NHL and Hockey Rumors for June 16, 2009

The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that, according to NHL agents and league sources, the Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks are the teams most mentioned in the Dany Heatley trade talks. Brian Campbell's name has been mentioned as a possible trade target. The Vancouver Canucks and San Jose Sharks are also in the running, with the possibility of the Sharks offering Patrick Marleau and Canucks offering Roberto Luongo, respectively. Brochu's take: I thought that Edmonton would be the most logical destination, but a recent report from the Edmonton Sun suggests that Heatley doesn't want to play there. The Hawks would love to get rid of Campbell's salary, but I don't think the Sens are interested. Marleau's name continues to be in the rumor mill, while Luongo will be mentioned in all trade talks until he signs a contract extension. Source

The Minnesota Wild have hired Todd Richards as their new head coach. The 43-year old Richards spent last season as an assistant for the San Jose Sharks under Todd McLellan. The Wild have also announced that assistant GM Tom Lynn will be let go.

The Boston Bruins have re-signed GM Peter Chiarelli to a multi-year contract extension.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed coach Paul Maurice to a three-year contract.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher has officially announced his retirement. Hatcher will now become the Flyers new player development coach.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that several NHL teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in SKA St. Petersburg goalie Robert Esche.Barry Smith, GM of SKA St Petersburg, confirmed NHL teams have interest in Esche but said he wouldn't release him from his contract until the club found a suitable replacement. Source

Hartley fired, Waddell next?

Bob Hartley has been fired by GM Don Waddell of the Atlanta Thrashers. Waddell will be coaching the team on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found. Rumours have already circulated that Pat Quinn, Pat Burns and Dave King are leading candidates for the job. Waddell is also not off the hook and could very well be fired soon. Marian Hossa, a UFA at the end of the season, could become the biggest prize at the trading deadline. Source

According to various reports, the rumoured deal between Montreal and Calgary could involve Alex Tanguay and Alexei Kovalev.

Robert Esche has signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League. Esche's agent Rick Curran confirmed that Esche will soon join his new team. “We pretty much exhausted every possibility prior to making a final decision to go to Russia,” said Curran, who became Esche's agent in August. “It's an excellent team, and it will provide him the opportunity to get his game back where he wants it to be.” Source

The Ottawa Sun is reporting that the GM Bryan Murray is interested in picking up Zenon Konopka. Konopka is almost ready to start the season and the Blue Jackets could put him up on waivers soon. Source