Tuesday, September 30, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 1, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Sean O'Donnell to the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Brochu's take: GM Brian Burke may not be done, as the Ducks are now under the salary cap but only by a few hundred thousand dollars.

The Edmonton Oilers have claimed defenceman Steve MacIntyre off waivers from the Florida Panthers.

Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has cleared waivers. Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail suggests the Kings as a likely destination, with forward Michal Handzus going to the Hawks. Duhatschek also reports of Chicago's interest in Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander.

The Carolina Hurricanes have released forward Jeff O'Neill from training camp.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Michel Ouellet on waivers.

Monday, September 29, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 30, 2008

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Nick Tarnasky to the Nashville Predators for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Tampa Bay will receive a sixth-round pick that would turn into a fifth if Tarnasky plays at least 50 games.

The Chicago Blackhawks have placed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers. There's speculation that he may also be traded if he clears. Khabibulin has a cap hit of $6.75 million cap hit this season. There's also an interesting rumor that he could be headed to Russia to play in the KHL. Brochu's take: Odds are that he won't be claimed. It would seem to be the trend for players with high contracts don't get picked up.

The New York Islanders have claimed defenseman Thomas Pock off waivers from the New York Rangers.

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Jason Demers to a three-year contract.

There was a rumor this morning about billionaire Jim Balsille was "close" to a deal to buy the Predators. However, it was refuted by both sides, and the matter appears to be dead. Brochu's take: Read the article, and could someone explain what"scintilla" means?? Source

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Weekend rumor roundup Sept 27-28, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have re-signed defenseman Luke Richardson to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Teemu Selanne to a two-year, $5.25 million contract. However, the club is still around $1.2 million above the salary cap. Brochu's take: More moves may be on the way. Stay tuned.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, there are "whispers" that the Ottawa Senators are interested in Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Brochu's take: First, remember that Garrioch started the Ohlund rumors a few weeks ago. Ohlund also has a no trade clause. Source

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a quality defenseman and are dangling goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: Roloson rumors are bound to pop up all season, as he is expected to be traded. Source

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

After being released by the New York Rangers, Petr Nedved will play for his hometown team, HC Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech Extraliga.

Los Angeles Kings forward Petr Kanko has signed with HC Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Republic for the 2008-2009 season.

Friday, September 26, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 27, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Mathieu Schneider to the Atlanta Thrashers for defenseman Ken Klee, and forwards Brad Larsen and Chad Painchaud. Brochu's take: This should be enough room for Selanne, but there is probably one or two more moves for GM Brian Burke to make.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed forward Tyler Kennedy to a two-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have released forward Petr Nedved. Nedved was cut from the roster before the team's trip to the Czech Republic.

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Guillaume Monast to a three-year contract and defenseman Trevor Ludwig to a two-year contract. They have also released defenseman Nolan Pratt.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forwards Zenon Konopka and Brandon Bochenski on waivers. Source

Thursday, September 25, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 26, 2008

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed defenseman Douglas Murray to a four-year, $10 million contract extension, set to start next year.

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed defenseman Tobias Enstrom to a four-year extension, starting in 2009-2010.

The Raleigh News & Observer is reporting that free agent forward Mark Parrish has declined an invitation to training camp from the Carolina Hurricanes. Source

The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender Robert Mayer to a three-year contract.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Mark Cundari to a contract. Terms were not released.

There have been some rumors that the Vancouver Canucks will not re-sign defenseman Mattias Ohlund to a contract extension after this season, but Ohlund and his agent are still in negotiations with GM Mike Gillis.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 24, 2008

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Anaheim Ducks continue to shop defenseman Mathieu Schneider, but there are still no takers. McKenzie mentions that teams have called about forward Bobby Ryan, and he could be part of a package deal to entice other teams to take on Schneider's hefty salary. Brochu's take: The Ducks are running out of time, and a deal could be done this week. Throwing in the 2nd pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft may get the job done. Source

Rumours continue to swirl that Schneider is headed to the Atlanta Thrashers, Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues. The loss of Erik Johnson for the entire season has the Blues as the frontrunner to land the Duck defenseman.

McKenzie also mentions that Washington Capitals forward Michael Nylander is available, and the Chicago Blackhawks, along with several other teams, may be working out a deal to get him. Brochu's take: Chicago just dumped Robert Lang's contract to get under the cap, why would they add an even bigger salary to their roster?

The Ducks have also signed center Maxime Macenauer and defenseman Eric Regan to three-year, entry-level contracts.

The San Jose Sharks have told defenseman Kyle McLaren to not participate in training camp scrimmages, raising speculation that the blueliner will be traded soon. Source

Retired forward Claude Lemieux is rumored to be trying to make a comeback to the NHL. The 43 year old has been practising with the Phoenix Coyotes but no one has called. Brochu's take: And no one is going to call. There are cheaper, younger, better players than Lemieux in today's NHL. Source

Monday, September 22, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 23, 2008

The New York Rangers have invited free agent forward Brendan Shanahan to training camp, but he has refused their offer. GM Glen Sather has extended the offer, and is still hopeful that he will sign with the club.

The Rangers have also agreed to terms with forward Evgeny Grachev.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 21, 2008

The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with forward Dale Weise. Terms were not disclosed. Source

Free agent defenseman Keith Carney has been invited to the Chicago Blackhawks training camp on a pro tryout contract.

Free agent defenseman Jassen Cullimore has been invited to the Florida Panthers training camp on a pro tryout contract.

According to the Calgary Sun, both defenseman Rhett Warrener and Anders Eriksson have been speculated in trade and waiver rumors, as it is likely only one of the two will make it on the roster. Brochu's take: My bet is that Eriksson will get waived or traded. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed GM Darcy Regier to a two-year contract extension.

According to the Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, there have been "whispers" that Canucks defenseman Lukas Krajicek and forward Taylor Pyatt could be on their way out of Vancouver. It's believed that the Montreal Canadiens have some interest in the young Czech blueliner. Brochu's take: Thanks to Jon for sending this one in.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 20, 2008

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Jason Pominville to a 5 year, $26.5 million contract extension. Brochu's take: And the population of Pominville increases by $5.3 million per year...

The Anaheim Ducks have told defenseman Mathieu Schneider not to attend training camp, as something may be "imminent". A trade may happen as soon as this weekend.

The Ducks have also signed free agent forward Teemu Selanne to a pro tryout contract, which will allow Selanne to attend training camp and participate in practises. Selanne will sign a contract as soon as the Ducks deal with their cap space problems. Selanne has also mentioned that he may be willing to sign a two-year deal, which will allow him to play in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The Ducks have also signed forward Drew Miller to a two-year deal worth $525,000 per year.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin to a one-year contract.

The Flyers will place defenseman Derian Hatcher on long-term IR after their first game. This will save $3.5 million in cap space for the Flyers.

The Los Angeles Kings have told forward Patrick O'Sullivan to not attend training camp until they resolve their contract negotiations. O'Sullivan is a restricted free agent and rumors continue to fly about the Kings trading the young forward.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:


Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson will be playing for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the KHL. The Flames and the Russian have come to an agreement wherein the Flames will pay Nilson's $1 million salary, but won't count against the cap.

Flames assistant coach Wayne Fleming has also left his job and taken the head coaching job for KHL team Avangard Omsk.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 18, 2008

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Mathieu Schneider has passed waivers. Schneider cannot be bought out because the deadline for buyouts has passed. It's believed that Ducks GM Brian Burke is working on several possible trades, and a deal could be made soon. Putting Schneider on re-entry waivers is also a possiblity, but given the Ducks' salary cap problems, this option is unlikely.

The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed forward Darren McCarty to a one-year, two-way contract believed to be around $500,000.

The Calgary Flames have placed forward Marcus Nilson on waivers. This should clear the way for Nilson to play in Russia with a KHL team, if he clears.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 17, 2008

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Mathieu Schneider on waivers. The two most reported teams that are interested are the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: Canucks GM Mike Gillis IS Schneider's former agent. But LA is higher on the waiver rankings.

According to the Las Vegas Sun, the proposed arena is one more step from being a reality. Hurrah's has pulled out of funding for the project, but a consortium of investors including Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, MGM Studios CEO Harry Sloan and Wall Street financier David Bonderman would instead partner AEG on the multi-purpose arena. Source

Monday, September 15, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 16, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed Matt Murley to a one-year contract.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Brad Richardson to a two-year contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Free agent defenseman Nolan Pratt is close to signing a deal with a KHL team. Pratt was close to signing a deal in Russia last November, but the Buffalo Sabres came calling. Pratt has not received any offers from NHL teams this summer. Source

Defenseman Mark Popovic has signed with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL. Source

According to a recent interview, Alexei Yashin has received some offers from NHL teams, but deems the offers to be too low. It's believed that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Atlanta Thrashers were among the teams making offers. Brochu's take: Yashin is probably better off playing in Russia, if he thinks he can get a better offer in North America. Source

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos is reporting rumors that both free agents Mats Sundin and Teemu Selanne have received lucrative offers from KHL teams, but both want to remain in the NHL, if they decide to continue playing hockey. It's believed that the Anaheim Ducks are still trying to make moves to fit Selanne under their cap.

Weekend rumor roundup

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Vancouver Canucks are "quietly shopping" defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Ohlund has one year left on his contract, and the Ottawa Senators could be interested in him. Garrioch also suggests that the Carolina Hurricanes are willing to trade defenseman Frantisek Kaberle and Joe Corvo. Brochu's take: The Hurricanes actually do need defenseman to play NHL games, despite what Garrioch thinks. Ohlund has a no trade clause in his contract, and is unlikely to waive it. Source

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that there are rumors that the Tampa Bay Lightning are trying to trade forwards Michel Ouellet, Jussi Jokinen and Jason Ward to make some salary cap space. Source

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal is suggesting that the Calgary Flames may send defenseman Adrian Aucoin to the Los Angeles Kings. Brochu's take: This would bring the Kings up to the cap, but Aucoin is not a solution to the King's need for an offensive defenseman. Source

There have been several confirmed discussions between the Kings and Anaheim Ducks about defenseman Mathieu Schneider. It would seem a deal is inevitable. Source

Stay tuned for my European rumor roundup on Monday.

Friday, September 12, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 13, 2008

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded centre Robert Lang to the Montreal Canadiens for a 2nd round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Asked if the acquisition of Lang meant free agent Mats Sundin was no longer in their plans, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey replied "Yes." Brochu's take: Lang should fill that centre position for the Canadiens adequately. Gainey had some rather strong words for Sundin and his waffling. It would seem Gainey was tired of the Swedish forward's indecisiveness. Source

The Montreal Canadiens have also re-signed defensman Patrice Brisebois to a one-year, $750, 000 deal, with another possible $750,000 in bonuses.

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded Kevin Cormier to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Sean Zimmerman. Source

The Devils have also signed forward Rod Pelley to a two-year, $1.1 million contract.

The Chicago Blackhawks have invited free agent forward Kevyn Adams to training camp on a try-out contract, and there are rumors that the Hawks will soon sign him to a contract.

According to some Washington reports, the Washington Capitals maybe considering trading young forwards Tomas Fleischmann and Boyd Gordon.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 12, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Eric Staal have agreed to a seven-year, $57.75 million contract extension. The deal works out to a $8.25 million cap hit per year.

The Detroit Red Wings and forward Henrik Zetterberg have started negotiations on a long-term contract extension. The forward could easily a $9 million a year salary if he reaches the open market. Source

There are rumors that the Vancouver Canucks could be shopping defenseman Lukas Krajicek.

Defenseman Luke Richardson has been invited to the Ottawa Senators training camp on a try-out contract. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson has joined CSKA Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL. Details still have to be ironed out, but Nilson has already practised with the team and both sides are negotiating his release from Calgary's contract. Source

According to NHLPA director Paul Kelly on the 640 AM radio in Toronto, Alexander Radulov wants to leave the KHL, despite only a few games in. Kelly "has extremely good authority" that Radulov wants to return to the NHL and the Nashville Predators. Brochu's take: Another interesting twist to the Radulov saga. Radulov had burned his bridges when he was officially suspended by the Preds, but would the team have him back?

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 11, 2008

The Buffalo Sabres and forward Jason Pominville are negotiating a long-term contract extension. Both sides would like to have a deal done before training camp. Pominville is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Brochu's take: If he doesn't sign an extension, he could become trade bait if the Sabres are out of the playoff race. Source

Free agent forward Brendan Shanahan wants to return to the New York Rangers, but he remains unsigned. Both sides want to sign a deal, but it appears that Shanahan may be waiting for Mats Sundin's situation to settle itself before signing. Source

The Minnesota Wild and forward Marian Gaborik are set to begin re-negotiations on a long-term contract extension. The Wild are willing to pay $8.5 million per year on a five or seven year deal. Brochu's take: It's possible that Gaborik may decide to test the free agent market next season. He may also want to play for a more offensive minded team.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Kyle Quincey to a two-year contract.

According to the Ottawa Sun, the Ottawa Senators have thrown their hat into the Mats Sundin sweepstakes. The Senators made a push to acquire Sundin at last year's trade deadline, but they were unsuccessful. Brochu's take: You know hockey season is about to start when Garrioch starts writing fluff articles... Source

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 10, 2008

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Keith Ballard to a six-year, $25.2 million contract extension.

According to a report in the Globe and Mail, two new teams have jumped on the Mats Sundin sweepstakes, with one team being the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning are believed to be interested in the Swedish forward, and will make moves to fit him into their salary cap. Brochu's take: The other team is believed to be the New York Islanders. Source

The Detroit Red Wings have officially signed 46-year old defenseman Chris Chelios to a one-year, $750 000 contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Eric Staal are close to agreeing on a long-term contract extension, and a deal looks likely sometime in the week before training camp.

Monday, September 08, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 9, 2008

Theoren Fleury is considering a return to hockey, but not back to the NHL. "I think I'm going to come back to try to win an Allan Cup," Fleury said. "It would be nice to add that to the collection." He would play for the Bentley Generals, who lost in the finals last season, in the senior AAA league. Fleury won a Stanley Cup with the Calgary Flames, and also a gold medal with the Canadian Men's Hockey Olympic team in 2002.

It would appear that Nashville Predators forward Steve Sullivan will not be joining the team this season, due to his lingering back injury. Brochu's take: For those poolies out there, don't take him.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 7, 2008

According to the Team 1040 radio station in Vancouver, free agent forward Mats Sundin may be down to two teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. It's believed that Sundin has had good discussions with both teams' respective GMs, and the Vancouver Canucks appear to be out of the running despite their 2 year, $20 million contract offer. Brochu's take: I feel a great disturbance, as if thousands of Canucks fans suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced...

Sportsnet is reporting that Canucks GM Mike Gillis plans to meet Daniel and Henrik Sedin next week to discuss contract extensions for the Swedish twins.

There are rumours in the Swedish media that Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson could be signing with SEL team Djurgarden. Source

Forward Tyson Nash has been given a try-out contract by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nash spent last season with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asia League Ice Hockey. Source

Thursday, September 04, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 5, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Brad Isbister to a one-year, two-way deal.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed defenseman Zach Bogosian to a multi-year deal. Terms were not released. Source

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to a multi-year contract. Terms were not released.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Jarret Stoll to a four-year, $14 million contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed forward Stephane Yelle to a one-year, $750,000 contract.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting rumors that if the Minnesota Wild are unable to ink forward Marian Gaborik to a long-term contract extension, he may be traded to the New York Rangers. Brochu's take: Expect the Gaborik rumours all season, unless he does sign an extension with Minnesota. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Jordan Bendfeld to a three-year contract.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 3, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have traded forward Ryan Shannon to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Lawrence Nycholat. Brochu's take: A depth move, the Canucks have more than enough bottom-6 forwards. As for Nycholat, the veteran AHLer should provide some insurance for the Nucks defense.

In an interview with Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, defenseman Kevin Bieksa acknowledged that there are rumors of him being traded, but he ignores them. He first heard about the rumours during the NHL entry draft. Brochu's take: There's been a lot of speculation in the Vancouver media about a possible trade with the Anaheim Ducks and Mathieu Schneider, who looks likely to be moved. The recent acquistion of Nycholat could mean the Canucks may be up to something.

In an interview with AM640 in Toronto, Mats Sundin has still not decided if he wants to continue playing hockey. Sundin admitted he hasn't even skated yet, and has only worked out a few times. Sportsnet is also reporting that Sundin will meet with Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher on Friday. Brochu's take: And another episode of "The Bald and the Beautiful" concludes without any real conclusion...

The Nashville Predators have suspended forward Alexander Radulov indefinitely without pay for the 2008-09 season. Radulov signed a contract with UFA of the KHL despite having one year remaining on his existing contract with Nashville.

The Detroit Red Wings are close to a one-year, ~$850,000 deal with defenseman Chris Chelios.

Monday, September 01, 2008

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 2, 2008

According to TSN, the anticipated trade of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe to the Florida Panthers will be finalized tomorrow (Tuesday). The Leafs will pay the $2 million bonus owed to McCabe, and will be promptly traded along with a draft pick (2nd round) for defenseman Mike Van Ryn. Brochu's take: This long protracted saga is finally over. Look for McCabe to bounce back to his 50 point self, while Van Ryn will flourish in his new surroundings.

The New York Post is reporting that free agent forward Brendan Shanahan could be joining the Anaheim Ducks. However, rumors are circulating that he is waiting if the Mats Sundin will sign with the New York Rangers, and will base his decision on Mats' choice. Brochu's take: So now Shanahan is waiting for Mats Sundin's decision? Who else, the Pope?

Poll Results:

What do you think Mats Sundin will do?

Sign with Vancouver
138 (29%)
Sign with Toronto
77 (16%)
Sign with Montreal
64 (13%)
Sign with Rangers
15 (3%)
Retire
24 (5%)
Who cares...just do something!
149 (31%)


Total votes: 467

Thanks to everyone who voted! Who knew that we are now in September, and still no decision from Sundin.