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*An NHL source is telling me today the Canadiens are thought to be closing in on a deal to acquire Cogliano from the Oilers and surprisingly Halak is not involved in the latest offer. Neither is Plekanec. (e2)

*Another big rumor among many insiders and scouts today is that the Penguins may move Max Talbot to the Los Angeles Kings for Sidney Crosby's friend Jack Johnson and a strong prospect (e2). The Pens are up against it right now as they need to sign Gonchar.

*The Ottawa Senators are also in heavy on Jack Johnson and they are working out a deal which I have heard "could be done in 48 hours."(e3)

*The NY Rangers have interest in Mike Comrie(e3)

*The Sabres(e3), Penguins (e2) and Thrashers(e2) have interest Petr Sykora.

*The Sabres (e2), Canadiens (e2), Rangers (e4) and Capitals (e1) all have expressed serious interest in Jere Lehtinen.

* The Blackhawks (e3) and Kings (e3) have interest in Doug Weight.

* The Rangers are also said to be talking to the Flames regarding Olli Jokinen. As always, this is anyone's guess as to how the cap tight Rangers would make this work!

* There will be a MAJOR Kovalchuk update this evening.

More to come, including the NHL Trade Rumor Chart for Season Ticket Holders launching this weekend. We here at Hockeybuzz.com really appreciate those of you who are kind and help us out with your twenty bucks per year. Your generosity makes all the difference!

Thanks

Below is a quick refresher course for those of you who are new to the site and unfamiliar with the (e) system...

What is the E-System (e1, e2, e3, etc.)?

The E-System was devised with the intelligent hockey fan in mind as a way for Eklund to give subtle clues to rumors that are posted, as well as gauge the likelihood of a rumor turning into an actual trade or free agent signing.

E1 - This is a rumor that comes from a single reliable source not in any way directly connected to the players or teams involved.
E2 - This rumor is simply more than one reliable sources not in any way directly connected to the players or teams involved and not connected to each other. It does not have to equate to two E1’s. It could be several E1’s.
E3 - This rumor comes from a single source with ties somehow to the players or teams involved.
E4 - This rumor comes from more than one source with ties to the players or teams involved.
E5 - This rumor comes from source telling Eklund the deal is 100% done and just has not been announced yet.