Radulov signs with Salavat Yulaev Ufa!

Nashville Predators forward Alexander Radulov has signed a three-year contract with KHL team Salavat Yulaev Ufa. In an interview with Russian paper Sport-Express, Radulov stated that he was approached by the Russian team with a great offer, an offer that Nashville could not match. Brochu's take: This isn't a rumor folks, this has happened. Radulov is due to be a RFA next year, so his contract will be suspended. If he ever returns to the NHL, he will have one year remaining on his entry-level deal. Source

There are rumors that Philadelphia Flyers forward Patrick Thoresen could be headed to Switzerland or Sweden, with SEL clubs Skellefteå, Timrå, and Brynäs the most interested in the Norwegian forward. Source

Swedish sources are saying that defenseman Jaroslav Modry could be signing with Malmo of the Elitserien for 2008-2009. Source

Florida Panthers defenseman Magnus Johansson is rumored to be headed to Atlant Mytischi of the KHL.

The San Jose Sharks have signed defenseman Brendan Buckley to a contract. Buckley spent last season playing for German club Iserlohner Roosters. Source

Goalie Mike Morrison has left the New York Islanders organization and signed with Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia. Source

Defenseman Bryce Lampman has left the Dallas Stars organization and signed with Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia.

Edmonton Oilers forward Jonas Almtorp has been given a try-out for Lulea.

NHL rumors for April 16, 2008

Publications across Canada are jumping in on who exactly will become the new GM for the Vancouver Canucks. Owner Francesco Aquilini described in his press conference he wanted someone with experience and leadership; someone with no-excuses. The Vancouver Province is reporting that Anaheim Ducks' senior VP of hockey operations Bob Murray is the frontrunner for the job. Rumors are flying around the NHL that Jim Nill, Ken Holland, Neil Smith, Brian Lawton, John Muckler and Mike Gillis are leading candidates as well. Brochu's take: This should be an interesting few months before the trade deadline. My feeling is that Aquilini will go with someone that's well established. Nill and Holland aren't going anywhere, despite idle speculation by Vancouver media, as they just signed long-term contract extensions with the Detroit Red Wings. Source

There are rumours that hotshot Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom could be "reconsidering" his decision to sign with the Canucks. The Detroit Red Wings are back in the running to land him, according to MLive.com. Brochu's take: Dave Nonis was one of the main factors that Brunnstrom wanted to sign with Vancouver. Could Brunnstrom be lost because of the Nonis fallout?

The Detroit Red Wings have signed forward Jamie Tardif to a two-year, entry-level contract.

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Francois Bouchard to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Tomas Popperle will leave the organization and has signed with HC Sparta Praha of the Czech Extraliga for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Lars Jonsson will leave the organization and return to Sweden for next year. Source

There are rumours that Edmonton Oilers prospect Jonas Almtorp could be returning to Sweden for the 2008-2009 season. Source