Spezza, Jokinen, Marleau on the move?

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, three elite centres could be on the trading block this summer:

Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza, whose $8 million a year contract extension kicks in this summer.

Florida Panthers forward Olli Jokinen, with the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks interested.

San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau, whose no trade clause becomes effective July 1. Garrioch speculates that the Boston Bruins may give up Glen Murray as part of a package deal. Brochu's take: Spezza's not going anywhere, but Jokinen may have used up his nine lives in Florida. GM Jacques Martin will do everything in his power to trade him. As for Marleau, no one wants Murray and his $4 million contract, so Garrioch can keep on speculating.

Phoenix Coyotes forward Blake Wheeler turned down Phoenix's entry-level deal and will now become an unrestricted free agent. The deal was the maximum offered under the old CBA. Wheeler is free to sign with any team, however he still has to comply with entry-level rules. There are rumors that his home state team, the Minnesota Wild, are interested.

The New York Islanders will not be re-signing impending UFAs Wade Dubielewicz, Miroslav Satan, Josef Vasicek and Ruslan Fedotenko. The three forwards were not offered any contracts while Dubielewicz rejected a "significant offer". The Islanders are also close to re-signing Tim Jackman to a two-way contract. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Tim Kennedy to a two-year, ~$1.7 million contract. They have also signed Swedish goaltender Jhonas Enroth to three-year, entry-level contract. Brochu's take: The Sabres actually got some of their players under contract! Source

NHL and hockey rumors for May 17, 2008

Detroit Red Wings are expected to sign forward Logan Pyett to a three-year, entry-level contract. Source

Peter Laviolette will be back for a fifth season coaching the Carolina Hurricanes. GM Jim Rutherford said Friday that the team would retain the coach who in 2006 led the Hurricanes to their only Stanley Cup. Speculation swirled for the past month about Laviolette's future after Carolina missed the playoffs in both seasons after its championship run. Brochu's take: Laviolette may get one more year, but if his team doesn't make the playoffs, he'll be let go.

The 'Canes have also signed defenseman Brett Bellemore a three-year, entry level contract. The entry-level deal will pay the 2007 draft pick an average of $500,000 per season at the NHL level and $55,000 per season in the minor leagues. The sixth-round pick also will receive a $100,000 signing bonus. Source

The Florida Panthers have re-signed GM Jacques Martin to a long-term deal. He will remain the GM through the 2011-12 season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Keven Veilleux to an entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Carolina Hurricanes goalie John Grahame has signed a two-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League (RSL). Brochu's take: Grahame's play has really tailed off the last few years. Maybe he can get his game back in Russia. Source

According to Russian paper Sport-express, Minnesota Wild forward Chris Simon has signed a one-year contract with Russian club Vityaz. Source

German sources are reporting a rumor that the Nashville Predators are interested in signing forward Florian Busch. Busch was involved in a doping scandal at the current IIHF World Championships. Source

Swedish reports are saying that the Buffalo Sabres are close to signing goalie Jhonas Enroth to a contract. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think Dave Nonis will become the new Leafs GM?

Yes	41 (39%)
No	64 (60%)

Total Votes: 105