NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 12, 2008

The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Eric Staal have agreed to a seven-year, $57.75 million contract extension. The deal works out to a $8.25 million cap hit per year.

The Detroit Red Wings and forward Henrik Zetterberg have started negotiations on a long-term contract extension. The forward could easily a $9 million a year salary if he reaches the open market. Source

There are rumors that the Vancouver Canucks could be shopping defenseman Lukas Krajicek.

Defenseman Luke Richardson has been invited to the Ottawa Senators training camp on a try-out contract. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Calgary Flames forward Marcus Nilson has joined CSKA Moskva (Moscow) of the KHL. Details still have to be ironed out, but Nilson has already practised with the team and both sides are negotiating his release from Calgary's contract. Source

According to NHLPA director Paul Kelly on the 640 AM radio in Toronto, Alexander Radulov wants to leave the KHL, despite only a few games in. Kelly "has extremely good authority" that Radulov wants to return to the NHL and the Nashville Predators. Brochu's take: Another interesting twist to the Radulov saga. Radulov had burned his bridges when he was officially suspended by the Preds, but would the team have him back?

NHL and hockey rumors for Sept 10, 2008

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Keith Ballard to a six-year, $25.2 million contract extension.

According to a report in the Globe and Mail, two new teams have jumped on the Mats Sundin sweepstakes, with one team being the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning are believed to be interested in the Swedish forward, and will make moves to fit him into their salary cap. Brochu's take: The other team is believed to be the New York Islanders. Source

The Detroit Red Wings have officially signed 46-year old defenseman Chris Chelios to a one-year, $750 000 contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Eric Staal are close to agreeing on a long-term contract extension, and a deal looks likely sometime in the week before training camp.