- The Anaheim Ducks today announced the signing of defenseman Bruno St. Jacques to a one-year contract and recalled him from their AHL affiliate in Portland.

This might signal that Ducks GM Brian Burke is preparing to make the salary-dumping trade we've all expected following his announcement last week of Scott Niedermayer's imminent return to the roster.

I'll keep an eye on this and if anything goes down I'll of course post it on my website and here (with analysis).

Hat tip to "JPDucks" for the pointer in the comments to this post.

**UPDATE**

Dan Wood of the Orange County Register reports on his blog tonight that St. Jacques was called up to replace an injured Kent Huskins, who's out with a bruise knee.

-The Philadelphia Flyers traded Timonen today.

Relax, Flyers fans, it wasn't Kimmo, but rather his younger brother, who got dealt.

On Monday the Flyers sent Jussi Timonen to the Dallas Stars in exchange for a conditional pick in the 2009 entry draft.

Jussi may be bigger and play a more physical game than his older brother but he lacks Kimmo's offensive talent and all-round skills.

He played 14 games with the Flyers last season but the additions this year of Kimmo, Jason Smith and Braydon Cobourn meant there was no room for Jussi with the big club this season.

The Stars were believed looking for blueline depth and this move to Dallas could give Timonen the Younger the opportunity to become an NHL regular.

- Bates Battaglia's NHL career might be coming to a close.

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed Battaglia on waivers on Monday, which he's expected to clear and report to the Marlies, the Leafs farm club. At least the Marlies play in Toronto so Battaglia won't have to find a new home for the season.

Battaglia appeared to have secured a regular spot with the Leafs last season, potting 31 points and a +9 rating in 82 games in a checking role.

This season, however, he's appeared in only 13 contests, with no points and a -6 rating. He's on a two-year contract with the Leafs but its possible he could spend the remainder of it in the AHL.

- The Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Mathieu Roy on waivers Monday.

A rugged defenseman, it was believed Roy's physical game might earn him a regular spot this season with the Oilers. Unfortunately, that physical style also led to numerous injuries this season, limiting him to only four games.

Should he clear waivers as expected he'll be assigned to Springfield of the AHL.