Just when I thought the rumours were slowing and I could do my previews...today is the first day I can really sense that GMs and teams are leaving summer behind.

Here are some of the many rumours circulating on the (e1) level. For those of you interested in the whole e-system, here it is in short...

(e1) a rumour from one reliable source not tied to the possible deal.
(e2) a rumour from two or more reliable sources not tied to the possible deal.
(e3) a rumour from one reliable source associated in some way with the possible deal.
(e4) a rumour from two or more reliable sources associated in some way with the possible deal.
(e5) a deal that I am told has been done. not a rumour. (*on only two occasions e5s have NOT occured)

A common misconception is that the higher the e-rating the better the rumour. They are all rumours so by definition they could happen or not happen. The e-system tells you how close the source is or isn't to the possible deal, and how many sources there are. But e4s don't always happen, and e1s have happened...Sometimes a source close to the deal may not be able to talk as freely about the deal as someone not as close to the deal.

Finally, another thing to remember about rumours is that I don't always get EVERY aspect of the deal. If I say two teams are talking, and mention one player from each team, that just means that those are the only two players that I have heard MAY be involved. Often trades have gone down where other players are included.

So here are some e1's (unless otherwise noted)


The Canadiens are exhausting all possibilities in their attempt to land a center (e4). The latest name that they are rumoured to be interested in is Anaheim's Andy McDonald. This is a rumour I stumbled upon today doing my calls regarding Teemu and Scotty. If you are like me, you find this extremely curious as to how the Ducks could afford to lose another key player...The source told me that the Ducks want a d-man and a forward in return.

The Canadiens are also still talking with the Devils (e3), and according to a few sources a deal was VERY close to happening on Tuesday . The Devils are very much talking to many teams including LA and Colorado. The Devils like Liles.

But they are not alone...Liles is coveted by many teams and the Avs came very close to dealing him next year. I love Liles. Who wouldn't love Liles. The Caps are also making a play for him.

Another source has told me that "Don't be shocked if the Flames make one minor and one major deal prior to October 1."

The Oilers are reportedly interested in Carolina's Cory Stillman(e2). The Canes like Matt Greene.

The Blue Jackets have reached out to Eric Lindros even though #88 has hinted towards retirement. A source told me that Columbus is looking for some size to play with Nash.

TODAY'S TALKCAST

If you wish to call in to the Talkcast for the first time you must first register yourself on talkshoe.com (which is free) and then call (724) 444-7444 and enter the talkcast ID: 49244. you will then be asked for your passcode....The more callers, the more fun we have. (and the less I have to work). So go to talkshoe and register...

To just listen to the Talkcast at 2pmET, go to the green box near the top of the right hand column on the home page for Hockeybuzz.com and click "Listen Live."

I am working on the Northwest Preview and hope to have it up prior to today's Talkcast at 2pm...

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