Updates appear at the bottom of this blog: According to sources, the team involved last night in the Ducks discussions changed their offer this morning, and now another team has become involved, possibly a third. This leaves the whole situation currently in a holding pattern.

Reports everywhere that the Sharks and Habs are in discussions involving Patrick Marleau. Surprise, surprise, surprise... I will have more on this in the noon hour.

When it comes to the Ducks, the bidding has intensified I am told and a deal that almost happened yesterday had the ante upped late. All reports point to a deal today and Scotty playing tonight. My gut says Schneider. Teams include Columbus, NJ, Chicago, Buffalo and Montreal.

3pm: (Noon on the west coast:))

HABS/SHARKS:

The deal I am hearing is Marleau and Pavelski for Ryder, Halak, and and a major prospect. It is amazing the talk surrounding this deal, with people in both cities speculating. I have heard some in Montreal suggest that the Sharks want Higgins or Koivu. I have heard Komisarek's name mentioned. Even Huet...(although that may be spreading from all the goalies trailing him in the east All-Star balloting)

And then there are "quasi" denials from people saying that never said anything at all in public. Bottom line is rumours are rumours are rumours. Nothing is real until it happens. It is really THAT simple. Visitors to this site understand that by now.

It is funny to listen to some of the reporters reaction to rumours. One thing I have learned is that the more respected and higher quality the reporter, be it print, TV, or internet, the less skeptical response you will get from a reporter. Even people who are "best of friends" with the GMs in their cities or somewhere else will tell you "Anything is possible, and nothing will surprise me."

That is the reality of this business, and the true blue veterans of covering this sport just "get it."

DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE.


The Ducks are still in heavy talks, but regardless if a deal can be worked out, Scotty Niedermayer will not be returning this evening. Everything points to a deal by day's end. Soon this will become a distraction to the Ducks and I get the sense there are deals to be made.


Answers to your "what the Ek?" questions coming...

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