The following is the Rating system that Eklund uses, as described in the FAQ section of hockeybuzz.com:

The E-System was devised with the intelligent hockey fan in mind as a way for Eklund to give subtle clues to rumors that are posted, as well as gauge the likelihood of a rumor turning into an actual trade or free agent signing.

E1 – This is a rumor that comes from a single reliable source not in any way directly connected to the players or teams involved.

E2 – This rumor is simply more than one reliable sources not in any way directly connected to the players or teams involved and not connected to each other. It does not have to equate to two E1’s. It could be several E1’s.

E3 – This rumor comes from a single source with ties somehow to the players or teams involved.

E4 – This rumor comes from more than one source with ties to the players or teams involved.

E5 – This rumor comes from source telling Eklund the deal is 100% done and just has not been announced yet