Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 11, 2009

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Mike Grier to a one-year contract.

The Nashville Predators have re-signed forward Ryan Jones to a two-year contract.

According to Russian reports, the Vancouver Canucks have come to terms with forward Sergei Shirokov. Source

There are rumors that the San Jose Sharks are interested in signing free agent goalie Manny Fernandez to a contract.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 14, 2009

Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey did not address the Vincent Lecavalier trade rumors directly, but admitted that he wouldn't mind adding an impact player. Lecavalier has dismissed the rumors as just that, "rumors". GM Brian Lawton has admitted that no one is untouchable on the Lightning but he is not actively shopping Lecavalier. Brochu's take: Like Bob McKenzie says, it's up to Lecavalier if he wants out of Tampa.

Scouts from 15 different teams - including three from the Florida Panthers, two from the Chicago Blackhawks and one from the Vancouver Canucks - attended Tuesday night's game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nashville Predators. Most of them were to watch defenseman Tomas Kaberle, but several other Leafs forwards were also closely monitored. Source

According to the Ottawa Sun, Senators GM Bryan Murray wants to "get a young player or two", but doesn't want a veteran with a lengthy contract. Sources are saying that the Sens went after New York Islanders defenseman Chris Campoli, but those talks are over. Brochu's take: Murray might feel safe, but rumors are that he's on the chopping block if they don't turn it around soon. Source

There's some speculation that the Boston Bruins could be shopping goaltender Manny Fernandez, but Boston Globe writer Kevin Paul Dupont has checked around the NHL that there are no Fernandez trade rumors. Source

Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that the Rangers have opened negotiations with forward Nikolai Zherdev, who is due to be restricted free agent in July. Source

The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Brett Skinner from the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Junior Lessard.

Pittsburgh looking for goaltending?

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury will miss six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain injury. Coach Michel Therrien does not expect the club to add another goaltender, but rumors are flying that the Pens may take another look at UFA Curtis Joseph. There's also speculation that the Penguins have called the Toronto Maple Leafs about veteran Scott Clemmensen, who is playing with the Leafs AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies. Source

According to the San Jose Mercury News Sharks Blog, scouts from three teams were at the San Jose Sharks-Minnesota Wild game on Tuesday. These teams were the Atlanta Thrashers, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. Source

Boston Bruins goaltender Manny Fernandez had knee surgery on Wednesday and will most likely be out for the rest of the season. Source

On Craig Custance's Thrashers Blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website, the recent move of placing forward Darren Haydar on waivers (he has since cleared) has created "flexibility" for GM Don Waddell. This could mean bringing up another player from the AHL or creating a roster spot for a player acquired via trades. Source

According to the 110% radio show on TQS in Montreal, a Quebec billionaire is interested in buying the Montreal Canadiens. Citing a source, the billionaire would want more players from Quebec and Canada to play for the team. Jean Perron is also stating that current owner George Gillet persuaded GM Bob Gainey to stay on, as Gainey wanted to step down after the disappearance of his daughter.

Poll Results:

Who will be the next NHL coach to be fired?

Paul Maurice	90 (32%)
Michel Therrien	56 (20%)
Jacques Martin	9 (3%)
Marc Crawford	34 (12%)
Mike Keenan	78 (28%)
Other	10 (3%)

Total Votes: 277