NY Rangers Acquire Newbury from Red Wings for Owens

The New York Rangers announced today that they have acquired center Kris Newbury from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for left wing Jordan Owens. In four games this season with the Red Wings, Newbury has one goal. In 48 career NHL games with the Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, he has four goals and three assists for seven points. Owens has spent the entire season in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. This is really just a minor trade for both teams. Newbury will bring plenty of toughness to the Rangers' lineup, but he will likely spend most of the rest of the season in the minors. Owens has the potential to become a top-nine forward in the league, so he could be a good pick-up for the Red Wings.

Coyotes Acquire Wolski from Avalanche for Mueller, Porter

The Phoenix Coyotes continued to improve their roster on Wednesday by acquiring left wing Wojtek Wolski from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for centers Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter. There was speculation in recent weeks that the Coyotes were shopping Mueller due to his drop in offensive production this season. In 61 games this season with the Avalanche, Wolski has 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points. In 301 career NHL games, all with the Avalanche, he has 73 goals and 120 assists for 193 points. In 53 games with the Coyotes this season, Mueller has four goals and 12 assists for 16 points, while Porter has no points in four games this season with the Coyotes. This is a decent trade for both teams, as they have both acquired lots of offensive potential. Wolski has lots of offensive skill, especially on the power play, and should be a good fit for the Coyotes. Mueller and Porter both have a wealth of offensive potential and goal-scoring abilities, and if they can turn their respected games around in Colorado, they could be great pick-ups for the Avalanche.

Canucks Acquire Yan Stastny from Blues

The Vancouver Canucks made a minor trade today by acquiring center Yan Stastny from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for minor-league left wing Pierre-Cedric Labrie. In four games with the Blues this season, Stastny has one goal. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Labrie has played in 45 games this season with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL, scoring five goals and one assist for six points and 69 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a minor trade for both teams. Stastny will bring the Canucks plenty of third or fourth line offensive depth. Labrie will likely finish the season in the minors, where he will brings lots of toughness and grit to the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria.

Capitals Acquire Walker from Hurricanes

The Washington Capitals added some toughness to their lineup today by acquiring right wing Scott Walker from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 32 games this season with the Hurricanes, he has three goals and two assists for five points and 23 penalty minutes. He is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. In 819 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes, he has 149 goals and 245 assists for 394 points and 1153 penalty minutes. This is a good move by the Capitals, as Walker brings some much-needed toughness to the team's roster. He is an extremely physical player who will also bring plenty of veteran depth to the Capitals.

Oilers Claim Forward Jones Off Waivers From Predators

The Edmonton Oilers announced today that they have claimed left wing Ryan Jones off waivers from the Nashville Predators. In 41 games with the Predators this season, he has seven goals and four assists for 11 points. He was originally acquired by the Predators in 2008 in the trade that sent Marek Zidlicky to the Minnesota Wild. Not a bad addition by the Oilers, as Jones has plenty of offensive potential and goal-scoring skill. For now, he will likely bring plenty of offensive depth on the third or fourth line for the Oilers.

Ducks Acquire Defenseman Ward from Hurricanes for Pogge, Draft Pick

The Anaheim Ducks announced today that they have acquired veteran defenseman Aaron Ward from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Justin Pogge and Boston's fourth round draft pick in either 2010 or 2011. The draft pick was acquired just yesterday by the Ducks in exchange for prospect defenseman Steve Kampfer. In 60 games this season with the Hurricanes, Ward has one goal and 10 assists for 11 points. In 822 career NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Carolina Hurricanes, he has 44 goals and 105 assists for 149 points. He has won three Stanley Cups throughout his career, two with Detroit and one with Carolina. Pogge, who was acquired by the Ducks last summer from the Toronto Maple Leafs, has not played in any NHL games this season. This is a decent move by the Ducks, as Ward plays with lots of defensive depth and toughness to the team's blueline, as well as a wealth of playoff experience. Pogge gives the Hurricanes a talented prospect goaltender who could become a backup to Cam Ward down the road.

Bruins Acquire Defenseman Seidenberg from Panthers in Multi-Player Trade

The Boston Bruins added some defensive depth today by acquiring defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Matthew Bartkowski from the Florida Panthers in exchange for right wings Craig Weller and Byron Bitz and a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 61 games this season with the Panthers, Seidenberg has two goals and 20 assists for 22 points. Bartkowski has yet to sign an NHL contract and is currently playing with the University of Ohio. The Bruins originally acquired Weller earlier in the season from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Chuck Kobasew. He has not played in any NHL games this season. In 45 games this season with the Bruins, Bitz has four goals and five assists for nine points and 31 penalty minutes.

Not a bad move for the Bruins, who appear to be stocking up on future defensemen right now. Seidenberg will bring plenty of offense to the Bruins' blueline, especially on the power play, as a likely playoff rental. Bartkowski has the potential to be a hard-hitting, physical, and offensive-minded defenseman, so he could be a good addition to the Bruins down the road. As for the Panthers, they have acquired a couple of physical checking-line forwards. Weller could bring the team plenty of grit on the wing if they don't keep him in the minors. Bitz brings plenty of third or fourth line offensive depth to the Panthers, as well as some size and toughness.

Devils Acquire Defenseman Skoula from Maple Leafs

Defenseman Martin Skoula's time in Toronto was short-lived as the Maple Leafs have traded him to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a fifth round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. Skoula was traded last night to the Maple Leafs by the Pittsburgh Penguins with prospect forward Luca Caputi for Alexei Ponikarovsky. Skoula has three goals and five assists for eight points in 33 games with the Penguins this season. In 757 career games with the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 44 goals and 149 assists for 193 points. Not a bad move for the Devils to add some defensive depth to their roster. Skoula will bring a veteran body to their blueline, as well as some offensive skill.

Coyotes Acquire Defenseman Morris from Bruins

In the first move on Trade Deadline Day, the Phoenix Coyotes have acquired defenseman Derek Morris from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, marking his second stint with the Coyotes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 57 games played with the Bruins this season, he has three goals and 22 assists for 25 points. In 850 career NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins, he has 79 goals and 286 assists for 365 points and 820 penalty minutes. Not a bad move for the Coyotes, as Morris will bring plenty of veteran offensive depth to their blueline. Plus, for a fourth round draft pick, he was a good pick-up for a rental player for the playoffs.

Sharks Acquire Defenseman Westgarth from NY Islanders

In a minor trade on Tuesday, the San Jose Sharks have acquired defenseman Brett Westgarth from the New York Islanders in exchange for future considerations. This will be Westgarth's second stint with the Sharks organization, having previously signed as a free agent with the team in 2008. In 46 games this season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL, he has three goals and five assists for eight points and 68 penalty minutes. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really nothing more than a depth move by the Sharks for their AHL affiliate in Worcester. He will bring lots of toughness and defensive depth to Worcester, but don't expect to see him play any games this season in the NHL.

Blues Acquire D'Agostini from Canadiens for Palushaj

The St. Louis Blues announced late Tuesday night that they have acquired right wing Matt D'Agostini from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for prospect right wing Aaron Palushaj. In 40 games this season with the Canadiens, D'Agostini has two goals and two assists for four points. In 94 career games, all with the Canadiens, he has 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points. He will be a restricted free agent on July 1. Palushaj has five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 44 games with the Blues' AHL affiliate in Peoria. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Not a bad pick-up for the Blues in D'Agostini. His numbers have not been very good this season, but playing on a new team could change that. He has lots of offensive potential and could become a very effective forward for the Blues in the future. Palushaj also has lots of offensive potential and could be a good addition for the Canadiens.

Penguins Acquire Ponikarovsky for Skoula, Caputi

The Pittsburgh Penguins have bolstered their offense tonight by acquiring left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Martin Skoula and prospect left wing Luca Caputi. Ponikarovsky and Skoula will both be unrestricted free agents this summer. In 61 games this season with the Maple Leafs, Ponikarovsky has 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points. In 477 career NHL games, all with the Maple Leafs, he has 114 goals and 143 assists for 257 points. Skoula has three goals and five assists for eight points in 33 games with the Penguins this season. In 757 career games with the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Pittsburgh Penguins, he has 44 goals and 149 assists for 193 points. Caputi has one goal and one assist for two points in four games with the Penguins this season. He also has 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 54 games this season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL. This is a decent trade for both teams, as the Penguins get a three-time 20 goal scorer and the Maple Leafs get a decent offensive prospect in return. The trade was originally going to be Ponikarovsky for Caputi, but the Penguins needed to clear some salary cap space, so the Maple Leafs agreed to take on Skoula and his salary in return. Ponikarovsky will bring lots of offensive depth and goal scoring skill to the Penguins, though he will only be a playoff rental. Skoula will bring plenty of offensive depth and veteran experience to the Maple Leafs' blueline. Caputi has plenty of offensive potential and could likely find a roster spot on the team next season as the Maple Leafs continue to rebuild.

Blackhawks Acquire Defenseman Boynton from Ducks

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have acquired defenseman Nick Boynton from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations. Boynton was immediately sent to the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate in Rockford after the trade. In 42 games this season with the Ducks, he has one goal and six assists for seven points and 59 penalty minutes. In 547 career NHL games with the Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers, and Anaheim Ducks, he has 33 goals and 102 assists for 135 points and 810 penalty minutes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Not a bad move for the Blackhawks, as Boynton will bring them plenty of veteran defensive depth and toughness. Plus, with Brent Sopel currently sidelined with an injury, the team was likely looking to add some depth on defense. However, with Boynton being sent to the minors, the Blackhawks likely feel they have sufficient depth on defense for now and could recall him closer to the playoffs.

Oilers Acquire Marquardt from Bruins for Wild

The Edmonton Oilers announced today that they have acquired left wing Matt Marquardt from the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Cody Wild. Marquardt has appeared in 42 games with the Providence Bruins of the AHL this season, scoring one goal and nine assists for 10 points. Wild has split time this season between Springfield of the AHL and Stockton of the ECHL. Both players have yet to appear in an NHL game. This is really just a minor trade for both teams. Marquardt will bring plenty of offensive depth for the Oilers' AHL affiliate, while Wild will provide the Bruins' AHL team with plenty of defensive depth.

Wild Re-Sign Defensemen Zidlicky, Stoner

The Minnesota Wild announced today that they have signed defenseman Marek Zidlicky to a three-year contract extension worth $12 million and defenseman Clayton Stoner to a two-year contract extension worth $1.1 million. Zidlicky's deal averages out to $4 million per season, while Stoner's deal averages out to $550,000 per season. In 60 games so far this season with the Wild, Zidlicky has five goals and 31 assists for 36 points. In 443 career NHL games with the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild, he has 52 goals and 201 assists for 253 points. Stoner has appeared in eight games this season with the Wild, his first in the NHL, scoring two assists. Both players would have been free agents this summer. These are good signings by the Wild. Zidlicky brings lots of offensive skill to the team's defense and power play as well as a little toughness. Stoner brings lots of size and toughness to the Wild's blueline and should be able to land a regular spot on the team by next season.

Bruins Acquire Right to Defenseman Kampfer

The Boston Bruins announced today that they have acquired the rights to defenseman Steve Kampfer from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for their fourth round draft pick in either 2010 or 2011. Kampfer has appeared in 37 games this season with the University of Michigan, scoring two goals and 15 assists for 17 points and 48 penalty minutes. He was Anaheim's fourth round pick, 93rd overall, in the 2007 Entry Draft. Not a huge move by any means, but the Bruins have added some future defensive talent to their team.

Senators Acquire Defenseman Sutton from NY Islanders

The Ottawa Senators announced today that they have acquired defenseman Andy Sutton from the New York Islanders in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 54 games this season with the Islanders, he has four goals and eight assists for 12 points and 73 penalty minutes. In 567 career NHL games with the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Atlanta Thrashers, and New York Islanders, he has 34 goals and 101 assists for 135 points and 984 penalty minutes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Not a bad move for the Senators, who were looking to add some defensive depth to their roster. Sutton will bring lots of toughness and experience to the team's blueline, though he will likely be a rental player for the playoffs.

Thrashers Sign Defenseman Chris Chelios

Chris Chelios is on his way back to the NHL. The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have signed the 48-year-old defenseman to what is believed to be a one-year contract. He first must clear waivers, and if he does, will remain in the minors until the Thrashers need him, according to the team. He had been playing with the Thrashers' AHL affiliate in Chicago since the beginning of the 2009-10 season. In 25 NHL seasons, Chelios has played in 1644 games with the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, and Detroit Red Wings, scoring 185 goals and 763 assists for 948 points and 2891 penalty minutes. He has won the Norris Trophy three times as the league's top defenseman and three Stanley Cups, one with Montreal and two with Detroit. An interesting signing by the Thrashers. Chelios will bring lots of experience to the blueline, as well as a wealth of leadership to the team. If he is recalled by the team, he will likely play on the third defensive pairing, just don't expect to see him contribute on the score sheet regularly.

Thrashers Acquire Artyukhin from Ducks for Oystrick

The Atlanta Thrashers announced today that they have acquired right wing Evgeny Artyukhin from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Nathan Oystrick and a conditional draft pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. The Ducks had acquired Artyukhin from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Drew Miller last August. In 37 games this season with the Ducks, Artyukhin has four goals and five assists for nine points and 41 penalty minutes. In 182 career NHL games with Tampa Bay and Anaheim, he has 14 goals and 28 assists for 42 points and 282 penalty minutes. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Oystrick has not played in any NHL games this season. Last season, his first in the NHL, he scored four goals and eight assists for 12 points and 50 penalty minutes in 53 games with the Thrashers. This is an okay move for the Thrashers, as they had been looking to acquire a big, physical forward. Artyukhin will give them the toughness they were seeking, but don't expect to see him contribute a whole lot on the score sheet. As for the Ducks, Oystrick is a physical defenseman who could provide toughness for the team, but given their current depth on the blueline, he will likely spend the rest of the season in the minors.

Blue Jackets Acquire Moore from NY Islanders for Reese

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced today that they have acquired right wing Greg Moore from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Dylan Reese. Moore has 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 62 games this season with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. He appeared in six NHL games during the 2007-08 season with the New York Rangers, scoring no points. Reese has four goals and 18 assists for 22 points this season with Syracuse of the AHL. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Both players are restricted free agents at the end of the season. This is really just a depth move for both teams. The Blue Jackets get a depth forward in Moore who could play on their fourth line if needed. In Reese, the Islanders get some defensive depth, but he will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season.

Predators Acquire Defenseman Grebeshkov from Oilers

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have acquired defenseman Denis Grebeshkov from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 47 games with the Oilers, he has six goals and 13 assists for 19 points. In 223 career NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, and Edmonton Oilers, he has 16 goals and 66 assists for 82 points. He will be a restricted free agent this summer. Not a bad move for the Predators, as Grebeshkov brings plenty of offense to the team's blueline. He also brings plenty of skill on the power play to the Predators as well. This trade also shows that the Oilers are now in rebuild mode, so expect them to unload several players by the 3 PM trade deadline on Wednesday. There is currently speculation that the acquisition of Grebeshkov could pave the way for the Predators to trade defenseman Dan Hamhuis, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The rumor is that the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Hamhuis, but the Predators are rumored seeking a young defenseman in return, believed to be Ryan Parent. With the Flyers seeking defensive help, this situation could get interesting. Keep an eye on the Predators and Flyers in the coming days for a possible trade.

Blues Acquire Fallon From Blackhawks for Toivonen, Richmond

The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have acquired goaltender Joe Fallon from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Hannu Toivonen and defenseman Danny Richmond. Fallon has appeared in 29 games this season with Rockford of the AHL, posting a 15-10-1 record with a 2.64 GAA and a .912 save percentage. Toivonen has played in 26 games with Peoria of the AHL this season, posting an 11-11-3 record with a 2.73 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Richmond has one goal and 15 assists for 16 points and 135 penalty minutes in 54 games this season with Peoria. This will be Richmond's second stint with the Blackhawks. He played with the team for parts of three seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in July 2008. In 49 career NHL games with the Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes, he has three assists and 75 penalty minutes.

This is really just a minor trade for both teams and in no way do I believe it's suggesting the Blackhawks are looking to move a goalie. Both Chicago and St. Louis were likely looking to bolster their AHL affiliates through this trade. Fallon brings promising goaltending depth to the Blues' organization, while Toivonen brings experience to the Blackhawks. Despite showing a lot of promise early in his NHL career, Toivonen has struggled at the NHL level in recent years, having last played in the league during the 2007-08 season. Perhaps a change of scenery will do Toivonen some good. Richmond gives the Blackhawks a very physical defenseman, but given their current depth on their blueline, he likely won't see much, if any, playing time this season.

Flames Sign Stajan to Four-Year Contract Extension

The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed center Matt Stajan to a four-year contract extension worth $14 million. The deal averages out to $3.5 million per season. The Flames acquired Stajan from Toronto on January 31 in the blockbuster deal that sent Dion Phaneuf to the Maple Leafs. In 62 games this season with the Flames and Maple Leafs, he has 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points. In 452 career NHL games with the Flames and Maple Leafs, he has 89 goals and 138 assists for 227 points. This is a decent move for the Flames, as Stajan is starting to become a reliable scorer in the NHL. He has great offensive skill and is starting to develop into a goal scorer. He will likely see more playing time alongside Jarome Iginla, and if the two forwards can mesh, Stajan could turn out to be a very good addition to the team. If his production can improve over the next few seasons, he could be a bargain at $3.5 million.

Penguins Acquire Defenseman Leopold from Panthers

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that they have acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Florida Panthers in exchange for their second round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft. In 61 games with the Panthers this season, he has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. He was acquired by the Panthers this past summer in the Jay Bouwmeester trade and signed to a one-year contract. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 416 career NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers, Leopold has 36 goals and 91 assists for 127 points. This is a decent trade for the Penguins, as Leopold will bring plenty of offense to their defense. He will also bring some experience to a blueline that has seen its share of injuries this season. Leopold is likely a rental player for the Penguins for the playoffs, but he will bring plenty of skill and depth to the team and will be a welcome addition to their defense if injuries begin to mount again.

Stars Sign Forward Ott to Four-Year Extension

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have signed center Steve Ott to a four-year contract extension worth $11.8 million. The deal averages out to $2.95 million per season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 52 games so far this season with the Stars, Ott has 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points and 100 penalty minutes. He is currently on injured reserve after having an appendectomy in February. In 389 career NHL games, all with the Stars, he has 51 goals and 85 assists for 136 points and 778 penalty minutes. This is a great signing for the Stars, as Ott is one of the top agitators in the league today. He plays a very physical game and is an intimidating presence on the ice with his toughness. He can also score goals and plays well on the power play and penalty kill, making him a very important part of the Stars' roster. Apparently there was some speculation that the Stars would try to move Ott before the March 3 trade deadline, but those rumors proved to be false. I wouldn't have put much stock into them anyway