Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 30, 2009

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Robert Lang to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

The 'Yotes have also signed forward Ryan Hollweg to a one-year deal.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Maxim Afinogenov to a one-year contract.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed defenseman Martin Skoula to a one-year deal.

The Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Anton Stralman to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The New York Islanders have claimed forward Rob Schremp off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. Brochu's take: Schremp will get a new start on the Island, and it's possible he could get a top-6 spot there, considering all their recent injuries.

The Chicago Blackhawks have claimed forward Radek Smolenak off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Sept 18, 2009

Sorry about the lack of updates, Blogger has been acting up lately and I haven't been able to log in.

The Minnesota Wild have signed Petr Sykora to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. Sykora was invited to attend the Wild's training camp.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed forward Antoine Vermette to a 5-year, $18.75 million contract extension.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Phillipe Lefebvre to a contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed goalie Tyler Beskorowany to an entry-level contract.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Tyler Ennis to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Alexander Urbom to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Atlanta Thrashers have invited forward Maxim Afinogenov to their training camp. Brochu's take: I really don't understand why other NHL teams didn't at least invite him to training camp. It's clear that Afinogenov needed a fresh start, and I think it's possible he can return to his 60-70 point self.

Look for my European rumor update later tomorrow!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 19, 2009

Here are some of the latest hockey and NHL rumors from Bruce Garrioch of the Toronto Sun: (Hmmm, is he getting two cheques for this?)

St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk is likely to be dealt at the March 4 trade deadline. The 36-year-old Massachusetts native would like to be sent to the Boston Bruins, but the B's are pushing the salary cap and GM Peter Chiarelli would like another defenseman instead of a forward. Brochu's take: Let the Keith Tkachuk sweepstakes commence!

There are rumours that the Atlanta Thrashers are about to trade defenseman Mathieu Schneider to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Maxim Afinogenov. Brochu's take: While this makes sense for Buffalo, I'm not sure why Atlanta would do this deal. Afinogenov is only a shadow of the player he was three years ago.

According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Bay Lightning have an interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Ian White. Source

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NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 24, 2008

In an interview with Russian newspaper Sport Express, Maxim Afinogenov denies that he will leave the Buffalo Sabres in mid-season, but is open to the idea of playing in the KHL after his contract expires. Afinogenov wants to the stay in the NHL, but looking at all offers. "It is probably the worst period in my career, and it is difficult to do anything when you play five minutes a game. But let’s see, the deadline is soon [4 March] and then something should happen." Afinogenov said. Brochu's take: Even Afinogenov recognizes that he will be traded soon. I expect a deal to be made closer to the deadline, which will maximize the return for Buffalo. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes franchise is in serious financial straits, and it's been rumored that the NHL will take over the team. Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes' trucking business has been hit hard by the economic meltdown, and it's been reported that the Coyotes's assets and revenue have been used as collateral for a major loan. Brochu's take: Before everyone calls for the franchise to return to Winnipeg, the existing lease with the city of Glendale pretty much prevents the team from relocating. However, the league is rumoured to be negotiating a change in that lease. Source

According to Rich Hammond of the LA Kings blog "Inside the Kings", the Kings were interested in acquiring Chicago Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, but the talks fell through earlier this week. Brochu's take: Khabibulin's strong play of late has made it hard for the Hawks to deal him. But at the same time, Khabby's value has been higher. Remember, he was on waivers earlier this season. Source

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph has played down rumors that he will retire after this season. Instead, he has concentrated on getting his games whenever possible. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 1, 2008

Al Strachan on "The Hotstove" of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast reported that the Calgary Flames are shopping Mike Cammalleri, and are looking for a rugged winger in return. Brochu's take: I doubt that he is being shopped, as his play has really picked up in the last few weeks.

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post believes that the Colorado Avalanche are still interested in Buffalo Sabres forward Maxim Afinogenov, and are still making inquiries about him. Dater also reports that interest in trading defenseman Brett Clark has been lost due to the injury to Adam Foote. Brochu's take: I'm pretty sure Dater reported this Afinogenov rumor sometime last year, but I'm not sure. There hasn't been much interest in Afinogenov from any NHL team. Source

Tim Sassone of the Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that the Blackhawks are possibly shopping forward Martin Havlat, who has struggled of late. He believes that the Montreal Canadiens may be interested. Brochu's take: The Habs have been looking for a high scoring forward, but I don't think Havlat would fit into their system. Source

The following rumors come from rumor-monger extraordinaire, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to shed some salary, and are shopping defensemen Joe Corvo and Frantisek Kaberle, and forward Patrick Eaves. Brochu's take: Eaves has not progressed since the trade from the Senators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may ship defenseman Pavel Kubina to new GM Brian Burke's old team, the Anaheim Ducks. Brochu's take: The Ducks are pushing the cap, I don't think they will add another defenseman with such a high salary.

Weekend rumor roundup for Nov 22-23, 2008

Here's the latest NHL and hockey rumor update for this weekend:

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun speculates that the Montreal Canadiens might be willing to shop forward Alexei Kovalev in order to fit Mats Sundin into their lineup. GM Bob Gainey has renewed his interest in the Swedish free agent after previously stating that he will was no longer pursuing him. Brochu's take: The Sundin rumors are amping up again.

Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis still has that 2-year, $20 million offer on the table for Mats Sundin, but if he can't sign him, the Canucks could make a pitch for Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza. Brochu's take: Could. However, given that the salary cap will go down next year, and the Canucks are comfortably under the cap, they might hesitate on adding a long term, expensive contract.

The Calgary Flames are shopping defenseman Adrian Aucoin. Source

The Buffalo News' Bucky Gleason is reporting that the Sabres should get rid of forwards Maxim Afinogenov and Tim Connolly, as well as defenseman Henrik Tallinder if the Sabres are to make the playoffs. Brochu's take: Afinogenov has been on the market for quite some time, but no one has been biting. Connolly's well-known injury troubles will scare off potential suitors. Tallinder's probably the only one that could attract some interest. Source

Garrioch on his Canoe.ca blog stated that the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Sens defenseman Christoph Schubert. No word on what may be coming back though. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 20, 2008

Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune has confirmed that Minnesota Wild GM Doug Risebrough is definitely shopping forward Marian Gaborik. Russo believes all the rumors surrounding Gaborik being sent to the Montreal Canadiens have merit, and that the Wild are interested in forward Chris Higgins and defensman Ryan McDonagh. Brochu's take: This particular Gaborik rumor has been on the internet for quite some time. Perhaps there's more to this than first realized? Source

The Buffalo News is reporting rumours of "whispers" that the Colorado Avalance are interested in Maxim Afinogenov and they could send forward Marek Svatos to the Sabres. Brochu's take: This could be a good trade, as both seem to need new places to revitalize their careers. Source

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that Habs forward Kyle Chipchura could be on his way out of Montreal in the near future.

The Journal is also reporting that free agent forward Martin Gelinas may be finished with his NHL career, as no teams have called his agent. Playing in Europe remains a last-resort possibility.

Jim Matheson also believes that the New York Rangers might be moving forward Petr Prucha or Dan Fritsche. Brochu's take: I don't think the Rangers will be making moves while their team is doing so well this season. Source

The Rangers also agreed to terms with forward Devin DiDiomete.

Afinogenov available?

Maxim Afinogenov looks likely to be dealt in the off-season. "It’s something we really have to look at with Max," said Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier. "He’s a great guy. I have only good things to say about him, but he may well be one of these players who’s ready for a change." Brochu's take: I expect Afinogenov to get a lot of interest from offense-starved teams in the summer. He's still capable of 25 goals and 70 points, and at his salary that is quite comparable to other players. Source

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed defenseman Tom Gilbert to a six-year, $24 million contract extension. Gilbert will earn $3.5 million next season with a $1.5 million signing bonus, $3.5 million in 2009-2010, $5.5 million with a $1.5 million signing bonus in 2010-2011, $5 million in 2011-2012, $3.5 million in 2012-2013, and $3 million in 2013-2014 for a salary cap average of $4 million a season. Brochu's take: A big overpayment by Lowe. Gilbert has had one good season in the NHL and now he's a $4 million defenseman. Perhaps Lowe feared that Gilbert would get a RFA offer sheet, however he had the funds to match any offer. Source

The Oilers have also re-signed forward Robert Nilsson to a three-year, $5.5 million contract extension. Nilsson will earn $1.5 million next season and $2 million in each remaining season. Brochu's take: Now this is great signing by Lowe. Nilsson is key to the Oilers youth movement and should improve his offensive stats next season.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed draftee Nathan Davis from the Miami University of Ohio to an entry-level contract. Source

Afino-gone-ov?

Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News is reporting that the Buffalo Sabres should trade forward Maxim Afinogenov. Gleason notes his eight years of relative sub-par productivity and his contract ($3.5 million for another season) as factors to get rid of him. Brochu's take: Maybe Afinogenov would benefit from a change of scenery. He has speed to burn, but his hands have never caught up to him. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Jon Kalinski from Michigan State University to an entry-level contract. He will join the AHL Philly Phantoms for the remainder of the season.

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Jeff Penner from the Unversity of Alaska-Fairbanks to an entry-level contract. He will join the AHL Providence Bruins next week.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Swedish sources, Linköping forward Tony Mårtensson is rumoured to be signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brochu's take: Martensson led the SEL in points with 17 goals and 50 assists. He could provide the Blue Jackets with some much needed offense. Source

Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Travis Roche will leave the organization and play for SC Bern of the Swiss Nationalliga A for 2008-2009.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Micki DuPont will leave the organization and play for EV Zug of the Swiss Nationalliga A for 2008-2009.

There's a rumor that Detroit Red Wings defenseman Andreas Lilja might sign with SEL club Malmo. Brochu's take: This might be an option more than anything. Lilja will probably sign with the Wings this summer.

Possible Olli Jokinen offers?

Several offers for Florida Panther Olli Jokinen has been speculated in the rumour mill lately, including:

The Calgary Flames have offered Alex Tanguay and a 2nd round pick, and a conditional pick.

The Montreal Canadiens have offered Michael Ryder, Ryan O'Byrne and a 3rd rounder.

CKAC 730 radio in Montreal is reporting that the Florida Panthers have been scouting O'Byrne for a while, and GM Jacques Martin is very interested in the big defenseman.

There were at least 2 Montreal Canadiens scouts watching the Atlanta Thrashers-New Jersey Devils game Friday. The Canadiens have been rumored to be a big player in the Marian Hossa Sweepstakes, and could also be looking at Devils forward Brian Gionta.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sergei Fedorov could be returning to the Red Wings at the trade deadline. The Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website reports that GM Scott Howson spent half of the morning skate in conversation with Wings' GM Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill. Speculate away! Source

The Buffalo News is reporting that the Buffalo Sabres should look to move one of Maxim Afinogenov, Tim Connolly, Ales Kotalik and Dmitri Kalinin. Source

Poll Results:

Who will sign Peter Forsberg?

Philadelphia Flyers	100 (36%)
Colorado Avalanche	21 (7%)
Vancouver Canucks	109 (39%)
Ottawa Senators	16 (5%)
Anaheim Ducks	3 (1%)
New York Rangers	7 (2%)
Other	20 (7%)

Total votes: 276

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