NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 30, 2014

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed defenseman Mark Fistric to a three-year, $3.8 million contract extension.

The Dallas Stars have re-signed forward Ryan Garbutt to a three-year, $5.4 million contract extension.

The Ducks have also signed forward John Kurtz to a one-year contract extension.

The Calgary Flames have placed forward Blair Jones on waivers.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Chris VandeVelde on waivers.

According to TSN, the New York Rangers will look to trade forward Ryan Callahan and defenseman Dan Girardi if they cannot sign them before the NHL Trade deadline.  Both Callahan and Girardi are impending UFAs.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 6, 2014

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Dan Carcillo to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 7th round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward Andrew Cogliano to a 4-year, $12 million contract extension.

Gilbert Brule has cleared unconditional waivers and the Phoenix Coyotes have terminated his contract.

The New York Rangers have placed goalie Martin Biron on unconditional waivers.  Brochu's take:  There are rumors that he may come out of retirement.  Several NHL teams could be interested.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed goalie Rob Laurie to a one day Professional Try-Out contract.  Brochu's take:  Roberto Luongo was injured in Anaheim and the Canucks needed a backup.  Laurie also signed a PTO for the Ducks a few years back in the same situation.

According to the CBC Hotstove, the Edmonton Oilers may be considering trading forward Sam Gagner.  Gagner does not have a no trade clause.  Brochu's take:  Several teams could be interested, including the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Hotstove panel also discussed that speculation around New York Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto has increased.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for April 2, 2013

The Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Mark Cundari, goalie Reto Berra and a conditional 1st round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.  Brochu's take:  GM Jay Feaster has got to be awarded the Mike Milbury award for worst GM.  He has now traded two top players for very little return.

The Buffalo Sabres have traded defenseman Robyn Regehr to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2014 and 2015 2nd round picks.

The San Jose Sharks have traded forward Michal Handzus to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

The Philadelphia Flyers have traded forward Harry Zolnierczyk to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman/forward Jay Rosehill.

The Sabres have traded defenseman Jordan Leopold to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for 2nd round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional 5th.

The Detroit Red Wings have traded defenseman Kent Huskins to the Philadelphia Flyers for a conditional 7th round pick in the 2014 Entry Draft.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 24, 2013

The Tampa Bay Lightning have fired head coach Guy Boucher.  Brochu's take:  The rumor was the veterans on the Bolts were starting to tune him out.  Lindy Ruff is the rumored favourite to take the position.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Radek Dvorak to a one-year, $675,000 contract.  Dvorak must clear waivers because he has been playing in Europe this season.

The Lightning have re-signed forward Nate Thompson to a four-year, $6.4 million contract extension.

The Montreal Canadiens have claimed forward Jeff Halpern off waivers from the New York Rangers.

The Rangers have placed defenseman Stu Bickel on waivers.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed four players to three-year, entry-level contracts.  Forwards Garrett Meurs and Andrew Agozzino, and defensemen Markus Lauridsen and Gabriel Beaupre.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Travis Ewanyk to a three-year, entry-level contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 23, 2013

The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Matt D'Agostini to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a conditional 4th or 5th round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

The Carolina Hurricanes have claimed forward Zach Boychuk off waivers from the Nashville Predators.  He has been placed on waivers by the Canes.  Brochu's take:  Boychuk is sure getting his frequent flyer miles.

The Washington Capitals have placed forward Joey Crabb on waivers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed defenseman Brian Lee on waivers.

The New York Rangers have placed forward Jeff Halpern on waivers.

The Lightning have signed defenseman Andrej Sustr to a two-year, entry level contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward Patrick Maroon to a two-year contract extension.

The Ottawa Senators have signed free-agent goaltender Andrew Hammond to a two-year entry-level contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed free agent forward Kyle Flanagan to a one-year entry-level contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 19, 2013

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward Corey Perry to an 8-year, $69 million contract extension.  Brochu's take:  Well, this will make the off-season less interesting.  The Ducks are going to have approximately 26% of their salary cap for next year taken up by 2 players.

The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Arturs Kulda to a one-year, $550,000 contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Darren Dietz to a three-year, entry-level contract.  Dietz was the Habs' 5th round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Chris Tierney to a three-year, entry-level contract.  Tierney was the Sharks 2nd round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Sharks have also signed free agent forward Daniil Tarasov to a two-year contract.

The Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed forward Ben Holmstrom to a one-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers have signed free agent forward Josh Nicholls to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed free agent forward Taylor Peters to a three-year, entry level contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 16, 2013

Look for another post that will cover some of the free agent, college and entry level signings that happened the past few days!

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a six-year, $33 million contract extension.  Brochu's take:  This is a bargain.  OEL is capable of being a point-a-game defenseman.

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed defenseman David Desharnais to a four-year, $14 million contract extension.

The New York Islanders have re-signed defenseman Colin McDonald to a two-year contract extension.

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired a 5th round pick in 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the Florida Panthers in exchange for defenseman TJ Brennan.


The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded forward Steckel to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Ryan Lasch and a seventh-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

The Washington Capitals have acquired forward Nicolas Deschamps from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Kevin Marshall.

The Minnesota Wild have traded defenseman Chay Genoway to the Washington Capitals for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 12, 2013

The Anaheim Ducks have traded forward Dan Sexton to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Kyle Wilson.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Henrik Samuelsson to a three-year, entry level contract.  Samuelsson was the 1st round pick of the Coyotes in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Washington Capitals have signed defenseman Steven Oleksy to a three-year, two-way contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Arturs Kulda is set to rejoin the team.  Kulda and his KHL team Sibir Novosibirsk have mutually terminated their contract.  He may have to go through waivers.

The Boston Bruins may be close to adding forward Carl Soderberg to their lineup.  Soderberg is in the SEL playoffs with Linkoping.  Soderberg would not have to clear waivers.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 9, 2013

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed forward Ryan Getzlaf to an 8-year, $66 million contract extension.  Brochu's take:  So much for a hometown discount.  The Ducks overpaid but they really had no choice.  And just when you think NHL owners have learned something from the lockout, this contract clearly shows they have learned nothing.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Darian Dziurzynski to a two-year, entry level contract.  Dziurzynski was the Yotes' 5th round pick, 141st overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 6, 2013

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed defenseman Korbinian Holzer to a two-year contract extension.

The Nashville Predators have claimed forward Zach Boychuk off waivers from the the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins have placed forward Tom Kostopoulos on waivers.

The Washington Capitals have placed defenseman Roman Hamrlik on waivers.

The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Yannick Veilleux to a three-year, entry level contract.  Veilleux was the Blues' 4th round pick, 102nd overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed free agent defenseman Kevin Gagne to a contract.

According to sources, the Chicago Blackhawks are interested in Edmonton Oilers forward Eric Belanger.  It's believed the 'Hawks have asked NHL teams about acquiring a veteran forward for their bottom 6 forward group.  Brochu's take:  The Blackhawks are the NHL's current best team, and Belanger could be the last piece of the puzzle.  He could be had for a mid round pick.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for March 4, 2013

The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded forward Mike Brown to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have placed forward Zach Boychuk on waivers.

The New Jersey Devils have placed forward Bobby Butler on waivers.  The Nashville Predators have subsequently claimed him.

The Florida Panthers have signed goalie coach Robert Tallas to a one day contract.  Tallas was the emergency backup for the Panthers because Jacob Markstrom had not arrived on time.  Brochu's take:  Love stories like these.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed forward Joseph Cramarossa to a three-year, entry level contract.  Cramarossa was selected by Anaheim in the third round (65th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The Ducks have also signed free agent forward Charlie Sarault to a contract.

The Philadephia Flyers have signed goalie Anthony Stolarz to a three-year, entry level contract.  Stolarz was selected by Philly in the 2nd round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The Flyers have also signed free agent forward Brandon Alderson to a contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for February 27, 2013

The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Erik Cole to the Dallas Stars in exchange for forward Michael Ryder and a 3rd round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.  Brochu's take:  Good trade for both sides.  The Stars get a veteran scorer, while the Canadiens get cap relief for next season.

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Simon Gagne to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a conditional 4th round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

The Nashville Predators have placed forward Brian McGrattan on waivers.

According to Pierre LeBrun, it's likely that the Anaheim Ducks will look at trading pending unrestricted free agent forward Corey Perry before the trade deadline.  LeBrun also speculates there is continued interest from the Pittsburgh Penguins at acquiring Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla.  Brochu's take:  The Ducks could possibly lose Perry for nothing if they don't trade him.  As for Iginla, the longer the Flames struggle, the more the rumours intensify.  Iginla could net a big haul for the Flames.  Source  

NHL and Hockey Rumors for February 21, 2013

The Buffalo Sabres have fired head coach Lindy Ruff and have named Ron Rolston as interim head coach.  Brochu's take:  Ruff shouldn't have a problem of getting another NHL head coaching job, but he may have to wait till next year.

The Sabres have placed forward Cody McCormick on waivers.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed goalie Viktor Fasth to a two-year, $5.8 million contract extension.

According to CBC's Elliotte Friedman, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero was watching the Colorado Avalanche/Minnesota Wild game.  Friedman speculates that he could be looking at forward Matt Cullen.  Brochu's take:  Cullen would probably only cost a draft pick.  Source

NHL Hockey rumors for February 7, 2013

The Los Angeles Kings have traded forward Andrei Loktionov to the New Jersey Devils for a 5th round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.  Brochu's take: Loktionov will get a chance to play in New Jersey, as he was a victim of a numbers game in LA.

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a 5th round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

The Winnipeg Jets have placed forward Aaron Gagnon on waivers.

The Calgary Flames have signed goalie Danny Taylor to a one year, two-way contract for $525,000/$80,000.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis is listening to offers for forward Phil Kessel.  Nonis is reportedly looking for a forward, defenseman or a high draft pick in exchange.    Brochu's take:  Kessel has struggled to score this season, so his value at the moment is lower than it should be.  Nonis would be prudent to wait until the NHL trade deadline to maximize his returns.

18 teams scouting Florida-Buffalo game

According to George Richards of the Miami Herald, 18 NHL teams were scouting the Florida Panthers-Buffalo Sabres game yesterday.  They were the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Lightning, Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

NHL Lockout Signings: Switzerland

Here is a list of NHL players signing in Switzerland in the past few days:

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Luca Sbisa has signed with Lugano.

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza has signed with Rapperswil-Jona.

San Jose Sharks forwards Logan Couture and Joe Thornton has signed with Geneve-Servette and HC Davos, respectively.

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash has also signed with Davos.

Montreal Canadiens defensemen Raphael Diaz and Yannick Weber has signed with EV Zug and Geneva-Servette.

New York Islanders defenseman Mark Streit has signed with SC Bern.

Detroit Red Wings forward Damien Brunner has signed with EV Zug.

Pre-Lockout Signings for Sept 16, 2012

So on the day of the NHL Lockout of 2012, there were a rash of signings:

The Winnipeg Jets have re-signed forward Evander Kane to a six-year, $31.5 million contract extension.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed forward Milan Lucic to a three-year, $18 million contract extension.

The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed forward Alex Burrows to a four-year, $18 million contract extension.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed defenseman Kevin Klein to a five-year, $14.5 million contract extension.

The New York Islanders have re-signed forward Matt Martin to a four-year, $4 million contract extension.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed defenseman Cam Fowler to a five-year, $20 million contract extension.

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Tyler Ennis to a two-year, $5.625 million contract extension.

The Phoenix Coyotes have re-signed forward Shane Doan to a four-year, $21.2 million contract.

The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman John Carlson to a six-year, $23.8 million contract extension.

The Dallas Stars have re-signed goalie Kari Lehtonen to a five-year, $29.5 million contract extension.

Look for my huge European rumor and signings update, as many NHLers have signed contract with European teams.

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Jan 5, 2011

The Anaheim Ducks have acquired defenseman Nate Guenin from the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Trevor Smith.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to a one-year, $1 million contract.

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.

Hockey and NHL Rumors for Oct 12, 2010

Andreas Lilja

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Andreas Lilja to a one-year contract.  Brochu's take:  They better check his passport to be sure!

The Boston Bruins have placed goalie Nolan Schaefer on waivers.

The New Jersey Devils have placed enforcer Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Defenseman Staffan Kronwall has left the Calgary Flames organization and signed a one year deal with Djurgarden in the Swedish Elite League.  Source