Pittsburgh Penguins Rumors: Latest News On NHL Trade Deadline Day

Feb 28, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward

(17) skates with the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

After a surprisingly active NHL trade deadline eve, we’re still waiting for the swaps to get going as of late Wednesday morning.

(Although aMartin St. Louis-for-Ryan Callahantradeappears to have gotten things rollingprior to the 3 p.m. roster freeze.)

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to be among the frontrunners to land Vancouver’sRyan Kesler, with the Ducks and Flyersreported to be their primary competition in that effort.

However,according toTribune-Reviewbeat reporter Rob Rossi, Pens general manager Ray Shero isn’t sure his Canucks counterpartMike Gillisis authorized to deal Kesler, especially after he traded franchise goalieRoberto Luongoto Florida on Tuesday.

Also per Rossi, the Penguins’ standing offer for Kesler remainsBrandon Sutter, first- and third-round picks, plus the Canucks’ choice of defense prospectsSimon DespresandBrian Dumoulin. 2012 first-round pick Derrick Pouliot could also be in play, as he was earlier this season when Shero and Gillis first discussed a Kesler swap.

Kesler has a no-movement clause in his contract, but the Penguins believe he would prefer to play for them above any other NHL team.

Beyond Kesler, who has been Pittsburgh’sprimary target for the past few days at least, there have been variousreportsthat Oilers wingerAles Hemskyis getting a serious look in the Penguins front office. Hemsky has struggled in recent years, but he could be a short-term fit onSidney Crosby‘s right wing.

We told you about the possibilitythat Islanders sniperThomas Vanekcould come to Pittsburgh, but there’s been next to nothing reported about his situation as of noon Wednesday.

Finally, legendary Devils goalieMartin Brodeurhasreportedly submitted a list of teamsto GM Lou Lamoriello he wouldn’t mind being traded to. There’s been no definitive sign that the Penguins are interested in supplementing their netminding depth, although it’s a possibility withJeff Zatkoffbeing unproven andTomas Vokoun‘s status still uncertain.

TSN’s Darren Dreger said Brodeur doesn’t need to be a No. 1 goalie with his new team, so presumably backing upMarc-Andre Fleurywouldn’t be an issue for him.

UPDATE (12:20 p.m.) –TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that Hemsky is on his way to Ottawa for a couple of draft picks.

Cross him off the Penguins’ list.

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.) –With 30 minutes until the deadline and bottom-six centerMarcel Gocalreadyacquired from the Panthers, it appears Shero is still hunting bigger game.

Botta is a former Islanders employee and is still very well connected with the organization. Should be an entertaining end to the trade season.

UPDATE (3:15 p.m.) –The deadline has passed, but trade reports have been known to flow in up to an hour or so afterwards. According to Elliotte Friedman of CBC, the Canucks did not deal Kesler, but Newsday in New York says the Islanders have moved Vanek to Montreal

There are also reports that the Penguins were pursuing Flames wingerLee Stempniakas the deadline approached. Calgary teammateMike Cammalleristayed put, while Predators centerDavid Legwandis going to Detroit.

UPDATE (4:30 p.m.) –Media reports confirm that Stempniak joined the Penguins prior to the deadline. Full reporthere.

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