Sunday, January 11, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 11, 2009

Welcome to Brochu is Hockey, Mark III! A more detailed post will be posted today to let you know all the upgrades. But back to the heart of the matter, rumors!

The Atlanta Thrashers have claimed forward Rich Peverley off waivers from the Nashville Predators.

According to TSN, free agent forward Brendan Shanahan is joining the New Jersey Devils, but the final terms on a deal has yet to be finalized. According to another source, it's believed to be a one-year deal. Source

In an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jaromir Jagr saids he is happy playing for Avangard Omsk in the KHL, but might consider a return to the NHL once his contract expires. Jagr expressed that he would return only to two of his previous teams, the Penguins or the New York Rangers. Jagr also added that he would play for the league minimum with the Pens, citing a debt owed to Mario Lemieux with helping him out during the early parts of his career. Brochu's take: With all the rumors of players not getting paid in the KHL, Jagr might be back sooner than once thought. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning owner Oren Koules, Vincent Lecavalier's agent Kent Hughes and Lecavalier himself all denied that he is being shopped around the league. However, a Sportsnet report, and according to sources around the NHL, Lecavalier's been made "available", along with forward Steven Stamkos, at the right offer. Pierre LeBrun on Hockey Night in Canada's intermission program "The Hotstove" stated that Lecavalier could be had at the right offer. Al Strachan speculated that if the Montreal Canadiens offered Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Komisarek, the Bolts might listen. Brochu's take: It would seem there are conflicting reports on whether Lecavalier is on the trade block or not. What is true is that the Lightning are definitely having financial troubles, and could be cutting salary soon. Source

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, it was reported that Peter Forsberg has quitely expressed interest in returning to the NHL, and Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is interested. Brochu's take: Forsberg is still rehabbing his latest ankle surgery, and probably won't skate until March, which is right around the trade deadline. If he decides to sign, I wouldn't expect him to play a game until April.

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