Pre-Lockout NHL Signings for Sept 13, 2012

The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to a two-year, $5 million contract.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Troy Brouwer to a three-year, $11 million contract extension.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed goalie Ben Scrivens to a two-year contract extension.

The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed forward Spencer Machacek to a new NHL contract.  Terms were not disclosed.

Stempniak for Steen, Coliacovo

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded forward Alex Steen and defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to the St. Louis Blues for forward Lee Stempniak. Brochu's take: The Leafs have made another blunder here. Steen, while currently struggling, has lots more potential than Stempniak, who has not established himself as a steady scorer in the NHL. Colaiacovo's injury history makes him questionable, but he definitely has the talent to be a top-4 defender in the league.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 3, 2008

The Toronto Maple Leafs are rumored to be on the verge of trading one of their surplus defenseman, and the most likely two are Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo, who were on display in Sunday night's game between the Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes. "We've had preliminary discussions with a few managers," GM Cliff Fletcher said during the game. "And there will be a time I'm sure in the near future when a trade could be available for us. We'd be looking to move just one defenceman and hopefully get a forward in return that would fit into our scheme of things." Fletcher was also spotted in a suite with Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford, who has been looking for a defenseman. Brochu's take: Stay tuned, there could be a trade brewing between these two teams. Source

Fletcher also dismissed rumours that he was interested in Atlanta Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk and insisted he has not talked to the Thrashers about anything. GM Don Waddell claimed the speculation as a "wild rumour".

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Ottawa Senators forward prospect Alexander Nikulin has demanded a trade or he will return to Russia. The 23-year old Nikulin has stated that he will return to Russia if the Senators do not have a deal in place by Monday. GM Bryan Murray has shopped the forward for some time, but no one was seriously interested. Brochu's take: This is going to happen more and more with Russian draft picks. Source

Minnesota Wild forward Petr Kalus has signed a contract with KHL team HK MVD Balashikha. Kalus bolted from the AHL farm team in October.

New Jersey Devils forward Erik Rasmussen has signed with Finnish team Assat Pori.

Florida Panthers forward Rob Globke has signed with Frederikshavn White Hawks in Denmark.

Forsberg back to NHL after Christmas?

According to Aftonbladet, Peter Forsberg will return to the NHL after Christmas. Along with a dozen other teams that are interested, the article states that Dallas could be a possible destination. Ulf Dahlen, the assistant coach of the Stars, and other Swedish players on the team are cited as reasons he may sign there. Source

In other "Foppa" news, Forsberg has started an airline in Sweden. Forsberg, along with twelve of the biggest companies in his hometown of Örnsköldsvik, hopes to bring more flights to O-vik to create more development. Markus Naslund is also involved in the enterprise.

Jamie Rivers, who was suspended by the Montreal Canadiens for not reporting to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs, has signed with Spartak Moscow of the Russian Super League. Source

A source in Toronto has indicated that the Phoenix Coyotes are interested in Carlo Colaiacovo. Colaiacovo is currently out with an injury.