Sedins re-signed, Bolts sign Ohlund

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed Daniel and Henrik Sedin to 5-year, $30.5 million contracts. Brochu's take: Not a bad deal at all. For comparable scorers, it's quite a bargain.

Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Mattias Ohlund to a seven-year contract worth $24.5 million. Brochu's take: It's front loaded, so he will earn significantly less in the later years.

Just to wrap up what happend yesterday...

The Montreal Canadiens acquired centre Scott Gomez, winger Tom Pyatt and defenceman Mike Busto from the New York Rangers in exchange for winger Chris Higgins and defencemen Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.

The Calgary Flames have signed defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a 5-year contract worth $6.68 million per year. Brochu's take: So the Flames essentially got Bouwmeester for a third rounder. Great move by GM Darryl Sutter, who managed to sign the blueliner at slightly less than market value.

The New York Islanders have traded forward Ben Walter and future considerations to the New Jersey Devils for the rights to forward Tony Romano.

Luongo agrees to long-term contract extension

According to John Buccigross of ESPN, the Vancouver Canucks have re-signed goalie Roberto Luongo to a long-term contract extension. As per NHL rules, the contract cannot be officially announced until July 1. The rumor is that the deal is in the 8-10 year range, with an average cap hit of $5.75 million. Brochu's take: If this is true, than this would be a great deal for the Canucks.

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver interviewed GM Mike Gillis and it appears that Daniel and Henrik Sedin are going to free agency. Gillis is quoted as saying "all bets are off" if the Swedish twins aren't signed by July 1.

I will have more updates regularly as we get closer to the draft/free agency!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 20, 2009

According to Swedish newspaper Expressen, Daniel and Henrik Sedin have each tabled a 12-year, $63 million contract offer to the Vancouver Canucks. According to Darren Dreger of TSN, GM Mike Gillis has already rejected the offer. Brochu's take: I think the twins will hit the open market. And if they do, I don't think they will be re-signing with the Canucks.

The Miami Herald is also reporting that the Florida Panthers are "officially" shopping the rights to impending UFA Jay Bouwmeester. Brochu's take: There's a rumored list of teams he wants to be traded to, but at this point the Panthers will trade his rights to anyone who will give the highest package. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Steve Reinprecht to the Florida Panthers in exchange for forward Stefan Meyer. The Panthers have also signed Reinprecht to a three-year, $6.15 million contract extension.

The Coyotes have also re-signed forward Petr Prucha to a two-year, $2.2 million contract.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward Keith Tkachuk to a one-year, $2.15 million contract.

The Colorado Avalanche and forward Cody McLeod have agreed to a three-year deal worth $3.1 million.

The Canucks have also signed forward Matt Pope to a one-year, two-way contract. Source

Weekend rumor roundup for May 2-3, 2009

The New York Rangers have re-signed goalie Steve Valiquette to a one-year, $725,000 contract. Source

Here's some of the latest rumors from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, The Hotstove:

Al Strachan reported that there are rumors that Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon could be on his way. Strachan cites friction between Tallon and president John McDonough, and McDonough might want to bring his own guy on the team.

The Hotstove panel also reported that Mike O'Connell, David McNabb and Chuck Fletcher are rumored to be in the mix for the Minnesota Wild GM position.

Pierre LeBrun reported that contract talks between the Vancouver Canucks and the Sedin brothers are not going well, and three NHL teams are very interested in landing them both in the free agent market this summer. The Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota Wild and Toronto Maple Leafs all have the cap space and interest in the Swedish twins. Brochu's take: I still think Vancouver will sign them both in the summer, at slightly less than market value.

According to the CBC panel, if the New York Islanders take defenseman Victor Hedman first overall in the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning would consider trading the 2nd overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Tomas Kaberle and Luke Schenn. Consequently, the Leafs would take John Tavares. Brochu's take: That would be one crazy proposal. There's a lot of speculation that the Islanders could be edging towards taking Hedman, so there's a real possibilty that this could happen. LeBrun reports that Lightning owner Oren Koules was scouting another top draft pick, Matt Duchene tonight.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Mar 12, 2009

According to the New York Post, NHL general managers have given their approval to the Rangers' request for a compensatory pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft in the wake of the death of 2007 first-round selection Alexei Cherepanov. Brochu's take: While technically in the CBA, (teams unable to sign their first round picks get a pick anyways) the way that this whole thing went down seemed a bit sketchy. Source

TSN's Ice Chips is reporting that Nashville Predators general manager David Poile left the door open for a possible return to the team by Alexander Radulov. Radulov's team in the KHL was eliminated from the playoffs earlier this week. Radulov has one year remaining on his contract with Nashville and would not need to clear waivers to rejoin the team. Brochu's take: I doubt it. Both sides haven't talked to each other in months, and by all accounts, Radulov is happy in Russia. Source

Miroslav Satan's future is still unclear. He's been demoted by the Pittsburgh Penguins to their AHL affiliate, but has not asked him to report. There's a possibility that the Pens could call Satan up on re-entry waivers, but the team can't fit him under their salary cap. An annoucement is expected tomorrow. Brochu's take: A suspension is possible if he doesn't report, in which case the Penguins don't have to pay his salary. Source

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that contract talks between GM Mike Gillis and the Sedin twins are at a standstill, and talks may be shut down until the end of the playoffs. Brochu's take: I think they will re-sign at slightly under market value. Despite some stupid GMs out there, it's hard to see if anyone is willing to shell out > $11 million for these two. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gary Roberts has officially retired from the NHL.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Feb 19, 2009

According to Sportsnet and TSN, Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Kovalev will return to the Habs this weekend. Kovalev denied a Russian report that he blamed Montreal's recent struggles on the habits of some of the younger players on the team. La Presse also reported that GM Bob Gainey has shopped Kovalev around the NHL for the past two weeks. Brochu's take: Kovalev's value is at an all time low right now, so Gainey's smart enough to know he won't trade him. After Kovalev returns from Exile Island, I think he will be a much better player.

The Forecaster on CBC is reporting that defenseman Jay McKee is unhappy with his current situation with the St. Louis Blues and would like to move on. It's possible that the Blues would send McKee to the minors and call him up on re-entry waivers. Brochu's take: McKee's $4 million salary this year and next appears to be the big stumbling block. This sounds more like a scenario where you trade a bad contract for another bad contract.

The Forecaster report is also saying that the Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers would also love to Edmonton Oilers forward Erik Cole for the stretch run. Brochu's take: Suddenly, Cole's price goes up. But I would imagine the Oilers holding on to him, unless they get blown away by a package. Source

Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks are still far apart in contract negotiations with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. The twins are seeking five-year deals that average $6.5-million a year. The Canucks have countered with $5.5-million over three or four years. The Canucks are also talking contract with impending UFA Alex Burrows, and the rumor is that the deal could be in the three to five year range, averaging $2 million a season. Brochu's take: Statistically, the Sedins are worth around $6 million each. However, GM Mike Gillis might want to see what they will do in the stretch and the playoffs before he commits that much salary cap space to two players. As for Burrows, that is a decent number for a player of his calibre, especially considering his humble roots in the ECHL. Source

Williams on waivers

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Jeremy Williams on waivers.

In an interview with Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, Canucks forward Daniel Sedin confirmed that he was aware of rumors that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke was interested in signing both the Sedins in the summer. Sedin re-iterated that he would like to stay in Vancouver. Brochu's take: If Burke wants them enough, he can certainly outbid the Canucks. But I believe the Sedins will take a hometown discount to stay together in Vancouver.

Weekend rumor roundup for Feb 7-8, 2009

There will probably be another part of the rumor roundup on Monday, just to pick up the rest of the reports this weekend.

According to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN, the Detroit Red Wings can only sign one of Johan Franzen or Marian Hossa, because of the CBA's tagging rule. The other player will have to wait until July 1st. Brochu's take: The moneys' on Franzen being signed, as he will cost significantly less than Hossa. Hossa wants to stay in Detroit, but unless he takes a massive hometown discount, he won't be with the Red Wings come next season.

The Vancouver Canucks have yet to officially make a contract offer to veteran defenseman Mattias Ohlund. Ohlund has a no trade clause. Brochu's take: It's likely that the Canucks will keep Ohlund (unless they are out of the playoff picture) and let him walk into the sunset come summertime.

There has also been contract discussions between the Canucks and the Sedin twins, but talks have stalled. Both Daniel and Henrik Sedin denied a report that they were seeking a $6-7 million a year contract each. They re-iterated their desire to stay in Vancouver and play together. Brochu's take: They will have to take a big hometown discount to stay together in Vancouver.

LeBrun also reports the Canucks, along with the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres may also have interest in Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mathieu Schneider. Brochu's take: Schneider's name has been in the rumour mill a lot lately. Look for him to be moved to a playoff contender at the NHL trade deadline. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

LeBrun also reported that goalie Ray Emery has left his KHL team Atlant Moscow. Allegedly, the team has been using the wrong exchange rate most of the season and Emery is about 33% shy right now of what he should have earned. There are still several NHL teams interested in his services. Brochu's take: He would have to clear waivers first anyways. There's also been tons of speculation that KHL teams have been unable to pay their players.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 2, 2008

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has requested and been granted permission by the Anaheim Ducks to talk to Dave Nonis about a position with the Leafs. Nonis has been a senior advisor in the Ducks organization. Brochu's take: Everybody in the NHL knew Burke would call his old buddy as soon as possible. Look for Nonis to become the new vice-president and director of hockey operations.

According to the Vancouver Province, Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman met with Mats Sundin's agent J.P. Barry in Calgary on Saturday. While the main topic of discussion was contract extentions with Mattias Ohlund, Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, Mats Sundin's future was also in play. It's believed that Barry will speak with Sundin about narrowing down his choices to 3-4 teams. Meanwhile, Sundin has been skating and working out at a secret location in Southern California. Brochu's take: Sundin's ETA back to the NHL won't be until after the new year, and possibly in February. By the way, I think this blog should be called Sundin is Hockey, as almost there are daily (or hourly) Sundin rumors. Source

The word is that the Chicago Blackhawks are also aggressively courting Sundin, and GM Dale Tallon is on the hot seat to make a winner of the Hawks this season.

Marty York of the Metro News is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers "are poised to complete a significant trade and/or fire coach Craig MacTavish, likely this week. [President] Kevin [Lowe]’s just about ready to pull the trigger." Brochu's take: MacTavish has been given a vote of confidence by Lowe and GM Steve Tambellini, so I don't think he will be fired. As for the "significant trade", the Oilers need a shakeup in the worst way. The word is that the Oilers are considering putting either Mathieu Garon or Dwayne Roloson on waivers, to clear some cap space. Source

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Josh Gratton on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Starkov has left the organization and has signed with KHL club CSKA Moskva (Moscow). Source

Poll Results:

When will Brian Burke become the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

In the next two weeks	70 (46%)
Before Christmas	38 (25%)
After Christmas	23 (15%)
Never	20 (13%)

Total Votes: 151

Thanks to everyone who voted in the polls! This poll ended after Burke was named GM!

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 7, 2008

According to the Team 1040 radio station in Vancouver, free agent forward Mats Sundin may be down to two teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. It's believed that Sundin has had good discussions with both teams' respective GMs, and the Vancouver Canucks appear to be out of the running despite their 2 year, $20 million contract offer. Brochu's take: I feel a great disturbance, as if thousands of Canucks fans suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced...

Sportsnet is reporting that Canucks GM Mike Gillis plans to meet Daniel and Henrik Sedin next week to discuss contract extensions for the Swedish twins.

There are rumours in the Swedish media that Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson could be signing with SEL team Djurgarden. Source

Forward Tyson Nash has been given a try-out contract by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Nash spent last season with the Nippon Paper Cranes of the Asia League Ice Hockey. Source

NHL and hockey rumors for June 20, 2008

The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Jamal Mayers to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a third round pick in 2008. Source

Rumors have been flying that the Pittsburgh Penguins are willing to trade Evgeni Malkin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 2nd overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft and forward Mike Cammalleri. Brochu's take: Both sides have denied talks, but what else do you expect.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is reporting that the Senators would consider trading Jason Spezza, with the Kings interested. Brochu's take: Garrioch started the rumor, than got GM Bryan Murray to deny it. And people wonder where rumors start?

According to Sportsnet, the Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed restricted free agent Jeff Carter to a three-year, $15 million contract.

There's apparently speculation that the Vancouver Canucks would consider trading one or both the Sedin twins, but the rumor has been denied before it even became a rumor.

The Canucks have also hired London Knights coach Dave Gagner as their new Director of Player Development. They have also moved Stan Smyl as their new Director of Collegiate Scouting.

The Atlanta Thrashers have hired AHL Chicago Wolves coach John Anderson as their new head coach.

The Anaheim Ducks are about to hire Dave Nonis as a senior adviser. It's believed his contract will have lots of out clauses in case more management positions open up for him.

There are also rumors that the New York Rangers are interested in restricted free agent Jay Bouwmeester of the Florida Panthers.

Tarnstrom to Sweden, Veilleux to Switzerland?

Here are the latest NHL rumors for April 24, 2008:

With the official hiring of Mike Gillis as the new GM of the Vancouver Canucks, speculation continues as to the future of coach Alain Vigneault and captain Markus Naslund. According to the Globe and Mail, Naslund has refused to re-sign with the Canucks if Vigneault remains the head coach. Meanwhile, Gillis is looking for more speed, grit and competitiveness. He won't be afraid of "bold moves", and is willing to entertain the idea of trading Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Brochu's take: It looks like Gillis and Dave Nonis had opposite views on how "close" the Canucks really were. We shall see how decisive Gillis is in addressing the Canucks no. 1 problem, a lack of scoring. Source

Brian Burke is staying with the Anaheim Ducks and has pledged to honor his contract to finish the 2008-2009 season. He is also working on a long-term extension with the team. Brochu's take: This won't stop Toronto-based media to continue to speculate that Burke will become the Leafs GM in one years time. For now, Burke stays in southern California. Source

According to the Puck-rakers blog, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators could be trade partners this summer. The draft will be in Ottawa in June, and there are rumors that the two teams are talking. The Jackets are quietly shopping Nikolai Zherdev and their first round draft pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Luca Caputi to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dick Tarnstrom has signed with SEL team AIK for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Swiss sources are saying that Minnesota Wild forward Stephan Veilleux is being targeted by Swiss Nationalliga A club Ambri Piotta. Source

Hockey rumors from all over

The following NHL rumours come from the intermission program "The Hotstove", during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast:

Analyst Al Strachan believes there is "gossip" that the Vancouver Canucks could trade Roberto Luongo to the Ottawa Senators for Jason Spezza. Strachan believes that the rumors and speculation that Luongo wants out of Vancouver is distracting him. Brochu's take: Luongo clearly stated that he does not want out of Vancouver and is happy. But Strachan believes otherwise so it must be true. ;-)

Pierre LeBrun brings up the rumor around the trade deadline of the Florida Panthers asking for Daniel and Henrik Sedin in exchange for Olli Jokinen. LeBrun believes with the uncertainty of the Panthers management, this deal could be revisited in the summer. Brochu's take: I expect the Canucks to make a strong push for Jokinen sometime around the entry draft, as Jokinen and Luongo are good friends.

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Garrioch believes that both Toronto Maple Leafs coach Paul Maurice and Los Angeles Kings coach Marc Crawford will be fired in the off-season. Brochu's take: Well, that isn't hard to speculate.

Garrioch believes that Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra will not re-sign with the club because he prefers a warmer destination. The Tampa Bay Lightning could be interested. Brochu's take: I didn't know Garrioch was so in tune with Demitra's personal preferences. Demitra will probably stay in Minnesota, as he gets along with friend and fellow Slovak Marian Gaborik.

The Edmonton Oilers will shop goaltender Dwayne Roloson. Brochu's take: The Oilers could use up the money freed by trading Roloson to get some more experience in the lineup.

The Ottawa Senators are planning to re-signing captain Daniel Alfredsson to a long contract extension once July 1st arrives.

NHL rumor update Mar 1

The Team 1040 radio in Vancouver reported these two rumors, citing sources close to the negotiations:

The Florida Panthers wanted both Daniel and Henrik Sedin fom the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Olli Jokinen.

The initial offer for Brad Richards from the Canucks was Luc Bourdon, Cory Schneider and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick in 2008. The Tampa Bay Lightning counter-offered with Ryan Kesler, Alex Edler, Mason Raymond and the three draft picks.

Both TSN and Rotoworld is reporting that Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke will accept a position in June as the President and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Source

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired right wing Nate DiCasmirro from the Phoenix Coyotes for right wing Steve Goertzen and assigned him to Syracuse of the American Hockey League. (Trades can still be conducted after the deadline, but the players are ineligible for the NHL playoffs.) Source