MALONE?
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports the struggling Rangers have "intensified efforts" with the St. Louis Blues to bring forward Martin Rucinsky back to Broadway, and they’re also believed in talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins regarding forward Ryan Malone and possibly defenceman Brooks Orpik. Brooks claims the Rangers may be dangling young forward Petr Prucha as trade bait. The Rangers apparently tried to offer up Prucha and Adam Hall for Rucinsky but talks stalled when the Blues asked for "high regarded" young prospect center Brandon Dubinsky.

Hockey Guy Notes: The rangers need a powerplay quateback more then anything!

-KINGS TO START SHOPPING.
LOS ANGELES TIMES: Chris Foster reports Kings GM Dean Lombardi will start looking toward next season as the trade deadline approaches, looking to be a "seller" in hopes of bringing in young players and draft picks. Lombardi is also seeking an affordable goalie now that Dan Cloutier and Mathieu Garon are sidelined by injury. Don’t expect defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky to be traded, as assistant GM Ron Hextall called him a core player that the club would like to re-sign in the off-season.

Hockey Guy Notes: The kings need a goaile and really bad, they have need a goaile all year and Esche is not the answer, someone like Martin Biron would be the answer.

THE LATEST FROM THE OTTAWA SUN.
Bruce Garrioch reports the following:

- It’s doubtful Peter Forsberg will be leaving the Philadelphia Flyers this season. Despite speculation that rival teams might be interested ( like Montreal, Colorado, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto), Garrioch points out Forsberg has a "no-trade" clause and he isn’t interested in leaving the Flyers

Hockey Guy Notes: We well have to play the waiting game with Forsberg but he is damaged goods.

- There’s speculation NY Islanders head coach Ted Nolan and forward Miroslav Satan aren’t getting along. Satan has a no-trade clause and can’t be moved without his consent.

Hockey Guy Notes: Toronto and Vancouver will make a push for Satan. Just imagne Satan with Sundin or with the twins in Vancouver.

- The Minnesota Wild are shopping forward Pascal Dupuis as he hasn’t garnered much playing time and the Wild want to clear his $798K salary.

Hockey Guy Notes: Great two-way forward, someone will pick him up.

- The Oilers, Sharks, Red Wings and Canucks are believed interested in Boston Bruins defenceman Brad Stuart, who’s an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Hockey Guy Notes: Stuart has turn in a great two-way d-man and if does not re-sign in Boston by the deadline he will be trade with Vancouver (offer salo? and pick) or Edmonton will be in the running for her services.

- The Chicago Blackhawks would like to trade defenceman Adrian Aucoin, who was a healthy scratch last week.

Hockey Guy Notes: Who wants a guy with a bad groin and is overpaid @$5 millon for the next 2 season.

- Ottawa Senators GM John Muckler has yet to begin contract talks with impending UFA blueliner Chris Phillips but apparently Muckler doesn’t want to trade him and will start negotiations soon.

Hockey Guy Notes: Phillips is a great 2nd or 3rd pairing d-man but needs a fresh start somewhere else.