Saturday, January 31, 2009

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 31, 2009

The Globe and Mail is reporting that Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis's patience might be running out. "Your patience level is obviously determined by how you're playing," Gillis said. "My patience is at an end with the way this group has performed." Rumors have abounded that coach Alain Vigneault will be fired at the end of the current home stand, but Gillis has assured his coach that his job is safe. Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that Pat Quinn and Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay have been rumoured to be coaching candidates. Brochu's take: There's a lot of pressure on the Canucks to make the playoffs, and since trades are so hard to come by, firing the coach would be the easiest option. Source

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, the Canucks could be interested in Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mathieu Schneider.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping for an experienced backup with the loss of Olaf Kolzig for the season, and they could be interested in Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala. Toskala's name has been in the rumour mill lately. Brochu's take: I don't think the Bolts will had that much salary for a backup.

Peter Forsberg has ruled a return to the NHL this season, but has left the door open for a return in the 2009-2010 season. "There won't be any NHL this season, that's totally clear,'' Forsberg told Swedish television station SVT. ''If I can play it will be in the (Swedish) Elite League and MODO.'' Forsberg has actually signed for Modo, but won't know when he will play for them, due to his lingering foot problems. Brochu's take: So much for those Forsberg rumors, at least for this season. And if you're wondering, he cannot play at all for the NHL this season after signing with MODO, as the Swedish season ends sometime after the NHL trade deadline. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Joel Perrault on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Josef Hrabal, who declined an assignment to the ECHL Stockton Thunder, has been loaned to SEL club MODO. Source

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