Tom Renney Out...Tortarella In? Plus Some Hockey Rumor

So it has finally happened. 

Tom Renney was fired as head coach of the Rangers.  This was inevitable and I am surprised it didn't happen sooner as the Rangers have been dropping in the standings; something had to give.  

It's being report that there's a deal on the table for John Torteralla to take over as the head coach, but Tampa Bay hasn't granted the request (as of yet).  Torteralla should be the next head coach of the Rangers by the end of the week.

On the rumor front

Philly forward Jeff Carter for Florida's defenseman Jay Bouwmeester?  

Philly is really looking to shore up their back end, and Jay Bo would be a great fit there. I am also hearing Jay Bo would like to play closer to home.  Calgary or Edmonton?

Speaking of the Oilers.........Erik Cole's days as an Oiler are numbered?  The team that is showing the most interest in Cole is the Penguins. Colby Armstrong for Cole is a possible scenario.  Dustin Penner could be had out of Edmonton, maybe to Florida as part of a package for Jay Bo?  

My gut feeling is telling me that Edmonton will be buyers at the deadline as they look to make a push into the playoffs.

Will Vincent Lecavalier be a Hab or not?  This deal is all up to the Canadiens at this point.  If Montreal can put together the right deal, the Lightning ownership will sell, but the asking price will be steep.  This deal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I don't think the Canadians can pass on...time will tell.  Don't count the Rangers out of the Vinny sweepstakes as well.

In Toronto the word is that they will be sellers at the deadline.  

Is goalie Vesa Toskla being shopped right now?  

Rumor has Nik Antropov heading to Vancouver for a pick and a prospect.  

It's believed that Brian Burke would like to move Jason Blake, but the underachiever's his hefty contract plus a no-trade clause may make it hard for Burke to move him.  

The most interesting name coming out of Toronto is D-man Tomas Kaberle (their most tradable commodity). Burke will likely ask for a top prospect and No. 1 pick at the draft for Kaberle if he waived no-trade clause.  

Speaking of D-men, Toronto has shown interest in Chris Pronger, and if the price is right Burke will make a run for Pronger.  However, the way Anaheim plays next two weeks will tell if Pronger may be moved or not.

More rumors to come...