NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 16, 2009

Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg denied a report by CBC's Hockey Night in Canada's Elliotte Friedman that he's turned down a 10-year, $75-million contract offer from the team. "No, it's not (accurate)," Zetterberg said Thursday. "Usually I don't want to comment on that, but that's not true. I haven't turned down an offer of $75 million." The Red Wings and their Swedish star have been negotiating on and off since last June, but there has been no sense of urgency from either side. Brochu's take: Interesting that Zetterberg took the time to dismiss the report. A deal will be done, it's just a matter of time. Source

According to the Toronto Star, Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is still looking to make trades, but nothing has been interesting. Burke was in Boston watching defenceman Matt Gilroy of the Boston University Terriers, probably the most sought-after U.S. college free agent available this spring. Burke wants to sign around five college free agents, hoping two will make it. On the NHL front, the Leafs are rumored to be shopping defenseman Anton Stralman. Brochu's take: FYI, this blog will be updated frequently AFTER the trade deadline, when college free agents are usually signed (March-April). Other rumor sites tend to shut down by then, but not here. Source

The New York Islanders have signed goaltender Wade Dubielewicz to a one-year, $500,000 pro-rated contract. Brochu's take: I believe he still has to clear waivers before he can play for the Islanders.

In other Islanders news, the team has agreed in principle with the Los Angeles Kings to play an exhibition game in Kansas City in September for the 2009-2010 NHL season. However, according to league sources this game could be perceived as a veiled threat of potential relocation if plans for a new arena on Long Island aren’t soon finalized. Brochu's take: Kansas City has been in the running for an NHL franchise for years, ever since they offered free rent to the Pittsburgh Penguins a few years ago. They have an arena with no anchor tenant. Source

The Ottawa Senators announced Thursday that goaltender Martin Gerber has been send down to the AHL's Binghamton Senators on a two-week conditioning assignment. Brochu's take: We may have seen the last of Gerber in a Sens uniform.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Free agent defenseman Keith Carney has signed with SC Bern of the Swiss Nationalliga A. Carney had "retired" from the NHL earlier this season. Source

Oilers claim Boulerice off waivers

The Edmonton Oilers have claimed forward Jesse Boulerice off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche. Boulerice was playing on an AHL contract with Colorado's affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters. Brochu's take: A replacement for the injured Steve MacIntyre, I assume.

Defenseman Keith Carney has retired from the NHL. The 38 year old, who last played with the Minnesota Wild, had a few NHL teams interested in his services but decided to spend more time with his young family. Source

The Carolina Hurricanes have placed defenseman Josef Melichar on waivers, as per the TSN ticker.

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 21, 2008

The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with forward Dale Weise. Terms were not disclosed. Source

Free agent defenseman Keith Carney has been invited to the Chicago Blackhawks training camp on a pro tryout contract.

Free agent defenseman Jassen Cullimore has been invited to the Florida Panthers training camp on a pro tryout contract.

According to the Calgary Sun, both defenseman Rhett Warrener and Anders Eriksson have been speculated in trade and waiver rumors, as it is likely only one of the two will make it on the roster. Brochu's take: My bet is that Eriksson will get waived or traded. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed GM Darcy Regier to a two-year contract extension.

According to the Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, there have been "whispers" that Canucks defenseman Lukas Krajicek and forward Taylor Pyatt could be on their way out of Vancouver. It's believed that the Montreal Canadiens have some interest in the young Czech blueliner. Brochu's take: Thanks to Jon for sending this one in.

Billionaire interested in buying the Leafs?

Toronto billionaire Alex Shnaider, a one-time owner in the Formula One auto racing circuit, has expressed interest in buying the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Toronto Star is reporting that Shnaider has been consulting with bank and industry contacts about how much money it would take to buy the Leafs and it's parent company, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Source

Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Daryl Katz's bid to buy the Edmonton Oilers has stalled, after the Edmonton Investors Group (EIG) recommended a rejection of Katz's $188 million offer to purchase the team. Sources say the board is stalling so that the opposing shareholders could be bought out. Katz's offer expires January 31st, and the board recommendation is expected to come on the 21st.

There are rumours swirling in Toronto that the Maple Leafs will waive goaltender Andrew Raycroft, and will try to sign UFA Curtis Joseph as a veteran backup.

Speculation is rampant that Minnesota Wild defenseman Keith Carney will once again be on the block at the trade deadline.

Simon Gamache has expressed his frustrations with the Toronto Maple Leafs and would prefer to play in Switzerland. "If I'm not with the Leafs, then I would rather go back to Switzerland. As soon as possible. I'm not having fun in the minors. I don't want to be in the minors. Like I said, if that is the case, I might as well be in Switzerland and resume things there." Source

Anaheim Ducks trade watch, Tampa/Dallas blockbuster?

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Dallas Stars have been looking for a superstar talent and they have targeted Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning are looking for quality goaltending, and there are rumors that Marty Turco could go the other way.

The Anaheim Ducks trade watch continues. Sportsnet's Hockeycentral panel is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks have been kicking the tires on acquiring Mathieu Schneider. Also, the Ducks could free salary cap space by shipping Andy McDonald to another team, possibly to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In other Ducks news, could there be a deal between the Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers? GM and coach Don Waddell and Anaheim GM Brian Burke are friends, and the Thrashers need another defenseman. "Brian is one of the guys I talk to most in the league about many things," Waddell said. "They're just another team that we continue to talk to. At this point we're happy with our group." Waddell indicated that any trades would likely involve prospects or draft picks, which are a commodity in the salary-cap era. Source

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the Minnesota Wild could trade one of their defenseman to solve their roster issues. Keith Carney, Kurtis Foster and Petteri Nummelin could become trade bait for teams looking for blueline depth. Source