NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 23, 2008

The New York Islanders have signed free agent forward Mark Parrish to a 25 game AHL contract. He will be given a chance to earn an NHL contract.

The St. Louis Blues have placed defenseman Jeff Woywitka on waivers.

The Blues have also signed goaltender Jake Allen to a contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

New Jersey Devils forward Fedor Fedorov has signed with KHL team Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Tartarstan. He had been given permission by the Devils to seek a contract elsewhere. Brochu's take: I don't think we'll see Sergei's "little" brother in the NHL again. He'll always have his rap career to fall back on. Source

Six major European domestic leagues announced on Wedensday that they have organized a group to protect their leagues against player raids and expansion by the NHL and KHL. Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Switzerland have banded to form "Hockey Europe", and the NHL has recognized the group as a partner. Read on here.