TSN.ca reports the Edmonton Oilers have placed goalie Mike Morrison on waivers, whilst the Boston Bruins have claimed forward Mariusz Czerkawski off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Other players placed on waivers today include Philadelphia forward Turner Stevenson, Phoenix goaltender Phillipe Sauve, Chicago forward Andy Hilbert and Atlanta forward Rico Fata. A signal of trades to come? Or much ado about nothing? We'll find out between now and 3 PM Eastern tomorrow.

Today's Calgary Sun reported Flames GM Darryl Sutter claims he has no further trades in store for his club. The paper also suggested this wouldn't be the first time a general manager denies trade plans only to subsequently swing a deal. After all, a general manager isn't going to tell the press of his intentions... unless you're the GM of the Edmonton Oilers and your club so desperately needs a quality starting goalie that you'll tell everyone who asks you're in the market for one. Sutter is a straight talker and may very well have no plans to make a trade, even though it's obvious the Flames need a quality first line center or perhaps another scoring winger. The problem may be that the asking price for those that are available may be too rich for Sutter's blood. We'll find out soon enough.

A report in today's Minneapolis Star-Tribune suggests the Minnesota Wild might be shopping veteran defenseman - and impending UFA - Filip Kuba. The report cited the team's silence regarding Kuba's abdominal injury, which has recently sidelined him, although he hopes to get back into action later this week. The paper also noted Kuba's agent hasn't had serious contract talks with the club. Wild management are now believed more interested in retaining Kuba's teammate, fellow d-man Willie Mitchell, himself a UFA and the subject of recent trade speculation. If the Wild are trying to move Kuba, today's report could have an adverse impact on those trade talks.

Because so many of you asked, here's the players I believe will be dealt by 3 PM EST Thursday: Brendan Witt, Washington Capitals. Requested to be dealt. GM George McPhee and team owner Ted Leonsis claim they'll most likely honor that request. Plenty of interest in him, and since he's a UFA at season's end, the Caps will get the best deal they can for him. Potential destinations include Nashville and Los Angeles. Mika Noronen, Buffalo Sabres. It's still possible that Martin Biron could be the one on the way out, as he's a UFA at season's end, but GM Darcy Regier's mindset has changed after Biron essentially saved their season last fall when Ryan Miller was out with a broken thumb. He'd like to keep Biron around as insurance for the playoffs. Noronen wants to move and it's been reported Regier let the other 29 teams know he's available. Maybe the Vancouver Canucks would be a good destination as they could probably use a decent backup for the overworked Alexander Auld. Dwayne Roloson, Minnesota Wild. As I noted in my post earlier this week, the Wild's re-signing Manny Fernandez to a long-term deal means he's on his way out, either via trade or free agency. There's talk of him going to Edmonton but I don't see the Wild shipping him to a divisonal rival they're trying to catch. A possible destination could be Tampa Bay, where there continues to be concerns over their goaltending, and the LA Kings could be another Curtis Joseph, Phoenix Coyotes. The Oilers desire for a goaltending upgrade makes Edmonton a potential destination for "CuJo". The Lightning could also be another destination, as could the Kings. Eric Weinrich, St. Louis Blues. Several playoff contenders are in the market for a blueline upgrade, and while Weinrich is long in the tooth, he might attract interest as a playoff rental provided the Blues asking price isn't too high. They're believed seeking a "high draft pick" but may have to settle for less if they truly wish to get something for him. Mark Recchi, Pittsburgh Penguins. He's now claiming he'll agree to be dealt only if the trade benefits the Penguins. The Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, LA Kings and Anaheim Mighty Ducks are believed shopping for offensive help, and all have depth in promising and affordable depth that could tempt the Penguins.

Had an e-mail from a reader regarding last night's Montreal Canadiens-Philadephia Flyers game, when Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec left the game in the third period with the trainer. The reader suggested there didn't appear to be anything wrong with Plekanec and that perhaps he was pulled in anticipation of a trade. According to this morning's Montreal Gazette, Plekanec suffered a shoulder injury which is why he left the game. The Gazette reports he'll be re-evaluated this morning. Ordinarily a player leaving a game would prompt speculation of an injury, not a trade, but it just goes to show the heightened level of anticipation in the final days leading up to the NHL trade deadline.