More signings in Europe

New York Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky has signed with HC Slovan Bratislava.  (Bratislava play in the KHL.)

Calgary Flames forward Jiri Hudler and Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakub Voracek has signed with HC Lev Praha.  (Lev Praha play in the KHL)

CZECH REPUBLIC

Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Rostislav Klesla has signed with HC Trinec.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik has signed with KLH Chomutov.

St. Louis Blues defenseman Roman Polak has signed with HC Vitkovice.

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl has signed with HC Pardubice.

SLOVAKIA

Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar has signed with SHK 37 Piestany.

AHL

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Brett Lebda has signed with the Rockford IceHogs.

Post-Lockout NHL Signings in Europe

Here's a few more NHL signings in Europe, look for my individual European country updates soon!  This post will be concentrated on players that have signed with Swiss, Russian and Czech clubs.

RUSSIA

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has signed with SKA St. Petersburg.

Boston Bruins goalie Anton Khudobin has signed with Atlant Mytishchi.

SWITZERLAND

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi has signed with SC Bern.

Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin has signed with EHC Biel.

Buffalo Sabres forward Tyler Ennis and Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon have signed with Langnau.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Radek Martinek and Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference have signed with HC Ceske Budejovice.

Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth has signed with HC Sparta Praha (Prague).

St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka has signed with HC Slavia Praha (Prague).

NHL Lockout Signings: Czech Republic

Here is a list of NHLer that have signed in the Czech Republic (HC Lev Praha plays in the KHL):

Dallas Stars forward Jaromir Jagr, Montreal Canadiens forward Tomas Plekanec, Carolina Hurricanes forward Jiri Tlusty, New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Tomas Kaberle have signed with HC Kladno.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid and Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec have signed with Bili Tygri Liberec.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ales Hemsky has signed with HC Pardubice.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Pavel Kubina has signed with HC Vitkovice.

Calgary Flames forward Roman Cervenka has signed with HC Slavia Praha.

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 20, 2010

Here's a bit of a rumor roundup from the weekend:

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Matt Beleskey to a two-year, $1.5 million contract.

The Columbus Post Dispatch is reporting that the Blue Jackets are considering acquiring Edmonton Oilers defenseman Sheldon Souray.  Souray remains in limbo after being barred from attending the Oilers' training camp.  Brochu's take:  Edmonton and Columbus have been frequent trading partners lately, so it's very possible that he could move there.  Defenseman Rostislav Klesla has bee mentioned in some trade rumors as well.  Source

The Buffalo Sabres have invited Mark Parrish to training camp.

The New Jersey Devils have extended an invitation to training camp to forward Adam Mair.

The Florida Panthers have invited Nick Tarnasky to training camp.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Lukas Krajicek has left the NHL and signed with HC Trinec in the Czech Republic.

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 31, 2009

This is the larger version of Brochu's European Rumor Roundup:

Peter Forsberg has made his latest comeback to hockey by playing a pre-season game with Swedish club Modo. Forsberg played on the first line against Geneva in Switzerland. Forsberg has also been provisionally named on Sweden's 2010 Olympic roster. Brochu's take: So I guess we can expect Forsberg rumours to continue all season? Keeps me busy, I suppose. ;-)

Ottawa Senators goalie Jeff Glass has signed a one-year deal with KHL team Barys Astana. Source

Defenseman Frantisek Kaberle has signed with HC Kladno of the Czech Extraliga. Kaberle was bought out by the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this summer. Source

According to Hokey.cz, free agent forward Petr Sykora is weighing offers from several KHL teams. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 1, 2009

The Dallas Stars will officially announce on Monday that Joe Nieuwendyk will become the new general manager. Owner Tom Hicks also announced that co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson have both been reassigned within the organization. Hull will be moving to the roles of Executive Vice President and Alternative Governor, while Jackson is returning to his role as Director of Scouting and Player Development. Nieuwendyk was, until today, the Special Assistant to the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brochu's take: Whoa, this came out of left field. Could this change the way the Stars will operate come free agency time? Source

The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Milan Kytnar to a three-year, entry-level contract. Kytnar was the Oil's 5th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Paul Byron to a three-year, entry-level contract. Byron was the Sabres' 6th round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The Calgary Flames have re-signed forward Kyle Greentree to a one-year, two-way contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup: (signings)

Forward Marek Zagrapan has left the Buffalo Sabres and has signed a contract with KHL club Severstal Cherepovets. Zagrapan is due to be a RFA, so the Sabres would still own his NHL rights. Source

Forward Aleksandr Nikulin has left the Phoenix Coyotes organization and has signed with CSKA Moskva (Moscow). Source

Forward Petr Vrana has left the New Jersey Devils organization and has signed with Czech club HC Vitkovice. Source

New York Islanders forward Kurtis McLean has left the organization and signed with Finnish hockey team Lukko Rauma.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 22, 2009

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Phillip Larsen to a three-year, entry-level contract. Larsen was the Stars' fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed defenseman John Scott to a one-year contract.

The Boston Bruins have signed free agent goalie Matt Dalton to a two-year contract. Dalton has played the last two seasons with Bemidji State University of the NCAA. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Former NHL goalie Dominik Hasek has come out of retirement to play for his hometown team, HC Moeller Pardubice in the Czech Republic. "A year ago I said goodbye to the NHL but not to hockey," Hasek said. "After a year when I was engaged in other activities I felt like returning." Hasek also has an option year after next year. Brochu's take: There had been rumors that he would sign with a KHL team in Russia, but I guess the economic situation put a damper on that. Hasek also stated he would love to play in the Olympics, when he will be nearly 45 years old. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 3, 2009

According to CBC, the NHL is tentatively set to kick off the 2009-10 regular season in Europe, with six teams playing in 3 cities. The Calgary Flames would play the San Jose Sharks in Helsinki, Finland, the Detroit Red Wings would take on the St. Louis Blues in Stockholm, Sweden and the Chicago Blackhawks would face the Florida Panthers in Prague, Czech Republic. Source

RDS is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens could be looking for an experienced, offensive centre with Robert Lang out with an injured Achilles tendon. Possibilites could include St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk, Washington Capitals centre Michael Nylander and New York Islanders centre Doug Weight. Brochu's take: If there's one thing about GM Bob Gainey, he's quite decisive about personnel decisions. If he feels there's a need for an experienced centreman, he will go and get him. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed goaltender Mike McKenna to an NHL contract. McKenna was playing for Tampa's AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.

According to Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province, Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault has the next two games to pull the team out of its losing streak, or he will be fired. Brochu's take: Speculation continues to mount over Vigneault's future. Could he go the way of Hartsburg?

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Shane O'Brien fired back at his coach and GM Monday, claiming that he was asked to fight more. O'Brien was a healthy scratch on Saturday and will likely be scratched on Tuesday as well. GM Mike Gillis has denied that he told the player to fight, only that he played "harder." Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 23, 2009

The Ottawa Senators have placed goalie Martin Gerber on waivers. In the likely event that he clears, he has two options: play for the AHL Binghamton Senators or play for a European club. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun speculates that teams in Germany and Sweden have shown interest. Brochu's take: He will clear waivers. We may have seen the last of Gerber in the NHL, as he may go the way of another Swiss goalie, David Aebischer. Souce

Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland that the Henrik Zetterberg contract negotiations are nearing a conclusion, and a deal could be done shortly after the All-Star break. The deal is worth around $70 million range over a term of 10 years. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Goalie Marek Schwarz, who left the St. Louis Blues organization earlier this week to return to the Czech Republic, has officially signed with Extraliga club BK Mlada Boleslav. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 20, 2009

According to Steve Kouleas of the Score program "Hardcore Hockey Talk", the Vancouver Canucks are rumored to be interested in an "big name" Eastern Conference winger. Brochu's take: Speculation is that it could be Bolts forward Martin St. Louis.

The Sun-Sentinel is reporting that Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin may have to deal with the Jay Bouwmeester situation at the trade deadline. Martin said he hasn’t spoken with Bouwmeester’s agent and that “there’s no change in his status.” “We’ll talk to him in the near future,” Martin said. “The closer we get to the trading deadline, it’s an issue we’ll have to resolve. Right now, he’s playing his best hockey." Source

The San Jose Sharks have called up forward Claude Lemieux from the AHL affiliate in Worcester. Brochu's take: I thought it was complete longshot that he would be back in the NHL, but here he is. I'll happily congratulate Lemieux on making it back, and I'll be tucking into my slice of humble pie.

Sportsnet is reporting that the Detroit Red Wings and forward Henrik Zetterberg are close to a contract extension. It's believed the deal is in the 10-year range with the average annual salary to be slightly less than $7.5 million. Brochu's take: Good market value for Zetterberg, but the length of the contract is a bit scary considering the economic future of the NHL.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed defenseman Cory Murphy off re-entry waivers from the Florida Panthers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Goaltender Marek Schwarz has left the St. Louis Blues organization and is returning to his native Czech Republic. Schwarz, who was on his last year of his entry-level deal, left his team, the Alaska Aces of the ECHL, on Monday. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 2, 2009

According to the "Puck-rakers" hockey blog of the Columbus Dispatch, there were two Blue Jackets scouts at the Toronto Maple Leafs - Buffalo Sabres game on Thursday. Brochu's take: Columbus remains one of the most-talked teams in the rumor mill. Source

Phoenix sources are saying that there is a rumor that involves the Montreal Canadiens trading forward Guillaume Latendresse to the Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Keith Yandle. Brochu's take: Yandle was a healthy scratch recently, while Latendresse has not met expectations. Perhaps a change of scenery is good for both?

Hot off the Winter Classic in Chicago, there are rumors that the Chicago Blackhawks have been invited by the NHL to open the 2009-2010 season in Prague, Czech Republic. The Chicago Herald is reporting that the Hawks could be opening the season in Europe, possibly with the Florida Panthers. Source

There are reports that an outdoor game could be an annual event, and the rumour is that New York and Boston are the leading cities in contention for next year. Brochu's take: A Rangers-Islanders game would be pretty exciting, as well as having a game in Fenway Park in Boston.

Poll Results:

Who will be the no. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft?

John Tavares	181 (69%)
Victor Hedman	73 (28%)
Other	5 (1%)

Total Votes: 259

Thanks to everyone who voted in the poll!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 10, 2008

The Vancouver Canucks have traded defenseman James Sharrow to the Chicago Blackhawks for a conditional pick in the 2009 NHL Entry draft.

Speculation continues to surround about the future of Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. There have been trade rumors that he may be headed to the Ottawa Senators, but GM Bryan Murray has stated he has not talked to GM Jacques Martin since the beginning of the season. Brochu's take: It's a matter of when he will be traded this season, as the Panthers are wallowing in the bottom of their conference. Source

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Eric Tangradi to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-assigned forward Radim Vrbata to his hometown team BK Mlada Boleslav, who are in the Czech Extraliga. Vrbata cleared waivers Tuesday. Brochu's take: An almost win-win situation. The Bolts get the underachieving forward off their cap, while Vrbata gets to escape the gongshow in Tampa.

Avangard Omsk of the KHL has cancelled the contract of ex-NHLer John Grahame. This was a reaction to allegations of alcohol abuse by Grahame, highlighted by an incident in an Omsk nightclub last week involving Grahame. Source

The KHL have ruled in favor of Russian forward Sergei Zinovjev and has allowed him to become a free agent. Ak Bars Kazan was found to have illegally cutting Zinovjev's salary. Source

Brochu's take: Just in case you are wondering, both Zinovjev and Grahame would have to clear waivers if they were to sign with an NHL team, as both have played games with their respective clubs already.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 9, 2008

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Radim Vrbata on waivers. Vrbata had asked, and was given permission to return to the Czech Republic for "personal reason". If Vrbata clears waivers Tuesday, he will likely be assigned to his hometown team in Mlada Boleslav. Vrbata's $3 million a year contract will come off the cap, and the Lightning will not have to pay his salary. However, Vrbata's contract will still be valid, whenever he decides to return to the NHL. Brochu's take: TSN is reporting that Vrbata is citing "confidence" issues, but the Tampa.com blog has an insider's look on the situation and it is definitely sounds like personal reasons. (His wife being 5 months pregnant is a major point). Source

The Lightning have also placed forward Chris Gratton on waivers. Brochu's take: The Bolts are well on the way to having the NHL record for most different players on a team in a season.

The Buffalo Sabres have denied a report in Western New York Hockey magazine that majority owner Tom Golisano is looking to sell the team. Minority owner Larry Quinn has quelled the speculation, but admitted that "four or five" teams of people have called to ask if the franchise was indeed on the block. There's rumors that Canadian billionaire Jim Balsille may be one of the groups trying to land the Sabres. Brochu's take: Is there a time when a team is rumored to be for sale, that Balsille is not interested?? Source

According to the Puck-rakers blog on the Columbus Dispatch website, several scouts from NHL teams were watching the Columbus Blue Jackets-Los Angeles Kings game on Saturday. Two scouts for the Boston Bruins watched, as did one each from the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers. Brochu's take: The Stars, Preds and Hawks are probably studying their divisional rivals, but the Bruins don't play the BJs until March. The Rangers play the Kings later this month. The Canucks don't play either team until 2009. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 23, 2008

The New York Islanders have signed free agent forward Mark Parrish to a 25 game AHL contract. He will be given a chance to earn an NHL contract.

The St. Louis Blues have placed defenseman Jeff Woywitka on waivers.

The Blues have also signed goaltender Jake Allen to a contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

New Jersey Devils forward Fedor Fedorov has signed with KHL team Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk in Tartarstan. He had been given permission by the Devils to seek a contract elsewhere. Brochu's take: I don't think we'll see Sergei's "little" brother in the NHL again. He'll always have his rap career to fall back on. Source

Six major European domestic leagues announced on Wedensday that they have organized a group to protect their leagues against player raids and expansion by the NHL and KHL. Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and Switzerland have banded to form "Hockey Europe", and the NHL has recognized the group as a partner. Read on here.

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 22, 2008

TSN is reporting that the Minnesota Wild have already offered forward Marian Gaborik to another team, but the unspecified NHL executive was not interested. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings are the frontrunners to land the Slovakian star. Brochu's take: It took the mainstream media quite some time to "officially" report this rumor. I see a Marian Hossa situation, where teams will outbid each other until someone comes up with a ridiculous offer like the Penguins did. (Incidentally, it's another high-scoring Slovakian forward that's on the market this year.) Keep checking Brochu is Hockey for the latest on Gaborik. Source

The Tampa Bay Lightning have claimed forward Matt Pettinger off waivers from the Vancouver Canucks.

The St. Louis Blues have claimed forward David Koci off waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 'Bolts have also put forward Jason Ward on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have put defenseman Ken Klee on waivers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Patrick Rissmiller on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Minnesota Wild forward Petr Kalus has left the organization and will play in Europe. He still has two years left on his contract, and it's still possible, though unlikely, he may come back to North America. Rumor is that he will play with HC Vitkovice. Source

The Washington Capitals have re-assigned goaltender Michal Neuvirth to HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Weekend rumor roundup Sept 27-28, 2008

The Ottawa Senators have re-signed defenseman Luke Richardson to a one-year, two-way contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Teemu Selanne to a two-year, $5.25 million contract. However, the club is still around $1.2 million above the salary cap. Brochu's take: More moves may be on the way. Stay tuned.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, there are "whispers" that the Ottawa Senators are interested in Vancouver Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Brochu's take: First, remember that Garrioch started the Ohlund rumors a few weeks ago. Ohlund also has a no trade clause. Source

Marty York of Metro News is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers are looking for a quality defenseman and are dangling goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: Roloson rumors are bound to pop up all season, as he is expected to be traded. Source

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

After being released by the New York Rangers, Petr Nedved will play for his hometown team, HC Bili Tygri Liberec of the Czech Extraliga.

Los Angeles Kings forward Petr Kanko has signed with HC Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Republic for the 2008-2009 season.

NHL and hockey rumors for Aug 7, 2008

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Chad Anderson to a one-year contract.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward David Steckel to a one-year contract extension, due to start in the 2009-2010 NHL season.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Forward Jan Hlavac's agent has informed the Nashville Predators that his client will be playing in Sweden next year and will not be signing with an NHL team. Rumors are that Linkoping and Modo are in the hunt.

Forward Stephen Dixon has left the Anaheim Ducks organization and has signed with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League. Source

Forward Zbynek Hrdel has left the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and has signed with HC Sparta Praha (Prague) of the Czech Extraliga. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Aug 1, 2008

The Edmonton Oilers have hired Vancouver Canucks assistant GM Steve Tambellini as their new GM, while Kevin Lowe has been promoted to the role of President of Hockey Operations for Rexall sports. Kevin Prendergast, who has been the Oielrs' Vice-President of Hockey Operations, will move in as the new assistant GM. Brochu's take: Maybe those rumors of Tambellini not getting along with new Canucks GM Mike Gillis were true.

The Chicago Blackhawks Scotty Bowman as a Senior Advisor, Hockey Operations. Bowman's son Stan is an assistant GM, Hockey Operations with the Blackhawks. Bowman has spent the last 17 years with the Detroit Red Wings organization, recently as an advisor.

The Ottawa Senators have avoided arbitration with Antoine Vermette and has signed the forward to a two-year, $5.525 million contract. Brochu's take: Hopefully this will keep those stupid Vermette rumors coming from the Ottawa Sun to rest...until Bruce Garrioch comes out with his latest "musings".

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Jerred Smithson to a two-year, $1.475 million contract extension. The Preds announced today that the club signed defenseman Ville Koistinen to a one-year, $700000 contract, which he was awarded through arbitration earlier this week.

According to Newsday, Petr Nedved will be at the New York Rangers training camp, trying to earn a contract with the team. Nedved spent the last season with Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic, where he had 20 goals and 5 assists in 45 games.

NHL and hockey rumors for July 31, 2008

The Minnesota Wild have bought out the last 3 years of Mark Parrish's contract. The cap hit will be spread out for the next 6 years. Parrish is now an unrestricted free agent. Brochu's take: Parrish will be a cheap pick up for a team looking for a decent 2nd/3rd liner.

The Detroit Red Wings have avoided arbitration and have re-signed forward Valteri Filppula to a five-year, $15 million contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed goaltender Pascal Leclaire to a three-year, $11.4 million contract. The deal will pay Leclaire $3 million this season, $3.6 million in 2009-10 and $4.8 million in 2010-11.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Drayson Bowman to a three-year, $2.06 million entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jaroslav Modry is very close to signing with Czech Extraliga club HC Bílí Tygři Liberec. Source

In an interview with hokej.sk, Ladislav Nagy acknowledged that he has had offers to play in Russia, but he wants to remain in the NHL. Nagy also expressed an interest in playing in Canada, and would not mind a lower salary to stay in the NHL. Brochu's take: This certainly adds to the rumors that the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in him. Source

Swedish reports are indicating that Nashville Predators forward Jan Hlavac could be signing with Swedish team Linkoping.

There are rumors that Washington Capitals forward Ben Clymer could be signing with KHL team Ak Bars Kazan or Swiss Nationalliga A club Biel/Bienne. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for July 24, 2008

Here's another edition of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Martin Rucinsky has signed with HC Sparta Praha (Prague) for the 2008-2009 season.

Niko Dimitrakos has left the Ottawa Senators organization and signed with Skellefteå of the Swedish Elite League.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Duvie Westcott has signed with Dinamo Riga in Latvia.

Detroit Red Wings forward Mark Hartigan has also signed with Dinamo Riga.

There are rumors that Anaheim Ducks forward Geoff Platt could be signing with Finnish club Ilves. Source

There are rumors that Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Niclas Wallin could be signing with SEL team Lulea.

Finnish reports have Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mark Popovic signing with Tappara.