Hockey and NHL Rumors for Oct 19, 2010

Haven't posted in a few days, here's the latest happenings in the NHL:

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed centre Joe Thornton to a three-year, $7 million contract extension.

The Florida Panthers have placed forward Kenndal McArdle on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Brendan Mikkelson on waivers.

The New York Islanders have placed goalie Nathan Lawson on waivers.

The Dallas Stars placed forward Fabian Brunnstrom on waivers.  He has cleared.

The Atlanta Thrashers placed defenseman Boris Valabik on waivers.  He has cleared.

Niedermayer, Brunnstrom potential tradebait?

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, both Anaheim Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer and Dallas Stars forward Fabian Brunnstrom are available. Niedermayer doesn't have a no-trade-clause, but would like to stay with Anaheim. Brochu's take: I don't think there's much interest in Brunnstrom, considering his terrible production this season. If the Ducks are out of playoff contention, look for the offers to pour in for Niedermayer around the trade deadline. Source

Brunnstrom sweepstakes are over!

The Dallas Stars have finally won the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes. TSN is reporting that Brunnstrom and his agent J.P. Barry decided that the Stars was the best fit for him. It's expected that he will sign a two-year contract, with bonuses that could raise his salary to $2 million a year. Brochu's take: The media and internet have really propelled this average Swedish prospect into an almost mythical player. The fact is he couldn't make it in the World Championship because the coach didn't think he had a good season. Don't be surprised if he becomes nothing more than a depth player for Dallas. Source

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made contact with Dave Nonis, after having received permission from the Vancouver Canucks. However, the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings have refused permission to allow the Leafs to talk to GMs Doug Wilson and Ken Holland, respectively.

Olaf Kolzig has confirmed that he has played his last game for the Washington Capitals. He remains open to join a contending team for next season. Brochu's take: He could gather a lot of interest from teams looking for a no. 1 goalie or veteran backup. Source

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Keaton Ellerby to a three-year, entry-level contract. Ellerby was the Panthers first round choice in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Finnish television, there are rumors that forward Ville Leino is close to signing a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

Forward Brett Engelhardt has left the Montreal Canadiens and signed with Augsburg Panther of the DEL for the 2008-2009 season.

Atlanta Thrashers forward Jason Krog and defenseman Joel Kwiatkowski have left the organizationa and signed contracts with Severstal Cherepovets of the Russian Super League.

Poll Results:

Who will win the Hart Trophy?

Alexander Ovechkin	80 (86%)
Evgeni Malkin	11 (11%)
Jarome Iginla	1 (1%)

Total Votes: 92

NHL rumors update for April 26, 2008

According to The Hockey News, Fabian Brunnstrom's agent, JP Barry, has instructed all NHL teams interested in signing the 23-year-old winger from Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League to submit a one-page proposal by next Monday outlining their offer and essentially selling themselves on why it would be the best place for Brunnstrom to play. Barry will go over them with Brunnstrom shortly after that and the list will then be narrowed down to a group of five, with whom Brunnstrom will seriously negotiate.

The Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings have all filed their submissions. The Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Red Wings are believed to be the frontrunners at this stage, while the Vancouver Canucks remain in the running. Brochu's take: Anyone else sick of all this Brunnstrom hype? It's not like this guy is the next Forsberg. There just seems to be a lot of talk for a guy that didn't play very well in the second half of the SEL season, and only managed 9 goals all year. Source

The Boston Bruins have signed goaltender Kevin Regan and forward Levi Nelson to entry-level contracts.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed forward Bud Holloway to a three-year, entry level contract.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Paul Szczechura to a two-year contract.

The New York Rangers have signed goaltender Miika Wiikman to a two-way contract.

I will be posting a big European rumour update soon, so check back later today or tomorrow.

The latest Brunnstrom and NHL rumors

Darren Dreger of TSN is reporting now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have a "slight edge" in the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes. Maple Leafs assistant GM Jeff Jackson and Brunnstrom's agent JP Barry have had discussions this week that both characterize as encouraging. The Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks are also strong in the running, while the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators have all made late bids. Brochu's take: Dreger's been reporting later than most rumormongers about Brunnstrom, and almost all his rumors have something to do with the Leafs. Brunnstrom is expected to make his decision in the next few weeks so we'll all see by then. Source

With the elimination of the Anaheim Ducks in 6 games by the Dallas Stars, rumours are already spreading that this spells the end of Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne and Brian Burke. Neidermayer and Selanne are unlikely to return next year, and will most likely retire. Burke is still being heavily pursued by the Toronto Maple Leafs for their vacant GM position.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Swedish free agent forward Linus Videll is close to signing a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators. Videll scored 13 goals and 26 points with Sodertalje of the SEL in 2007-2008. Brochu's take: A big 6'3 winger, Videll needs to work on skating to make it in the NHL. Source

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

The latest NHL rumors

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that the New York Rangers are interested in Minnesota Wild forward Brian Rolston and Montreal Canadiens forward Michael Ryder. Brochu's take: The Rangers are probably looking at replacements for Jaromir Jagr, who seems to be on his way out of New York this summer. Ryder would be the logical choice, as Rolston is a centre and the Rangers are deep down the middle with Drury and Gomez. Source

Both Darren Dreger of TSN and Scott Morrison on CBC report that highly-touted Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom is very close to signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. Source

Jim Matheson believes that the Chicago Blackhawks won't be able to land impending free agent Brian Campbell because Campbell likes it in San Jose with his friend Joe Thornton. Matheson believes that they will try to get Wade Redden or John-Michael Liles. The Carolina Hurricanes have interest in Liles. Brochu's take: My bet is Liles, who the Canes were trying to get at the trade deadline. Given the right offer, Campbell will go anywhere. But he really likes it in San Jose so it's likely he'll sign there.

Matheson is also speculating that New York Islanders forward Miroslav Satan would be a target of the Vancouver Canucks. Brochu's take: Another trade-deadline trade that didn't come to pass, Satan would be a much needed scorer in the Canucks lineup. His sub-par season could make him affordable in the summer. Source

The Denver Post is reporting that the Buffalo Sabres are close to signing defenseman Chris Butler from the University of Denver.

The latest NHL rumors for Feb 7, 2008

A rumour was reported on CKAC 730 AM radio in Montreal about the Montreal Canadiens trading Michael Ryder and Ryan O'Byrne for Calgary Flames forward Alex Tanguay. Tanguay has a no trade clause and is reportedly sick of hearing rumors about him heading to Montreal.

Andy Strickland of 1380 ESPN radio in St. Louis is reporting that defenseman Matt Walker has asked the Blues to be traded. There is a lot of speculation that the Blues are on the verge of a trade, possibly involving defenseman Eric Brewer and Barret Jackman.

Swedish reports have indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be interested in signing forward Linus Klasen. Bill Meltzer of NHL.com also adds that both Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis, along with many other NHL scouts watched prospects Fabian Brunnstrom, Linus Klasen and Linus Videll, along with many other NHL scouts on a recent trip to Sweden. Source

Many Canucks fans' hearts skipped a beat on Wednesday when defenseman Mattias Ohlund was removed from the roster of the Canucks official website, prompting rumours of a trade. A later email from the webmaster indicated it was a glitch due to Ohlund's absence from the team for personal reasons.

The upstart European hockey superleague that was reported a few weeks ago is one step closer to reality. On Wednesday, Bloomberg news reported that Vladislav Tretiak, the legendary goaltender who's now president of the Russian Hockey Federation, and energy tycoon Alexander Medvedev have signed an agreement to create the rival league by April 15. The rival league will be known as the Continental Hockey League, and will have 20 Russian teams and an undetermined number of foreign clubs. It's possible that this new league will attract some NHL players to play in Europe. Source

Canes interested in Hamilton, Yzerman back

According to the Boston Globe, the Boston Bruins had some interest in Jeff Hamilton when he was put on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes. There are rumors that he will be picked up by the Bruins should he be put on re-entry waivers. Source

Several teams, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres, have called the Vancouver Canucks about forward Ryan Kesler and defenseman Alexander Edler. These two young players seem to the be most desired by teams around the NHL.

Radio reports in Minnesota have rumours that the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens are talking.

Also, GM Dave Nonis confirmed that he will be in the running in the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. He didn't watch Forsberg on his trip to Sweden; instead he took the time to observe 22-year old Fabian Brunnstrom. Nonis seemed unimpressed about Brunnstrom's performance in the one game he saw. Source

Canada's team at the 2008 World Championship in Quebec City and Halifax will once again be led by Steve Yzerman, who successfully guided Canada to the gold medal at the 2007 World Championship in Moscow. There is speculation that he will be joined by Pat Quinn, who helped coach Canada to gold at the 2007 Spengler Cup. Source

The latest Forsberg and Brunnstrom update

As promised, the latest Peter Forsberg news:

ON CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, The Hotstove (formerly known as the Satellite Hotstove), Scott Morrison stated that both Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis are in Sweden on a scouting mission and to possibly talk with Peter Forsberg. Morrison added that one unidentified team has offered Foppa a 3 year deal, and another is prepared to offer $4-5 million a year (pro-rated).

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun believes the Dallas Stars have increased their efforts to sign Forsberg. He also thinks the Flyers and New York Rangers are frontrunners, with the Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Atlanta Thrashers, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks making calls to the Swedish centre. Source

The Courier Post believes that the Flyers are "clearly the favorites" to land Foppa.

Everyone's favourite Swedish prospect, Fabian Brunnstrom, has received a lot more interest since the report a week ago that 5 teams were on his short list.

Philadelphia Flyers GM is in Sweden on a scouting assignment to watch Brunnstrom and a few other Swedish draft-age players, and could make a contract offer. Source

Ottawa is also making a late bid. "We're interested in him," Senators GM Bryan Murray confirmed yesterday morning at the Air Canada Centre. "But we can't do anything until his year is totally over, nothing can happen until this summer, and then he's like every other free agent. It comes down to recruiting." Source

The Boston Bruins don't want to be left out of the Brunnstrom party, and they are interested as well. "But we're in that mix, too," said GM Peter Chiarelli. "He's a kid with some dimension to his game, some size [6 feet 2 inches, 205 pounds], can play either wing." Source

Rumors from...Sweden!

There seems to be a lot of rumours about Swedish players lately, and the Swedish website Expressen.se seems to have it covered:

Peter Forsberg has had no setbacks with his training and is progressing well with his comeback. He's confirmed that he won't be playing for hometown team Modo, considering that the deadline to sign new players for Swedish Elite League teams is January 31. Modo assistant coach Fredrik Andersson is giving Foppa additional skate exercises along with the regular practices.

In other Forsberg news, Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland has revealed that Forsberg has turned down the Red Wings twice in the past. In 2005, Foppa chose Philadelphia instead of Detroit, and in February of 2007, the Wings made a push for Forsberg but he ended up in Nashville. Holland remains open to signing Forsberg, but knows that he would prefer to go to Colorado or Philadelphia.

The Red Wings have offered much-hyped Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom a contract. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks remain in the sweepstakes, with the Anaheim Ducks making a late offer.

Former NHLer Magnus Arvedson will be an assistant coach for Team Sweden at the LG Hockey Games in Stockholm in February.

Seven scouts from six teams were watching the Columbus Blue Jackets-Chicago Blackhawks game Thursday night. The Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers(2 scouts) and the Tampa Bay Lightning were all represented. Source

The Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in Avs defenseman John-Michael Liles, while scouts from the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals were in attendance at the last Avalanche game. Source

CBC Hotstove and other rumors

On CBC's The Hotstove, the topic of trading Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin came up again, with analyst Al Strachan saying Sundin would like to stay in Canada because of business interests. The panel mentioned that the Vancouver Canucks remain in the running.

Pierre LeBrun mentioned that Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu's name has come up in trade rumours, something that hasn't been heard for a few years.

Five teams scouted the Columbus Blue Jackets-Dallas Stars game Saturday. These teams were the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals. Let the rumours fly! Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Dmitri Yushkevich has retired from hockey. The Russian defenseman, who, amongst other teams, played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL for eleven seasons, has left his team Cherepovets Severstal to be with family in North America. He will be looking after his young triplet children after his wife died. Source

CBC Hotstove mentioned that Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom has cut down to 5 preferred teams, 3 of which are the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks. It is believed they have offered a 2 year deal to the young forward. For more on Brunnström, click on the "Brunnstrom" label at the bottom of the post.

Sydor, Recchi to Columbus?

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche each had two scouts in Ottawa on Thursday for the Senators-Penguins game. Columbus is coached by Ken Hitchcock, who has ties with Penguins' veterans Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor, each of whom was a healthy scratch last night. Source

The Hockey News is reporting that many NHL teams have shown an interest in Swedish forward Fabian Brunnstrom. Scouts are comparing the prospect to Daniel Alfredsson. Under the new CBA, the 22 year old rookie is an unrestricted free agent. Brunnström is currently playing with Färjestads BK in the Swedish Elitserien. The teams that have shown the most interest are the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. Source

Forward Johan Ryno has left the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and returned home to Sweden to play with Djurgården in the SEL. Ryno could be playing with Djurgarden as soon as next week. Source