NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors – September 12, 2012.

Despite the threat of a possible lockout, the rumor mill is still sputtering along. Check out the latest on Bruins, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Sharks.

Lucic next Bruin to be re-signed?

ESPN BOSTON: James Murphy reports the Bruins recent re-signings of forwards Tyler Seguin and Brad Marchand could lead to left wing Milan Lucic (who’s eligible for RFA status next summer) also being re-sign prior to the expiration of the current CBA on Saturday.

ESPN CHICAGO: Jesse Rogers speculates the Blackhawks signing of Michal Rozsival to a one-year, $2 million contract could make Steve Montador the odd man out. The Blackhawks might have to “eat” the remainder of Montador’s four-year, $11 million contract by burying him in the minors or trying to trade him to a team needing to reach the salary cap floor. Rogers also suggested Niklas Hjalmarsson could be a trade candidate.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Montador is still sidelined by post-concussion symptoms  whenever this season begins, that could also provide a short-term answer to their crowded blueline, until such time as he’s ready to return. I don’t expect the Blackhawks, or any other club, to make any significant trades before the September 15th expiration of the CBA.

MLIVE.COM’s Ansar Khan pointed out via Twitter : “Mikael Samuelsson using Tomas Holmstrom’s dressing room stall, further indication Homer likely to retire.”

CSNBAYAREA.COM: In a live chat with his readers, Kevin Kurz suggested the Sharks had a good chance to sign UFA winger Sergei Samsonov, doesn’t expect them to land a top six forward from the Philadelphia Flyers unless they’re willing to part with Dan Boyle (which he doesn’t anticipate), and was told the Sharks want to re-sign forward Ryane Clowe, though he doesn’t expect that’ll happen prior to September 15.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hat tip to GJ Berg for the links.