Quick Hits from various sources...

Vinny Update:

Still hearing very strongly that it is a two horse race at this point between Montreal and the Rangers, although I would put the Canadiens as the odds on favorite. Personally, I would love to see it happen today in Montreal to kill this other ridiculousness. Please note, that I don't expect it to happen today. In fact sources were telling me last night that "Saturday could be the day to look for something major to go down in Montreal."

I continue to stand by the following statement: There is a deal here for the Habs to make. They know it and it all comes down to being willing to pay the price for Vinny. I feel that tying up a player of Vinny's caliber for the Canadiens at this point is a must given the team's current make up and the coming economic climate. It may not happen until the summer, because the Lightning hold all the cards here, but if the Canadiens DON'T make this deal I would be shocked.

As of this point, the Habs are considering it. Very closely.


* Erik Cole is now down to only Boston, Pittsburgh and Ottawa I am told. I would not be surprised based on all the talk that this deal happens this weekend.

* The Penguins, Flames, and Avalanche are pushing hardest for Peter Prucha right now.

* The Phoenix coyotes had their "A1" scouting team in Philly last night to watch the Flyers and Sabres including GM Don Maloney and his assistant. Both Philly and Buffalo have interest in Morris and Jokinen.

* There is no interest from the Flyers end in Lehtonen, however there may be some interest in Dan Ellis from Nashville.

* The Devils are very interested in Pronger and Jovanovski. Two big cap hits.

*I am hearing that Scott Niedermayer may have told the Ducks that he wants to return to Anaheim next season and a 1 year extension could be signed. If he decides not to return and sign an extension he will be telling the Ducks shortly and the Ducks will try and move him. NJ, Philly, Pittsburgh and the NYR would be the teams to look for I am told.

* The Washington Capitals may now have serious interest in Antropov.

More to come this afternoon...I am chasing some pretty specific rumors including the Big Penguins rumor that will not die.

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