NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 17, 2008

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning are not finished with personnel moves, and is willing to move anyone not named "Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Steven Stamkos, Paul Ranger and Andrej Meszaros." Brochu's take: Is the equipment manager available?

The New Jersey Devils might be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Olaf Kolzig, who is available. Brochu's take: GM Lou Lamoriello will hold on for a few Weekes, (pardon the pun) but if the goaltending does not get better he will make a move.

"League sources" are saying that Florida Panthers have told GM Jacques Martin to cut $3 million in payroll, re-sign impending UFA Jay Bouwmeester and make the playoffs. Brochu's take: Good luck with that. Bouwmeester wants out of Florida and it will happen sometime this season, and most definitely in the off-season.

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that the Colorado Avalanche are willing to move forward Tyler Arnason. Brochu's take: Not much interest in an underachieving forward.

The Pittsburgh Penguins had placed forward Paul Bissonnette on waivers Friday and has subsequently cleared.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Free agent defenseman Bryan Berard has officially signed a one-year contract with KHL team Vityaz Podolsk/Chekhov.

New York Rangers defenseman Andreas Jamtin has officially signed with Swedish club Linkoping. Source

Poll Results:

Do you like the new look of Brochu is Hockey?

Yes	140 (55%)
No	114 (44%)

Total Votes: 254

Thanks for the feedback everyone! And for those who voted no, feel free to send me an email or leave a comment on what you didn't like!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 13, 2008

Brian Burke has stepped down as the GM of the Anaheim Ducks. Senior vice president of hockey operations and assistant GM Bob Murray has been promoted to general manager. Burke will remain on as special consultant to CEO Michael Schulman, but has been given a one week "break" which he can discuss and freely negotiate future employment opportunities as a GM in the NHL. TSN mentions it is now very likely that he will become the new GM and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brochu's take: The longest rumor in the history of GM rumors can finally come true. Some in the media continue to speculate that the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks could also be pursuing Burke, but Toronto makes too much sense. It's close to his children, and his wife can easily get a broadcasting job in Canada. Source

It appears Jason Blake is already wearing out his welcome in Toronto, only in his 2nd year of a 5-year, $20 million contract. Blake does not have a no trade clause, but his contract and age essentially makes him untradeable. The Leafs have the option of trading him, demoting him or buying out his contract. Brochu's take: He's untradeable as the writer states. Demoting him would be another option, but I really don't see a buyout considering the Leafs already have Darcy Tucker's dead cap space on the books. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Kevin Allen of USA Today is reporting that free agent defenseman Bryan Berard is close to signing a one-year deal with Vityaz Chekhov of the KHL.

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post is citing a Swedish source that Peter Forsberg recently had another operation on his oft-injured foot. Brochu's take: He's tried different doctors, and even different skates. Maybe Forsberg should go dip his foot in the waters of Lourdes? Source

Phoenix pick up Meyer

The Phoenix Coyotes have picked up Freddy Meyer on waivers. This should free up cap space for the Islanders, who are expected to sign Bryan Berard shortly.

Jason Blake has been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. It's a highly treatable type of leukemia and should not affect his play with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Source

Nolan Baumgartner has been assigned to the minors by the Dallas Stars.

Poll Results:

Who will win the Calder trophy this season?

Nicklas Backstrom	39 (31%)
Jonathan Toews	38 (31%)
Erik Johnson	9 (7%)
Jack Johnson	13 (10%)
Other (leave in comments)	23 (18%)

Votes so far: 122
Poll closed

Do you agree with the Steve Downie suspension?

Yes, he deserved it.	54 (50%)
No, he should get more.	17 (16%)
No, he should get less.	35 (33%)

Votes so far: 106
Poll closed

Forsberg update

Peter Forsberg has recovered from his recent surgery and is now practising with hometown team Modo. Forsberg feel no pressure to sign with any team, and want to be 100% before he even considers returning to play hockey full-time. Pierre McGuire of TSN has stated that the Swedish players on the Detroit Red Wings have really pushed for Forsberg to join them, but Forsberg still hasn't made up his mind.

Bryan Berard has not signed a contract with the New York Islanders, but is close to a contract. GM Garth Snow may try to trade one of their young defenseman, such as Freddy Meyer, to make room for Berard. There has been some speculation that the Boston Bruins may be involved. Source

Josef Melichar has signed with Linköpings HC in Sweden. Melichar had been playing with HC Ceské Budejovice in the Czech Republic, but it was only temporary as he was hoping he could sign with an NHL or bigger European team. Source

Sullivan out 3 months

Steve Sullivan underwent back surgery Thursday and will be out for at least 3 months. Sullivan had been rehabbing in Vancouver but doctors recommended a second procedure to correct the disc problem in his back. This has set off rumours that the Predators will shop for some offense with their surplus of quality, young defenseman. Source

Bryan Berard has been invited to the Islanders training camp. Berard played for the Blue Jackets last season, amassing 3 assists in 11 games in an injury-plagued year. Source

According to a source in Vancouver, the Canucks have no interest in Anson Carter and are close to signing another defenseman.