NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 6, 2009

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed free agent forward Jeff Hamilton for the rest of the season. Brochu's take: A curious move, coming after the NHL trade deadline. He's likely a roster filler so the Leafs don't have to use their callups.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Florida Panthers were weighing two offers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who was ultimately not traded. The Vancouver Canucks were willing to give up forward Mason Raymond and a 1st rounde draft pick. It's believed that Florida wanted either defensemen Kevin Bieksa or Alex Edler included and GM Mike Gillis wasn't willing to make the move. The Philadelphia Flyers were offering Joffrey Lupul or Scottie Upshall along with prospect James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round pick. The Panthers wanted Scott Hartnell. Upshall was eventually traded to the Phoenix Coyotes. Brochu's take: In my opinion, GM Jacques Martin will regret not getting something for Bouwmeester. He's already turned down a contract offer, and even if the Panthers make the playoffs, it's not guaranteed they'll make it far. However, I do think that Bouwmeester's negotiation rights will be offered in the summer, likely for a draft pick. Source

The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir is reporting that the Capitals had talked to the Anaheim Ducks about acquiring Chris Pronger, but the asking price was much too high. The Ducks wanted defenseman Karl Alzner, goalie Simeon Varlamov and prospect John Carlson. Brochu's take: That would fall in line with Pronger's supposed asking price. Look for a similar type of package by other NHL teams this summer, when Pronger will be available. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for May 23, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have given head coach Alain Vigneault a one-year extension. GM Mike Gillis also confirmed the firing of assistant coaches Barry Smith and Mike Kelly. Gillis also added that he will be directly involved in the hiring of new assistant coaches. Brochu's take: Gillis is definitely going the unconventional route of hockey management. There's a rumor that he is looking at the AHL Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with the players' side.

The Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday that the club has appointed Tony Granato as the team's head coach. Granato previously served in the role from 2002-2004.

The Dallas Stars have signed co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson to contracts that will remain in their positions through the 2010-11 season.

According to the LA Times, Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke has told both Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne that they will have until the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (June 20th and 21st) to let Burke know of their intentions to play or not. Niedermayer has one year left on his deal while Selanne is an unrestricted free agent. Brochu's take: Burkie's not going to give the same leeway he gave Niedermayer and Selanne last year.

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Karl Alzner to a three-year, entry level contract. Alzner was the 5th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defensemen Mike Mottau and Sheldon Brookbank to contracts.

The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Maxim Noreau to a multi-year contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Harrison Reed to a three-year, entry-level contract. Reed received a $100,000 signing bonus for signing the deal and will make an average of $500,000 per season if he makes the Hurricanes, or $55,000 per season in the minor leagues. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have come to terms with forward Rylan Kaip and defenseman Arturs Kulda. Source