Hockey and NHL Rumors for Sept 16, 2010

The New York Rangers have re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Marc Staal to a 5 year deal worth $3.975 million a year.  Brochu's take:  This contract will look like a bargain in 2-3 years time.  Staal is an emerging defender in the NHL.

The Detroit Red Wings have invited forward Aaron Downey to training camp.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Enver Lisin to a try-out contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

According to Sportsnet, Peter Forsberg has not closed the door on a return to the NHL.  Although still recovering from ankle surgery, Forsberg has stated that he hasn't decided "100 percent" that he will retire.  Source  Brochu's take:  So that means we have to endure another year of Forsberg rumors...

Hockey and NHL rumors for Aug 31, 2009

This is the larger version of Brochu's European Rumor Roundup:

Peter Forsberg has made his latest comeback to hockey by playing a pre-season game with Swedish club Modo. Forsberg played on the first line against Geneva in Switzerland. Forsberg has also been provisionally named on Sweden's 2010 Olympic roster. Brochu's take: So I guess we can expect Forsberg rumours to continue all season? Keeps me busy, I suppose. ;-)

Ottawa Senators goalie Jeff Glass has signed a one-year deal with KHL team Barys Astana. Source

Defenseman Frantisek Kaberle has signed with HC Kladno of the Czech Extraliga. Kaberle was bought out by the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this summer. Source

According to Hokey.cz, free agent forward Petr Sykora is weighing offers from several KHL teams. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 31, 2009

The Globe and Mail is reporting that Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis's patience might be running out. "Your patience level is obviously determined by how you're playing," Gillis said. "My patience is at an end with the way this group has performed." Rumors have abounded that coach Alain Vigneault will be fired at the end of the current home stand, but Gillis has assured his coach that his job is safe. Meanwhile, Sportsnet is reporting that Pat Quinn and Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay have been rumoured to be coaching candidates. Brochu's take: There's a lot of pressure on the Canucks to make the playoffs, and since trades are so hard to come by, firing the coach would be the easiest option. Source

According to CKNW radio in Vancouver, the Canucks could be interested in Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Mathieu Schneider.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping for an experienced backup with the loss of Olaf Kolzig for the season, and they could be interested in Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala. Toskala's name has been in the rumour mill lately. Brochu's take: I don't think the Bolts will had that much salary for a backup.

Peter Forsberg has ruled a return to the NHL this season, but has left the door open for a return in the 2009-2010 season. "There won't be any NHL this season, that's totally clear,'' Forsberg told Swedish television station SVT. ''If I can play it will be in the (Swedish) Elite League and MODO.'' Forsberg has actually signed for Modo, but won't know when he will play for them, due to his lingering foot problems. Brochu's take: So much for those Forsberg rumors, at least for this season. And if you're wondering, he cannot play at all for the NHL this season after signing with MODO, as the Swedish season ends sometime after the NHL trade deadline. Source

The Phoenix Coyotes have placed forward Joel Perrault on waivers.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Josef Hrabal, who declined an assignment to the ECHL Stockton Thunder, has been loaned to SEL club MODO. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 24, 2009

The Philadelphia Flyers have inquired about Peter Forsberg's services. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has talked to Forsberg's agent about his health and the possibility of playing with the Flyers. Forsberg continues to skate in Sweden in preparation for a return to the NHL this season. Brochu's take: The Flyers lost out in the Forsberg sweepstakes last season, but it looks like they want to give it a try again. However, Philly's lack of salary cap space makes you wonder how they could fit Forsberg in their team. Perhaps a $1 contract? Source

Vincent Lecavalier addressed the trade rumors about him in a press conference in Montreal during the All-Star festivities. When asked if he thought the Tampa Bay Lightning would trade him before the March 4 deadline, he said, "I don't think so.". But Lecavalier also expressed his love for his hometown Montreal, saying that it would be his choice if he indeed was asked. Brochu's take: Not exactly a complete denial, is it? He sure seemed happy talking about his possible move to Montreal...too happy.

Jay Bouwmeester also talked about the trade rumors surrounding him. He's been happier than ever in Florida this year, but remains non-committal to signing an extension with the Panthers. Source

The NHLPA's executive board announced on Friday they have decided not to re-open their collective bargaining agreement with the NHL after the 2008-09 season. The current CBA will remain in place for another two seasons. Brochu's take: A smart choice by the players, given the present and future economic environment.

Phoenix Coyotes chairman and chief executive officer Jeff Shumway resigned on Friday.Shumway has relinquished his duties in order to focus solely on managing the other business ventures of team owner Jerry Moyes as president of Deer Valley Capital. Brochu's take: You have to wonder what the Coyotes "real" economic situation is. At some point, the team will have to cut payroll to the minimum, after all, a lot of their expenses are paid to the players' salaries.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

The Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning are close to signing forwards Linus Omark and Johan Harju to entry-level contracts. Both taken in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Omark and Harju are among the top scorers for their team Lulea in the Swedish Elite League. Source

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 21, 2009

According to the Daily Times of Delaware County, the Philadelphia Flyers are rumored to be interested in Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Paul Ranger. Brochu's take: Hmmm. The Flyers still need to clear around $2 million in salary cap space to fit Daniel Briere back in. Not sure why they would need another defenseman. Source

It's nearing the NHL trade deadline, so it must be time for the annual Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. Forsberg said he's skating in his hometown of Ornskoldsvik this month to test his right foot and ankle before making any decision about another comeback. "Where I will play in that case is a later decision," he added. Brochu's take: The obvious answer is the Colorado Avalanche, but there's speculation that the New York Rangers are interested, having lost out on Mats Sundin. Source

According to XTRA Sports 910 in Phoenix, several Montreal Canadiens scouts were at the Phoenix Coyotes-Detroit Red Wings game, and it's rumoured that the Habs have interest in 'Yotes defenseman Keith Yandle.

The Edmonton Oilers have placed goalie Dany Sabourin on waivers. Brochu's take: Long Island bound?

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Jan 11, 2009

Welcome to Brochu is Hockey, Mark III! A more detailed post will be posted today to let you know all the upgrades. But back to the heart of the matter, rumors!

The Atlanta Thrashers have claimed forward Rich Peverley off waivers from the Nashville Predators.

According to TSN, free agent forward Brendan Shanahan is joining the New Jersey Devils, but the final terms on a deal has yet to be finalized. According to another source, it's believed to be a one-year deal. Source

In an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Jaromir Jagr saids he is happy playing for Avangard Omsk in the KHL, but might consider a return to the NHL once his contract expires. Jagr expressed that he would return only to two of his previous teams, the Penguins or the New York Rangers. Jagr also added that he would play for the league minimum with the Pens, citing a debt owed to Mario Lemieux with helping him out during the early parts of his career. Brochu's take: With all the rumors of players not getting paid in the KHL, Jagr might be back sooner than once thought. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning owner Oren Koules, Vincent Lecavalier's agent Kent Hughes and Lecavalier himself all denied that he is being shopped around the league. However, a Sportsnet report, and according to sources around the NHL, Lecavalier's been made "available", along with forward Steven Stamkos, at the right offer. Pierre LeBrun on Hockey Night in Canada's intermission program "The Hotstove" stated that Lecavalier could be had at the right offer. Al Strachan speculated that if the Montreal Canadiens offered Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei Kostitsyn and Mike Komisarek, the Bolts might listen. Brochu's take: It would seem there are conflicting reports on whether Lecavalier is on the trade block or not. What is true is that the Lightning are definitely having financial troubles, and could be cutting salary soon. Source

On CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, it was reported that Peter Forsberg has quitely expressed interest in returning to the NHL, and Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is interested. Brochu's take: Forsberg is still rehabbing his latest ankle surgery, and probably won't skate until March, which is right around the trade deadline. If he decides to sign, I wouldn't expect him to play a game until April.

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Dec 17, 2008

Peter Forsberg wants to play in the NHL one more time, and according to the Denver Post, wants to play in the playoffs with the Colorado Avalanche. Forsberg added that he will quit hockey if it doesn't work out this time. Brochu's take: At least this will save us endless speculation as to where he would play, which was the case for the 2007-2008 season. Source

TSN's Darren Dreger reports that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke will make his first trade as soon as the NHL's holiday roster freeze ends on December 27. Dreger speculates it could be for more toughness in the lineup, or a legitimate enforcer. Brochu's take: Not really rumors, and not really much more than what everyone else knows.

Poll Results:

Who will be the next NHL coach to be fired?

Craig MacTavish	126 (37%)
Andy Murray	28 (8%)
Dave Tippett	71 (21%)
Tony Granato	36 (10%)
Whoever's in Tampa	50 (14%)
Other	23 (6%)

Total Votes: 334

Thanks to everyone who voted!

NHL and Hockey Rumors for Nov 13, 2008

Brian Burke has stepped down as the GM of the Anaheim Ducks. Senior vice president of hockey operations and assistant GM Bob Murray has been promoted to general manager. Burke will remain on as special consultant to CEO Michael Schulman, but has been given a one week "break" which he can discuss and freely negotiate future employment opportunities as a GM in the NHL. TSN mentions it is now very likely that he will become the new GM and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brochu's take: The longest rumor in the history of GM rumors can finally come true. Some in the media continue to speculate that the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks could also be pursuing Burke, but Toronto makes too much sense. It's close to his children, and his wife can easily get a broadcasting job in Canada. Source

It appears Jason Blake is already wearing out his welcome in Toronto, only in his 2nd year of a 5-year, $20 million contract. Blake does not have a no trade clause, but his contract and age essentially makes him untradeable. The Leafs have the option of trading him, demoting him or buying out his contract. Brochu's take: He's untradeable as the writer states. Demoting him would be another option, but I really don't see a buyout considering the Leafs already have Darcy Tucker's dead cap space on the books. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Kevin Allen of USA Today is reporting that free agent defenseman Bryan Berard is close to signing a one-year deal with Vityaz Chekhov of the KHL.

Adrian Dater of the Denver Post is citing a Swedish source that Peter Forsberg recently had another operation on his oft-injured foot. Brochu's take: He's tried different doctors, and even different skates. Maybe Forsberg should go dip his foot in the waters of Lourdes? Source

NHL and hockey rumors for Oct 14, 2008

The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Kyle McLaren on waivers. Brochu's take: He has NOT been placed on re-entry waivers, just regular waivers.

New York Rangers prospect Alexei Cherepanov has died during a game in the KHL. Brochu's take: My thoughts and prayers are with Cherepanov's family and friends. RIP.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Forward Kris Beech has signed with Swedish club HV71. Beech had refused an assignment to the AHL by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Forward Brad Isbister has signed with Swiss club EV Zug. Isbister also refused an assignment to the AHL by the Ottawa Senators.

The Los Angeles Kings have re-assigned forward Brady Murray to HC Lugano of the Nationalliga A in Switzerland.

Defenseman Nolan Pratt has signed with KHL team Amur Tigers Khabarovsk in Russia.

There are rumors that Russian team Ak Bars Kazan has approached forward Peter Forsberg's agents about playing with the KHL club. Source

Forsberg signs with Avalanche!

TSN is reporting that Peter Forsberg has signed with the Colorado Avalanche for the rest of the season. Foppa had earlier declared it was "unlikely" he would return to the NHL this season. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN was on Team 1040 radio in Vancouver and reported that 4 teams are on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards short list of teams he would waive his no trade clause, and these teams are the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks. The frontrunners are Dallas and Columbus, with Vancouver among the bottom 3-4 teams.

Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter told reporters that he will not trade winger Alex Tanguay and is happy with his team as it is. Of course, it could be a smokescreen to ward off teams while Sutter works out a deal. This could be a Foppa-esque situation. Source

The Buffalo News is reporting that defenseman Brian Campbell will be playing his last game for the Buffalo Sabres tonight, as sources are saying he will "definitely" be traded by the deadline.

NHL trade rumors from the GM meetings

There's going to be a lot of rumours in the next few days as the annual GM meeting in Florida continues. Scott Morrison of CBC reports on the latest:

Citing a source, no fewer than 15 teams have expressed "serious" interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle, who, according to his agent, does not want to leave Toronto. The rumor is that the Philadelphia Flyers are the most interested. "I can say there has been a lot of interest in him," GM Cliff Fletcher told CBCSports.ca mid-afternoon Monday, "but I haven't asked Tomas yet if he would waive his no trade. We'll see what happens."

Morrison believes that the Atlanta Thrashers will definitely trade forward Marian Hossa, with the Montreal Canadiens as a front-runner. Christopher Higgins' name has been mentioned. The San Jose Sharks have also inquired, but the Thrashers would like Jonathan Cheechoo as part of the return. The Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars are also making bids.

Sources say that 8 teams, including the Ottawa Senators, are interested in Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vaclav Prospal.

The Carolina Hurricanes could be interested in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dominic Moore.

David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail was also there, and he has a humdinger of a rumor:

According to a league source, Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster is busy shopping forward Brad Richards among his fellow GMs after they arrived here for their annual winter meetings on Sunday night.

Peter Forsberg's agent Don Baizley has told NHL teams that "the prospect of Peter having enough confidence in the foot-skate issue to commit to being able to play in the NHL this season isn't where it needs to be at this moment. As a result, teams are being told it is unlikely he will be able to commit to return to the NHL this season." Foppa has not ruled out a return next season.

The Phoenix Coyotes have traded forward Olivier Latendresse to the Montreal Canadiens for an unnamed player. He is the brother of Guillaume Latendresse. Source

Lightning interested in Roloson, Theodore?

According to the Boston Globe, there are rumors that the Tampa Bay Lightning are "sniffing around" Edmonton Oilers goaltender Dwayne Roloson and Colorado Avalanche netminder Jose Theodore. The Lightning are still looking for a no. 1 goalie. Source

The Globe is also reporting that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sergei Fedorov could be headed to the Carolina Hurricanes. During the 1998 Olympic break, the Canes offered the then-Group II free agent a contract, which the Detroit Red Wings matched. The Wings are also rumoured to be interested in re-acquiring Fedorov. The Jackets are interested in Wings forward Tomas Kopecky. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have pushed all in in the poker game that is the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. RDS is reporting that the Hawks have offered a 3-year, $11 million contract. Foppa is rumored to be seriously considering the offer. Source

RDS is also reporting that 3 teams are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Foote. The Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers are reportedly interested in the defenseman. Source

Various sources are reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks have signed defenseman Brent Seabrook to a 3-year, $10.5 million contract extension.

Lecavalier demands trade?

During the intermission program "The Hotstove" (not "Satellite Hotstove" anymore, as some rumormongers put it) on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast on CBC, Al Strachan quotes sources that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier has done all he can with the team and wants to be traded to a bigger market in the summer. Strachan speculates that Montreal, Los Angeles and New York could be possible destinations.

Pierre LeBrun refutes the Lecavalier rumor, but believes GM Jay Feaster will shop Brad Richards this summer to free up some cap space to get a top goaltender.

Rob Blake is rumoured to be headed to the San Jose Sharks or Anaheim Ducks.

Scott Morrison believes Peter Forsberg will make his decision to return to the NHL in the next few days, and the Philadelphia Flyers remain the frontrunners.

During the After Hours program, Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis confirmed that he has made an offer to Forsberg and is waiting for an answer. Nonis maintains that the Canucks are in the Foppa sweepstakes.

Also, Nonis stated bluntly that he will not trade young players Alexander Edler and Ryan Kesler for players at the deadline. Nonis revealed that he turned down a trade last year involving a UFA rental player that would have cost Edler.

The latest from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:

Toronto Maple Leafs interim GM Cliff Fletcher has been working the phones and he may ask defenseman Tomas Kaberle to waive his no trade clause. It's believed the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers are making a push for the Czech blue-liner.

Sources are saying that the Florida Panthers are shopping forwards Jozef Stumpel and Radek Dvorak.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown an interest in Leafs defenseman Hal Gill.

More from Bruce Garrioch later, including the latest on Hossa, Havlat, Cammalleri, Blake and Boyle.

The latest on Peter Forsberg

Rumors around the league seem to indicate that Peter Forsberg will sign with either the Philadelphia Flyers or Colorado Avalanche. Forsberg has already turned down the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames.

The Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks, along with Philly and the Avs, remain on Foppa's shortlist. It was revealed in today's Vancouver Sun that GM Dave Nonis met Forsberg last July to persuade the Swedish forward to sign with the Canucks. Source

The St. Paul Pioneer Press wonders if new Minnesota Wild and ex-Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold would make a run for Forsberg, with GM Doug Risebrough offering a smirk when asked about the possibility. Source

Rumor update on Forsberg, Sundin, Jokinen, Hossa

TSN's Bob McKenzie reported on Tuesday trade rumors from around the league, especially three of the biggest names to be involved around the NHL trade deadline.

Peter Forsberg could make a decision to return to the NHL as early as within one week. Forsberg has been testing his foot and has so far has no setbacks. McKenzie believes Forsberg's signing could start the dominoes falling in the trade market.

Toronto Maple Leafs Interim GM Cliff Fletcher has quietly shopped Mats Sundin around the league to gauge what kind of assets he could get in return.

Olli Jokinen is being shopped by the Florida Panthers, and they are looking for 2 young players in return.

The Team 1200 radio in Ottawa reported that Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell has given Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey permission to speak to Marian Hossa's agent Ritch Winter, possibly to discuss a contract extension if Hossa gets traded to the Habs. The Hossa to Montreal rumours seem to be rampant.

The Toronto Star is speculating that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nik Antropov could be traded at the deadline, due to a manageable salary and lack of a no trade clause. Source

Andy Strickland of 1380 ESPN is reporting that the St. Louis Blues have thrown their hat in the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes.

Various sources confirm that the Edmonton Investors Group (EIG) will sell all their shares to Rexall billionaire Daryl Katz, making him the new owner of the Edmonton Oilers.

Canes interested in Hamilton, Yzerman back

According to the Boston Globe, the Boston Bruins had some interest in Jeff Hamilton when he was put on waivers by the Carolina Hurricanes. There are rumors that he will be picked up by the Bruins should he be put on re-entry waivers. Source

Several teams, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres, have called the Vancouver Canucks about forward Ryan Kesler and defenseman Alexander Edler. These two young players seem to the be most desired by teams around the NHL.

Radio reports in Minnesota have rumours that the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens are talking.

Also, GM Dave Nonis confirmed that he will be in the running in the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes. He didn't watch Forsberg on his trip to Sweden; instead he took the time to observe 22-year old Fabian Brunnstrom. Nonis seemed unimpressed about Brunnstrom's performance in the one game he saw. Source

Canada's team at the 2008 World Championship in Quebec City and Halifax will once again be led by Steve Yzerman, who successfully guided Canada to the gold medal at the 2007 World Championship in Moscow. There is speculation that he will be joined by Pat Quinn, who helped coach Canada to gold at the 2007 Spengler Cup. Source

The latest Forsberg and Brunnstrom update

As promised, the latest Peter Forsberg news:

ON CBC's Hockey Night in Canada intermission program, The Hotstove (formerly known as the Satellite Hotstove), Scott Morrison stated that both Philadelphia Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis are in Sweden on a scouting mission and to possibly talk with Peter Forsberg. Morrison added that one unidentified team has offered Foppa a 3 year deal, and another is prepared to offer $4-5 million a year (pro-rated).

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun believes the Dallas Stars have increased their efforts to sign Forsberg. He also thinks the Flyers and New York Rangers are frontrunners, with the Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Atlanta Thrashers, Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks making calls to the Swedish centre. Source

The Courier Post believes that the Flyers are "clearly the favorites" to land Foppa.

Everyone's favourite Swedish prospect, Fabian Brunnstrom, has received a lot more interest since the report a week ago that 5 teams were on his short list.

Philadelphia Flyers GM is in Sweden on a scouting assignment to watch Brunnstrom and a few other Swedish draft-age players, and could make a contract offer. Source

Ottawa is also making a late bid. "We're interested in him," Senators GM Bryan Murray confirmed yesterday morning at the Air Canada Centre. "But we can't do anything until his year is totally over, nothing can happen until this summer, and then he's like every other free agent. It comes down to recruiting." Source

The Boston Bruins don't want to be left out of the Brunnstrom party, and they are interested as well. "But we're in that mix, too," said GM Peter Chiarelli. "He's a kid with some dimension to his game, some size [6 feet 2 inches, 205 pounds], can play either wing." Source

Forsberg to Montreal?

The Peter Forsberg watch has begun. It's reported that Forsberg is looking for a two-year deal worth about $2.5 million per season. While many teams are vying for Foppa's services, it would seem his old teams, the Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators are the favourites to land the Swedish forward. Both Flyers GM Paul Holmgren and Predators GM David Poile have spoken to Forsberg's camp.

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens could be interested in Forsberg. Other teams that are believed to be in contact with Foppa are the Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and the New York Rangers into the mix. Source

Faceoff.com is reporting that executives or scouts from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators and Phoenix Coyotes reportedly took in Thursday's game in Tampa between the Vancouver Canucks and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Source

According to the Buffalo News, the Dallas Stars have interest in Edmonton Oilers centre Jarret Stoll.

Vultures circling Toronto, interest in Staios?

The Toronto Star is reporting that there were 18 scouts from 16 NHL teams watching the Toronto Maple Leafs-St. Louis Blues game Tuesday. Mats Sundin remains the subject of trade rumors, and there is speculation that interim GM Cliff Fletcher will talk to Sundin this week about waiving his no trade clause. Source

According to Adam Proteau of the Hockey News, a Western Conference GM stated that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Steve Staios might draw some interest around the league. Source

In other Oiler news, it looks like billionaire Daryl Katz's new $200 million offer to buy the Oilers will be accepted by the EIG board members. Source

TSN is reporting that the Calgary Flames and defenseman Dion Phaneuf are close to a long-term contract extension, with minor details being ironed out. This should put the preposterous Phaneuf rumours to rest. Source

Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that Peter Forsberg has given his agent Don Baizley the go-ahead to speak to NHL teams that may be interested in signing the Swedish forward. Source

Brochu's European round-up:

Forward Matt Hussey has left the AHL Lake Erie Monsters and signed with Jokerit in Finland. He was signed by the Colorado Avalanche last summer. Source

Dallas Stars prospect Sergei Korostin has left Dynamo Moskva (Moscow) in Russia and is now playing with the Texas Tornado of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He was the Stars' third round, 64th overall selection in the 2007 NHL entry draft. Source

Goaltender Maxime Ouellet, the former first-round NHL draft pick, has left Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and signed with the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL. Source

Aftonbladet in Sweden is reporting rumours that Dallas Stars defenseman Mattias Norström will leave the NHL in 2008-2009 and sign with AIK of the Allsvenskan, the second highest league in Sweden.

The paper is also reporting that Edmonton Oilers defenseman Dick Tarnström will also sign with AIK next season. Source

Rumors from...Sweden!

There seems to be a lot of rumours about Swedish players lately, and the Swedish website Expressen.se seems to have it covered:

Peter Forsberg has had no setbacks with his training and is progressing well with his comeback. He's confirmed that he won't be playing for hometown team Modo, considering that the deadline to sign new players for Swedish Elite League teams is January 31. Modo assistant coach Fredrik Andersson is giving Foppa additional skate exercises along with the regular practices.

In other Forsberg news, Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland has revealed that Forsberg has turned down the Red Wings twice in the past. In 2005, Foppa chose Philadelphia instead of Detroit, and in February of 2007, the Wings made a push for Forsberg but he ended up in Nashville. Holland remains open to signing Forsberg, but knows that he would prefer to go to Colorado or Philadelphia.

The Red Wings have offered much-hyped Swedish prospect Fabian Brunnstrom a contract. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks remain in the sweepstakes, with the Anaheim Ducks making a late offer.

Former NHLer Magnus Arvedson will be an assistant coach for Team Sweden at the LG Hockey Games in Stockholm in February.

Seven scouts from six teams were watching the Columbus Blue Jackets-Chicago Blackhawks game Thursday night. The Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers(2 scouts) and the Tampa Bay Lightning were all represented. Source

The Carolina Hurricanes remain interested in Avs defenseman John-Michael Liles, while scouts from the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Washington Capitals were in attendance at the last Avalanche game. Source