We have some big pieces missing right now....

The Dance is on in Calgary...

I have been waiting on a Flames source all day because I woke up this morning to the following text, "We won't be waiting long in Calgary. I will have more later if I can."

This is the way it goes sometimes. Sources can talk "to a point." Then they either get vague, or they go completely silent. The latter has happened in Calgary. And as an old friend, and Hall of Fame Hockey Writer, taught me....Silence is often the biggest tell you can get.

This is true with some of my sources more than others. A common mode of communication is silence, especially among GMs. If I ask a them a question they will either deny it or say nothing, with the understanding that them saying nothing is saying something, because denials are easy, and no one, well almost no one will say , "YES WE ARE SO TRYING TO TRADE HIM!"

Denials are far more common than silence btw. I probably get 15 denials for every 1 silent reply.

That being said, I know these sources have far more pressing situations than talking to me, so I give them several hours, sometimes a day even, to NOT respond before assuming a reply is silent.

However, if I ask again, and I get a reply to something completely off topic...then I know they got the other question....they just won't comment on it.

So in response to my Calgary source, I asked a very specific question in order to get denial or silence in return. Following a lead from earlier I asked, "Is it possible that we are about to see one of the core players in Calgary moved out?"

So I am sure many of you are confused now, but combining this methodology with the morning text "We won't be waiting long now in Calgary" tells me something could be very close to happening.

That was almost 11 hours ago. Nothing until a few minutes ago.

"Boy, NJ looks lost out there tonight."

To repeat...If I get a reply to something else completely off topic, then I know they got the other question and they just won't comment on it. So there was no denial to my question, "Is Calgary about to move a core player?"

No response to that. But he got the question. That much we know.

My digging from today with Calgary hasn't turned up much. I found out the Flames and Lightning have had discussions in the past few days. As well as the Flames and Panthers. Two Florida teams...interesting, but not a lot of information beyond "discussions," and teams have discussions all the time.

So in Calgary that's all I know.


On LA and NJ

They were close as close could be to a deal I was told on Saturday...and like many other talks this time of year, when nothing happens in the few hours they are close, they cool down. Well I am told they are talking once again. I fully believe, from what I have been hearing, NJ wants to put Zubrus in the deal, while LA wants Langenbrunner. I have heard the Devils may be interested in Simmons...and the young D man Voynov...a puck moving guy that has been lacking in NJ since Oduya was moved.

In NJ as well there is talk of perhaps a bigger deal. One that could end up sending Pavelski to NJ from San Jose to be re-united with Team USA mate Parise. Pavelski would take a llot and if he is indeed available at all I have been told the Islanders and Leafs want to be in on the party.

In the end, don't be shocked if the Devils do something for Parise in terms of bringing in someone besides Kovalchuk for him to play with. If not Pavelski, then someone along those lines. Parise is a superstar and needs superstar treatment.

On Crosby's Wing...

It's not going to be easy, but there is more talk the Penguins are going to up the ante in an attempt to find a sniper for Crosby's wing and one name I have heard is that of Matt Moulson. I can't even imagine the Isles moving another asset for futures, but I have to report what I hear...That's my job. Yours is to debate why such a thing would happen. I try to not censor with my own opinions...especially with the Islanders...a team I am growing more and more frustrated by.

And now for the "even more vague."

In Edmonton...

The Oilers have been talking to the Bruins for a few years now about a certain player and I am told the Bruins are FINALLY listening.

In Toronto...

Yes the fact remains the Brayden Schenn rumors exist...despite the fact that I am well aware Lombardi wants nothing to do with moving him at this time. Again...my job is...