NHL Rumors: Jarome Iginla an Oiler? Ilya Kovalchuk Landing In Leaf Nation?

Just because the Stanley Cup Playoffs are off to a triumphant start, doesn't mean that the speculation of trades and free agent signings are going to remain dormant until it's over.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

With Martin Brodeur's struggles in the playoffs, Ilya Kovalchuk's pending free agency, and the Oilers winning the NHL Draft lottery, there is still a heap of hockey gossip circulating amongst the media and fans.

Some of it may be as plausible as Ricky Martin coming out with another hit album. Still, with every rumour almost always comes an underlying truth.

That being said, I thought I'd toss a few of these gems out there. Just a few things I picked up online, and from talks at my local sports bar after a few pops.

Jarome Iginla Heading Home to Edmonton?

It may seem a little far-fetched, but if the Steve Staois trade taught us anything as fans, it wouldn't be unheard of to see the Calgary Flames do business with their Provincial rivals in Edmonton.

Originally I heard this scenario through a relative, that the Oilers would move their number one pick to acquire the 32-year-old Jarome Iginla from the Flames.

That is highly unlikely.

But, a deal that may involve either restricted free agent Sam Gagner or Andrew Cogliano along with some other prospects may not be entirely out of question. Especially for a franchise in Edmonton that is looking to ice some more quality veterans to go with their youth movement.

Meanwhile, the Flames want to get younger and faster moving forward.

Personally I believe that Iggy isn't on the market, and if he is, he will land in either Boston or Philadelphia.

If you were a team that was close to winning, would you give up Jeff Carter or the second overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft for a veteran player that hasn't scored less than 30 goals in the last ten years?

A New Marty in New Jersey?

Martin Brodeur may just be at the crossroads of his career, as he was unable to get it done in the playoffs yet again, going 1-4 with a 3.01 goals against average and a .880 save percentage in New Jersey's first-round exit to the Philadelphia Flyers.

While the soon to be 38-year-old has looked good during the regular season, he has lost his knack for playing in the big game.

Long story short, the Devils may want to leave the past behind them and seek a new tender for their immediate future.

The quick fix?

Look no further than unrestricted free agent Marty Turco to fill the void, if Brodeur indeed decides to calls it quits.

If not, Turco would look good in Philly, as it is unlikely UFA Ray Emery will be back and Brian Boucher, despite his impressive numbers so far in the playoffs, is not a number one backstop.

Brian Burke Would Like to Land Kovalchuk in Leaf Nation

It won't be a surprise if GM Brian Burke does make a push to get UFA Ilya Kovalchuk come July 1. Especially when it is only a matter of time before he deals Tomas Kaberle.

With a blue line that has elite talent even without Kaberle, and two quality goalies in Giguere and Gustavsson to carry the load, the Leafs just need some more punch up front.

With Kovalchuk being the best of the bunch, Burke will be licking his chops to lure him to Toronto.

If not, plan B doesn't look to bad either, namely Patrick Marleau.

Calgary Flames Like Tootoo

With very little wiggle room, in terms of cap space for the Calgary Flames, they hope it's enough to fit in a Tootoo.

A 26-year-old UFA, Jordan Tootoo is a player Calgary GM Darryl Sutter would love to have in Cowtown, and the price would be right as he made $975,000 in Nashville this year and wouldn't be a huge hit at $1.2 million.

For what he lacks in offense, he more than makes up for with work ethic and toughness, and could be exactly the type of player this Flames team needs moving forward.

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