NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 26, 2008

The Montreal Canadiens have some interest in Russian forward Sergei Zinovjev, who wants out of his KHL team Ak Bars Kazan. Zinovjev is reportedly unhappy with his coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov and has stated he wants to move teams, although Ak Bars could refuse to let their star go. Brochu's take: For more on Zinovjev's situation, read here. Source

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, barring a complete turnaround, Brian Burke will be announced as the new president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs at a afternoon press conference on Saturday. Sources say that MLSE has yet to make a formal offer, but has given Burke and his lawyer a "term sheet". A six-year deal (including what is left of this season) worth about $3 million (U.S.) per year and with the same level of autonomy that was guaranteed in writing to Toronto Raptors' GM Bryan Colangelo appears to be the offer, along with certain bonuses. Brochu's take: The longest love affair in NHL history is about to be consummated. Burke will have a national audience when he make it formal this weekend. Source

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News is reporting that several teams have inquired about young forward Jamie Benn. It's been speculated that the Stars might make some moves in the near future to shake their team out of their dissappointing start. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded center Wyatt Smith to the Phoenix Coyotes for future considerations.

Chicago Blackhawks forward prospect Petri Kontiola has asked for a trade. In a Finnish interview, he states that he wants to play in the NHL and feels that the AHL is longer a place for him. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for July 14, 2008

There's been a lot of movement to the KHL lately, so without further ado:

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

There are rumors that Brendan Shanahan has been pursued by several Russian teams, including SKA St. Petersburg and Dynamo Moskva (Moscow).

The Florida Panthers are rumored to be close to re-signing forward Janis Sprukts, who played in Finland last season.

Defenseman Branislav Mezei has signed with Barys Astana in Kazakhstan for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Forward Josef Stumpel has also signed with KHL team Barys Astana for one year.

Forward Mike York has signed with Sibir Novosibirsk of the KHL.

Defenseman Steve McCarthy has signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the KHL.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Jason Williams to a one year, $2.2 million contract.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Kris Beech to a one year, two-way contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Craig MacDonald to a contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Jamie Benn to a three-year, entry level contract.

The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Brad Winchester to a contract.