Luke Decock

Here are the morning papers for Tuesday the 3rd of March: The Ducks are not going to trade Scott Niedermayer. With Chris Kunitz traded to Pittsburgh, Drew Miller has a chance to prove himself in Anaheim. Here are the details on the Niclas Havelid trade from the Atlanta perspective. Meanwhile, Eric Perrin wants out of Atlanta. In Boston, meet Matt Hunwick the forward. Much speculation is surrounding the Bruins as the deadline nears. Maxim Afinogenov could play for the Sabres on Wednesday, that is, if he is still a Sabre. In really good news, Thomas Vanek will return to the lineup tomorrow. Calgary begins a seven-game road trip tonight which will probably determine whether they take home the Northwest Division crown or not. The Flames need to improve their defensive play significantly on this road trip. It is the Flames versus the Senators tonight in Ottawa and here are all the numbers. Predictions for tonight's game. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford says the asking prices on the market are very high. If the 'Canes miss the playoffs for a third consecutive year, then the financial ramifications could be a concern, writes Luke DeCock. In unfortunate news, Jussi Jokinen's father has passed away, so the young Finnish foward has gone back home. Joel Quenneville wouldn't mind his team adding a veteran center who can win draws. The Avalanche were defeated by the lowly Islanders on Monday in front of about 4,000 fans, writes Terry Frei. A number of Avalanche players know they could be on the move today or tomorrow. The Jackets need to start scoring goals, as they have only scored three over the last three games. You cannot say Rick Nash is stuck up. Here are the Jackets' projected lines for tonight's game versus the Kings. The Stars want to prove they can turn it around with three games coming up in California. Stars coach Dave Tippett admits he'd have liked his team to come to Steve Ott's aid the other night. The Red Wings have called up Aaron Downey and Jonathan Ericsson from the AHL. The reason for Ericsson's call up is that Wings defenseman Andres Lilja looks to have suffered a concussion. In positive news, the reports about Ethan Moreau's eye have been pretty good. With the deadline tomorrow afternoon, you can bet the Oilers won't be able to address every need they have. Ales Hemsky (foot) hopes to be in the lineup tonight. For a guy whose name is talked about everyday, Jay Bouwmeester doesn't seem to be bothered by trade rumors. David Booth won't play tonight for Florida. The Kings are not going to deal Sean O'Donnell. The Wild and Marian Gaborik seem to be disagreeing on when the speedy forward will return to the lineup. Owen Nolan claims he is ready to get back in the lineup. The Predators players want another scoring forward added to the mix. The Niclas Havelid trade from the Devils perspective. Here is Colin Stephenson's review of the deal for the Newark Star-Ledger. It was quite an NHL debut for Jesse Joenssu of the Islanders last night, as they defeated the Avalanche 4-2. Could Doug Weight be included in a package with Bill Guerin? It is official, Sean Avery has been placed on re-entry waivers by Dallas. Avery could be a Ranger as early as this afternoon. Bruce Garrioch provides a rumor roundup in this morning's Ottawa Sun. In Ottawa, Jason Spezza isn't worried about getting traded. With all the rumor articles circulating, Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer drops a gem of an article on us discussing the reason scouts are still around. Back to the rumors, some Flyers players admit they are distracted with all they've been hearing. Kimmo Timonen hopes he can return to the lineup for tonight's game. Peter Mueller has been slumping badly for the Coyotes lately. The Coyotes have recalled youngster Kyle Turris from the AHL. Dan Bylsma has been enjoying great success since joining the Penguins. Bylsma has instilled a certain confidence that wasn't there when he arrived. In roster news, the Penguins have waived Bill Thomas. Sidney Crosby isn't sure if he'll play tonight or not. If you are expecting the Sharks to make a big deal prior to the deadline, you will most likely be disappointed. Will a win or a loss versus Detroit tonight change the Blues thinking heading into Wednesday's deadline? Blues President John Davidson sure isn't tipping his hand. Gary Roberts said politely that he wouldn't mind going to a contender before the trade deadline. Steve Downie apparently hit an official in the AHL. Paul Hunter basically guarantees the Leafs trade Dominic Moore. Damien Cox examines who he thinks the Leafs will deal. For a team with so many rumors surrounding them at all times, the Toronto players are handling the deadline quite well. With all the rumors surrounding his name, Alex Burrows says he wants to remain a Canuck. The Capitals have to stop taking penalties, writes Stephen Whyno. Brad Ziemer wonders if Mike Gillis should mess with a winning mix?

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition): Roberts would like out of Tampa, Moore will almost certainly be traded and tons more rumors

An Interview with Luke DeCock of the News & Observer

The Hurricanes? Never heard of ’em